Speaking of Animals and Maxis...

Leopard Maxi Skirt - Mink Pink  //  Sweater - Guess  //  Jacket - Le Chateau  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Leaf Necklace - F21  //  Eagle Necklace & Rings - I forget *old*

....how about bringing it all together?   The previous post was about maxis, and the one before that was about faux fur, somehow it feels like the perfect third part to bring maxis and faux animal into one outfit and one post, with this maxi leopard print skirt.

You would think genius like this is pre-planned, but you'd be wrong.  Yup, this three parter is brought to you entirely by happenstance and the weird, idiosyncratic workings of my mind.  I mean, er, yeah I totally planned this.

Aaaaaand, that's the end of the genius.
It was very short lived.
Also, debatable if it was actually genius, but we'll just give me that one, shall we?

Amazing Shoe Giveaway

Leopard Maxi Skirt - Mink Pink  //  Wedge Sandals  - c/o Dansko  //  Tank -  hand me down  //  Bag - Threadsence  //  Necklace - I forgot  //  Bracelet & Earrings - F21  //  Sunnies - Lace Affair

What makes a great pair of sandals?  Style, versatility, and, for me at least, comfort.  I love that these have a little bit of stud detailing on the sides.  What's cool is that they look so solid and yet are surprisingly light.  Definitely a bonus for walking about all day.  And let's talk about the wedge.  This wedge is so great.  It gives you the height of a heel and yet is solid and comfy enough that you can wear these all day.

Now if you're like me, you'll love adding color to your Frida sandals, but if you like a bit of a toned down look - sans leopard maxi and bright bag - they work for that too.  Of an there's more than just this color, and more than just this style.  There's a huge selection of texture and color! Excited yet?  Good.  Dansko is kindly offering one lucky ModaMama reader a pair of sandals of their choice.  Just use the widget to enter.

*Please don't follow and then unfollow when the giveaway is over.  That's just kinda rude*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is a sponsored post. 

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Also, the widget is run completely by me*
*linking up with WIWW, Trend Spin, and Style Sessions*

Something May Be Seriously Wrong...

Fuzzy Cardigan - Darling via Emerging Thoughts  //  Dress - Mink Pink via Threadsence  //  Scarf - SITC  //  Wool Fedora - UO  //  Belt & Earrings - F21  //  Sunnies - Lace Affair  //  Boots - Locale  //  Rings - Body Blue

Recently my Girl had to go get some shots.  She was super brave about it by hopping up onto the exam table and even holding out her arm for the doctor.  She smiled through it all until the huge tears came when the needle went in.  Then, 10 seconds later she was giggling again.

Now, every morning when she wakes up she hopefully asks me if we're going to get shots again.  And is incredibly disappointed when I say that we aren't.  Then she asks if we'll go tomorrow, and again is disappointed when I say we're not.   Something might be wrong.  She might like pain a little too much.  Maybe we should get that checked out......

...then again, it might have something to do with the chocolate Kinder egg she got as a reward.

What Rules?!: How To Mix Leopard Print and Plaid

Leopard scarf - SITC  //  Plaid Shirt - Guess  //  Sparkly Dress - Pink Owl  via Shopruche //  Tapestry Shoes - Restricted  //  Tights - HUE  //  Ring - Spotted Moth  //  Earrings - F21

Mixing leopard print and plaid is a rule that should be broken, but wisely.  I think the key is to keep everything else rather neutral and to stay in similar tones.  I mixed this shirt because both the shirt and the scarf share a deep, rich warmth. 

True, I didn't stick to all neutrals in the palette, adding tapestry shoes, and sparkles; so maybe I broke several other rules too?  I still think it works as everything tends to stay in that 'deep warm' category. 

And if not, then the only people who saw this were the construction workers who have become my regular outfit taking audience. 

p.s.  Yes, that is my girl in the background wearing a jacket over her pajamas.  Hey, it was that kind of day.

Next week, since it's the holiday season, we're breaking out the sequins for day by breaking the "Sequins are only for the evening" rule.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat *And a New Link Up announced*

Sweater - Smart Set //  Tank & Jeans - Gap  //  Boots - Feet First  //  Necklace - c/o Atterley Road  //  Scarf - c/o Sexton In The City  //  Ring - Body Blue Toronto  //  Bag - unknown

People often ask me if it's okay to repeat outfits.  And my answer is always, "Of Course!"  If you find a great combo use it.  Use it and re-work it, repeat it, whatever.  Often just changing a necklace or earrings is enough to add some freshness.  I do this all the time.  Mix up pieces I'm loving and re-wearing fun outfits.  There's nothing wrong with it. 

We seem to have this idea that everyday has to be new and different.  But think about those things we love:  our favorite book, favorite movie, favorite grandma's stew.  We love them because they're great and they never change.  I don't see the problem with a great outfit either.

NEW LINK UP!  On that note, I've been wanting to do a fun link up for a long time.  And I've finally got the idea for one.  With Thursday being the unofficial start of  the weekend, and with the weekend being a time when we feel it's okay to break some rules, I'm going to be hosting a Thursday link-up all about breakin' the rules in fashion. *'Cause I don't really think there are any*  Link up starts next Thursday October 10th.  I hope you join me.

And the first rule I want you to break is : No white after labor day.  So antiquated.  Let's show 'em how fabulous we look breakin' all the rules.  Style an outfit that breaks this rule and link up next Thursday.  Easy peasy!

*linking up with Style Sessions and WIWW*

Out With Sexton

Dress - Zara  //  Tights - HUE  //  Boots - Walmart  //  Scarf - c/o Sexton in the City  //  Earrings - F21

 Told you I can't get enough of pleather; so, this was the perfect LBD for me.  This leopard print scarf was a fun way to add a little bit of something to the whole affair without being too colorful.  Plus, hey, who doesn't love leopard? I know.  Years ago I wouldn't have ever worn leopard, now I'm kind of loving it.  People change, styles evolve though. 

What I really enjoyed was the make-up.  Natalie is a make up artist I've known for years.  Recently, she launched her own make up line and opened a boutique called Sexton in the City.  She's done my hair and make-up for television quite a few times, so I have faith in her abilities.  That's why when she suggested sending me a few items to try I just said, "You pick them."

What came kind of surprised me. Coral and orangey and bright bright pink.  Honestly, these are not the colors I would've ever picked for myself.  But like I said, I trust the woman, plus they go really fantastically with the scarf she sent me too.  So I put together a simple and natural look using everything except the pink 'Oh Jessie' glaze. *That's for another night*

I was surprised yet again.  She had chosen really great colors for me. I should've known better than to doubt when I opened the box.   I loved the orangey/coral blush *and the name, 'orgasmic'!* and the Huetopia lipgloss.  It's hard to tell in the photos because I don't like to wear too much and therefore it doesn't show up all that well, but the blush gave me a wonderful subtle glow.  

The gloss is a bit thick for my everyday preferences, but for a night out like this it was great because it lasted all night with only one touch up.  The neutral shimmer eyeshadows in Beige Mist and Hot Pants were just enough color without making it seem too obvious as, like I mentioned earlier, I don't like to go too crazy with make up.

I will say, and here's where it becomes really apparent that I rely on others for my make up, that the mascara curved applicator took me a bit to figure out.  But once I did I really liked how easily it went on and how it made my lashes pop without bulk. 

 I'll be reaching for all of these frequently.  Especially since I have nothing else like it in my collection.  Now, I'm kind of wanting to get the Russian Red and Diva lipsticks.  Hmmm....

*linking up with Trend Spin*

Contributions and Gains

Vest -  Piko 1988 via Threadsence //  Top & Jeans - Gap  //  Boots - Call It Spring  //  Necklace - H&M

When you're working on a co-op production, even when you're not acting that day you might have to be on set.  Why, because on such a production, all the actors are equal stakeholders and so they all profit equally and should also not be surprised to work/contribute equally.   Thus their presence is often required on set to help as PAs.  So today I was riding around on my bike delivering gear, running errands, and basically being a go-for for whatever was needed.  I sort of expected it this day, so I wore jeans and a fun vest that would keep me warm and cool on this weird weather day. 

Night Shoot with Leopard

Jacket - Le Chateau  //  Top - Mink Pink  //  Tank - Gap  //  Necklace - I forget.  //  Pants - Lululemon  //  Boots - Call It Spring. 

A friend of mine asked about this top when I wore it.  I told her that I'd worn it several times but each time forgot to take pictures.  So when I headed out for the evening I tried to play around with a bit of a night shoot.  But wouldn't you know it I forgot to change the batteries on my external flash.  So it was a bit of a scramble to try to find some practical light to use.

But hey, I was determined to finally get this top on the site.  And finally I managed it....sorta.

Hope you're all having a great time today.  I'm on set all this week for Synchronicity, so check me out on Instagram for some BTS shots.  

Dress For Your Girl

Dress & Bag - H&M //Shoes - I forget  //  Rings - F21  //  Earrings - very old, don't remember where from

One of my girlfriends was having a birthday party at a fun bar.  There was going to be a great bunch of artists hanging out and having a wonderful night, and I didn't want to miss the chance to celebrate the birth of one awesome lady. 

I thought about how we dress up for for boyfriends and for husbands, but I don't think we dress up enough for our girlfriends.  They're the ladies who are with us through ups and downs, and through all those boyfriends *and sometimes husbands* I think they deserve our effort to look our very best for them on their nights.  

So I made sure I put in effort for my girl, Vee.  I even wore heels.  Now that's true friendship, am I right?

One of the ModaMama sponsors Ever.Mi Crush is having a huge sale.  You should totally check it out.

*linking up with WIWW*

Not Just For Hookers

Dress- Tini Lilli  // Vest - Piko via Threadsence  //  Belt & Sunnies - F21  //  Tights - HUE  //  Boots - Locale  //  Necklace - Ardene

As much as it's a new thing for me, it feels like leopard print and I are old friends.  I used to be a lady who thought she would never under any circumstance *unless playing a hooker* wear leopard print.  But over the last year it's become this fun bold thing that I really enjoy weaving in with all the other things in my closet.  Yes, that's right.  I've realized that leopard print is fun, bold, and not at all hooker like, because let's face it, I'm so very, very far from that.

What's worse is that I've paired leopard print with faux fur, so in the words of George Takei, "Oh myyy!"

p.s. This post is not to imply in any sort of way that anyone wearing leopard is a Lady of the Night.

Wild Women Do What You Think Of Never

Jacket - Old Navy

Shirt - hand me down

Skirt - Mink Pink

Shoes - Payless

Necklace & Thumb Ring - F21

Safari Ring - Threadsence

I'm getting a bit more adventurous sartorially. *she says a little smugly* I'm actually a little proud of myself.  I used to never, ever wear leopard print - ever.  But then this vest was too appealing to resist and, well, once the barrier has been broken I think there's no turning back, because then this skirt here became to appealing to resist...and there's a tank top in a similar pattern that has me drooling.  So either I'm getting more adventurous, or I'm getting in touch with my inner wild cat.  

Either one works, really. 

p.s. While I was writing this post the song "Wild Women Do" from Pretty Woman was playing in my head.  Take from that what you will. 

Quote of Today:

"This hairdo is brought to you by Chez wet-hair-tied-up-in-an-elastic-all-night."

Leopard Mixed Bag

Vest - Threadsence

Earrings, Necklace, Sunglasses and Top - F21

Pants - I'm sorry I don't remember

Boots - Feet First

This is the first leopard print thing I've ever owned!  Actually, I'm pretty sure this is the first animal print thing I've ever owned.   But when I saw it I just fell hard for it, and since it was on sale, well, that just sealed the deal.  When it arrived, I was happy that it was better than in the pictures and, though I was excited to wear it, I was also more than a little nervous.  I had reason to be. 

The reaction to it was mixed.  One person said I looked like an 'Amazon Princess', another asked, "Leopard, really? What were you thinking?" and Husband made references to a 'celebrity on Sunset Boulevard' and 'someone in a Jay-Z video.'  I liked it, but it was certainly a sartorial and confidence challenge to wear it despite the mixed reaction.

I wonder, why does leopard print get such a strong reaction, but a bright floral print does not?  Thoughts?

Quote of Today:

"Drake wants to hump it, and she wants to cuddle it."

"Good thing it's not the other way around."