If it’s anything that my mother has taught me, it’s the value of money. Everything expensive does not always look stylish. Take a Louis Vuitton Bag for instance: One Speedy Bandouliere for $3,050.00. Now, don’t get the wrong idea, they’re certified beauties and most definitely shows status. But how about character? It is a 3 out of a 10 with the LV logo plastered every centimeter or two on the bodice of the purse. Walking into an unknown boutique in Downtown New York and finding a purse for $50.00 not necessarily having a brand stapled on it, but perhaps richer in character would make that more valuable: The bodice handwoven with different prints, the handle a little faded from travelling too much. No one else in the world will have this purse. It is also how you wear them. You can go ahead and purchase a $200.00 sweater, not exactly even knowing its designer’s history and why that sweater was even created in the first place. You probably even merely bought it for the fact of its brand or that it is as what they say , the “hype” in today’s fashion. Wearing it with jeans and it would probably look the same as that sweater hanging at H&M. I remember going to Fashion Week in New York City in 2008 wearing a ruffled violet dress and having had a good number of people ask me if it was from Donna Karan’s new collection. I recall responding “No, It’s a $30.00 dress from Forever 21”, with a smile. Want to know a secret? The most expensive apparel that I own – whether it be jeans, a blouse, a jacket, skirts, dresses or what have you, is a multi colored sequined dress I purchased form Townhouse for $90.00. I own nothing Madison Avenue expensive in my closet although it’s funny that most people think I do. Another secret: It is how you pair things, it’s how you walk in them . That $9.99 blouse from Target will not look it’s pricetag as long as you wear it gracefully. YOU add that value to your outfit, and not the other way around. Top: Ruby and Jenna $15.00, Bottoms: Dor L Dor $10.00, Shoes: $30.00 = $55.00 Thank you Teban for the Lovely photos. xo,JG
Read MoreSparta meets Steve Madden
These shoes have taken me to so many places. Everywhere I go with them, I always get looks like where did you get those? Followed by a few compliments. Yes, they make me feel exactly how one feels when you’re wearing those 5 inched- Louboutins down the street – beautiful minus the shoecide. Getting an email from my account manager that Steve Madden magazine wants to feature me on their magazine was out of this world exciting! Quickly putting together a somewhat decent Sparta appeal for my Sparta sandals , I picked up this old maxi skirt and added on this floral corset I’ve owned for years. I figured it is high time to put them to good use. A little preview of my interview with Steve: S: How long have you been blogging? How did you first get into blogging? I have been a brand influencer just “blogging” through Instagram for about three years now. I was then found by Instabrand Labs of California to start becoming one of their own brand influencers for different brands that work with them. Then, about 9 months ago I decided to finally start my personal fashion and lifestyle blog. This was how Grey Layers was born. Collaborating with so many brands such as Steve Madden and meeting other fashion and lifestyle bloggers is amazing! I got into blogging because of my love for inspiring others. Thanks to many young women who I’ve influenced on Social Media – thanks to their strong belief in my capabilities, values, character and support for this has inspired me back to continue at a stronger standpoint. S: Please tell us a bit how you styled your Steve Madden shoes. The Sparta from Steve Madden is uniquely designer and most definitely not for the faint of heart. Edgy in itself yet can still be toned down with feminine items such as long maxi skirts and loose tanks, you cannot go wrong with these bad boys! The way I styled my Spartas was more easy going and edgy. I love letting the hippie in me loose on the weekends. I have a tendency to overwear my favorites. I can only imagine how these sandals will look after the summer. Love them! S: What’s one item every girl should have in their closet? A black Maxi dress needs to be a staple in every female’s closet. Very versatile, it…
Read More[The oversized shress ] Sunday City Animal
Shress [n.] a really obese size shirt chic-ly turned into a dress. The city life though hectic and abusive at times has created a more easy going me. I’m a very go with the flow type of girl and I think that it shows through how I dress. The beach bum shines through. Especially when the weather starts to warm up, the island girl in me comes out to play majority of the time. I went for an all chambray look today, featuring this African beaded handmade necklace from Kanique. I have a weak heart for anything Chambray. Trotting down Greenwich Village, I was sold on this Chambray shirt which I purposely bought in an XTRA LARGE and wrecked and messed up. Decided to pair it with a black collar vintage shirt from my mother’s adolescent closet back in the day to sharpen up this naughty messy look. I really love the quality of Alternative and how each piece just gets better as time goes on. Topped it with these new gladiator babes I scored last week. I will be making a DIY post on how to make your own Chambray oversized shress. Shop Kanique for more handmade jewelry pieces for the summer. Thank you to my handsome man for taking these photos. In Collaboration with Steve Madden xo,JG
Read MoreJ + Boyfriend Jeans
Jeans- these days we find ourselves wearing them tight and skinny. However, there is a fashion-forward alternative that makes you feel just as comfortable as you are in your favorite pair of sweats: the boyfriend jean. Introducing one of Evolve Clothing’s new pieces and incredibly comfortable, ready to wear with whatever: The Boyfriend Jeans. Think of that comfortable pair of too-big jeans you stole from your boyfriend, but fitted for a female body. The jeans are a medium wash, which I paired with their black satin scoop neck crop top from YA Los Angeles clothing. To create a more tomboy feel less dressy ‘fit, I paired it up with my Jays. The structure is much like a pair of men’s jeans, but it is more structured at the waist. The leg opening is less baggy as well, just a tad tapered in order to be tailored to the curvier shape of a woman. The jeans are perfect for spring, as they look best pin rolled. The boyfriend jean is a popular bottom that can be seen on runways and retailers alike. The loose yet feminine feel of the jean allows them to be combined with a myriad of tops. Depending on which shirt you choose, you can transform your look from sporty to girly, from dressed up to dressed down. If you’ve been following me before, you’ll know that I hardly ever wear heels, or follow fads. I love comfort. I used to be all about discomfort for fashion but I found other ways to stay fashionable and stay comfortable as well * grandma stat. I enjoy being in gladiators or Nikes. I hate complicated. I hate thinking. I wash my face, forget to do my hair, pull out a white shirt and leggings or loose jeans and go. Primmed and well put together is out the door. Undone and raw is what’s in. Try it out. [Jeanne] wears Satin scoop neck crop top from YA Los Angeles via Evolve Clothing Gallery ; Boyfriend Jeans in 24’s Evolve Clothing Gallery, shoes by Nike Jordans Thanks Evolve Clothing Gallery for these amazing boyfriend jeans! xo,JG
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