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Clothes in Shxt: A Fashion tribute to Solange Knowles Day 2

It's no secret that my favorite Knowles' sister fashion wise is SOLANGE hands down!  I mean can you blame me? Her style is creative, it's forward, it's unapologetic, fierce, fabulous, represents freedom and speaks to my creative soul!

When styling for clients her fashion profile is one I draw from for inspiration I had an idea. For my Birthday, I wanted to dedicate a fashion week to Solange. I'd take a few of her looks, recreate them (whether it be sewn by me or thrifted), take pic and post! #CelebrityStyleCapture Well, I ended up breaking my camera =(. But, where there's a will there's a way! Lucky for me I have friends who just so happen to be MU and photography experts!

I get to dress like Solange for a whole week and I'm too excited about it.

Let's get into this $1200 Michelle Mason Leather Sleeved Trench tho! I was so bothered at how hot this was, that my creative wheels begin to turn! Now, there's no way that I can afford this, but I can recreate it! I thrifted my Trench! It was a $4.99 buy! My first thought was to use spray paint, but I had some extra red fabric around the house. I didn't feel that my coat was long enough anyway so I did a little sewing by adding the red to the bottom of the coat and whallah! 





 Shirt: thrifted
Pants: Rue 21
Shoes: Shoe Show
Trench- Thrifted /Altered by Shapely Louise 


The Wind was my Friend!
MUA: @Brassy Beauty
Hair: Pretty Protective Styles By V
Photography: @CJHarris1985

I hope you're enjoying this as much as I am!

Happy Tuesday!

E. Louise

Clothes in Shxt: A Fashion tribute to Solange Knowles

It's no secret that my favorite Knowles' sister fashion wise is SOLANGE hands down!  I mean can you blame me? Her style is creative, it's forward, it's unapologetic, fierce, fabulous, represents freedom and speaks to my creative soul!

When styling for clients her fashion profile is one I draw from for inspiration I had an idea. For my Birthday, I wanted to dedicate a fashion week to Solange. I'd take a few of her looks, recreate them (whether it be sewn by me or thrifted), take pic and post! #CelebrityStyleCapture Well, I ended up breaking my camera =(. But, where there's a will there's a way! Lucky for me I have friends who just so happen to be MU and photography experts!

I get to dress like Solange for a whole week and I'm too excited about it.

As I was browsing for looks to recreate, I fell so far in love with this Alessandra Rich Gown she wore to the Angel Ball NYC in 2011. It's definitely a classic!


Drapped for the gods!
Dress replica: @Shapelylouise
MUA: D'asia Monet- @BrassyBeauty
Hair: Veronique Pretty Protective Styles By V
Photography: CJ Harris @CJharris1985 


Did I get your attention?! Stay Tuned for the rest of the SOLANGE  Week! 


E. Louise 

Creative Mechanism

I went thrifting with one of my good Judy's last week and I saw what looked to be a mechanic's jumpsuit (Car, air, etc) and I decided to try it on. I was on a $10.00 or less budget and the suit was 9.99 so I was going to leave it. Lucky for me, my friend saw my vision, took pity on me, and bought it for me! (Did I mention I have great, wonderful, loving, supportive friends)


                                        


I made the legs shorter, to give it the capri or culottes feel

added a belt along with other accessories! I consider my Hips and accessory! LOL




You have to be creative! So be sure to think outside the box!

Have a great week!

E. Louise

Time to make that change

 
 
Spring and Fall are my two favorite seasons. The transitional seasons, signs that newness is approaching. I can always appreciate newness. It's time! Time to dust off those blazers, light jackets and wind breakers if you see fit! I smell FALL!
 
 
Currently Trending: African print, crop tops, and denim. 
 
My thrifting budget has been cut in half in an effort to live below my means, it's not that bad because my creativity is on level 57 and I'm re-styling a lot of classic pieces from my closet. I've had these thrifted pants for a few years now, and this is how I decided to wear them today. Denim Jacket is from the Mens' section at the thrift store as well, doused in bleach of course!

I made the top out of some scrap fabric laying around and the shoes are probably the most comfortable pair I own. They're from Shoe Show.
 
I'm ITCHING for a new hair do! I have a talented friend who makes wigs! This fro is one of hers Pretty Protective Styles By V! It's big and commands attention!!
 
Happy Fall loves!
 
E. Louise 
 


Shorts all Summer


I try not to get caught up in wearing the same thing(s) over and over and over BUT... that's just where I am this Summer! As long as my clients don't all look the same I'm good!

Lately, Crop tops and shorts have been getting ALL the love! Especially for my everyday wear! Yesterday was no different. I've been getting my shopping fix from the thrift stores and found these polka dot shorts!



Blue jean is the new black, therefore it goes with everything. The shirt is thrifted as well, I just dipped it in Clorox
 Lace strap booties are from Shoe Show! I LOVE that store, they always come thru for my big feet!
Oh yeah I got another new Haircut!


Team WE WEAR SHORTS!


Luv ya!

E. Louise

Thrift Flip: Printed Pizzazz

Quick Post: I'm always looking for something to transform. Last week, while on a thrifting date   ( Yes, I love thrift dates) I  came across this dress and knew immediately that it would be perfect for a drop Crotch jumper! So cool! 



 Dress turned Jumper - Thrifted 
Shoes- Gojane.com 
Chain Belt- Thifted 



              I had to add a zipper in the back so that I can get into it because the fabric is not stretchy.

Hope you enjoyed it! I'll post an update about life soon! Oh yeah I got a new haircut =)

E. Louise
www.shapelylouise.com

Transparent moment: Life's alterations I had a Plan...

It was the day after we had an ice storm, more than a few people called out, but I went to work anyway...I guess I'm just dedicated like that! After lunch, my boss came into my office and asked me if I had a second. (Unwritten rule: You ALWAYS have a second when the boss asks right!) I grabbed my notepad as always, noticed that he smirked, wondered why, but kept walking. Then he said, "we're going into the General Manager's office"... immediately my stomach dropped.

A long lasting moment of FEAR set in as he closed the door. I immediately went through a summarization of all things work related; searching the database of my mind trying to figure out What The Hell I could've done wrong! Then my manager said, "I have bad news, they've eliminated your position and today is your last day with us!" To space I went...

Now In my head, I fell out, called on the Lawd, cried out loudly asking Jesus to dethrone, flipped the table over, was happy about being off work, ran to my Mama, then jumped into somebody's casket. But in true professional form, I nodded my head as he went over the details; keeping my responses to a minimum all while holding back the tears. Mannnnnnnn I've never quit or been fired from a job that I actually liked before. This was new.

These last few years have been really seamless! Nothing much to be worried about, just your regular everyday woes. Coming into 2015, I was uber nervous and had a feeling that something big was going to happen. I guess I just felt a new season was coming.  

These past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster. On one hand I am EXCITED about the move of God; on the other hand, Wells Fargo Student Loan Servicing is leaving voicemails. Without realizing it, working a 9-5 gave me a sense of purpose. I actually took pride in giving someone else 8 hours of my day. I never thought that getting laid off would turn into shame! Like, why am I ashamed of something I had no control over? Probably because I was trained to go to school, graduate, go to work. Plus, I had a plan and losing my main source of income was NOT in it!

Oh, but how easily I fell into going to bed and waking up at will! I've been able to dedicate more time to styling and sewing! I've had two fashion shows in the last three weeks with one coming up next week! Although, what I have learned most  about myself is that even with more time, I still procrastinate! LOL  

I'll be honest, my desires were changing and I wanted more... but what do you do when your desire for more clashes with your present comfort level? I understand that being comfortable is DANGEROUS, but I had a plan or at least I thought I did. Now, I'm thinking it was to be non-committal. 

It's nerve racking not knowing what the next 30 days will hold. But I do know that God loves me more than enough. I have a decision to make, run after the passion or work for the man again.


To be Continued....


E. Louise

Happy Thirfty Thursday: To know me is to know that this dress was something else


Good Morning and Happy Thrifty Thursday!

By now you know that I'm all about transformations! This thrifted beauty did not stand a chance! Below are tips that led me to some great transformation pieces!

Here is what I look for:

1) The material- Stretch material is way more forgiving
2) Oversized- Oversized items give you more fabric to work with.
3) I usually go for prints! Prints are classic

I actually used this piece for a fashion show I did a few weeks ago! Model Shyla rocked it!

Dress:Thrifted
Shoes: Shoe Show

 With a high split and a lower neckline, I think we went from Drab to Fab!


Happy Happy Thursday!! I'm planning for a pretty busy weekend! I'll take lots of pics and share with you on Monday!

E. Louise

Pre- Valentine's Day Choices


I absolutley LoVe Valentine's Day! With or without a significant other! There's a lot of people in this world that I give my last heart beat to.  I'm a pretty Mushy person anyway, so this should not be surprising! 

Red and black are the colors of choice today, always looking ways to jazz it up a bit. Including TIMELESS pieces like sequin and liquid faux leather seems to do the trick! 


Look 1: Sequin shorts (Forever21)                                              Look 2: Liquid Circle Skirt (Forever 21)  



Neither of these looks are work wear appropriate as is, BUT... The shorts are really an attention getter! LOL I went with the circle skirt look, but added some black tights.








Duster/ Cardi- Thrifted 
Shorts/Skirt- Forever 21 
Bowtie- DIY 
Pumps- Shoe Show 
Nude Tights- The Avenue

Filter Free- MU look ok for a rush job!
Thank you for reading!

Have a great weekend!

E.

Spring Fever: OOTD

Thrifting is just as contagious as confidence! One of my nieces recently dropped 60 lbs (I'm so proud of her) and could no longer fit this blazer. So she gave it to me and I gladly accepted!  Floral reminds me of spring, and although this Alabama weather is playing with my emotions (and my lungs), today's temps reached the 60's!!!


 Spring Fever! I CANNOT wait until this time next month. OK that may be pushing it but at least by April we'll be riding  high on 60 or better. I love Denim on Denim and feel that Floral goes great with a lighter wash.

Blazer -Thrifted (Gifted)
Top- Thrifted/Bleached DIY 
Jeans- Forever 21 
Pumps- Shoe Show 

Happy Humpday!

E. Louise

Thrifty Thursday: 2.5.15

 
Man I'm on Cloud nine... Two posts in one week! HAHA! So I visited with my older sister this weekend and she took the time point out that I haven't been consistent with my Thrifty Thursday posts. So this one is for you 'Laine! 
 
I went to a new thrift spot yesterday. Went in on a whim and I LIVED!! Had to cut back on my thrifting lately due to #BUDGETCUTS LMBO and plus since thrifting is the newest craze, the prices are going up! *rolls eyes* I saw this Jacket and said hmmmm... It's textured, it's reversible, it's colored, it's oversized, it's PERFECT! 
 

 
 
Went with the black side and rolled the blue side up...
Dress was thrifted by way of ING/ Boots came from Simply Fashions
 

2.99 with 50% off! #Score







 Happy upcoming weekend!

E. Louise

Quick Post: Winter White and Dark Green

It's the middle of the week and I needed a pick me up! Not sure what it is about the winter months ( I know it's a southern winter but still) that makes me want to crawl in the darkest of places and hide until the sun returns! LOL It's so hard for me to get out of the bed, to get up on time, to continue my exercise regime etc! I'd rather be under a snuggie!


I kinda went with those feelings today! This jacket/ Dress (size small) was thrifted a few weeks ago from the Salvation Army. I snagged it because I'm really into dusters right now. At first, I thought I would bleach it, and have a spotted green look. But I fell in love with it as is!




I added winter white or cream to the mix. Just to brighten things up! This pencil skirt is thrifted as well! I always wake up running, so I didn't have time to focus on face. But I grabbed the latest addition to my lippie collection (1.00 find from Z- Outlet), black Eye liner and snapped a few pics. 


Happy Humpday!!!



E. Louise