Thank You

 I thought that since it is Thanksgiving in the U.S. this week that I would share some of the things for which I am thankful.  The number one thing is my family.  I have a loving husband and two children that are beautiful, tenacious and sarcastic. I'd love to blame all those traits on my husband, but I just can't. 

I'm thankful that I have been able to start blogging again and can share my passions with all of you who are reading.  I'm also thankful that I have been afforded an opportunity to create jewelry that some people are actually buying (Yeah Me!) and hope to expand on that enterprise soon, through my own fashion and jewelry line, Fiercely Unpredictable TM.

It's a tradition at thanksgiving to be with family (not to mention stuff our faces with food that could probably feed a impoverished village).  I thought I would share some outfits that a person could wear and still show off their sophisticated punk personality.

The outfit below from Marchesa Voyage  is just adorable.  This shade of blue is stunning and happens to be one of my favorite holiday colors.  A sheer shirt, almost sweatshirt like in appearance of the cut over this interesting top that appears to be made of feather or fringe, so beautiful. Both of these tops appear to be disguising a slightly baggy cut to the pants, perfect for all that food you are bound to indulge in eating.

Photo Courtesy of Marchesa Voyage

 The Ralph Rucci Fall 2014 collection has provided this conservative LRD (Little Red Dress) that provides a touch of edge, via the cutouts.  This is perfect for those individuals who don't want to scare or alienate their family with their own personal punk or edgy tastes.  Yes, I know family should accept you no matter what, but most of us live in reality and know this isn't always the case.  In those instances I know I would prefer not to make the holidays any harder than they have to be, so this little dress is a great option.  By the way, I am a firm believer that every woman should own a LRD.

Photo by Umberto Fratini

The Zuhair Murad line has created that perfect "Friendsgiving" outfit.  A beautiful pair of pants that feeds your wild side paired with a suit or tuxedo jacket provides that perfect amount of edge and sophistication.

Photo Courtesy of Zuhair Murad

 The red number below from the Fall 2014 line by Andrew GN is modest and colorful.  It photographs wonderfully, for all those family candid photos that you we all try to avoid and still get caught in.  Best of all, it looks comfortable, so you can stuff your face and while you may feel miserable, you wont pop a button.

Photo by Kim Weston Arnold

 In closing, wear something you love.  Treasure all those family members (both blood and found) that are present in your life, you should probably tell them how thankful you are to have them. Lastly, reflect on what you do have and be thankful for it.

Today's Post Title inspired by Thank You from Led Zeppelin.

Manic Monday

After an extended absence, I think I've finally found a little balance.  So without further delay, let's get this baby started. 

My friend recently told me that everything just sounds better if you add the word Bitches to the end.  Think about that a second.  It's Monday, so I know you'll want to say this with everything.  Here's an example.  Your alarm didn't go off, it's your turn to drive car pool, you got stuck in traffic and now you're standing in line to get your coffee.  An overly perky 20 something with perfect skin, hair and not an ounce of fat asks you what you want to drink..." I want a double whipped, extra foam (fill in your drink here) and silently (or for some of you not so silently) add the word Bitches!  Now didn't that feel just a little bit good?

Well, one of the trends this year that might just scream Manic and Bitches is what fashion insiders call "The Craft" trend.  For those of you who remember the movie The Craft, you'll instantly know what I'm referencing when you see the pics.  For the rest of you, go rent the movie for crying out loud.

The Alice & Olivia Fall 2014 campaign had a fairy tale feel to it.  Images of dark and jewel tone colored velvet in the woods, now that is an image right out of The Craft.  Black Velvet, brocade and choker necklaces.  Be still my dark little heart.

Photo courtesy of Alice & Olivia

Photo courtesy of Alice & Olivia

Andrew GN brought a more sophisticated approach to this goth style.  Sheer sleeves and skirts, tiny well placed cutout and beautiful buckle details.

Photo by Kim Weston Arnold

Photo by Kim Weston Arnold

Anthony Vaccarello gave goth a sophisticated punk makeover.  The long leather style skirt gave the look below just the right touch for me.  Throw a camisole on under the sheer blouse and it's even wearable for the rest of the population, you know those not sporting a 5'10' svelte frame.  Bitches!  Ahhh, there I go again.  I'd say I should behave, but then that wouldn't be me. 

Photo by Marcus Tondo

Maiyet threw in a wonderful party dress for the goth in all of us from their Fall 2014 line.  A grown up slip dress for those 90's teens all grown up.  Be sure to pack your double sided sticky tape, or have someone add a sheer panel (nude or black)...a must have for those of us over a B cup.

Photo by Kim Weston Arnold

I hope everyone enjoys the dark and lovely fashions I picked out for today's post.  A special shout out to L.G. for letting me share her "Bitches" philosophy with my readers.

Today's Post Title inspired by the song Manic Monday by the Bangles.  Why?  Just Because Bitches!

Safety Dance

I've been creating jewelry recently,  so in today's post I'll be showcasing one of my creations.

Below is a little something I put together. I hope everone likes it.

Necklacee by Sophisticated Punk, Photo by Alayna Skipton

This post title inspired by the song Safety Dance from Men Without Hats

Fallen...for Fall Trends

It's about that time again. Time to start thinking about getting you or your kids back to school. Time to think about the fall fashions you'll want to start acquiring.

I thought I would lend a hand and showcase the on trend fall colors and some of my favorite, more wearable fall fashion trends.

Colors
Below is a pic of the "official" colors from the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2014.

When perusing the runway shows I found that Royal Blue, Cobalt Blue, Aurora Red and Sangria were some of the most prominent and wearable shades.

Trends
Plaid is something you can incorporate into your summer/fall transition wardrobe. Be on the lookout for pencil skirts and light weight tops.

Leopard

My daughter recently asked for a bunch of clothes in leopard print, so she's definitely on trend for fall. Leopard print is one of those prints that works no matter what your personal style is.

Layered knits
Layering knits is perfect for winters where I live. You just never know when the temperatures will go from 70°F to 30°F. This approach can also provide that post apocalyptic look that my punk side longs to achieve.

Fur
After the year of the polar vortex, with everything lining up for another, fur is definitely on trend. Regardless of real, faux, vintage or new, keeping warm while still looking good is on every one's mind. Try layering a fur vest over your favorite leather jacket. You can always watch reruns of Game of Thrones for inspiration.

Shearling
Shearling is another great way to keep warm and look good doing it. The jacket below provides the trend in a manner that doesn't delve into that western wear look.

60s
60s mod swing dresses were all over the runway. Below is a punk friendly version. It almost has the feel of a medieval tunic.

Goth
90s goth has also made a resurgence.  The outfit below is a more modern take, but feel free to check out movies like The Craft for more inspiration.

Neon
Neon made an appearance as accent colors all over the runway. If you're looking for the full on color vibe, be sure to check out Betsy Johnson's fall line, like the outfit below.

Western
One of my least favorite trends is western but there are elements that could be utilized for my style. Perhaps a black fringe midi skirt is in the future.

This post title inspired by the song Fallen from 30 Seconds to Mars.

Viva Las Vegas

I apologize for the delay in posting, I was on a business trip last week that took me to Las Vegas.  The good news is that Sin City provided some major inspiration.  I will be showcasing some of the Spring 2014 looks that reminded me most of some of the looks I saw or that I at least thought belonged in that wild city where it seems clothing might be optional at any moment.

The following look from Akris would have been perfect for the pool resort at my hotel.

Photo by Yannis Vlamos

 This look from Dion Lee is like fashion origami.  There is a decent amount of skin on showcase, but it is done very strategically.

Photo by Fabio Iona

 Here is another look from Akris.  I find this look intriguing, but it is obviously for those who are very comfortable with the waist and hip area.

Photo by Yannis Vlamos

 The following look just screamed Sin City to me.  Only those very comfortable dare try this tunic like top alone.  I could see this paired with pants and a tank for the rest of us.  This Anthony Vaccarello look is visually stunning if not exactly wearable by the average woman.

Photo by Marcus Tondo

 The next look from Cushnie et Ochs is a perfect resort outfit.  I love the top of this dress and the bottom is high enough that many I think many women could pull this off. 

Photo by Marcus Tondo

 Here's another look from Dion Lee.  I think this one is fairly a perfect way to show some skin and still be covered.  I'm one of those women who has been working on the stomach area (it seems like forever) and this actual keeps that are covered (BRILLIANT!)

Photo by Fabio Iona

 The last look from Jeremy Scott just seems to exude that Sin City vibe.  I also love that the model happens to have a hair style that I could easily imagine in an Elvis movie.

Photo by Yannis Vlamos

Post Title "Viva Las Vegas" inspired by Elvis.

Standing On One Leg

I bought my 1st pair of peg pants over the weekend and I must say I LOVE them. The pair I bought are super comfy and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. 

All of the pics below show peg style pant (looser at hips and closer to the leg at the bottom) that have a rock edge. Gwen Stefani has been seen wearing this style several times over the years.

The pic below is from the Isabel Marant Spring 2014 line. They  remind me of a rocked out version of sweat pants. I love the combination of these pants and the light top, perfect for spring.

Photo by Marcus Tondo

 Emilii Pucci paired her peg pants with a mesh style top and a jacket in one of Spring's hottest colors...cobalt blue. This look is sexy and sporty.

Photo by Monica Feudi

  Elie Tahari shows us how to do rock chic at the office. The peg pants, button down and perforated jacket are a fabulous combo. Note: I'll be on the lookout for a similar style jacket.

Photo by Stefano Masse

I couldn't find a songs with peg in the title that inspired me, hence our blog title Standing On One Leg (think peg leg pirate) by Nina Nesbitt.

Suicide Blonde

Since it's spring now,I decided it was time for a change. For those who know me well, that usually means a change in hair color (which I do VERY frequently lol).

I let the family decide on the color, asking only that they steer away from the bright colors since I work in an office and don't want to go into the warm months wearing a wig, and there was a unanimous decision on blonde.

Well I was a very fiery red, thanks to some magenta hair color, so I had some concerns about how my hair would turn out.  The following are the products I used to lighten my hair and tone the color.

I used one bottle of 7th Stage lightener and 3 packets of the pictured activator mixed with 20 vol to lighten without bleaching.

I then used the Shimmer Lights conditioner as if it were hair color to tone, leaving it in my hair for about 2 hours.  I did this twice across two days.

Before pic 

 After pic.

The result is a beige blonde with "rose gold" highlights. It still isn't exactly where I want it, but I'm quite impressed with the results.

I wouldn't expect the same results on other people as my hair seems to have an almost mutant like ability to have crazy stuff done to it without frying it.

 I hope everyone who wants to lighten their hair tries 7th Stage as it is one of the best products I have ever tried.

Today's post title inspired by the song Suicide Blonde by INXS.