Emerald

Emerald

{Blazer: Aqua via Bloomingdales (similar here)}

{Turtleneck: Zara (tons of colors for $16.90}

{Tights: American Apparel}

{Boots: Dolce and Gabbana}

{Lips: Revlon ColorStay lipcolor in "Forever Scarlet"}

{Monogrammed Necklace: similar here}

I have 2 stories I always think about when I wear this necklace and squeeze into these leather-but-not pants. 

Necklace

The beaded necklace I am wearing was given to me by my mother. They were given to her by my grandmother which she acquired during her travels in Japan.  The glass beads are hand painted and stung across a gold chain. I appreciate their quality and craftsmanship; HOWEVER, when I have worn them in New Orleans, I've actually been asked (on more than one occasion) "Why are you wearing Mardi Gras beads?" haha only in New Orleans... I usually just go with it to avoid sounding pretentious. "Yes, actually, I just can't get enough of it!"

Pants

Also, I wore these leather-but-not pants to a LSU game (no, I didn't go there) last fall and I really think people thought I was an alien. Do you ever wear anything "different" and people just don't get it? I feel like this A LOT in DC. It's super conservative (which I am when it's appropriate) but I am not one to conform on my clock. My point is to just be you, because no one else will and can do it better. If people don't get it, they are missing out and probably not that great anyway :)

xo,

Abbey