Movie Inspiration: 2014 Oscar Nominated Films

As an ode to the upcoming Academy Awards, airing this weekend on March 2^nd, I’ve created a couple outfits inspired by Oscar-nominated movies that I have also seen.

American Hustle

A story set in the glitzy disco-era of the 1970’s, American Hustle follows two con-artists, played brilliantly by Christian Bale and Amy Adams, who are forced to work for an ego-centric, fame-driven FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) to bring down the New Jersey powerbrokers and mafia.  Jeremy Renner plays the New Jersey political operator who is caught between the mafia and the Feds and Jennifer Lawrence portrays Bale’s witty, unpredictable wife who can bring down the whole operation.

My outfit below pays homage to the groovy-centric fashions of the disco era.  When I reflect on the fashions of the disco era I think of plunging necklines, wrap dresses, jumpsuits, sequins, and fur.  To epitomize this glamorous era, I decided to pair my deep azure colored jumpsuit with gold earnings and necklace along with my metallic gold heels. To finish the look, I wore my faux fur belted coat to add more flare.  Since we aren’t headed to the disco nowadays, this outfit would be a great option if you’re going to an artsy event, such as a gallery opening or a theater performance.

Jumpsuit: BCBG Max Azria// Coat: Gift// Heels: Chinese Laundry// Gold Jewelry: Express

The Wolf of Wall Street

Based on the memoir of the same name, The Wolf of Wall Street tells the true story of Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who lives a fast-paced wealthy lifestyle until his firm is under investigation for engaging in securities fraud and corruption on Wall Street in the 1990’s.  Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Jordan Belfort along with Jonah Hill as his right-hand man, Donnie Azoff, and newcomer Margot Robbie who portrays Belfort’s trophy wife.

When it comes to Wall Street in the 1990’s, yuppie power suits come to my mind.  For my inspiration, I decided to create a power suit of my own.  Since Jordan Belfort lived a prosperous lifestyle with lavish parties, I decided to bring his exuberance to my ensemble.  Instead of a typical colored suit, such as black or gray, I wore my red blazer with navy trousers and a light blue oxford button-up shirt.  I added the perfect vintage tie containing a colorful paisley print and my Ralph Lauren structured purse to add some prestige.  I kept my hair modern by styling it in a topknot so my hair wouldn’t block the tie and blazer from being the focal point of the look.  This outfit does have it eccentricities so it may not work well in a more conservative work environment, but if you work in a business casual or creative setting and are brave enough to wear it, this type of power suit would be a great option for a work ensemble.   

Blazer: Express// Pants: The Gap// Shirt: Express// Tie: Vintage// Purse: Ralph Lauren (gift)// Booties: Wet Seal

Are you going to be watching the Oscars? What nominated films have you seen?

  

Pantone 2014 Color of the Year: RADIANT ORCHID

Last fall, Pantone announced their 2014 Color of the Year – Radiant Orchid.  According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

When I heard Radiant Orchid was Pantone’s 2014 Color of the year, I was excited because I had recently just bought a crewneck sweater along with a floral skirt that were similar in color to Radiant Orchid.  These items I picked up were both from Target and the skirt was on sale for less than $10.  As I’ve said in an earlier post, I only buy clothes and accessories that can be worn in at least three different ways and that are within my budget.  Usually after shopping, I go home and try on my newly purchased items to see what outfits I can create with them.  Below is my take on wearing radiant orchid and transitioning the color from winter to spring.

Winter - Sweater: Target// Skirt: Target// Tights/Boots: Target// Bracelet: BCBG Max Azria//
Spring - V-neck tee: Target// Jacket: TJMaxx// Oxford shoes: Dillards// Bracelet: shop in Galena

Winter – Gray Accents

This floral skirt has accents of navy, white, orange, and light pink.   I decided to winterize the skirt by pairing it with my crewneck sweater, gray heeled boots and tights.  This skirt would also look great with navy accents instead of gray for winter.  This outfit would be a great option for a casual dinner date or brunch.

Spring – Casual Cool

To transition this outfit into spring, I swapped the sweater for a white cotton v-neck tee, the gray boots for oxford shoes and added a cognac leather jacket.  This outfit would work well for weekend errands on a nice warm spring day.

How would you wear Radiant Orchid?     

Happy Valentine's Day!

Since I have been in a relationship, my boyfriend and I have gone to dinner on Valentine’s Day.  We like to eat at local restaurants and every year we have ate a restaurant we have never been to.  This year we are going to Splash Seafood Bar & Grill.  Splash is a five-star restaurant and has won numerous awards including Cityview’s 2013 Best Seafood Restaurant in Des Moines.

When I get dressed for Valentine’s Day, I have different inspirations flowing in my mind.  I could either be pretty in pink, romantic in red, or be a vixen in black.  This year I decided to be a vixen.  My interpretation of a vixen is a woman who is clever and sexy without trying too hard.  For my portrayal as a vixen I have decided to wear my black faux leather A-line dress.  I recently bought this dress because the A-line silhouette keeps the dress young and flirty and I like the juxtaposition of a feminine silhouette paired with a tough texture like leather.  Plus, I’ve wanted to buy a (faux) leather dress to add to my LBD collection and it was on sale!  I’ve paired this dress with black patterned tights to add a feminine texture and my mom's vintage western belt for originality.  I’ve finished the look with a red lip, my red suede booties and cropped cardigan for a splash of color.  I haven't decided how I'm going to style my hair yet, but I'm most likely going to add some volume with some soft tousled curls.  What are your plans for Valentine's Day and what are you going to wear?

Dress: TJMaxx// Belt: Vintage  // Cardigan/Tights : Old // Booties: Wet Seal

       

Valentine's Day Special

Love is in the air!  Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and I’m getting excited to celebrate it with my boyfriend.  This holiday is special to me because it’s a time to spend some time with your loved ones and because it’s 14 days until my birthday.   When I’m celebrating Valentine’s Day, I like to incorporate either red, pink, or purple into my wardrobe.  Below I’ve created a few outfit ideas for different Valentine’s Day occasions.

Outfit # 1 - Casual Night

Cream cable-knit sweater (Old Navy); Brick red jeggings (Kohl's - Lauren Conrad); Floral scarf (H&M); Boots (DSW)

Having a movie night?   My typical go-to outfit for watching a movie is comfortable pants and a cozy sweater or jacket because I usually get cold in theaters, and I like to be relaxed and not have to fidget with a dress.  For this outfit, I paired my red jeggings with my cream colored cable-knit sweater and topped it off with my pink and red floral print scarf.

Outfit #2 - Semi-Dressy Option

  

Floral Dress (Dillards); Tights & Belt (Target); Boots (Thrift Store)

This outfit would work well if you are going to dinner at a more casual restaurant, but would still like to dress up a little.  I chose this red and black floral dress because it is can be dressed up or down.  It can be paired with some pumps or can be worn with suede boots for a dressed down look.  I also put on a sparkly belt just to add a little bit more shine to the outfit. 

Outfit # 3 - Night out with Friends

Red tie blouse (Francesa's); Beige suede skirt (BCBG Max Azria); Jewelry (Express); Booties (Wet Seal)

Are you attending a singles party or bar-hopping with friends?  Here is an outfit that is fun and sexy without showing too much skin.   I’ve always been a fan of wearing a miniskirt and a top going out because they can be more versatile than a dress.  To keep the outfit fun, flirty, and warm altogether, I paired my red tie blouse with my beige suede pleated skirt to add some texture along with some opaque black tights and red suede booties.  I added gold leaf earrings and gold bracelets for some embellishment to the ensemble.

 Stay tuned tomorrow for the reveal of my actual Valentine’s Day outfit.

    

Movie Review: Dallas Buyer's Club

I saw Dallas Buyer’s Club the other day and the movie was inspiring.  Matthew McConaughey stars as Ron Woodruff, a rodeo cowboy who is notified that he is HIV positive and only has 30 days to live.  Responding shockingly to the diagnosis, Ron takes matters into his own hands after lack of FDA approved medication in the U.S.  Ron travels to Mexico where he learns of alternative treatments and starts smuggling the medications into the U.S.  With the help of his unlikely business partner, Rayon (Jared Leto), a fellow AIDs patient and transgender woman, they establish the “Dallas Buyer’s Club”, where H.I.V. positive patients can pay a membership fee and then receive free medication and treatment.

This movie was inspiring to me because it dealt with fighting for acceptance, especially since this movie was set in the early stages of the AIDS epidemic where patients were stereotypically homosexual men.  Ron was ostracized by his longtime friends and community to the point where he wasn’t allowed to work as an electrician and he was evicted from his neighborhood.  He felt isolated and the only support he received was from fellow AIDs patients.

I give Dallas Buyer’s Club my seal of approval due to a great storyline along with powerful and believable performances, especially by Matthew McConaughey, and Jared Leto.  If you enjoy stories of survival and finding friends in unlikely places, I would recommend this movie.

The message I received from this movie is that you only have one life to live, so make sure you live the want because you may not have it for long.

What movies have you seen lately?

Winter Staple: Chunky Sweater

Sweater (Old Navy); Gray Shirt (BCBG Generation); Olive green pants (Old Navy);
 Ankle Booties (Kohls); Necklace (gift)

Yesterday, snow came!  I enjoy snowy weather when it's light and fluffy and when there is not any wind.  I don't like it when there are just sheets of ice.  It used to always be a hassle for me driving in the snow, but gratefully now I have a vehicle that drives well in snowy conditions.  When the weather gets chilly, I love wrapping up in warm chunky sweaters.  I bought this sweater this past winter and it has become one of my most versatile winter pieces.  Since the sweater has a neutral pattern, I can wear it with multiple color shirts underneath, such as red, teal, and of course other neutrals as shown.  Another great combo of mine is pairing the sweater with colored jeans or jeggings.

Do you own a chunky sweater?  What do you pair it with?  

2014: Crazed Chameleon Reloaded

Hello again!!  I’m back in business.  It’s been awhile since I’ve written a post for Crazed Chameleon.  Many things happened in the year 2013 that took priority over writing my blog – I was involved in a musical called Eating Raoul at Tallgrass Theatre Company, I moved from my hometown of West Des Moines to Johnston, I bought a new car, I traveled to New Orleans for a wonderful and relaxing vacation, and I gained more marketing responsibilities at my job.  I also just recently went a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean with my awesome family this past January.  Now it’s already February 2014 and I’m reloading Crazed Chameleon once again.  Along with the reloading process, I’m revamping it as well.

Originally, my message with this blog was to inspire readers with different styling techniques and creative outfit options when dressing.  I wanted to encourage readers to challenge themselves to think outside their box and to acknowledge the versatility every clothing item has and how it can be used in various ways. Now I want to depict the same message, but expand it to life in general.  Not only will I write about fashion (which is my primary focus), but I will discuss my other passions and interests, which include performing arts, television and film, health and fitness, hair and beauty, interior design, professional development, entertaining, and much more.  Think of it as a lifestyle blog with a motivational kick.  I have many interests and I want to share them all with you.  I love embracing life and inspiring people to challenge themselves to try something new.  Come take this journey with me while we explore and experiment with new creative opportunities while discovering your inner chameleon!