Put It On and Pull It Off

Welcome to Tough Luxe! Where fashion becomes an art.

Since the creation of my first ever blog, Hipster Sister, I've been bombarded on a daily basis with the constant battering of loyal readers/friends who were begging for me to create a fashion blog. Having a unique sense of style that not everyone easily understands, people have begun to wonder where my fashion influences come from. 

So, with twenty fours hours of pure free time, I've decided to create just that: A fashion blog that is exuding with my personal style influences, what excites me, what makes my jaw drop, things that are so incredible, that I actually debate going food shopping, or buying to make as coveted closet additions, and influences that make up my personal defiant style into what it is when I walk out the door everyday. 

I hope you, too, receive a little jolt of inspiration every time you visit Tough Luxe. Because every individual needs a little bit of individuality. 

There are a few key elements that merge into what I call my own "defiant style".

One: My personal style is what I like to define as "rough around the edges, with a lovely lady in the center". (Hence, the Tough Luxe reference.) At times, I may look tough, but I'm about as tough as a vulnerable four year old on a playground full of bullies. Pleather cropped bomber jackets (I'm a vegan, therefore I say "no thank you" to leather/fur/suede.) or boyfriend fit blazer, cigarette jeans (black, gray, colors and washed denims alike), over the knee boots/ankle boots, a low cut, slouchy tee/blouse, with a slouchy beanie is my signature style/go to outfit. 

Two: Making a great look without the cash commitment. Because let's face it, if I could wear couture on a daily basis, I wouldn't have to make even the slightest attempt in piecing an outfit together. (That would take all the fun out of it anyways!) 

Here's a vintage dress that I got for a steal at a vintage shop in NY. Paired with one of my grandmother's vintage belts from forever ago. In total, this outfit cost me under $50.

Three: Functionality. I've learned to only buy pieces that I can wear again and again ... and again. My favorite part of fashion is making my pieces ubber functional, like taking an old white fitted tank that I cut up to make my own, and pairing it with a high waisted pleather skirt and nude heels. Which, by the way, I've found to be that, I have no time to shop and don't want to be under/over dressed. I've tortured countless designer, one of a kind pieces, and things I've made with my own hands to fit me to a T in order to achieve functionality. For me, it's all about educated garments.

The 'go to' outfit.

Four: I keep things "messy". My look is either 100% completely polished (for the nicer  occasions, of course), or effortless and hip, somewhat resembling the style of any given Olsen twin; all dolled up in an outfit you probably rummaged right past on rack in your favorite vintage store.

I truly see fashion as an art. And I do consider myself an artist. I rightfully believe that you're either born with a sense of style, or you're not. You either care, or you don't. Fashion has been in my blood since the ripe age of six. It's compelling to see the power of an outfit. Let Tough Luxe be your power tool. Let's make the world a little bit more fashionable, one sweet outfit at a time.