Vancouver-based Monika is a receptionist at a veterinary clinic who blogs about fashion and lifestyle over at Style Is My Pudding. She wears scrubs all week, and considers getting dressed for each weekend an adventure. Our blogger is Boho Chic meets Rocker personified. Her style is casual with lots of textural interest. She wears jeans often, loves hats and wedges, likes to pattern mix, and is a jewellery maximalist. Monika’s fun shaggy ‘do is an essential part of her style, while her polished make-up, trademark pastel pink lipstick and beautiful green eyes add a soft dimension.
“My personal style is really quite eclectic! I love adding a bit of bohemian or edgy detail to many of my looks… but I also enjoy the occasional tomboyish or mod-inspired ensemble, as well. For me, it’s all about experimenting; I know I’d quickly get bored staying with a single ‘genre’ when there are SO many fabulous fashion choices available to us! Believe it or not, I used to be a real ‘basics’ kind of girl when it came to my personal style; a tank top, jeans, and a pair of boots… and I was done. But all that changed when I went back to school to earn my diploma in Makeup Artistry; suddenly, I was submerged in all things fashion! I realized how much fun it was to put together a complete outfit that reflected my personality… and my mood on any particular day.”
The large plaid pattern and dark Fall colours give this waist-surrendering dress a grungy Burberry-esque vibe. The diagonal short sleeves are flattering, plus showing bare arms and legs adds structure to the voluminous frock. The one small button at the back, gathering some of the fabric, also helps temper the volume. A smart design detail! There’s some subtle pattern mixing going on with the brown suede croc embossed parts of Monika’s bag echoing the plaid in the dress. The cognac sandals add richness to the colour palette. Monika finishes off the look with large hoop earrings and a big chain bracelet and watch.
I’m calling this Rocker Blues. Monika doesn’t shy away from bold patterns, and here she’s advanced pattern mixing wide stripes with large plaid. Keeping things in the same colour pattern, blue and white, helps to create a harmonious visual. The skinny jeans are long enough to cover the ankle part of the block-heeled booties, which lengthens the leg line. Partly unzipping the jeans adds nonchalant flair and emphasizes how great the earthy brown looks with all the blues. A chain mail crossbody, leather cuff bracelet, two silver necklaces, and an assortment of silver rings further amp up the rock star vibe.
Here’s proof that stripes don’t need to be preppy. Tuck a simple striped tee into skinny jeans, add a tougher edge black belt, throw on a white leather moto jacket with zipper detailing, and you’ve got yourself a casual look with subtle rocker vibe. Slouchy suede enigineer-style ankle boots and a weathered black satchel continue that vibe and create textural interest. Tucking the blue jeans into brown boots creates a horizontally cutting line, but the tucked tee counteracts this effect and helps lengthen the leg line. A knit scarf with fun heart motif adds warmth and more texture. Monika’s trademark pastel pink lippie, polished make-up and beautiful green eyes add a soft dimension.
No matter how you wear this eye-catching shaggy jacket, it invariably steals the show. It also matches our blogger’s shaggy mod ‘do brilliantly. The hip length jacket creates a lot of volume. Pairing it with a fitted floral T-shirt and skinny jeans streamlines the look. Rolling the jeans to show some ankle skin, and the cropped tee baring a sliver of midriff also adds structure. Mixing earth tones with the blues and cream — with a patterned brown belt, taupe wedge cut-out booties and Monika’s large wooden circle earrings — plays up the Boho Chic vibe. The bone handbag is a crisp finishing touch.
Monika feels right at home in outfits that mix boho and rock ‘n’ roll. The big patterned cardigan with fringed hem, the lariat necklace, patterned tunic top with hoodie, and suede tasseled booties make up the Boho Chic part of this look. Our blogger’s leather pants and studded black bag are the rocker touches. A patterned, chunky knit knee-length cardigan can feel overwhelming on a smaller frame. Opting for one in low-contrast colours like grey and brown helps minimize that effect. Pairing the cardi with skinny leather pants in a complementary colour like this beautiful burgundy also structures the look.
With her green eyes and blonde hair, Monika looks amazing in all shades of blue. This casual denim outfit is no exception. Our blogger has tucked a plain white tee into skinny jeans and layered over a lighter wash denim shirt worn as a jacket. But it’s the second topper and Monika’s accessories that truly make the look. Her taupe leather beanie is undoubtedly the star of the show. A one-of-a-kind piece with Mad Max motorcycle allure. The taupe shaggy vest adds great textural interest and makes the blues come to life. Her rugged grey booties with criss-cross detailing do the same. Monika’s khaki canvas tote with leather straps continues the utilitarian feel. A key pendant and more silver jewellery fit the outfit aesthetic perfectly.
Let us know in the comments what you think if Monika’s Boho Rocker Chic looks, and then hop on over to her blog to browse the rest of her outfits.
