aldo – A Styled Mind

In the vault

CITY SUMMER!

May 19, 2023 1 Comment

I think I’ve mentioned recently, that I’m in a space within my shopping journey where I only want to add things to my closet that I absolutely love; and because of that, I’ve become a lot more selective with the things I buy and ultimately keep. That said, this way of thinking has also helped me to distinguish the “must-haves” vs the trendy pieces I feel like I need just because they’re all over my timeline. I’ve gone through many phases when it comes to how I’ve built my wardrobe over the years, and aside from denim, another prominent time was my “jumpsuit era.” At one point they literally became my go-to garment regardless of the setting, time of day, or occasion and I was here for it! I mean, who doesn’t love a low maintenance all-in-one piece?!? While things have since diversified overall, I was quickly reminded of my subtle obsession when I saw this piece (ironically) scrolling through the gram. As soon as I was able to pinpoint the brand, my investigative research began and I quickly found her! Everything from the light sage color (very on trend for the season), to the intricate hardware, and open back intrigued me; I was SOLD. As if things couldn’t get any better, I also found it on sale with only one left in my size so I knew it was fate! Upon receiving it I was even more in love and beyond excited to bring this ensemble to life! Though the shade is fairly muted, it’s also quite distinct so it was a bit tricky trying to figure out what accessories would be the most complimentary. Finally, I decided on a chocolate brown pair of heeled sandals and matching sunnies which I thought were the perfect accent. In efforts to highlight the contrast white stitching, I added a geometric shoulder bag for extra depth and interest. Gold jewelry was the obvious choice, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled for this effortlessly chic look. All of the elements played off of each other in the most seamless way and I personally cannot wait to wear this outfit ASAP IRL (LOL). Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

CORSET CHRONICLES!

August 6, 2022 No Comments

I read a quote that said, “August is the Sunday of Summer” and I’m highly inclined to agree! As we look ahead to the upcoming seasons, I’ve been very intentional about the items that I’m choosing to add to my wardrobe to ensure they are versatile enough to withstand the inevitable temperature changes. In addition to that, I have also been preparing for an exciting Euro trip that will absolutely require some stand-out pieces… but, more to come on that later. Recently, I’ve found myself drawn to a lot of corset and bustier structured tops. I personally believe they are here to stay and will be quite the trend, especially during the transitional periods, since they’re so easy to layer over and under an array of garments. It’s no secret that this particular version was inspired by a few different designers and to my surprise, even at a fraction of the price, the quality exceeded my expectations! The double lined fabric and sweetheart neckline design kept me feeling super supported as well as comfortable, making it an instant win. As a nod to my obsession with juxtaposition and denim, I chose to pair it with yet another set of cargo-like trousers. I was immediately “influenced” when I saw these on a fellow blogger, and absolutely sold by the adjustable ankle strap that allowed for a more tapered look if desired. For footwear, I opted for my trusted sling-back pvc heels and finished off the ensemble with my go-to round black frames which tied all of the dark elements together seamlessly. Since my color palette remained neutral, the option was definitely available to add a pop of color. After giving it some thought however, I decided to balance out the edginess with a touch of glamor and grabbed my newest rhinestone bag as a final statement maker. To match, I quickly threw on some silver jewelry, and another simple yet elevated outfit was complete! I’ve always taken pride in my ability to find and style unique items that pack a punch in understated yet cool ways. Comment below your favorite featured piece and whether you’re still enjoying Summer fashion or ready to jump into more Autumnal vibes. Until next time!

In the vault

SOFT TONES!

June 3, 2022 No Comments

As the weather heats up, the more effortless my style becomes and with that, the more I gravitate towards my go-to “uniform.” While some may perceive me as quite “girly,” 90% of the time I’m actually in jeans/trousers. For me, especially when it comes to how I put looks together, I typically feel most comfortable with the top half of my ensemble making the statement while keeping the bottom on the more casual side. I purchased black pants in a similar design last year and when I saw that another brand offered them in beige, I knew they would make for another great closet staple! Unlike the previous pair, these were insanely long but I still managed to make it work for the photoshoot. After doing a bit more browsing online, I saw that the same brand also sold a chic open-back knit polo in a muted green shade. Once I received both items, it was clear that they were essentially meant to be worn together because of how well the garments complimented each other. The softness of the tones and slightly cropped hem of the top seamlessly grazed the high-waisted trouser and couldn’t have been more perfect! Because of the color palette I was working with, I immediately knew that black would be too harsh of a contrast. Instead, I opted for brown accessories which allowed for a more understated juxtaposition. After deciding on my footwear and sunnies, instead of incorporating a matching bag, I figured a white option would be a better suited choice in terms of adding interest and highlighting the unique fold-over detail. Lastly I threw on a few pieces of gold jewelry and was ready for my close up! Outfits like this show that you don’t need the flashiest pieces to stand out. Just a few unexpected design elements can really make your look one to be remembered without overwhelming the onlooker. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

MONOGRAM MOOD!

April 20, 2022 No Comments

A lot of times it’s hard to get the most use out of garments that are specifically purchased for the season we are currently in. To be honest, majority of the items showcased in this ensemble were bought around Black Friday 2021 and sadly, I’m just now reaching for them. Brown, though extremely trendy, can often be associated with the Fall/Winter months. Knowing this, I was torn between styling them now or waiting until it got cold again but luckily, my excitement got the better of me! In efforts to reflect the “Spring vibes” as much as possible, I knew that my footwear and layering pieces would be crucial. Starting from the bottom, it definitely helped that my trousers though leather also featured cut-out details which really spoke to the warm weather we are slowly beginning to experience. Because I knew that my outerwear was going to be a chunkier monogram cardigan with similar tones, I opted for a stark white cropped tank to break up the chocolate and add an element of brightness to create some much needed dimension. My strappy heeled sandals were the obvious choice as they matched my pants perfectly, and did not weigh the outfit down like a boot or other closed-toe option would. Finally, the accessory I struggled with most had to be, THE BAG! It was tricky because I knew I didn’t want to pair something that was another dark shade, and was also trying to avoid clashing with my sweater’s print. I almost overlooked this cross-body entirely because I frankly thought it would be “too much.” However, after seeing the way everything came together, I couldn’t have made a better choice! I loved how the orange in the illustration helped to highlight the colors in my outwear, which I had hardly noticed prior. To coordinate with the metal accents, I threw on my favorite gold jewelry, some sunnies which helped to complete the monchrome aesthetic, and was ready to roll! Funny enough, I almost scrapped this look entirely and I’m relieved to say I’m so glad I didn’t! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

ELEVATED BASICS!

March 24, 2022 No Comments

I’ve always loved the essence of subtlety when it comes to my personal style, and I think the pieces I gravitate towards reflect that. For whatever reason, with me, it has always been more about the fit, texture, or intricate details rather than how flashy a garment is overall. I think this may also be why the items I selected for this ensemble intrigued me so much. For the most part, the majority of my shopping takes place during transitional periods between seasons, and it was no different as I refreshed my wardrobe for Spring! When I came across this shirt I was immediately attracted to the beautiful shade of blue, as well as how chic the deconstructed design was on such a traditional piece. The composition allowed for a relaxed and airy fit throughout the shoulders, while the nipped in waist offered a gorgeous silhouette that made this not-so-simple button down one to be remembered. I decided to pair my top with another structured showstopper and can we say, “match made in heaven?!” I fell in love with these croc embossed faux leather trousers towards the end of last year, and when I saw that they had finally gone on sale, I knew I had to make them mine! The tailoring and voluminous shape of the pant really elevated this look in a way that was so unexpectedly perfect, I barely needed any accessories at all! In most cases, I have no qualms with letting the clothing speak for itself, however this outfit deserved a few more accents that could make it even more special. I had been anxiously waiting to style this metallic beaded bag, and could not have picked a better moment! To complete the look I added some silver framed sunnies and matching jewelry to keep everything consistent. Lastly, for footwear, I added a black pair of lucite heels which grounded the outfit seamlessly without taking away from any of the other standout pieces. I am thrilled with how every element complimented each other, and cannot wait to wear this out and about! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

FINALLY FALLING!

September 16, 2021 No Comments

It’s finally here! My favorite autumnal season is upon us, and I couldn’t be more excited! As I’ve stated on several occasions, this time of year is special to me for many of reasons but these days it’s been all about the shopping! I have recently added quite a few new pieces to my wardrobe, and have thoroughly enjoyed creating looks that will be absolute showstoppers as I make my way around these northeastern streets. One of the standout items I knew I had to feature immediately was this poplin midi dress! Now it’s no secret that the wrap-tie detailing has taken the fashion world by storm and has found its place on a variety of garments including frocks, tops, and even blazers. I personally loved how simplistic, yet impactful this piece was and knew it wouldn’t need a lot of styling to create the moment I was after. Generously, I had also been gifted a pair of brown heeled sandals and knew they would be a match made in heaven! From this point, I was already set on the idea that this would be a monochromatic outfit, incorporating various neutral shades. I nearly forgot that I had a croc-textured crossbody bag that was a perfect color match to my shoes, and probably one of the only purses I own with silver hardware. It was important to me that despite working with essentially one color palette, I still made it a point to play with texture and different hues. The light khaki worked so well against the richer toned accessories; not to mention my nails, which served as an added pop of interest. Finally, I threw on a matte pair of sunglasses, a few silver rings, and was completely satisfied with the ensemble overall. Though understated, this look definitely packs a punch and can easily be built upon to accommodate colder temperatures with the addition of boots and outerwear. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- L’Academie

Shoes- Aldo

Sunglasses- NA-KD

Bag- Zara

In the vault

BABY BLUES!

September 8, 2021 No Comments

September is such a special month for me! As we move into the new season, we are met with updated transitional pieces to incorporate into our closets, NYFW, and most importantly, MY BIRTHDAY! I’ve decided to kick off this exciting time by styling some of the goodies I’ve recently acquired. Being a resident of the northeast, I always tend to gravitate towards my most standout items as the temperatures begin to drop. Especially once we are in the midst of Winter and coats and boots are the only things people see, I find joy in showcasing the garments that are going to provide interest to every outfit. There are quite a few trends I’ve incorporated into this look, so let’s start from the top, shall we?! Tie-dye has made a strong comeback over the last few years, and though I was never opposed to it, I hadn’t come across any options that seamlessly fit with my style aesthetic. About a week ago however, my luck changed when I stumbled upon this short sleeved turtleneck. I immediately fell in love with the print and it’s striking yet understated feel. Because I was basically only working with 2 colors throughout the ensemble (blue & white), I knew I’d be able to pair multiple statement pieces without clashing. While this may be an unpopular opinion, I seem to be one of the few individuals that truly enjoys wearing jeans. After years of buying so many classic styles, I’m finally at a place where I feel comfortable expanding my denim range. This particular pair was something I knew I had to have and would get tons of wear out of for years to come, despite the abstract design. The line detailing, which gave a water-like effect, also provided a perfect synergy between the items. When it came to accessories, I knew I wouldn’t need to do much as my foundational pieces were already so bold. That being said, I was generously gifted a bag that was just too good not to include! It added an extra layer of interest and worked perfectly with my monochromatic theme. To complete the look, I threw on my favorite clear frames, a simple pair of strappy heels, and silver jewelry as a dainty touch. I loved the slightly maximalist approach this outfit took and as the year continues, I may challenge myself to style more items in this way. Comment below your favorite featured garment and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Norma Kamali

Jeans- Alexander Wang

Heels- Aldo

Bag- Brandon Blackwood

In the vault

SWEATER WEATHER!

November 5, 2020 No Comments

As expected, Fall has managed to fly by and Winter has abruptly taken its place without warning. While I am not a huge fan of freezing temperatures, the holiday season is my favorite time of year so I don’t mind pulling out my cozy sweaters and getting into the spirit! At this point, at least in my opinion, there seems to be a fine line between shopping and hoarding these days. While there is still an urge to buy and prepare for the upcoming seasons, with limited access to restaurants and events, I’ve been forcing myself to only purchase items I am absolutely loving and that can last until whenever we resume some ounce of normalcy. That said, I’ve still been doing my due diligence as a consumer and have been quite pleased with the items I have recently added to my wardrobe. For instance, when I first saw this thick cropped knit sweater, I knew it had to be mine! The overall structure and braided detailing truly gave it more of a “high-end” feel, and made it the perfect standout piece on those colder days. Lately, I’ve noticed tailored trousers really making a statement in fashion. Whether worn casually with sneakers or a heeled shoe, they seem to have become the new “all-purpose pant” and I am definitely here for it! Though neutral shades have seemed to be the most popular (black, cream, tan/beige), I couldn’t resist this olive pair and I’m so happy I didn’t! Aside from the gorgeous color, the fit alone had me sold. These pants skimmed my heels effortlessly and were just loose enough to provide that chic laidback feel. Because they’re also high-waisted, they made for a great compliment to my shorter top which provided a solid foundation for the look. Once I had my focal pieces in place, it was time to accessorize! I decided to go with a few of my classic favorites including my snapshot crossbody and black sunglasses. I loved the pop of neon that the bag added and decided to coordinate my jewelry with the gold hardware. For footwear, I kept it simple with a pair of translucent black heels for a subtle yet eye-catching detail. I was absolutely thrilled with how this outfit turned out mainly because of options for versatility. This ensemble can easily be layered with a heavier coat or paired with chunky boots for an edgy vibe. Comment below your favorite piece and if you’ve found yourself shopping more or less than usual this year. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Sweater- Zara

Trousers- Zara

Heels- Aldo

Bag- Marc Jacobs

Sunglasses- Mango

Earrings- Mango

In the vault

BUSINESS AS USUAL

February 27, 2020 No Comments

Recently, I’ve tried to develop a much more conscious outlook when it comes to shopping. Instead of just seeing an item that I think is “cute” and immediately reaching for my wallet, I now give myself time to really decide whether or not this piece can make an impact in my wardrobe. Cost per wear also plays a major factor these days in deciding if I’m going to pull the trigger and leave the store with a particular garment or accessory. Specifically, I am referring to this Marc Jacobs cross-body which I have been eyeing up since before the holidays. Initially I thought I would receive it as a Christmas gift, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it remained on my wish-list a bit longer. While it is not a piece that would necessarily break the bank, it is definitely priced at a point that required an extra level of thought. That aside, this particular bag literally comes in every color combination you can think of! Because of this, I really wanted to make sure that the color-way I chose was different than anything I already owned, but also versatile enough that I could wear it across multiple seasons. Since I already had a few black bags, I knew that I was leaning towards something that was lighter in color, but could also serve as a neutral. After a few more weeks of deliberation, I finally settled on a taupe, cream, and blush option featuring gold accents, along with a strap highlighting neon and silver details. As far as I was concerned this bag literally covered all of the basis! It was trendy, wearable, and chic while still honing in on a few classic elements. I knew this accessory would be the focal point of the look so a black, white, and denim palette seemed like the way to go. While my jeans and lucite heels were already wardrobe staples, I decided to play off of the “business casual” trend and tried styling a classic white button-up shirt; something I haven’t done in quite some time. I loved the over-sized fit, balloon sleeves, and tiny cutouts which really made it unique. Though I wasn’t sure if this would actually suit me, I decided to take a chance and layered a black bralette over the top for an unexpected, Parisian flare. With a final addition of gold jewelry, I was absolutely thrilled with how this look turned out! If I had it my way, I would’ve jumped on the first flight to Milan fashion week; maybe next season! Comment below, your favorite part of this ensemble and if you’re also a more thoughtful shopper when deciding to add new editions to your closet. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Shirt- Zara

Bralette- Zara

Jeans- Mango

Heels- Aldo

Bag- Marc Jacobs

In Collabs

OKTOBERFEST (ft. WHO WHAT WEAR)

October 18, 2019 No Comments

Autumn is my favorite season for a variety of reasons; my birthday, the lack of humidity, holidays, warm color tones, and layering are just a few. To kick off the season, I figured what better way than with the world’s trendiest vegetable (or fruit?), PUMPKIN. For the last 4 years I’ve missed out on making it to an actual pumpkin patch, and while I still haven’t completed this mission just yet, I made do with what I was able to stumble upon in NYC. This outdoor restaurant display was actually perfect for highlighting the vibrant colors in my dress, as well as still bringing additional dimension to the shoot overall with the leaves and wood accents. From the moment I saw this mock-neck frock, I knew it had all the seasonal qualities that represented this time of year and I couldn’t wait to style it. Obviously as this is a bold printed garment, I wanted to keep the focus of the look centered around it. That said, while it could’ve easily made a statement alone, I wanted to accentuate it further with a few other accessories. The first piece I added was a brown suede belt with gold hardware. Aside from defining my waist, it instantly made the orange hues pop. To keep my metals cohesive, it was a no-brainer to stack my rings and reach for my twisted hoops for a bit of edge and glam. I hadn’t worn these circle frames in quite some time, which really made me appreciate the gems in my very own closet that I tend to forget about. For shoes, I wanted to tie the look together in a subtle, yet effective way. I chose a black pair of transparent sling-backs, featuring a lucite heel for an unexpected twist. Though I honestly could’ve thrown on any pair of OTK boots and called it a day, I really wanted to play up the femininity as well as give a nod to the 60’s mod styles that I feel this dress was inspired by. All in all, this look definitely has me pumped for brisk afternoon walks, lattes on the go, and window displays with the most intricate decorations. Let me know in the comments your favorite part about Fall and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Who What Wear

Belt- H&M

Heels- Aldo

Jewelry- & Other Stories