blouse – A Styled Mind

In the vault

GIRL BOSS!

February 18, 2021 2 Comments

As the Winter season lingers on it has become increasingly difficult to find outdoor locations to shoot where I don’t run the risk of being absolutely freezing. What makes this task even harder, is that I’m slowly introducing more Spring appropriate items and I’m running out of coats to style them with! After some serious contemplation, shooting underground seemed like the perfect loophole to avoid the harsh temperatures and peel back some of the layers that would otherwise completely cover my outfit. Lately, I’ve really been taking account of the basics that seemed to be missing from my wardrobe. For Christmas I purchased a black coat as a gift to myself, and just recently I ordered my first black blazer. I’ve been looking at this hourglass style for over a year, and finally decided to pull the trigger! What initially intrigued me about this piece was that it seemed to be the perfect balance of classic and modern. It’s no secret that blazers are a timeless outerwear staple, but the shape and structure truly make it a standout item regardless of what it is styled with. In the midst of refreshing my closet with some newness, I also bought a gorgeous blouse that I thought would make the perfect statement as we move into warmer temperatures. However, since we’re not quite there, I decided to pair this printed top with some wide-legged faux leather trousers. I absolutely loved this combination because I feel like the overall ensemble displayed complimentary, yet distinct, masculine and feminine elements. To complete the look and incorporate more colors from my shirt, I added a bright yellow satin mule to further accentuate the juxtaposition of dainty and more tailored garments. After reaching for a few pieces of gold jewelry and my aviator frames to accessorize, I was feeling like the ultimate girl boss! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- The Frankie Shop

Top- Ulla Johnson

Pants- Zara- similar

Heels- Sam Edelman

Sunglasses- Zara- similar

In the vault

BLUE TINT

April 11, 2019 1 Comment

It may be a shock that blue is not a favorite color of mine as it seems to be a common factor in a lot of my recent looks. That being said, whether this hue is currently on trend or I’m just organically gravitating towards it, I am enjoying the presence it’s been having in my wardrobe. Usually when shopping for pieces to shoot, I tend to seek out at least one item that is either statement-making or something that I am able to transform and style in an unexpected way. Of course, while there may be an excitement that comes with that, every now and then I like to scale things back and style a more “obvious” look. Most retailers are currently promoting their new Spring/Summer collections and with that comes an abundance of vibrant colors, bold prints, and vacation-wear galore. So, in efforts to create an ensemble that I felt completely embodied the season, I chose to keep things simple with a floral blouse and straight-legged denim (ground-breaking, I know). I’m not quite sure what it was, but these garments together truly gave me the effortless feel I was hoping to portray. While the blue shade was probably the subtlest in the overall pattern of the shirt, when paired with the extremely light wash jeans, it seemed to become the most eye-catching. To keep the outfit delicate and minimal, I decided to complete it with a pair of strappy white mules which were absolutely perfect for my simplistic theme. Lastly, to take the cool tones one step further, I gave a nod to the 90’s with a pair of tinted frames featuring the most nostalgic aqua-colored lenses. I feel like I’ve been a huge fan of the “less is more” motto when it comes to my styling lately and truly believe that not every outfit has to necessarily have “shock value” to be great or attention-grabbing. Comment below your favorite piece from this look and what Spring trends (new or old) you’re most anticipating this season. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- & Other Stories

Jeans- & Other Stories

Heels- Zara

Sunglasses- & Other Stories

In ASM Shop

SILK SHIRTS

November 17, 2018 No Comments

There are certain fabrics that just scream “chic elegance,” and I’d have to say silk is one of them. As I’ve gotten older and begun to pay more attention to the quality of garments instead of just how trendy they are, I’ve come across this material quite often definitely see why it is worth investing in. Below I’ve rounded up a few shirts that I wouldn’t mind adding to my personal collection. Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks; until next time!

In the vault

BEACH PLEASE

May 3, 2018 1 Comment

Now that the temperatures have FINALLY begun to remain consistently warm and “Spring-like,” it’s only natural that thoughts of vacations and summer Fridays become more of a priority. As a person whose mood is greatly affected by the weather, I am definitely excited for the increase of sunshine and abundance of social events that these next few seasons bring. While browsing the shops for inspiration, I didn’t even plan on buying anything but of course ended up spotting a piece that I couldn’t resist! This blue and white striped blouse fit so perfectly, I was actually tempted to wear it out of the store (after paying for it obviously, lol). There was something about this piece that just made me want to book a weekend getaway and relax by a beautiful body of water. I also loved the trendy under-wire design that added a chic structure and uniqueness to the top; setting it apart from the average button-up. Since I felt like I had already found the main focal piece of the ensemble, the challenge now was to find complimentary items to complete it. At first, I thought about settling for a pair of jeans or a cream colored skirt to highlight the stripes, yet after trying both of those options I wasn’t quite satisfied. Since I liked the look of the mini skirt however, I thought that a black version would make for a better contrast; and after trying it on I was instantly sold! Having a darker piece on the bottom really allowed the top to stand out while still adding balance to the overall look. In efforts to keep things streamlined and sleek, I chose to incorporate my new pair of black flatform sandals for casual touch. I also want to point out that these may be the most comfortable pair of shoes I own to date! Though I loved the look as is, I definitely wanted to add a few accessories to emphasize the Spring/Summer vibe I was going for. It took me quite awhile to jump on the straw bag trend because frankly, aside from being cute in photos, I couldn’t justify them as a practical investment. That being said, when I came across this round version and saw the intricate detailing, I figured it was finally time to get on board. Since I had the beach element down, I also decided to add a pair of black chandelier earrings for some unexpected sparkle. Lastly, on the day of my shoot, I completed the look with a pair of geometric sunnies and I couldn’t have been happier! I’m a HUGE fan of how this look came together and know for a fact I’ll be wearing it again, as well as the pieces individually, for as long as the weather will allow. Let me know your favorite item from this look in the comments below. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- & Other Stories

Skirt- Urban Outfitters

Sandals- Cole Haan

Bag- Topshop

Sunglasses- Quay Australia

Earrings- Aldo

In ASM Shop

RUFFLED TOPS

August 10, 2017 No Comments

Shirts and blouses with ruffled detailing are feminine, elegant, trendy, and extremely eye-catching. I love the movement they add to any ensemble as well as the chic interest they provide. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite tops below, so don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks! Until next time!

In the vault

BACKIN’ OUT

April 18, 2017 1 Comment

Have you ever styled and wore an outfit that you felt was so perfect, nothing could affect your mood for the entire day? Well, that is exactly how I felt the beautiful morning that we shot this look! I am regularly shopping for new pieces to showcase on my blog and during one of my more impromptu trips, I came across these bleach dipped jeans. To be honest, I was a bit unsure about them at first as I didn’t know how much wear I would realistically get out of them. That said, after a few at home try-ons and a second trip to exchange them for the correct size, I had fallen completely in love! I may go on record to say that these are probably the chic-est pair of jeans I own. From the straight fit, to the raw hem and unique eye-catching details, there are endless possibilities with these denim beauties and I can’t wait to wear them throughout the Spring and Summer months. While I was off to a good start with my bottom piece, I knew that trousers this good needed a special top to pull the look together. I had been eyeing this blouse online for a few weeks and watched it go in and out of stock several times before taking the plunge. For me, when I decide to splurge on pricier garments they have to meet the following criteria: fit, fabric, and versatility. There’s nothing wrong with spending a little extra on an item but it’s important to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth and that the construction of the piece is in fact worth the inflated price point. Seeing as how I really wanted to make sure that this was the best top to compliment my jeans, I did something I rarely do and tried on both pieces together in the dressing room. While I hate the hassle of trying things on, I loved the instant gratification of knowing that I had two amazing pieces that looked great together and could easily mesh with the items already in my wardrobe. In efforts to keep the look light and fresh, I stayed away from black accessories and opted for nude heels along with my navy cross-body bag. To finish off the look, I threw on my gold aviator frames complimented by a bright orange lip and was ready to enjoy the day. There’s nothing much left to say about this look except for the fact that I am just as obsessed with it now as the day I wore it! If you like this look and you’re excited that it finally feels like Spring, leave a comment below. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Topshop

Jeans- Zara

Heels- NastyGal

Bag- GiGi New York

In the vault

SUEDE + BOWS

March 1, 2016 1 Comment

In honor of the gradually rising temperatures, I decided to give my legs a little fresh air with this look. Forever 21 has really been surprising me lately with their pieces, especially those from the “contemporary” line (which is basically where this entire look is from). Since I chose to show a bit of skin on the bottom, I decided to keep the top covered to maintain a natural balance. For those who are just beginning to style and put looks together, this is a great tip to remember! While I wanted to bring a bit of color into this look, I still wanted to remain fairly neutral so I went for this olive green suede dress which I absolutely love! Being in between seasons, periods of the day can still get quite cool so don’t be afraid to continue to reach for heavier fabrics like suede and leather until the weather consistently heats up. As an extra layer, I paired the dress with a an elegant blouse that incorporated a neck tie detail and button sleeves. This Victorian style of blouse has become quite popular over the last few seasons and definitely brings a bit of chicness to any look. To keep the look fun and playful I threw on my fringe heeled sandals which look amazing when strutting down any street. I like this look because though it is fairly simple, the details in the different pieces seem to speak for themselves and come together quite nicely. Now if spring could just hurry up and get here all would be well! Has anyone heard from the groundhog???? Until next time! 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Forever 21

Dress- Forever 21

Heels- Zara

Bag- Forever 21

Sunglasses- Zara

In the vault

BURGUNDY BLISS

November 18, 2015 4 Comments

I feel like “burgundy” is the color probably most associated with the fall season. It almost happens on cue; as soon as the leaves begin to change, everything from lipstick and nail-polish to coats and shoes become this beautiful deep wine color. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m a huge fan of the hue and am certainly not complaining; which brings me to this look. I absolutely ADORE this 3-d patterned neck tie blouse, so much, that I decided to use burgundy as my primary color to accentuate it. In true “ASM” fashion, I decided to contrast the dainty top with an edgy, leather pleated mini skirt. In order to keep the look weather appropriate, I kept my legs warm with my thick cotton thigh-high socks and ankle boots. The booties were the perfect addition because they also contained hints of burgundy, just visible enough to tie the entire look together; and with a quick swipe of lipstick I was out the door! I have to say, while this was one of my more feminine looks, I quite enjoyed tapping into my “girly”side for a change. Without discrediting the olives, navys, rusts, and tans of the color spectrum, burgundy is definitely a favorite of mine when it comes to fall. What’s yours??!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Zara

Skirt- Urban Outfitters

Socks- American Apparel

Booties- Zara

Bag- Dooney & Bourke

In ASM Shop

Neck-Tie Blouses

November 5, 2015 No Comments

As a kid, blouses and other “dress shirts” seemed to be one of the items of clothing I hated to wear most; funny how things drastically change with time. Neck-tie blouses have been a huge trend within themselves, as well as with the 70’s trend, and have been popping up in pretty much all high street fashion retail stores. I love them because they serve an easy way to add more dimension and interest to a look without having to pile on the accessories. Tops like these basically do the work for you and are full of variety depending on how you chose to tie them. There are endless possibilities with neck-tie blouses and they are another chic piece that every fashionista needs! (Don’t forget to click the images to shop the items shows!)

In the vault

CITY CHIC

September 12, 2015 5 Comments

To some, living in a major city can be highly overwhelming. Its extremely fast paced, and if you’re not running for a taxi, the subway, or to your next meeting…you’re probably a tourist. LOL. But all jokes aside, while I do understand how hectic it can be for some, I love every ounce of it. There’s never a dull moment or a shortage of places to go and I personally feel like I learn something new almost every day. To compliment the “on-the-go” theme I had planned for this look, I decided to keep the outfit simple and stick with a flat shoe. By now, we should all know that even my most simplest looks have a little edge and this ensemble was no different! I pulled a very dramatic high/low chiffon blouse from my closet and paired it with some destroyed denim cut-offs that I’ve had for ages! Then, to add a different texture I went with some snake print slip-on flats and a statement necklace to finish off the look. As I’ve said before, you don’t always need the boldest colors or patterns to stand out. In my opinion, it’s the tiny elements and nuances that make for an eye-catching and memorable look. While prancing around the city that never sleeps comfort and style are always at the top of my list. A wise person once told me, “If you’re bored in New York City, maybe you’re just boring.” Until next time guys! 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Urban Outfitters

Shorts- Urban Oufitters

Shoes- Zara

Necklace- Urban Oufitters