bodysuit – A Styled Mind

In the vault

MAXIMAL MONOCHROME!

February 26, 2024 No Comments

Purpose. I chose to take a break from NYFW this season for a number of reasons but mainly to gain clarity on my “Why.” I’ve been going consistently since 2015, and as exciting and glamorous as it may seem, it requires a lot of time, money, and energy that can easily leave you feeling drained and burnt out. I feel like I got to this point last year after coming back from Paris in October, and it took me a lot longer than expected to stabilize and get back into the swing of things. For the first time I really had to take a step back and assess if attending fashion week was beneficial to my long term goals, or if it was just something I was doing out of habit and the need to feel “included.” Despite the anticipated FOMO, I also wanted to challenge myself to see what else I could create to expand & differentiate my content if fashion week wasn’t in the mix. That said, I am happy to report that I made the most of my time off and even developed a few new series that I’ve really been enjoying! I say all this to say, sometimes a pause and reset is necessary to remember why you started in the first place & to ensure you remain on track instead of just going through the motions.

Let’s not get crazy though, just because I wasn’t attending doesn’t mean I didn’t plan on shooting some incredible looks! I’ve always approached these seasons as an opportunity to showcase my style but in the most amplified way. For this particular ensemble, I chose to take a maximalist approach to an otherwise fairly monochrome look. I started with this oxblood patent midi skirt, which I actually bought during my first trip to Paris in 2022, and paired it with a leopard print bodysuit. Because we are still in the midst of Winter, I thought adding this patchwork shearling coat in similar tones would be both eye-catching and functional for the occasion. Though I could’ve grounded the outfit with black accessories, I chose to lean into the warm palette by throwing on a pair of brown croc-embossed boots, and a berry-colored bag. What I loved most about how everything came together, is that each piece shined without competing with the others. Can we also have a moment for the textures?! I honestly have no words, except that this quite possibly might make it to my list of top 2024 outfits…but only time will tell! Comment below your favorite featured item(s) and until next time!

In the vault

TEXTURE CLASH!

January 15, 2024 No Comments

Knitwear, leather, suede, tulle. There’s nothing I enjoy more than adding interest to an ensemble with a variety of textures. Especially when it comes to monochrome looks that don’t have much color differentiation, this is always one of my go-to methods when I want to highlight those eye-catching details. I tried my best to batch as much content as possible so that I could enjoy my time off during the holidays; and when it came to planning my outfits, this sheer skirt was one of the pieces I knew I had to create a moment with! Every now and then I like to take a “fashion risk,” and I knew when I selected this item it would be a bit challenging to style. That said, after having it in my possession for a few weeks, the ideas started to flow and the vison began to form. After doing a deep dive into my existing wardrobe, I stumbled upon this knit bodysuit that I don’t get nearly enough wear out of! Because of the see-through material, comfort was my main priority so opting for something with a full-coverage bottom definitely put me at ease. To take it a step further, I also layered a pair of tights for extra security and a more weather appropriate base. I was surprised to love how everything was coming together, but the look was far from complete. I wanted to add an element of edge so I threw on my favorite oversized distressed leather jacket which coordinated perfectly with the cool tones I was working with. When it came to accessories, “understated glam” was the vibe I was after. Despite incorporating platform heeled sandals, earrings, and a bag featuring rhinestones, I thought they all worked together seamlessly to bring a subtle, less obvious touch of sparkle. Lastly, for a pop of color, I went with a classic red lip and my black everyday sunnies! Personally, I always love when I have the opportunity to really test myself and my skills by styling garments outside of my usual realm. Cheers to taking more chances in 2024 and pushing ourselves to grow through the discomfort! Until next time!

In ASM Shop

PURPLE PLEASER!

September 3, 2020 No Comments

Leaving your pastels and lighter-colored items solely for the warmer seasons is a trend of the past! Below I’ve rounded up a few garments featuring a variety of violet shades, that can absolutely be warn into the Fall and Winter months. Whether it be a statement making coat, sweater, bodysuit you can layer with, or a dark floral print the options are endless! Don’t forget to click the images for direct links to shop and until next time!

In the vault

NEON SEASON!

August 12, 2020 No Comments

Why wear a top when you can wear a bodysuit??? In all seriousness, whoever came up with this garment truly deserves an award. I mean, it completely takes the hassle out of bulky styling and guarantees a seamless look every time! So what’s not to love??! From the moment I saw this piece online, I was instantly obsessed and knew I had to have it. From the cut out detail and one-shoulder design, this bodysuit is a complete showstopper to say the least! And how could I forget, it’s NEON! Now if I’m being completely honest, I don’t have or even want a large amount of fluorescent items in my wardrobe. That being said, I do believe there is a time, place, and way to style them that can still contribute to a chic ensemble. Because my top was so bright and a bit revealing, I chose to balance out the look with a looser fitting pair of trousers in a neutral beige color. These tailored pants are so comfortable and provided the sophisticated element I needed to complete my outfit. I wanted my accessories to pop without being distracting so I figured the contrast of black against the lighter colors would do the trick. Lastly, I also decided to play with tonal accents and grabbed a bag in a much darker green shade to add some dimension and variety within the range of the color palette. This look definitely screams “Summer brunch vibes” and it still saddens me that life as we once knew it pre-quarantine may never be the same. On a lighter note, comment your favorite item that was featured and where you would wear it now that our day to day has become much more restricted. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Bodysuit: H:OURS

Trousers: & Other Stories

Heels: Topshop

Bag: Mango

Sunglasses: Mango

In Collabs

ASM X PANTENE (WATERLESS COLLECTION)

September 26, 2019 1 Comment

This content is sponsored by Pantene. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a girl who stays in low-maintenance protective hair styles, I was beyond excited when I got offered the opportunity to work with Pantene for a second time to try out their new Waterless Collection. As a young professional on the go, I have no shame in stating that I do not wash my hair every day. That being said, most of the time I do prefer a sleek hairstyle that I can get a few days wear out of with minimal product build up. Pantene has always focused on healthy, beautiful hair to support boldness and confidence in women. For me, what’s even more inspiring is the way they have adapted their products to suit every type of hair texture, color, and thickness. As my hair is more on the kinky/curly side, I was sent the Pantene Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam, Pantene Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream, and Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist. Each of these products are designed to reduce frizz while restoring volume and moisture.

When I decided to demo these products I began on freshly washed hair. As instructed, I first applied the Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream on fairly damp hair and let it air dry for a typical defined wash-and-go style. This product is infused with argan oil, amino acids, omega-9, Pro-Vitamin B5 and is free of alcohol, parabens and sulfates. It can also be used to reshape curls, twist, or scrunch through dry hair. For softly defined curls, apply to damp hair then diffuse or air dry.

A few days later as my hair began to expand and become fluffier, I used the Pantene Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam at my roots to minimize any unwanted oils. Since I wanted to rock my natural hair out for a day or so more, I only massaged this product near the application site and did not brush it out, though that is an option. Pantene’s Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam is a lusciously whipped sulfate-free, paraben-free, non-drying cleansing cloud that was made to dissolve oil and refresh your style!

Finally, when I was ready to pull my hair back into my signature bun, I used the Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist on my hair from mid-length to ends. Since I had already used another product on my roots, I made sure to avoid that area and simply brushed it through before adding gel for optimal sleekness. The Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist conditions your strands thanks to a blend of light-as-air hydrators that are evenly distributed in every tiny droplet in this paraben-free, sulfate-free micro-mist. To use, hold the can 6-8 inches away from your hair for ideal coverage.

My experience with these products was nothing short of a pleasant one and I definitely intend on incorporating them into my weekly hair regimen and possibly as future staples. These products have completely transformed my “non-wash” routine! The Pantene Waterless Collection definitely surprised me in terms of how I was able to extend the time in between wash days and really make my hairstyles last. The Pantene Waterless Collection can be found for a limited time at CVS for purchase and I highly recommend giving them a try; your hair will not regret it! Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Bodysuit- Zara

Jumpsuit- Eggie

Sneakers- Vans

Sunglasses- Mango

Earrings- Silpada

In the vault

KHAKI CHRONICLES

February 21, 2018 3 Comments

As we are finally beginning to see some signs of winter coming to an end, I wanted to start showcasing looks that are more “Spring-friendly.” One of the colors that I feel is neutral enough to transcend all seasons is khaki. It’s a tone that can be easily paired with almost all fabrics and colors when creating either bold or subdued ensembles. Jumpsuits are also great pieces to style when entering warmer months as they are heavy enough to wear independently, but can also be worn layered. Initially, I was quite hesitant about the metallic accents as I thought they would come off a bit too gaudy for my liking; however, I took a risk and was pleasantly surprised. I loved the overall structured fit of this piece and felt that the cropped hem gave a chic flare to the otherwise military inspired garment. Because we’re still facing inconsistent temperatures, I played it safe and paired the one-piece with a thin bodysuit underneath. At this point, I was now relying on my accessories to brighten up the outfit and make it more appropriate for the upcoming season. Luckily, I came across a gorgeous pair of heeled sandals with a stone medallion detail that perfectly complimented the green shade. The pop of yellow on the shoes also made for an unexpected statement that happened to be exactly what I was looking for! To finish off the look, I grabbed a pair of small geometric frames which are highly on trend and perfectly matched the shiny buttons on my jumpsuit. I personally don’t think this look could’ve turned out any better and I’m definitely excited to see what future looks I can create with these items. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit- Mango

Bodysuit- Zara

Heels- Zara

Sunglasses- QUAY Australia

In the vault

OLIVE OBSESSED

November 8, 2016 2 Comments

As I’ve been fully into the swing of Fall fashion, I couldn’t let this season pass without creating a look with the classic autumn shade, olive. Like burgundy, navy, and rust, olive is another color that annually graces runways and retailers as we move toward the winter months. Though I’m not the biggest fan of green, I happen to love olive because of its versatility and neutral-like qualities that make it easy to pair with other colors, my favorite being brown tones. When I saw this cropped jumpsuit I was instantly attracted to its tailored style, cut-out, and back tie detail. As this would also be a great piece for some of the warmer Spring months, in efforts to stay weather appropriate, I layered it with a ribbed bodysuit for extra warmth. To be honest, I probably would never have paired these shoes and bag together under any other circumstances but for some odd reason the slight clashing of the browns was somewhat appealing to me. I’ve said before, fashion is not something that should be taken too seriously. Experiment, take risks, and most importantly be confident in whatever you decide to wear and if it doesn’t work out, it’s still a lesson learned. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Bodysuit- Zara

Jumpsuit- Zara

Heels- Zara

Purse- Zara

In the vault

STRAIGHT MESH

October 4, 2016 2 Comments

I couldn’t be more excited to finally showcase my fall style! As this is my favorite season, I’ve spent months buying pieces that I knew I would become staples in my wardrobe and this jacket was definitely first on the list. I’ve been on the hunt for a brown leather jacket for sometime now, but the challenge for me was determining what shade I wanted to go with as I wanted it to be quite versatile yet still stand out against my complexion. I was lucky enough to find this one at a consignment shop and as soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one! Another piece, and very popular trend in denim right now, has been the straight fit jean. In my opinion, it gives a very vintage and 90’s feel to any look while remaining cool and slightly more casual than the regular skinny fit. Even though these pieces were purchased weeks apart, (in my head) this outfit came together seamlessly. Mesh and tulle have also been quite popular recently, so to add a bit of edge to this look, I decided to layer with a sheer bodysuit. Finally, I finished the look off with my simple mule sandals, a belt-like choker necklace, and a red lip for a bit of pop! Basically every piece of this ensemble fits into a trend category that I am obsessed with. As we are now in a layering season, I love experimenting with different textures, color tones, and timeless pieces. So try it out and let the fall vibes be your guide! Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Thread & Supply

Bodysuit- Zara

Jeans- Zara

Heels- Topshop

Backpack- Topshop