coat – A Styled Mind

In the vault

HOODIE SEASON!

December 9, 2020 No Comments

While I absolutely love dressing up for any occasion, especially the holidays, I wanted to style a few more casual options for this year’s festivities considering most celebrations will be small at-home gatherings. Though I haven’t really stocked up on tons of loungewear during the pandemic, I have added a few new sweat suits to my collection. This one in particular is by far the most “formal” due to its neoprene fabric which makes it much more substantial and structured than my cotton options. When it comes to my personal style, one of my favorite things to do is pair casual and dressier items together. Whether it be a band t-shirt, denim, or an old pair of sneakers, this juxtaposition is always one that I tend to gravitate towards. For me, it was a no-brainer that I’d be styling this basic co-ord with a sleek pair of heels. I had actually purchased these satin beauties about 2 years ago for NYE and they still bring me joy every time I wear them! Despite being extremely comfortable, the bow detail across the toe strap always incorporates a cute feminine touch. Once I had these items styled I knew I would need a few more pieces to complete this look. I had recently purchased a new coat for the season which featured an abstract hounds-tooth print. In my opinion, this was the perfect outer layer for the ensemble because it made a classic yet bold statement, against the other black garments. For additional texture, I dusted off and threw on an old quilted chain link bag. I always love bringing new life to items in my closet that I may have forgotten about or took a break from wearing. Lastly, to top off the holiday vibes, I added a bright red lip and was ready to celebrate from the comfort of my own home! Comment below if despite the restrictions you still plan to get fully glam, or if you’re choosing to tone it down this year due to the current circumstances. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- NA-KD

Hoodie- & Other Stories

Sweatpants- & Other Stories

Heels- Mango

Bag- Zara

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 ASM Shop

SPRING COATS

March 8, 2020 No Comments

Spring is right around the corner and while most of us are eager to rip off our outerwear during the day, no one wants to run the risk of being unprepared for those chilly nights. Below I’ve rounded up a few fickle weather friendly coats/jackets that won’t be a hassle to carry around if necessary, while also adding chic and trendy elements to your Spring wardrobe. Don’t forget to click the images for direct links to shop these garments and until next time!

Image result for ASOS DESIGN lightweight parka in washed gray

In the vault

MAGENTA MAGIC

March 5, 2020 No Comments

The countdown until Spring has officially begun and while I have no desire to purchase any more “cold weather” pieces, there always seems to be a garment that blurs the lines in the most irresistible way. During transitional seasons, at times it can be difficult getting dressed on a daily basis, as the weather can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day. That said, let’s rewind a bit. About a month ago my Mom came to visit me and during our bonding time it’s natural for us to do a bit of eating and of course, shopping. On this particular day, we managed to stumble into the DVF showroom in the Meatpacking District here in NYC, and there it was. The most amazingly vibrant coat I had ever seen! This wool number featured contrasting satin panels and a chic snap closure; SIDEBAR, it was also way out of my price range! I didn’t leave the store feeling discouraged however, as I knew that I would keep a close eye on it in case it ever went on sale. Long story short it did, and that is how our love affair began, LOL! My point is, while I didn’t necessarily “need” another coat, I was able to find a quality statement piece in a fun color that I could easily wear into the upcoming season while remaining on trend. Initially I figured I would wear this with jeans and keep my look fairly casual, but at the last minute I was able to find a pair of nude leather leggings I had been eyeing for a few weeks. While I was unsure about the color against my skin tone at first, after trying them on, I was sold! To my surprise, I also got lucky and found a pair of mules in almost the exact same color that I was determined to get my hands on in time for Summer, but had recently sold out online. As a bit of a wild card, I threw on a sheer floral top and my cat-eye tortoise sunglasses to coordinate with the other Earth tones. Yet again, I found myself in an ensemble that made me want to hop on the first direct flight to Paris and strut down the concrete runways with a baguette in hand. Comment below if you still find yourself gravitating towards outerwear and sweaters even though we’re moving into warmer temperatures. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Diane Von Furstenburg

Top- & Other Stories

Leggings- Zara

Heels- Mango

Sunglasses- Zara

In the vault

ICY BLUES

November 27, 2019 No Comments

It’s officially “coat season” and at this point, my only goal is to balance a level of comfort, warmth, and style. It’s always so funny to me, how every year it seems like cold-weather pieces hit retailers entirely too soon, but before we know it we’re in the midst of Winter still complaining about not having the gloves, scarf, or outerwear we wanted. This year however, I was determined to just go for it; and though at the time I felt like it was too early to be purchasing a coat, I’m so glad I did! I had been eyeing this blue plaid number for at least 3 weeks before pulling the trigger. Aside from it being eye-catching due to the bold color alone, what really sold me was the overall fit! It’s very easy for long wool coats with belted closures to fall into that “bathrobe-esqe” category, especially when they’re over-sized. On the contrary, this piece was constructed beautifully and executed a level of tailoring that truly shined through as soon as I put it on. As this coat was the focal piece, I wanted to layer more neutral items underneath that would only enhance it in a complimentary way. Since there were black accents in the plaid design, I chose to use that shade as well as white for an overall contrasting color palette. I had been gifted this off the shoulder frock during the Summer and decided to use it as an anchor for the rest of the ensemble. From there, I paired it with a striped turtleneck for added warmth and dimension. Lastly, for footwear, it was no-brainer to throw on my slouchy OTK leather boots and silver accessories for a bit of shine. The fact that we have roughly a month left until 2020 really has prompted me to exist in a state of reflection and gratitude. I am thankful for how far I’ve come, where I am currently, and where I’m going despite the hardships that may arise along the way. Comment below your favorite piece from this look and what you are most grateful for. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat: & Other Stories

Sweater: Zara

Dress: Eggie

Boots: Zara

In the vault

SEASONAL SWITCH

October 23, 2019 No Comments

The time has come where the crisp Fall air seems to be here to stay and honestly, I’m ready for it! Over the last couple weeks, I’ve slowly been pulling my outerwear from the back of the closet and incorporating heavier garments into my daily looks. I’ve worked with the Eggie brand quite a bit this year, so when I was asked to select a few pieces from their latest collection I didn’t hesitate. My favorite item which stood out to me the most was this over-sized vegan leather coat. I constantly reference the 90’s when it comes to some of my style inspiration and this particular piece completely fit the mold. The cut, trench-like structure, and fabric reminded me so much of the jackets my Mom used to wear and I knew I had to have it! As far as transitional looks go, I really wanted to keep this one simple and essentially highlight a capsule collection of pieces that I feel every person should own and keep in heavy rotation this season. When it comes to the basics, a turtleneck and a good mid-wash pair of jeans can be the foundation for a variety of looks and take you through 3 out of the 4 seasons, if you reside in the northeast. Since I decided to focus on the simplicity and chicness of each garment I knew that accessories and shoes would play a major role in tying this ensemble together. For footwear, I chose to recycle an older pair of heeled sandals that I still absolutely love and seemed to compliment the wash of the denim perfectly. I was also quite pleased with how the navy metallic finish stood out and popped against the other darker pieces. For jewelry I decided to go with all silver to really accentuate my statement clutch and keep everything sleek and uniform. I’m sure I’ve said this before, but in my opinion, simplicity is truly underrated. An outfit like this one can take you from the office, to happy hour, dinner with the family, or even just shopping on a random afternoon. As imperative as I think it is to cultivate your style and identity, I think it’s just as important to appreciate those go-to classic pieces that will keep you looking fashionable for decades to come. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Eggie

Sleeveless Turtleneck- Eggie

Jeans- William Rast

Heels- DKNY

Watch & Bracelets- Daniel Wellington

In ASM Shop

PUFFER JACKETS

February 3, 2019 No Comments

Finding new ways to make a statement with your outfit especially during the Winter season can be quite challenging, and that’s why generally my shoe choices and outerwear tend to become the focal point. Puffer jackets have always been a practical street style essential, but lately they’ve been popping up on everyone’s “must-haves” list. Below I’ve rounded up a few styles that I would totally wear to look stylish while facing the harsh winds and below freezing temperatures. Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks & until next time!

In the vault

BOILER BABE

January 31, 2019 1 Comment

As if I wasn’t obsessed with jumpsuits enough, a new variation has surfaced which has in turn revamped my excitement and need to further add to my collection. Recently, “boiler suits” have become the new trendiest item in street-style, perfect for giving off all the effortlessly cool vibes we all know and love. The only difference I’ve seen between this garment and other statement one-pieces, is the casual and relaxed fit coupled with a somewhat utilitarian structure. That being said, they are just as easy to style and are perfect for those on the go days when outfit preparation is not feasible. Because pieces like this are essentially an all-in-one outfit, I was faced with the challenge of creating a look that was slightly more interesting than just throwing it on straight from the hanger. To solve this issue, I immediately knew that layering would be my best bet. Though reaching for a turtleneck was my first instinct, I decided to try a different style of top that would still highlight the suit’s design. It didn’t take long before my attention was captured by a neutral colored knit, accented with a zip closure along the neck. Believe it or not, this is my first sweater in this style and I couldn’t help but get a sense of the 70’s after putting it on. To add a bit more texture, I decided to showcase my new booties in a bold muti-colored snake print. I love these shoes because aside from being complete head turners, they can literally go with anything due to the burgundy, cream, blue, and grey tones throughout the pattern. At this point, while my look was nearly complete, I still felt like something was missing. Outwear isn’t something I feature often on my blog, but due to the severe temperatures we’ve been facing lately, I felt it was absolutely necessary. I’ve been on the hunt for a shorter puffer jacket this season and just when I thought I had missed my chance, I stumbled upon this heather grey beauty! Aside from the color, the overall cut, fabric, and style perfectly aligned with the theme of this ensemble in the most practical yet chic way. Let me know in the comments your favorite piece(s) from this look and what staple items you’ve been reaching for to brave this 2019 Winter. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Topshop

Jumpsuit- Topshop

Jacket- Mango

Boots- Jeffrey Campbell

In ASM Shop

2018 GIFT GUIDE

December 16, 2018 No Comments

Still need gift ideas? Not to worry, I too am a last minute holiday shopper and would love to be of service! Below I’ve rounded up a few ideas for the men, women, and acquaintances in your life that you may need to shop for this season. Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks and remember, presents aren’t what make the holidays special, it’s the quality time shared between loved ones that makes it all worthwhile. Until next time!

FOR HIM:

FOR HER:

NEUTRAL:

In the vault

FUR FRENZY

November 21, 2018 No Comments

Growing up in the North East, I’ve truly come to appreciate each and every season. From the wardrobe changes and nostalgic feelings that come with them, it seems like there’s always something to look forward to. Now that we’re on the cusp on Winter, it is prime time to bring out all of those cozy textures that keep us warm and looking chic! Over the years faux furs have become a Fall/Winter staple and, aside from being just another fashionable piece, are now crafted to look and feel just as good if not better than the real thing! This year, I was determined to add a new coat to my collection that was still for the most part, practical, functional, and eye-catching. I wasn’t necessarily looking for a fur, but when I saw this one I knew it I had to at least try it on. To my surprise, upon doing so, I fell in love with the color, fit, and weight of the outerwear garment and knew it had to be mine! Because this was such a statement making piece, I wanted to be strategic with how I styled it. While I knew I wanted to incorporate neutral tones, I didn’t want to play it too safe by styling an all black/cream outfit. On another shopping trip shortly thereafter, I found this amazing houndstooth midi skirt that had just enough detail to keep the look interesting and dimensional, without taking away from or clashing with the coat. Since faux fur pieces can definitely be a little bulky for some, I made sure to keep the other items of the ensemble sleek and form fitting, including a textured short sleeved mock-neck t-shirt I found. To finish off the look, I decided to add a pop of color with an old pair of orange sock booties, and gold hoops for some extra sass. I know for a fact I’ll be layering this coat over almost anything this season from the most casual to festive and formal outfits. Let me know in the comments your go-to faux fur garments or accessories and how you like to style them for this time of year. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- H&M

Top- & Other Stories

Skirt- Zara

Boots- Zara

Earrings- & Other Stories