fall fashion – A Styled Mind

In the vault

AUTUMNAL ACCENTS!

November 22, 2023 No Comments

Denim. Shearling. Tortoise. Leather.

All standout elements that come to mind when I think about the pieces that I want to reflect and highlight my Fall/Winter style. Regardless of how my wardrobe continues to evolve, they always remain a constant with each passing season. I can absolutely admit that my skirt collection has grown exponentially, and while that may be overkill for some, I can appreciate the varying details and uniqueness they bring to each ensemble. For this particular cut-out design, I was immediately intrigued by the voluminous shape the garment held and even more sold on the movement it created with every step. Neutral tones always seem to be a match made in heaven with the autumnal months, and I fully embraced them with this styling session. I decided to throw on a tan ribbed asymmetric bodysuit as my base layer, and further built upon the texture with a cropped cream shearling jacket. Because the overall color palette was fairly light at this point, I chose to ground the look with a rich chocolate croc-embossed pair of boots. As far as accessories go, I kept things fun and coordinated with a beige-hued crossbody featuring abstract drawings by Jean Michel Basquiat and geometric sunnies that perfectly matched the buttons on my top. In efforts to keep the hardware accents consistent, I completed the outfit with chunky gold hoops, dainty rings, and was finally ready for whatever this crisp Fall day had to offer! While it is my favorite season, it seems to be getting shorter with every year so I always feel rushed to wear the items that can stand alone before I’m forced to cover them with much heavier coats. Comment below one piece you’ve been consistently reaching to style this season, as well as your favorite featured item! Until next time!

In the vault

J’ADORE PARIS!

November 17, 2023 No Comments

I have now been to Paris twice, and with each visit my love for the city of lights continues to grow. To be honest, though I enjoyed my trip this past September, I came back feeling quite “thrown off.” My routine was out of sync, I felt depleted creatively, and overall just completely and utterly uninspired. That said, I decided to give myself grace and time to get back into the groove. I went back to filming my weekly office outfits, and slowly but surely began to feel like myself again! From my last blog shoot to now, we have since entered a new season so I wanted to style a look that fully captured where I was in the present moment– and what better way than with a sweatshirt showcasing the last place that brought me so much joy?! I had been eyeing this piece for well over a year now and I’m still baffled that it took me this long to finally pull the trigger. When it comes to the Fall/Winter seasons, I feel like there’s two types of people: ones that lean towards the camel/warm tones and those who prefer the grey/cool tones. I am absolutely the latter. As much as I love those hues on others, if I have to choose between two coats, a neutral taupe is going to win over a rich caramel every single time. I’d say this is most likely because I tend to ground the majority of my outfits with some element of black, and whenever I ‘ve tried to incorporate a warmer brown shade into my wardrobe it hardly gets worn. So with that bit of insight, I pretty much knew exactly how I was going to assemble this look. Though they were slightly different shades, I thought the color of my top and pleated mini skirt were close enough that I could use this an an opportunity for a monochrome foundation ( we also know I LOVE a co-ord set moment). In efforts to play into the “collegiate” trend and give a nod to my private school uniform days, I also decided to layer with a long-sleeved poplin bodysuit, which perfectly complimented the stark white lettering. For juxtaposition purposes, I thought a chunky knee-high boot would add a bit of grit to the ensemble and offset the preppy feel. Lastly, I threw on my olive vinyl trench to complete the styling and was beyond satisfied with the outcome! I kept my accessories sleek with classic square frames and a leather bag featuring silver hardware that effortlessly coordinated with my staple everyday jewelry. In my opinion, this was the perfect introduction back into blogging and I’m excited to finish out the year strong with some holiday looks and much needed festive content. Until next time!

In the vault

TRENCH TIME!

November 18, 2022 No Comments

As expected, the mildly cool temperatures were short lived and the forecast seems to be dropping rapidly by the day. That said, it still hasn’t stopped me from attempting to get as much wear out of my coats as possible. I believe I mentioned in a previous blog post how important it is to shop at least one season ahead. Aside from just being overly prepared and not left to scramble for the most coveted pieces at that very moment, it also allows you to get the full use out of your items for the timeframe they were intended for. I scored this trench coat (ON SALE) towards the end of the Summer and while it did feel a bit strange shopping for outerwear at the time, it couldn’t have been a more perfect decision. Upon receiving it, I instantly fell in love with the color, length, and oversized relaxed fit that gave an effortless edge to anything I paired it with. Despite already planning to keep my ensemble fairly casual, I still wanted to add some interest with a variety of textures. Another recent wardrobe addition was this black corset that was also a must-have at first glance. Bustier tops have been absolutely everywhere over the last few years and the trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. For a bit of added warmth, I layered it with a sheer turtleneck and my vision was nearly complete! I chose to ground the look with some light-wash denim and a sleek sock bootie (I’ll always take the extra height, LOL). While I was pleased with the outfit overall, I still felt like there was room for a few more eye catching elements. In efforts to not go too far outside of the color palette, I decided to incorporate a pony hair cow-print bag and some green acetate frames for a subtle punch of color. Though the year is quickly coming to an end, the looks won’t be slowing down whatsoever! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

PUMPKIN SPICE!

November 6, 2022 1 Comment

Pumpkin spice season is officially among us and I’m ready to dive in! I must say, my Fall wardrobe has me beyond excited to create tons of new content and finally enjoy the cooler temperatures (in the most stylish way possible of course)! Additionally, what I love most about some of my latest autumnal closet additions is that I really took advantage of the sales. Believe it or not, so many items were already discounted during the summer from last year, and I did not hesitate to score some absolute gems (that are still full-priced on certain websites, might I add). I’ve been waiting to finally pull this knit set out for months now and as my first blog post of the season, it could not have been a more ideal introduction! The rich, warm color of the garments accented with the perfect amount of tortoise shell buttons had me sold from the very beginning. Also, in terms of versatility, the styling options with this co-ord are endless and I definitely plan to experiment with them all! This look came together seamlessly and simultaneously allowed for a chance to showcase a few more accessories I’ve been obsessed with! To be honest, I was totally gutted when the heel broke on my chocolate croc boots from last year. That said, it allowed me to make room for a new pair that I love even more with impeccable quality! Lastly, I continued to play off of the tortoise accents with my current favorite sunnies, and a top handle box bag which I’ve had for YEARS that never seems to get old! A few pieces of gold jewelry to tie everything together and the outfit was complete! I could not be more thrilled for the crisp air, hot drinks, statement coats, and holiday activities that are quickly approaching! Comment below your favorite thing about Fall and until next time!

In the vault

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS!

September 23, 2022 No Comments

Accessories, or “outfit enhancers” were never a focal point for me or what I had ever considered a top priority when it came to styling my looks. I think because I’m such a creature of habit, for a long time having neutral shoes, bags, and essentially wearing the same jewelry daily was enough for me and I let the ensemble itself be the statement. That being said, over the last few years my perspective has definitely changed and I’ve grown to see their importance as well as find enjoyment in expanding my personal collection. Let’s start from the top, shall we?! I saw this necklace on one of my favorite fashion content creators and from that moment on, it never left my brain. The two-toned metals, chunky construction, and overall boldness constantly replayed in my head to the point where I had to at least do some research and see if it was a feasible investment. To no surprise, it was not a cheap accessory but it also wasn’t completely out of reach either. After a bit more digging, I found an online boutique that had it in stock at a pretty significant discount and saw that as a sign to pull the trigger! While I knew this piece could literally go with just about anything, whether toned down or for a more formal occasion, I still wanted to wait until I found something that really peaked my interest before showcasing it. When given the opportunity to partner with one of my favorite retailers, I stumbled upon this olive mini dress and though I didn’t get it right in that moment, the color and plunging neckline alone was enough to make me add it to my wish list. It didn’t take long before I went back for the frock and just as expected, my vision was nearly complete! From that brand collaboration also came these incredible shoes and yes, they’re wedges! Though I am a “heel girl,” this particular style is one that I was convinced I would NEVER revisit. However, as soon as I laid my eyes on these architectural beauties, I was sold and knew I needed these works of art in my wardrobe! To complete the look and tie everything together, I decided to add some texture with what is easily becoming one of my most worn bags. Lastly, I threw on some classic black rectangular frames and a red lip for an extra pop of color! I was beyond pleased with how this outfit came together and am looking forward to playing around with a lot more eye-catching accessories as we head into the Fall season. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In Collabs

ASM X REVOLVE!

August 31, 2022 No Comments

When it comes to shopping, there’s nothing like finding a retailer that provides a “one-stop-shop” experience. From clothing, to accessories, and even health & beauty items, nothing makes me happier than having a seamless shopping experience; and that’s exactly what Revolve provides. I’ve been a consistent customer for awhile now, but things have definitely picked up over the last few years. I love that I can easily shop my favorite brands, while simultaneously being introduced to new ones along the way. They also do a great job of stocking items from a wide price point range. Whether opting for something inexpensive or splurging on a luxury good, this platform has mastered catering to a variety of fashion lovers regardless of their budget!

I was generously given the opportunity to select a few things from the website, which was perfect timing as we’re about to enter fashion month. Not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated by the amount of options I had to choose from. However, after some thorough digging and analyzing the voids in my wardrobe, I slowly but surely narrowed it down to my top picks. One of the pieces that were an instant standout, was this denim maxi skirt. Talk about serving THE DRAMA! This garment was bold, chic, and edgy all in one. I have to say though, upon looking at it and seeing how high the slit was, I was a little concerned about whether it would be “too much” for me; but that didn’t stop me from giving it a try! Upon receiving it, I definitely had to play around with the styling to see what made me the most comfortable, especially since I’m typically not a low-rise kind of girl. That said, I quickly became at ease and completely fell in love! As far as tops go, despite initially trying it on with a black option, I knew that I was pairing the matching shoe with another look and since Summer isn’t quite over yet, I didn’t mind going for a lighter color. Instead of using this as an opportunity to style it with something more toned down, I did the exact opposite and in true maximalist fashion, chose another eye-catching number that I had yet to debut. While this unique construction may be risque to some, in my opinion, it truly embodies the artistic design elements that make fashion so intriguing.

When it came to footwear, my white mules were the obvious choice (another Revolve find). For a minute I was slightly unsure about the bag, but eventually decided on an understated navy option with neon piping. Lastly, I played off of the hardware to tie in my gold jewelry and threw on some cat eye frames as a final touch! This ensemble is definitely in the running for my favorite of 2022 and I cannot wait to showcase these items in a variety of ways. Don’t forget to check out the carousel featuring my Revolve clothing favorites, as well as statement heels located at the bottom of this post! Happy shopping and leave a comment if you also own, or plan to purchase any of my recommendations. Until next time!

In the vault

SHEARLING CHIC!

December 10, 2021 No Comments

Diving into Winter style and for me, it’s all about staying warm while looking chic! To be honest, this year I acquired a handful of exciting pieces that I’ve been dying to share, and this shearling coat was definitely a part of that haul. Aside from the overall quality, I was immediately attracted to the variety of neutral shades that created a sort of “patchwork” design on the garment. It should be no surprise that the color brown is here to stay so I really wanted to create a look that highlighted all of the different hues as well as the gorgeous plush texture. While I knew my outerwear was a showstopper in it’s own right, there was still room to add a few more statement elements. I had been eyeing this bodysuit for quite some time, and made no hesitations to purchase when it finally came back in stock! I personally loved the design, especially the ring details that gave a bit of edge to an otherwise standard cut out detail. Once my sweet tooth was finally satisfied from all of the chocolate, I decided to balance the look with a classic pair of mid-wash jeans featuring a raw hem. To me, denim always does a great job of grounding an ensemble especially when there are multiple eye-catching styles that could potentially compete. I also chose to keep my accessories fairly tame with sleek leather sock booties, gold jewelry, and aviator frames that subtly mimicked the warmth that the outfit radiated. Have you invested in cocoa-colored items this year?? If so, comment your favorite new addition below and until next time!

In the vault

CABLE KNIT CRAZE!

December 1, 2021 No Comments

When it comes to Fall and Winter textures, the cozier the better! I always find myself gravitating towards chunky cable knit sweaters in a variety of forms, and 2021 has been no different! This year, I was on the hunt for a mini dress that I could wear with taller boots and though initially I was looking for something more relaxed, I couldn’t pass on this fitted style. What truly sold me was the unique patterns and woven stitching that really made this frock an incredible show-stopper! The amount of detail that went into the construction of the piece was unlike anything I had seen on the market thus far, so I knew I had to add it to my collection! As if things couldn’t get any better, upon receiving this garment, I was surprised to find out just how structurally rigid it was. Generally, knit items are known to come with quite a bit of stretch which has its pros and cons. In this instance however, the lack of elasticity worked to my benefit because I didn’t have to worry about it riding up as I walked, which made it a 10 out of 10 without question! At first I thought about layering it under a piece of outerwear, but the distinct intricacies were just too good to hide! That said, I allowed the dress to shine on its own and decided to highlight it with other staple accessories. Using black as my contrasting color, I opted for my newest baguette bag featuring silver zipper accents and my go-to knee high boots. I opted for matching jewelry to keep my hardware consistent and finished off the look with a light tortoise pair of cat-eye frames for an unexpected pop of interest. Though this ensemble didn’t consist of many individual items, each made a statement and came together seamlessly to create a look that I was proud of. Comment below your favorite featured article of clothing or accessory, and don’t forget to shop the carousel for direct links to all pieces as well as other similar styles. Until next time!

In the vault

CARDI CHRONICLES!

November 10, 2021 No Comments

I think because the outdoors and how we interact have been restricted for so long, the way we express ourselves has manifested in many new ways and naturally that has trickled into various fashion trends. While the Fall and Winter seasons are typically known for rather neutral dressing, there seems to be an increased push to continue incorporating brighter, more stand-out shades. As a person who usually grounds their outfits with some element of black, I knew this could be quite challenging if the contrast was too harsh. That being said, when I came across this particular cardigan I decided to give it a try. Though the color may be a bit “Barney-ish” for some (and I don’t necessarily disagree), the overall vibrancy coupled with the dark buttons really sold it for me and made this garment something I knew I could work with. As I began my styling process, I knew this piece would be the showstopper of the look and I didn’t want to risk clashing with any other hues. To keep things simple and casual, I opted for an ensemble that consisted of what I would call, “capsule closet essentials.” A black turtleneck is a must-have in any wardrobe, so I settled on a thin semi-sheer knit for a chic yet classic vibe. From there, while any pair of jeans (preferably light to mid wash) would work, I chose a slightly deconstructed pair featuring a jagged waistband and two-toned pocket accents for added interest. Lastly, I completed the outfit with accessories that matched my top and sweater details for a seamless finish. After applying a few gold pieces of jewelry which highlighted the minimal hardware on my bag, I was good to go! As I’ve stated before I love creating looks that appear plain, but have subtle unexpected qualities that will leave heads turning in whatever room you enter! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

MARBLE MOMENTS!

November 5, 2021 No Comments

Plaid, leopard, and hounds tooth are all prints that come to mind when I think about the Fall and Winter seasons. That being said, there is a new trend that has been gaining popularity and I’ve decided to dive in head first! As a lover of abstract designs, my gravitation towards this marble set did not come as a shock. It has a subtle, yet eye-catching appeal that truly engages the viewer and makes anyone wearing it literally transform into a piece of walking art. Immediately after stumbling upon these garments I was instantly blown away by the detail and knew they needed a place in my wardrobe. Though extremely bold for some, I was certain that the neutral tones used to create this print would make these pieces extremely versatile whether worn as a unit or separately. For my first styling attempt, I chose to pair the top and skirt together creating the illusion of a form fitting frock. At this point it was evident that not much else needed to be done since the foundation of the ensemble was such a statement, however I still had a few key accessories I needed to include. Another trend that has continued to thrive over the last few years is chunky boots. In 2020 I began slowly experimenting with them, but recently I decided to fully commit by adding an off white knee-high pair to my collection. While I could have easily gone for a black or dark brown style, I really wanted to keep the look light and fluid to mimic the overall vibe of the clothing. Sticking with this theme, and to finish off the look, I added a grey crock-embossed bag, tan frames, and a few jewelry pieces that really helped to add those final feminine touches. I don’t think I could have been more pleased with how this outfit turned out, and I can’t wait to recreate it during this holiday party season! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!