flare – A Styled Mind

In the vault

A CASUAL CHRISTMAS

December 21, 2018 1 Comment

As much as I love the holiday season, I find that sometimes the more lowkey celebrations end up being the best and most memorable. For instance, living in a major city, I find that there is so much hype that comes with preparing for Christmas and New Years that sometimes it can just be an overpriced, under-whelming experience. That being said, I decided to scale things back and style a look perfectly fit for a house party or any type of otherwise “mild” festivities. This year in particular, turtlenecks have really become a staple in my wardrobe so I couldn’t head into 2019 without showcasing this neon green number. I’ve honestly been sitting on this piece for a while as I wasn’t sure if it was too trendy, or if I could pull it off without looking like I was trying too hard. Per usual, I just followed my gut and created a look that I felt comfortable and confident in (which is all that really matters). I recently went to a sample sale and I don’t know about you guys, but for me, those can be some of the most overwhelming environments imaginable. Though I love finding a good deal, the time and effort it takes to sift through the racks while racing to find the “best” pieces before someone else can come and snatch them from your hands, really adds a pressure that I could live without. All in all I survived, and ended up leaving with a chic pair of high-waisted kick flare jeans featuring a 6 button closure and contrast white stitching. Because I wasn’t working with the traditional holiday colors, I wanted to add a bit of sparkle to really bring out that festive undertone. Another trend I’ve been experimenting with a lot more this season is socks paired with heels. I really find this to be such a cute and subtle accent that can easily bring interest to a look that is simple or plain. Funny enough, I didn’t even realize that the socks I decided to wear coordinated perfectly with the white buttons on my trousers. I chose to layer them under a pair of satin heeled sandals which I felt highlighted the sleekness of the look, while the bow detail tied in the overall holiday theme. Lastly, I came across an iridescent beaded bag that I didn’t even know I needed, but totally helped bring all of the elements of my outfit together in the most beautiful way. The variety of colors in this tiny accessory helped to compliment the boldness of my top, while also playing off of the shiny metallic texture of the socks. For the most part I’m definitely planning on keeping things casual this year (though anything can happen, lol). Comment below if you enjoy elaborate holiday celebrations or smaller, more understated gatherings. Happy holidays to you all, & until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Zara

Jeans- Ulla Johnson

Socks- H&M

Heels- Mango

Bag- Free People

In the vault

SASSY STAPLES

February 28, 2017 2 Comments

While it may be a wonderful idea to have a killer outfit every single day, in reality, we all have those moments where we truly have no idea what to wear. During these times I tend to stick to the more staple items in my closet; you know, jeans, t-shirts, button ups, etc. That said, there is so much variety in fashion, even your basic pieces don’t necessarily have to be…BASIC. On this particular shooting day, I was going through this exact dilemma and while I didn’t mind reaching for one of my many white tops, I still wanted my look to have a bit of “pizzazz!” At that point, I remembered that I had recently purchased a shirt that was slightly cropped, had elongated sleeves, and a lace-up detail on the back; it was PERFECT. This leads me to my next staple, jeans. While the skinny-fit is probably still one of the most popular, I find that during the day if not worn with heels, it can also be the most casual. In my opinion, other cuts of denim and darker washes usually tend to elevate the ensemble while making it appear more put together; hence why I opted for my favorite (and only) pair of flares. I absolutely love wearing these nautical inspired jeans because they have the perfect snug fit around the hips and make my legs look super long, which is a HUGE plus for us shorter ladies. Simple looks like this allow a lot of room for accessorizing, but as I am still growing my collection, I just grabbed some aviators and threw on a red lip for a pop of color. A statement bag could definitely take this look to the next level, but if you’re feeling as laid back as I was, a leather tote will do the trick just the same. I finished off the look with a pair of black and brown minimal heels and was ready for a day of shopping, brunching, and a nice walk around the city. Never forget, no matter how “basic” or intricate your look may appear, it’s all in the details. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top: Zara

Jeans: Express

Heels: Urban Outfitters

Bag: Baggu

In ASM Shop

BELL SLEEVES

April 7, 2016 No Comments

The bell sleeve trend is yet another style that has become increasingly popular from the 70’s decade. Whether subtle or theatrical, this detail is a great way to add some extra flare to any ensemble. I’m personally a fan, so I’ve rounded up some picks that have caught my eye recently. Happy shopping! (Don’t forget to click the images below to shop my picks!)

In the vault

DENIM FLARES

October 19, 2015 48 Comments

One of the reasons why I love fashion so much is because it allows for freedom of expression and an overall fun, confidence boosting experience. Yet with that being said, still, “the fashion gods that be” try to attach rules and regulations; but we all know rules are meant to be broken 😉 . For a long time one of the major fashion DON’TS was denim-on-denim. Currently though, it is a trend that is highly celebrated and much less despised…if done correctly of course. In my opinion, the key to successfully executing an all denim look is pairing together pieces that provide enough of a contrast in color, so as not to look like the dreaded “Canadian tuxedo.” I wanted the focal point of this 70’s inspired western look to be my dark wash flare jeans. In order to compliment the warm tones associated with the fall and keep the retro vibe, I used my Mom’s suede embellished headband as a scarf and my tan block heels for height. I must admit, I am quite pleased with this trendy look and look forward to more mildly cool days so that I can continue to provide some fall fashion inspiration!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Urban Outfitters

Jeans- Express

Heels- Zara

Scarf- Vintage