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In the vault

TEXTURE CLASH!

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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!

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In the vault

CHAPTER ONE!

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A new beginning. A fresh start. Regardless of how you choose to view it, we’ve been given another opportunity to make the most of the time we have on this planet. Despite what you failed to accomplish or what has yet to happen, the first of the year represents an overall reset as well as a chance to write a new chapter in this book called “life.” I chose to enter 2024 with a mindset of peace and gratitude from the comfort of my own home. With everything going on in the world, I wasn’t feeling very celebratory and like many, I felt reluctant going out when I still have so much work to do to get to where I ultimately want to be. That said, as a fashion and style content creator the festive looks still had to be captured! Had I gone out, I would’ve most likely pulled from my closet (surprising I know) and kept the overall vibe comfortable yet chic. The last time I wore this white feather-trimmed blazer was during my first trip to Paris in 2022, and it has always remained a special piece in my wardrobe. Thanks to one of my brand partners, I was also kindly gifted these sequin trousers which seemed like the most fitting garment for the occasion. Because I was working with two rather bold items, I wanted to keep my accessories fairly minimal with a metallic heeled sandal and my usual jewelry; though I did spice it up with a rhinestone and pearl necklace, which perfectly accentuated the plunging neckline. I wanted to keep this post short and sweet, but as far as the new year goes, the theme is: temporary sacrifice, for long-term success. Of course I still plan to sprinkle in some fun along the way, but I really want to push myself to focus on the things I can control while putting in the work to create the life I deserve. Comment below if this resonates with you and how you’re planning to walk into day 1 of 365. We got this!

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In the vault

HOLLY JOLLY!

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I can’t believe we’re at the end of yet another year! With Christmas right around the corner, the only thing I’m focused on is maintaining my peace, while staying present and grateful this festive season. This year, I began a new video series showcasing my weekly office outfits over on Instagram and this one actually made the cut! Though I did opt for different footwear (specifically, boots) when I initially wore this ensemble, it made quite the statement at this year’s holiday party! Red has been one of the main standout colors of 2023, so it was only right that I share my own interpretation when the occasion presented itself. A great benefit to wearing vibrant hues is that they are so eye-catching, your outfit will always look elevated regardless of how simple it actually is. To take it a step further, a bold monochrome pairing adds a streamlined chicness no matter how bright or muted the color palette. So long story short, all it took was a mock neck sweater and satin midi skirt to create a seemingly well thought out look. Now, of course I couldn’t just stop there! In efforts to stay on theme, I knew from the start that I’d be accenting the crimson tones with elements of silver. Starting with my shoes, these demure closed toe heels have been an absolute staple in my wardrobe from the moment I bought them! They provide just enough interest and shine, while still remaining subtle enough to compliment a variety of styles whether formal or casual. In preparation for all of the upcoming festivities, I found myself wanting to update some of my costume jewelry pieces; and from the moment I saw these earrings, I was sold! In all honesty, though I did love them, I couldn’t help but feel like maybe the “shoulder-grazers” were a bit too much; but there was only one way to find out. After receiving them in the mail and trying them on with a few of my closet favorites, I knew I had made the right decision and could not have been more pleased with how this look turned out! As a final touch I added my everyday rings, a beaded bag to match, and was fully ready for a merry evening with family, friends, or even coworkers! Comment below if/where you’d wear this outfit, along with your favorite featured item. Until next time!

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In the vault

ROSETTE ROMANCE!

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To trend or not to trend, that is the question! When it comes to items that seemingly become popular “overnight,” especially within the fashion world, there can be an increased pressure to fully dive-in and indulge. Over the years however, I’ve found that acting on impulse usually results in regret and a little extra thought can go a long way. When it comes to trendy pieces, I try to ask myself 3 questions: “Is this a need or a want? Does this truly represent my personal style? Will I still wear this after the hype dies down?” Now don’t get me wrong, not every decision needs to be this deep or require this much analysis but it can be a starting point. How we represent ourselves through clothing should be fun, experimental, and ever-evolving. That said, if you’re interested in trying something slightly outside of your comfort zone, finding a dupe at a lower price point could be a better alternative until you decide if it’s worth the full commitment. When I saw the explosion of the rosette applique, I went through the same process. I was definitely intrigued, but I wasn’t sure if this detail was really “me” or how much I’d actually wear it in the long run. Thus, I decided to wait it out and in the interim started knocking off other pieces from my wish list that I had been wanting for some time. I don’t need to rehash my love of denim, but I spotted this mini skirt last Summer and unfortunately it sold out before I could get my hands on it. The same was the case with this oversized ivory blazer, so when I saw them both restocked I jumped at the opportunity to finally make them mine. Knowing my intention was to pair these garments together, I just needed the missing link to bring my vision to life! As soon as I saw this textured swimsuit (yes, it’s a swimsuit LOL), I knew it would be perfect and it absolutely lived up to my expectations! With my ensemble nearly complete all there was left to do was accessorize. Since my color palette was fairly neutral, I chose to incorporate a striking pop of green with my footwear and a structured navy bag that had subtle neon piping to match. To compliment the hardware, I added some gold jewelry and my newest rimless frames that I’m utterly obsessed with! In my opinion, this look could not have come together better and I will be styling it again before the season ends. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

MIXED METALS!

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I’m sure it’s safe to assume that we all have our preferences when it comes to fashion: items that we love and others that we swear we’ll never be caught dead in; for me personally, white jeans are that thing. I’m not sure if it’s the high maintenance aspect, or that fact that I’ve seen them worn in some incredibly unflattering ways, but either way I cannot stand them. That said, this season I was really on the hunt for a piece that had a similar aesthetic & versatility but was also different enough to make me feel confident while wearing it. I’ve had my fair share of linen pants and trousers but I was determined to find something a bit more casual. After doing some online investigation, it finally hit me; a denim maxi skirt! I’ve been utterly obsessed with this trend since last year and though I have collected quite a few thus far, they’ve all been various shades of blue/black so there was still a void in my wardrobe. Another recent purchase was this monochrome graphic mesh tee which instantly intrigued me as an elevated take on a traditional closet staple. When it comes to accessories, I’ve been enjoying updating my collection with more eye-catching pieces and quickly realized that I was in need of a red bag. However, after narrowing down my options based on what was in my price range and actually in stock, it didn’t take me long to find the cutest leather shoulder bag featuring both silver and gold hardware. Despite it being the perfect size to hold my essentials, I also loved that regardless of my jewelry, it would never clash due to the mixed metal accents. Lastly, I chose to keep it simple while finishing off the ensemble with black heeled wrap sandals and a pair of classic cat-eye sunnies. Comment below your favorite featured item, as well as one garment in general that you would never wear. Until next time!

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In the vault

SLEEK & SIMPLE!

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Believe it or not, this was my first official photoshoot of 2023 and surprisingly it came with a lot more anxiety than expected. I am approaching my 8th year of blogging and despite having done it for so long, after the holiday reset plus taking nearly a month off, I seemed to be second guessing myself more than ever. Though I am comfortable in my style and how I showcase it, for whatever reason it took me a bit longer to get back in the swing of things this time around. That said, with NYFW quickly approaching I knew I couldn’t stay in that mindset for too long as there are many exciting looks I have (and have yet) to plan for! I purchased this jumpsuit towards the end of last year and instantly fell in love from the moment I tried it on. Cargos have been a huge trend, which appear to be here to stay, so I was thrilled to be able to experiment with them via this garment. Because of the current temperatures, I knew layering would be a must and though I had quite a few options to choose from, I decided to keep it sleek and simple with a sleeveless bodysuit in a similar shade. Since I was now working with a fairly dark monochrome base, I chose to lighten up the ensemble with my outerwear and bag choice. My collection of coats has definitely grown over the years and while it may seem excessive to some, in my humble opinion, they all serve a different purpose, mood, and style. Since my overall look was casual, I opted for a relaxed fitting taupe number which still provided a cozy yet effortless statement. For footwear, a classic sock bootie seemed like the best option, however I made sure to incorporate some playfulness with a bold geometric shaped cross-body. Lastly, to tie in the gold hardware, I threw on an abstract hoop earring and my favorite chic rectangular sunnies. I understand this may not be the most complex outfit, but I believe that is the beauty of minimalism and the subtle impact it can provide. I’m interested to see the direction my expression through clothing takes in 2023 and I hope you’ll enjoy what is to come! Until next time!

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In the vault

CORSET CHRONICLES!

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I read a quote that said, “August is the Sunday of Summer” and I’m highly inclined to agree! As we look ahead to the upcoming seasons, I’ve been very intentional about the items that I’m choosing to add to my wardrobe to ensure they are versatile enough to withstand the inevitable temperature changes. In addition to that, I have also been preparing for an exciting Euro trip that will absolutely require some stand-out pieces… but, more to come on that later. Recently, I’ve found myself drawn to a lot of corset and bustier structured tops. I personally believe they are here to stay and will be quite the trend, especially during the transitional periods, since they’re so easy to layer over and under an array of garments. It’s no secret that this particular version was inspired by a few different designers and to my surprise, even at a fraction of the price, the quality exceeded my expectations! The double lined fabric and sweetheart neckline design kept me feeling super supported as well as comfortable, making it an instant win. As a nod to my obsession with juxtaposition and denim, I chose to pair it with yet another set of cargo-like trousers. I was immediately “influenced” when I saw these on a fellow blogger, and absolutely sold by the adjustable ankle strap that allowed for a more tapered look if desired. For footwear, I opted for my trusted sling-back pvc heels and finished off the ensemble with my go-to round black frames which tied all of the dark elements together seamlessly. Since my color palette remained neutral, the option was definitely available to add a pop of color. After giving it some thought however, I decided to balance out the edginess with a touch of glamor and grabbed my newest rhinestone bag as a final statement maker. To match, I quickly threw on some silver jewelry, and another simple yet elevated outfit was complete! I’ve always taken pride in my ability to find and style unique items that pack a punch in understated yet cool ways. Comment below your favorite featured piece and whether you’re still enjoying Summer fashion or ready to jump into more Autumnal vibes. Until next time!

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In the vault

TONAL TRENDS!

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As much as I’ve been embracing bold color trends lately, Summer whites, linens, and neutrals will always be classic seasonal staples! I love the fact that my wardrobe has gotten to such a cohesive place that regardless of when or where I buy a particular item, I can always ensure it will align with a variety of things I already own. Though I am not the biggest fan of white jeans, I happened to come across this gorgeous pair of tailored wide-legged trousers and simply couldn’t pass them up! Since they were already so long and voluminous, I knew that a cropped top would be my best option to not offset the proportions of the ensemble. Despite also getting much more experimental with my dress collection, it’s no secret that statement tops will forever be a prevalent garment and favorite when it comes to my personal style. What I loved most about this specific piece was the fitted bodice and puffy sleeves that brought a touch of drama while still keeping with the light and airy vibe overall. To further accentuate this beachy theme, I knew that tonal accessories would be my only option! I didn’t want to over-complicate the look by incorporating a pop of color and anything black just felt too harsh of a contrast. I recently purchased these tan lace up heeled sandals which perfectly matched a wooden crossbody bag I’ve had for quite a few years now. In efforts to compliment the natural textures, I threw on my go-to rings and a beautiful set of gold earrings that resembled the sun and seamlessly tied all elements of the outfit together. With my oversized aviator sunnies as a final touch, I was ready for the chicest sunset soiree and dancing into the night! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

CITRUS CHIC!

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Now that Summer is officially here, the color trends are as bright as ever and I can honestly say it has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone even more! There aren’t many shades I completely dislike but if I had to pick one, at least in the past, it would’ve been orange. Personally, I never saw it as very wearable and for me, it always seemed to give an unnecessary nod to Halloween. That said, and to my surprise, I stumbled across a few pieces that peaked my interest and I couldn’t resist at least giving them a try! At this point we all know my infatuation with suits and co-ords is at an all time high so when I saw this tangerine number I decided to see if I could make it work. Outside of the striking hue, I was really drawn to the gorgeous tailoring of the blazer and split hem mini skirt which is right up my alley! Upon receiving the garments, I instantly fell in love with the fit and knew I had made the right choice. While I would usually try to offset the saturation with something more toned down, this time, I chose to take a risk and layered with an indigo halter style bralette. I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m the best with color-blocking but this combination was one that I immediately adored! From this point, I began to get a bit stumped when it came to the accessories. I knew incorporating anything black would be entirely too harsh and for some reason my neutral items just weren’t cutting it. After giving it some more thought, I remembered that I had also purchased a beaded bag when I placed my initial order. As soon as I picked up the tomato-colored option I was extremely uncomfortable. Wearing this much color at once was definitely not something I was used to, nor did I think I could pull it off. However, after realizing I also had a pair of mules that were nearly a perfect match, I took a deep breath and committed to the statement making ensemble! I never would’ve guessed I’d style an outfit this bold but I quickly embraced it and it didn’t take long before I felt like myself again. To finish off the look, I threw on some gold jewelry and aviator frames which provided a subtle cool edge. I get so much enjoyment from experimenting with fashion and finding new ways to showcase my style. At the end of the day, if all else fails, you can just as easily take it off and try again! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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In the vault

SOFT TONES!

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As the weather heats up, the more effortless my style becomes and with that, the more I gravitate towards my go-to “uniform.” While some may perceive me as quite “girly,” 90% of the time I’m actually in jeans/trousers. For me, especially when it comes to how I put looks together, I typically feel most comfortable with the top half of my ensemble making the statement while keeping the bottom on the more casual side. I purchased black pants in a similar design last year and when I saw that another brand offered them in beige, I knew they would make for another great closet staple! Unlike the previous pair, these were insanely long but I still managed to make it work for the photoshoot. After doing a bit more browsing online, I saw that the same brand also sold a chic open-back knit polo in a muted green shade. Once I received both items, it was clear that they were essentially meant to be worn together because of how well the garments complimented each other. The softness of the tones and slightly cropped hem of the top seamlessly grazed the high-waisted trouser and couldn’t have been more perfect! Because of the color palette I was working with, I immediately knew that black would be too harsh of a contrast. Instead, I opted for brown accessories which allowed for a more understated juxtaposition. After deciding on my footwear and sunnies, instead of incorporating a matching bag, I figured a white option would be a better suited choice in terms of adding interest and highlighting the unique fold-over detail. Lastly I threw on a few pieces of gold jewelry and was ready for my close up! Outfits like this show that you don’t need the flashiest pieces to stand out. Just a few unexpected design elements can really make your look one to be remembered without overwhelming the onlooker. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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