minimalism – A Styled Mind

In the vault

CITY SUMMER!

May 19, 2023 1 Comment

I think I’ve mentioned recently, that I’m in a space within my shopping journey where I only want to add things to my closet that I absolutely love; and because of that, I’ve become a lot more selective with the things I buy and ultimately keep. That said, this way of thinking has also helped me to distinguish the “must-haves” vs the trendy pieces I feel like I need just because they’re all over my timeline. I’ve gone through many phases when it comes to how I’ve built my wardrobe over the years, and aside from denim, another prominent time was my “jumpsuit era.” At one point they literally became my go-to garment regardless of the setting, time of day, or occasion and I was here for it! I mean, who doesn’t love a low maintenance all-in-one piece?!? While things have since diversified overall, I was quickly reminded of my subtle obsession when I saw this piece (ironically) scrolling through the gram. As soon as I was able to pinpoint the brand, my investigative research began and I quickly found her! Everything from the light sage color (very on trend for the season), to the intricate hardware, and open back intrigued me; I was SOLD. As if things couldn’t get any better, I also found it on sale with only one left in my size so I knew it was fate! Upon receiving it I was even more in love and beyond excited to bring this ensemble to life! Though the shade is fairly muted, it’s also quite distinct so it was a bit tricky trying to figure out what accessories would be the most complimentary. Finally, I decided on a chocolate brown pair of heeled sandals and matching sunnies which I thought were the perfect accent. In efforts to highlight the contrast white stitching, I added a geometric shoulder bag for extra depth and interest. Gold jewelry was the obvious choice, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled for this effortlessly chic look. All of the elements played off of each other in the most seamless way and I personally cannot wait to wear this outfit ASAP IRL (LOL). Comment below your favorite featured item and 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

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 the vault

PRE-FALL PREP!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

Anyone who is even remotely into fashion, or shopping for that matter, knows that most designers are usually at least one season ahead when it comes to production. This means, that although it may still be hot outside, you will begin to see heavier pieces like knits and jackets slowly being integrated onto retailer’s websites and in stores. By this time of year, I am absolutely anticipating the Fall season and strategically buying garments that I know for a fact can be styled during the cooler months. (PRO-TIP: Start looking for key staples like leather jackets, trench coats, knitwear, etc. now because by the time you need them they’ll be sold out and/or severely marked up in price!) Being a style blogger, I am usually in the know about a lot of things regarding upcoming trends and fashion forecasts. That being said, one of my favorite things has to be learning from other creators in this space especially when it comes to new brands that I’ve never heard of or are based outside of the U.S. regions. My slip dress collection has definitely grown over the years, but this particular frock may be my favorite one to date. Aside from the rich color and smooth metallic-like finish, the double-lined fabric and seamless fit were an absolute dream! I’ve always considered these dress styles more on the casual side, but this one changed my perspective entirely and proved that they can be worn even in more formal settings. In efforts to keep it as the focal point of the ensemble, I chose an understated and slightly monochrome color palette to complete the outfit. I opted to layer with a neutral beige blazer, and contrast with a textured black handbag and mules. On this rare occasion, I chose to forego sunglasses but stuck to my usual gold jewelry as a final touch. This ensemble definitely gave me all of the autumnal feels and dare I say, ready for Summer to come to an end??? Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

TONAL TRENDS!

July 19, 2022 No Comments

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!

In the vault

SUITED & BOOTED!

March 18, 2021 No Comments

If I had to choose one ensemble to reflect my personal style, a strong contender would definitely be a suit or co-ord of some kind. It’s no secret how much I love tailoring as well as matching sets mainly because they are always timeless and chic. For quite a few years now I’ve noticed how much suiting has really become a staple as we move into the warmer months, specifically in brighter colors. That being said, I’ve also greatly appreciated the more retro takes on these garments like the version I shared in this post. While I could have absolutely gone for a bolder shade, I was instantly sold when I saw the neutral option. This set was extremely reminiscent of the popular 90’s fashion trends, featuring a cropped jacket and mini skirt. I also loved that it came in a shade that would pair seamlessly with nearly anything! That aside, I still played it a bit safe and complimented the look with what seemed like the most obvious color option; black. I had been gifted a pair of tights that I was excited to try out mainly because they are made to be much more durable than the average pair; and for us long nail wearers, this was right up my alley! Additionally, I was also waiting on the perfect opportunity to style my new knee-high boots that I had actually been eyeing since the holiday season and just recently went on sale. To lighten up the look a tad, instead of layering a solid, dark top, I chose a striped fitted turtleneck instead. Lastly, for a subtle pop of color, I decided to complete the outfit with an olive green bag, my silver geometric frames, and matching jewelry. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- Zara

Skirt- Zara

Turtleneck- Free Assembly x Walmart

Tights- UNBRK

Boots- Mango

In the vault

SNOW DAZE!

February 25, 2021 No Comments

If I’m thinking optimistically, it might be safe to say that this will be my last Winter styling post until later in the year. This season has been a pretty brutal one weather wise, and while it was quite beautiful to see, I think I can wait until the end of 2021 before witnessing another snowflake fall. I’ve noticed a lot of brands coming out with Spring and even Summer items; and though it feels a bit too soon to purchase, it won’t be long before those seasons are directly upon us. I saw this neutral tube dress and initially looked at it as completely unwearable at the present moment. That said, I still listened to my gut and decided to buy it anyway. Understandably, it may have made the most sense to just wait to style it, but I couldn’t help myself! Instantly I began brainstorming different ways to make this piece more weather appropriate and layering was probably the most obvious solution. Because the frock was already a knit material, I didn’t want to pair another sweater-like garment underneath. As if the timing could not have been any better, I remembered that I was recently sent a pinstriped shirt which became the perfect complimentary piece. I decided to really lean into this preppy style by fastening all of the buttons for a more classic and modest vibe. Though we still have a few more weeks left of cold, I’m officially ready to embrace the lighter colors in my closet so I chose not to weigh down the outfit with black shoes. Instead, I reached for a pair of cream-colored ankle booties, which seemed to elevate everything quite nicely. For added warmth, I threw on an old longline denim jacket which I surprisingly still get compliments on every time I pull it out of my wardrobe. As far as accessories go, I opted for an opalescent pair of sunglasses and chandelier earrings featuring pearl accents which really tied the two together seamlessly. Lastly, I grabbed a navy bag for a slight contrast and my ensemble was complete! I loved how this look turned out and was happy to challenge myself by creating a cold-weather outfit that didn’t feel weighed down by an abundance of dark shades. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Shirt- Hunky Dory

Dress- Zara

Boots- Looks Like Summer

Bag- Jeff Wan

Sunglasses- Dezi

In the vault

ELEVATED SWEATS!

February 10, 2021 No Comments

I think by now this “quarantine life” has gotten to all of us in some way or another. Up until this point, I had never really worked sweat suits into my everyday style, but now, they’re probably what I wear the most! Being comfortable and casual is pretty much the only way to describe my style these days, so I figured why not lean into it and create a look based on the pieces I find myself in majority of the time. This beige co-ord happens to be one of at least four loungewear sets I’ve purchased over the last 6 months. The neutral color and soft cozy fabric instantly attracted me and I knew I had to have it! While I would easily wear this set around the house as is, complimented by my fuzzy slippers, I decided to challenge myself to style it in a way that was a bit more presentable in the event that I was actually leaving the house. I also recently ordered this hybrid faux leather and camel trench coat which I was dying to style before we transition out of the Winter season. Initially when pairing these items, I was concerned that everything would just blend together because of the similar neutral shades. To prevent this from happening, I knew I had to integrate more contrast so each garment could shine on its own. I started by layering the sweater with a thin grey knit. This broke up the tan hues making a clear distinction between the pieces even though they were so close together. To further separate the coat, I added a chunky gold chain-link necklace to really emphasize the stacked fabrics and add a pop of interest since I was working with a very muted palette. Lastly, I knew I didn’t want to opt for basic black boot, so instead I reached for my favorite snake-print style which added some unexpected color and texture to the overall look. To further elevate the ensemble, I kept on my leather gloves which I felt brought a sense of sophistication and practicality. While I was initially hesitant that this outfit would be too plain, I loved how it turned out and look forward to doing more sweat suit styling challenges as 2021 progresses. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Asos

Sweater- Zara

Pants- Zara

Boots- Jeffrey Campbell- similar

Necklace- Zara

In Collabs

ASM X JEFF WAN

February 1, 2021 No Comments

When it comes to deciding on brands to collaborate with, my process is fairly simple. I tend to ask myself the same 2 questions: “do I have a history with this company?” and, “does this brand have a product that I would actually wear/use in real life?” If everything checks out, it’s usually full steam ahead. After being contacted by the Jeff Wan team, which I was already familiar with, I quickly jumped at the opportunity! Aside from the unique take on accessories with the iconic “lunch box” shape, the quality and craftsmanship is truly unmatched. After filling out a quick survey and listing my top 3 selections, I was thrilled to receive the style that was at the top of my list! As soon as I saw it on the website, it instantly became my favorite. When it comes to styling, I love the color blue because although it can be vibrant, it can also pair with so many things in the way that a neutral shade does. In addition to that, I loved the graphic design that adorned this piece truly making it a showstopper from every angle! Coincidentally, I had been scouring the internet in search of the perfect pair of two-tone jeans. I’ve recently mentioned this popular trend and because I am personally a fan, I wanted to make sure I had something in my closet aside from footwear that fit the bill! This could not have been a more perfect match, as the shades of blue in the denim seamlessly highlighted the varying hues on the bag. In efforts to desaturate the look, I chose to incorporate a cream-colored cut out knit and coordinating cowboy boots. Surprisingly, the hardest part was trying to figure out which piece of outerwear I wanted to complete this ensemble. Because we are still in the midst of Winter, I am challenging myself to continue showcasing more practical outfits that can be worn in this very moment. Once I settled on my plush brown teddy coat, I threw on the largest pair of sunglasses I own and was just about done. As a final touch, I added gold abstract hoops to accent the hardware on my bag and was ready to step out in style! I absolutely loved how this look turned out, especially when it came to the balance of warm and cool tones. I know for a fact that this bag will be in heavy rotation especially as we make our way into the Spring and Summer seasons! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Bag- Jeff Wan

Boots- & Other Stories

Sunglasses- DEZI

In the vault

AUTUMNAL ATTITUDE!

November 25, 2020 No Comments

There’s something about the tones and color palettes during this time of year that truly warm my spirit. Whether you’re a lover of light neutrals, warm shades of brown, or just prefer to stick to a classic black ensemble, all of these combinations represent my favorite cozy season! For this look, I wanted to try to create the ultimate autumnal outfit which consisted of elements from each of the categories previously listed. Like everyone else, I have been obsessed with shades of chocolate and caramel since before Fall even began. In addition to that, I feel like I’ve been collecting every knitwear piece on the market which has been both exciting yet concerning for my wallet, LOL! While I typically end up unintentionally purchasing a few of my ensemble pieces together, every item in this look was added to my wardrobe on a completely separate occasion. Surprisingly, this time around, I had all of my accessories first. The sunglasses and heels had been in my closet for quite some time, but the bag was a newer find. From the moment I saw it online with it’s rich color and quilted texture, I knew it would be the perfect seasonal staple. I had also been eyeing up a pair of brown leather trousers that were unfortunately sold out in my size. Though it took me some convincing, I decided to settle on the black pair and I could not have made a better decision! Aside from being buttery soft, the seam details and fit are an absolute dream! The cut-out knit top was one of the last garments to complete this ensemble and though it definitely worked, I still felt like something was missing to tie everything together. At the last minute I remembered that I had been gifted a cream denim “shacket” and it was the very piece I was looking for. The tortoise buttons accentuated the bag and the overall color provided balance since the bottom half of the outfit was so dark. In my opinion, I would definitely say I succeeded in curating the perfect chic Autumn look! Comment below if you would wear this outfit and for what occasion. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Alex Mill NY

Top- Zara

Trousers- Artitzia

Shoes- Zara

Bag- Mango

Sunglasses- Mango