A Styled Mind
Tag

monochrome

Browsing
In the vault

MAXIMAL MONOCHROME!

No Comments

Purpose. I chose to take a break from NYFW this season for a number of reasons but mainly to gain clarity on my “Why.” I’ve been going consistently since 2015, and as exciting and glamorous as it may seem, it requires a lot of time, money, and energy that can easily leave you feeling drained and burnt out. I feel like I got to this point last year after coming back from Paris in October, and it took me a lot longer than expected to stabilize and get back into the swing of things. For the first time I really had to take a step back and assess if attending fashion week was beneficial to my long term goals, or if it was just something I was doing out of habit and the need to feel “included.” Despite the anticipated FOMO, I also wanted to challenge myself to see what else I could create to expand & differentiate my content if fashion week wasn’t in the mix. That said, I am happy to report that I made the most of my time off and even developed a few new series that I’ve really been enjoying! I say all this to say, sometimes a pause and reset is necessary to remember why you started in the first place & to ensure you remain on track instead of just going through the motions.

Let’s not get crazy though, just because I wasn’t attending doesn’t mean I didn’t plan on shooting some incredible looks! I’ve always approached these seasons as an opportunity to showcase my style but in the most amplified way. For this particular ensemble, I chose to take a maximalist approach to an otherwise fairly monochrome look. I started with this oxblood patent midi skirt, which I actually bought during my first trip to Paris in 2022, and paired it with a leopard print bodysuit. Because we are still in the midst of Winter, I thought adding this patchwork shearling coat in similar tones would be both eye-catching and functional for the occasion. Though I could’ve grounded the outfit with black accessories, I chose to lean into the warm palette by throwing on a pair of brown croc-embossed boots, and a berry-colored bag. What I loved most about how everything came together, is that each piece shined without competing with the others. Can we also have a moment for the textures?! I honestly have no words, except that this quite possibly might make it to my list of top 2024 outfits…but only time will tell! Comment below your favorite featured item(s) and until next time!

Read More
In the vault

CHAPTER ONE!

No Comments

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!

Read More
In the vault

HOLLY JOLLY!

No Comments

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!

Read More
In the vault

SLEEK & SIMPLE!

No Comments

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!

Read More
In the vault

PRE-FALL PREP!

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!

Read More
In the vault

TONAL TRENDS!

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!

Read More
In the vault

CITRUS CHIC!

No Comments

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!

Read More
In the vault

MONOGRAM MOOD!

No Comments

A lot of times it’s hard to get the most use out of garments that are specifically purchased for the season we are currently in. To be honest, majority of the items showcased in this ensemble were bought around Black Friday 2021 and sadly, I’m just now reaching for them. Brown, though extremely trendy, can often be associated with the Fall/Winter months. Knowing this, I was torn between styling them now or waiting until it got cold again but luckily, my excitement got the better of me! In efforts to reflect the “Spring vibes” as much as possible, I knew that my footwear and layering pieces would be crucial. Starting from the bottom, it definitely helped that my trousers though leather also featured cut-out details which really spoke to the warm weather we are slowly beginning to experience. Because I knew that my outerwear was going to be a chunkier monogram cardigan with similar tones, I opted for a stark white cropped tank to break up the chocolate and add an element of brightness to create some much needed dimension. My strappy heeled sandals were the obvious choice as they matched my pants perfectly, and did not weigh the outfit down like a boot or other closed-toe option would. Finally, the accessory I struggled with most had to be, THE BAG! It was tricky because I knew I didn’t want to pair something that was another dark shade, and was also trying to avoid clashing with my sweater’s print. I almost overlooked this cross-body entirely because I frankly thought it would be “too much.” However, after seeing the way everything came together, I couldn’t have made a better choice! I loved how the orange in the illustration helped to highlight the colors in my outwear, which I had hardly noticed prior. To coordinate with the metal accents, I threw on my favorite gold jewelry, some sunnies which helped to complete the monchrome aesthetic, and was ready to roll! Funny enough, I almost scrapped this look entirely and I’m relieved to say I’m so glad I didn’t! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Read More
In the vault

SPRING NEUTRALS!

No Comments

Spring is just about here and I couldn’t be more excited to refresh my wardrobe and get back to showcasing some of my favorite new-in pieces! After doing a ton of shopping last month and getting inspired by all of the designers who presented collections during New York, Milan, and Paris fashion week, I was having a hard time trying to figure out which looks I wanted to style first! In my opinion, this ensemble was the best choice to kick off the season as the garments are literally embossed with a quilted floral pattern; I mean, what could be more perfect?! That said, I also wanted to give one final nod to neutrals before we get hit with a full blast of saturation from all of the color-rich trends that seem to be flooding the in-store and online retailers. When I first saw this co-ord set, I was instantly intrigued and knew it would make for a subtle yet eye-catching statement. With 50% of the outfit already established, all I had to do was figure out how I wanted to layer and accessorize to complete my vision. I recently purchased this cropped white shirt, that I already know will soon become a staple in my closet. I love that the shoulder pads allow the top to maintain it’s structure while also adding an elevated twist to a classic everyday piece. Because I was working with a fairly light color palette overall, I had to be very strategic and mindful of my contrasting elements. In efforts to provide a bit of balance to offset the mini skirt, I threw on my tall leather boots in a beige tone which added a casual juxtaposition to the more feminine details. I completed the styling by adding a gorgeous wine-colored bag for a pop of color and a pair of sharp cat eye frames with a tortoise design. I truly enjoyed this look and it definitely has me ready for longer days, warmer temperatures, and the beauty of seeing everything in bloom! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Read More
In the vault

A FRESH START!

1 Comment

Kicking off the year with an easy yet effective ensemble! In my opinion, having a good sense of fashion isn’t only about being knowledgeable of the history and picking the right clothing, but having the foresight to see how you can repurpose it in a variety of ways to create more than one look. On this particular shopping trip, I was honestly having trouble selecting pieces that I actually loved. So after picking up and putting down a few garments, I made one final lap around the store and immediately stopped in my tracks when I saw this cardigan; which I somehow managed to overlook more than once. Initially it struck me as a somewhat vintage-inspired item that didn’t really mesh well with my personal style. That said, after some quick thinking, a multitude of ideas began to flood my mind. While I am a fan of the over-sized trend, I do think that at times in can become hard to decipher what looks intentional versus just too big. In this case however, it worked to my advantage because I chose to size up and wear this long-line knit as a dress. Being that the “frock” was now the focal point of my outfit, I knew it wouldn’t take much effort to find other complimentary pieces. To truly emphasize the cream shade and further highlight the stark contrast, I layered a thin black turtleneck underneath and grabbed my favorite thigh high leather boots. My accessories were also a no-brainer, considering I really wanted to compliment the gold button detailing. Thus, I incorporated matching jewelry and a bag that featured similar metallic hardware. As a final touch, I threw on some large aviator sunnies and a bold red lip which gave a nod to the more classic elements. Since we are in the midst of Winter, of course this outfit can also be paired with tights as well as an overcoat and/or scarf for added warmth! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Read More
Load More