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In the vault

ICY BLUES

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It’s officially “coat season” and at this point, my only goal is to balance a level of comfort, warmth, and style. It’s always so funny to me, how every year it seems like cold-weather pieces hit retailers entirely too soon, but before we know it we’re in the midst of Winter still complaining about not having the gloves, scarf, or outerwear we wanted. This year however, I was determined to just go for it; and though at the time I felt like it was too early to be purchasing a coat, I’m so glad I did! I had been eyeing this blue plaid number for at least 3 weeks before pulling the trigger. Aside from it being eye-catching due to the bold color alone, what really sold me was the overall fit! It’s very easy for long wool coats with belted closures to fall into that “bathrobe-esqe” category, especially when they’re over-sized. On the contrary, this piece was constructed beautifully and executed a level of tailoring that truly shined through as soon as I put it on. As this coat was the focal piece, I wanted to layer more neutral items underneath that would only enhance it in a complimentary way. Since there were black accents in the plaid design, I chose to use that shade as well as white for an overall contrasting color palette. I had been gifted this off the shoulder frock during the Summer and decided to use it as an anchor for the rest of the ensemble. From there, I paired it with a striped turtleneck for added warmth and dimension. Lastly, for footwear, it was no-brainer to throw on my slouchy OTK leather boots and silver accessories for a bit of shine. The fact that we have roughly a month left until 2020 really has prompted me to exist in a state of reflection and gratitude. I am thankful for how far I’ve come, where I am currently, and where I’m going despite the hardships that may arise along the way. Comment below your favorite piece from this look and what you are most grateful for. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat: & Other Stories

Sweater: Zara

Dress: Eggie

Boots: Zara

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In the vault

OFF-WHITE

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Of all the days to wear a monochrome-cream outfit, I would choose a day when it was pouring outside. As we move out of the Summer months, unfortunately the risk of unfavorable weather conditions increase. That being said, since I tend to shoot most of my looks outside, it is nice that I live in a major city where there are tons of amazing locations indoors as well, specifically for times like this. In efforts to escape the downpour, I was lucky enough to stumble upon an eccentric boutique named, “American Two Shot.” As soon as I stepped inside and saw the fusion of music, fashion, and photography, as well as a plethora of other quirky trinkets, I knew I had found the perfect spot! Coincidentally, their front display also had the same contrasting palette as my ensemble so it was a minimal match made in heaven! My look was pretty much inspired by off-duty 90’s model vibes, so I chose to style a sleek sleeveless ribbed turtleneck and wide-legged trousers in the same color. I wanted to keep it simple while also making it a point to dispel any, “no white after Labor Day” rumors. I loved how the thick black belt helped to clearly define each piece, and the silver hardware allowed me to pile on my matching accessories that I’ve literally been obsessed with lately. To be completely honest, everything I mentioned thus far was exactly how I showed up; and unfortunately, I still felt like my look was incomplete. Though I was prepared to shoot my outfit as is, I knew I would only be about 85% happy with the outcome overall. As I began to look around the shop and take in all of the details, I instantly stopped when I came across a table full of super cool and unique frames. As I began to do a scan of the styles, my eyes were drawn to a vintage-looking matte black pair featuring circle lenses. The store employees had graciously offered to let me use anything in the store to enhance my shoot, and as soon as I tried on those sunnies I knew I had found the missing link! All in all, the photo shoot ended up being successful and I was able to find a new place to shop in the process which was definitely a win-win for me! Comment below your favorite piece(s) from this look and how you feel about the “Winter white” trend. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Turtleneck- & Other Stories

Trousers- Zara

Sandals- Cole Haan

Sunglasses- Le Specs

Rings/Earrings- Silpada

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In Collabs

ASM X PANTENE (WATERLESS COLLECTION)

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This content is sponsored by Pantene. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a girl who stays in low-maintenance protective hair styles, I was beyond excited when I got offered the opportunity to work with Pantene for a second time to try out their new Waterless Collection. As a young professional on the go, I have no shame in stating that I do not wash my hair every day. That being said, most of the time I do prefer a sleek hairstyle that I can get a few days wear out of with minimal product build up. Pantene has always focused on healthy, beautiful hair to support boldness and confidence in women. For me, what’s even more inspiring is the way they have adapted their products to suit every type of hair texture, color, and thickness. As my hair is more on the kinky/curly side, I was sent the Pantene Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam, Pantene Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream, and Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist. Each of these products are designed to reduce frizz while restoring volume and moisture.

When I decided to demo these products I began on freshly washed hair. As instructed, I first applied the Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream on fairly damp hair and let it air dry for a typical defined wash-and-go style. This product is infused with argan oil, amino acids, omega-9, Pro-Vitamin B5 and is free of alcohol, parabens and sulfates. It can also be used to reshape curls, twist, or scrunch through dry hair. For softly defined curls, apply to damp hair then diffuse or air dry.

A few days later as my hair began to expand and become fluffier, I used the Pantene Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam at my roots to minimize any unwanted oils. Since I wanted to rock my natural hair out for a day or so more, I only massaged this product near the application site and did not brush it out, though that is an option. Pantene’s Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam is a lusciously whipped sulfate-free, paraben-free, non-drying cleansing cloud that was made to dissolve oil and refresh your style!

Finally, when I was ready to pull my hair back into my signature bun, I used the Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist on my hair from mid-length to ends. Since I had already used another product on my roots, I made sure to avoid that area and simply brushed it through before adding gel for optimal sleekness. The Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist conditions your strands thanks to a blend of light-as-air hydrators that are evenly distributed in every tiny droplet in this paraben-free, sulfate-free micro-mist. To use, hold the can 6-8 inches away from your hair for ideal coverage.

My experience with these products was nothing short of a pleasant one and I definitely intend on incorporating them into my weekly hair regimen and possibly as future staples. These products have completely transformed my “non-wash” routine! The Pantene Waterless Collection definitely surprised me in terms of how I was able to extend the time in between wash days and really make my hairstyles last. The Pantene Waterless Collection can be found for a limited time at CVS for purchase and I highly recommend giving them a try; your hair will not regret it! Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Bodysuit- Zara

Jumpsuit- Eggie

Sneakers- Vans

Sunglasses- Mango

Earrings- Silpada

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In Collabs

ASM X MELIE BIANCO

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As a frequent shopper, I can easily spot an item that I know for a fact will not need additional or complimentary items to make a statement. Some pieces are just so eye-catching that the look is nearly complete as soon as the garment is put on; and this 80’s inspired frock was the perfect example of this. As we’re nearing towards Fall, I was instantly drawn to the dark floral print; but it wasn’t until I really examined it that I fell in love with the overall shape and structure. The giant voluminous sleeves created almost a butterfly-like silhouette that truly made this dress a showstopper. It also came with a thick belt that really helped to highlight the juxtaposition of broad shoulders and a cinched waist. There was really nothing more that needed to be added as I didn’t want to include anything that would clash with this incredible garment. That said, my love for  accessories (mainly jewelry) has increased tremendously, so I would’ve felt incomplete if I didn’t add a few of my newly favorite rings. I decided on gold because it matched the hardware of my Melie Bianco bag I was recently gifted, and have been dying to style! The rich burgundy leather also matched the colors in the dress and will make for a great transitional cross-body as we move into the autumnal months. I finished off the look with a pair of matching hoops and my black sock boots for a sleek touch. Items of clothing like this, though a bit over the top for some, can also be extremely exciting to style and serve as novelties in your growing wardrobe collection. Comment below your favorite piece from this look, as well as the trends you’re looking forward to trying this upcoming season. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- & Other Stories

Boots- Zara

Bag- Melie Bianco

Earrings- & Other Stories

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In the vault

MIX N’ MATCH

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When styling, I love nothing more than mixing and matching different pieces. Whether it be through textures, prints, or fashion genres, this trick in my opinion always helps bring more dimension and interest to an ensemble. I received this floral crop top and honestly didn’t have a clear direction regarding what I wanted to pair it with. Jeans seemed like the easy way out, but I wanted to push myself a little harder. Instead, I settled on a cream-colored denim mini skirt that kept the same casual element I seemed to be leaning towards, while also perfectly matching the tones in my top. Believe it or not, I was completely stumped at this point. I was pleased with how the two garments I had looked together, but for me, the look was far from complete and just fell a bit flat. Being a girl who NEVER plans her outfits in advance, it’s no surprise that more times than not, I’m usually finalizing my style creations the morning of my shoot and adding finishing touches that I wasn’t able to think of in the days prior. I decided to give my AF1’s a break and revisit my trusty Vans for footwear. Still, the ensemble was giving me unrefined middle-school vibes. In the final moments I had before I needed to get ready, as usual, the vision came to me. I pulled a striped blazer from a suit set that I haven’t worn in quite some time and saw the look instantly elevate before my eyes. Since I decided to forego a bag, I relied on my accessories to save the day. Lately, I have become more of a jewelry wearer, with a slight obsession for rings. That said, I made sure to incorporate some gold pieces with a coordinating cuff bracelet and my small hoops. After adding a round pair of frames, I was finally satisfied and ready to SLAY! When developing your personal style, I think it’s so important to try new things and step out of your comfort zone; you never know, you might just stumble upon an odd combination you like! Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links: 

Blazer- Topshop

Top- Eggie

Skirt- & Other Stories

Sneakers- Vans

Sunglasses- & Other Stories

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In Collabs

TORTOISE + LACE (ft. EGGIE)

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This look was a complete breath of fresh air because it seems like all I’ve been wearing lately are various forms of printed and/or slip dresses. When I was contacted by the Eggie team again for a second collaboration, I went in with the mindset of selecting pieces that represented my style but were also different than the frocks I had been gravitating towards. They sent me about 4 pieces, and I instantly knew that this white lace top was one of the first items I had to style. Despite the high Summer temperatures, denim was the first thing I thought of when imagining what I would pair with this piece. On a recent shopping trip, I found these loose fitting high-waisted boyfriend style jeans that I knew I had to have. They gave the most chill and relaxed feel that made me think of the 90’s and how without even trying, every girl appeared so effortlessly cool. I also felt that they created the perfect silhouette to contrast against the dainty, feminine garment I had been sent. Though the lace was delicate, the bralette that it came with created a sportier and more casual vibe that provided a nice balance for the overall look. As a wild card, I thought it would be interesting to incorporate a statement shoe and these chunky, tortoise-print heeled sandals were exactly what I needed to bring my vision to life. They are so incredibly comfortable I was surprised it had taken me this long to style them on my blog; I’ve literally been living in them! As a final touch to tie everything together, I chose an eye-catching pair of earrings featuring gold and wood accents. Though this was the only accessory I incorporated, I loved how much they complimented the color palette of my ensemble in the best way. All in all, though fairly simple, this look was the reset I needed to step out of the box and bring more versatility back into my wardrobe. Comment below your favorite piece, and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Eggie

Jeans- Zara

Heels- Zara

Earrings- Zara

 

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In Collabs

ASM X WHO WHAT WEAR (PT. 2)

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There are a few common factors I truly love and tend to stick to when it comes to my personal style; one being, stepping outside of my comfort zone. When I selected this dress from the Who What Wear collection catalog, I was instantly intrigued by the cut, but didn’t actually consider how I would style it. Upon receiving the garment and trying it on, I became slightly more concerned as it was a lot more feminine than I had expected. It was such a sweet piece that honestly reminded me of a 1940’s frock, but with a modern twist. I figured I could take the easier route that I’m used to and throw on a pair of sneakers, or simply play into the theme and see what happens. Without hesitation I chose the latter and began thinking of accessories that could help me transform this look into something that was more up my alley. Because the dress was so vibrant on its own, I quickly realized that incorporating any neutral pieces would only bring down the boldness of the outfit as a whole. After a few more considerations, it finally hit me; color-blocking was the way to go! To further intensify the brightness, I decided to add my satin fuchsia pumps and really take this lady-like style to the next level. It’s so interesting to me how clothing can truly alter your mood and bring out different aspects of your personality. For me, this look made me feel so prim and proper, I couldn’t help but feel like going to Tiffany’s for the chicest breakfast of all time! Lastly, to complete the ensemble, I found a pale-yellow cylinder bag which oddly enough meshed with the other tones perfectly. I liked that although it was a striking color, it was still muted enough to not clash with the rest of the outfit. With every look I create, I am excited to challenge myself and try new styling techniques that allow me to step outside of the box. It can be very easy to wear the same pieces and become complacent in your daily wardrobe, but it never hurts to freshen things up a bit! Comment below a garment you never thought you’d like/wear but ended up really enjoying after giving it a try. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Who What Wear

Heels- & Other Stories

Bag- Mango

Earrings- & Other Stories

 

 

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In the vault

PLAYSUIT PARTY

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There are certain pieces that need absolutely no introduction or major selling point and this playsuit was one of them! As soon as I saw it online, I knew it would be a standout garment for my Summer wardrobe as well as a memorable item that would instantly turn heads. During my first try-on, I immediately saw how much personality and flare this romper had. From the voluminous sleeves, to the bold contrasting print, I knew that to pull this off I would have to be my most confident self. As per usual, when I style a look around one focal piece, I tend to downplay the rest of the accessories so that the item I want to stand out will really “pop.” For this reason, I chose a sleek black mule to streamline the ensemble as well as give my legs some added length. To my surprise because of the heel height in comparison to the short-shorts, I really looked like I had grown about a foot on camera! Lastly, I decided to finish off the outfit with some pops of gold, so I reached for my sequin pineapple bag and small hoops that I’ve literally been wearing nonstop. Though I never really discuss it specifically, I think it’s important to call out just how important selecting a location is to my photoshoot process. On this particular day, we happened to stumble across this white scaffolding (which is very common in NYC) but for some reason it stuck out to me more than usual. The coloring alone definitely made it more appealing, as well as the circular lighting on the ceiling which gave a cleaner more photogenic look, while complimenting the spots on my jumpsuit. I say all of this to say, that the work I put in goes way beyond the clothes; everything plays a role in capturing those perfect shot(s) and I’m glad that you like what ‘m creating. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Romper- Zara

Heels- Steve Madden

Bag- Zara

 

 

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In the vault

DENIM + SATIN

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Have you ever worn an outfit that literally made you feel like the coolest person in the room? Well, this was that look for me! I am definitely no stranger to jumpsuits, but this time I wanted to try and expand my styling capabilities. As we all know, one-pieces like these are basically all-encompassing outfits so it’s really the accessories that are relied upon to make the statement. Since we are finally getting a glimpse of Summer weather, I was excited about the reality of not having to layer a t-shirt or turtleneck under this garment. To highlight the deep v-neck design on both front and back, I did however throw on a racerback lace bralette for a touch of feminine flare. Recently, I’ve noticed the incorporation of silk/satin scarves becoming increasingly popular as accent pieces for various ensembles. Whether worn in one’s hair, on a bag, or as a necktie, this trend appears to be sticking around this season. When I came across this vibrant red printed option, I knew it would be the perfect eye-catching element to add to this look; so needless to say, I went with the latter option in regards to styling.  For footwear, while I do love my heels, I chose to keep it casually classic with my AF1s which ended up complimenting the slightly cropped hem of the jumpsuit in the best way; if I do say so myself. There really is nothing like breaking out a fresh pair of white sneakers on a bright Summer day and I look forward to wearing mine as much as possible this year! Finally, to complete the ensemble, I wanted to include a piece that I had been holding onto for months! This shearling fanny pack solidified my 90s athleisure vision and made me feel like heading to every Kith and sneaker store in Soho, lol (jokes, but you get the idea)! All in all, I loved how this look touched on so many style genres and still left me feeling comfortable, cute, and effortless. Let me know your favorite item in the comments below and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit – & Other Stories

Scarf- Topshop

Sneakers- Nike

Bag- Champion

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In Collabs

ASM X CK

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Honestly speaking, the idea of going to a festival of any kind has never really appealed to me; the long lines, poor cell phone reception, lack of seating, and let’s not forget that I am on the shorter side. That being said, when I was contacted by the lovely team at Calvin Klein to style a few pieces from their festival edit collection, I was ready and willing to take on the challenge, and style a look that reflected my personal style as well as the iconic brand. When I think of CK, themes of minimalism, comfort, and all-around essential wardrobe staples come to mind. I also wanted to make it a point to select pieces that could easily serve as the foundation for more elaborate looks that may be transformed to fit any number of the Summer festivities that are quickly approaching. In short, I didn’t think I could go wrong with a classic pair of denim and a simple top. Though the “mom jean” has really taken off as probably the most popular fit at the moment, I decided to throw it back to an old favorite of mine; the boyfriend jean. In my opinion, this relaxed style truly captures the essence of the CK brand and gives a nod to the effortless style of the 90’s that I personally love. Instead of opting for a signature slogan tee, I was pleasantly surprised to see a bodysuit featuring a cross-strap keyhole detail on the back that gave the most flattering silhouette. I was instantly sold and thrilled that each piece, though fairly plain, had unique eye-catching elements that made them pop in the subtlest way. To dress up the look a bit more, I decided to add a blazer; however, this wasn’t just any blazer, it was a menswear blazer kindly passed down from my oh-so-generous Father. Any oversized piece of outerwear would have sufficed, but I was drawn to the gorgeous floral printed lining and felt that it was an unexpected touch that gave a fun, seasonal flare. To complete the look, I opted for white heeled sandals, gold earrings and frames to match the metallic clasp on the shoe. All and all, while understated, I was pleased with how this look turned out and encourage you all to head over to the Calvin Klein website to spruce up your Spring/Summer wardrobe with versatile pieces for every occasion! Use the code: CKCOACHELLA or CKFESTIVAL for 10% of your order. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- Lord & Taylor

Bodysuit- Calvin Klein

Jeans- Calvin Klein

Heels- Topshop

Frames- Urban Outfitters

Earrings- Zara

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