nye – A Styled Mind

In the vault

REFLECT & RELEASE!

December 30, 2020 No Comments

As we approach the final days of 2020, and reflect on what was probably one of the most unpredictable years in history, I’m sure most of us are looking to the future with a sigh of relief. Whether you stayed at home and just tried to survive another day, start a business venture, or adjust to some of the unfortunate realities that came with this pandemic, making it this far has been an accomplishment in itself. Though many of us have not been focused on dressing up, I personally know how much my appearance affects my mood. Over the last few weeks I have tried to come up with looks that include subtle festive elements, even if the celebrations will be taking place from the comfort of your own home. For this final ensemble, I wanted to bring out some classic sparkle and shine! I recently saw these metallic trousers and knew I had to somehow incorporate them into my New Year’s Eve outfits. The smooth texture and high-waisted fit definitely made them a showstopper that could easily be dressed up or down. I also recently purchased what appeared to be another classic white shirt but to my surprise it was even better! This elevated take on the traditional button-up staple, was something I’ve never seen before. Because it was actually a bodysuit, it allowed for a seamless and formal fit that could be tucked into a variety of bottoms without the bulkiness of extra material. Though I was loving the direction this ensemble was taking, I needed to add pieces that made it a bit more sassy and less “office party.” I was set on bringing some heeled sandals to the mix, but didn’t want to weigh the look down with a black pair. Instead, I continued with the metallic theme and reached for a silver shoe that still remains one of my favorites to this day! For a more glamorous touch, I also included my coveted diamante earrings which I have consistently worn for at least the last 3 years. Though I probably won’t have much use for this final piece as I do not have any plans to go out, I figured a wool coat would be a weather appropriate addition and the perfect garment to complete this outfit. Now all you have to do is apply your favorite red lip, grab a dazzling bag, and you’re good to go! Comment below your favorite featured item and if you’re planning to dress up for NYE or just save it for next year. See you in 2021!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Mango

Shirt Bodysuit- Zara

Trousers- Express

Heels- Zara

Earrings- Mango

In the vault

SILVER LINING

December 31, 2019 No Comments

In all honesty, 2019 was not one of my best. Though it did start strong, I found myself getting distracted and derailed from a few of the goals I had set out to accomplish. I lost a few friends, shed a lot of tears, and at one point felt as if I was losing sight of who I was as an individual. That being said, it wasn’t all bad. I probably did more traveling than ever this year and pushed myself to experience events that in previous years I had only witnessed on social media. I can’t say that I’m sad to leave this year behind (not that I really have a choice), but in the last few months I have really put forth the effort into making a plan of action for where I want to see myself in this next decade. I’ve made my mistakes, I’ve acknowledged the lessons, and now it’s time to put in the work to ensure that nothing but growth occurs from here on out. For me this is not just a new year, it’s a new beginning and opportunity to place myself into the spaces I want to be in order to succeed and live the life I have always dreamed of. For me, the silver lining is knowing that it’s not too late to make it happen.

In regards to my outfit, this was simply a case of wanting to get the most bang for my buck. The silver dress featured here, which I’m absolutely obsessed with, was actually what I wore for my 27th birthday this year. Unfortunately, I was having so much fun celebrating, I didn’t get a “post-worthy” photo in my opinion. Luckily, with the holiday season right around the corner (my birthday is in September), I knew I’d have a reason to pull this gorgeous frock back out of my closet; and what better occasion than NYE?! As with most of my festive looks this year, I decided to incorporate more casual elements instead of just opting for the classic formal attire that is usually to be expected. Because the dress was such a statement on it’s own, I didn’t mind pairing it with edgier pieces to create a funky, unexpected juxtaposition. The first garment I added was a sheer metallic top which I felt added a nice layer of dimension. Secondly, though I initially wore closed toe pumps with this outfit, I chose to switch it up to matching heeled sandals and pair them with Nike socks for a more “sports-luxe” twist. Lastly, I threw on my leather cream puffer jacket which I’ve also been loving and wearing nonstop this season. For me, aside from coordinating with the ensemble as a whole, adding this coat was a refreshing change from the faux fur options I typically gravitate towards. For one final touch, I reached for my silver jewelry and classic Dior clutch and was ready to dance my way into 2020. I don’t know about you, but I am definitely ready to see what this next decade has in store for me as well as A Styled Mind. We are approaching the fifth year anniversary, and I couldn’t be more grateful for your support and interest in my brand. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and Happy New Year!!! <3

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Asos

Top- Zara

Dress- House of CB

Socks- Nike

Heels- Zara

In the vault

A COZY NYE!

December 30, 2019 No Comments

When I think of NYE, most of the time an elaborate celebration featuring over the top outfits and partying until the early hours of the morning comes to mind. That said, there are multiple ways one could bring in the new year. For that reason, I decided to style a festive look that would be more appropriate for an at home celebration or something that is just overall more low-key. Coincidentally, when I stumbled upon this particular top, I was actually shopping for garments for my Christmas blog posts. I had also been invited to a holiday party that same weekend so I figured it would make for an easy option to throw on for that event as well. Though I was hesitant about whether I would actually wear it, by the time I got home and tried it on I was convinced! I loved that this metallic blouse wasn’t so obviously silver or gold, which gave me room to play around with the jewelry I decided to pair it with. Additionally, and probably my favorite thing about this piece; it’s reversible! Having the option to wear the plunging neckline in either the front or the back was definitely a bonus and made this purchase that much more worth it! For bottoms, I chose an old vinyl pair of trousers which in an interesting way, still highlighted the sparkle of my top and complimented it perfectly. While I had previously worn silver accents, for this shoot I decided to try gold jewelry and was pleasantly surprised with how everything came together. Since my hair was up, I sported my newest stud earrings and matching pendant as well as an assortment of gold rings. Lastly, for one final element of glitz, I chose to wear my gold-capped black pumps to seamlessly complete the look. Since we used a hotel setting for this photo shoot, my vision of a cozy NYE curled up on the couch surrounded by candles truly came to life! I’m still not quite sure what I’ll be doing this year, but at least I know if I stay in I can still look a bit festive. Comment below whether you’re more of a homebody or prefer to be out on the town for NYE. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- ASTR

Pants- Topshop

Heels- (Similar)

Earrings- Macys

Necklace- Macys

In ASM Shop

NYE ACCESSORIES

December 29, 2019 No Comments

With only a few days until 2020, I wanted to round up a few pieces that could easily be added to existing garments in your current wardrobe to spice up any outfit for the night’s festivities. Though it may not be a hindrance, I’ve come to realize that it’s not always necessary to purchase an entirely new outfit for every event that occurs in life. Also, depending on your NYE plans, it may be as simple as adding a few accessories to elevate an already appropriate ensemble to something slightly more celebratory. Hopefully if you’re still unsure of what to wear or don’t have time to order something new, the items below can provide some inspiration! Don’t forget to click the below images for direct links and until next time!

In ASM Shop

NYE LOOKS!

December 28, 2018 No Comments

With only a few days left until we ring in the new year, I thought I’d round up a few festive ensembles perfect for any NYE celebratory occasion! Whether your event in conservative, risque, casual or completely over the top, it’s not too late to find a look that will have you looking and feeling your best as we enter 2019! I tried to find a variety of options, so don’t forget to click the images below to shop my picks! See you next year! <3

In the vault

LIGHTSHOW!

December 27, 2018 No Comments

With just 5 days left until its officially 2019, I had to post one more festive holiday look that would be perfect for all of the year end celebrations. New Year’s Eve, for me, is always a night of reflection, toasting, and fun, in honor of making it through another 365 days with my loved ones. I had no specific pieces in mind in regards to what I wanted to style for this look, but upon seeing this jumpsuit, I knew I had found the perfect garment to create my vision. After calling around to a few stores to track down my size, I was able to bring this gorgeous metallic garment home and begin cultivating my look. Because the majority of my canvas would be black and gold, I wanted to accessorize with pieces that were minimal, yet striking enough to elevate the already statement making item. As much as I loved this jumpsuit, I felt that the torso was a tad too long for me (short people problems, lol) so adding a belt was a no-brainer. Coincidentally, I had recently picked up a new one in the same color scheme a few weeks prior, and it ended up being the perfect fit! The rustic gold accents and thick black leather strap really helped give an overall edge to the look as well as provide more of a silhouette for my frame. For this ensemble, I also wanted to be realistic in how I presented it and make sure it was as weather appropriate as possible. I’ve gotten to an age where I don’t like to put myself in predicaments where I’m freezing just for the sake of being “cute,” so it was important for me to at least include a piece of outwear and closed toe shoes. I kept the heels understated since there was an abundance of sparkle throughout the look, and for a bit of contrast layered on a faux shearling jacket for some extra warmth. The look was just about complete but I figured, “a little extra drama wouldn’t hurt anybody, right?!” So with that being said, I put on stunning pair of rhinestone chandelier earrings for one last final touch of glam. I was definitely thrilled with how this look turned out and strongly felt that it highlighted my style evolution in the same way that NYE celebrations represent growth and development over the year prior. I truly hope everyone had an exciting year full of lessons and fruitful experiences, and I can’t wait to see you all in 2019! Whatever you’re doing for NYE, stay safe and have fun! Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit- & Other Stories

Belt- Mango

Heels- Topshop

Jacket- H&M

Earrings- Mango

In diary

NYE RESOLUTIONS

January 5, 2017 3 Comments

Today I felt compelled to write, and with the start of the new year, what would be a better topic to tackle than resolutions?! Whether you love them, hate them, plan to stick to them, or don’t even bother, in some form or another I think we all subconsciously set “resolutions” or goals for ourselves at the beginning of each year. Since I can only speak for myself here, I figured I’d disclose some of my resolutions and how I personally felt about them. For starters, I am definitely challenging myself to save more this year than I ever probably have in life (lol). I have always been responsible with money and have managed a savings account since I first began to learn about banking and personal finances, but with this year being my quarter century milestone, I feel more compelled than ever to really start putting more away for the future. Ironically, that brings me to my next resolution which is to live in the moment! As cliche as this one is, it’s something that I’ve always struggled with. Because I am a planner and quite the go-getter when I have my heart set on something, I tend to become a bit of a control freak instead of just letting things manifest naturally. To be honest, this hasn’t always worked as a disadvantage, but I’m now finding out more frequently that the more time I spend dwelling on the future and what hasn’t happened yet, the more time I miss enjoying the fruits of my labor. Of all of my resolutions, this one will definitely be the hardest to tackle but hey, I’m a work in progress! Lastly, I have decided to maintain an overall sense of focus, positivity, and faith this year. For me, remembering these key things will help me to stay sane in the midst of everything that is bound to go wrong in 2017. Let’s face it, life is full of ups and downs and no matter how much we try to avoid the negative it’s inevitable. With these 3 things in the front of my mind though, I know I will be able to get through anything that this year throws at me..I hope. Lol. I think this is the first year that I am avidly, participating in creating resolutions with the intention of seriously sticking to them. I’m excited for what this year has in store, and the new opportunities and memories that are to come. Bring it on!

In ASM Shop

HOLIDAY LOUNGEWEAR

December 15, 2016 No Comments

With the holidays quickly approaching, there are only 2 outfits that I am actually planning for: New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day. While for NYE I put a lot of thought into the statement I want my ensemble to make as I bring in the upcoming year, Christmas Day is a totally different story. I am concerned with one thing, and one thing only…COMFORT. For me, Christmas is probably the most relaxing day of the year. I get up, put on my “outfit” for the day, and literally stay in it ALL day. The past few years I’ve been a proud member of the onesie club, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options. Check out a few of the items I’ve highlighted below for optimal comfort and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks! Until next time & happy holidays!