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OUT OF THE BOX (ft. EGGIE)

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Being a person who always loves to create the best content possible, it can sometimes be nerve-racking when items arrive that don’t exactly fit the vision in the way you expected them to. One thing that’s so intriguing about the fashion industry is that it’s not “one size fits all;” and because of that, there are times when it may take a bit of extra effort to style a piece specific to your body type. While working with the Eggie brand, they allow me to select pieces from their catalog that coincide best with my personal style. Though this dark floral printed dress caught my eye, especially as we’re moving closer to the end of Summer, I didn’t quite expect it to fit the way it did. To be honest, upon initially trying it on, I didn’t think it was flattering for my shape at all. Specifically, because I have broad shoulders and a fuller bust, the cut of the neckline simply made me look boxy and quite wide. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to pull this ensemble together and it wasn’t until the moment I was about to shoot that I suddenly had an idea. The frock came with a tie detail at the front and due to the lack of support I was feeling, I wondered if by tying the fabric around my neck in a halter-style, I could achieve the look I was going for. This small detail completely turned this photo-shoot around for me, and I instantly went from a feeling of uncertainty, to elevated confidence and security. With that issue resolved I was ready to finish pulling together the rest of my outfit with my very worn-in pair of white leather converse and my geometric frames for a modern take on this Victorian-inspired garment. At this point, though my look was nearly complete, I still wanted to add a few more accessories for an extra layer of interest. I felt that my wood basket cross-body bag was the perfect item, as it was neutral and still captured the essence of the season. Lately I’ve also been into mixing metals, so my mini gold hoops were an unexpected touch that just seemed to fit effortlessly. I was genuinely proud of how this ensemble turned out because it forced me to think outside of the box and create a look that was specific to accentuating my frame in the best way. Were you ever forced to wear something unconventionally to make it more complimentary to your body type? Comment below and until next time!

Outfit  Details & Links:

Dress- Eggie

Sneakers- Converse

Bag- Free People

Earrings- & Other Stories

Sunglasses- Quay

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In the vault

NYFW: THE LOOKS

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Fashion week is one of the most exciting and hectic times of year, and being that I’m still balancing a 9-5, I must be strategic with how I spend my time. Getting to as many events and shows as possible is always my focus so that leaves little time for showroom appointments and fittings. That being said, it’s no secret that being a style blogger, I shop a lot more frequently than the average person and because of that I usually have no problem finding garments from my closet to wear during this time. My strategy, outside of pulling pieces I haven’t worn in a while or outside of a shoot for my blog, is to create looks that are just slightly more intricate than what I would put together on a “regular” day. I don’t like to go too far outside of my personal style, but rather enhance the things I love and make it a bit more dramatic. Depending on your methods of transportation, dressing for the weather may not be a huge priority, but I definitely try to be mindful of it especially for the Fall/Winter season. For my first ensemble, I decided to pull a dress that I honestly haven’t worn in at least a year. I forgot how much I loved colors in the floral pattern, along with the lace overlay, and cutout shoulders. For added dimension, I layered a sleeveless knit turtleneck under the frock and used a belt to cinch the waist creating the shape I desired. To complete this look, I threw on my chunky thigh-high boots, and grabbed by suede and shearling coat for an extra layer of warmth. The green and gold earrings I selected beautifully complimented the tones in the overall look, and with my ring handle bag I was out the door and on my way!

LOOK 1: OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS:

Jacket– Zara; Dress– Zara; Turtleneck– Zara; Boots– Zara; Bag– Nordstrom; Belt– Mango; Earrings– Kendra Scott

 

I was pleasantly surprised on the second day, as a warm front rolled in and I was able to leave the house without an overbearing piece of outerwear. I still continued to play things safe, however, as I didn’t want to risk getting sick. I decided to layer a thin grey turtleneck under a chunkier cream version with a bold Aztec-like print across the chest. I then continued to play off of those warm, rich, colors with a pair of wide-legged corduroys in a similar hue. To bring a more classic and tailored element to the ensemble, a pinstriped blazer seemed like the most obvious choice.  For accessories, I chose a black and white heeled sandal, a leather slogan clutch, and my favorite (and only) vinyl baker boy cap. For me this look was all about the combining of different textures and I loved how it turned out.

LOOK 2: OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS:

Hat– Topshop; Blazer– Who What Wear; Turtleneck– Forever 21; Sweater– & Other Stories; Pants– Topshop; Shoes– Topshop; Clutch– Zara

By day three I was really on a role and had been absolutely loving all of the outfits I had created thus far. I recently received this tailored boiler suit in the mail, so it was only a matter of time before I reached for it. This look was all about the neutrals, however I still wanted to make sure every piece had its own moment to shine. Again, I grabbed another turtleneck to layer with and continued to brighten the look with my cream-colored calf boots which I am absolutely obsessed with. Remember when I mentioned dramatics?? Well, this was the day I chose to go over the top and bring out my giant teddy coat. This truly was the perfect day for it as the temperatures had dropped again and running from show to show was becoming slightly unbearable. All in all, with a similarly toned bag to complete the look accompanied by a bold dark lip, I felt pretty freakin’ chic and was ready to take on whatever came my way!

LOOK 3: OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS:

Coat– H&M; Jumpsuit– & Other Stories; Turtleneck– Mango; Boots– Zara; Bag– Free People

Three words: burgundy boss babe! For day four, I totally channeled my inner Miranda Priestly and felt like the fiercest woman on the planet! It’s no secret that blazers, suits, and co-ords have slowly begun taking over my wardrobe; however, this was my first and will forever be a favorite. To keep all of the attention on these beautiful wine-colored pieces, I kept it simple with a black cut-out turtleneck (yes, another one) underneath, and for a pop of interest, my new snake print boots which incorporate the same colors. I wouldn’t say any of my looks were necessarily hard to style, but this one definitely came together the fastest and brought out an essence of sophistication I don’t think any of my other outfits conveyed.

LOOK 4: OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS:

Suit– Topshop; Turtleneck– ASTR; Boots– Jeffrey Campbell; Bag– Zara; Sunglasses– Mango

As the week was beginning to wind down, comfort became my top priority so I thought it was time to finally bring out some denim! I definitely wanted to style a more casual look, but with a few hints of glam for a bit of contrast. One can never go wrong with a t-shirt and jeans, but I chose to add a lace top underneath for an unexpected feminine touch. To highlight the red in the graphics on my shirt, I decided to throw on my velvet booties and finish off the look with my grey puffer jacket. Because this is such a bulky piece of outerwear, wearing it open helped to balance the overall look without overpowering it. For an extra bit of glitz, I decided on my chandelier earrings (which I wore on NYE), and my everyday black cross-body bag with silver ring accents to tie everything together.

LOOK 5: OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS:

Jacket– Mango; T-shirt– Zara; Turtleneck– H&M; Jeans– Levis; Boots– Zara; Bag– Rebecca Minkoff; Earrings– Mango

Last but certainly not least, my sixth and final look of the week featured some bright color blocking and my usual texture mash-ups! I could not close out NYFW without showcasing my latest outerwear obsession, so it was important that I style this look around my new cropped shearling jacket. Following the layering theme of this week, I wore two turtleneck sweaters, both in bright shades which gave a vibrant Spring-like feel. I thought that the juxtaposition of these pieces against leather would also be quite intriguing so I threw on my paper-bag waist trousers to give a more edgy and structured feel to the outfit. I completed this look simply with a black pair of booties and small vintage looking frames. In efforts to seamlessly blend both upper and lower halves of this look, I grabbed my straw and leather cross-body to pull everything together. I was thrilled with how each of my looks turned out and quite proud of myself for not choosing to borrow items or spend additional money for new pieces. Aside from showcasing my personal style, I think it’s also important to show how older or current pieces can be remixed and incorporated into your day to day wardrobe, regardless of whether it’s a special occasion or not. I really hope you guys liked seeing what I styled this fashion week season, and please let me know your favorite look in the comments below. Until next time!

LOOK 6: OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS:

Jacket– & Other Stories; Turtleneck– & Other Stories; Sweater– H&M; Pants– Mango; Boots– Topshop; Bag– Free People; Sunglasses– Quay

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In Collabs

ASM X WHO WHAT WEAR

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For this collaboration with Who What Wear, I was challenged to style one article of clothing 3 different ways. Though excited, as this isn’t something I typically showcase on my blog, I was also a bit nervous not because I felt incapable but because I wasn’t choosing the item myself. That being said, I was so relieved to see that the item chosen for me was right up my alley and a wardrobe staple that I could easily style in a variety of ways. This double-breasted, pin striped blazer is the perfect Fall essential for layering over transitional pieces and adding a more tailored element to any ensemble. For my first look, I decided to keep things very chic and sleek by pairing it with a turtleneck that I layered under a satin camisole, along with black skinnys and a pair of minimal black pumps. To me, this look gave more of a business casual vibe, or “boss babe” if you will. Overall, I loved the way this look turned out and it definitely made me feel strong and confident!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- Who What Wear

Turtleneck- Mango

Top- Zara

Jeans- 7 For All Mankind

Heels- Zara

Sunglasses- QUAY x Topshop

I would say that my second look is for the more casual & cool girls out there. Putting this outfit together was extremely effortless and I think it showed in the way the pieces complimented each other. I chose to do a bit of print-mixing and found the perfect red, leopard print frock to do so. To keep things easy, I threw on some sneakers and a pair of mesh socks for a cute unexpected detail and was out the door. In efforts to add a few more accessories, I grabbed my black cross-body bag with silver hardware and cat-eye frames, which I definitely think helped play off of the edgy vibe without being too overpowering.

Outfit Details & Links: 

Blazer- Who What Wear

Dress- Zara

Sneakers- Vans

Socks- Zara

Bag- Rebecca Minkoff

Last but certainly not least, I decided to end with a trendy street-style look. As we are well into the Autumn season, I felt like I couldn’t finish this collaboration without incorporating a bit of corduroy. Luckily, I was able to find the most amazing flared trousers which made all of my 70’s dreams come true. To keep them as the focal point of the look, I paired the pants with a simple white t-shirt and added a some gold layered necklaces which I’ve been absolutely obsessed with lately. After throwing on my black booties, I completed this look with a dark vampy lip and draped the blazer over my shoulders for a final touch.  Personally, I loved all of these looks for different reasons and I feel like they reflected the versatility of my everyday style in the best way. Let me know in the comments which outfit was your favorite and if you would’ve styled this blazer in a way that I didn’t think of. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links: 

Blazer- Who What Wear

T-shirt- Topshop

Trousers- Topshop

Booties- Cole Haan

Necklace- Topshop

Sunglasses- Zara

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In the vault

NYFW SS19 (PT. 1)

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It’s absolutely insane how fast NYFW always seems to creep up on me, take over my life, and then just like that come to an end like nothing ever happened. For me, this season started off pretty mellow with a fun show called “Texture On The Runway” which highlighted both fashion and hairstyles representative of the natural hair brands that wanted to showcase their creativity on the catwalk. This show was all about unity and embracing the unique features that make us all beautiful. I left this event feeling empowered and appreciated by a room full of men/women I didn’t even know, and I wouldn’t have chosen to start my hectic week any other way!

By day 2 the ball began rolling and I was ready to bolt out of work to attend my first official designer shows of the week. Because I have a 9-5, I have to be incredibly strategic with how I plan my schedule so that I don’t become overwhelmed, yet am still able to fit in as many shows as possible. The first show was by the brand, “Afffair,” and the pieces were stunning to say the least! There was a lot of intricate beading and sequins on almost every piece, paired with delicate textures like chiffon which really created a beautiful contrast of structure and movement on the runway. The second presentation was by a more modern brand called, “Athanasiou,” and honestly it was probably one of the most memorable for me. I loved how each piece came with an element of surprise which included either a cheeky slogan, or an elaborate portrait of what appeared to be Renaissance art. There were several pieces from this collection I could’ve easily seen myself styling and turning heads along the way!

Day 3 was my busiest day as well as my most anticipated because it started off with a brand that I was dying to see, “Taoray Wang.” I loved EVERY. SINGLE. THING. about this show! From the tailored co-ords, bright colors, funky belts, and blazers galore, this show displayed feminine chic in the best way possible! This was also the first day I was really able to connect and network with a few fellow blogger babes that I never really get a chance to see outside of this environment. While attending shows maybe the highlight of NYFW, meeting new people and sharing experiences is really the most important part, and what will keep your brand expanding in the long run.

If I had to give another crucial piece of advice for tackling NYFW, I would say, take advantage of the breaks between shows! While it is easy to get caught up in wanting to get the best photos and making sure you are seen as much as possible, forgetting to eat can quickly turn this chaotic time into a nightmare if you don’t make sure to refuel. I personally make it a point to set a budget for food expenses as well as travel because I engage in both more than usual during this time of year. [Sidebar: If you’re in the city I highly recommend trying BEC, whether its fashion week or not; your taste buds will thank me later!] My last few shows of the day were a part of a collective in which several designers (at least 4-5) showcase their clothing lines and/or jewelry on the runway consecutively. I enjoy these shows because you get to see a variety of brands in one location without having to worry about rushing to the next venue across town. The downside to these shows however, is that because there are so many styles coming at you at once, it can be hard to process all of the fine details. All in all, I was beyond satisfied with my first three days of fashion week and I look forward to recapping the following days in part 2! Until next time!

 

 

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In the vault

KHAKI CHRONICLES

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As we are finally beginning to see some signs of winter coming to an end, I wanted to start showcasing looks that are more “Spring-friendly.” One of the colors that I feel is neutral enough to transcend all seasons is khaki. It’s a tone that can be easily paired with almost all fabrics and colors when creating either bold or subdued ensembles. Jumpsuits are also great pieces to style when entering warmer months as they are heavy enough to wear independently, but can also be worn layered. Initially, I was quite hesitant about the metallic accents as I thought they would come off a bit too gaudy for my liking; however, I took a risk and was pleasantly surprised. I loved the overall structured fit of this piece and felt that the cropped hem gave a chic flare to the otherwise military inspired garment. Because we’re still facing inconsistent temperatures, I played it safe and paired the one-piece with a thin bodysuit underneath. At this point, I was now relying on my accessories to brighten up the outfit and make it more appropriate for the upcoming season. Luckily, I came across a gorgeous pair of heeled sandals with a stone medallion detail that perfectly complimented the green shade. The pop of yellow on the shoes also made for an unexpected statement that happened to be exactly what I was looking for! To finish off the look, I grabbed a pair of small geometric frames which are highly on trend and perfectly matched the shiny buttons on my jumpsuit. I personally don’t think this look could’ve turned out any better and I’m definitely excited to see what future looks I can create with these items. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit- Mango

Bodysuit- Zara

Heels- Zara

Sunglasses- QUAY Australia 

 

 

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