shearling – A Styled Mind

In the vault

MAXIMAL MONOCHROME!

February 26, 2024 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!

In the vault

AUTUMNAL ACCENTS!

November 22, 2023 No Comments

Denim. Shearling. Tortoise. Leather.

All standout elements that come to mind when I think about the pieces that I want to reflect and highlight my Fall/Winter style. Regardless of how my wardrobe continues to evolve, they always remain a constant with each passing season. I can absolutely admit that my skirt collection has grown exponentially, and while that may be overkill for some, I can appreciate the varying details and uniqueness they bring to each ensemble. For this particular cut-out design, I was immediately intrigued by the voluminous shape the garment held and even more sold on the movement it created with every step. Neutral tones always seem to be a match made in heaven with the autumnal months, and I fully embraced them with this styling session. I decided to throw on a tan ribbed asymmetric bodysuit as my base layer, and further built upon the texture with a cropped cream shearling jacket. Because the overall color palette was fairly light at this point, I chose to ground the look with a rich chocolate croc-embossed pair of boots. As far as accessories go, I kept things fun and coordinated with a beige-hued crossbody featuring abstract drawings by Jean Michel Basquiat and geometric sunnies that perfectly matched the buttons on my top. In efforts to keep the hardware accents consistent, I completed the outfit with chunky gold hoops, dainty rings, and was finally ready for whatever this crisp Fall day had to offer! While it is my favorite season, it seems to be getting shorter with every year so I always feel rushed to wear the items that can stand alone before I’m forced to cover them with much heavier coats. Comment below one piece you’ve been consistently reaching to style this season, as well as your favorite featured item! Until next time!

In the vault

DENIM + SATIN

May 22, 2019 2 Comments

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

In the vault

NYFW: THE LOOKS

February 21, 2019 No Comments

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

In ASM Shop

HOLIDAY WISHLIST 2016

December 22, 2016 No Comments

With Christmas only 3 days away, I wanted to share the items that were on my personal wishlist. I try not to get too overwhelmed with whether or not I actually get what I “wished” for, and rather focus on the giving season while looking forward to the element of surprise. Either way, it’s always fun to write Santa a little list and feel like a kid again. Check out my picks below and I hope you get everything on your list as well! Don’t forget to click the images to shop the items below. Happy Holidays!!!