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sneakers

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With the current focus of most industries being sustainability and ethically sourced products, I was happy to hear that a brand I personally work with, Adidas, would be doing their part to prioritize this positive movement. Specifically, they have created the Prime Blue Parley line dedicated to the fight against ocean plastic, and have even orchestrated a run for this cause which you can sign up for on May 18th, through the Runtastic App! The event will take place 5/28-6/8 and for every kilometer run, walked, jogged, or rolled, Adidas and Parley’s global cleanup network will remove the equivalent weight of 10 plastic bottles (up to 500,000 pounds) from beaches, islands, and coastal communities to help make our world a cleaner place! I was personally amazed at the idea that these synthetic materials that make up a majority of what most of us probably have in our homes, were being used to not only produce clothing but to simultaneously reduce waste. It truly is unfortunate how much our planet has suffered due to a lack of recycling and litter, so I was happy to be aligned with this campaign in efforts to spread awareness and make better choices in my personal daily life. Upon receiving the pieces, I never would’ve guessed that they were made of anything other than the usual clothing textiles. The t-shirts and shorts were so soft while remaining breathable, which is key for the Spring and Summer seasons. I also loved the chic drawstring details which allowed for the option to turn these simple tees into edgy crop-tops. The sneakers were also incredibly light, yet still comfortable and structured enough for any high-intensity workouts or outdoor activities that may take place this year. I was beyond pleased with these items and even more proud to wear them because I knew that they were a part of a bigger picture that is making a difference. Comment below one way you have personally made an effort to live sustainably and until next time!

 

Like most people, I too enjoy viewing the new year as a fresh start to set goals, create healthier habits, and challenge myself for the better. When it comes to fitness, this is something that has remained a constant in my life for quite some time now; not just for the physical benefits, but the mental as well. 2020 was an extremely trying year full of uncomfortable adjustments and uncertainties, but I can wholeheartedly say that maintaining some form of active routine definitely helped me get through it. That being said, as I get back into my wellness regimen, the timing could not have been more perfect for this Adidas collaboration. What truly resonated with me, was the fact that this line was co-created with actor, Zoe Saldana, to meet the needs of the “modern woman.” Thanks to quarantine, finding reasons to get dressed has become much more of a task so having stylish activewear that can be worn for a variety of purposes is key! It was also touching to know that as another woman of color, Ms. Saldana wanted to use this collection to celebrate underrepresented communities and give a voice to the unheard; which unfortunately have been negatively impacted by this pandemic the most. Though new information seems to be rolling out daily, I find it comforting to focus on the variables that I can control within my own life. Sustaining positive practices like exercising has kept me focused and emotionally strong while continuing to take on 2021 day by day. Upon receiving the pieces, I was instantly intrigued by the bold color scheme and vibrant prints. For me, though most of my workout gear is fairly neutral, I find that brighter garments definitely provide an energy that keeps me motivated to get up and get in the zone. Aside from that, the fit was flattering and the material used was soft yet supportive. The sneakers, though light in weight, provided an incredible cushion that made engaging in high impact movements completely stress-free! I would absolutely look into adding more pieces from the line into my wardrobe and am even more excited to tackle my fitness goals for this year. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

The increased popularity of slip dresses over the last few years is something that I don’t see slowing down any time soon. What I personally love most about them, is the countless styling opportunities that truly make it a year-round staple. In my opinion, Summer is probably the easiest season to style them because there is really no need for layering. However that being said, because these frocks are such simple and dainty pieces, it can take a little more thought to cultivate an ensemble that still has some type of dimension and interest. My slip dress collection has continued to grow with each season, and it should be no surprise that the black version is definitely my most worn. In efforts to add a bit more variety and fill a void in my wardrobe, I jumped at the opportunity to be gifted a cream-colored style which had recently caught my eye. Upon receiving, I was thrilled with the quality and determined to play off of the feminine details, while adding pieces that would provide an unexpected juxtaposition. I had also recently purchased my first pair of colorful sneakers, (every other pair I own are either black and/or white) and was anxious to style them ASAP! Because I was essentially working with a blank canvas, this was the perfect opportunity to add a street-style flare to such a delicate garment. Additionally, for a bit more structure, I thought it would be cool to throw on an over-sized blazer which helped balance the look overall. For accessories, minimal silver jewelry and my geometric frames helped tie everything together and complete my vision. This honestly may be one of my favorite Summer looks to date due to all of the elements and style genres that were combined to create this outfit. Comment below your favorite piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- & Other Stories

Dress- Amanda Uprichard

Sneakers- Nike

Sunglasses- Quay Australia

My how time flies when you’re doing what you love! Exactly 5 years ago, on the first day of Spring, March 2015, the website for A Styled Mind was launched. At that time I was excited, nervous, and in no way prepared for all that I would learn along this journey. The challenges made for exponential growth, and the frustrations allowed room for me to hone in on my vision while planting the seed for what my platform could become. Seeing the evolution of my personal style, photography, and overall confidence in the fashion/influencer space has truly made me realize the importance of consistency, dedication, and quality work. While it would be impossible for me to try and predict what’s next, I can only hope for more accomplishments and opportunities, while I continue expressing myself through clothing. My mind is full of ideas and I still have tons of different content genres I’d like to expand the ASM brand into; menswear styling, fitness, cooking, and interior design to name a few.

Sooner than later, I’d love to work on building a team to support me in the expansion of my platform. As with any entrepreneurial venture, there are tons of sacrifices that must be made along the way, but with a strong foundation and loyal community, eventually the hard work will pay off and the fruits of your labor will be that much sweeter! Regarding future goals for the next 5 years, I’d love to have a capsule collection with a brand I am personally a fan of, run ASM full time, speak on a variety of panels geared towards the empowerment of women, have a feature in a global fashion magazine, and attend a luxury fashion show in either Paris or Milan. Though I don’t know where or how this journey ends, I am forever grateful for the support, kind words, and interest in my brand since the very beginning! Let’s cheers to 5 more shall we?!

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: SHIRT/JEANS/HEELS/BAG/SUNNIES

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: TOP/DRESS/SOCKS/SNEAKERS/BAG/SUNNIES

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: SWEATER/SKIRT/SANDALS/SUNNIES

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: DRESS/BOOTS/EARRINGS/SUNNIES

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: SUIT/BAG/SANDALS/EARRINGS

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

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

The weather is finally warming up, so I decided to test the waters and show off a bit of skin with this look. While doing some online research, I was instantly drawn to this camel colored suit. However, though the belted jacket did in fact come with a pair of matching trousers, I thought it would be cute to style it as a frock; considering it seemed long enough to do so and I had been meaning to give this “blazer dress” trend a try. Honestly, the only thing that was of slight concern to me was the color. As much as I loved how rich and neutral it was, I wasn’t sure if it would wash me out against my skin tone. Luckily that was not the case, and I was more than pleased with everything about this tailored garment. From the cut, to the wide belt, and tiny button details; this piece looked sophisticated and chic in every way. In efforts to tone things down and keep the look a little less formal, I decided to throw on my sneakers and white tube socks for a cool, effortless contrast. As this look was so warm toned, I thought that gold accessories would be the perfect option to really highlight those sandy hues. I had recently purchased the most gorgeous pair of transparent teardrop earrings with gold accent flakes and knew they would bring a beautiful elegance to the overall look. As a final touch, I stumbled across a wooden cross-body bag, that truly felt like the last piece of this fashion puzzle. Though quite reminiscent of a coconut, the spherical shape and texture brought an unexpected bohemian element I didn’t even know I needed! Bags made of natural materials such as wood and straw are always quite popular during the warmer seasons, so I was happy to incorporate one into my look. I loved how this ensemble pulled together so many different style genres and portrayed how they can all coexist and compliment each other in a seamless way. Comment below your favorite piece from this look and how/if you would’ve styled anything differently. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links: 

Blazer- Zara

Bag- Zara

Socks- Nike

Sneakers- Nike

Earrings- & Other Stories

Though I am probably the farthest thing from a “sneaker head,” that doesn’t mean that I don’t have a small collection of go-to’s that never seem to fail me. Below I’ve rounded up the 4 pairs of kicks that I rotate on a fairly regular basis when I’m looking to add some laid back casual, and cool elements to my ensemble. Let me know in the comments one of your favorite pairs that I might not have mentioned, and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks. Until next time!

 

As a girl who’s never really been a sneaker wearer, it’s interesting to me that as of late, they’ve been capturing my attention in a new way. While I don’t see myself jumping on the bandwagon entirely, I definitely see my collection growing and a new personal excitement developing with it. That being said, before I got too carried away, I wanted to make sure that my closet was equipped with the classic “staples”– and for me, that was everything either black or white. Because of my love for contrast, I typically don’t shy away from what some would consider “odd pairings,” and this look was no different. Dresses (and skirts) styled with sneakers, for me,  are just one of those classic combinations that I don’t think I’ll ever stop wearing. The juxtaposition of femininity against more casual and edgy pieces has always intrigued me and also served as a lane that I’ve always felt comfortable in. I actually bought these kicks as a Christmas gift to myself and knew that they would quickly make their way to my blog; I just didn’t know when, or with what look. After doing some post-holiday sale shopping, I stumbled across a tomato colored satin dress with buttons down the front. Initially I picked it up and thought about leaving it in the store, but for some reason I kept going back to it and eventually decided to make the purchase. Because of the white and black design on the snaps of the frock I knew immediately that it would coordinate well with my sneakers, but the look still felt incomplete and not necessarily reflective of the Winter season. After a bit more deliberation and what I thought were successful shopping trips, I ended up just finishing off the look with items from my own wardrobe. I had been on the hunt for red and plaid scarf that slightly resembled wrapping paper since the temperatures started to drop in 2018, and because I’ve been wearing it almost every day since, it seemed like the perfect accessory to convey the cozy vibes I was looking for. I didn’t end up loving the initial outerwear garment that I had bought for this ensemble, but to my surprise I dug up an old college biker jacket that meshed perfectly! It’s always funny to me that the looks I have the least faith in, always seem to come together seamlessly despite my mini panic attacks in the moment. Comment below your favorite choice of footwear and your go-to way to style it. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Mango

Jacket- Members Only

Scarf- Zara

Socks- Nike

Sneakers- Nike

 

 

Can you believe it’s already August?!?! The Summer is flying by and it won’t be long before we’re all transitioning into our layered looks and craving pumpkin lattes; but let’s enjoy the moment, shall we? I purchased this white frock a few weeks ago and honestly had no immediate plans of styling it. I simply loved the minimal nature of this piece and how it combined the classic elements of the collared shirt with the modern twist of an asymmetrical hem. Finally, the right moment presented itself and I knew that I had to act fast if I wanted to showcase this tunic before the season came to an end. It’s no secret that I prefer heels to flats majority of the time. That said, if I’m going to wear a flat shoe chances are it is a neutral sneaker of some kind. I now have three pairs that I rotate within my day to day wardrobe and they are all either black, white, or a combination of the two. After a few months of contemplation, I bit the bullet and decided to jump on the Van bandwagon. I was initially hesitant because I wasn’t sure if this style of sneaker would suit me or work with my personal style– needless to say, I was completely wrong. Funny enough I felt like such a “cool kid” wearing them, I couldn’t believe I had waited so long to give them a try! With my look nearly complete it was time for accessories. I recently collaborated with the brand called Reel which is a platform designed to promote guilt-free shopping while helping you save for the items of your dreams! I tried this service out for myself and couldn’t have been more pleased with my experience. I loved that I had full control over the amount I was putting aside as well as the length of time I planned to save for. This truly made for a low-stress and pressure free environment to spend at will. I decided to save for a new card holder and with constant email updates every step of the way, I had my luxury item in my possession before I knew it! I highly recommend giving Reel a try and for some added incentive you can use my code ASM15 for a $15 credit on any Reel of $100 or more! To really show off my new gem, I thought it would be fun to have it displayed front and center through this vinyl clutch. To further coordinate with the clear accents, I added a pair of rounded sunnies which really tied the look together and solidified the effortlessly casual look I was going for. I hope to get in a few more Summer looks while the weather allows it, so stayed tuned for what’s to come! Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Zara

Sneakers- Vans

Bag- Zara

Card Holder- YSL

Sunglasses- & Other Stories