spring trend – A Styled Mind

In the vault

SPRING AWAKENING!

March 18, 2024 No Comments

Seasons. The subtle reminder of the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another. Ironically, the mirroring of nature and life can be funny at times, disheartening, yet also quite beautiful. As we come to the end of Q1 and the city slowly becomes more alive, I am welcoming these changes while finding the lessons in the inevitable reset. While that may come off a bit bleak, I am honestly quite content. As a person who suffers from self-diagnosed seasonal depression, nothing has made me happier than a few consistent days of sunshine, blue skies, and the ability to leave my heavier pieces at home. If you follow me on IG (you should, lol), I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my latest “5 essentials” series. This has allowed me the opportunity to 1. shop my own closet, and 2. figure out the items that may be missing if I had to start over with a minimal, capsule wardrobe. So far I’ve done coats, jackets, and skirts, with many more ideas to come! While I do have quite the collection of outerwear, there was one fabric I noticed that was missing; tweed. I also tend to gravitate towards Earth tones, so when I saw this stunning cropped jacket with shoulder pads and silver antique-looking buttons, I knew I had to have it! This garment would obviously be the focal point of my ensemble and because of it’s slightly “mature” presence, I was immediately inclined to add some juxtaposition by pairing it with casual, streamlined items. The weather was absolutely gorgeous on this particular day, so a ribbed cut-out tank and jeans seemed like the perfect fit! BREAKING NEWS: I recently bought 2 new pairs of flats! If you’ve been following any of the recent trend reports, it’s no secret that ballet flats have been having a HUGE moment; and while I’m naturally a heels girly, I couldn’t resist trying out a few styles that I thought would be cute to incorporate during the warmer months ahead. I was able to tie in the rhinestone details with my jewelry and geometric sunnies, and as a wildcard, opted for a croc-embossed grey bag for an extra element of interest. I absolutely loved how this look came together and I look forward to seeing how my fashion expression evolves within this new era. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

ELEVATED CASUAL!

April 30, 2023 No Comments

I know what you’re thinking, “more denim?!” Well truth be told, it’s not a phase. I’ve always been a denim girl and quite frankly during the transitional seasons (i.e. Spring & Fall), in my humble opinion, it’s one of the most durable textiles. Aside from being trendy at the moment, it’s also versatile, easy to layer, and can be dressed up or down! Believe it or not, I did actually take a look at my wardrobe to see what I was missing before settling on this outfit. It’s no secret that I have a pretty sizable collection of jeans, and my skirt selection has definitely grown in the last year as well. Casual dresses however, seemed to be where I was lacking so I quickly scoured the internet to find a style that would serve as a solid base. Though more often than not I will opt for a heel, having the option to wear a flat shoe is absolutely something I take into consideration when bringing new pieces into my closet. That being said, this dark-washed strapless frock was unlike anything I already owned and thus fit the bill perfectly! Another void I noticed was short jackets. Outside of blazers and leather/moto designs, most of my outerwear is long, which once again serves as a slight issue when getting dressed as the temperatures continue to rise. Not going to lie, I was fully influenced by one of my favorite content creators to buy this bomber; but also, is it not incredible?! I absolutely loved the exaggerated take on the classic varsity jacket. The oversized drop shoulder unexpectedly brought a “fashion” element to an otherwise sporty and understated item. Because of the bulk on top, having a sleeker garment underneath helped to keep the ensemble streamlined and not too voluminous overall. Based on the color palette I was working with, I chose to keep my accessories fairly light and minimal. Though I could’ve easily paired this with a crisp white sneaker (and most likely will in the future), I really wanted to show some juxtaposition so a nude lace-up heel was the final choice. I complimented my shoes with a small crossbody bag which featured other light shades, gold hardware, and pop of neon for added interest. Lastly, I threw on my favorite “indoor-outdoor” sunnies some eye-catching jewelry and voila! In the grand scheme of things, nothing about these items are particularly extravagant or “ground-breaking,” but it just goes to show that a few subtle details here and there can easily take your look from basic to elevated. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

CAMO VIBES!

April 6, 2022 No Comments

As the evolution of my style continues, I’m still making it a point to have fun and not take my choices too seriously. Being the fan of contrast and juxtaposition that I am, those themes always tend to present themselves in my looks regardless of the types of ensembles I’m creating. Upon a recent shopping trip to actually make a return, I was doing one last browse around the store when these camo printed cargos caught my eye. To be honest, this is definitely not a motif that is a staple in my wardrobe yet for some reason, I was instantly drawn to them and knew I could make them work. While my first thought was to dress them up with some kind of heeded sandal (which I’m sure I’ll still do in the future), I wanted to tap into more of a causal vibe and emphasize the grunginess they are typically associated with. Of course I still had to put my own “ASM” twist on the outfit, so in efforts to elevate the look I paired the trousers with a rhinestone encrusted t-shirt which added a slightly glamorous, feminine essence. Since it still hasn’t been warm enough to completely leave the outerwear layers behind, I took this as an opportunity to incorporate my newest wool-blend blazer. I wasn’t sure if I’d get any wear out of this piece before the next Fall/Winter seasons, but the light icy grey shade somehow still worked to provide balance within the color palette and not take away from the overall relaxed fit. To complete the styling, I threw on my black and white dunks which really gave the outfit that street-style flare and a handbag in the infamous “Bottega green” for a subtle nod to the trend. Some small frames and a few silver rings served as the icing on the cake and I was ready for any and everything! I’m sure I’ll have a lot of “favorite fashion moments” this year, but I’m already claiming this as one of them. Don’t forget to click the images in the carousel to shop all of the featured items and until next time!

In the vault

RED ALERT!

March 31, 2022 No Comments

Now THIS is an “all-star fit” if I’ve ever seen one! To me, that classifies any ensemble where every single item is a standout showstopper. Typically I choose one focal piece and continue building the look around it, but this particular day I just couldn’t hold back! As I’ve stated previously, I was quite inspired by the runways I saw in person and digitally around the world during February’s fashion month and thus, a lot of shopping came from it! I’ve also always said that while red is a color that I love, it’s not one that I tend to wear often; but to my surprise, it’s been finding it’s way into my wardrobe more and more. I saw this bold knit on another fashion blogger and knew that if it was within reach (and budget) I had to make it mine. Coincidentally at this time, Farfetch was having an incredible sale so I was able to get this top as well as a few other garments for a reasonably discounted price. Though I was a bit unsure of the overall fit, I was pleasantly surprised once I received it and happy it had lived up to my expectations. As far as the jeans go, I had been contemplating these for over a month, questioning whether they were “too trendy” or just “too much.” That said, after much debate and consultation with friends, I finally took the plunge and proceeded to check out my cart. This pairing turned out to be absolute perfection as the synergy between the rounded cutouts on both pieces really helped to create a seamless coordination without either item competing. Because I already had so much going on in terms of eye-catching details, I knew that I would keep my accessories tame but of course, still fun. To ground the look in the chicest way, I opted for my black puffy heeled sandals which somehow also mimicked the spherical trend I had going throughout the outfit. Simply, I tied everything together with a black bag and sunnies accompanied by silver jewelry pieces to match the hardware and highlight the rhinestones that adorned my denim. This styling is definitely not one for the meek, but if you’re feeling daring and would like to recreate it using any (or all) of the items shown, feel free to use my code: FFASHLEY15 for 15% off valid through 4/21 on Farfetch.com. Until next time!

In the vault

ELEVATED BASICS!

March 24, 2022 No Comments

I’ve always loved the essence of subtlety when it comes to my personal style, and I think the pieces I gravitate towards reflect that. For whatever reason, with me, it has always been more about the fit, texture, or intricate details rather than how flashy a garment is overall. I think this may also be why the items I selected for this ensemble intrigued me so much. For the most part, the majority of my shopping takes place during transitional periods between seasons, and it was no different as I refreshed my wardrobe for Spring! When I came across this shirt I was immediately attracted to the beautiful shade of blue, as well as how chic the deconstructed design was on such a traditional piece. The composition allowed for a relaxed and airy fit throughout the shoulders, while the nipped in waist offered a gorgeous silhouette that made this not-so-simple button down one to be remembered. I decided to pair my top with another structured showstopper and can we say, “match made in heaven?!” I fell in love with these croc embossed faux leather trousers towards the end of last year, and when I saw that they had finally gone on sale, I knew I had to make them mine! The tailoring and voluminous shape of the pant really elevated this look in a way that was so unexpectedly perfect, I barely needed any accessories at all! In most cases, I have no qualms with letting the clothing speak for itself, however this outfit deserved a few more accents that could make it even more special. I had been anxiously waiting to style this metallic beaded bag, and could not have picked a better moment! To complete the look I added some silver framed sunnies and matching jewelry to keep everything consistent. Lastly, for footwear, I added a black pair of lucite heels which grounded the outfit seamlessly without taking away from any of the other standout pieces. I am thrilled with how every element complimented each other, and cannot wait to wear this out and about! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

SPRING NEUTRALS!

March 17, 2022 No Comments

Spring is just about here and I couldn’t be more excited to refresh my wardrobe and get back to showcasing some of my favorite new-in pieces! After doing a ton of shopping last month and getting inspired by all of the designers who presented collections during New York, Milan, and Paris fashion week, I was having a hard time trying to figure out which looks I wanted to style first! In my opinion, this ensemble was the best choice to kick off the season as the garments are literally embossed with a quilted floral pattern; I mean, what could be more perfect?! That said, I also wanted to give one final nod to neutrals before we get hit with a full blast of saturation from all of the color-rich trends that seem to be flooding the in-store and online retailers. When I first saw this co-ord set, I was instantly intrigued and knew it would make for a subtle yet eye-catching statement. With 50% of the outfit already established, all I had to do was figure out how I wanted to layer and accessorize to complete my vision. I recently purchased this cropped white shirt, that I already know will soon become a staple in my closet. I love that the shoulder pads allow the top to maintain it’s structure while also adding an elevated twist to a classic everyday piece. Because I was working with a fairly light color palette overall, I had to be very strategic and mindful of my contrasting elements. In efforts to provide a bit of balance to offset the mini skirt, I threw on my tall leather boots in a beige tone which added a casual juxtaposition to the more feminine details. I completed the styling by adding a gorgeous wine-colored bag for a pop of color and a pair of sharp cat eye frames with a tortoise design. I truly enjoyed this look and it definitely has me ready for longer days, warmer temperatures, and the beauty of seeing everything in bloom! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In ASM Shop

JACQUARD PIECES!

May 4, 2021 No Comments

Jacquard is a fabric that, while I do not have much of it in my wardrobe, always intrigues me due to it’s intricate design and structure. In the midst of incorporating more feminine and whimsical pieces into my own closet, I’m sure I’ll be accumulating more garments that are made of this standout textile. Comment below if you’re a fan of this trend and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks! Until next time!

In the vault

POLKA PRINT

March 27, 2019 1 Comment

As much as we’ve all anticipated the arrival of Spring, dressing for the unpredictable season can sometimes be a bit challenging. Despite the varying temperature changes throughout the day, there’s also the constant possibility of a rain storm at any moment. That being said, this is also a transitional time full of growth, and new beginnings! Having the opportunity to try out new pieces from the Who What Wear Collection has really prompted me to start thinking about my personal style this season and how I may want to revamp my wardrobe. Delicate fabrics are always a key indicator that we’re shifting into warmer months, and I’ve truly enjoyed creating a variety of looks with them especially when it comes to layering. To be completely honest though, while I did choose this flowy printed skirt as one of my favorites, I began to second guess my decision upon receiving. Aside from the length slightly troubling me, green is not a color that I wear often; but I was determined to make it work! For me, what truly saved this garment were the buttons. I loved that I could adjust them to my liking which gave the illusion of added height, not to mention the gorgeous movement it allowed with every strut and spin. In efforts to be mindful of the weather and keep things casual, I decided to throw on an over-sized sweatshirt. The mock neck detail truly made this top chicer than your average pullover, yet unfortunately it was still a bit shapeless. To define my waistline, I added a black belt with gold hardware and finished off the look with sock boots to match. Accessories were key for this look, and lucky for me, I had the perfect olive green and gold earrings to tie everything together. Lastly, for a bit of a wild card, I grabbed my grey leather backpack with matching metal accents to expand the color palette and add a final touch of interest. I personally love ensembles that are simple but can easily be elevated with the addition of statement making pieces; most of which already existed in my own closet, believe it or not! Comment below your favorite item from this look and what you’re looking forward to wearing most this Spring season. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Sweatshirt- Topshop

Skirt- Who What Wear Collection

Belt- Mango

Boots- Zara

Backpack- Zara

Earrings- Kendra Scott

In Collabs

ASM X PANTENE

March 19, 2019 1 Comment

Though I’m not the most experimental when it comes to my hair and typically have it pulled back into a sleek protective bun, hair health is definitely important to me. There are so many elements that can affect your hair from what you use to wash and style, weather conditions, diet, and various fabrics. With the weather heating up and festival season right around the corner, I was thrilled when I was contacted by Pantene and they informed me that they’re the official haircare sponsor of Coachella, Stagecoach, and Firefly this year. They asked me to try out their new Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots and shampoo from their Gold Series Collection for all my post-festival haircare needs. What I truly love about this iconic brand, is that aside from promoting the importance of healthy hair, they also strive to create products that highlight and work best for specific hair types. With Spring finally here, and festival season approaching, it’s time to pay more attention to our hair; from the beaming sun, chlorine from pools and the harsh desert sand, these elements can all cause damaged hair, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to combat the damage!

The Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots treatment was designed to revive the most over-processed, over-styled, and over-worked hair; and while that is a pretty big claim, I can definitely attest to the fact that my hair felt incredibly soft and hydrated after my first use. I also love the fact that they come in single-dose tubes, so there’s no need to worry about wasting product or trying to measure that exact amount. They’re super easy to use: simply apply for 30 seconds and rinse for 30 seconds. They are instructed for use weekly after your normal shampoo routine, and I personally plan to keep this product as a permanent final step on my wash days. These are now the #1 selling new treatment item in the haircare category and will definitely come in handy in your post-festival haircare routine.

The Gold Series Collection was created to provide strength and moisture for women with relaxed, natural, or transitioning hair. This product was ideal for me as I’ve been natural for about 7 years now, and I’m constantly looking for new products to help my hair maintain its moisture and strength. Another plus is that all of the items from this line are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free which is key for all textured hair types. To keep the focus on the vibrant gold packaging, I chose to keep my outfit neutral with a black and white hounds-tooth printed dress. I absolutely loved the movement this frock gave with every step as well as the necktie detail which added a bit of feminine sophistication. For a pop of color, I chose chunky yellow platform sandals and fishnet socks for a slightly more unexpected element. I finished off the look with a corset belt, and a clear vinyl bag to showcase my products in the chicest way I could think of. The perfect festival outfit! So with that being said, grab your Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots, favorite Pantene shampoo and bring on the festivals, vacations, and outdoor activities because no one has time for damaged hair in 2019! Get your hands on the new Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots here. Until next time!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pantene. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Product Details & Links:

Dress- Topshop

Bag- Zara

Belt- Topshop

Shoes- Zara

Earrings- & Other Stories

Pantene Rescue Shots

Pantene Gold Series Shampoo

In ASM Shop

LAVENDER LOVE

March 31, 2018 No Comments

It seems as though the color lavender has been the hue of the season and possibly the year thus far. While I am not the biggest pastel wearer, I love this soft feminine shade and have definitely stepped outside of my comfort zone to incorporate it into my Spring wardrobe. Check out some of the pieces I’ve rounded up below and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks. Until next time!