streetstyle – A Styled Mind

In the vault

WAISTCOAT WOMAN!

August 28, 2023 No Comments

My favorite time of year is quickly approaching, and as we begin refreshing our wardrobes in preparation for the upcoming seasons, there have been quite a few pieces on my radar lately. While the classic staples (leather, knits, outerwear, etc) will forever be reoccurring, I’ve really been enjoying the emphasis on tailoring. I have always been a “trouser girl,” but as I’ve grown in my style evolution, I’ve also accumulated an assortment of blazers as well as full suits; waistcoats however, have become a new and exciting challenge! I’m used to seeing them styled by effortlessly chic women in the Summer, usually in all white or lighter neutral tones, while jet-setting through Europe (a total vibe, I know). Though I could admire and appreciate the aesthetic, I wasn’t sure how practical it was for my everyday life. That said, I recently stumbled upon this khaki version and was instantly intrigued! For starters, the contrasting buttons were fully within my comfort zone as I tend to ground the majority of my looks with some kind of black accessory. In addition to that, I thought about the versatility and how the color as well as the layering potential ensured my cost per wear even as we move into the colder months. Considering I won’t have too many more opportunities to wear this set as is, I decided to keep it easy-breezy and give a nod to the minimalist fashion girlies across the globe. In all honesty I actually forgot to bring my sunglasses in the midst of a hectic morning, so luckily I had the boldest necklace I own which never fails to make the perfect eye-catching statement. I opted for my go-to top handle bag and heeled sandals to complete the ensemble and could not have been more pleased with the outcome. If you haven’t already, this is the time to begin going through your closet and seeing what garments can be transitioned into Fall/Winter and which will be tucked away until next year. Who’s ready for pumpkin spice?!! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

CITY SUMMER!

May 19, 2023 1 Comment

I think I’ve mentioned recently, that I’m in a space within my shopping journey where I only want to add things to my closet that I absolutely love; and because of that, I’ve become a lot more selective with the things I buy and ultimately keep. That said, this way of thinking has also helped me to distinguish the “must-haves” vs the trendy pieces I feel like I need just because they’re all over my timeline. I’ve gone through many phases when it comes to how I’ve built my wardrobe over the years, and aside from denim, another prominent time was my “jumpsuit era.” At one point they literally became my go-to garment regardless of the setting, time of day, or occasion and I was here for it! I mean, who doesn’t love a low maintenance all-in-one piece?!? While things have since diversified overall, I was quickly reminded of my subtle obsession when I saw this piece (ironically) scrolling through the gram. As soon as I was able to pinpoint the brand, my investigative research began and I quickly found her! Everything from the light sage color (very on trend for the season), to the intricate hardware, and open back intrigued me; I was SOLD. As if things couldn’t get any better, I also found it on sale with only one left in my size so I knew it was fate! Upon receiving it I was even more in love and beyond excited to bring this ensemble to life! Though the shade is fairly muted, it’s also quite distinct so it was a bit tricky trying to figure out what accessories would be the most complimentary. Finally, I decided on a chocolate brown pair of heeled sandals and matching sunnies which I thought were the perfect accent. In efforts to highlight the contrast white stitching, I added a geometric shoulder bag for extra depth and interest. Gold jewelry was the obvious choice, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled for this effortlessly chic look. All of the elements played off of each other in the most seamless way and I personally cannot wait to wear this outfit ASAP IRL (LOL). Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

DENIM DARLING!

April 20, 2023 No Comments

I think we all know by now that most “trends” are not original. Almost everything has been done before, and eventually they all come back around in some form or capacity with each new decade. That said, some textiles are absolute classics that will return every year without fail; one of my all time favorites being, denim. For as long as I’ve been shopping on my own, I’ve always maintained a sizeable collection of jeans but this year, like the cargo trend, it seems to have exploded in a way that even I have been shocked by. Forget the Canadian tuxedo, head-to-toe denim looks including bags, shoes, and even jewelry can be seen all over the concrete runways and the fashion girlies are living for it! Again, because I’ve always been a lover of this fabric and already had many pieces in my wardrobe that fit the bill, it was just a matter of deciding which garments I actually wanted to bring out. To no surprise however, I did manage to add a few new items to my closet starting with this cropped jacket. As soon as I saw it, I was instantly brought back to my carefree middle school days where I had a very similar one that I was completely obsessed with. The overall shape and construction really sold me, especially when it came to the oversized relaxed fit and added shoulder pads. Because the wash was slightly off from my bottoms, I wanted to break it up in a chic yet effortless way. Personally, I believe that everyone should freshen up their basics each Spring/Summer season as they end up being the most worn and versatile throughout the year. I was really attempting to channel that 90’s “cool-girl” aesthetic, so when I came across these cut-out ribbed tanks, I knew they would be perfect; so much so that I got them in white and black. With the ensemble nearly complete I just had to pull together the right accessories to compliment my fit. Have you ever seen an item that you loved, but took your time on buying to the point where it sold out and you just assumed it would be restocked, but then NEVER was??? Well, that was my exact situation with these slingback heels and after months of obsessing and regretting having passed them up in the moment, I was finally able to find them in my size via consignment and did not make that mistake twice! Because of the hardware on my shoes, a silver chainmail bag and my favorite chunky earrings were the obvious choice. I finished off the look with a pair of sunnies (as per usual), and could not have felt more comfortable and confident! Have you noticed an increase in the amount of denim you’ve been purchasing lately? Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In ASM Shop

NYFW F/W23!

March 9, 2023 No Comments

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In the vault

XMAS 2022!

December 25, 2022 No Comments

WOW! We’ve made it to yet another holiday season and I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed to be where I am in this moment. Of course, not everything went according to plan, but the fact remains that everything happened the way it was supposed to and all I can do is appreciate how far I’ve come. While Christmas is my favorite holiday and I like to partake in as many festivities as possible, it’s also a time of much needed reflection and introspection. With less than a week until 2023, it’s all about strategizing and planning how to make the most out of the new year while striving for bigger and better all around. On a lighter note, I did obtain quite a few standout wardrobe additions in 2022 and showcasing them was an absolute must! Two of my favorite brands did a highly anticipated collaboration and I refused to let it pass me by without making at least a few pieces mine. While this bold fringe dress is honestly a bit out of my comfort zone, I knew that I would regret not picking it up so I did what needed to be done! These thigh-high patent boots were also a recent purchase and one that has truly exceeded my expectations. I’ve been weighing my Winter footwear options for quite some time and though I had already ordered a similar pair during the Black Friday sales, I immediately shipped them back as soon as I received these beauties. Everything from the fit and heel structure to the overall quality had me sold, and with NYFW right around the corner I knew they’d be worth the investment! Because we are still in the midst of the festive season I had to throw in some sparkle and opted for a black embellished earring to compliment my shoes and bag covered in the most beautiful rhinestones. Lastly, I completed the ensemble with a sleek pair of sunnies and was more than happy to paint the town RED! I hope you all are enjoying the time spent with your loved ones and are making lasting memories that you’ll cherish for as long as possible. Until next time!

In Collabs

ASM X REVOLVE!

August 31, 2022 No Comments

When it comes to shopping, there’s nothing like finding a retailer that provides a “one-stop-shop” experience. From clothing, to accessories, and even health & beauty items, nothing makes me happier than having a seamless shopping experience; and that’s exactly what Revolve provides. I’ve been a consistent customer for awhile now, but things have definitely picked up over the last few years. I love that I can easily shop my favorite brands, while simultaneously being introduced to new ones along the way. They also do a great job of stocking items from a wide price point range. Whether opting for something inexpensive or splurging on a luxury good, this platform has mastered catering to a variety of fashion lovers regardless of their budget!

I was generously given the opportunity to select a few things from the website, which was perfect timing as we’re about to enter fashion month. Not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated by the amount of options I had to choose from. However, after some thorough digging and analyzing the voids in my wardrobe, I slowly but surely narrowed it down to my top picks. One of the pieces that were an instant standout, was this denim maxi skirt. Talk about serving THE DRAMA! This garment was bold, chic, and edgy all in one. I have to say though, upon looking at it and seeing how high the slit was, I was a little concerned about whether it would be “too much” for me; but that didn’t stop me from giving it a try! Upon receiving it, I definitely had to play around with the styling to see what made me the most comfortable, especially since I’m typically not a low-rise kind of girl. That said, I quickly became at ease and completely fell in love! As far as tops go, despite initially trying it on with a black option, I knew that I was pairing the matching shoe with another look and since Summer isn’t quite over yet, I didn’t mind going for a lighter color. Instead of using this as an opportunity to style it with something more toned down, I did the exact opposite and in true maximalist fashion, chose another eye-catching number that I had yet to debut. While this unique construction may be risque to some, in my opinion, it truly embodies the artistic design elements that make fashion so intriguing.

When it came to footwear, my white mules were the obvious choice (another Revolve find). For a minute I was slightly unsure about the bag, but eventually decided on an understated navy option with neon piping. Lastly, I played off of the hardware to tie in my gold jewelry and threw on some cat eye frames as a final touch! This ensemble is definitely in the running for my favorite of 2022 and I cannot wait to showcase these items in a variety of ways. Don’t forget to check out the carousel featuring my Revolve clothing favorites, as well as statement heels located at the bottom of this post! Happy shopping and leave a comment if you also own, or plan to purchase any of my recommendations. Until next time!

In the vault

POPLIN + PRINTS!

August 18, 2022 No Comments

Aside from denim and blazers, when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe, a crisp white shirt is an absolute must! Over the years my collection of poplins has continued to grow, so much so that they’ve even begun to expand and transform into a variety of styles. While the coast is still clear to wear white (just kidding, THERE ARE NO FASHION RULES!), I decided to pull out a new frock that I’ve been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to showcase. Per usual, what I loved most about it was the contemporary take on an otherwise traditional garment. Everything from the cut-outs to the open back and lace up detailing, which gave a nod to the current corset trend, this dress literally hit all the marks when it came to eye-catching elements! While subtly there may have been a lot going on within this one piece, I still wanted to style it with other exciting items, for a bit of “razzle dazzle.” In efforts to combat the amount of skin on show, I thought it would be nice to balance the ensemble with a pair of snake print knee-high boots, which served as a slightly more impactful neutral. Lastly, I completed the outfit with a Kelly green mini bag that despite its bold hue, compliments a lot more things in my wardrobe than I would have expected upon purchasing it. For jewelry, silver was the obvious choice and my rimless frames were the icing on one extremely stylish cake! Layered with a light trench coat or oversized blazer, this could also be a great transitional look as we head into the cooler months! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

PRE-FALL PREP!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

Anyone who is even remotely into fashion, or shopping for that matter, knows that most designers are usually at least one season ahead when it comes to production. This means, that although it may still be hot outside, you will begin to see heavier pieces like knits and jackets slowly being integrated onto retailer’s websites and in stores. By this time of year, I am absolutely anticipating the Fall season and strategically buying garments that I know for a fact can be styled during the cooler months. (PRO-TIP: Start looking for key staples like leather jackets, trench coats, knitwear, etc. now because by the time you need them they’ll be sold out and/or severely marked up in price!) Being a style blogger, I am usually in the know about a lot of things regarding upcoming trends and fashion forecasts. That being said, one of my favorite things has to be learning from other creators in this space especially when it comes to new brands that I’ve never heard of or are based outside of the U.S. regions. My slip dress collection has definitely grown over the years, but this particular frock may be my favorite one to date. Aside from the rich color and smooth metallic-like finish, the double-lined fabric and seamless fit were an absolute dream! I’ve always considered these dress styles more on the casual side, but this one changed my perspective entirely and proved that they can be worn even in more formal settings. In efforts to keep it as the focal point of the ensemble, I chose an understated and slightly monochrome color palette to complete the outfit. I opted to layer with a neutral beige blazer, and contrast with a textured black handbag and mules. On this rare occasion, I chose to forego sunglasses but stuck to my usual gold jewelry as a final touch. This ensemble definitely gave me all of the autumnal feels and dare I say, ready for Summer to come to an end??? Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

CORSET CHRONICLES!

August 6, 2022 No Comments

I read a quote that said, “August is the Sunday of Summer” and I’m highly inclined to agree! As we look ahead to the upcoming seasons, I’ve been very intentional about the items that I’m choosing to add to my wardrobe to ensure they are versatile enough to withstand the inevitable temperature changes. In addition to that, I have also been preparing for an exciting Euro trip that will absolutely require some stand-out pieces… but, more to come on that later. Recently, I’ve found myself drawn to a lot of corset and bustier structured tops. I personally believe they are here to stay and will be quite the trend, especially during the transitional periods, since they’re so easy to layer over and under an array of garments. It’s no secret that this particular version was inspired by a few different designers and to my surprise, even at a fraction of the price, the quality exceeded my expectations! The double lined fabric and sweetheart neckline design kept me feeling super supported as well as comfortable, making it an instant win. As a nod to my obsession with juxtaposition and denim, I chose to pair it with yet another set of cargo-like trousers. I was immediately “influenced” when I saw these on a fellow blogger, and absolutely sold by the adjustable ankle strap that allowed for a more tapered look if desired. For footwear, I opted for my trusted sling-back pvc heels and finished off the ensemble with my go-to round black frames which tied all of the dark elements together seamlessly. Since my color palette remained neutral, the option was definitely available to add a pop of color. After giving it some thought however, I decided to balance out the edginess with a touch of glamor and grabbed my newest rhinestone bag as a final statement maker. To match, I quickly threw on some silver jewelry, and another simple yet elevated outfit was complete! I’ve always taken pride in my ability to find and style unique items that pack a punch in understated yet cool ways. Comment below your favorite featured piece and whether you’re still enjoying Summer fashion or ready to jump into more Autumnal vibes. Until next time!

In the vault

SLIP SEASON!

May 3, 2022 No Comments

While I love the transitional temperatures that Spring and Fall bring, I honestly believe that they can be slightly more challenging to dress for. A lot of times there is a constant battle between being under or over dressed, especially when the forecast fluctuates throughout the day. To remedy this problem, I like to split up my ensembles by base and layers. For example, if I feel like styling a lighter foundational garment, I’ll opt for heavier outerwear and a more substantial shoe (and vice versa). This way, there is always an element of balance within the outfit which will hopefully avoid being too hot/cold; which is the exact formula I used when styling this look! I was initially hesitant about purchasing this dress as my first thought was, “too dressy and not practical.” After receiving it however, I quickly changed my tune and realized that it was an incredibly versatile piece that could easily be dressed up or down. I’ve been fully embracing the green trend so it was no surprise that this frock caught my eye to begin with. However, the overall quality and cut-out detailing is what absolutely sold me and made it a keeper! I didn’t mind sticking with a darker palette this go round and, instead of overcomplicating things, decided black would be my contrasting shade. This also gave me an opportunity to incorporate another recent buy I had been waiting for the perfect moment to pull out of my closet. Cardigans have made quite the comeback and while I do have some bolder options, this little cropped number filled a void in my wardrobe that I didn’t even know I was missing. The boxy shape and relaxed fit really worked to bring an effortlessly casual vibe to the outfit that made it feel more suitable for every day. For footwear, I threw on my favorite knee-high boots which I have gotten well over my cost per wear out of! Lastly, I chose to stick with the same color story by adding a gorgeous crossbody bag featuring gold hardware. After throwing on a few jewelry pieces and a pair of sunnies, I was more than satisfied with how this look turned out! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!