stylist – A Styled Mind

In the vault

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

December 28, 2023 No Comments

As we reflect on these last few days of 2023, a lot of us find ourselves moving through a wave of emotions. All of the “shoulda, woulda, coulda’s,” potential disappointment regarding the things we didn’t accomplish, and maybe even a bit of regret for some of the decisions we ultimately made. All in all, I think it’s important to feel all of it so that we can hopefully move into a space of acceptance and contentment as we step into the year ahead; we deserve it. Now with that being said, the shopping season is still in full swing! While we may have gotten our gift giving out of the way, the post Xmas sales have just begun and honestly, it’s not a bad time to see if there’s any last minute pieces you can check off your wish-list for a discounted price! Over the last 2 months, I’ve noticed a void in my wardrobe that has kept me vigilantly on the hunt for a floor-grazing, black, oversized, double-breasted wool coat. Though this seems like a pretty common garment to come across especially during the colder months, there are SO many options from tons of brands, each having their own subtle differences, that made this quest harder than expected. Unexpectedly however, I happened to be scrolling through IG and one of my favorite influencers had actually partnered with the brand and was modeling this piece for the collection that was dropping that same day! So after rushing to the website and refreshing my browser all morning, waiting for the item to be available for purchase, I finally secured the outerwear staple I had been craving! Even prior to receiving it, my vision was to layer it over more feminine pieces to play up the juxtaposition of the menswear structure. JPG has been having quite a moment with all of the “body illusion” dresses this year and before I jumped on the trend, I wanted to take my time and wait for something that I could truly see being a quality addition to my wardrobe. Because of the bold print, I knew I would most likely opt for something neutral and I finally found the perfect frock! I didn’t even realize how sparkly the metallic stripes would be until I saw it in person, and the contrast of the brown panels really made the design come to life! I kept my accessories simple while highlighting the silver accents with my jewelry and clutch. Despite my NYE plans looking fairly relaxed thus far, this is definitely an outfit I would wear if I planned to go out; would you??? Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

LA ROSA!

August 3, 2023 1 Comment

For the most part I feel like my style this Summer has remained fairly neutral, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t enjoy a burst of vibrancy every now and then. As we continue into the later months of the season, I tend to gravitate towards effortlessness and ease when it comes to styling my outfits. Between the intense heat and subtle longing for Fall, whatever ensemble requires the least amount of thought is usually what I opt for. I had seen this slip dress on Instagram months ago, and was immediately obsessed! The overall rose print, contrast of colors, and lace-up details captured every stylistic genre from feminine and romantic to whimsical and contemporary. Knowing this piece would be the star of the show, keeping my accessories tame was a no-brainer. Surprisingly, I chose to take the juxtaposition a step further by selecting a flat platform sandal instead of a heel. In no way did this frock lack in eye-catching ability, so choosing the more comfortable route seemed like a perfectly sufficient way to ground the look. Because of the black elements incorporated into the abstract design, I did not hesitate to grab my favorite round sunnies and top handle bag which I have consistently featured time and time again. I think this outfit also proves that if you strive to build an elevated wardrobe with quality garments, no matter what you pair together, there will always be a level of interest and a sense of effort. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

ROSETTE ROMANCE!

July 28, 2023 No Comments

To trend or not to trend, that is the question! When it comes to items that seemingly become popular “overnight,” especially within the fashion world, there can be an increased pressure to fully dive-in and indulge. Over the years however, I’ve found that acting on impulse usually results in regret and a little extra thought can go a long way. When it comes to trendy pieces, I try to ask myself 3 questions: “Is this a need or a want? Does this truly represent my personal style? Will I still wear this after the hype dies down?” Now don’t get me wrong, not every decision needs to be this deep or require this much analysis but it can be a starting point. How we represent ourselves through clothing should be fun, experimental, and ever-evolving. That said, if you’re interested in trying something slightly outside of your comfort zone, finding a dupe at a lower price point could be a better alternative until you decide if it’s worth the full commitment. When I saw the explosion of the rosette applique, I went through the same process. I was definitely intrigued, but I wasn’t sure if this detail was really “me” or how much I’d actually wear it in the long run. Thus, I decided to wait it out and in the interim started knocking off other pieces from my wish list that I had been wanting for some time. I don’t need to rehash my love of denim, but I spotted this mini skirt last Summer and unfortunately it sold out before I could get my hands on it. The same was the case with this oversized ivory blazer, so when I saw them both restocked I jumped at the opportunity to finally make them mine. Knowing my intention was to pair these garments together, I just needed the missing link to bring my vision to life! As soon as I saw this textured swimsuit (yes, it’s a swimsuit LOL), I knew it would be perfect and it absolutely lived up to my expectations! With my ensemble nearly complete all there was left to do was accessorize. Since my color palette was fairly neutral, I chose to incorporate a striking pop of green with my footwear and a structured navy bag that had subtle neon piping to match. To compliment the hardware, I added some gold jewelry and my newest rimless frames that I’m utterly obsessed with! In my opinion, this look could not have come together better and I will be styling it again before the season ends. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

MIXED METALS!

July 9, 2023 No Comments

I’m sure it’s safe to assume that we all have our preferences when it comes to fashion: items that we love and others that we swear we’ll never be caught dead in; for me personally, white jeans are that thing. I’m not sure if it’s the high maintenance aspect, or that fact that I’ve seen them worn in some incredibly unflattering ways, but either way I cannot stand them. That said, this season I was really on the hunt for a piece that had a similar aesthetic & versatility but was also different enough to make me feel confident while wearing it. I’ve had my fair share of linen pants and trousers but I was determined to find something a bit more casual. After doing some online investigation, it finally hit me; a denim maxi skirt! I’ve been utterly obsessed with this trend since last year and though I have collected quite a few thus far, they’ve all been various shades of blue/black so there was still a void in my wardrobe. Another recent purchase was this monochrome graphic mesh tee which instantly intrigued me as an elevated take on a traditional closet staple. When it comes to accessories, I’ve been enjoying updating my collection with more eye-catching pieces and quickly realized that I was in need of a red bag. However, after narrowing down my options based on what was in my price range and actually in stock, it didn’t take me long to find the cutest leather shoulder bag featuring both silver and gold hardware. Despite it being the perfect size to hold my essentials, I also loved that regardless of my jewelry, it would never clash due to the mixed metal accents. Lastly, I chose to keep it simple while finishing off the ensemble with black heeled wrap sandals and a pair of classic cat-eye sunnies. Comment below your favorite featured item, as well as one garment in general that you would never wear. Until next time!

In the vault

GILDED EDGE!

May 31, 2023 No Comments

When it comes to fashion, there are two things I’ve found myself being consistently drawn to as we approach the Summer season: black garments and chunky gold accents! Not sure if this comes as a surprise, but it’s a pattern I’ve noticed and am fully embracing all 2023. Living in and around New York City my entire life, it’s no secret that black will forever be known as a “year-round” color. Despite it’s reputation for absorbing too much heat, it seems like the coolest people are the ones that can pull it off effortlessly no matter what the weather conditions are…pun intended. Personally, I also find that when I come across a piece that is a bit outside of my comfort zone, wearing it in this shade always seems more manageable and familiar; and this voluminous frock was no exception. When I initially spotted this dress, I saw it in a floral motif that while pretty, didn’t really feel like “me” and was way too girly for my liking. Luckily, to my benefit, it also came in another option and I was quick to make it mine! I absolutely loved the juxtaposition of the ultra-feminine design and the stark opaqueness of the gown which brought out an unexpected edginess that I thoroughly enjoyed! At this point, all there was left to do was accessorize and I had some exciting new wardrobe additions in mind! In efforts to mirror the lace up back detail, I grabbed these amazing sandals featuring a bold chain-link heel. To further play up the gold hardware and add another element of interest, I decided to include this lime colored bag which helped to capture the brightness of the season in a fun, yet subtle way. After adding my jewelry and a sleek pair of sunnies, I was feeling confidently chic and ready for whatever the day had in store. Are you a person who gravitates towards vivid hues or darker/netural tones in the warmer months? Comment below your favorite featured item 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 the vault

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS!

September 23, 2022 No Comments

Accessories, or “outfit enhancers” were never a focal point for me or what I had ever considered a top priority when it came to styling my looks. I think because I’m such a creature of habit, for a long time having neutral shoes, bags, and essentially wearing the same jewelry daily was enough for me and I let the ensemble itself be the statement. That being said, over the last few years my perspective has definitely changed and I’ve grown to see their importance as well as find enjoyment in expanding my personal collection. Let’s start from the top, shall we?! I saw this necklace on one of my favorite fashion content creators and from that moment on, it never left my brain. The two-toned metals, chunky construction, and overall boldness constantly replayed in my head to the point where I had to at least do some research and see if it was a feasible investment. To no surprise, it was not a cheap accessory but it also wasn’t completely out of reach either. After a bit more digging, I found an online boutique that had it in stock at a pretty significant discount and saw that as a sign to pull the trigger! While I knew this piece could literally go with just about anything, whether toned down or for a more formal occasion, I still wanted to wait until I found something that really peaked my interest before showcasing it. When given the opportunity to partner with one of my favorite retailers, I stumbled upon this olive mini dress and though I didn’t get it right in that moment, the color and plunging neckline alone was enough to make me add it to my wish list. It didn’t take long before I went back for the frock and just as expected, my vision was nearly complete! From that brand collaboration also came these incredible shoes and yes, they’re wedges! Though I am a “heel girl,” this particular style is one that I was convinced I would NEVER revisit. However, as soon as I laid my eyes on these architectural beauties, I was sold and knew I needed these works of art in my wardrobe! To complete the look and tie everything together, I decided to add some texture with what is easily becoming one of my most worn bags. Lastly, I threw on some classic black rectangular frames and a red lip for an extra pop of color! I was beyond pleased with how this outfit came together and am looking forward to playing around with a lot more eye-catching accessories as we head into the Fall season. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

NEON MOMENTS!

April 15, 2022 No Comments

At this point, I think it’s safe to say that every shade of green is trending! Each and every season, from olive to kelly, this color has been at the forefront of style and it doesn’t appear to be leaving our sight (or wardrobes) any time soon! As I was preparing to update my closet with a few new pieces for Spring, I knew I wanted a bright blazer that I could use to create some show-stopping colorful outfits. To no surprise, it wasn’t very hard to find and when I saw that there was also a matching cropped shirt I swiftly added both to my cart! That being said, I was a bit caught off guard when I actually received the items. For some reason, in my head, I had imagined a more pastel tone. So when I was hit with such vibrancy upon opening the package, I wasn’t sure if I’d actually be willing to make it work. After a bit of playing around however and pairing the garments with a few things I already owned, I was sold! To offset the intense saturation, I realized that aligning the pieces with a darker wash of denim offered the perfect juxtaposition of textures while adding a casual element. To highlight the gold buttons on my skirt in the most non-competing way, I leaned on my accessories which all had hints of the metal accent as well as some of my favorite rings and earrings. Nude definitely seemed like the most fitting contrast for my heels and sunnies as it kept the look “daytime fresh” and lighthearted without taking anything away from the boldness overall. To complete the ensemble, I introduced a beaded chartreuse bag for a subtle color-block moment which I really think took the styling over the top in the best possible way. To me, this outfit screams “Summertime brunch” and I know for a fact that I’ll be wearing it in the upcoming months! Comment below your favorite featured item and/or if this is something you would personally wear. Until next time!

In the vault

SHEARLING CHIC!

December 10, 2021 No Comments

Diving into Winter style and for me, it’s all about staying warm while looking chic! To be honest, this year I acquired a handful of exciting pieces that I’ve been dying to share, and this shearling coat was definitely a part of that haul. Aside from the overall quality, I was immediately attracted to the variety of neutral shades that created a sort of “patchwork” design on the garment. It should be no surprise that the color brown is here to stay so I really wanted to create a look that highlighted all of the different hues as well as the gorgeous plush texture. While I knew my outerwear was a showstopper in it’s own right, there was still room to add a few more statement elements. I had been eyeing this bodysuit for quite some time, and made no hesitations to purchase when it finally came back in stock! I personally loved the design, especially the ring details that gave a bit of edge to an otherwise standard cut out detail. Once my sweet tooth was finally satisfied from all of the chocolate, I decided to balance the look with a classic pair of mid-wash jeans featuring a raw hem. To me, denim always does a great job of grounding an ensemble especially when there are multiple eye-catching styles that could potentially compete. I also chose to keep my accessories fairly tame with sleek leather sock booties, gold jewelry, and aviator frames that subtly mimicked the warmth that the outfit radiated. Have you invested in cocoa-colored items this year?? If so, comment your favorite new addition below and until next time!