A Styled Mind
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winter fashions

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In the vault

SLEEK & SIMPLE!

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Believe it or not, this was my first official photoshoot of 2023 and surprisingly it came with a lot more anxiety than expected. I am approaching my 8th year of blogging and despite having done it for so long, after the holiday reset plus taking nearly a month off, I seemed to be second guessing myself more than ever. Though I am comfortable in my style and how I showcase it, for whatever reason it took me a bit longer to get back in the swing of things this time around. That said, with NYFW quickly approaching I knew I couldn’t stay in that mindset for too long as there are many exciting looks I have (and have yet) to plan for! I purchased this jumpsuit towards the end of last year and instantly fell in love from the moment I tried it on. Cargos have been a huge trend, which appear to be here to stay, so I was thrilled to be able to experiment with them via this garment. Because of the current temperatures, I knew layering would be a must and though I had quite a few options to choose from, I decided to keep it sleek and simple with a sleeveless bodysuit in a similar shade. Since I was now working with a fairly dark monochrome base, I chose to lighten up the ensemble with my outerwear and bag choice. My collection of coats has definitely grown over the years and while it may seem excessive to some, in my humble opinion, they all serve a different purpose, mood, and style. Since my overall look was casual, I opted for a relaxed fitting taupe number which still provided a cozy yet effortless statement. For footwear, a classic sock bootie seemed like the best option, however I made sure to incorporate some playfulness with a bold geometric shaped cross-body. Lastly, to tie in the gold hardware, I threw on an abstract hoop earring and my favorite chic rectangular sunnies. I understand this may not be the most complex outfit, but I believe that is the beauty of minimalism and the subtle impact it can provide. I’m interested to see the direction my expression through clothing takes in 2023 and I hope you’ll enjoy what is to come! Until next time!

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In the vault

IN LIVING COLOR!

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This is probably the first Winter season that I have made a conscious effort not to allow the freezing temperatures and gloomy days to affect my mood and as a result, my wardrobe. Now don’t get me wrong, I thrive when it comes to styling black and/or neutral pieces. However, this year, I wanted to challenge myself to allow some bolder colors to have their moment to shine; who said we had to wait for Spring anyway??? To my surprise, many retailers appear to be on the same wavelength as I’ve been seeing TONS of bright hues flooding the shelves and websites lately. Personally, I love seeing the juxtaposition of highly saturated garments in cold-weather fabrics. It’s just something about it that makes dressing for slightly unfavorable weather conditions that much more exciting! During this particular online shopping session, I was instantly drawn to the most gorgeous lilac knitted vest and vibrant fuchsia trousers. While to some, this pairing could be a bit much, for me it was the perfect combination. Because the top was more on the pastel side, it didn’t compete with the vividness of the pants and instead allowed them to be the focal point of the ensemble. I really didn’t want to weigh the look down, so I knew there would be no room for darker shades. Instead, I chose to lean on beige and cream tones to seamlessly tie everything together. Another thing I love about working with lighter colors during the colder months is that you get the opportunity so see all of the intricate details within the textures. To incorporate that cozy essence, I opted for a cropped shearling jacket and completed the outfit with a more rugged croc-embossed boot for a slight contrast. Lastly, I accessorized with a pair of pearlescent chandelier earrings and tan oversized sunnies. In my opinion, this look couldn’t have turned out better and it’s one I definitely plan to recreate very soon! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

CABLE KNIT CRAZE!

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When it comes to Fall and Winter textures, the cozier the better! I always find myself gravitating towards chunky cable knit sweaters in a variety of forms, and 2021 has been no different! This year, I was on the hunt for a mini dress that I could wear with taller boots and though initially I was looking for something more relaxed, I couldn’t pass on this fitted style. What truly sold me was the unique patterns and woven stitching that really made this frock an incredible show-stopper! The amount of detail that went into the construction of the piece was unlike anything I had seen on the market thus far, so I knew I had to add it to my collection! As if things couldn’t get any better, upon receiving this garment, I was surprised to find out just how structurally rigid it was. Generally, knit items are known to come with quite a bit of stretch which has its pros and cons. In this instance however, the lack of elasticity worked to my benefit because I didn’t have to worry about it riding up as I walked, which made it a 10 out of 10 without question! At first I thought about layering it under a piece of outerwear, but the distinct intricacies were just too good to hide! That said, I allowed the dress to shine on its own and decided to highlight it with other staple accessories. Using black as my contrasting color, I opted for my newest baguette bag featuring silver zipper accents and my go-to knee high boots. I opted for matching jewelry to keep my hardware consistent and finished off the look with a light tortoise pair of cat-eye frames for an unexpected pop of interest. Though this ensemble didn’t consist of many individual items, each made a statement and came together seamlessly to create a look that I was proud of. Comment below your favorite featured article of clothing or accessory, and don’t forget to shop the carousel for direct links to all pieces as well as other similar styles. Until next time!

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In the vault

REFLECT & RELEASE!

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As we approach the final days of 2020, and reflect on what was probably one of the most unpredictable years in history, I’m sure most of us are looking to the future with a sigh of relief. Whether you stayed at home and just tried to survive another day, start a business venture, or adjust to some of the unfortunate realities that came with this pandemic, making it this far has been an accomplishment in itself. Though many of us have not been focused on dressing up, I personally know how much my appearance affects my mood. Over the last few weeks I have tried to come up with looks that include subtle festive elements, even if the celebrations will be taking place from the comfort of your own home. For this final ensemble, I wanted to bring out some classic sparkle and shine! I recently saw these metallic trousers and knew I had to somehow incorporate them into my New Year’s Eve outfits. The smooth texture and high-waisted fit definitely made them a showstopper that could easily be dressed up or down. I also recently purchased what appeared to be another classic white shirt but to my surprise it was even better! This elevated take on the traditional button-up staple, was something I’ve never seen before. Because it was actually a bodysuit, it allowed for a seamless and formal fit that could be tucked into a variety of bottoms without the bulkiness of extra material. Though I was loving the direction this ensemble was taking, I needed to add pieces that made it a bit more sassy and less “office party.” I was set on bringing some heeled sandals to the mix, but didn’t want to weigh the look down with a black pair. Instead, I continued with the metallic theme and reached for a silver shoe that still remains one of my favorites to this day! For a more glamorous touch, I also included my coveted diamante earrings which I have consistently worn for at least the last 3 years. Though I probably won’t have much use for this final piece as I do not have any plans to go out, I figured a wool coat would be a weather appropriate addition and the perfect garment to complete this outfit. Now all you have to do is apply your favorite red lip, grab a dazzling bag, and you’re good to go! Comment below your favorite featured item and if you’re planning to dress up for NYE or just save it for next year. See you in 2021!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Mango

Shirt Bodysuit- Zara

Trousers- Express

Heels- Zara

Earrings- Mango

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In ASM Shop

VESTS!

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To be honest, while I do not personally own many vests, I do see their value as a wardrobe staple. Whether layering in the midst of frigid temperatures or on those days where a full jacket it not necessary, these pieces serve as versatile garments that can add tons of interest and dimension to any look! Don’t forget to click the images below for direct links to my picks and until next time!

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In the vault

BLUE CHRISTMAS!

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Christmas is right around the corner and time is not slowing down by any means! Though things are looking quite different for a lot of us this year, I have personally tried my best to maintain a sense of normalcy and do everything I can to get myself in the spirit. Despite all of the changes, hardships, and restrictions overall, I cannot ignore all of the things I have to be grateful for. This year, because so many of us will be spending the holidays from the comfort of our own homes, I wanted to create festive looks that were both comfortable and a bit casual. I have been a fan of sweater dresses for quite some time and I have no doubt that they will remain a closet staple for years to come. Especially in the colder months, they are probably the most effective garment for looking put-together with minimal effort. I recently purchased this grey frock and was instantly pleased with the softness of the fabric, fit, and classic fitted turtleneck style. With such a simple piece to anchor the overall ensemble, I knew I could play up the accessories to really convey those celebratory, holiday vibes. Since I’ve recently moved, I have stumbled across a lot of items in my closet that I forgot I even owned; to my surprise, this faux fur vest was one of them! I remember getting it at least 3 years ago from a consignment shop and absolutely falling in love! The ombre black and white color scheme and texture truly made this a chic showstopper that I knew would be perfect to elevate my look. With nearly 75% of my outfit complete, I knew that accessories would be the icing on this Christmas cake! While rummaging through my old statement jewelry collection, I found this gorgeous silver necklace fully composed of rhinestones and layered chains. This was absolutely the piece I needed to complete my Winter glam look, and to finish it off, I added my favorite croc embossed leather booties. Whether planning to stay at home or traveling to celebrate with loved ones, this is absolutely an outfit I would wear to ring in the festivities. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Fur Vest- Michael Kors

Dress- Express

Boots- Asos

Bag- Zara

Necklace- (similar)

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In the vault

FISHNETS + FUR

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I think we’re all finally approaching the time of year where everyone is over the frigid temperatures. These days, it’s been more of a struggle than ever to find the effort to remain comfortable, chic, and warm when getting dressed. That said, I’ve been reaching for more basics and staple pieces, rather than going for crazy statement-making garments. For this outfit, I kept it very simple with a sleeveless black turtleneck and my extremely worn-in, distressed boyfriend jeans. This is the perfect look for those days when you literally feel like you have “nothing to wear” or just don’t have the time and energy to waste. On the upside, the great thing about styling classic pieces is that they provide the perfect foundation for layering and/or playing around with different accessories. To add a little personality and edge to this particular ensemble, I added some fishnet tights and my new black flats with an over-sized bow detail. These two pieces alone, easily transformed this look and made it much more fun and put-together. In order to balance out the hints of skin I had showing on my lower half, I threw on one of my favorite neutral faux fur coats for a bit more drama and contrast to the denim. I’ve found that no matter how casual your outfit may be, throwing on a little accent (or a lot lol) of fur will always elevate it and bring an element of chicness. To finish off the look, I decided to incorporate my prescription glasses which I wear a lot more than most people probably know. Whether worn practically or just for style, I love experimenting with different frames and definitely plan on adding more to my collection for the days when I feel like switching up my look. All in all, I think this outfit is a clear example of how less can definitely be more and simple can still be bold. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Topshop

Top- Zara

Jeans- Levis

Tights- Urban Outfitters

Flats- Zara

Glasses- Versace

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