A Styled Mind
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Ashley

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In the vault

TAILOR-MADE!

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No matter how much my style evolves year after year, there are two things that will undoubtedly remain a constant, my love of suiting and Earth tones. As a self-proclaimed “Fall baby,” there’s just something about Autumnal shades such as brown, olive, & burgundy that will forever have me in a chokehold no matter how many times I try to switch things up & step outside of my comfort zone. Currently, I would characterize my shopping style as, “love it, or leave it;” there literally is no in between. So when I saw this dark khaki suit on a fellow content creator back in February during fashion week, I knew for a fact I had to make it mine! Everything from the color, fabric, silhouette, and structure was absolute perfection; and from the moment I tried it on, I knew I had made the right decision. There’s truly nothing better than feeling confident in what you’re wearing, and chic tailoring will do it for me every single time! I wanted to keep the look effortless while adding a slight bit of edge, so as a rather unexpected choice, I decided to ground the look with a minimal snake print heeled sandal. To be honest, aside from my footwear, I planned to go with all black accessories. Fortunately however, the piece I intended to wear had not come in time so I was forced to quickly switch gears, and I’m so happy I did! This distressed bag has instantly become a new wardrobe favorite, and I absolutely loved the juxtaposition of its casual design against such refined garments. To match the hardware, I opted for silver jewelry and a sleek pair of sunnies to bring it all together. If I had to come up with a fool-proof style formula, more than likely it would always involve a suit. Whether day or night, worn casually or in a formal setting, it’s one of the most versatile, classic, and empowering styles of dress, which is why it has stood the test of time for both men and women for centuries! Comment below your favorite featured items and until next time!

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In the vault

AUBERGINE AUTUMN!

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While Fall is by far my favorite season for getting dressed, there is an undeniable strategy that is required to ensure comfort throughout the entire day. Unlike Summer and Winter where the temperatures remain fairly consistent, September through December (at least in the Northeast) can come with drastic weather changes by the hour. In efforts to combat this, having a wardrobe stocked with transitional pieces and mastering the art of layering is imperative! This particular day was relatively warm, but I still wanted to make sure I was prepared for any unexpected surprises. Frankly at this point, outerwear is a non-negotiable for me. Regardless of what the forecast predicts, all of my outfits from this point on will be styled with some variation of a jacket, and luckily for me, I have plenty of options to choose from! For whatever reason, burgundy has been having a huge moment this year, despite always being one of the most popular shades throughout the autumnal months. What I didn’t expect however, was the resurgence of this gorgeous deep plum color, and I am absolutely here for it! Because I wanted this satin maxi skirt to be the focal point of my ensemble, I planned to keep my coordinating garments rather neutral. That said, I also wanted the outfit to remain balanced and not too heavy with the abundance of darker tones. So while I did incorporate a sleeveless black knitted turtleneck, bag, and heeled sandals, I chose to brighten it up with a cropped cargo trench and nude sunnies. Personally, I love a look that mixes textures, structure, and fabrics in the most eye-catching yet subtle way. I felt ready for anything in this outfit, and there definitely will be more bold aubergine pieces to come this season and as we move into the new year! Comment below your favorite featured items and until next time!

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In the vault

SHADES OF GREY!

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Grey is often associated with gloom, sadness, indecisiveness, hopelessness and many more “not so positive” adjectives; and while true, has also been a shade that I’ve gravitated towards more than ever this season…(should I be concerned?!). Jokes aside, I never thought so many of my favorite pieces would come in this color, but I’ve chosen to see the sunshine through fog and wear them proudly! Drop-waist maxi dresses have been another huge trend this Summer and while I was determined to find one that suited me, I knew it had to be specific to my personal style. Because these frocks lean quite feminine, and as lover of juxtaposition, I knew that color choice would be crucial for long-term wearability. Black always seemed too harsh given the amount of material on the garment, and any other hue I came across felt too restrictive to a particular time of year. Finally, thanks to an Instagram ad, I stumbled upon the most ideal option for me! The overall construction, fit, and quality were everything I had been looking for and more! As a woman on the shorter side, I loved how elongated it made me appear and the the open back detail served as the perfect balance of casual and flirty. Given the voluminous nature of the dress, I knew it could handle being paired with an oversized bag (another trend to look out for!). I’ve had this leather woven tote for a couple years now and whether being used as a travel carry-on or catch-all for my weekly errands, it never fails to make a chic, elevated statement. Since my shoes would barely be seen anyway, I opted for a minimal wedge mule featuring a structured heel for added interest. Lastly, I threw on my everyday silver rings, and a frameless pair of sunnies for a subtle 90’s flair. I want to reiterate that there is absolutely nothing wrong with experimenting with different trends. The real skill comes with how you incorporate and tailor them to your wardrobe, and THAT is what separates a trendsetter from a trend-follower. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

CAPRIS PLEASE!

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I cannot believe we’re officially heading towards the end of Summer! That being said, it’s always around this time of year when I start to feel like I’m running out of outfit options. Between the heat and no longer wanting to shop for the current season, getting dressed usually consists of remixing older items and attempting to configure new styling formulas that feel just as current and exciting. In all honesty, I was one of the people who swore they would not be jumping on the capris trend. When it came to mid-length trousers, I was fully content with the resurrection of the bermuda short/jort and wasn’t really interested in experimenting any further. However, when I had the opportunity to try out this plain black pair, my mind instantly changed! Despite seeing how many other creators styled them, I didn’t think they would look as chic on me– I was wrong. In addition to the overall comfort and ease, when paired with a heel, they also provided a slightly retro aesthetic that was definitely missing from my wardrobe. Of all the popular closet staples, I think the one garment most of us have in common is the white button-up. Whether a structured poplin or flowy linen, this piece has stood the test of time for decades (maybe even centuries) and I truly don’t think it will ever be “out” of fashion. I’ve had this shirt for a few years now and for something so simple, I feel amazing every time I wear it. It’s the perfect amount of oversized and due to the relaxed fabric, seems to drape perfectly no matter how I style it. To really drive home the “effortless vibe,” I created a tie detail in the front for some added interest. Because my foundation was so basic, having eye-catching accessories was a must! I remembered wearing this scarf the exact same way while on vacation in 2021 and I literally haven’t reached for it since. In efforts to switch things up, instead of highlighting the pink tones in the abstract print like I did back then, I decided to coordinate with a tiny green top-handle bag. I wanted to keep the ensemble fairly streamlined so I opted for one of my favorite, and surprisingly most comfortable, heeled sandals. I layered a bunch of gold jewelry to match the hardware on my shoes, and completed the outfit with an oversized pair of sunnies as well. Truthfully speaking, I felt great in this look and couldn’t have been more proud of how it came together! Is this a trend you have, or are willing to try? Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

SUITS ME!

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Blazers, suits, and tailoring in general has become a staple theme in my wardrobe throughout the years. That being said, despite the classic history that suiting has, I always tend to find myself gravitating towards more modern cuts, textiles, and design elements that bring a level of juxtaposition that truly excites me! I don’t own many co-ords (if any) that incorporate shorts, so when I saw this grey 3-piece ensemble I was instantly intrigued. It was so simple yet effortlessly chic, and absolutely perfect for a variety of Summer activities, whether business or pleasure. While I opted to forego the vest (for now), I was thrilled when I finally received the other two pieces. The fit of each garment was superb and the subtle characteristics of the shoulder pads, pleats, and slightly slanted cut of the bottoms, conveyed a strong yet feminine vibe that could not have made a more satisfying pairing. In efforts to coordinate with the dark buttons on the jacket, I knew my accent color would be black. I actually purchased this top almost two years ago for my very first trip to Paris, and sadly didn’t get a chance to wear it. However, with a little time, patience, and the right outfit, it was definitely worth the wait! Another recent obsession of mine has been with rosette accents. Regardless of the item they adorn, they always seems to add an unexpected playfulness that reminds me not to take fashion too seriously– it’s just clothes at the end of the day! I finished the look with a minimal shoulder bag, my favorite cat-eye frames, and some gunmetal jewelry to match my heeled sandals. I felt like such a boss in this outfit, and have no doubt that this suit will remain in my closet for years to come. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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In the vault

FEELING BUBBLY!

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I think it’s safe to say I’ve done my fair share of dabbling in fashion trends this year. Ballet flats, jorts, and the color red are just a few of the ones we’ve covered thus far, so why not add one more to the collection?! Since the weather began to heat up for Spring and Summer, the bubble hem has been making a huge statement. Whether mini, midi, or maxi, this flirty feminine detail has added an element of whimsy to skirts and dresses everywhere! Seeing a void in my closet for this silhouette, I was eager to give it a try after being influenced by a few fellow fashion creators. That said, I knew I had to remain true to my personal style and create a look that I felt most comfortable and confident in. As we know, I’m all about the juxtaposition so it only made sense to pair such a fluid piece with a more structured top. I’ve had this cut-out pastel blue poplin shirt for a couple years now and it still remains one of my absolute favorites every time I pull it out! The asymmetry and hourglass shape, provide such an interesting take on a wardrobe classic and I am so happy to own it. When it came to accessorizing, I wasn’t really feeling the “color-blocking” motif that seemed to be coming together so instead, I decided to ground the ensemble with probably my most worn textile, denim! Though they were not a perfect match, my heels and bag served as amazing eye-catching accents while highlighting my top, adding texture, as well as dimension. I opted for silver jewelry to match the hardware on my shoes, and some sleek geometric frames as a final touch. In my humble opinion, this outfit was giving all of the effortlessly chic vibes and I was totally here for it! Whether for brunch or boat day, I am fully prepared to wear this again before the season comes to a close. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

DRESS ERA!

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There must be something in the water because I have officially entered my dress era! Now, while I do consider my style “feminine,” I don’t wear dresses as much as one would probably assume. As you may already know, I tend to gravitate towards denim, separates, and skirts when I want to feel slightly more girly. Though frocks are extremely easy to wear due to the fact that most of the look is centered around one piece, I do find that they can be restricting when it comes to styling. That being said, recently I’ve seen a lot of people experimenting with their dresses through various forms of layering, and I wholeheartedly believe that is what has captured my interest. Despite my wardrobe’s continuous evolution, there are certain aspects that I truly believe will always remain a constant. Even when it comes to color palette, typically if I’m going to opt for a more saturated ensemble, you will likely find me in shades of blue or Earth tones. So to no on’es surprise, this open back, maxi length stunner caught my eye and the outfit planning began! We’ve already discussed the ongoing “red” trend (which I’ve also been loving), so this was a great opportunity to highlight that and have a bit of fun with some crimson tones! Personally, I’m a firm believer that my looks are usually not complete without a pair of sunglasses, however I have been on the hunt for more smart/practical looking optical options as well! I already owned a pair of sunnies from this particular brand, so when I stumbled upon these cherry colored beauties featuring rhinestone embellishments, I knew they’d be perfect! My go-to minimal lace-up heeled sandals seemed like the best choice to ground the outfit, as to not clash or take away from the bold print I was working with. Silver jewelry was an obvious choice, but for one final unexpected element I grabbed a fiery bag to seamlessly tie everything together. We are definitely kicking off July strong with this look, and I can’t wait to hit the streets IRL! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

ELEVATED ESSENTIALS!

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Now that Summer has officially begun, and the temperatures have remained consistently high, getting dressed is becoming a more challenging task. Because the days are so much longer and we’re spending the majority of our time outside, comfort is always key! From functional footwear, to breathable fabrics that can carry you from day to night, it can be a tricky balance formulating a look that you can go the distance in while also maintaining a sense of style. For me, this is where “elevated essentials” come into play! If you were to ask a group of people to come up with the most “basic” outfit they can think of, I’m willing to bet a high percentage would say “a t-shirt and jeans.” These are the types of wardrobe staples that almost everyone owns, and can be your saving grace when the thought of getting dressed seems simply unbearable. When it comes to trends that peak my interest, I definitely prefer to test them out conservatively before fully investing. Since my May blog post, I have gotten fully onboard with the “jort” trend and being that I only had one distressed pair in my closet, I figured I had room for another option. To be honest, when I saw these I was immediately sold! They were slightly longer than my first pair, a darker wash, and had a finished hem which I thought would be perfect for more formal occasions as well as with boots in the Fall. The buckle detail on the back pocket also provided an unexpected yet subtle design element that made the piece feel a bit more special. I wanted to keep the vibe casual for the most part, so I paired the shorts with one of my favorite tops during the warmer months! It’s such a fun take on the classic tee, and it effortlessly brings intrigue to any ensemble I pair it with. Another new addition were these heeled sandals. As we know, the color red is still having a moment and I wanted to find a fairly minimal sandal that could bring the bold pop I was looking to add to future outfits this season. At this point all there was left to do was accessorize! Silver jewelry and frameless sunnies were an easy match for the hardware on my heels, and an oversized zebra-print clutch brought in a touch of playfulness to the look overall. I definitely look forward to rotating these pieces throughout my Summer wardrobe, and sharing more ways to get the most out of your closet essentials. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

PLAID PERFECT!

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Does the perfect suit really exist? Though my style has continued to evolve, my love of co-ords and matching sets has remained a constant. That said, with the ever-changing trends, cuts, and silhouettes, it seems like somewhat of a gamble to invest in tailored pieces that may be “out” in the next 3-5 years; but we move! From the moment I saw this plaid mini skirt and hourglass blazer, I honestly tried to ignore it entirely. Don’t get me wrong, it was right up my alley, but I just felt like perhaps I could live without it. After months of seeing it sell out and restock, I finally decided to just pull the trigger and purchase; after all, I could always return it and pretend the incident never occurred. However, once receiving the package and hesitantly unboxing, I knew I was in trouble. I was instantly transported to the 90’s, truly feeling my “girl-boss living single” fantasy and no one could tell me any different! From the overall quality to the fit, these items definitely deserved a place in my wardrobe and I could not be made to feel guilty about it. Accessorizing was a no-brainer as I had the perfect black pieces to highlight and accentuate the contrasting buttons. I’ve fully embraced my ballet-flat era, and I knew these mesh beauties would be the best shoe to add a bit of softness, texture, and intrigue to the look. I also wanted to play into the corporate, office-wear aesthetic so I figured this structured statement tote could really help ground the outfit while conveying the story I was attempting to tell. As a final touch I threw on my go-to minimal oval sunnies, silver jewelry, and was ready to assert my dominance as 51% owner of this company to the board of directors (comment below if you know the reference)! All in all, I could not be more pleased with my decision to buy this suit, and definitely look forward to wearing this ensemble again. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

CASUAL COORDINATION!

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In my humble opinion, there isn’t nearly enough discussion about the struggles of transitional dressing. There truly is an art to planning a perfectly balanced ensemble that will not have you, at some point throughout the day, freezing or profusely sweating. Even when I feel like I have my styling formula down to a science, the inconsistent/abrupt change in seasons can still very easily throw me off my game. I think it’s also important to note that everyone is different and how our bodies regulate temperature varies as well. Me personally, as long as my upper half is covered, I will remain fairly warm. Knowing this, especially as we migrate further into Spring, I try to keep it top of mind when it comes to getting dressed. I didn’t think I’d still be gravitating towards outerwear at this point in the year but some pieces are just non-negotiable. We’ll dive deeper into the “balloon” trend in another post, but I’m definitely noticing an increase in interest for more voluminous garments. Whether it be bomber jackets, barrel jeans, or bubble hemmed dresses & skirts, we are not being stingy with the fabrics in 2024! Additionally, the majority of my coats are long, so investing in more cropped styles has ultimately filled a void in my wardrobe. For this particular piece, aside from the gorgeous forest green hue, I was obsessed with the fit as well as the bold shape it adds to any outfit I pair it with. Because it’s such a standout, I chose to keep my base layer simple and streamlined with a “not-so-basic” black tank, which gives the illusion of invisible straps, and my light wash distressed “jorts.” I’d have to say, creating looks that provide intrigue in a subtle way is absolutely my specialty. That doesn’t mean I don’t love the instant recognition I occasionally receive, but I can honestly appreciate when someone has to stop and do a double take to really notice the details, time, & effort I spent crafting a stylish experience. As a bit of a wildcard, I threw on my knee-high snake print boots and a pair of sunnies that seamlessly coordinated featuring a cream-colored frame and tinted green lens. Last but not least, I grabbed one of my staple top-handle bags for some added texture and was beyond satisfied with how my vision came together! This is a perfect example of taking into account all of the environmental factors while still executing a look in a way that allows for comfort, personal expression through fashion, and seasonal-appropriateness. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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