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In the vault

J’ADORE PARIS!

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I have now been to Paris twice, and with each visit my love for the city of lights continues to grow. To be honest, though I enjoyed my trip this past September, I came back feeling quite “thrown off.” My routine was out of sync, I felt depleted creatively, and overall just completely and utterly uninspired. That said, I decided to give myself grace and time to get back into the groove. I went back to filming my weekly office outfits, and slowly but surely began to feel like myself again! From my last blog shoot to now, we have since entered a new season so I wanted to style a look that fully captured where I was in the present moment– and what better way than with a sweatshirt showcasing the last place that brought me so much joy?! I had been eyeing this piece for well over a year now and I’m still baffled that it took me this long to finally pull the trigger. When it comes to the Fall/Winter seasons, I feel like there’s two types of people: ones that lean towards the camel/warm tones and those who prefer the grey/cool tones. I am absolutely the latter. As much as I love those hues on others, if I have to choose between two coats, a neutral taupe is going to win over a rich caramel every single time. I’d say this is most likely because I tend to ground the majority of my outfits with some element of black, and whenever I ‘ve tried to incorporate a warmer brown shade into my wardrobe it hardly gets worn. So with that bit of insight, I pretty much knew exactly how I was going to assemble this look. Though they were slightly different shades, I thought the color of my top and pleated mini skirt were close enough that I could use this an an opportunity for a monochrome foundation ( we also know I LOVE a co-ord set moment). In efforts to play into the “collegiate” trend and give a nod to my private school uniform days, I also decided to layer with a long-sleeved poplin bodysuit, which perfectly complimented the stark white lettering. For juxtaposition purposes, I thought a chunky knee-high boot would add a bit of grit to the ensemble and offset the preppy feel. Lastly, I threw on my olive vinyl trench to complete the styling and was beyond satisfied with the outcome! I kept my accessories sleek with classic square frames and a leather bag featuring silver hardware that effortlessly coordinated with my staple everyday jewelry. In my opinion, this was the perfect introduction back into blogging and I’m excited to finish out the year strong with some holiday looks and much needed festive content. Until next time!

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In the vault

WAISTCOAT WOMAN!

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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!

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In the vault

LA ROSA!

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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!

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In the vault

ROSETTE ROMANCE!

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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!

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In the vault

PINSTRIPED PALETTE!

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As we move into the hottest months of the Summer, getting dressed can sometimes feel like a chore especially when staying cool is top priority. Personally, this is when I rely most on classic simple pieces; most notably, shirt dresses. Whether a white poplin or a blue pinstriped option, shirt dresses are one of the easiest garments to style when you want to look “put-together” with minimal effort. As soon as I saw this particular frock I was intrigued because though rather plain, it still had subtle details that made it a bit more elevated; ie: the elasticized cuffed sleeves and high-low hem. I’ve always said that the beauty of dresses is that as soon as you throw it on, your ensemble is nearly complete! From this point, all I had left to do was accessorize and opted for a few new editions that I’ve recently incorporated into my wardrobe. As a heel-lover, a lot of times it can be difficult to find designs that are practical for all-day wear. Thus, my search began for the perfect platforms and I can honestly say, the mission was a success! These lace-up beauties gave me all the height I could ask for, while still being extremely comfortable for those long days running around the city. To play off of the black and neutral color palette of my shoes, I decided to grab one of my most worn top-handle bags as well as a sleek pair of sunnies that make me feel incredibly chic every time I put them on. As I final touch, I added a bit of sparkle with some gold jewelry accents and was ready for everything from brunch with the girls, to a weekend in the Hamptons! When it comes to my Summer aesthetic, effortless eye-catching fashion will always reign supreme! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

MIXED METALS!

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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!

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In the vault

GILDED EDGE!

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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!

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In the vault

CITY SUMMER!

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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!

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In the vault

ALIEN SUPERSTAR!

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There are certain ensembles that instantly bring out an unexplainable energy as soon as you put them on, and that was definitely the case when it came to styling this look! While still being in the midst of the maxi trend, I had come across this cargo skirt a few months ago and immediately became obsessed. Aside from it being designed by one of my favorite brands at the moment, it also had the perfect balance of casual yet “fashion” elements that I absolutely loved and could easily see myself throwing on all throughout the Spring and Summer seasons. Though I was a tad bit worried about the length on me, as I’m surprisingly shorter than I appear in photos (shocking I know), I opted to give it a try and see for myself! Upon receiving the garment, I was beyond thrilled with the quality, construction, fit and overall details of this piece. From there, the rest of the styling came pretty effortlessly and it was just a matter of pulling together the right items that would complete the vision I had in my head. Because of the amount of fabric I was working with and how light it was in color, I chose to add some contrast with a dark top and heels. While I’ve had these wedge sandals for about a year now, this lace-up knit was more of a recent purchase and I was just waiting for the best opportunity to showcase it! Since it’s more on the risqué side, I really wanted to make sure that I felt comfortable wearing it in a way that was still true to my personal style. I first saw it on the ultimate fashion icon (Rihanna) which definitely peaked my interest, but I also thoroughly enjoyed the nod to the influential 90’s aesthetic. To complete the outfit, I accessorized with silver sunnies that seamlessly complimented the hardware on my skirt, and an oversized zebra clutch for some added texture and interest. Dare I say this is my most loved look of 2023 thus far?!! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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In the vault

ELEVATED CASUAL!

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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!

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