There’s something about a lightweight suit in the Summer that truly makes you feel empowered, strong, chic, and ready for just about anything. What I love most about this look is the casualness that comes with such a traditionally structured garment. We often associate suits with the office, business, or formal events. Yet in the warmer months, they become a bit more carefree and a much “cooler” version of what we expect them to be. When I first came across this set, I was drawn in by the bold pattern, as well as the overall color scheme. At first glance, this may look like your average neutral checked suit; however after close inspection, there are fine lines of blue piping throughout which really make this set even more special. As a lover of contrast who also appreciates a good pop of color, it was a no-brainer for me to immediately pair this co-ord with my newest heeled sandals in a bright sapphire shade as well. In efforts to not overly saturate the ensemble, I toned things down with a knit grey crop-top for some added balance. To finish off the look, I threw on a large pair of gold framed sunnies and was on my way! This is yet another example of how versatile garments can be; so do yourself a favor and step out of the box! Just because something is labeled as being meant for a conference, doesn’t mean you can’t rock it to the park! Until next time!
In all honesty, 2019 was not one of my best. Though it did start strong, I found myself getting distracted and derailed from a few of the goals I had set out to accomplish. I lost a few friends, shed a lot of tears, and at one point felt as if I was losing sight of who I was as an individual. That being said, it wasn’t all bad. I probably did more traveling than ever this year and pushed myself to experience events that in previous years I had only witnessed on social media. I can’t say that I’m sad to leave this year behind (not that I really have a choice), but in the last few months I have really put forth the effort into making a plan of action for where I want to see myself in this next decade. I’ve made my mistakes, I’ve acknowledged the lessons, and now it’s time to put in the work to ensure that nothing but growth occurs from here on out. For me this is not just a new year, it’s a new beginning and opportunity to place myself into the spaces I want to be in order to succeed and live the life I have always dreamed of. For me, the silver lining is knowing that it’s not too late to make it happen.
In regards to my outfit, this was simply a case of wanting to get the most bang for my buck. The silver dress featured here, which I’m absolutely obsessed with, was actually what I wore for my 27th birthday this year. Unfortunately, I was having so much fun celebrating, I didn’t get a “post-worthy” photo in my opinion. Luckily, with the holiday season right around the corner (my birthday is in September), I knew I’d have a reason to pull this gorgeous frock back out of my closet; and what better occasion than NYE?! As with most of my festive looks this year, I decided to incorporate more casual elements instead of just opting for the classic formal attire that is usually to be expected. Because the dress was such a statement on it’s own, I didn’t mind pairing it with edgier pieces to create a funky, unexpected juxtaposition. The first garment I added was a sheer metallic top which I felt added a nice layer of dimension. Secondly, though I initially wore closed toe pumps with this outfit, I chose to switch it up to matching heeled sandals and pair them with Nike socks for a more “sports-luxe” twist. Lastly, I threw on my leather cream puffer jacket which I’ve also been loving and wearing nonstop this season. For me, aside from coordinating with the ensemble as a whole, adding this coat was a refreshing change from the faux fur options I typically gravitate towards. For one final touch, I reached for my silver jewelry and classic Dior clutch and was ready to dance my way into 2020. I don’t know about you, but I am definitely ready to see what this next decade has in store for me as well as A Styled Mind. We are approaching the fifth year anniversary, and I couldn’t be more grateful for your support and interest in my brand. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and Happy New Year!!! <3
The time has come where the crisp Fall air seems to be here to stay and honestly, I’m ready for it! Over the last couple weeks, I’ve slowly been pulling my outerwear from the back of the closet and incorporating heavier garments into my daily looks. I’ve worked with the Eggie brand quite a bit this year, so when I was asked to select a few pieces from their latest collection I didn’t hesitate. My favorite item which stood out to me the most was this over-sized vegan leather coat. I constantly reference the 90’s when it comes to some of my style inspiration and this particular piece completely fit the mold. The cut, trench-like structure, and fabric reminded me so much of the jackets my Mom used to wear and I knew I had to have it! As far as transitional looks go, I really wanted to keep this one simple and essentially highlight a capsule collection of pieces that I feel every person should own and keep in heavy rotation this season. When it comes to the basics, a turtleneck and a good mid-wash pair of jeans can be the foundation for a variety of looks and take you through 3 out of the 4 seasons, if you reside in the northeast. Since I decided to focus on the simplicity and chicness of each garment I knew that accessories and shoes would play a major role in tying this ensemble together. For footwear, I chose to recycle an older pair of heeled sandals that I still absolutely love and seemed to compliment the wash of the denim perfectly. I was also quite pleased with how the navy metallic finish stood out and popped against the other darker pieces. For jewelry I decided to go with all silver to really accentuate my statement clutch and keep everything sleek and uniform. I’m sure I’ve said this before, but in my opinion, simplicity is truly underrated. An outfit like this one can take you from the office, to happy hour, dinner with the family, or even just shopping on a random afternoon. As imperative as I think it is to cultivate your style and identity, I think it’s just as important to appreciate those go-to classic pieces that will keep you looking fashionable for decades to come. Until next time!
This look was a complete breath of fresh air because it seems like all I’ve been wearing lately are various forms of printed and/or slip dresses. When I was contacted by the Eggie team again for a second collaboration, I went in with the mindset of selecting pieces that represented my style but were also different than the frocks I had been gravitating towards. They sent me about 4 pieces, and I instantly knew that this white lace top was one of the first items I had to style. Despite the high Summer temperatures, denim was the first thing I thought of when imagining what I would pair with this piece. On a recent shopping trip, I found these loose fitting high-waisted boyfriend style jeans that I knew I had to have. They gave the most chill and relaxed feel that made me think of the 90’s and how without even trying, every girl appeared so effortlessly cool. I also felt that they created the perfect silhouette to contrast against the dainty, feminine garment I had been sent. Though the lace was delicate, the bralette that it came with created a sportier and more casual vibe that provided a nice balance for the overall look. As a wild card, I thought it would be interesting to incorporate a statement shoe and these chunky, tortoise-print heeled sandals were exactly what I needed to bring my vision to life. They are so incredibly comfortable I was surprised it had taken me this long to style them on my blog; I’ve literally been living in them! As a final touch to tie everything together, I chose an eye-catching pair of earrings featuring gold and wood accents. Though this was the only accessory I incorporated, I loved how much they complimented the color palette of my ensemble in the best way. All in all, though fairly simple, this look was the reset I needed to step out of the box and bring more versatility back into my wardrobe. Comment below your favorite piece, and until next time!
I don’t think anything could have truly prepared me for my blogging journey and the best part is, as far as I’m concerned, it’s still only just the beginning! Introducing more luxury items and garments to my platform has always been a thought, but it was something I wanted to happen organically. That being said, I was absolutely thrilled when I was contacted by the DVF team to collaborate and style an item from their Summer collection. I’ve been styling a lot of frocks as well as printed pieces in general lately, so I wanted to make sure this shoot had a completely different feel and theme. While the goal is always to keep the focus on the clothing, I knew I wanted to find a location that was just as striking as the bold, Summery print! To my surprise, it didn’t take long before we stumbled upon a “south of the border” inspired bar which captured the essence of Latin America and just so happened to match my ensemble perfectly! The vibrant colors of the establishment, cheeky signage, and abundance of foliage truly helped bring my vision to life in such an editorial way; it’s hard to believe it wasn’t planned. Slip dresses have literally been everywhere over the last few years, so instead of just wearing it as is, I decided to bring a bit of casual edge with a ribbed t-shirt layered underneath. Additionally, since the frock was slightly too big for me, I used this as an opportunity to accessorize and cinch my waist with a belt featuring gold ring details. I didn’t want to over-style or add anymore pieces that would potentially distract from the main garment, so I chose to keep it simple with a pair of satin heeled sandals with feminine bow accents. I really loved how shoes complimented the lace trim on the dress and elevated the look in a subtle way. As a final touch, I threw on my twisted gold hoops and sunnies, which truly helped bring cohesiveness to the ensemble overall. This may have been my most well-matched outfit and setting to date and I couldn’t be more grateful to the DVF team for offering me this opportunity. With only a month left of Summer, let me know in the comments if there are any other looks you’d like to see from me before I dive into Fall content. Until next time!
As a blogger who does most of her shooting outdoors, there’s always a chance that unexpected weather conditions can alter the plans and force a last minute location change. Luckily, on this particular weekend, I was well aware that it would be raining so I thought ahead. I had seen a few bloggers use the furniture store, Burrow House, to host events as well as a photoshoot backdrop. Aside from the store being beautifully curated, it’s also an incredibly photogenic space with all of the cozy vibes you could ever imagine! Unlike other home-good retailers I’ve seen, Burrow House does an excellent job at designing their stores to really make the customer feel at home and get a feel for how each piece would live in their own private spaces. Upon walking in, I was instantly drawn to this deep caramel-colored leather couch and knew it would be the perfect center piece for my shoot. Everything felt so natural, as if I was in my own living room which helped compliment the casual outfit I had styled. I was holding onto this plaid jacket for quite some time planning the perfect moment to style it, to the point where I began to get nervous if I had waited too long and it was out of season. After thinking of possible scenarios where I could where this garment, the thought of cool Summer nights on the boardwalk came to mind and I began mentally crafting my ensemble. I found these denim paper-bag waist shorts on sale during a recent shopping trip, and in efforts to keep things simple, paired them with a white button up with eyelet detailing. Because this was such a classic look, I chose to keep the focus on the outerwear and finish it off with minimal heeled sandals featuring a vinyl strap and sage colored earrings to tie everything together. I truly felt right at home and loved how this editorial turned out! Let me know in the comments what a rainy day at home looks like for you; mine would certainly consist of tea, music, and a few good movies. Until next time!
With just a few days left until June, my Summer wardrobe is almost complete and ready to be showcased with a number of looks and new pieces I’ve collected recently. Naturally, floral prints are always a front runner this time of year, but I’ve also been drawn to square necklines more than ever. This particular silhouette is one that has really taken off in regards to being a major trend, and as flattering as it is, I certainly can’t complain! Aside from the overall style of this frock, I was also attracted to the “leafier” print that adorned this garment. Typically, I’m used to seeing brighter, bolder, and more standard looking flowers as soon as the cold weather begins to break; so, I appreciated the subtler approach. In efforts to represent the essence of the season accurately, I wanted to stay away from darker colors and keep the look light and fresh with neutral accessories. Luckily, I found the most interesting pair of taupe sandals with leather straps to tie around the foot in a slightly unique, yet retro way. The shoes also featured a silver accent detail which made them even more eye-catching and interesting especially when reflected by the sunlight. Because of the low heel, they were super easy to maneuver in, and the beige-color was versatile enough to style with literally anything! I decided to tie the look together with another popular accessory, my woven straw bag. Since it’s fairly large, it is the perfect piece for any park, picnic, or beach days that are bound to arise during the upcoming months. Lastly, I kept things classic with a pair of mixed metal hoops and was on my way! Some people identify Summer as one of the harder seasons to dress for, as remaining cool and not over-heating is always top priority. In these instances, I’ve found that fun accessories are the best option to turn a basic look into something that is still effortless and chic. Until next time!
Honestly speaking, the idea of going to a festival of any kind has never really appealed to me; the long lines, poor cell phone reception, lack of seating, and let’s not forget that I am on the shorter side. That being said, when I was contacted by the lovely team at Calvin Klein to style a few pieces from their festival edit collection, I was ready and willing to take on the challenge, and style a look that reflected my personal style as well as the iconic brand. When I think of CK, themes of minimalism, comfort, and all-around essential wardrobe staples come to mind. I also wanted to make it a point to select pieces that could easily serve as the foundation for more elaborate looks that may be transformed to fit any number of the Summer festivities that are quickly approaching. In short, I didn’t think I could go wrong with a classic pair of denim and a simple top. Though the “mom jean” has really taken off as probably the most popular fit at the moment, I decided to throw it back to an old favorite of mine; the boyfriend jean. In my opinion, this relaxed style truly captures the essence of the CK brand and gives a nod to the effortless style of the 90’s that I personally love. Instead of opting for a signature slogan tee, I was pleasantly surprised to see a bodysuit featuring a cross-strap keyhole detail on the back that gave the most flattering silhouette. I was instantly sold and thrilled that each piece, though fairly plain, had unique eye-catching elements that made them pop in the subtlest way. To dress up the look a bit more, I decided to add a blazer; however, this wasn’t just any blazer, it was a menswear blazer kindly passed down from my oh-so-generous Father. Any oversized piece of outerwear would have sufficed, but I was drawn to the gorgeous floral printed lining and felt that it was an unexpected touch that gave a fun, seasonal flare. To complete the look, I opted for white heeled sandals, gold earrings and frames to match the metallic clasp on the shoe. All and all, while understated, I was pleased with how this look turned out and encourage you all to head over to the Calvin Klein website to spruce up your Spring/Summer wardrobe with versatile pieces for every occasion! Use the code: CKCOACHELLA or CKFESTIVAL for 10% of your order. Until next time!
It may be a shock that blue is not a favorite color of mine as it seems to be a common factor in a lot of my recent looks. That being said, whether this hue is currently on trend or I’m just organically gravitating towards it, I am enjoying the presence it’s been having in my wardrobe. Usually when shopping for pieces to shoot, I tend to seek out at least one item that is either statement-making or something that I am able to transform and style in an unexpected way. Of course, while there may be an excitement that comes with that, every now and then I like to scale things back and style a more “obvious” look. Most retailers are currently promoting their new Spring/Summer collections and with that comes an abundance of vibrant colors, bold prints, and vacation-wear galore. So, in efforts to create an ensemble that I felt completely embodied the season, I chose to keep things simple with a floral blouse and straight-legged denim (ground-breaking, I know). I’m not quite sure what it was, but these garments together truly gave me the effortless feel I was hoping to portray. While the blue shade was probably the subtlest in the overall pattern of the shirt, when paired with the extremely light wash jeans, it seemed to become the most eye-catching. To keep the outfit delicate and minimal, I decided to complete it with a pair of strappy white mules which were absolutely perfect for my simplistic theme. Lastly, to take the cool tones one step further, I gave a nod to the 90’s with a pair of tinted frames featuring the most nostalgic aqua-colored lenses. I feel like I’ve been a huge fan of the “less is more” motto when it comes to my styling lately and truly believe that not every outfit has to necessarily have “shock value” to be great or attention-grabbing. Comment below your favorite piece from this look and what Spring trends (new or old) you’re most anticipating this season. Until next time!
I don’t know about you but whenever I’m having trouble deciding on what to wear for the day, I like to go back to my most basic pieces and build from there. In this case, I opted for a classic pair of light wash denim jeans, and a white button up; something I’m pretty positive we all currently own. I also feel like this is one of the fool proof combinations perfect for entering the spring and summer seasons as it always looks refreshing and timeless. On my search to find pieces to complete this look, I honestly didn’t have much in mind but knew I wanted something vibrant and different. It didn’t take long before I stumbled upon a multicolored beaded bralette with intricate embroidered details. Because this piece had so much going on, I figured it would it would be the perfect item to layer over my stark shirt to give the ensemble a bit more interest. Another plus to styling heavily embellished garments is that you can easily eliminate the hassle of finding accessories, as the focus will remain on that eye-catching piece. Though I opted to forgo a bag, I still wanted to complete the look with something that tied the ensemble together seamlessly. I suddenly remembered a pair of satin heeled sandals I had purchased last year that perfectly highlighted the bright tangerine hues in my top; and with that final touch, the look was complete! All in all, this look was pretty easy to pull together and it just goes to show why certain pieces have remained the foundation of a lot of our wardrobes (including myself). At the end of the day you can never go wrong with jeans and a top! So let me know in the comments below how often you incorporate these closet staples into your weekly looks! Until next time!
