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In the vault

SLIP SEASON!

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While I love the transitional temperatures that Spring and Fall bring, I honestly believe that they can be slightly more challenging to dress for. A lot of times there is a constant battle between being under or over dressed, especially when the forecast fluctuates throughout the day. To remedy this problem, I like to split up my ensembles by base and layers. For example, if I feel like styling a lighter foundational garment, I’ll opt for heavier outerwear and a more substantial shoe (and vice versa). This way, there is always an element of balance within the outfit which will hopefully avoid being too hot/cold; which is the exact formula I used when styling this look! I was initially hesitant about purchasing this dress as my first thought was, “too dressy and not practical.” After receiving it however, I quickly changed my tune and realized that it was an incredibly versatile piece that could easily be dressed up or down. I’ve been fully embracing the green trend so it was no surprise that this frock caught my eye to begin with. However, the overall quality and cut-out detailing is what absolutely sold me and made it a keeper! I didn’t mind sticking with a darker palette this go round and, instead of overcomplicating things, decided black would be my contrasting shade. This also gave me an opportunity to incorporate another recent buy I had been waiting for the perfect moment to pull out of my closet. Cardigans have made quite the comeback and while I do have some bolder options, this little cropped number filled a void in my wardrobe that I didn’t even know I was missing. The boxy shape and relaxed fit really worked to bring an effortlessly casual vibe to the outfit that made it feel more suitable for every day. For footwear, I threw on my favorite knee-high boots which I have gotten well over my cost per wear out of! Lastly, I chose to stick with the same color story by adding a gorgeous crossbody bag featuring gold hardware. After throwing on a few jewelry pieces and a pair of sunnies, I was more than satisfied with how this look turned out! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

MONOGRAM MOOD!

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A lot of times it’s hard to get the most use out of garments that are specifically purchased for the season we are currently in. To be honest, majority of the items showcased in this ensemble were bought around Black Friday 2021 and sadly, I’m just now reaching for them. Brown, though extremely trendy, can often be associated with the Fall/Winter months. Knowing this, I was torn between styling them now or waiting until it got cold again but luckily, my excitement got the better of me! In efforts to reflect the “Spring vibes” as much as possible, I knew that my footwear and layering pieces would be crucial. Starting from the bottom, it definitely helped that my trousers though leather also featured cut-out details which really spoke to the warm weather we are slowly beginning to experience. Because I knew that my outerwear was going to be a chunkier monogram cardigan with similar tones, I opted for a stark white cropped tank to break up the chocolate and add an element of brightness to create some much needed dimension. My strappy heeled sandals were the obvious choice as they matched my pants perfectly, and did not weigh the outfit down like a boot or other closed-toe option would. Finally, the accessory I struggled with most had to be, THE BAG! It was tricky because I knew I didn’t want to pair something that was another dark shade, and was also trying to avoid clashing with my sweater’s print. I almost overlooked this cross-body entirely because I frankly thought it would be “too much.” However, after seeing the way everything came together, I couldn’t have made a better choice! I loved how the orange in the illustration helped to highlight the colors in my outwear, which I had hardly noticed prior. To coordinate with the metal accents, I threw on my favorite gold jewelry, some sunnies which helped to complete the monchrome aesthetic, and was ready to roll! Funny enough, I almost scrapped this look entirely and I’m relieved to say I’m so glad I didn’t! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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In the vault

NEON MOMENTS!

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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!

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In the vault

RED ALERT!

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Now THIS is an “all-star fit” if I’ve ever seen one! To me, that classifies any ensemble where every single item is a standout showstopper. Typically I choose one focal piece and continue building the look around it, but this particular day I just couldn’t hold back! As I’ve stated previously, I was quite inspired by the runways I saw in person and digitally around the world during February’s fashion month and thus, a lot of shopping came from it! I’ve also always said that while red is a color that I love, it’s not one that I tend to wear often; but to my surprise, it’s been finding it’s way into my wardrobe more and more. I saw this bold knit on another fashion blogger and knew that if it was within reach (and budget) I had to make it mine. Coincidentally at this time, Farfetch was having an incredible sale so I was able to get this top as well as a few other garments for a reasonably discounted price. Though I was a bit unsure of the overall fit, I was pleasantly surprised once I received it and happy it had lived up to my expectations. As far as the jeans go, I had been contemplating these for over a month, questioning whether they were “too trendy” or just “too much.” That said, after much debate and consultation with friends, I finally took the plunge and proceeded to check out my cart. This pairing turned out to be absolute perfection as the synergy between the rounded cutouts on both pieces really helped to create a seamless coordination without either item competing. Because I already had so much going on in terms of eye-catching details, I knew that I would keep my accessories tame but of course, still fun. To ground the look in the chicest way, I opted for my black puffy heeled sandals which somehow also mimicked the spherical trend I had going throughout the outfit. Simply, I tied everything together with a black bag and sunnies accompanied by silver jewelry pieces to match the hardware and highlight the rhinestones that adorned my denim. This styling is definitely not one for the meek, but if you’re feeling daring and would like to recreate it using any (or all) of the items shown, feel free to use my code: FFASHLEY15 for 15% off valid through 4/21 on Farfetch.com. Until next time!

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In the vault

ELEVATED BASICS!

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I’ve always loved the essence of subtlety when it comes to my personal style, and I think the pieces I gravitate towards reflect that. For whatever reason, with me, it has always been more about the fit, texture, or intricate details rather than how flashy a garment is overall. I think this may also be why the items I selected for this ensemble intrigued me so much. For the most part, the majority of my shopping takes place during transitional periods between seasons, and it was no different as I refreshed my wardrobe for Spring! When I came across this shirt I was immediately attracted to the beautiful shade of blue, as well as how chic the deconstructed design was on such a traditional piece. The composition allowed for a relaxed and airy fit throughout the shoulders, while the nipped in waist offered a gorgeous silhouette that made this not-so-simple button down one to be remembered. I decided to pair my top with another structured showstopper and can we say, “match made in heaven?!” I fell in love with these croc embossed faux leather trousers towards the end of last year, and when I saw that they had finally gone on sale, I knew I had to make them mine! The tailoring and voluminous shape of the pant really elevated this look in a way that was so unexpectedly perfect, I barely needed any accessories at all! In most cases, I have no qualms with letting the clothing speak for itself, however this outfit deserved a few more accents that could make it even more special. I had been anxiously waiting to style this metallic beaded bag, and could not have picked a better moment! To complete the look I added some silver framed sunnies and matching jewelry to keep everything consistent. Lastly, for footwear, I added a black pair of lucite heels which grounded the outfit seamlessly without taking away from any of the other standout pieces. I am thrilled with how every element complimented each other, and cannot wait to wear this out and about! 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

MARBLE MOMENTS!

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Plaid, leopard, and hounds tooth are all prints that come to mind when I think about the Fall and Winter seasons. That being said, there is a new trend that has been gaining popularity and I’ve decided to dive in head first! As a lover of abstract designs, my gravitation towards this marble set did not come as a shock. It has a subtle, yet eye-catching appeal that truly engages the viewer and makes anyone wearing it literally transform into a piece of walking art. Immediately after stumbling upon these garments I was instantly blown away by the detail and knew they needed a place in my wardrobe. Though extremely bold for some, I was certain that the neutral tones used to create this print would make these pieces extremely versatile whether worn as a unit or separately. For my first styling attempt, I chose to pair the top and skirt together creating the illusion of a form fitting frock. At this point it was evident that not much else needed to be done since the foundation of the ensemble was such a statement, however I still had a few key accessories I needed to include. Another trend that has continued to thrive over the last few years is chunky boots. In 2020 I began slowly experimenting with them, but recently I decided to fully commit by adding an off white knee-high pair to my collection. While I could have easily gone for a black or dark brown style, I really wanted to keep the look light and fluid to mimic the overall vibe of the clothing. Sticking with this theme, and to finish off the look, I added a grey crock-embossed bag, tan frames, and a few jewelry pieces that really helped to add those final feminine touches. I don’t think I could have been more pleased with how this outfit turned out, and I can’t wait to recreate it during this holiday party season! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

CAMEL CRAZE!

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Without having done any research, I think it’s safe to assume that camel, burgundy, and khaki would be in the running for most popular Fall colors. For some reason during this time of year, it just seems like the richer and darker shades always go hand in hand with the “cozy vibes” we all seek. In the same vain, are you even doing the season justice if you’re not breaking out those coveted knit pieces? If I had to guess, my collection of knitwear is probably the the most prominent category in my wardrobe, and I just can’t seem to stop it from growing! I’ve had the pleasure of being introduced to a few new brands this year and was graciously gifted a variety of items, including this midi dress from Heartloom. I could not be more impressed with the quality of the garments and knew I would enjoy styling them immediately! This frock initially stood out to me on the website due to the ribbed detailing. Unlike other similar dresses in this fabric, I loved the subtle detail of having the panels increase in size as they flowed down from the neck to the bottom hem. To no-one’s surprise, I’ve also been doing quite a bit of shopping myself. I recently purchased a shearling clutch that I had been waiting to style and accessorize with the perfect ensemble! Because it is a neutral piece, there were many things I could have worn it with but after pairing these new closet gems together, I knew they were a monochrome match made in heaven! In efforts to provide a slight juxtaposition, I grabbed my latest pair of chocolate knee high boots featuring croc-embossed texture, and a tortoise pair of cat eye frames which perfectly blended the light and dark hues. Though fairly simple, I really feel like this outfit packs a chic punch when it comes to the various textiles and contrasting elements. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

BOTANICAL BABE!

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It’s no secret that florals are mainly associated with the Spring season, but personally, I’ve always been a bigger fan of the darker prints than the brighter alternatives. The motifs that I gravitate towards tend to have a moodier, more sultry feel which I think is perfect during the cooler months and makes more of an unexpected statement. My friends and I are constantly sending each other pieces that catch our eye, so I was pleasantly surprised to see this gorgeous frock appear in my inbox when it did. This dress was right up my alley from the pattern, to the cut-outs, neckline, and overall construction of the garment. From the moment I saw it, I knew this was a showstopper that would absolutely thrive in my wardrobe. Because my foundational garment was such an eye-catching piece, I really didn’t want to distract from it by over accessorizing. That said, I opted for my favorite black knee-high boots and a simple pair of green frames to coordinate with the colors in my ensemble. Another thing I love about dressing for the Autumnal season, is the ability to layer as the temperatures begin to decline. I could layer this under a chunky turtleneck which would give the appearance of it being a fitted skirt, or just drape on a luxe scarf and wool coat for extra warmth. I say that to say, there is still versatility in Fall/Winter fashion and with a couple tweaks you can get the most out of your statement items by pairing them with your closet essentials. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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In the vault

CLASSIC BLACK!

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There are certain styles that will always be classically chic to me and no matter how simplistic or boring they may be to some, I’ll always appreciate them. This is exactly how I feel about all/primarily black ensembles. I’ve heard individuals comment on how they can be too harsh, or suggest other darker shades like navy, grey, or brown as alternatives; and while I love those colors in their own right, nothing in my opinion can compare. There’s just a badass edginess that comes with wearing black head to toe, and for me it will always be a staple look especially during the colder months. These powerful monochrome outfits make such an impact no matter what garments are being displayed, or in what room you happen to be in. I’ve personally had my eye on this faux leather set for quite some time and made no hesitation to buy it when to my surprise, it had actually gone on sale. It’s no secret that I have fully embraced the lace-up detailing trend this year, and figured it was only right that I add a Fall/Winter appropriate version to my wardrobe. Because this set was nearly a complete look on it’s own, I knew it would just be a matter of incorporating the perfect accessories to finish it off. Though I was sure that I wouldn’t be working with any color specifically, I decided almost immediately that this would be my opportunity to showcase my new cow-printed bag. I was so happy to see over the last 18 months how many black-owned business were finally getting the shine and recognition they deserved, so I was determined to support in any way I could! This accessory, while it was not necessarily a “pop of color,” still added an element of interest that brightened & provided contrast to the palette I was working with. That being said, in “matrix-like” fashion, I chose to complete the ensemble with matching heeled sandals that featured an ankle spiral which mimicked that of my top, and my blackest sunnies for a bit of drama. This outfit is one that I’m sure I’ll be reaching for on several occasions throughout the upcoming seasons, and look forward to updating it with boots and other statement outerwear pieces. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Top- NA-KD

Skirt- NA-KD

Heels- Mango

Bag- Brandon Blackwood

Sunglasses- Le Specs

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