A Styled Mind
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monochrome

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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

FINALLY FALLING!

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It’s finally here! My favorite autumnal season is upon us, and I couldn’t be more excited! As I’ve stated on several occasions, this time of year is special to me for many of reasons but these days it’s been all about the shopping! I have recently added quite a few new pieces to my wardrobe, and have thoroughly enjoyed creating looks that will be absolute showstoppers as I make my way around these northeastern streets. One of the standout items I knew I had to feature immediately was this poplin midi dress! Now it’s no secret that the wrap-tie detailing has taken the fashion world by storm and has found its place on a variety of garments including frocks, tops, and even blazers. I personally loved how simplistic, yet impactful this piece was and knew it wouldn’t need a lot of styling to create the moment I was after. Generously, I had also been gifted a pair of brown heeled sandals and knew they would be a match made in heaven! From this point, I was already set on the idea that this would be a monochromatic outfit, incorporating various neutral shades. I nearly forgot that I had a croc-textured crossbody bag that was a perfect color match to my shoes, and probably one of the only purses I own with silver hardware. It was important to me that despite working with essentially one color palette, I still made it a point to play with texture and different hues. The light khaki worked so well against the richer toned accessories; not to mention my nails, which served as an added pop of interest. Finally, I threw on a matte pair of sunglasses, a few silver rings, and was completely satisfied with the ensemble overall. Though understated, this look definitely packs a punch and can easily be built upon to accommodate colder temperatures with the addition of boots and outerwear. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- L’Academie

Shoes- Aldo

Sunglasses- NA-KD

Bag- Zara

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In the vault

BABY BLUES!

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September is such a special month for me! As we move into the new season, we are met with updated transitional pieces to incorporate into our closets, NYFW, and most importantly, MY BIRTHDAY! I’ve decided to kick off this exciting time by styling some of the goodies I’ve recently acquired. Being a resident of the northeast, I always tend to gravitate towards my most standout items as the temperatures begin to drop. Especially once we are in the midst of Winter and coats and boots are the only things people see, I find joy in showcasing the garments that are going to provide interest to every outfit. There are quite a few trends I’ve incorporated into this look, so let’s start from the top, shall we?! Tie-dye has made a strong comeback over the last few years, and though I was never opposed to it, I hadn’t come across any options that seamlessly fit with my style aesthetic. About a week ago however, my luck changed when I stumbled upon this short sleeved turtleneck. I immediately fell in love with the print and it’s striking yet understated feel. Because I was basically only working with 2 colors throughout the ensemble (blue & white), I knew I’d be able to pair multiple statement pieces without clashing. While this may be an unpopular opinion, I seem to be one of the few individuals that truly enjoys wearing jeans. After years of buying so many classic styles, I’m finally at a place where I feel comfortable expanding my denim range. This particular pair was something I knew I had to have and would get tons of wear out of for years to come, despite the abstract design. The line detailing, which gave a water-like effect, also provided a perfect synergy between the items. When it came to accessories, I knew I wouldn’t need to do much as my foundational pieces were already so bold. That being said, I was generously gifted a bag that was just too good not to include! It added an extra layer of interest and worked perfectly with my monochromatic theme. To complete the look, I threw on my favorite clear frames, a simple pair of strappy heels, and silver jewelry as a dainty touch. I loved the slightly maximalist approach this outfit took and as the year continues, I may challenge myself to style more items in this way. Comment below your favorite featured garment and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Norma Kamali

Jeans- Alexander Wang

Heels- Aldo

Bag- Brandon Blackwood

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In the vault

SKOOL-DAZE!

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Every now and then I come across pieces that truly bring me back to my formative years and this ensemble was the perfect example of that! The majority of my pre-undergrad educational career was spent in private school, so I was no stranger to wearing uniforms majority of the time. Once I got to college and really had the freedom to experiment with my personal style, I realized that while there were some garments that were drastically different than what I was previous used to, that “prim and proper” way of dressing never really left me. Cardigans have been making a comeback lately as a nod to the 90’s, and I was immediately drawn to this creamy beige version featuring a variety of novelty buttons. Initially, I had planned to wear it casually with jeans and a simple pair of mules but it didn’t take long before I received a piece that completely changed my course of action! There are a few brands I work with that generously provide me with “new-in” items whenever a collection drops or we enter into a new season. Most recently, I received this pleated leather skirt and knew I had to style it ASAP! What peaked my interest the most was the unique color. I’ve personally owned a few skirts in this style throughout the years mostly in black, denim, or light chiffon fabrics. It also looked much lighter on the website so I was pleasantly surprised to see that it came in the perfect neutral shade to match my sweater! At that point I knew I had to pair these items as a set, but something was still missing. After a few moments of thinking it over, I decided to try layering a white poplin shirt underneath to add a bit more dimension, and my “cool-girl” uniform was nearly complete! In efforts to add a bit more edge and balance out the preppy vibes, I added my AF1s and some silver jewelry to play off of the flashy buttons. Lastly, for a stark contrast, I threw on my newest black frames and was ready to skip class and head to the mall (KIDDING). In all honesty though, creating this outfit really brought back memories and gave me a sense of nostalgia that I will never forget! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Cardigan- & Other Stories

Shirt- Mango

Skirt- BB Dakota

Sneakers- Nike

Sunglasses- Le Specs

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In the vault

COLOR-BLOCK CHIC!

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Happy 2021! I feel like every Winter/holiday season, I end up accumulating one specific item without even intending to. This time, there happened to be 2 different items; candles and boots. Statement boots to be exact. In the process of moving, I definitely got rid of a lot of clothing and shoes, however there wasn’t anything in particular that I was trying to replace. That said, between the Black Friday and pre-Christmas sales, I kept seeing different styles of boots that were unlike anything I already owned and I just couldn’t help myself! I already know what you’re thinking, “It’s a pandemic, there’s nowhere to go!” While this may be true for the time being, I certainly plan to get my cost per wear out of these new wardrobe additions as soon as the world resumes some sense of normalcy. One of the first pairs I ordered was a knee-high, color blocked style. Initially, I was partial to the cream and beige color way, but after some consideration and assessing what I already owned, I figured I would give the tan and black a try. After receiving them, I was still a bit skeptical as they are slightly out of my comfort zone, but after styling them with a few different looks I was sold! Because the boots made such a statement, I knew I wanted to pair them with an all black outfit and I had the perfect pieces in mind! My Christmas gift to myself this year was simply a black coat. I’m honestly not sure how I survived this long without one, but I was thrilled when I received this chic fringe number. Since I knew I wanted my footwear to be on full display, I opted for an understated baby-doll frock, despite the frigid temperatures. (Sidenote: For practicality, I would 100% wear this ensemble with sheer black tights!) I buttoned the dress completely for a more sophisticated flair, and decided to compliment the outfit with gold jewelry. As final touch, I grabbed my new crossbody bag featuring chain-link detailing and was on my way! Despite the striking details, I felt like this monochrome look was extremely smart and timeless. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- All Saints

Dress- Zara

Boots- Looks Like Summer

Bag- & Other Stories

Earrings- Simone the Label

Necklace- & Other Stories

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In Collabs

FREE ASSEMBLY (ft. Walmart)

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From the time I truly began investing in my wardrobe, my consistent goal was to eventually have a collection of pieces that were quality, timeless, and interchangeable. That being said, when I was contacted to try a few pieces from the new brand “Free Assembly,” available at Walmart, I jumped at the opportunity! After doing some research and reading up on the message behind the collection, I was thrilled to see that a lot of our values aligned. Not only were the garments on trend and affordable, they were size inclusive and full of classic silhouettes that can be worn for years to come. I was also very much sold on the color palettes that ranged from warm neutrals to understated florals and plaid motifs. When deciding on the look I would style, I wanted something that was of course chic, but also Fall appropriate. As soon as I saw the corduroy skirt sets my mind was made up, and though I almost took the plunge, I decided to continue looking and see what else I could find. Just as the line insists, these pieces were created to “mix, layer, and assemble freely.” This statement absolutely held true as I stumbled across a black, white, and slate grey plaid blazer. Though this may have been an odd pairing for some, I was confident that with a monochrome base I could absolutely pull off this ensemble. With the blazer and skirt in tow, I completed the outfit with the softest navy blue turtleneck and a pair of knee-high boots which beautifully tied everything together. As a final touch, I added a pair of statement earrings and was all set feeling confident in my “Clueless-inspired”, autumnal getup. Comment below your favorite piece and don’t forget to head to Walmart.com to shop these pieces and more from “Free Assembly!” Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer– Free Assembly x Walmart

Sweater– Free Assembly x Walmart

Skirt– Free Assembly x Walmart

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In the vault

BLACK-ISH!

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In my opinion, the #1 way to look chic with minimal effort is by styling a monochrome outfit. Whether it’s all black, neutral, or whatever color tickles your fancy, this is a sure fire way to look “put-together” with ease. As resident of NYC who has also spent their entire life on the Northeast coast, it’s no secret that as soon as the temperature begins to drop, the color palettes we gravitate towards become darker and darker. Specifically speaking, Black is where it’s at! Wearing an all-black outfit is a fool-proof way to appear stylish, classic, and even a bit edgy. While I am definitely a person who doesn’t mind incorporating other more vibrant hues into my wardrobe, when it comes to my personal favorite, nothing else can compare! It seemed as though we were bombarded with knits much earlier this year, so while I was sprucing up my collection for the months ahead, on separate occasions, I snagged this sweetheart-neck top and ribbed midi skirt. The skirt actually happens to be apart of a co-ord set with a different matching knit, however as I knew I was planning to shoot this look without any outerwear, the long-sleeved option seemed like the better fit for my vision. As stated several times previously, nothing breaks up a monochrome ensemble like a variety of textures! I had been eyeing up these structured wrap-around sandals for quite some time, so when the opportunity finally came to purchase, I quickly made my move! Though I was pleased with how the overall look was coming along, I wanted to add a couple accents that I knew would brighten up the mood. I have recently become obsessed with statement earrings, and this mix-matched neutral pair were no exception. To play off of the lighter pearl accents, I grabbed my nylon pillow-like clutch for a more casual element. Lastly, I threw on my clear rectangular frames and was ready to go! While looks like this may be simple, I tend to rely on the details of the garments to provide the interest I’m looking for. Without the neckline of the sweater, slit in the skirt, wrapping of the heels, and accessories, this look may not have been anything that caught my eye. Luckily, with a few small tweaks, a basic outfit can become an instant showstopper! Comment below your favorite piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Lola Rae

Skirt- Topshop

Heels- Mango

Earrings- & Other Stories

Bag- Zara (similar)

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In the vault

TOTALLY TEXTURED!

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The easiest way to break up an entirely neutral or monochrome look would be the pairing of a variety of textures. I tend to rely on this rule most heavily during he cooler months as the color palettes begin to get darker, and it can be trickier to have your wardrobe essentials stand out. Because I knew I was dealing with only two colors for this entire outfit, brown and black, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to test out this theory! I bought this coat recently during one of the huge end of Summer sales and instantly knew it was a statement piece I’d get my cost per wear out of this season, and many more to come. Snake-print is another trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, so I was more than happy to add this beauty to my closet. Knowing this would be the focal piece, I wanted to find a way to layer other garments under it that were understated enough not to clash, but also eye-catching. After a bit more browsing online and through my own collection, I finally put it together! I chose a sheer, black checkered top and a mini skirt which proved to be the most perfect combination. The pieces were simple yet edgy and though they may have come off a bit risque on their own, under the bold trench, they were every bit of chic! For the first time this season, I also pulled out my favorite croc embossed black booties. These tied the look together and kept the ensemble streamlined while still adding height and balance against the more revealing pieces. Lastly, I finished off the look with my brown gradient aviator frames and a few gold rings. Personally, I feel like this outfit is my most accurate portrayal of transitional Fall dressing and I’m excited to see how my style evolves from here. Don’t forget to comment below your favorite piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Blank NYC

Sheer Top- & Other Stories

Skirt- Zara

Boots- Asos(similar)

Sunglasses- Celine(similar)

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In the vault

HOT CHOCOLATE!

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With the change in seasons also comes the change in nature’s colors, and being a Fall baby, I absolutely love the beauty and richness that appears during this time of year. It seems like as soon as the temperatures begin to drop and “sweater weather” is in full effect, there is a coziness that fills the air that I personally cannot resist. This longing for comfort and warmth presents itself through garments, signature beverages, and of course the ever-changing leaves. To be honest, I have never been a fan of brown clothing or sweatsuits for that matter. However, when I saw this co-ord online there was something about it that really drew me in and instantly, I knew I had to have it! As we should all know by now, contrast is my thing; so upon receiving these pieces, I knew this was an outfit that I would pair with heels. After trying a few different color combinations, I finally decided to stick with the neutral color palette and opted for my favorite tan mules. To compliment this further, I also incorporated my structured box bag featuring tortoise shell detailing. I absolutely loved how each item made its own statement and how the boldness of the ensemble really embodied what I think of when it comes to Autumnal dressing. To complete this fairly monochrome look, I figured gold jewelry would be the best fit as well as a pair of matching sunnies that truly tied everything together seamlessly. Whether with or without a jacket, this is definitely the type of look that will have me ready to take on the whatever the next few months have in store! Comment below your favorite item, if you’re a fan of jogger sets, and how you would style them. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Bodysuit- Zara

Joggers- Zara

Sunglasses- Mango

Heels- Mango

Bag- Free People

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In the vault

OLIVE HOUR

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Another day, another opportunity to showcase a new monochrome look! I’m not sure what has gotten into me lately, but the thought of styling ensembles around one individual color story has become oddly satisfying. While it is easy to fall into this trend with neutrals, black, and white, I decided to give color a try for more experimental purposes. While doing a bit of online shopping, I was immediately drawn to this paper-bag waist, utilitarian style skirt. From the fabric, to the pocket details and middle slit, everything about this piece screamed street-style chic! After moments of contemplating what to pair it with, I remembered that I actually owned a faux leather jacket in a similar shade that I have rarely worn. I used this as my opportunity to finally break it out of the closet and in efforts to take my olive outfit to the next level, I also purchased a coordinating ribbed top as well. Now, I can understand that for some this may be over the top; however, I was quite pleased with how the subtle changes in color and texture really gave each of these garments a moment to shine while still blending together seamlessly. In efforts to brighten up the look, I added my cream colored knee-high boots which have truly been a wardrobe staple since I purchased them last year. Finally, for accessories, gold jewelry seemed like the most obvious choice to compliment my new over-sized sunnies, and thus the look was complete! Let me know in the comments whether you feel that this type of outfit is bold and fashion forward, or simply out of your comfort zone. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Forever 21- (Similar)

Top- Zara

Skirt- Zara

Boots- Zara- (Similar)

Necklace- & Other Stories

Sunglasses- Mango

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