& other stories – Page 2

In the vault

XMAS 2022!

December 25, 2022 No Comments

WOW! We’ve made it to yet another holiday season and I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed to be where I am in this moment. Of course, not everything went according to plan, but the fact remains that everything happened the way it was supposed to and all I can do is appreciate how far I’ve come. While Christmas is my favorite holiday and I like to partake in as many festivities as possible, it’s also a time of much needed reflection and introspection. With less than a week until 2023, it’s all about strategizing and planning how to make the most out of the new year while striving for bigger and better all around. On a lighter note, I did obtain quite a few standout wardrobe additions in 2022 and showcasing them was an absolute must! Two of my favorite brands did a highly anticipated collaboration and I refused to let it pass me by without making at least a few pieces mine. While this bold fringe dress is honestly a bit out of my comfort zone, I knew that I would regret not picking it up so I did what needed to be done! These thigh-high patent boots were also a recent purchase and one that has truly exceeded my expectations. I’ve been weighing my Winter footwear options for quite some time and though I had already ordered a similar pair during the Black Friday sales, I immediately shipped them back as soon as I received these beauties. Everything from the fit and heel structure to the overall quality had me sold, and with NYFW right around the corner I knew they’d be worth the investment! Because we are still in the midst of the festive season I had to throw in some sparkle and opted for a black embellished earring to compliment my shoes and bag covered in the most beautiful rhinestones. Lastly, I completed the ensemble with a sleek pair of sunnies and was more than happy to paint the town RED! I hope you all are enjoying the time spent with your loved ones and are making lasting memories that you’ll cherish for as long as possible. Until next time!

In the vault

TRENCH TIME!

November 18, 2022 No Comments

As expected, the mildly cool temperatures were short lived and the forecast seems to be dropping rapidly by the day. That said, it still hasn’t stopped me from attempting to get as much wear out of my coats as possible. I believe I mentioned in a previous blog post how important it is to shop at least one season ahead. Aside from just being overly prepared and not left to scramble for the most coveted pieces at that very moment, it also allows you to get the full use out of your items for the timeframe they were intended for. I scored this trench coat (ON SALE) towards the end of the Summer and while it did feel a bit strange shopping for outerwear at the time, it couldn’t have been a more perfect decision. Upon receiving it, I instantly fell in love with the color, length, and oversized relaxed fit that gave an effortless edge to anything I paired it with. Despite already planning to keep my ensemble fairly casual, I still wanted to add some interest with a variety of textures. Another recent wardrobe addition was this black corset that was also a must-have at first glance. Bustier tops have been absolutely everywhere over the last few years and the trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. For a bit of added warmth, I layered it with a sheer turtleneck and my vision was nearly complete! I chose to ground the look with some light-wash denim and a sleek sock bootie (I’ll always take the extra height, LOL). While I was pleased with the outfit overall, I still felt like there was room for a few more eye catching elements. In efforts to not go too far outside of the color palette, I decided to incorporate a pony hair cow-print bag and some green acetate frames for a subtle punch of color. Though the year is quickly coming to an end, the looks won’t be slowing down whatsoever! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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TONAL TRENDS!

July 19, 2022 No Comments

As much as I’ve been embracing bold color trends lately, Summer whites, linens, and neutrals will always be classic seasonal staples! I love the fact that my wardrobe has gotten to such a cohesive place that regardless of when or where I buy a particular item, I can always ensure it will align with a variety of things I already own. Though I am not the biggest fan of white jeans, I happened to come across this gorgeous pair of tailored wide-legged trousers and simply couldn’t pass them up! Since they were already so long and voluminous, I knew that a cropped top would be my best option to not offset the proportions of the ensemble. Despite also getting much more experimental with my dress collection, it’s no secret that statement tops will forever be a prevalent garment and favorite when it comes to my personal style. What I loved most about this specific piece was the fitted bodice and puffy sleeves that brought a touch of drama while still keeping with the light and airy vibe overall. To further accentuate this beachy theme, I knew that tonal accessories would be my only option! I didn’t want to over-complicate the look by incorporating a pop of color and anything black just felt too harsh of a contrast. I recently purchased these tan lace up heeled sandals which perfectly matched a wooden crossbody bag I’ve had for quite a few years now. In efforts to compliment the natural textures, I threw on my go-to rings and a beautiful set of gold earrings that resembled the sun and seamlessly tied all elements of the outfit together. With my oversized aviator sunnies as a final touch, I was ready for the chicest sunset soiree and dancing into the night! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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OFF-DUTY!

June 16, 2022 No Comments

As much as I love shopping, there’s nothing more exciting than rediscovering pieces in your wardrobe that you either forgot about, or for whatever reason no longer gravitate towards. For this particular shoot, I actually went shopping and bought a few new items because I felt like I had “nothing to wear.” To my disappointment, I wasn’t very impressed with any of the things I picked up during that trip and instead of forcing it and styling something I wasn’t in love with, I opted to take another look through my own closet to see what I could find. I purchased this dress during the Fall of last year, and never had the opportunity to wear it; that is, until now! I remember what initially caught my eye was the illusion of a shirt-skirt combo. I also loved the balance that the garment provided by being slightly oversized on top and more fitted on the bottom. Once I realized my foundation was set, I decided not to overthink the ensemble and just compliment it with some of the classic pieces I personally cherish and enjoy. Because this frock was quite mini, I felt like adding an oversized blazer would help with the proportions and incorporate a bit of modesty. Keeping the weather in mind however, and trying my best not to overheat, I reached for my lace up flat-form sandals which bring an edginess to any outfit I pair them with. For accessories (sunglasses aside), I wanted to break up the shades of black with a wine-colored handbag and it made for the perfect subtle pop of color. After layering on some gold jewelry, I was beyond satisfied and ready to live the street-style fantasy! This look definitely ended up being more “off-duty” inspired with the combination of traditional capsule collection must-haves and a few more modern elements that kept it exciting and fresh. As a fashion content creator, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of constantly feeling the need to always show the newest styles and trends. That said, sometimes just taking a new approach to your closet staples will do the trick in the most effortless way! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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FUCHSIA FIERCE!

June 10, 2022 No Comments

I think the time has finally come for me to acknowledge that I may just be a “pink” girl. For so long I refused to admit that I was a fan of the color but now, as I look at my wardrobe and see the variety of shades that I have incorporated, I can no longer live in denial (LOL). Specifically, I have noticed a trend of hot pink/fuchsia constantly recurring whether it be in the form of tops, bags, skirts, and even shoes! I recently purchased this cropped cardigan and truthfully, I can’t really pinpoint what drew me to it but for whatever reason I was intrigued enough to make it mine! Upon receiving it however, I instantly fell in the love with the quality, fit, and overall vibrancy that made it a standout piece in the most effortless way. Referencing 90’s style has remained at the forefront of fashion for the last few seasons and being that I was only a kid during those golden years, I greatly appreciate having the opportunity to express my own interpretation when creating various ensembles. Because this sweater packed such a punch, I knew I wanted to keep the rest of the look casual while still adding a bit of playfulness and chic elements. To offset the saturation, I grabbed the lightest pair of bleached jeans I currently own, to avoid giving a “color-blocked” feel. Instead, I chose to incorporate the contrasting blue shade with my accessories and still gave a nod to classic denim but on a much smaller scale. My bag and lace-up heeled sandals complimented each other perfectly and I was more than happy with how the outfit was coming along! Finally, in efforts to highlight the the shiny silver button details, I made sure my jewelry and sunnies had the same reflective qualities to seamlessly tie everything together. As the weather gets warmer and the pieces I choose become simpler, I still like to ensure that I always make an impact with my attire in one way or another. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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CARAMEL CO-ORD!

May 27, 2022 No Comments

Quality over quantity; ALWAYS. As I’ve begun tailoring my wardrobe to more contemporary styles, this statement rings true more than ever! While I would previously focus on and shop for pieces that peaked my interest in the current moment, I now make it a point to only purchase items that I absolutely love and most importantly ones that will last. In preparation for a store’s grand opening, I was kindly granted the opportunity to select a look from the brand to keep and wear for the celebratory evening. Without even looking at the price tags, I was quickly drawn to this leather co-ord in the most gorgeous caramel shade. The supple texture and intricate stitching had me sold from the beginning, but the seamless fit was easily the icing on the cake! I loved the chic yet modern vibe that these garments displayed and I felt comfortable knowing that they resonated so well with my personal style. Since my ensemble was already nearly complete, it was really just a matter of deciding what my contrasting color would be. Though I initially pulled a cream colored tank to tie everything together during my fitting, I ultimately chose to go with all black, mainly to showcase a new closet addition I’m currently obsessed with. I had been on the hunt for this short-sleeved turtleneck for months and had placed at least 3-5 orders which to my disappointment were all canceled due to inventory issues. Finally however, after much continued persistance, I was able to secure the piece that had literally been haunting me for far too long. For accessories I went with a few of my classic most-worn favorites including heeled sandals, sunnies, and a cross-body bag featuring gold hardware that I opted to carry as a top handle. I finished the outfit with simple jewelry and was left feeling like a complete boss! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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SUIT YOURSELF!

February 2, 2022 1 Comment

As we navigate through the final months of Winter, I find myself experimenting with alternative layering methods in efforts to stay warm while looking chic. I also think I’ve finally gotten to a point where I’m ready to put away most of my sweater dresses and chunkier knits for the time being. That said, weather appropriate dressing is still my focus and crucial to surviving the season. I’ve always been a huge fan of trousers and had an appreciation for classic tailoring. Suiting is great because you can easily look put together whether pairing the garments as a set or wearing them individually. I had been waiting for the perfect moment to style this abstract marble knit and when I recently came across this dark chocolate suit, I knew it would be a match made in heaven! Various shades of green have also been extremely popular over the last few years so having the opportunity to compliment them with this ensemble was very exciting. For the most part, the work was already done for me, which is the beauty of styling co-ords. Since the palette I was working with, aside from my top, was fairly dark I wanted to highlight all of the sage tones and incorporated a mini bag to do so. Streaks of gold also seemed to run through the pattern, so I made sure to accent that with my jewelry choices and a bold pair of twisted hoops appeared to be the best option. Lastly, I completed the outfit with cool-toned brown frames and sleek black sock boots for a slightly understated contrast. Sometimes the best looks are those that come together with the least amount of stress and this was no exception. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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MELLOW IN YELLOW!

January 27, 2022 No Comments

Two themes have stayed consistent throughout my Winter wardrobe and that has been bold color and knits. I mentioned in my previous blog post that there is a beauty in this pairing as it truly allows all of the texture and details to shine through, which enhances the look overall. Sweater dresses are definitely my crutch when it comes to the colder months, because no matter how many I add to my collection, I can always find room for one more. Excuses aside, I must say, this one was vastly different from the various neutral hues I currently have in my wardrobe. The vibrancy, intricate pattern, and fringe hem that gave this frock the most amazing movement, sold me from the very beginning! Because this piece was such a statement on it’s own, I knew that allowing it to remain the focal point of the ensemble would be an easy task. To avoid giving “bumble bee chic,” I opted to use brown as my contrasting shade instead of black. There are certain items that really end up solidifying themselves as staples and this coat is no exception! I’ve had it for quite a few years now and it has without a doubt lived up to the hype in every way. With every season I find a place for it and it has yet to disappoint. In my opinion, another tell of a good buy is how well it compliments the new additions to your closet year after year. I’ve been loving these chocolate croc-embossed boots since the day they were delivered to me and I absolutely adored how they grounded the outfit with a subtle edge. For accessories, I was super excited to break out my new frames which were a treat to myself after a successful 2021. To emphasize the hardware on them, I grabbed a few gold jewelry pieces and was beyond pleased with how everything came together. Another simple, yet effective styling for the books! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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A FRESH START!

January 7, 2022 1 Comment

Kicking off the year with an easy yet effective ensemble! In my opinion, having a good sense of fashion isn’t only about being knowledgeable of the history and picking the right clothing, but having the foresight to see how you can repurpose it in a variety of ways to create more than one look. On this particular shopping trip, I was honestly having trouble selecting pieces that I actually loved. So after picking up and putting down a few garments, I made one final lap around the store and immediately stopped in my tracks when I saw this cardigan; which I somehow managed to overlook more than once. Initially it struck me as a somewhat vintage-inspired item that didn’t really mesh well with my personal style. That said, after some quick thinking, a multitude of ideas began to flood my mind. While I am a fan of the over-sized trend, I do think that at times in can become hard to decipher what looks intentional versus just too big. In this case however, it worked to my advantage because I chose to size up and wear this long-line knit as a dress. Being that the “frock” was now the focal point of my outfit, I knew it wouldn’t take much effort to find other complimentary pieces. To truly emphasize the cream shade and further highlight the stark contrast, I layered a thin black turtleneck underneath and grabbed my favorite thigh high leather boots. My accessories were also a no-brainer, considering I really wanted to compliment the gold button detailing. Thus, I incorporated matching jewelry and a bag that featured similar metallic hardware. As a final touch, I threw on some large aviator sunnies and a bold red lip which gave a nod to the more classic elements. Since we are in the midst of Winter, of course this outfit can also be paired with tights as well as an overcoat and/or scarf for added warmth! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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DREAM COAT!

December 16, 2021 1 Comment

Every now and then, throughout our lives, we stumble upon items that we absolutely cannot live without and are so instantly drawn to that we can’t even let the thought of them go until they are in our possession. Well, long story short, that’s exactly what happened to me when it came to this coat. I was casually scrolling my feed when all of a sudden I saw a stylish girl wearing the chicest most stunning tailored piece of outerwear I had ever seen! Everything from the shape, construction, fit, and color had me absolutely sold. Little did I know, however, it would be no easy task tracking it down. Unfortunately for me, the young lady had not tagged the brand so I blindly began thinking of every descriptive term I could use via the internet to find this garment. After days of no luck, and jumping through a few hoops, I was finally sent the link by a reliable fashion page and the rest was history! Literally every detail of this piece was perfection to me. The buttons, stitching, and the iconic “dusty sage” shade name, all complimented each other seamlessly to create an incredible work of art. That said, I instantly knew that I would do everything in my power to keep this overcoat as the focal point of the look, despite incorporating a few playful accessories. I had been on the hunt for a black turtleneck mini dress for quite some time, so after being sent this closet staple, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I was ready to style it. While I could have grounded the outfit with black footwear, that seemed a bit dull so I decided to add a little spice with a pair of snake printed knee-high boots; which just so happened to match the coat’s buttons almost exactly. Because we are moving into Winter fashion, I couldn’t complete the ensemble without a pair of leather gloves. After throwing on some silver jewelry and sunnies for extra pizazz, I was ready to hit the streets! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase one of my new “forever pieces,” that I intend to have in my wardrobe for years to come. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!