& other stories – Page 3

In the vault

CARDI CHRONICLES!

November 10, 2021 No Comments

I think because the outdoors and how we interact have been restricted for so long, the way we express ourselves has manifested in many new ways and naturally that has trickled into various fashion trends. While the Fall and Winter seasons are typically known for rather neutral dressing, there seems to be an increased push to continue incorporating brighter, more stand-out shades. As a person who usually grounds their outfits with some element of black, I knew this could be quite challenging if the contrast was too harsh. That being said, when I came across this particular cardigan I decided to give it a try. Though the color may be a bit “Barney-ish” for some (and I don’t necessarily disagree), the overall vibrancy coupled with the dark buttons really sold it for me and made this garment something I knew I could work with. As I began my styling process, I knew this piece would be the showstopper of the look and I didn’t want to risk clashing with any other hues. To keep things simple and casual, I opted for an ensemble that consisted of what I would call, “capsule closet essentials.” A black turtleneck is a must-have in any wardrobe, so I settled on a thin semi-sheer knit for a chic yet classic vibe. From there, while any pair of jeans (preferably light to mid wash) would work, I chose a slightly deconstructed pair featuring a jagged waistband and two-toned pocket accents for added interest. Lastly, I completed the outfit with accessories that matched my top and sweater details for a seamless finish. After applying a few gold pieces of jewelry which highlighted the minimal hardware on my bag, I was good to go! As I’ve stated before I love creating looks that appear plain, but have subtle unexpected qualities that will leave heads turning in whatever room you enter! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

MARBLE MOMENTS!

November 5, 2021 No Comments

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!

In Collabs

ASM X STORIES!

October 29, 2021 No Comments

If I could only choose one brand to shop from for an extended period of time, that truly embodied my personal style, & Other Stories would most likely be it. At this point, I’d say most of my staple and foundational pieces that make up my wardrobe are from there and for good reason! Aside from the on-trend designs, the quality is also unmatched and I love how they introduce various styling techniques from around the globe. Whether producing a collection geared towards Stockholm tailoring or chic and minimal prints that provide a Parisian aesthetic, every time I walk into the store or shop online, I’m met with a fresh new perspective. Another thing I love about this particular retailer, is that it allows me to experiment with styles that may be slightly out of my comfort zone, but I’ve been eager to try. For instance, this longline quilted puffer jacket and chunky lace up boots have been on my list for quite some time but I was hesitant about whether I could pull either of these looks off. To my pleasant surprise when I received the items, I was thrilled with the fit and construction! Additionally, because I was working with a darker color palette, I knew the versatility of these garments would be endless! To further tie these pieces together and complete the ensemble, I opted for a knitted taupe-colored vest top and a tailored pair of leather shorts. For accessories, I reached for a cross-body bag which featured the same olive and black color story as well as gold hardware which matched my jewelry perfectly. Lastly, my black sunnies were the icing on the cake and I was ready for a day of fun Fall activities! If you’re on the hunt for new closet gems that will grow with you and remain current throughout each season, year after year, I highly recommend giving & Other Stories a try! Comment below your favorite featured item, and click the images in a carousel for direct links to shop. Until next time!

In the vault

TONES + TEXTURE!

September 30, 2021 No Comments

Knit. Leather. Boots. All things that come to mind when the crisp air hits my face and I realize that we are finally in the midst of Fall. While this is easily my favorite time of year, it’s bittersweet because it is also extremely short lived. Personally speaking, my key to success is clearing out space for new autumnal pieces towards the end of August so that I can make the most out of my new additions before I’m forced to cover them with layers of outerwear. Warm tones and neutral shades also seem to make a significant impact in my wardrobe around this time. For this season, it all began with a chic knitted halter-neck sweater. As a lover of knitwear, I’m always so intrigued by the new design tactics and styles that come out year after year. I instantly knew this would be a focal piece for any ensemble I created with it, but was slightly torn on whether I wanted to keep the look simple or incorporate a few unexpected items. Dark denim is also a classic staple associated with the colder months, so luckily I had the opportunity to showcase a pair I recently added to my collection. This particular style was cropped, which is something I tend to gravitate towards as it leaves room to highlight statement footwear; which brings me to the accessories! I bought this two-toned pair of knee high boots last year during the black Friday/cyber Monday sales and though I didn’t get much wear out of them then, I knew in 2021 I would have my chance to break them out. So without hesitation, I decided to do just that! At this point, my outfit consisted mostly of cool-toned browns, however the stitching and hardware on my jeans were a much warmer, caramel-colored hue. That said, fashion is all about taking risks so I made the executive decision to finish off the look with a lighter, toffee brown clutch and a pair of cat-eye tortoise frames to tie in the light and dark elements. Overall, I was really feeling the seasonal vibes and look forward to re-wearing these garments in various ways ASAP! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Sweater- Jonathan Simkhai

Jeans- Zara

Boots- Looks Like Summer

Bag- & Other Stories

Sunglasses- & Other Stories

In the vault

BUSINESS CASUAL!

August 31, 2021 No Comments

If I had to choose, blazers would definitely be in my top 5 Fall essentials. They are the perfect light layer to instantly elevate and add structure to the most basic ensemble with minimal effort. I also love the variations of style, texture, and fit which each bring a different vibe. In my personal wardrobe I like to maintain a balance of tailored and oversized options, but I’ve also begun to gravitate towards dresses as well. The blazer dress is the perfect hybrid of formal and casual. Regardless of the setting, you can easily style these pieces with a plethora of accessories that will take your look from day to night. For this particular shoot, I was eager to wear this pale yellow frock in a wrap style. From the moment I saw it, I knew it would be a great closet addition due to it’s functionality and adaptability. Whether going to a business meeting, brunch, or running errands around the city, I am truly prepared for anything in this outfit! That being said, I chose to pair it down with a classic pair of white sneakers to really heighten the contrast and give more of a “street-style” edge. To further play into this juxtaposition, I still wanted to keep my jewelry dainty and therefore added a few gold pieces as well as a necklace featuring some pearl accents. Finally, to complete the look, I threw on an oversized pair of tortoise sunnies and was on my way! Despite not wearing heels, I still felt like a total BOSS in this ensemble and will continue to challenge the stereotype of what it means to look “professional” through clothing. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Zara

Sneakers- Nike

Sunglasses- Revolve

Necklace- & Other Stories

In the vault

WORK MODE!

August 13, 2021 1 Comment

Life is unpredictable. There are periods of ups and downs and moments that will make you question everything you thought you already knew. What I’ve learned over the years is that while there is no way to prepare or plan for everything that is to come, if you stay focused, everything will eventually fall into place. At this point in my life, the time to put my all into creating my desired reality is now and I refuse to miss my opportunity! When styling this look, I didn’t know how much strength and power I would feel. It’s no secret that a suit is a classic garment that is normally structured and often worn with regards to business. That being said, I love the modern takes on tailoring and how even options that have more of a relaxed fit, or use lighter materials such as linen, can still command the same attention. When figuring out what color to pair this khaki set with, it all came down to my bag choice. After waiting MONTHS for this gorgeous leather tote, I knew I had to style it immediately! Recently, I’ve also found myself gravitating towards all/majority black outfits. Why I waited until the hottest month of the year to experiment with this is beyond me, but I have yet to be deterred. It’s almost as if the details on dark items pop more, especially in the Summer, when most people are staying far away from those shades. To complete the ensemble, I layered a cropped t-shirt featuring a tie-waist detail and a simple pair of mules. Another theme I’ve noticed in my wardrobe is my affinity for classic pieces that have unexpected elements to them; and I personally think this particular look conveyed that seamlessly! For one final touch, I added a neutral pair of chandelier earrings and couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. Wearing this, I was absolutely in “deal closing” mode and even more excited to put in that work! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

LINEN + LACED!

June 10, 2021 No Comments

In my personal opinion, highlighting juxtaposition is the easiest way to create a dynamic outfit. Whether you’re contrasting masculine & feminine pieces, drastically different textures and/or fabrics, I truly believe this is one of they key factors to having an elevated sense of style. Though we are still a few days away from the official start of Summer, the heatwaves have already begun and it’s definitely time to pull out those breathable wardrobe essentials! When it comes to textiles for this time of year, linen is probably one of the most popular. With designer brands like Jacquemus and Cult Gaia leading the pack in terms of vacation-wear, it seems like light and airy garments are more sought after than ever. From the moment I saw this white frock with strappy open-back detailing, I knew it was going to be a staple in my closet over the next few months. I had initially planned to style it a bit later, but after a few 90 degree days, I figured there was no better time than now! Though pairing this dress with heels would’ve been an easy choice, I wanted to bring a bit more edge to this rather dainty piece. Within the last month, I had also recently purchased what has easily become my favorite, and soon to be most worn sandal. These “flatforms” are everything any chic city dweller would need when hitting the pavement for hours on end; cushion, support, grip, and style. It also didn’t hurt that the laces somewhat mirrored my dress accents which made for a nice synergy. With my look nearly complete, I decided to keep my bag fairly neutral with a black and straw crossbody option which really enhanced those picnic or “walk in the park” vibes. Lastly I threw on an angular pair of light tortoise sunnies, and a red lip for a bold pop of color. I truly can’t wait for another opportunity to wear this ensemble and see what Summer 2021 has in store! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Zara

Sandals- Dr. Martens

Sunglasses- & Other Stories

Bag- Free People

In the vault

HOT COCOA!

June 3, 2021 No Comments

When it comes to color combinations, brown and blue is one that I personally love and have styled in a variety of ways on several occasions. It’s no secret that the chocolate shade was one of the biggest trends last year, and though more vibrant tones have taken over for the time being, I have no doubt it will resurface again towards the end of 2021. During an online retail therapy session, I came across this bodycon matching set and instantly knew I had to have it! Aside from the fact that it was giving all of the 90’s Mariah Carey “Butterfly” album cover vibes, it was also unlike anything I currently own in my wardrobe. Though I absolutely love statement pieces, I also genuinely appreciate garments that are simple enough to create an effortless, yet eye-catching ensemble. Because my foundation was so plain, I knew I had to include some striking elements that would really make my look pop! Towards the beginning of Spring, I purchased a tweed plaid blazer featuring gorgeous abstract shaped tortoise buttons. This striking accent detail matched perfectly with my co-ord, while also adding a balance of light, since I was working with a fairly dark base. My outerwear piece also incorporated teal threading in the pattern, which I chose to highlight with a bucket bag in a similar hue. For shoes, I kept it simple with a pair of black heeled sandals and was ready for brunch, date night, or an evening on the town with the girls. With the sense of normalcy steadily returning, the excitement of getting dressed up is also at an all time high! I look forward to recreating this look IRL and enjoying the simple moments we took for granted over the last year. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- Zara

Top- & Other Stories

Skirt- & Other Stories

Heels- Topshop

Bag- Zara

In the vault

SATIN + KNIT!

May 6, 2021 No Comments

As we continue moving into the warmer months, dressing can become increasingly difficult as we must constantly be aware that any slight shift in temperature can result in being too hot or too cold. Though every person is different and has a specific tolerance when it comes to weather, knowing this crucial detail can help you stay comfortable throughout the day. Personally, I know that as long as my upper body is covered I will remain warm for the most part. Keeping this top of mind is also what kept me focused when deciding how to style this fuchsia mini skirt. I’ve had this piece for a few weeks now and was tempted to just wait until Summer and pair it with some heeled sandals (which I’ll still do, btw). Fortunately, my impatience got the best of me and I was determined to create a look that was more “Spring-appropriate.” Because satin is a fairly thin fabric, I knew I wanted to style it with more substantial pieces that could provide a balance as well as create a solid foundation for the overall ensemble. That aside, I had also recently purchased 2 sweater vests that had been sitting in my closet waiting to be worn. I initially felt this trend was a bit out of my comfort zone, yet every time I saw these garments styled on someone else I absolutely loved the look and knew I had to give it a try. Finally, the opportunity presented itself and the outfit slowly came together. I really loved the juxtaposition of the dainty skirt against the chunky cable knit but I knew I could take it a step further! I’ve been obsessed with button up shirts lately and jumped at the chance to incorporate this gorgeous version featuring openwork detailing and elegant puffed sleeves. As I made my way to accessories, I knew that I wanted to keep things fairly simple since I already had quite a few textures in the mix. That said, I still wanted to bring in some additional contrast so, as always, it made sense to throw in a few black pieces. (Sidebar: If you’ve been following my style journey for a while, you’ll know that I rarely style an outfit that does not include some element/piece that is black). Starting with my favorite chelsea boots, I made sure to incorporate this dark shade at each level of the look with a matching shoulder bag and some rectangular frames. Though it took me a while wo warm up to this outfit, I’m quite a fan of how it turned out and would love to know your favorite featured piece so comment below! Until next time!

In ASM Shop

JACQUARD PIECES!

May 4, 2021 No Comments

Jacquard is a fabric that, while I do not have much of it in my wardrobe, always intrigues me due to it’s intricate design and structure. In the midst of incorporating more feminine and whimsical pieces into my own closet, I’m sure I’ll be accumulating more garments that are made of this standout textile. Comment below if you’re a fan of this trend and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks! Until next time!