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spring style

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CARGO CHIC!

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There are certain items in my wardrobe that will always remain a staple regardless of the trends or how they evolve throughout each season; and for me, denim will always be a constant. For as long as I can remember I’ve had a large collection of jeans and though I’ve gotten rid of the pairs that no long suit my personal style, I’d be willing to bet I still have more than the average person. Whether skinny or straight, distressed or embellished, I can always find an excuse to add a new style and these cargos were the perfect addition! Cargo pants are typically associated with a more utilitarian lifestyle where function is the main priority, hence the multiple enlarged pockets. That being said, they have become quite popular within the fashion community lately, and despite their original intended use, have been a mainstream success especially with regard to “streetstyle.” Since I’m partial to lighter washes in general, from the moment I saw these trousers I knew I had to have them and in no way was I disappointed with my choice! Another recent purchase I made was this cropped white knit featuring contrasting buttons and bell sleeves. Like the pants, the fit and quality were a complete dream and the pieces were instantly a match made in style heaven! Though this ensemble was on the simpler side, the subtle details seamlessly flowed together to create a complimentary foundation. For accessories, I wanted to emphasize more of the darker elements without weighing down the entire look. To do this, I threw on the most minimal heeled sandals I own and a small crossbody bag with a black trimmed guitar strap. This really helped to balance the outfit overall, and allowed for a nice juxtaposition against the lighter hues. Finally, to play off of the gold hardware, I added my favorite oversized sunnies and jewelry to match! This type of effortless styling comes so naturally to me and I can’t wait to showcase even more versatility throughout the Spring and Summer months! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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TRENCH & TROUSERS!

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As my style evolves, I find myself not only integrating new pieces but also replacing older ones that have served their purpose and/or need to be updated in terms of quality. I had recently been on the hunt for a new faux leather trench that could fulfill my “90’s matrix” fantasy and for whatever reason, I was having trouble finding one that truly spoke to me. That said, it only took one coffee shop date in SOHO to finally find exactly what I was looking for! In my opinion, that’s one of the most amazing things about living in/near a major city; the inspiration! Whether it be art, music, food, or fashion there is so much you can absorb from the moment you leave your door, and that’s something I’ll always appreciate. Luckily it didn’t take long to receive the coat and despite a few minor sizing issues, I was more than satisfied with my purchase! To be honest, I’ve gotten a few pieces in the mail over the last few months (and even last year) that I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to style. For this ensemble however, I’d say it was one of the most low maintenance yet impactful looks I’ve ever put together. Lately, I’ve really been into minimal tops with interesting details, and this knit was no different! I’ve had plenty of crop tops in this style but the overall chunkiness and cut-outs completely sold me, and I knew I had to have it! At this point I was committed to the monochrome theme, and realized I still hadn’t worn this unique pair of wide-legged trousers that have been in my wardrobe for quite some time. What I loved most about the design was the “fold-over” element which made the pants that much more intriguing, while also breaking up the various shades of black. Finally, for footwear, I decided to incorporate a bit of playfulness and ground the outfit with some acid green metallic mules which I could not be more obsessed with! Since I already had so much going on, I decided to forego a bag and complete the look with sleek sunnies and simple stud earrings. Everything about this styling exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be rocking it again sooner than later! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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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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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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CAMO VIBES!

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As the evolution of my style continues, I’m still making it a point to have fun and not take my choices too seriously. Being the fan of contrast and juxtaposition that I am, those themes always tend to present themselves in my looks regardless of the types of ensembles I’m creating. Upon a recent shopping trip to actually make a return, I was doing one last browse around the store when these camo printed cargos caught my eye. To be honest, this is definitely not a motif that is a staple in my wardrobe yet for some reason, I was instantly drawn to them and knew I could make them work. While my first thought was to dress them up with some kind of heeded sandal (which I’m sure I’ll still do in the future), I wanted to tap into more of a causal vibe and emphasize the grunginess they are typically associated with. Of course I still had to put my own “ASM” twist on the outfit, so in efforts to elevate the look I paired the trousers with a rhinestone encrusted t-shirt which added a slightly glamorous, feminine essence. Since it still hasn’t been warm enough to completely leave the outerwear layers behind, I took this as an opportunity to incorporate my newest wool-blend blazer. I wasn’t sure if I’d get any wear out of this piece before the next Fall/Winter seasons, but the light icy grey shade somehow still worked to provide balance within the color palette and not take away from the overall relaxed fit. To complete the styling, I threw on my black and white dunks which really gave the outfit that street-style flare and a handbag in the infamous “Bottega green” for a subtle nod to the trend. Some small frames and a few silver rings served as the icing on the cake and I was ready for any and everything! I’m sure I’ll have a lot of “favorite fashion moments” this year, but I’m already claiming this as one of them. Don’t forget to click the images in the carousel to shop all of the featured items and until next time!

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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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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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SPRING NEUTRALS!

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Spring is just about here and I couldn’t be more excited to refresh my wardrobe and get back to showcasing some of my favorite new-in pieces! After doing a ton of shopping last month and getting inspired by all of the designers who presented collections during New York, Milan, and Paris fashion week, I was having a hard time trying to figure out which looks I wanted to style first! In my opinion, this ensemble was the best choice to kick off the season as the garments are literally embossed with a quilted floral pattern; I mean, what could be more perfect?! That said, I also wanted to give one final nod to neutrals before we get hit with a full blast of saturation from all of the color-rich trends that seem to be flooding the in-store and online retailers. When I first saw this co-ord set, I was instantly intrigued and knew it would make for a subtle yet eye-catching statement. With 50% of the outfit already established, all I had to do was figure out how I wanted to layer and accessorize to complete my vision. I recently purchased this cropped white shirt, that I already know will soon become a staple in my closet. I love that the shoulder pads allow the top to maintain it’s structure while also adding an elevated twist to a classic everyday piece. Because I was working with a fairly light color palette overall, I had to be very strategic and mindful of my contrasting elements. In efforts to provide a bit of balance to offset the mini skirt, I threw on my tall leather boots in a beige tone which added a casual juxtaposition to the more feminine details. I completed the styling by adding a gorgeous wine-colored bag for a pop of color and a pair of sharp cat eye frames with a tortoise design. I truly enjoyed this look and it definitely has me ready for longer days, warmer temperatures, and the beauty of seeing everything in bloom! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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LINEN + LACED!

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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

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LADY N’ LOAFERS!

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On today’s episode of “things from my childhood that have influenced my current style,” I chose to once again reference my private school days. I’m not entirely sure what’s happening to me, but the “preppy vibes” have really been making an impact on my wardrobe lately. For this look, though hesitant about the outcome, I knew I wanted to push myself to style a pair of loafers I had recently been gifted. After seeing how effortlessly clean they looked when worn I was eager to give them a try, but upon receiving them, I still wasn’t sure if they were really “ME.” Initially, I figured I might pair them with jeans but after trying it out, I quickly realized that was not the look I was going for. After a few weeks of deliberation, I accumulated more pieces that helped bring my vision to life! Not too long ago I had seen this gorgeous knit appear on one of my favorite websites, and at the time, I didn’t see a need for it as we were moving into the warmer months. That being said, I couldn’t stop thinking about it and eventually had it sent to my doorstep. At this point, the chances of me styling it was either now or in several months so I jumped at the opportunity! In efforts to provide some balance and contrast, I incorporated denim non-distressed shorts in a darker wash. This choice really highlighted the perforated design on the sweater, and added a classic element that was more in line with my footwear option. I personally felt like all 3 of these items coordinated very well and still allowed room for touches of interest that I prefer all of my ensembles to have. To keep things a little edgy, I added my favorite Marc Jacobs crossbody featuring a thick guitar strap with neon monogram. This bag also contained gold hardware which perfectly accentuated the shoe detail, and led to my inclusion of small hoop earrings as well as bold cat-eye aviator sunglasses. I was very pleased with my take on “loafer styling,” and while I could never see myself sporting them with a dress or pant, they will definitely get tons of wear this season and next! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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