stripes – Page 2 – A Styled Mind

In the vault

SUMMER SUITING

April 13, 2018 3 Comments

While we have only just begun to get a true taste of official spring weather, the anticipation has prompted me to think of what other clothing items may be on my summer wardrobe wish list. I’ve definitely been loving suits lately and knew that a light co-ord was exactly what my closet was missing. Luckily for me, retailers are quick to display their collections for the upcoming seasons so it didn’t take long to find exactly what I had envisioned! This neutral colored striped suit was right up my alley in terms of tone, fit, and overall design. The double-breasted blazer allowed for a more masculine structure, while the paper bag trousers provided a trendy yet vintage detail. Being that both pieces are so striking together as well as individually, they can easily be worn with other items I already own, which made me love the suit that much more! To keep the focus on the striped set I chose to keep it fairly simple by layering a cut out ribbed t-shirt under the jacket. At this point I was really enjoying the subtle monochrome vibes I was getting from this look. In efforts to keep everything streamlined, I decided to wear a pair of metallic mules which perfectly added a bit of interest, without overwhelming the ensemble. Finally, to continue playing off of the warm golden tones, I grabbed my round frames for a final touch. Overall, I loved how this look came together despite freezing during the actual photo shoot. The sandy hues definitely made me want to go on vacation and relax in the chicest way! Let me know in the comments below how you feel about summer suits and if they’re something you would rock this year. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Zara

Blazer- Topshop

Trousers- Topshop

Mules- Cole Haan

Sunglasses- NYS Collection

In the vault

EASTER BEST!

March 29, 2018 1 Comment

Easter is the first major holiday that kicks off the Spring season and I always find it to be an amazing time to spend with family as well as embrace some of the lighter, more pastel pieces in my wardrobe. Hues of purple such as lavender and lilac have been a huge trend this season, so much so that I was trying to avoid it at all costs! That being said, when shopping for this particular collaboration shoot, I couldn’t deny the instant attraction to these wide-legged trousers and definitely couldn’t leave the store without them. Aside from the gorgeous color, I also thought that the contrast of the black buttons were a simple yet strikingly chic detail. Recently, I’ve seen this shade worn most often when styled with co-ords or monochrome looks. In efforts to try mixing things up, I chose to pair the pants with a striped satin textured blouse which definitely added a more traditional, classic element to the overall ensemble. Oddly enough, though we briefly discussed color scheme, I didn’t know that my friend Jahira would be wearing a matching white set and purple top so we ended up coordinating in the best way possible! Though barely seen, I also opted for a pair of white heeled sandals which really got me excited for warm weather, despite this particular day being absolutely freezing. To complete my look, I struggled to find a bag that wasn’t so dark that it weighed the look down or bold in color that it took the focus off the the slacks. I finally settled on a tote with wicker detailing and black trim which I felt may not have been the most obvious choice, but definitely pulled the look together in an unexpected way. It also complimented my counterparts neutral taupe boots which made our styling even more compatible. All in all, I had a great time shooting these looks and hope this gave you some ideas for the upcoming holiday weekend! Comment below if you’d like to see more photo shoot collabs in the future. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Shirt- Topshop

Trousers- Mango

Shoes- Topshop

Bag- Zara

In the vault

ATHLEISURE AESTHETIC

March 14, 2018 3 Comments

Outfit inspiration can come from anywhere whether it’s the runway, strangers on the street, an ad, or your very own friends and family. This particular ensemble was a recreation of a look I saw styled on a mannequin while out of town that I completely fell in love with! Overall, I loved the randomness of the mixture of items as well as the classic casual pieces that were thrown in for an effortlessly cool vibe. Track pants have been trending for quite a few seasons, and while I already have a black pair in a more tailored style, I thought it was time to finally get my hands on the real thing. I love these trousers because while they make an obvious statement with their bold red hue, they can also be worn in a variety of ways. For this look I chose to pair my trousers with black court shoes to dress them up and though I was initially looking for a blouse, ended up styling a graphic t-shirt for a more relaxed and playful look. So as not to keep the look too dressed down, I chose to finish off the outfit by layering a navy blazer for a “smart” and chic element. With so much going on, I didn’t want to incorporate too many accessories because I felt it would be slightly overwhelming for the already eye-catching look. Though fairly different pieces, I liked how the white accents on each article of clothing worked to create a seamless and cohesive looking outfit. I also thought the incorporation of primary colors (red, blue, & yellow) really made an unexpected statement that I’m not used to, but happy I decided to experiment with. Comment below if you’re a fan of incorporating athletic pieces into your everyday style or if you choose to solely keep them for the gym and other fitness related activities. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- Topshop

T-shirt- Topshop

Pants- Adidas

Heels- Zara

In the vault

HANDS-FREE

February 28, 2018 2 Comments

With spring comes warm weather, and warm weather brings tons of outdoor activities! I decided to switch gears and create a more casual look for the “girl on the go” who can easily make the transition from brunch to the park. The first piece I came across during my shopping trip was a mismatched button up. I was instantly drawn to the contrasting striped pattern which made the top incredibly eye-catching and unique in comparison to the average dress-shirt. From this point I was pretty set on finding a pair of jeans to complete this look but to my surprise that task ended up being much harder than I had expected. For whatever reason, I simply couldn’t find a pair of denim that satisfied my vision for this ensemble and after hours of searching I was ready to give up and recycle something from my existing wardrobe. In a last stitch effort however, I paired the top with a light wash denim midi skirt, and instantly knew I had found what I was looking for. To offset the more feminine pieces, I chose to wear a pair of sneakers which added a cool “tom-boy” vibe to the overall look. Lastly, I decided to try something new and take a risk with an accessory that has been trending for the last few seasons. I was never really interested in the idea of a fanny pack, however I’d be lying if I said the practicality of the item didn’t somewhat intrigue me. That being said, I decided to introduce a pop of color with a bright red waist bag that ultimately tied the entire outfit together seamlessly. This was a very simple look; however I loved the mixture of smart and casual pieces. I definitely plan on creating more day to day styles with similar elements in the upcoming seasons and I also plan to get the most use out of my new bag! Comment below your opinion of fanny packs and whether you think they can be chic given the right styling. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- H&M

Skirt- Topshop

Sneakers- Adidas

Bag- Topshop

In Collabs

ASM X DW

September 19, 2017 1 Comment

As a huge lover of Fall, I am beyond ready for all of the cute seasonal activities, new drink options, and of course the fashion! From the moment I laid eyes on these forest green trousers, I was instantly sold and knew they would be extremely fitting for an Autumn look. What drew me to them aside from the color, was the paper bag style waist that is surprisingly unlike anything I currently own. This style of pant is perfect for creating a cinched waistline and giving a more tailored vibe to any look. Though I usually tend to lean towards the contrast of pairing formal and casual pieces, I decided to keep the outfit on the sophisticated side. Have you ever seen an item in a storefront window and walked past it numerous times and right before leaving you realize you HAVE to have it?? Well, that was basically the story behind this top. I’ve been seeing the one-shoulder trend a lot lately and though I didn’t initially think it would be something I would like or find flattering, this blouse completely changed my mind! Additionally, I thought the exposed arm detail really made this a unique piece that added a bit of unexpected interest to the entire ensemble. To offset the darkness of the trousers, I chose a pair of white pumps to keep the look balanced and fun. As a final accessory, I chose to wear my new Daniel Wellington watch which I felt added the perfect touch to complete this look. I love this piece because of its classic, minimal design that makes styling effortless. Honestly, after working at a watch store for 3 years, I really haven’t been reaching for my collection. That being said, this DW piece definitely makes me want to dabble back into it and see what other pieces of arm candy I forgot I had! Until next time!!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Nordstrom

Pants- Zara

Heels- Zara

Watch- Daniel Wellington

In the vault

SAFARI CHIC

August 29, 2017 2 Comments

This look is easily in my top 5 blog posts of all time. Why, you may ask– because it came together so unexpectedly and ended up being the most perfect combination! I purchased this top on a separate occasion from the bottom two pieces and was hesitant at first to even leave the store with it. The deconstructed button down shirt is a wildly popular and trendy piece; and while I am a huge fan, I’ve been trying to train myself towards only investing in pieces that I know I will get longevity out of. That being said, I obviously don’t have much self-control because it didn’t take much convincing for me to realize that I “needed” this item. After getting the piece home I immediately started brainstorming outfit ideas and was leaning towards pairing it with what I thought would be the most effortless option…DENIM. For some reason though, I ended up putting the idea aside and continued planning other looks. During another shopping trip a few weeks later, I ended up scoring this amazing mini skirt, heels, and a few other gems. At this point, I’ve honestly lost count of how many minis I actually own but being on the shorter side, I figured I could never have too many (lol). Also, for more seasonal purposes, I thought the khaki fabric made this particular skirt a great transitional piece as we are moving into the Fall. Believe it or not, I was on the hunt for a bag when I came across these gorgeous heels and it only took me about 20 seconds to spot them, try them on, and realize they were on sale before making my purchase and being happily on my way. To be completely honest, I had 3 separate outfits planned for each of these pieces up until the night before my shoot. It was only when I began modeling my new items for my roommate (it’s our ritual, don’t judge lol) that I got the idea to try everything on together and she and I both confirmed that it was “the one.” In life, outside of just fashion and blogging, it always seems like the best outcomes are products of unplanned situations. For me, this was yet another example of why I need to learn to just let go sometimes and stop overthinking everything…however, I am still a work in progress, lol. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Shirt- Topshop

Skirt- Zara

Heels- Aldo

Sunglasses- Celine

In the vault

STRIPES + FRILLS

July 25, 2017 2 Comments

Getting dressed during the Summer can easily become repetitive and boring; I mean, how many dresses and tank-top/short combos can one wear?? That being said, there are ways to keep your outfits fresh and fun and it all boils down to FABRIC. Choosing items made of lightweight, breathable fabrics can allow you to play around with your style and even do some minor layering without overheating. For this particular look, I chose to build around these amazing high-waisted striped culotte trousers. Culottes are a great option for the warmer months because their loose fitting construction can keep you cool while still looking chic. Another bonus in regards to these trousers is that they are made of a light linen fabric which keeps the air circulating throughout the garment. I chose to keep my top neutral and show a bit of skin with a bardot style crop top. Because this piece is made of a thin knit material, I was able to comfortably brave the heat despite the fact that it is more form fitting. Being that my color palette was fairly neutral, I thought it would be nice to add a pop of color with my powder blue heeled sandals. Bright colors are pretty much a staple during this time of year so I thought these strappy shoes added an unexpected, yet eye-catching touch. Lastly, no Summer look is complete without a pair of sunnies and I was thrilled to be able to incorporate one my latest purchases. I’m definitely an aviator girl when it comes to sunglasses and these gorgeous ombre frames were right up my alley! Remember, just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy experimenting with your style. Stay cool, and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Zara

Pants- H&M

Heels- Nastygal

Sunglasses- Celine

In the vault

BELTED

March 21, 2017 1 Comment

As I knew this was going to be my first blog post of the Spring, I wanted to make sure I styled something weather appropriate and fun. I like this look because it is composed pretty evenly of items that I already had in my closet, and a couple new pieces to freshen things up. I recently bought this shirt-dress and really didn’t think much about posting it on my blog; that is, until I found this belt. Within the last 6 months, I’ve really seen the corset belt trend take off. Whether paired over a t-shirt, blazer, or dress, you name it; this trend is definitely not slowing down anytime soon. Personally, I’ve never been much of a belt person but I also never shy away from trying new things. When I saw this piece during one of my shopping trips, I instantly envisioned this top and began building the ensemble in my mind. I decided on the white accessory because aside from moving into the warmer months, I felt like it provided more of a challenge than the usual black options. I kept the rest of the look pretty simple and sleek with black leather leggings and pumps. As we all know I love adding dimension with different textures, and the smooth matte finish against the lighter fabric of the top provided the perfect contrast. At this point, I knew the look was almost complete but I still felt like there were a few elements missing. I decided to play off of the navy stripes in the shirt as well, and added a dark denim choker for a bit of edge and a light puffer jacket as an extra layer. In all honesty I totally forgot about this jacket, which I’ve had since college, but the navy blue sheen provided the most amazing final touch to tie this look together. I must say, after shooting this outfit, I am beyond excited to see what inspiring style and trends this season brings. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Calvin Klein

Top- Forever 21

Leggings- Zara

Heels- Zara

Belt- Zara

In the vault

COLD SHOULDER CHIC

June 7, 2016 1 Comment

The woman’s neckline and collar bone is one of the only parts of the body, in my opinion, that is always flattering regardless of shape or size. Luckily for us girls, the off the shoulder or “cold shoulder” trend is extremely popular right now. This horizontal cut has been showing up in most retailers in the style of tops, dresses, jumpsuits, and much more. Naturally, I had to find a piece that worked for my wardrobe, and I did just that! Ironically enough, I actually told myself at the beginning of the summer that I was going to steer clear of rompers as they tend to make me look shorter and sometimes, childish; but I found one that I just couldn’t resist! I love the layered effect of this piece and how the cut gives it a much more elegant and chic look, compared to the basic casual play-suit. I also love how the wide vertical stripes make a bold statement, while still being simple enough to be paired with almost anything. Being that this piece was the focal point of the look, I kept the rest of the ensemble neutral with nude heels and dainty jewelry. Just like jumpsuits, rompers are another easy all-in-one look that will keep you looking put together with very minimal effort. So tell me what you think about this trend in the comments below; love it, hate it, just don’t get it?? Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Romper- Topshop

Heels- Asos

Necklace- Forever 21

Sunglasses- Zara

In ASM Shop

STRIPED PIECES

March 24, 2016 No Comments

Stripes are one of my favorite classic patterns. They never seem to go out of style and always add a chic effortless vibe to any look. Below are some of the striped pieces that I would definitely add to my wardrobe. (Don’t forget to click the images below to shop my picks!)