style – Page 3 – A Styled Mind

In the vault

DENIM DARLING!

April 20, 2023 No Comments

I think we all know by now that most “trends” are not original. Almost everything has been done before, and eventually they all come back around in some form or capacity with each new decade. That said, some textiles are absolute classics that will return every year without fail; one of my all time favorites being, denim. For as long as I’ve been shopping on my own, I’ve always maintained a sizeable collection of jeans but this year, like the cargo trend, it seems to have exploded in a way that even I have been shocked by. Forget the Canadian tuxedo, head-to-toe denim looks including bags, shoes, and even jewelry can be seen all over the concrete runways and the fashion girlies are living for it! Again, because I’ve always been a lover of this fabric and already had many pieces in my wardrobe that fit the bill, it was just a matter of deciding which garments I actually wanted to bring out. To no surprise however, I did manage to add a few new items to my closet starting with this cropped jacket. As soon as I saw it, I was instantly brought back to my carefree middle school days where I had a very similar one that I was completely obsessed with. The overall shape and construction really sold me, especially when it came to the oversized relaxed fit and added shoulder pads. Because the wash was slightly off from my bottoms, I wanted to break it up in a chic yet effortless way. Personally, I believe that everyone should freshen up their basics each Spring/Summer season as they end up being the most worn and versatile throughout the year. I was really attempting to channel that 90’s “cool-girl” aesthetic, so when I came across these cut-out ribbed tanks, I knew they would be perfect; so much so that I got them in white and black. With the ensemble nearly complete I just had to pull together the right accessories to compliment my fit. Have you ever seen an item that you loved, but took your time on buying to the point where it sold out and you just assumed it would be restocked, but then NEVER was??? Well, that was my exact situation with these slingback heels and after months of obsessing and regretting having passed them up in the moment, I was finally able to find them in my size via consignment and did not make that mistake twice! Because of the hardware on my shoes, a silver chainmail bag and my favorite chunky earrings were the obvious choice. I finished off the look with a pair of sunnies (as per usual), and could not have felt more comfortable and confident! Have you noticed an increase in the amount of denim you’ve been purchasing lately? Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

CARGO CRAZE!

April 13, 2023 No Comments

Unless you’ve truly been living under a rock, or have absolutely no interest in keeping up with fashion trends, it’s been nearly impossible to avoid the explosion that cargos have had over the last year. From runways to retailers, it seems like every brand has produced their own take on this utilitarian style, and have found ways to incorporate it into every type of garment you could possibly think of. While initially only trousers came to mind, the “cargo-inspo” has since merged into denim, skirts, vests, jackets, corsets, jumpsuits, dresses, boots, and even bags! So naturally, it was only a matter of time before I found a piece (or two) that peaked my interest and fit my wardrobe needs. As soon as I saw this set I was immediately intrigued and knew that as long as the quality was up to par, I would not hesitate to bring it home! I loved the overall design of the co-ord, as well as the distinct contrast of the black zippers that really gave an added pop of interest and edge. I also appreciated the versatility knowing that I could easily pair both pieces with other items in my closet if I didn’t want to wear the entire set (though it does look amazing as a whole). To further play up the darker accents, as well as account for the inconsistent temperatures, I chose to layer it with a long-sleeved knit turtleneck. Whoever invented this concept was truly a genius because functionality aside, it also doesn’t take away from showing the best parts of the ensemble! To tie everything together, I chose to complete the outfit with minimal accessories including my favorite sunnies, lace-up heeled sandals, and a bag that mimicked the hardware on the top and pants. A few final touches of silver jewelry were the icing on the cake, and I was quite pleased with the end result. Especially now that we’re finally getting back into the warmer months, it feels great to get excited about expressing myself through clothing again without having to worry about coordinating a piece of outerwear so I don’t freeze. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In ASM Shop

NYFW F/W23!

March 9, 2023 No Comments

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In the vault

SLEEK & SIMPLE!

January 29, 2023 No Comments

Believe it or not, this was my first official photoshoot of 2023 and surprisingly it came with a lot more anxiety than expected. I am approaching my 8th year of blogging and despite having done it for so long, after the holiday reset plus taking nearly a month off, I seemed to be second guessing myself more than ever. Though I am comfortable in my style and how I showcase it, for whatever reason it took me a bit longer to get back in the swing of things this time around. That said, with NYFW quickly approaching I knew I couldn’t stay in that mindset for too long as there are many exciting looks I have (and have yet) to plan for! I purchased this jumpsuit towards the end of last year and instantly fell in love from the moment I tried it on. Cargos have been a huge trend, which appear to be here to stay, so I was thrilled to be able to experiment with them via this garment. Because of the current temperatures, I knew layering would be a must and though I had quite a few options to choose from, I decided to keep it sleek and simple with a sleeveless bodysuit in a similar shade. Since I was now working with a fairly dark monochrome base, I chose to lighten up the ensemble with my outerwear and bag choice. My collection of coats has definitely grown over the years and while it may seem excessive to some, in my humble opinion, they all serve a different purpose, mood, and style. Since my overall look was casual, I opted for a relaxed fitting taupe number which still provided a cozy yet effortless statement. For footwear, a classic sock bootie seemed like the best option, however I made sure to incorporate some playfulness with a bold geometric shaped cross-body. Lastly, to tie in the gold hardware, I threw on an abstract hoop earring and my favorite chic rectangular sunnies. I understand this may not be the most complex outfit, but I believe that is the beauty of minimalism and the subtle impact it can provide. I’m interested to see the direction my expression through clothing takes in 2023 and I hope you’ll enjoy what is to come! Until next time!

In the vault

BACK TO WORK!

January 9, 2023 No Comments

After taking a week off to get my head and game plan together for 2023, I was ready to come back with my first blog post of the year! It’s so crazy to see how our styles continue to evolve over time and though I don’t notice any drastic changes, the theme of quality over quantity remains the standard. I’m at a point where I don’t mind spending a little more on a piece if it means that it will hold a place in my wardrobe for years to come. I had been eyeing this sweater for a few months and as soon as the Black Friday sales came around, I knew that was my chance to make it mine! To be completely honest, knitwear is something that I have no shortage of; that said, this one seemed “different.” The shape, construction, and contrast stitching really intrigued me; and from the first time I tried it on, I knew I had made the right decision. When it comes to trends, the denim midi/maxi skirt is here to stay! Again, being an individual that also has no shortage of denim in her arsenal, I had to be strategic. I knew I wanted to try it out, but I didn’t want to purchase anything too similar to what I already owned. After carefully surveying my closet and many returns/exchanges later, I finally settled on this dark-wash garment. Though I was unsure at first, I have actually grown to love the minimal design and streamline fit. At this point, I was ready to tie everything together and ended up making a last minute decision which completely worked out in my favor (if I do say so myself, LOL)! Of course, I could’ve easily anchored this ensemble with a black boot but I remembered another footwear option I had recently seen and loved, but was unfortunately already sold out online. Cowboy boots have also been trending, and for a long time I didn’t think they had a place in my collection; that was, until I found a pair that had all of the elements I was looking for. So long story short, the evening before my shoot I ran into the city to try them on and instantly knew they were the missing link to complete my look! Typically, I try to create outfits that are more coordinated and less “matchy” but for some reason, I wasn’t bothered by the monochrome color palette I was working with. For accessories I kept it simple with a white geometric shoulder bag and baseball cap which totally brought me back to my college fashion era. Lastly, in efforts to add a bit of juxtaposition to the overall casual vibe, I threw on a fully embellished statement earring and a red lip for a slight pop of color. I am more than happy to be back in the swing of things and hope you are just as excited to see what this new year has in store! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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

PUMPKIN SPICE!

November 6, 2022 1 Comment

Pumpkin spice season is officially among us and I’m ready to dive in! I must say, my Fall wardrobe has me beyond excited to create tons of new content and finally enjoy the cooler temperatures (in the most stylish way possible of course)! Additionally, what I love most about some of my latest autumnal closet additions is that I really took advantage of the sales. Believe it or not, so many items were already discounted during the summer from last year, and I did not hesitate to score some absolute gems (that are still full-priced on certain websites, might I add). I’ve been waiting to finally pull this knit set out for months now and as my first blog post of the season, it could not have been a more ideal introduction! The rich, warm color of the garments accented with the perfect amount of tortoise shell buttons had me sold from the very beginning. Also, in terms of versatility, the styling options with this co-ord are endless and I definitely plan to experiment with them all! This look came together seamlessly and simultaneously allowed for a chance to showcase a few more accessories I’ve been obsessed with! To be honest, I was totally gutted when the heel broke on my chocolate croc boots from last year. That said, it allowed me to make room for a new pair that I love even more with impeccable quality! Lastly, I continued to play off of the tortoise accents with my current favorite sunnies, and a top handle box bag which I’ve had for YEARS that never seems to get old! A few pieces of gold jewelry to tie everything together and the outfit was complete! I could not be more thrilled for the crisp air, hot drinks, statement coats, and holiday activities that are quickly approaching! Comment below your favorite thing about Fall and until next time!

In the vault

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS!

September 23, 2022 No Comments

Accessories, or “outfit enhancers” were never a focal point for me or what I had ever considered a top priority when it came to styling my looks. I think because I’m such a creature of habit, for a long time having neutral shoes, bags, and essentially wearing the same jewelry daily was enough for me and I let the ensemble itself be the statement. That being said, over the last few years my perspective has definitely changed and I’ve grown to see their importance as well as find enjoyment in expanding my personal collection. Let’s start from the top, shall we?! I saw this necklace on one of my favorite fashion content creators and from that moment on, it never left my brain. The two-toned metals, chunky construction, and overall boldness constantly replayed in my head to the point where I had to at least do some research and see if it was a feasible investment. To no surprise, it was not a cheap accessory but it also wasn’t completely out of reach either. After a bit more digging, I found an online boutique that had it in stock at a pretty significant discount and saw that as a sign to pull the trigger! While I knew this piece could literally go with just about anything, whether toned down or for a more formal occasion, I still wanted to wait until I found something that really peaked my interest before showcasing it. When given the opportunity to partner with one of my favorite retailers, I stumbled upon this olive mini dress and though I didn’t get it right in that moment, the color and plunging neckline alone was enough to make me add it to my wish list. It didn’t take long before I went back for the frock and just as expected, my vision was nearly complete! From that brand collaboration also came these incredible shoes and yes, they’re wedges! Though I am a “heel girl,” this particular style is one that I was convinced I would NEVER revisit. However, as soon as I laid my eyes on these architectural beauties, I was sold and knew I needed these works of art in my wardrobe! To complete the look and tie everything together, I decided to add some texture with what is easily becoming one of my most worn bags. Lastly, I threw on some classic black rectangular frames and a red lip for an extra pop of color! I was beyond pleased with how this outfit came together and am looking forward to playing around with a lot more eye-catching accessories as we head into the Fall season. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In Collabs

ASM X REVOLVE!

August 31, 2022 No Comments

When it comes to shopping, there’s nothing like finding a retailer that provides a “one-stop-shop” experience. From clothing, to accessories, and even health & beauty items, nothing makes me happier than having a seamless shopping experience; and that’s exactly what Revolve provides. I’ve been a consistent customer for awhile now, but things have definitely picked up over the last few years. I love that I can easily shop my favorite brands, while simultaneously being introduced to new ones along the way. They also do a great job of stocking items from a wide price point range. Whether opting for something inexpensive or splurging on a luxury good, this platform has mastered catering to a variety of fashion lovers regardless of their budget!

I was generously given the opportunity to select a few things from the website, which was perfect timing as we’re about to enter fashion month. Not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated by the amount of options I had to choose from. However, after some thorough digging and analyzing the voids in my wardrobe, I slowly but surely narrowed it down to my top picks. One of the pieces that were an instant standout, was this denim maxi skirt. Talk about serving THE DRAMA! This garment was bold, chic, and edgy all in one. I have to say though, upon looking at it and seeing how high the slit was, I was a little concerned about whether it would be “too much” for me; but that didn’t stop me from giving it a try! Upon receiving it, I definitely had to play around with the styling to see what made me the most comfortable, especially since I’m typically not a low-rise kind of girl. That said, I quickly became at ease and completely fell in love! As far as tops go, despite initially trying it on with a black option, I knew that I was pairing the matching shoe with another look and since Summer isn’t quite over yet, I didn’t mind going for a lighter color. Instead of using this as an opportunity to style it with something more toned down, I did the exact opposite and in true maximalist fashion, chose another eye-catching number that I had yet to debut. While this unique construction may be risque to some, in my opinion, it truly embodies the artistic design elements that make fashion so intriguing.

When it came to footwear, my white mules were the obvious choice (another Revolve find). For a minute I was slightly unsure about the bag, but eventually decided on an understated navy option with neon piping. Lastly, I played off of the hardware to tie in my gold jewelry and threw on some cat eye frames as a final touch! This ensemble is definitely in the running for my favorite of 2022 and I cannot wait to showcase these items in a variety of ways. Don’t forget to check out the carousel featuring my Revolve clothing favorites, as well as statement heels located at the bottom of this post! Happy shopping and leave a comment if you also own, or plan to purchase any of my recommendations. Until next time!

In the vault

POPLIN + PRINTS!

August 18, 2022 No Comments

Aside from denim and blazers, when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe, a crisp white shirt is an absolute must! Over the years my collection of poplins has continued to grow, so much so that they’ve even begun to expand and transform into a variety of styles. While the coast is still clear to wear white (just kidding, THERE ARE NO FASHION RULES!), I decided to pull out a new frock that I’ve been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to showcase. Per usual, what I loved most about it was the contemporary take on an otherwise traditional garment. Everything from the cut-outs to the open back and lace up detailing, which gave a nod to the current corset trend, this dress literally hit all the marks when it came to eye-catching elements! While subtly there may have been a lot going on within this one piece, I still wanted to style it with other exciting items, for a bit of “razzle dazzle.” In efforts to combat the amount of skin on show, I thought it would be nice to balance the ensemble with a pair of snake print knee-high boots, which served as a slightly more impactful neutral. Lastly, I completed the outfit with a Kelly green mini bag that despite its bold hue, compliments a lot more things in my wardrobe than I would have expected upon purchasing it. For jewelry, silver was the obvious choice and my rimless frames were the icing on one extremely stylish cake! Layered with a light trench coat or oversized blazer, this could also be a great transitional look as we head into the cooler months! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!