winter style – Page 2 – A Styled Mind

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

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!

In the vault

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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IN LIVING COLOR!

January 21, 2022 No Comments

This is probably the first Winter season that I have made a conscious effort not to allow the freezing temperatures and gloomy days to affect my mood and as a result, my wardrobe. Now don’t get me wrong, I thrive when it comes to styling black and/or neutral pieces. However, this year, I wanted to challenge myself to allow some bolder colors to have their moment to shine; who said we had to wait for Spring anyway??? To my surprise, many retailers appear to be on the same wavelength as I’ve been seeing TONS of bright hues flooding the shelves and websites lately. Personally, I love seeing the juxtaposition of highly saturated garments in cold-weather fabrics. It’s just something about it that makes dressing for slightly unfavorable weather conditions that much more exciting! During this particular online shopping session, I was instantly drawn to the most gorgeous lilac knitted vest and vibrant fuchsia trousers. While to some, this pairing could be a bit much, for me it was the perfect combination. Because the top was more on the pastel side, it didn’t compete with the vividness of the pants and instead allowed them to be the focal point of the ensemble. I really didn’t want to weigh the look down, so I knew there would be no room for darker shades. Instead, I chose to lean on beige and cream tones to seamlessly tie everything together. Another thing I love about working with lighter colors during the colder months is that you get the opportunity so see all of the intricate details within the textures. To incorporate that cozy essence, I opted for a cropped shearling jacket and completed the outfit with a more rugged croc-embossed boot for a slight contrast. Lastly, I accessorized with a pair of pearlescent chandelier earrings and tan oversized sunnies. In my opinion, this look couldn’t have turned out better and it’s one I definitely plan to recreate very soon! 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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GOODBYE 2021!

December 30, 2021 No Comments

We made it friends! Another year down, and I couldn’t be happier with how far we’ve come. Despite the uncertainties, setbacks, and struggles along the way, there was also a tremendous amount of growth, reflection, and lessons learned. I am beyond excited to step into 2022 with the same goals, but a slightly updated perspective. I am challenging myself to recognize and appreciate every win no matter how small, while continuing to create content that I am proud of. I decided to close out this chapter with a more understated New Year’s Eve ensemble. Unfortunately, the majority of us are still limiting contact with large groups and though the celebrations will continue, there will be quite a few modifications in place. Personally, I’m planning to stay home which is why I thought this was a fitting outfit for my casual festivities. Though I experimented with quite a few bold colors over the last 12 months, a monochrome black look will always have a permanent place in my heart. During a last minute shopping run, I was able to find this sparkly tube top and a satin midi skirt, which to my surprise, I didn’t already have in my wardrobe. Though purchasing new items is essentially a part of my job, I will always encourage recycling the pieces in your closet to fully get your cost per wear as well as increase sustainability. That being said, I completed the look with some of my favorite staples that I’ve shown on several occasions. Aside from the oversized blazer which I’ve only had for a few months, all of my accessories are oldies but goodies! My chandelier earrings, chain mail bag, and rhinestone heeled sandals have yet to let me down or clash with my ever-evolving style. Lastly, for added holiday drama, I grabbed a pair of minimal sunnies and threw on a bold red lip. Effortlessly chic is exactly how I want to move on from 2021 and I’d have to say, I think I succeeded! Comment below your favorite featured item and I’ll see you in the new year!

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‘TIS THE SEASON!

December 23, 2021 1 Comment

Another year has flown by and now that we’re just days away from Christmas, I can honestly say that my sense of gratitude is at an all time high. As a society, we have endured so much over the last 24 months and though tomorrow is always uncertain, I feel incredibly blessed that I am able to do a bit of celebrating with my family and friends this year. On to more lighthearted topics, I am also extremely proud of myself for getting my gift shopping done early and not waiting until the very last minute. This is unfortunately something I typically do which in a weird way adds to the excitement of the holidays. However, this season, I wanted to take a different approach and get it out of the way so that I could focus on the things that matter most. TIME. We all know the saying, “time flies when you’re having fun,” but we’ve also learned that during the moments that aren’t the most pleasant, it seems to move just as quickly. Appreciating loved ones while enjoying the moments spent together are what should be cherished in this life and never taken for granted. Whether I’m looking for presents or not, I’ll forever make the effort to run around the city and browse different stores mainly to see the decorative window displays and festive garnishing. That said, it was only right that I close out 2021 with at least one shoot in a mall setting. The lights, trees, and music made for an absolutely magical backdrop, and I was quite pleased with the overall outcome. I had recently purchased this bright green cut-out knit which I thought would be the perfect piece for any casual holiday gatherings that I might attend. To mimic the wrap detail on my top, I paired it with light-washed denim featuring a similar asymmetric button closure. For outerwear, I grabbed an old multicolored faux fur coat that I’ve had in my collection for nearly a decade! I take pride in being able to re-wear and style pieces in my wardrobe that I frankly forgot about, while giving them a new life in a more contemporary way. I finished off the ensemble with a pair of metallic heels and silver jewelry for some additional sparkle. Realistically, despite a possible change in footwear, I would absolutely wear this outfit while partaking in any of the merry activities this season has to offer. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time! Happy Holidays!!!

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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!

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SHEARLING CHIC!

December 10, 2021 No Comments

Diving into Winter style and for me, it’s all about staying warm while looking chic! To be honest, this year I acquired a handful of exciting pieces that I’ve been dying to share, and this shearling coat was definitely a part of that haul. Aside from the overall quality, I was immediately attracted to the variety of neutral shades that created a sort of “patchwork” design on the garment. It should be no surprise that the color brown is here to stay so I really wanted to create a look that highlighted all of the different hues as well as the gorgeous plush texture. While I knew my outerwear was a showstopper in it’s own right, there was still room to add a few more statement elements. I had been eyeing this bodysuit for quite some time, and made no hesitations to purchase when it finally came back in stock! I personally loved the design, especially the ring details that gave a bit of edge to an otherwise standard cut out detail. Once my sweet tooth was finally satisfied from all of the chocolate, I decided to balance the look with a classic pair of mid-wash jeans featuring a raw hem. To me, denim always does a great job of grounding an ensemble especially when there are multiple eye-catching styles that could potentially compete. I also chose to keep my accessories fairly tame with sleek leather sock booties, gold jewelry, and aviator frames that subtly mimicked the warmth that the outfit radiated. Have you invested in cocoa-colored items this year?? If so, comment your favorite new addition below and until next time!

In the vault

CABLE KNIT CRAZE!

December 1, 2021 No Comments

When it comes to Fall and Winter textures, the cozier the better! I always find myself gravitating towards chunky cable knit sweaters in a variety of forms, and 2021 has been no different! This year, I was on the hunt for a mini dress that I could wear with taller boots and though initially I was looking for something more relaxed, I couldn’t pass on this fitted style. What truly sold me was the unique patterns and woven stitching that really made this frock an incredible show-stopper! The amount of detail that went into the construction of the piece was unlike anything I had seen on the market thus far, so I knew I had to add it to my collection! As if things couldn’t get any better, upon receiving this garment, I was surprised to find out just how structurally rigid it was. Generally, knit items are known to come with quite a bit of stretch which has its pros and cons. In this instance however, the lack of elasticity worked to my benefit because I didn’t have to worry about it riding up as I walked, which made it a 10 out of 10 without question! At first I thought about layering it under a piece of outerwear, but the distinct intricacies were just too good to hide! That said, I allowed the dress to shine on its own and decided to highlight it with other staple accessories. Using black as my contrasting color, I opted for my newest baguette bag featuring silver zipper accents and my go-to knee high boots. I opted for matching jewelry to keep my hardware consistent and finished off the look with a light tortoise pair of cat-eye frames for an unexpected pop of interest. Though this ensemble didn’t consist of many individual items, each made a statement and came together seamlessly to create a look that I was proud of. Comment below your favorite featured article of clothing or accessory, and don’t forget to shop the carousel for direct links to all pieces as well as other similar styles. Until next time!