winter – Page 3 – A Styled Mind

In the vault

HOLIDAY EDGE

December 12, 2017 2 Comments

The holiday season is by far one of my favorite times of year, and though my excitement never ceases to dwindle, there are a few things that I tend to find a bit repetitive. Aside from the decorations, music, and events, I sometimes wish there were new style trends to experiment with aside from the typical, metallic, sequins, fur, etc. This year, I decided to make a conscious effort to try out some new things with my holiday looks and so far I feel like I’m off to a great start! While making a point not to stray too far from the festive sparkle, I was thrilled when I found this pair of trousers. The rosey hue added a uniqueness that in my opinion was even more eye-catching than the traditional silver or gold; and I loved it! With each look I style for my blog, it’s rare that there isn’t a point of slight difficulty; and in this case, it was deciding on a top. Because I had my mind set on not creating a look that was blatantly “obvious,” it took me awhile to find a piece that was formal enough while still being a bit unexpected. After going back and forth with two drastically different tops, I made the executive decision to layer them and, “VOILA;” the look came to life! I think the juxtaposition of the lace turtleneck and distressed graphic t-shirt made for the most amazing contrast that somehow meshed seamlessly without disrupting the sleek tailoring of the bottoms. Also because of the blend of casual and classic elements, this is a look that can easily be worn in a variety of settings and stand out amongst the crowd! With so many textures going on, I chose to keep my footwear minimal with a pair of black heeled sandals; and though I didn’t grab a bag, I decided to wear my silver geometric earrings for an extra pop of glitz. This ensemble totally gave me “rock&roll-chic” vibes, and I loved how it turned out. Comment below if you prefer to keep it traditional or mix it up with your annual holiday looks. Stay tuned for more festive outfits to come, until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

T-shirt- Forever 21

Lace Top- H&M

Trousers- Zara

Heels- Zara

Earrings- & Other Stories

In ASM Shop

GIFT GUIDE: HIM

December 7, 2017 No Comments

I absolutely love the process of shopping for loved ones during the holidays and believe it or not, I actually enjoy browsing through the men’s department the most! It’s probably because I don’t do it often and it gives me an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, see other trends, and find items that I personally think the guys in my life should have (whether they think they need them or not, lol). Below I’ve rounded up some of the gifts that would be at the top of my list, and I hope they provide some helpful ideas as you knock out your holiday shopping! Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks! Until next time!

In ASM Shop

GIFT GUIDE: HER

December 1, 2017 No Comments

So it’s officially my favorite time of year and I figured what better way to kick it off than with a gift guide! I personally love the holidays and everything that comes with it including the amazing meals, time spent with family, and of course the shopping! Below I’ve rounded up some ideas for the ladies in your life and hope that they can provide some helpful insight as you check things off your list! Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks and stay tuned for the next guide coming soon. Happy Holidays!

In the vault

FISHNETS + FUR

February 7, 2017 2 Comments

I think we’re all finally approaching the time of year where everyone is over the frigid temperatures. These days, it’s been more of a struggle than ever to find the effort to remain comfortable, chic, and warm when getting dressed. That said, I’ve been reaching for more basics and staple pieces, rather than going for crazy statement-making garments. For this outfit, I kept it very simple with a sleeveless black turtleneck and my extremely worn-in, distressed boyfriend jeans. This is the perfect look for those days when you literally feel like you have “nothing to wear” or just don’t have the time and energy to waste. On the upside, the great thing about styling classic pieces is that they provide the perfect foundation for layering and/or playing around with different accessories. To add a little personality and edge to this particular ensemble, I added some fishnet tights and my new black flats with an over-sized bow detail. These two pieces alone, easily transformed this look and made it much more fun and put-together. In order to balance out the hints of skin I had showing on my lower half, I threw on one of my favorite neutral faux fur coats for a bit more drama and contrast to the denim. I’ve found that no matter how casual your outfit may be, throwing on a little accent (or a lot lol) of fur will always elevate it and bring an element of chicness. To finish off the look, I decided to incorporate my prescription glasses which I wear a lot more than most people probably know. Whether worn practically or just for style, I love experimenting with different frames and definitely plan on adding more to my collection for the days when I feel like switching up my look. All in all, I think this outfit is a clear example of how less can definitely be more and simple can still be bold. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Topshop

Top- Zara

Jeans- Levis

Tights- Urban Outfitters

Flats- Zara

Glasses- Versace

In ASM Shop

PLAID PIECES

February 2, 2017 No Comments

There’s something about plaid in the winter months that always looks classic, chic, put-together, and above all else, COZY! I am definitely a fan of plaid and checkered prints outside of the typically casual flannels. Check out the plaid pieces I’ve chosen below and don’t forget to click the images below for direct links to shop the items! Until next time!

In the vault

PLAID AFFAIR

January 31, 2017 1 Comment

You know, I’m really not much of a bargain shopper. Not because I don’t love a great deal, but because of the amount of effort it takes to rummage through a million items in a store that have been thrown around carelessly just because the retailer decided to put a huge “SALE” sign in the front window; but I digress. That being said, I have been trying to make more of an effort recently to take advantage of the semi-annual sales most stores are having and I must say, when you find a gem, it makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it. Okay, so maybe I was exaggerating a bit, but you get what I mean, LOL. On this particular shopping trip I was lucky enough to find these amazing plaid trousers! As soon as I saw them, I literally put down everything I had in my arms as the other pieces just seemed to pale in comparison. The length, color scheme, and zipper detail alone made them absolutely perfect in my eyes in addition to the major price reduction. I instantly knew that I had to create a look around them and was quite pleased with how this one turned out. For whatever reason, I immediately envisioned an off the shoulder Bardot top to compliment these pants and I couldn’t have found a more perfect option. The elongated sleeves and ruffled top seam, provided subtle high-fashion elements that I felt this look was missing. To add a bit of movement and dimension, instead of adding my typical black choker, I decided on a skinny scarf; that was originally attached to a shirt I haven’t seen in some time. To finish off the look I added a pair of simple, black heeled sandals and my “Rexy” wristlet for a touch of quirkiness. Despite the brisk winds, I really enjoyed styling and shooting this look. I felt very “artsy-chic” in this ensemble and it may be a style that I revisit more often in the upcoming warmer months. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- H&M

Trousers- Zara

Heels- Michael Kors

Scarf- Forever 21

Bag- Coach

In ASM Shop

SHEARLING JACKETS

January 26, 2017 No Comments

Shearling coats, especially in the “biker jacket” style, have been extremely popular this season. While this piece of outerwear may be on the more trendy side, they easily provide a cozy layer of warmth and edge to any look. Whether from a high end designer or more affordable brand, there are so many variations to choose from and I am personally a huge fan! Click the images below for direct links to my picks; happy shopping!

In the vault

SHEARLING + DENIM

January 24, 2017 2 Comments

I think I would have to say one of the trendiest pieces of outerwear this season is the shearling biker jacket. Many brands from luxury to lower-end retailers have all made a variation and I’m definitely here for it! With so many choices to pick from however, I had to really consider which coat would suit my wardrobe best. Though I was very tempted to go for an all-black leather option, I opted for a softer suede version with cream trim. Being an owner of many leather jackets already, I liked this piece because it was just as versatile, while still providing an element of contrast that I didn’t already see in my closet. In order to keep the focus on the coat, I decided to pair it with a denim shirt-dress. What I love most about denim is that it can easily provide another layer of dimension by mixing textures, yet remains neutral enough to go with everything and not overpower the ensemble. This piece in particular was also adorned with a few patches that I thought added a quirky lighthearted touch to the overall look. To keep things chic and weather appropriate, I grabbed my go-to thigh high boots that have remained a staple in my wardrobe for the last 2 years, and have definitely earned the title as one of my most worn pairs of shoes this season. For accessories, I opted for a small cream and gold box bag and my matching gold frames which perfectly highlighted the colors of my jacket. Since I felt like I was still missing a pop of color, I finished the look off with a red lip which I think always looks super classic against denim. I can’t lie, I was definitely channeling “off-duty model” vibes with this look and I was quite pleased with how it turned out. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Zara

Dress- Zara

Boots- Aldo

Bag- Urban Outfitters

In ASM Shop

WINTER BOOTIES

January 19, 2017 No Comments

I must say, staying chic during the Winter is definitely not always an easy task, but with eye-caching outerwear and footwear one can easily make a statement while staying warm. When I typically think of “Winter booties,” I usually imagine chunky heels and grips. This season however, I’ve been drawn to more formal footwear with stiletto-type heels. Click the images below to shop my picks and wear on ice at your own risk. 😉 Until next time!

In Collabs

ASM X BON VIVANT

January 10, 2017 1 Comment

One of the reasons why I love the blogging industry, is because of all of the amazing connections and opportunities that are able to be made in an instant. For this collaboration, I was contacted by one of the amazing sponsors of a networking event I attended back in November; Bon Vivant. This French inspired cafe is known for its luxe ambiance and beautifully hand-crafted artwork that adorns each one of their cube shaped pastries. These mini-cakes are created using traditional French techniques and are infused with layers upon layers of flavor that work as the perfect partner to accompany your favorite tea, coffee, or champagne. While they first began as online-only brand, they have since expanded their market and can now be found in a brick & mortar location, on a quaint road on the Manhattan island. As soon as I stepped foot into the cafe, I instantly felt like I had been transported into a European hot spot. Even before tasting the delicious desserts, I got a clear sense of the amount of detail, time, and effort that went into making each treat an experience to be desired and remembered. This is definitely the kind of place that you take your time enjoying. From the intoxicating scents, light music, and mouth watering flavors, your 5 senses will be completely stimulated like never before! In terms of my outfit, I tried to dress for the occasion and maintain a posh vibe that matched my surroundings. I felt like the mock neck dress, fur vest, and thigh high boots definitely reminded me of the chic Parisian style, while my stark white backpack brought a NYC street style element. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant experience and am so grateful that I get to collaborate with creative brands that take their craft just as serious as I do. If you are in the NYC area, definitely check out Bon Vivant, to get a taste of European luxury, or take advantage of their shipping options and experience these mouth watering cakes in the comfort of your own home. Au revoir!

Outfit Details & Links:

Vest- Michael Kors

Dress- Zara

Boots- Marc Fisher

Backpack- Zara