Modern Camouflage | OOTD

Hello lovely reader! This year I really want to get back to sharing more fashion related posts, from actual looks of my own to high end pieces that I am loving and general information about current fashion industry happenings.

Todays post is centered around something that is always "in" in one way or another, camouflage print. It every year it seems that at least one designer's collection takes influence from military/combat styles, whether it is through silhouettes and shapes or literal print and color choices. This inspiration choice can be for many different reasons such as wanting to portray strength, empowerment, or simply pay homage to the past. I think that it is interesting to see camouflage used in fashion today because of course the origin of the use of these prints was to create a way for people to stay hidden, to blend in, but often times when people where camouflage in day-to-day life, they do the exact opposite and are wearing it as a statement, a way to stand out.

Top: Original-Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Camouflage Oxford Classic Fit Shirt (currently out of stock), Other color option on Bloomingdales, Very similar option on Abercrombie, and Nordstrom Rack.

Black Skinny Jeans: Original-H&M 

Boots: Original Anne Klein (no longer available), Similar on ASOS, Similar ALDO

Sparkling at the Brits | OOTD

Hello lovely reader! For all you fabulous people across the pond, today is an exciting day in the world of music because tonight is the Brit Awards 2018!! Last year while living in London I was lucky enough to make one of my dreams come true and attend this legendary event in music. I had the best time and it was an incredible night that I will never forget. To anyone attending I hope you have a fantastic evening and to those who wish they were going like me, you can watch the show live on YouTube and if you get the AXS channel they are playing it this evening! So as an homage to that magical night I thought would share what I wore with you all.

Blouse: Original-H&M (no longer available), Similar on ASOS, Cute alternative on Zara

Sequin/Velvet Bomber Jacket: Original-Primark, Similar on ASOS, Rebecca Taylor (what mine may have been "inspired by")

Black Skinny Pants: Original-TJMaxx (no longer available), Similar on ASOS

Boots: Original Anne Klein (no longer available), Similar on ASOS, Similar ALDO

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform? Xx

Warehouse Frills

Hey lovely reader! Today I wanted to share a look with you centered on a purchase I made from Warehouse while living in London. I discovered this brand while having an exploring shopping day around Carnaby and Oxford Street, would highly recommend stopping in their store if you ever get the chance! Luckily they have a US website as well so be sure to have a look!

Sweater: Exact, Similar
Pants: ASOS Similar, Nordstrom Similar
Boots: ASOS Similar, Nordstrom Similar

Very Chic Tassels

Hello lovely reader! One of my goals for 2018 for this blog is to bring back the fashion focus. I want to keep things simple, chic, and informative providing links and details to outfits. I want to share pieces that I personally own and love as well as ones that I am seeing in the world, in person and through social media.

     This look combines two of my favorite pieces that I have purchased within the last few months. The first being the gorgeous burgundy top with a high neck and tassel (Zara refers to them as pompoms) trim along the bottom. What I really liked about this top was that it has the cut of a classic piece but also a simple detail that brings a bit more fun and energy to it. It can also be dressed up or down by pairing with black pants as I did here or with a skinny jean. I think that it's also perfect for an environment where you may need to be business professional or casual but still want to show some style.
     The shoes are one of my other favorite purchases, I'm quite sure anyone who works in fashion or follows it would agree that the Gucci loafers were one of the defining pieces to come out of 2017. Every high end blogger had the exacts and every fast fashion retailer had the dupes it seemed like almost over night! While the actual Gucci loafers are still the dream, I wasn't quite ready to make that type of a financial commitment and so I looked all over for shoes of a similar style. I tried on multiple pairs but struggled to find ones that were actually comfortable and didn't look super cheap! When I found this pair by Steve Madden it was like a saving grace! The soles are so comfortable and the leather around the back is super soft so they don't dig into your heels like the other pairs I had tried on. 

Top: Zara - Exact & on Sale!
Shoes: Steve Madden - Exact
Pants: Similar & on Sale, Similar & exacts that Zara styled with top


Are there any details you are loving in fashion right now? Xx

No White After Labor Day? | White on White

Hello lovely reader! Happy Labor Day weekend to those of you in the USA and happy weekend to the rest of you! For many of you hopefully this is a weekend to relax, barbecue, maybe head home for the first time after being away at school, and spend time with friends and family. Labor Day has many different associations for people, first hopefully being the true meaning of the holiday which is to honor the American Labor Movement and those in the work force, the end of summer, and also the "fashion rule" of No White After Labor Day which in this day and age has little to no meaning anymore (in my opinion). However I was still interested to see where this rule even came from so I did some research and came to find that white was basically seen as a summer color as it was lighter and kept people cool before air-conditioning existed. It was also a color worn by people who were on holiday representing relaxation, against the "drabber colors" people wore in everyday life to work. That's my little history lesson for you and if you want to read more about it, check out this article on Time. So my outfit post for today is perfect if you want to get all your white clothes out of your system before the holiday or if you want to be a "rebel" bust out your all white on Labor Day or even better, the day after!

This look is comprised of a two pieces that I have had for a couple years and never worn until one day I was editing my closet and had the epiphany to put them together. I love matching sets especially just with a single color. I think there's something super chic about a coordinating look. There's also that moment that you know you've got a good set when someone asks you if that's a dress and you can say, no its actually a top and a skirt that I put together. (Makes you feel quite swish) The blouse is from H&M and has embroidered white dots all over it with white button. The skirt is from Nasty Gal and is white mesh on top of a white knit fabric. The shoes are by Chinese Laundry and are brown with a rose gold strap over the toes. 

Similar tops: H&M Sleeveless Top, ASOS high neck sleeveless blouse, ASOS sleeveless blouse

Similar: ASOS Mesh A-line Skirt (closest), ASOS Asymmetrical Skirt, Little Mistress Midi Tulle Skirt

Similar: ASOS Glamorous Gold Block, Bershka Block Heel

Some all white outfit inspo for you!

What do you think of the "No White After Labor Day" rule? Xx

Pretty in Pink | Summer Fashion

Hello lovely reader! Summer is nearly over and it has been a hot one. There's nothing quite like walking out side and instantly feeling like you're swimming, gotta love humidity! But I can't complain because there have also been some really beautiful days as well. One of my favorite things to wear in the summer to stay cool are dresses. The dress I'm styling today I really love because it is one that can be dressed up or down quite easily. It can go from sporty to suave in a snap.

The dress I'm talking about of course is this fun piece from the Victoria Beckham for Target collection. It is a gorgeous bright magenta color with a white edged ruffle detail. I've paired it here with my Adidas Stan Smiths for a more casual cool feel. 

The Dress. I love the ruffle with the white detail on the bottom, gives it that extra touch and bit of whimsy.

The Shoes

To make this dress a bit more occasion appropriate, I paired the dress with these fun and colorful espadrille wedges. Perfect for a summer wedding or garden party. If you needed to dress it up even more, a stripy pair of white heeled sandals or another bright color would be perfect.

The Shoes

Paisley Jumpsuits in October?!?

Hi lovely reader! It's October, I got my first taste of fall weather this week, and I'm ready to swap out my summer dresses for cozy sweaters and boots. However, the weather likes to jump around here so I am taking in these warmer temperatures as I know their days are numbered. Today's look is one of my favorite summer outfits and the fact that I can wear it in October is a-okay with me, but the heat can kindly make a graceful exit within the next few weeks!

This jumpsuit almost has sentimentality as I have had it for around five years! It was one of the very first things I purchased from H&M and I feel like every year I find a new way to wear it or style it. I love jumpsuits because they are so easy! One piece and done, they're also a great base piece to use for layering. This could easily be layered with a chunkier cardigan and flats for a more casual feel. 

How do you like to style jumpsuits? Are you all about the layers or do you like to keep it simple? Xx

Button-Up | OOTD

Hi lovely reader! It is prime-time for the fashion lovers of the world as New York Fashion week has come to a close and London Fashion week is about to kick off. I love this time of year and always find it so inspiring, knowing all the hours that these designers put in to bring their visions to life. I also find it exciting to see what new and innovate ways designers will present their shows! From "Tommy x Gigi"'s carnival extravaganza to Marchesa's classic show filled with models floating down the runway, I love love love it. So after seeing all this fashion I took some time to pull together an OOTD all about the little details.

I got this dress a few years back and I loved it as soon as I saw it. It's by Kate Spade Saturday which as you may know is no longer. It's made out of a cotton material so it's quite structured but still comfortable, similar to the feel of a men's dress shirt. I like that it has an element of fashion to it with the shape and details so I pair it with simple Steve Madden espadrilles. This dress and style is also a great transition piece for going from summer into the fall.

What shows from NYFW did you love? Who are you looking forward to seeing for LFW? Xx

  

Collars Required | OOTD

Hello lovely reader! Today's the day for the Olympics Opening Ceremony! I personally love watching to see the theatrics and the thought that goes behind these displays, it's just incredible. I also keep a keen eye out to see all the teams uniforms! The Rio Olympics represents the fifth time that Polo Ralph Lauren will be dressing Team USA. Other notable names will be taking part in dressing the top athletes in the world, with Stella McCartney and Adidas collaborating for Great Britain, Sweden being outfitted by H&M, and Lacoste working with France. So for today's OOTD, it's a little nod to Mr. Lauren, decked out "H to T" in Polo. While for the most part Polo Ralph Lauren can have a fairly "preppy" reputation, which isn't my particular style, I do think that some of the staple pieces can be taken and made to fit your own individual style.

Dress: Similar (Polo Ralph Lauren), (Fred Perry)
Shoes: These shoes were older so I couldn't find any exacts, Similar (Lauren Ralph Lauren)

Or you can always throw on some Adidas!

What are you looking forward to with the Opening Ceremony? Xx

Keep It Simple | OOTD

Hi lovely readers! I hope you had a productive Monday on this August 1st. I definitely crossed some things off my list. For a while I have been wanting to put more into the fashion aspect of this blog because it is something that I love, am studying, and want to share. I've got no more excuses to not put up these posts so stay on the look out because they're coming (I promise they are coming). Today's look has been a go-to of mine for the summer. Anything that can be paired with sneakers, especially these Adidas, and I'm in. I love to put my hair up in a messy ponytail or half-up topknot with some neutral makeup and a pink or berry lip. I'm going to include links below to some different options similar to what I am wearing in a few different price ranges so be sure to check those out as well.

Dress: Exact, Similar Look (ASOS Just Female, ASOS)
Shoes: Exact
Lipstick: MAC (my current favorite pink), NYX (love this for a darker shade)

What has been your go to look this summer? Xx

Take Me to Brunch | OOTD

Much Love for Madewell | OOTD

Hello lovely reader! Today I've got a quick and simple OOTD because I am in love with my new Madewell high waisted shorts! (It's definitely one of those days where you are like "Yes! I love it when an outfit comes together, was feeling a bit 90s) I only discovered Madewell about a year ago and I wish I would have known about them sooner. The style of their clothing is definitely to my liking with lots of mute color pallets and modern yet classic looks. Their sales are also phenomenal! I like these particular shorts for a couple of reasons, they are quality, they are higher waister, and they are not super super short! I have longer legs, so my proportions are already against me when trying to shop for shorts, added with the fact that nowadays everything is cut short anyways, so when I found these, I heard the hallelujah chorus.

These shorts are still available online and are on sale! Click here to have a looksie.

Do you love Madewell? Xx

Fruit, Fireworks, and a Follow | iPhone Snaps

Hi lovely reader, I hope you are having a sunny Sunday! It is absolutely pouring here, perfect day to get stuff done though. I apologize for the lack of posts, I have been out of town for about two weeks straight, but I do have some travel diaries coming your way soon! For today, I've scrolled through my Camera Roll in order to put together an ever classic iPhone Snaps post! So here's some insight into what I've been up to!

Belgian Waffle, Fresh Strawberries, and Powdered Sugar. Both photogenic and delicious!

If I do say so myself, I believe that I was gifted with the ability to wrap presents. I know some people dread it but I love it! 

Woke up to this one morning and was a bit excited (understatement). Samantha, if you're reading this, thank you so much and lots of love! Xx (Congrats on Latitude)

Still my fav

 My Fourth of July OOTD, as seen on Tumblr!

We went to my aunt's house, where tank racing is not a past time, it is a lifestyle. It is taken seriously, so fun though.

 The aftermath

I don't know how much of this kinda stuff I really believe in, but it is fun to "study your hand" and see if any of it matches up.

One of my co-workers love everything retro and is expecting a baby, so I got her this cute little picture frame and put an adorable little photo I found online. 

What's on your camera roll? Xx

Fashion Facts | OOTD

Hello lovely reader! Today I wanted to share a quick and easy, casual OOTD with you. I love a good graphic tee, especially ones that are different or have a a good quote, something a bit out of the ordinary. Zara is definitely a go to for just that and even more so if you catch when they are having a sale. 

"Percent daily values are based on every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway." I absolutely love this shirt that is in fact from Zara. I got it a couple of months ago, which can be seen in this haul.

High waisted denim shorts = closet must

Comfy and cute black stappy sandals tie the outfit together nicely.

I kept my makeup pretty natural looking and pulled my hair up with a black scrunchie.

What did you wear today?? Xx

Mother's Day | TBT

Hi lovely reader! Today I thought I'd do a throwback to a couple of Sunday's ago when it was  Mother's Day. This day is special to me as I am very close to my mom and she means the world to me. I've found that as I've gotten older and certain events have come up in life that I've began to take Mother's Day more seriously, meaning that I put the extra effort in to make it a special day for my mom, and remind her how much I love and appreciate her. I decided after this year that I am going to make a point to be with my mom on this day or an elected "Mother's Day" each year. Seeing as I went away to school, this year was to be the first year that I would not automatically be with her. However, I called my dad and we made arrangements that I would come in town and surprise her. So with flowers in hand I knocked on my back door an obnoxious amount of times and surprised the lovely women I call my mother. She was thrilled and said she had no idea, so the surprise was a success! On Sunday, we had a barbecue with at my house with my grandparents. The weather was super nice and we spent the afternoon sitting outside on the patio. I took a bunch of pictures that day, mostly personal ones, but I wanted to share some with you! 

(I saw this on tumblr and thought it was too cute not the share)

First, here is what I wore, I wanted to keep it comfy and casual but still look nice. Paisley printed pants, a white t-shirt, and tasseled sandals. I curled my hair and pinned it in a halo braid, and kept my jewelry minimal with some triangle earrings and a coordinate bangle bracelet. 

We started off the morning with some warm, flaky, icing covered cinnamon rolls. Yes! 

The lovely flowers for my lovely mom!

How did you celebrate Mother's Day? Xx