Comfy/Cute OOTD

Photo credit: Mary Fortier

[Hat: Forever 21; Scarf: Marshalls; Leggings: Victoria’s Secret; Sweater: Marshalls; Boots: Marshalls; Bracelets: Alex & Ani; Ring: Kohl’s]

While some say beauty is pain, it doesn’t have to be. Comfort can be cute when styled right. An easy/cozy outfit typically consists of leggings and an oversized sweater—like the outfit I’m wearing. However, it is statement pieces that take the look to another level. The black-and-white brimmed hat top off my outfit with a chic factor that would be absent without the right piece. The other game-changing element of my outfit is my pair of black suede over-the-knee boots. While my dream pair of Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots are a bit out of my budget, I was able to seek out a similar style at Marshalls. Simarlarly, I was able to find this Rag-&-Bone-inspired hat at Forever 21. I consider these two pieces wardrobe essentials because the can easily and completely change an outfit.

Let’s not forget about accessories! With its color corresponding with the hat and boots, this black scarf solidifies the outfit and makes it one cohesive look. Next, have some fun with jewelry. Throwing on some accessories can make it look like you tried—when you really didn’t put in that much effort! Over the years, I’ve received so many Alex & Ani bracelets as gifts, so I like to mix and match them. Sticking with silver, I added a ring that I purchased at Kohl’s on Black Friday. As for nails, I try to stick with season-appropriate colors. For fall and winter, I am loving this maroon color nail polish. Color can still look appropriate when it falls within seasonal color palettes or is a muted version of a summery color—like my muted lavender sweater. If you are not sure where to start, burgundy and olive are two essential fall and winter colors. It is important to remember that winter doesn’t have to be the death of color and the dictatorship of black. With this in mind, you should be able to create your very own comfy/cute OOTD for the cold winter months ahead.

Out with November, in with December.

Breezy Summer Days (and a quick op ed on Abercrombie & Fitch)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Flip Flops: A&E; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Beautiful summer days call for light and airy fabrics. It has been ages since I dare to enter the dark, loud, over-branded and intensely aroma-filled place that people call Abercrombie & Fitch. However, this maxi skirt caught my eye in the window display and it happened to be the one maxi skirt that was the perfect length for my 5’2” stature. I sense that Abercrombie is attempting to shift their brand away from sex and customer advertisement to something more subtle. This branding shift is still not yet achieved, nor am I a return Abercrombie & Fitch fanatic, but I still admire the laid back and beachy vibe that the company is inspired by.

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Just like the effortless beauty of nature, I like to keep my style simple and casual. I combine classic pieces such as leather sandals or a denim jacket with a more trendy piece, such as a crop top or maxi skirt. I keep my makeup natural, using a tinted moisturizer with SPF to take care of my skin in the sun. A summer hat adds extra protection against the rays as well, all while acting as a cute accessory. I often find that it is hats that can pull an outfit together!

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Crop top: PacSun; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Ring: Market in London)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Denim jacket: A&E; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Taking more inspiration from nature, I channeled the simplistic beauty of the beach into my jewelry choices. This Alex & Ani bracelet features a pearl and shell, while my skirt’s pattern mimics the look of the ocean floor. On really hot summer days, a chunky statement necklace can feel heavy so I opt for a light minimalist look.

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Denim jacket: A&E; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

A classic light wash denim jacket is great for breezy summer days, providing a light layer between you and the wind. To me, summer is about enjoying nature. I like natural fabrics such as cotton and leather because they allow my skin to breathe and keep cool. During this time of the year, I try to stop myself from buying fabrics such as polyester. (Side note: why is it so hard to find cotton clothing?)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Denim jacket: A&E; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

Where do you find your inspiration for summer outfit ideas? Also, if you know any cute stores that carry cotton clothing, please comment! Enjoy the beautiful weather 🙂