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.

Sun’s Out, Buns Out: what to bring in your beach bag

Photo credit: Mary Fortier
(Bikini top & bottom: Victoria’s Secret)

1. Sun Protection

The sun is out and buns are out, but while you are toasting those buns don’t forget about sunscreen. Don’t mess around with your skin. Yes, a deep tan looks great, but so does youthful skin. Minimize the skin’s aging process by wearing and reapplying at least spf 50. CeraVe makes a great oil-free sunscreen that is designed specifically for the face. Oil-free sunscreen is great for people with acne-prone skin and reduces shine. As for the body, go straight for spf 70 to avoid a sunburn all together (you will surprisingly still get tan!). A floppy beach hat can double as a glamorous accessory and protection form the sun’s rays.

Photo Credit: Mary Fortier
(Hat: Marshall’s, Bikini top & bottom: Victoria’s Secret; Swim cover-up: Victoria’s Secret; Sunglasses: Kohl’s)

2. Mini-Makeup Kit

Aside from protection against the sun, I bring my trusty sunglasses & a hardshell carry case. It’s also handy to bring along a mini makeup emergency kit if you are going to be beaching it up all day. Things to keep inside your mini makeup bag are hair elastics, mini-brush, spf chapstick, facial powder, and deodorant. These essentials will be your life-line for the day and keep you from looking (and smelling) like a hot mess!

Photo credit: Mary Fortier
(Bikini top & bottom: Victoria’s Secret)

3. Literature

What is going to the beach without a good read? Bring a thrilling page-turner or a stack of your favorite magazines to read while you stay hydrated with bottled water. Surprisingly, the library (yes, the place with all the books that no one really steps foot in anymore) maintains a collection of all different types of magazines. Before you hit the road to the beach, dare to enter your local library and check out some recent issues of Glamour & Vogue. (Shoutout to my girl, Amy Schumer, for being featured in Glamour’s August 2015 issue, for sharing hilarious & relatable situations, and for always being her unapologetic self).

Photo credit: Mary Fortier
(Bikini top & bottom: Victoria’s Secret; Sunglasses: Kohl’s)

4. Confidence

Lastly, don’t forget to bring confidence and yo fine self.

Straps, Silhouettes, & A Little Black Dress

Photo credit: Gina Chu
(Dress: James Perse; Bandeau: Nordstrom Rack; Handbag: Marc Jacobs; Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger; Bracelets: Alex & Ani)

A LBD (little black dress) can never fail. It offers endless possibilities, doubling as casual and formal wear. I styled my LBD for a casual summer night with strappy gold sandals, a light green lace bandeau bra, and cross-body handbag. However, this James Perse could be dressed up with a pair of heels, swipe of lipstick, and a dazzling statement necklace.

Photo credit: Gina Chu (Dress: James Perse; Bandeau: Nordstrom Rack; Handbag: Marc Jacobs; Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger; Bracelets: Alex & Ani)

One fashion trend carried over from fall 2014 that I have continued to love is hardware. Metal hardware brings forth a richness to any outfit. I like the metal hardware matching if there are many pieces that contain hardware. For example, gold buttons on a jacket paired with a gold watch can look more put together than gold buttons paired with a silver watch. For this look, I matched the gold metal hardware on my sandals to the hardware on my purse and a gold Alex & Ani bracelet. Matching hardware streamlines a look and provides an instant chic factor.

Photo credit: Gina Chu (Dress: James Perse; Bandeau: Nordstrom Rack; Handbag: Marc Jacobs; Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger; Bracelets: Alex & Ani)

Do you ever have difficulty deciding which color metal to wear? I have found that silver works best with cool skin tones and gold compliments warm skin tones. I would also like to point out that there is an exception to this matching metal rule that I mentioned before! Different colored metals can be mixed and matched to provide interest and be the main statement of the outfit. It is important to not overdo chunky metals because it can be overpowering to one’s frame, so I like to stick to either one bold metal piece, or a few delicate metal pieces to maintain balance.  For a care-free night in the city with my LBD as my statement piece, I opted with minimal jewelry that wouldn’t steal the LBD’s show: two delicate bracelets (one gold & one silver).

Photo credit: Gina Chu (Dress: James Perse; Bandeau: Nordstrom Rack; Handbag: Marc Jacobs; Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger; Bracelets: Alex & Ani)

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 🙂

Transitioning to Spring

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga [Hat: H&M, Watch: Michael Kors, Jacket: J.Crew, Sweater: Hollister, Tank: Kohl’s, Leggings: Cynthia Rowley, Handbag: Marc Jacobs]

It may be hard to believe, especially in the snowy city of Boston, but spring is arriving. Spring is playing a bit hard to get, teasing us with a day’s glimpse of sunshine and a subtle peak in temperature. The transition to spring can be difficult when you cannot simply trade in your snow boots for a pair of flip flops or your puffer for a new bikini.

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga [Hat: H&M, Watch: Michael Kors, Jacket: J.Crew, Sweater: Hollister, Tank: Kohl’s, Leggings: Cynthia Rowley, Handbag: Marc Jacobs, Boots: Nordstrom]

You can start by swapping out your thick winter coat for a light spring jacket, like this field jacket from J.Crew or a jean jacket. In the northeast, it is still a bit chilly this time of the year to go without an extra layer of warmth. This is why layers are your friend! The changing seasons can create inconsistent temperatures. Layers can be added or taken off, allowing you to adjust to the temperature.

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga

[Jacket: J.Crew, Sweater: Hollister, Tank: Kohl’s, Leggings: Cynthia Rowley, Handbag: Marc Jacobs, Boots: Nordstrom]

While it is still a little early to show some skin, it isn’t too soon to start adding cheery prints to your wardrobe. Floral is a seller go-to-spring pattern. I styled my outfit with floral leggings from Cynthia Rowley, but you can add floral elements in other ways too. For example, a colorful floral scarf can bring a spring vibe to an outfit as well. While I am sometimes regrettably a big fan of the color black , the color white brightens up an outfit and screams “warm weather”. I added an airy white pullover sweater to bring out the white flowers in my leggings. By matching my outfit with the lighter color in the pattern and making the colors pop, I achieve a more spring oriented look than I would by sticking to the darker colors in the print.

Pop Art

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga (Sweater: J.Crew, Boots: Barney’s New York, Pants: J.Crew, Colored Bracelet: J.Crew, Gold Bracelet: Barney’s New York, Watch: Michael Kors, Scarf: unknown – gift, Handbag: Barney’s New York,)

We have all heard the saying “fashion is art”. This may be stereotypical to say, but it is true. Sometimes I like to think of a black outfit as a blank canvas, or a base to a full look. Splashing on colors completes the outfit, bringing it full circle. Pops of colors are what keep the outfit fun, exciting, and unique. A scarf, bracelet, statement necklace, handbag, or even a pair of bold colored shoes can be used as colorful additions to an outfit.

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga (Sweater: J.Crew, Pants: J.Crew, Colored Bracelet: J.Crew, Gold Bracelet: Barney’s New York, Watch: Michael Kors, Handbag: Barney’s New York)

The majority of my outfit is black. However, I play with bold colors and maintain a familiar color palette. The studded cobalt blue leather handbag is the first color I added to my outfit. I used that color to inspire me further, adding a patterned scarf with hints of that same shade of blue. Lastly, I put on gold and colored bracelets along with my go-to gold watch.

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga (Sweater: J.Crew, Boots: Barney’s New York, Pants: J.Crew, Colored Bracelet: J.Crew, Gold Bracelet: Barney’s New York, Watch: Michael Kors, Handbag: Barney’s New York,)

Having a variety of textures in an outfit can also keep the outfit interesting. The combination of materials, such as leather, metal studs, and a soft sweater provides enough contrast to keep a black outfit from being too bland. The scarf can be taken off for a more minimalistic look, allowing one bold colored piece to stand out and make a statement.

Girl in the City

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga (Jacket: Barney’s New York, Graphic T-shirt: Old Navy, Blazer: Kohl’s, Necklace: J.Crew, Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Handbag: Michael Kors, Gloves: Ralph Lauren)

Hello readers! For my first post, as a girl in the city, I’d like to talk a bit about city street style. The key to achieving a metropolitan look is combining classic and trendy pieces. Touches of leather, gold, and studs are destined to give off a sophisticated urban vibe.

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga (Coat: Barney’s New York, Graphic T-shirt: Old Navy, Blazer: Kohl’s, Handbag: Michael Kors, Gloves: Ralph Lauren, Tights: CVS, Boots: Kohl’s, Necklace: J.Crew, Skirt: Express, Bracelet: Barney’s New York, Watch: Michael Kors)

As a city-dweller, one must learn to dress appropriately for the weather. Sometimes the brutal Boston weather can triumph over the fashion world, but I have found that dressing in warm layers can maintain style and reduce the marshmallow effect. The classic pieces of my outfit include black leather riding boots, a black structured Michael Kors handbag, a black blazer, and black leather gloves with gold buttons. Although it is common, black is a great go-to-color because it guaranteed to make you look polished and chic. A statement necklace, such as this chunky diamond necklace, can dress up an outfit and tie an outfit together. The trendy element to my outfit, a graphic “J’adore”  t-shirt, adds some expression and interest to an otherwise plain outfit. A graphic t-shirt can make an outfit unique and display your personality (your favorite band, or the fact the you know guac is extra).

Photo Credit: Andrea Barriga (Blazer: Kohl’s, Graphic T-shirt: Old Navy, Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelet: Barney’s New York, Earrings: Lord & Taylor, Sunglasses: Ray Ban)

These versatile layers allow for a comfortable stop in a local coffee shop. A graphic t-shirt and a blazer, as seen in this outfit, can be worn to a more casual work environment. The accessories, such as a bold watch and statement necklace, are what will dress up the outfit and keep the look put together. Gold tones will give your look a rich classic feel. The metropolitan dresser knows when to invest in quality pieces and when to skimp on other items, such as a graphic t-shirt.