January Outfit Inspiration

Check out my Polyvore  here for full outfit details! 

Love, 

A. 

Essential College Pieces (That You'll Actually Wear)

We’ve all done it. We’ve all gone to a store saw that ‘amazing’ piece that we just couldn’t live without, we saw that they had our size and then bought it without hesitation. We go home, eager to wear the new shirt, pants, scarf, whatever, only to find that we have nothing that matches with it. 

Like, nothing. 

So we make a promise to ourselves. We say, ‘Self, next pay-check you’re going to buy something to go with this so you can wear it because this piece is amazing.’ Then we put it to the back of our closet and, essentially, forget about it or come up with excuse after excuse as to why we can’t buy something to go with it, or why it wouldn’t be appropriate for whatever event. Then months later as we’re ripping through the closet for something, anything, wearable we come across it and curse ourselves for spending the money on a shirt that is never worn when we could’ve just bought a white tee-shirt instead.

What’s even more annoying about this is when you’re in college with limited space in your dorm sized closet and it happens. You chose to take the shirt you need to wear a strapless bra with to wear to class instead of bringing something trusted and comfortable. This is your own fault, and now you have nothing to wear and on top of it all you’re now going to be late to class.

So this is where I’m going to save you. This is my list of essential college, or just in general, pieces that I promise you will wear and you won’t regret bringing or buying. Here we go.

Trends // How to Style Paper Bag Pants

One of my favorite things about spring fashion is how everyone is so eager to make a switch from the normal silhouettes that we’ve seen for the past season. Falling into this trend is the classic look of the Paper Bag Pants. Following in the similar fashion to Harlem Pants, these tend to fit on the waist and then flair out and tailor back to the leg, creating a more laxed look.

To me, these pants are the most perfect thing to pair with crop tops. It can look casual and laid back, almost bohemian vibes if done the right way. But you can also pair a button up with them too to create a more work-appropriate tailored look. Throw on a fitted blazer and a pair of stilettos and you’re ready for anything the boss throws at you.

The fact these can be so versatile makes them gold to me. You can literally wear them to run errands, to a work meeting and everything in between.

Here’s a couple ways I styled Paper Bag Pants on polyvore:

Have a great day guys!

Love, 

A. xx

Trends // Off the Shoulder

So this trend is actually one of my favorites that’s coming out for Spring 2016. This, of course, is off the shoulder pieces.

If you know me at all you know that there’s nothing I love more than off the shoulder tops. To me, there’s something so modest, yet still reveling about it. In high school I wore off the shoulder tops, sweaters, dresses, and cardigans so often, one of my friends nicked named it ‘Shouldering’ and then proceeded to make a collage of me with my shoulders showing.

But what’s the difference between high school ‘shouldering’ and real world ‘shouldering’? In the real world you can’t wear an over sized sweater, have it falling off of one shoulder and label it chic. It’s a tad more complicated than that.

On the spring runways designers created pieces that were still held together but missed covering the tops of the arms. Cut outs, sharp angles and free sleeves were some of the tools used to form these ensembles. 

So how do we take this inspiration and turn it into street style, because I don’t know about you but I can’t exactly show up to my 8:30 AM International Politics class dressed in a Derek Lam evening gown.

I’ll give you some tips: 

1. Find pieces that are made to be off the shoulder tops, instead of just buying over sized items.

Because this trend was big on the runways plenty of street stores, such as Topshop, H&M, Express, Urban Outfitters, will be taking this idea and forming it in a way that is wearable for street style. Buy these tops instead of just picking out a black sweater and buying one or two sizes up. 

The difference is when you’re buying an already made off the shoulder top instead of just wearing over sized clothes you won't look sloppy with oversizing. Don't get me wrong over sized sweaters are a beautiful thing but they are meant to be worn in the house as loungewear, not to work or school. Finding pieces that are tailored for you will give a way more flattering figure and look way more chic anyway.

2. Don’t be afraid to play with layers.

If you’re uncomfortable exposing that much clavicle skin, try finding an off the shoulder jacket or sweater and pair a button up under it. Also spring weather is so unpredictable, one day it can be freezing and the next in the 70s, layering can save you from being frozen to death while still remaining put together (Specifically thinking of this OOTD picture from Danielle (WeWoreWhat) during fashion week.

3. Remember: Less is more.

When exposing skin, it’s always important to remember the less is more rule. If you’re going to have your top exposed, try not to pair it with super short shorts or a skirt. As seen in the pictures from the runways most designers paired the off the shoulder tops with maxi dress bottoms, you don’t want to over expose yourself.

Below are a couple of ways that I would style off shoulder tops for everyday wear.

I hope you have a great day guys! 

Love, 

A. xx

How to: Minimalistic Spring Style

My favorite words when it comes to fashion are simple, comfortable and, most importantly, minimalistic. Minimalistic style has been gaining such traction lately because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love clothes that are easy to throw together and still look put together?

The key to a look like this is simple. You want to find pieces that are simple and have a flattering silhouette for your figure. Mostly, look for pieces that are timeless and will go with a lot. Those classic looks that you could picture dressed up or down, and could be successfully worn by a wide range of women.

Once you have your basic pieces down you can literally mix and match with anything. That’s one of the perks of having a minimalistic wardrobe, everything (usually) matches. What’s also fun about this type of style is that you can really go over or under board with the accessories. In this look, I paired it with a navy bandana and simple jewelry.

Really, minimalistic style is just about having fun. Your outfit should be tastefully but together, but remember, your personality and confidence is what truly will shine through and be what makes it look stunning. 

What I'm Wearing:

 Top: H&M; Jeans: Rag & Bone; Shoes: Adidas (sold out) 

Bandana: Craft Store; Bag: Michael Kors; Key-Chain: Michael Kors 

Sunglasses: Ray Bans

I hope you guys have a great day! 

Love, 

A. xx

Trends // Caps

  

 One of the biggest street trends this season has been Baseball Caps. This is a result of all the 'sport chic' lines and look-books that have been popping up in multiple street stores such as H&M, Topshop and Forever 21.

The cap gives off an effortlessly casual and cool vibe and is a great switch up from the beanies that we tend to just throw on in the winter months. I like the cap because of how it's a different look from the headwear we normally see and because it's a great way to hide your hair when it's your third day between washes or if it's simply just not doing what's it's been told to. (PSA: It also does a great job of shielding your eyes from the glare of the sun off of the snow while walking to class). 

Here's how I would style a few looks with a cap: 

I hope you guys have a great day!
Love,
A. xx