Lady in Red

February 26, 2017, 9:49 am

≫ Next: A Few Eyebrow Horror Stories & My Big Comeback From the Dark Side

≪ Previous: Instantly Beautified With Clarins

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A recurring thing that I get asked a lot is how to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh without constantly buying new pieces. I kinda broached this topic a few weeks ago, which seems to have resonated with a lot of you, so I'm back at it again with yet another dress.

Not only am I into multi-tasking garments, but I'm also a big fan of the unexpected. So what does one do when the holidays are far in the rearview mirror and you still have all those pretty shiny pieces that you may or may not have shelled out beaucoup bucks for, but that you'd still like the opportunity to don post-retox season? You do something unexpected.

It's in that spirit that I bring you the layering option, ladies. This slinky red little number is the dress I wore for New Year's Eve, and while it may seem like the type of item that's a one-and-done, I don't personally believe in one night stands with outfits. So I slapped on a basic-but-not-basic turtleneck to layer underneath and threw on my trusty Vans in lieu of heels. And the dress, while still fancy, became just a really rad daytime look.

How do you recycle your fancy ensembles?


- Photos by Yael Steren -

Details:
Reformation dress
Reformation turtleneck
Vans sneakers
Vintage faux fur coat
Click to shop:

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A Few Eyebrow Horror Stories & My Big Comeback From the Dark Side

March 9, 2017, 8:42 pm

≫ Next: Northeast Problems

≪ Previous: Lady in Red

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This title reads like the chronicles of my life, in a nutshell.

Buckle down, cause it's a long one. But it's fun, if you're into laughing at someone else's misery or if you like a good comeback story.

A girl's relationship with her eyebrows might in theory sound incredibly shallow, but in practice is a very real, emotionally-charged journey that can best be described as a rollercoaster of feelings. If you're a girl not born with perfect face-framers, then you understand. And even more so if you came of age in the 90s.

So, let me tell you about the horrifying things I put my eyebrows through, and how I came back from the brink of a burning demise to finally claim my little stake in the exclusive pocket of population that feels good about their brows.

First things first, my eyebrows are quite light. I'm a pretty fair-skinned person (surprise!) and a natural blond (nothing wrong with enhancing what nature gave you with a few highlights, cough, clears throat). This seemingly banal fact was actually the beginning of my downfall. When I was a young child, I happened upon a razor in my parents' bathroom and decided it would be a good idea to "test it out". Spoiler alert: it was not a good idea.

One swipe on one eyebrow did the trick, and being the symmetry fan that I am, I went ahead and swiped the other one right off. I rationalized that at least things were still equal on both sides of my face. Yup, you can laugh, my 8-year-old self deserves a good mockery. I actually didn't think it was that obvious because I figured my eyebrows were barely noticeable to begin with. Wrong again.

The second my mother laid eyes on me post-grooming, she screeched in horror. Not my finest moment. To make matters worse, they grew back uneven, with the right side sporting a lovely scar in its very center. Actually, I never confirmed that it was a scar -- it could have also just been a bald spot that formed, perhaps in self defense, no one will ever really know.


So, from there I grew into an awkward pre-teen with really no hairs to properly frame my face. I didn't really think much of it because I wasn't really into beauty until I was about 14. Which was the second unraveling of my facial follicle lyfe.

I hate to age myself, but this was the late 90s. And thin was in for sourcils. My brow goals were like, Drew Barrymore meets Gwen Stefani -- the finest stage in all my brow existence, but far from my finest, if you know what I mean. It's pretty disheartening to look at images from that era because my heart aches every time I see what sat above my peepers (or didn't, rather) for what was a far too extended period of time.

But why on Earth would one extend such a phase, you might ask? Well, kids, let this be a lesson that you will never have to learn the hard way like this sucker did: the more you over-pluck, the more your hair will just desert you and leave you in the dust. It took years to get my shit together again: first to get my hair to grow back after I reached peak Pam Anderson arches (ugh), second, to get a decent shape to return after my mishap with the razor. And finally, to get my hair to a shade that wasn't reminiscent of Lara Stone circa her Givenchy days. Darker hair is one thing I can thank aging for, I suppose.

This is where things started to turn around for me. Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel!

A few things have contributed to my successful brow turn. First, everyone's favorite frenemy was on my side: time. As in tick tock, suffering through abundant clock rotations heals everything. Secondly, I discovered the Bobbi Brown eyebrow pencil, which I use for filling. And thirdly: Glossier's Boy Brow. After experimenting with most eyebrow gels on the market and being constantly disappointed (flaking, ew no thanks), the Boy Brow was basically sent from heaven and enabled my eyebrows to enter the next phase of their existence. Aka, to start living their best life.

You see, Glossier's Boy Brow is a pomade, not a gel, and can be used to add both tint and texture to your forehead follicles. That means no flaking and long-lasting. I typically use the blond shade after the Bobbi Brown pencil and guess what?! I ACTUALLY GET COMPLIMENTS ON MY EYEBROWS. If you read my spiel above, you can understand how crazy that sounds.

A clear version of the Boy Brow just recently launched (and is pictured here), which goes on white cause it's a pomade, but dries completely invisible. This is an ideal option for the girls who were already blessed by nature with perfect bushy brows, and that only need extra grooming and texture. Grr I hate you. Just kidding.

So there you have it, ladies. It's been quite an ordeal to get to where my eyebrows and I are today, and I thank my patience and Glossier. Now it's time for you to get your own Boy Brow to begin your revolutionary eyebrow journey. Shop through my profile to get 20% off and to see which other products I can't live without (a detailed breakdown of my favorite Glossier products can be found here).

And if you have any questions (or are in need of eyebrow emotional support), email me-- we'll talk.



GET YOUR BOY BROW + 20% OFF!


Photos by Ian Rusiana.

Northeast Problems

March 13, 2017, 7:39 pm

≫ Next: A Requiem for Winter

≪ Previous: A Few Eyebrow Horror Stories & My Big Comeback From the Dark Side

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Well, here we are, folks: mid-March and struck by the biggest snow storm of the season. *Eye roll*.

Just when you think you're out of the woods, you remember that winter is indeed still out there and ready to pounce at any given moment. Although I'll admit that it can get pretty beautiful, I personally am not a fan.

But you can clearly see in these photos who loving snow life: Wallyface. My little baby who wears his winter coat 365 days out of the year lives for snow storms.

And because of that, it makes living through Northeast blizzards a little less painful.


Details:
Zady coat
Ganni Boots
Warby Parker sunglasses
Get the look:

A Requiem for Winter

March 23, 2017, 8:45 pm

≫ Next: The Magic of Tree Hut Botanicals

≪ Previous: Northeast Problems

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As we officially enter the last week of March, I'd like to formally tell winter to fuck off, pardon my french. To be honest, the season wasn't completely terrible, I feel like Mother Nature spared us for the most part. But for some reason, March has been really annoying and decided to throw a blizzard our way, nbd.

Hopefully these will be my final winter pics for you, and I'm going out with a bang! And by bang I mean this ridiculously amazing knit sweater from Edun. Can you even with those metal loops?! Swoon, I know.

It kept me warm all winter long, but now I'm ready to say "Bonjour!" to my cutoffs, thankyouverymuch.


Details:
Edun sweater
Sea New York jeans
Matt Bernson booties
Vintage coat
Warby Parker sunglasses
Sephora lip
Click to shop:

The Magic of Tree Hut Botanicals

March 27, 2017, 6:58 am

≫ Next: Feeling S'well, Thankyouverymuch

≪ Previous: A Requiem for Winter

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You guys are all well aware of my affinity for sustainability in fashion – I’ve hailed it over and over as one of my core values on this very blog. In fact, all of my choices are impacted by my ethical and environmental standards, a principle that extends organically into all aspects of my life.

I’ve found that the more I educate myself on the products and regulations that are out there, the more I cling onto these values, especially when it comes to my beauty routine. I now only seek out products that fall under the spectrum of my rigid criteria for what’s good enough to put on my skin.

That means that when I find something really good, you best believe that I’m not keeping it for myself. I recently got into Tree Hut’s new skincare line, particularly the Purifying Cleansing Gel, the Renewing Night Cream, and the Exfoliating Mud Mask (my fav! It’s so so good. You guys know I love a good mask).

It’s a new skin routine I just started and I’m in love with it for many reasons. First because the products are effective and made with all-natural botanicals, and second because they smell oh so divine. They all have that luxurious sensation, but they don’t feel overly precious, which is exactly my vibe.

Let’s break it down.


1. I start with the Purifying Cleansing Gel. It’s super gentle but it’s also thick and rich, which leaves my skin feeling like all the impurities are being washed out of it. Ok, so you know how some cleansers can make your skin feel super tight and stripped post-wash? This guy is the complete opposite of that: after rinsing, your skin feels bouncy, supple, and just simply really frickin’ great.





2. After cleansing, I mask. I’m obsessed with masking, you guys know it, I can’t shut up about it when I talk about skincare! it’s one of my favorite things to do at night, especially as I age 🙄.




The Tree Hut Exfoliating Mud Mask is amazing for many reasons. The clay consistency feels super purifying and contains little specks inside that give the sensation of gentle exfoliation while applying. It doesn’t dry really tight like some mud masks do, so you also feel like it’s infusing your skin with moisture.



And finally, it smells heavenly, which makes for a really relaxing spa-like sesh while you have it on.





3. Once the mask is all rinsed off, I finish off the ritual with the Renewing Night Cream, aaaahhh it’s like a pillow on your cheeks! It’s this perfect blend of density and lightness for that seamless absorption. It doesn’t feel greasy and overwhelming like a lot of night creams do. Instead, it’s smooth and hydrating, and also super soothing thanks to the chamomile components.



My skin type is normal, but EXTREMELY sensitive. I have to be very weary of what I put on it because anything with an iota of synthetic just makes it spiral into big time irritation mode. Not pretty.

It’s so important to me to find products like these that are comprised of natural, clean ingredients. Not only is it effective, but it’s just better for you. So literally, why not seek those properties out? It’s something you can feel good about and that also leaves you feeling good. Self-pampering sans the fuss – sign me up.

I always talk about how less is more. And these 3 Tree Hut products fulfill that prophecy.

Now go ahead and give them a try to see for yourself!

Feeling S'well, Thankyouverymuch

April 14, 2017, 5:42 pm

≫ Next: Spring Fever Remedies

≪ Previous: The Magic of Tree Hut Botanicals

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Hardly anything pains me more in this life than having to buy a plastic water bottle to quench my thirst. It was something I would do occasionally, only if I was extremely parched and out of other options. Well, I can cease my lamenting: this is a predicament I will never find myself in again.

Cause I got myself two S'well bottles and my life has been improved, along with the planet's.

There's something super magical about these bottles because they will keep the liquid that you fill them with at the right temperature. I couldn't stop gleefully proclaiming out loud (at the exasperation of my poor husband) something along the lines of "holy shit, this water is still ICE COLD!" nearly 24 hours after the bottle had been topped. "Imagine the possibilities with wine this summer!" I couldn't stop saying.

Bottom line: these bottles are all kinds of amazing, they're sustainable, stylish, cater to your my wino inclinations, and don't actually weigh much, so they'll seamlessly integrate your existence without incurring any shoulder pain from extra handbag poundage.

As you can see from these pics, my S'well bottles have been going pretty much everywhere with me.

And head to their blog to read a fun interview I did with them about my favorite local spots in New York City!

Spring Fever Remedies

May 7, 2017, 9:31 am

≫ Next: Sunny Side Up

≪ Previous: Feeling S'well, Thankyouverymuch

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It's that time of year again when dressing becomes a precarious adventure, never knowing if the weather will cooperate. Extreme temperature fluctuations can render even the most seasoned of style experts incapacitated when getting dressed. Rain, cool winds, intense sunshine, Mother Nature lets it fly in all different directions once springtime hits.

The silver lining is that we're almost out of the woods as we're pushing mid-May, but I will leave you with this infallible styling trick that every woman should keep in their back pocket: layers, layers, layers.

Take for example this look, a chunky sweater overtop a flowy dress. If it gets too hot I can remove the sweater and the tights. On the other hand, if it gets chillier, all I need to do is add a jacket. Going out in just a t-shirt during this shaky period of the year could potentially come at the detriment of your comfort.

Just keep that in mind, friends.


Details:
Cienne NY sweater
Chloé dress
Chloé boots
Brixton hat
Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses
Kaufmann Mercantile straw bag
Get my look:

Sunny Side Up

June 5, 2017, 4:07 pm

≫ Next: Summertime Red

≪ Previous: Spring Fever Remedies

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I like to think of myself as a pragmatic realist. I'm not an overly bubbly person, but I'm not particularly negative either. I tend to approach things with skepticism but ultimately give every situation a fair shot to be assessed without bias.

Somehow, though, when you're wearing a joyful sweatshirt that reads Sunny Side Up on the back, it's a bit impossible to not feel a tad more enthusiastic than usual. Especially so when the sun is shining bright after a particularly drawn out and rainy spring.

What else is contributing to this pep in my step? This super practical Tumi leather backpack and my favorite Glossier Generation G shade (zip). A subtle pop of color that complements the rays on my face perfectly.


Details:
Être Cécile sweatshirt
ASOS jeans
Tumi Voyageur Calais leather backpack
Vans sneakers
COS earrings
Levi's mens trucker denim jacket
Ray-Ban sunnies
Glossier Generation G in Zip

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Summertime Red

June 18, 2017, 7:50 am

≫ Next: Girls Night In With Postmates, Taste the Style & Morgan Lane

≪ Previous: Sunny Side Up

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I haven't worn much color in the past few years. Something about bright hues and over-saturation that made my eyes hurt. It might sound harsh, but I couldn't help it - If the tones felt too busy, I didn't feel much like myself when donning them.

Which made for a wardrobe comprised of quiet shades of neutral and a ton of denim. Not necessarily a bad thing.

But something funny happened this year, as I began to feel an attraction for colors that hadn't been on my radar for years. And while I've always randomly had a soft spot for red, this Aritzia top has recently reignited my flame for it.

Red is what I'll be wearing all summer long.


Details:
Aritzia top
Cienne NY pants
Vans sneakers
Etsy Earrings
Ray-Ban sunglasses

Click to shop:

Girls Night In With Postmates, Taste the Style & Morgan Lane

June 28, 2017, 6:34 am

≫ Next: Summoning the Sunshine

≪ Previous: Summertime Red

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I got together with Taste the Style for a fun girl's night in with the lovely Shelby and Tesa. We frolicked around in Morgan Lane PJs, ordered Postmates, got pretty with Glamsquad, and had a blast.

Check out the post and the interview on Taste the Style!

Photographed by Vanessa Granda.


Get yourself some Morgan Lane sleepwear:

Summoning the Sunshine

July 7, 2017, 5:35 am

≫ Next: Summertime Play Time

≪ Previous: Girls Night In With Postmates, Taste the Style & Morgan Lane

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This summer has brought on some strange weather, to put it mildly. First, spring never really happened as we were hit with an unusually lengthy heatwave in May. This random scorcher was sandwiched between really obnoxious rainy periods. June's been ok, but the temperatures haven't climbed as high as we're used to, and we've hardly seen a week go by without drops falling from the sky. Womp womp.

I suppose this is the kind of flip-flopping that makes you appreciate the really nice days, ain't it? I could still do without, though.

You're probably wondering what this rant about Mother Nature's offerings has anything to do with this super fun striped two-piece ensemble that seems to have been captured somewhere slightly exotic. Well, everything, because it summons the sunshine. It's also a great candidate for both a summer uniform and special occasion garb. It's perfect for a night out if worn with heels, as well as for casual daywear if worn with my trusty Vans or a pair of flat sandals.

Now if we could only start getting a little consistency from the weather.


Details:
Edit the brand two piece
Matt Bernson Ceylon sandals
Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses
Click to shop:

Summertime Play Time

July 13, 2017, 2:50 pm

≫ Next: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

≪ Previous: Summoning the Sunshine

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There are 2 topics that I constantly hammer you guys about on this blog: my love for summertime (especially in the city) and the importance of versatility.

Take for example this casual ensemble comprised of what could be the most hot weather-friendly pieces that can still make anyone look pulled together during a heat wave. The below demonstration of a simple shoe swap changing up the whole vibe is what I speak of when I discuss the very vital subject of multitasking outfits.

With the Vans at my feet, I'm a bundle of daytime playtime, while the cherry Tibi sandals read more chic and ready for a post-grind aperol spritz on a rooftop terrace.

Catch my drift?




Details:
Aritzia top & shorts
Wyeth Eyewear sunnies
Etsy earrings
Vans sneakers
Tibi sandals

Shop the look:

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 23, 2017, 12:20 pm

≫ Next: Vintage Treasures at Davis Tisdale

≪ Previous: Summertime Play Time

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The Nordstrom anniversary sale comes around twice a year and it's a treasure trove of deals. I couldn't resist selecting some sale picks to help you guys take advantage of this epic retail moment. Below are my top selects from the blowout, aka your autumn shopping prepper. The sale is on now, so no time to lose.


SHOES

JACKETS

DRESSES

TOPS

ROMPERS/JUMPSUITS

SKIRTS

DENIM

ACCESSORIES

BEAUTY

FITNESS

Vintage Treasures at Davis Tisdale

July 25, 2017, 9:08 pm

≫ Next: Summer in the City

≪ Previous: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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I've had a soft sport for vintage ever since I've had an opinion about my style. One of my best friends introduced me to thrifting when we were in middle school and I never looked back. In fact, the obsession grew to new heights thanks to the rise of eBay and its vintage shop community. We're all familiar with the Nasty Gal story, are we not? Smack dab in the middle of that subculture, there I was, relentlessly placing bids on the vintage pieces I had to have, night after night.

Before long I had implemented a forced self-ban, as my PayPal balance wasn't budging from the red. As my style grew and my fashion philosophy evolved, a hefty part of my wardrobe today remains comprised of secondhand treasures that I've either cherished for years, or that are new and exciting finds.

The only caveat with my vintage infatuation is that (real real talk) I actually hate shopping. I know, this might come as a shock to all of you, but it's the truth: I really can't be bothered. I like buying stuff, but the search part to me is tedious, and I have no patience for it. Doubly so for finding that epic can't-live-without secondhand needle in a haystack. No matter how much I love wearing those kinds of pieces.

Certainly you guys relate to this? That's why I'm obsessed with David Tisdale vintage. Not only is founder Elizabeth the loveliest of humans, but her eye for unearthing the raddest pieces is unparalleled. What I'm getting at is that she does all the curating work for you so that you don't have to sift through mountains of old threads to get to your treasure.

I can personally attest that she's found me many a treasure, this red linen MaxMara number being one of them. I meannnn. Go ahead and see for yourself.


Details:
Davis Tisdale vintage top (label: MaxMara)
Gap denim skirt
Vintage Armani belt
Marais USA sandals
Warby Parker sunnies
Bag from Mexico (no name)
Etsy earrings
Shop the look:

Summer in the City

August 9, 2017, 6:40 pm

≫ Next: Forest Fairy

≪ Previous: Vintage Treasures at Davis Tisdale

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I found the perfect summer uniform: this super light silk, rusty red polkadot number. It can be dressed up, it can be dressed down, it takes little to no place in a suitcase, it's perfect for both the beach and the concrete, and best of all: it's super easy.

Been living in this Réalisation Par frock and I'm so obsessed that I've already started eyeing other pieces to add to my wardrobe.

You just can't beat a little summer dress when the dog days are here. What's your favorite thing to wear?


Details:
Réalisation Par dress
Chanel pumps
8 Other Reasons earrings
Ray-Ban sunglasses
Shop my look:

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Forest Fairy

August 16, 2017, 4:59 pm

≫ Next: Down by the Gatehouse

≪ Previous: Summer in the City

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I've discussed at length the ease and multitasking nature of dresses in the summertime. You just cannot go wrong: they're cute, they're literally the least difficult item of clothing to put on while making its wearer look the most dressed up. Win win, for real.

Another thing that I'm a big advocate for are contrasting elements. Case in point: a sexy slip dress paired with a sporty varsity bomber. Most perfect for chilly summer evenings in the country, I'll say.

And that's how fast you can become a forest fairy with a little attitude.


Details:
Aritzia slip dress
Aritzia bomber jacket
Soludos sandals
Vanessa Mooney earrings
Ray-Ban sunnies

Shop the look!

Down by the Gatehouse

August 22, 2017, 3:02 pm

≫ Next: In the Name of the Rose

≪ Previous: Forest Fairy

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Every summer we descend upon a magical part of Upstate New York called Mohonk Mountain House (look it up). We're lucky to have ea family member with some ties to the place, which enables us to escape the city bustle whenever we need to recharge.

It also happens to be an incredibly photogenic place. When we go up to the country to chill out for a few days, I like to keep things easy and breezy, chic and comfy. I mostly live in cutoffs and loose tees when we're in the cottage, but should we venture to the outside world it's all about unfussy threads like this outfit that will pull me together without much effort.

No makeup necessary, either.


Details:
Aritzia blouse
Faithfull the Brand skirt
Sol Sana sandals
Ray-Ban sunnies
Shop the look!

In the Name of the Rose

August 27, 2017, 6:10 pm

≫ Next: Nothing Short of Mellow

≪ Previous: Down by the Gatehouse

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If someone would have told me a few years ago that I would wear pink dresses willingly as an adult woman, I probably would have called them crazy. Well, here we are now and I'm all over the multiple variations of rose that have permeated our collective psyche.

In fact, I'm going to go as far as saying that pink dresses are the new LBDs and I'm making the case here dressed in one on an evening dinner escapade in Soho. It's even very multifunctional since it can be both dressed up and dressed down.

Confession: I've worn a variation of this outfit with my trusty vans, with flat sandals, as well as well as with a dressier shoe like in these pics. It's basically the ideal getup.


Details:
Aritzia dress
Lou & Grey t-shirt
Maryam Nassid Zadeh
Warby Parker Dorothy sunglasses
8 Other Reasons earrings

Shop the look:

Nothing Short of Mellow

September 12, 2017, 7:43 pm

≫ Next: Eye-Catcher

≪ Previous: In the Name of the Rose

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Don't adjust your computer screen. Yes, that is indeed a yellow dress I am wearing. Is this an identity crisis?! I can't even remember the last time I wore anything yellow, let alone a full on frock.

But here I am and loving it. If you follow me on Instagram (which you should!), then you know I spent the last days of summer gallivanting about the Cyclades region and Hellenic country. I figured what could provide a better contrast to Greece's beautiful blue and white scenery than a pop of sunshine in the form of a bright, silky garment?

And that's how I came to acquire my first yellow dress. And yes, it made me feel very mellow.

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Details:
Réalisation Par dress
Madewell sandals
Warby Parker sunglasses
Rare Atlantic bag
Shop the look!

Eye-Catcher

September 23, 2017, 10:12 am

≫ Next: Autumn Farm Girl

≪ Previous: Nothing Short of Mellow

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I surprised myself a few times this summer: I bought a yellow dress, I wore a ton of red (I mean, a ton), and now here I am in a bright print dress and pink shoes. Somehow I've been attracted to eye-catching pieces all summer long.

That's the fun thing about style and trends: you can play around and adapt them to your personal fashion vibes. Not all of-the-moment fads are for everyone, but there's nothing wrong with going outside your usual realm to experiment with color ways and silhouettes that aren't already on your roster. So long as you feel great in them, that's the most important.

Fall is here though... which means I might have to revert back to my beloved black-white-grey sartorial palette soon. Sorry not sorry.


Pics by Yael Steren


Details:
Aritzia dress
Aritzia jacket
Donald J. Pliner shoes
Ray-Ban sunglasses
Bag from Mexico

Shop the look: