spring things

spring things

It's supposed to be spring tomorrow and I see snow in the forecast. WHAT. THE. HECK.

That being said, there was that one time where I switched outfits for an event during the middle of winter and pretended it was warm out when in actuality, it was cold AF. But this post is appropriate because even with the snow and cold weather still in our near future, these are some of my favorite spring things (to look forward to): polka dots, midriffs, and freakin SCRUNCHIES. I never thought they would be cool again but they're baaaaack and I'm going to wear them like its 1996. Crossing my fingers for a butterfly clip comeback next!

NYFW Outfit: Second Pick

NYFW Outfit: Second Pick

Like many others out there, Beyonce is kind of my spirit animal. Whenever her song comes on or she's performing on tv, something takes over me and I feel like I AM the queen. Like I can do anything I want and I can be anyone I wanna be. What a boss ass betch, that Bey. So it really wasn't surprising that the moment I got to wear this dress, my inner Sasha Fierce came right out, but you know, in a more classy and demure manner since it was an Alice McCall show that I went to.

By the way, anyone else living for the bows, scrunchies, and headbands that are trending back again? I've been waiting for a scrunchie comeback for years and I'm so excited that IT'S. FINALLY. HERE.

Yes to the bow, yes to the all the bling that makes this dress shine bright like a diamond, and yes to my legs because when else will I ever get to wear something like this again?

NYFW Outfit

NYFW Outfit

I'm late to the party here but New York Fashion Week, I just really love you. It's fun to see the newest trends but mostly, it's fun to see how festive it becomes for everyone. New York street fashion is on another level. It's inspiring, it's creative, it puts a big smile on my face. Over the next few days, I hope to post my favorite outfits I wore to the shows. This is my first pick because I love the cab hat and combat boots. It's a nice twist to a dainty dress. I'm pretty much obsessed with this because never in my life would I have thought that I'd ever wear combat boots. (Just kidding. My 18 year old Myspace self would have worn them. But also my 18 year old Myspace self went through some punk/emo/goth phase that nobody really knew about.)

As some of you know, I started fashion school back in 2016 at FIT and then last summer, I got to study design in London. To make a long story short, I've been learning a lot of what I like and after a lot of thought, I had to say goodbye to FIT this year. The good news is that I transferred to another school and as luck would have it, I can complete my fashion degree in only two semesters! This is pretty huge for me since I'll be 32 in a few months and being in school for much longer isn't something I want to do. The bad news is I missed the fall deadline so I won't be back in the city I love until next spring. But thankfully I'm still working and booking projects so while I won't be living in NYC at least I'll still be able to do work up there.

In the meantime, I'm teaching dance fitness and a fusion of pilates, boxing, and ballet barre while I'm in DC for the majority of the next nine months. So here's a shameless plug for me to invite you all to take my classes and get a fun workout in while burning some serious calories. Message me if you're interested!

Three Ways to Style a Basic Black Sweater

Three Ways to Style a Basic Black Sweater

Whenever I go out to buy winter essentials, a basic black sweater is always on top of my list. It may seem less than exciting but its secret is that it is every stylists dream because of its ability to be infinitely versatile.  I can go from day to night, casual to a little more dressed up all at once. Whenever I think, I have NOTHING to wear!, I talk myself off that ledge and pull out the sweater because actually I do have something to wear... and I can mix and match things already in my closet and look like I'm wearing a new outfit each time. It's genius, to be honest. 

Here I have my favorite basic black sweater (turtleneck too, mind you) and I've gone ahead and styled it three different ways. What I love about each look is that it can be transitioned to day to night easily depending on where you go. This is a major plus for me! If I can wear the same outfit all day, I'm sold.

Look 1: Oversized Pants

It may seem strange to want to pair an oversized sweater with oversized pants but it works. I can't tell you how much I love this look because of the fact that its incredibly comfortable but also makes me feel chic. It's very New York but the pants are kind of LA. Do you know who Tania Sarin is? She lives in wide leg pants and is my favorite fashion blogger on the west coast. I feel like we could be soul sisters in this outfit. Actually, scratch that. We most definitely are soul sisters. 

Look 2: The Mini 

Black sweaters have a  99.999% chance of looking good paired with a mini skirt. Feeling cold? Throw on some tights, wear over-the-knee boots... you really can't go wrong. Again, this outfit makes me feel chic but also sexy at the same time. 

Look 3: Jeans 

The most obvious pairing! The trustworthy jeans! My usual go-to for sweaters are almost always jeans (sometimes with yoga pants too, if we're honest) Since I was planning to go from day to evening out, I brought along a leather jacket and wore some nice warm Gucci loafers for some pizzaz. 

Boots and a Boost

Boots and a Boost

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I've already baked apple bread last night and if you know me at all, my love for honeycrisp apples is so strong, I could live off of them during this season. Transitioning from summer to fall is quite fun because you can start wearing those oversized sweaters and pair it with a skirt, which is exactly what I've done here. Nothing makes me happier than an oversized sweater and a honeycrisp apple.

Just kidding.

Boots. Boots also make my heart sing. For awhile, I didn't know what kind of boots looked good on me and I experimented with just about every style from booties, to ankle, to knee-length. And to be perfectly honest, my preference for boots would change over the years depending on what I was into (style-wise for clothes) and how my body looked at that time... in particular, my legs. The shape of my legs have transformed quite a bit from them being swollen for over a year when I was going through Lyme Disease, from them being a little bit heavier when I was not as physically active, to being a bit leaner now that I am more attentive to my health. All of this has played a part in choosing the right boots that complimented my shape despite what was trending.

These amazing over-the-knee boots are my first pair at this length and I could not love them more. They add a sultry vibe to any outfit, whether it be a dress, skirt, or even on top of jeans. Oh and did I mention that they make your legs look extra long? Personally, I think they would have looked wonderful on all the body transformations I have gone through throughout the years had I only had the confidence to try. So here's to you, whoever you are... in case you're going through body transformations of your own. If there's something you've always wanted to wear but felt insecure about it, now is the time to go for it! Confidence is everything and I have a sneaky feeling that you're going to look absolutely fabulous ;)

Boots: Marc Fisher Praye Over The Knee Stretch Boot

minister marie and jumpsuits too

minister marie and jumpsuits too

Random story:

Last night, my friend and I were discussing his wedding. There isn't a date set yet and he's not really religious. Long story short, I started researching alternative officiants for him and shortly after, I somehow ended up becoming ordained online (non-denominational) and am now legally able to officiate weddings... and funerals and house blessings too, among other things. I, myself, was raised Catholic but somehow through my adult years, I guess you can say I've become more of just a spiritual individual. And now it looks like I'll be officially officiating his wedding which is an honor but also quite hilarious. At least for me. But to be honest, after giving it some thought, I actually think I might want a close friend or family member to officiate my wedding one day. You know, if I actually get married and settle down one day faaaarrrrrrrr in the future. But hopefully not too far where my ovaries have completely expired but far enough. 

By the way, I can totally see my twenty-three year old self shaking her head at me regarding marriage. We have opposing views. 

Wearing: 

Jumpsuit: Forever21 Floral Wide Leg Jumpsuit

on being 31

on being 31

Over the weekend, I celebrated my thirty-first birthday. I spent the day with my parents who drove up to New York. When they asked what I wanted to do to celebrate, there was really only one thing on my mind: Smorgasburg. Because it's my birthday and I'll eat what I want. 

Smorgasburg in Brooklyn on a sunny weekend day is what my dreams are made of, especially when all you want to do is wear stretchy shorts and sit out in the grass to bask in the glory of all the food you've managed to carry with two hands. My favorites that I would definitely want to eat again would probably be the ramen burger and the mango flower with chili. It's exactly what it sounds like...  a mango cut into the shape of a flower, topped with chili. And it's pure magic. In leu of a birthday cake, I ate an ice cream cone wrapped in a cloud of cotton candy the size of my head. You absolutely must visit Wu Kong in NYC to experience this because it's freakin WORTH IT. 

And since I'm 31 and as old as moldy cheese, I did what any old person would do on their birthday. I put  in an application for an apartment in the East Village.  I know, its a mission I've been on for quite some time now. Well, you guys, I'm here to tell you that this is most likely not the end of the road as many others applied for the same apartment at the same time I did. If I could roll my eyes any harder... 

I'm still so very thankful for the past year as I've had so many great opportunities in this crazy world of fashion and can't believe I'll be heading to London next month to design athletic wear! And the greatest birthday gift of all is booking a project in the Bahamas! I'll have more information on it soon but it's safe to say in the words of Jessie Spano: I'M SO EXCITED!!! 

Wearing: 

Crop Top & Pants: Papaya Clothing Striped Palazzo Set

ootd + friday night tea talk

ootd + friday night tea talk

I don't know how this always happens but it just seems like every time I want to write about something more personal, it conveniently is around the time my birthday is coming up. Is this supposed to mean something?

I, like so many others, have a list of things I'd like to accomplish in this lifetime. But what I wanted to write on here is a goal that I've been trying to want to do more but I don't usually pursue it. In fact, I think as years go by, I progressively get worse at it. And that thing that I'm not good at doing is... being more social. I know. Really reaching for the big things in life.

You can ask any of the people that know me well. I've always been a homebody. Getting me to go out can be a quite a task. Things I can do at home on any given night... thats my jam. Museums, going to the ballet, a book talk... thats how I roll if I'm not hiding indoors. I know there's nothing wrong with that but I do feel like I'm missing out in life in many other ways and I know it's because I like being a hermit.

So I'm just putting it in writing right here. I'm going to try to be more social this birthday year. I'm going to remind myself to go on girl, get out there!

(But if I'm not out there, just know I'll be at home basking in the glory of a cup of tea hot off the kettle)

Ashley Mason Denim

Ashley Mason Denim

I love supporting new designers. Often times, the brands that are in their infancy pour their hearts and souls into their creations thereby delivering 110% and you know what that means? QUALITY! Ashley Mason Denim is not an exception. Their jeans are affordable (big plus!) but also comfortable, stylish, and it's easy to find a pair that compliments your unique body type. For me, it's always tough finding a pair of jeans that will fit my thighs/hips but also my waist. Nothing worse than when your jeans fit your waist nicely but leaves your booty flat, preventing it from living the dream, ya feel? I don't wear anything that I don't stand by and this brand is definitely a new favorite. You can find Ashley Mason Denim at select stores (Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook, and more) or check out their Instagram. 

Not at Coachella but I wish I were

Not at Coachella but I wish I were

Every year I always say I'm going to Coachella... and it never happens. As you can guess, this year is no exception. So here I am, putting it in writing: Next year FOR SURE! In the meantime, I'll be here on the east coast pretending to be at Coachella in one of my most Coachella type garb and following along on all the fun through friends' instagram stories. It's as close as I'm going to get. 

accessories of the day

accessories of the day

Today was such a slow yet wonderful day. It's such a treat when I get to carve out my day doing exactly what I want to do: grab some tea, try a new recipe, dance class, and then settle early in bed to listen to a new episode of the podcast I just started (anyone listening to S-Town?). Tomorrow is a day full of studying so I'm happy I got to do these fun things on a beautiful day. 

I am interested, however, in knowing what others enjoy doing in their free time. What are you reading these days, or if you've watched any interesting documentaries, maybe you're listening to a podcast that you're really enjoying, cooked something relatively uncomplicated and delicious, or listening to a new artist thats been on repeat. Let me know, some of my favorite books have come from recommendations! 

Wearing:

Sunglasses: Loewe Filipa Sunglasses 

Hat: Brixton Wesley Wool Fedora  (similar) 

Old Navy Active

Old Navy Active

I don't know about you but now that the weather has been getting warmer (on some days), I am getting pretty excited about being able to run outdoors again. And because I enjoy running, it's important that I'm wearing a good sports bra. Thankfully, Old Navy has some bras that offer the support I need and it's an extra bonus that they're darn cute too.

The best part? It's on sale!

Wearing: 

Sports Bra: Old Navy Go-Dry Racerback Medium Support

Richard Simmons & Bralettes

Richard Simmons & Bralettes

Do any of you guys like to listen to podcasts? Between the growing number of documentaries in my netflix playlist and the books I have on my reading list, I also have a ton of new podcasts that I just downloaded waiting to be listened to. And today, while running errands, I let all six episodes of Missing Richard Simmons play in the car. And you know what? I've got some thoughts about it. 

First of all, I wasn't ever a big fan of Richard Simmons. You know the guy. He always came off as a bit too loud and a bit too much for my liking but I appreciated the fact that he was all about health and fitness. But someone recommended the podcast to me and as it turns out, it had gotten a lot of attention. And after listening to the first episode,  I was hooked. I never realized that Richard Simmons was that big. And that he had changed and affected so many peoples lives that much. So much so that someone felt the need to start a podcast because there were that many people who felt they needed closure/answers to his sudden disappearance from the entire world. 

Without giving too much away, because I sincerely think you should listen to it, I started thinking about how even the most successful and famous people don't have life all figured out. They're not as happy as we think they are and they go through life with all the emotions just like we do. They can be just as lost and lonely. On a personal level, this seems strangely comforting. I know its ridiculous to think I'm the only one that goes through difficulties but to know even those that seem to have it all also go through these human experiences... well, its a good reminder to stop comparing and over-anazlying and remember that everybody is fighting some fight, whether it be big or small. 

I don't want to keep rambling so I'll just say that if you ever find some time or are curious about the man that is Richard Simmons... take a listen. It's kind of fascinating. 

Aaaand on a completely unrelated topic: bralettes. Typically worn underneath clothes, it's also something that we ladies like to wear on top of outfits as well. Even a big sweatshirt. It just adds a bit of spice and everything nice. Admittedly, I probably wouldn't have worn this in my past life but NYC is rubbing off on me and I kind of (really) like it. 

Wearing:

Denim: J Brand Mid-Rise Skinny in Fleeting 

Sweatshirt: Zara Faded Sweatshirt 

Bralette: Zara Faux Leather Bra Top