insta. obsessed. // pt. 4.

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The Colorful Prep // Rachel Schwartzmann // Kevin Wong // J.Crew // Miüda the Frenchie // The Viennese Girl

551 meticulously coordinated photos later, and I surprisingly have yet to grow tired of Instagram. (Psst: You can follow me at @a_wilmer!) Between staged photos and more authentic snapshots, Instagram continues to be my go-to source for visual inspiration. Whereas I can go without checking Twitter or watching a blogger’s Snaps for a day, it’s admittedly harder for me to stop double-tapping. Whether you’re new to the Insta game or are looking to add some variety to your Instagram feed, I’ve compiled a list of six users that are currently on my radar. If you’re new to the blog, be sure to check out my first, second and third installments to see some of my previous faves. Enjoy!

@thecolorfulprep (Danielle Sarkissian: Fashion Lifestyle Blogger / OC California): Think: colorful walls, preppy style (lots of J.Crew!) and a laid-back California aesthetic to match. Summed up in one word, The Colorful Prep’s feed is simply FUN. From that infamous polka dot wall to endless coffee shop vibes, Danielle’s bright + punchy snapshots never fail to disappoint.

@rachelschwartzmann (Rachel Schwartzmann: Founder + CEO and wearing more hats for The Style Line): Can you say #girlboss? Besides being the founder of The Style Line (a creative community built upon storytelling), Rachel also has a minimalist style that slays. Seriously, so good. I’m constantly getting inspiration from her daily outfit snapshots. For a glimpse at Rachel’s favorite NYC spots and daily adventures — and well-edited photos with a hipster aesthetic — be sure to give her a follow.

@kevinwonka (Kevin Wong: Hong Kong & New York. Parsons Architecture Design. Creator of #Neckxercise): Warning: This Instagram feed will fuel your love affair with New York City. I stumbled upon Kevin’s feed a while ago and have been blown away by his insane photography skills and game-changing perspective ever since. For architecture… and city corners… and unparalleled skyline views… it’s all here.

@jcrew (J.Crew): Okay, so this one’s a no-brainer. Between fashion week coverage, Jenna Lyons-esque styling (pattern play! colour!) and no shortage of #shinyponies to go around, J.Crew’s presence on social is always on point. If you love J.Crew as a brand, then it's safe to say that you’ll love their Insta even more.

@miudafrenchie (Miüda: “I was born in Slovakia, now I live in Vienna but my humans are Portuguese. I take selfies all day long. Problem??!): Until I can actually snag a French Bulldog of my own, this account will have to do. Meet Miüda, aka the cutest Frenchie in existence. Adorableness aside, this Frenchie account is incredibly streamlined and aesthetically pleasing with lots of glorious white space. (Even the photos of Miüda napping have artistic value!)

@theviennesegirl (Silia | Vienna. Photography): Of course, no roundup of Instagram users would be complete without at least one Vienna-based account. I’ve followed the Viennese Girl for some time now, and it’s been a delight seeing Silia grow as a photographer and blogger. Not just restricted to Vienna street shots (which are swoon-inducing in their own right), she also shares snapshots of her latest travels and ultra-glam photo shoots.

What are your favorite Instagram accounts to follow? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A
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hump. day. motivation. // taste. of. vienna.


Woo! It's hump day... and it's a rather rainy one at that. While rainy days are normally my worst enemy (frizzy hair — thanks, but no thanks), today just may be the exception. Equipped with a playful navy rain jacket, gingham pants and sparkly flats, not even this drizzly weather can get me down. 

The other thing keeping me motivated on this dreary Wednesday? THIS video. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed yesterday when I stumbled upon this amazing time lapse of Vienna. Can you say game changer? I studied abroad in Vienna, Austria almost five years ago and it's safe to say that I've been itching to make the return trip back. That said, this video created by FilmSpektakel (a film production company in Vienna) is bringing back all the feels. 
"Let us take you on a fast trip through Vienna's world wide well known buildings, as well as less famous places, trough restaurants or tramways, which are called “Bims” by its locals, by the way..." (FilmSpektakel)
ICYMI: Vienna was also just named the world's top city for quality of life for the seventh consecutive year. While I have yet to travel to London, Paris or any other major city abroad, I can definitely attest that Vienna's a hidden gem. If you ever get the chance to visit, I would highly recommend doing so :)

How do you stay motivated on hump day (and rainy days in general)? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A
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channeling. my. inner. joe. cool.


On any given day, there's a pretty good chance that you'll find me wearing stripes. What can I say, they're a perennial favorite that never lets me down. A hero piece, if you will. (I have a feeling that I'm not the only who can attest to this.) While I especially have a soft spot for striped tops (don't we all?!), there's something to be said about a striped sweater dress that's both effortless and preppy at the same time. Naturally, when I spotted this navy + cream striped dress (surprisingly by BCBGMAXAZRIA), I knew that it deserved a spot in my closet. Not only does it look great on its own, but it makes for the perfect weekend look when paired alongside a field jacket and Chelsea boots. Although I foresee endless outfit possibilities on the horizon, this go-around, I kept it simple by styling my dress with a tassel necklace and mirrored aviators since it was an especially warm and sunny January day. TBH, I probably could've gone sans tights — it was that nice out!

I couldn't imagine a prettier backdrop for my outfit snapshots than The Fralin Museum of Art. Seriously, between the gorgeous architecture and wintry scene (these pics were taken post-Winter Storm Jonas when there was still snow on the ground), I really lucked out. Not to mention that I love visiting The Fralin whenever I'm in C'ville — it's such a gem with a fantastic art collection to match! 









Get the Look:
BCBG Sweater Dress (similar)
J.Crew Factory Field Jacket (similar)
Kate Spade Tassel Bag (similar) or this budget-friendly option
Beautiful Stories Tassel Necklace (hard to find, but kind of similar)
Gap Ankle Boots (similar)

Are you as obsessed with stripes as me? What are your favorite ways to style stripes for an off-duty look? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A
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currently. craving. // gingham + buffalo check.


Currently Craving: Gingham + Buffalo Check

If there’s one print that I’m currently obsessed with at the moment, then it’s gingham + buffalo plaid. Seriously, I’ll take one of each of the dresses above, please! On a day-to-day basis, my favorite dresses are those that I consider daytime casual at best. In a nutshell: I like anything that can be tossed on with flats (or boots in this cold weather), dressed up with a scarf or worn as is for a totally on-point and slightly effortless look. My style philosophy these days is definitely to do less. Bye-bye heels and overly tight silhouettes... comfort is luxury, people! With all that being said, I could definitely see all three of these gingham and buffalo plaid dresses above making the transition from winter to spring, spring to summer and so on. And from day to night, with just the right pair of ankle booties and a leather jacket.

1. Courier Shirtdress in Buffalo Check (Madewell) // YAS. Madewell always gets it right with their buffalo plaid prints. (Speaking of which, I may or may not have just snagged this buffalo check skirt and this ridiculously comfy flannel shirt on major sale with the code: xoxomw.) Come springtime, I think this black-and-white shirtdress would be perfect with a field jacket or an oversized cardigan for a day trip to D.C.
2. Menzie Silk Babydoll Dress (Anthropologie) // OMG, just how sweet is this babydoll dress?! Everything from the pockets to the button detailing on the back and the above-the-knee length reads school girl to me. Throw a Barbour jacket (preferably this one) and riding boots into the mix and I'm sold.
3. Gingham Boxy Dress (Topshop) // Of all three dresses, this one is definitely the most formal. It's form-fitting but not too tight. The oversized pockets on the front coupled with the classic gingham print make this option great for the daytime and after-hours. Just toss on a statement necklace or a classic timepiece — or ditch the accessories all together for a minimalist look.

Are you loving gingham and buffalo plaid as much as I am? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A
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must. have. v-day. essentials.

The countdown until Valentine’s Day is officially on! Whether you’re coupled up or flying solo, there’s no better time than right now to stock up on a slew of swoon-inducing heart-printed goodies. From quirky accessories and dainty jewels to the occasional “pop” of red, I’ve rounded up 13 V-Day must-haves that every girl needs come February 14. Enjoy!

1. Secret Admirer Heart Crossbody Bag (Kate Spade) // Not just restricted to Valentine’s Day, this Kate Spade heart-shaped crossbody bag can definitely be sported year round. From work to play, it’s guaranteed to add major panache (and whimsy) to every #OOTD.
2. Playful Heart Tights (ASOS) // Plain ol’ black tights simply won’t do when you have heart-printed ones on standby. Just how ah-mazing would this party-ready pair look with a fit-and-flare dress and some classic ballet flats? Major swoon.
3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Mini Notebook (ban.do) // Stationery hoarders everywhere rejoice! Printed with all sorts of rad scribbles and doodads — pizza, rosé, and heart-shaped sunnies — this ban.do notebook is simply too fun.    
4. #ColorCurators: Song of Style Edition Nail Polish (Formula X) // Chipped nails be gone! Pair this lovely shade of pink (which is basically Rose Quartz in disguise) with a sparkly accent nail for the ultimate Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day mani.
5. Smitten Emoji Heart Earrings (Kate Spade) // I’m crushing hard over these heart eye emoji stud earrings (despite the fact that my ears aren’t even pierced). When chandelier earrings feel too fancy, and your go-to diamond studs just aren’t cutting it, these will always do you right.
6. Sweet Dream Ring (Free People) // SO, so pretty! This dainty heart ring is extremely sweet and minimal — and in the best possible way. Major bonus: The sparkly stone makes it appear so much more expensive than it really is.
7. Classic Red Betty Sunglasses (J.Crew) // J.Crew’s latest collection of in-house designed sunnies is serious #goals. These high-drama, poppy red stunners are practically guaranteed to turn any blasé winter day upside down (especially when paired with a striped shirt and a statement-making coat in true Jenna Lyons fashion). I’ll take one in every color, please!
8. Idania Lip Print Pajama Set (Joie) // For your upcoming girl’s night in, a pair of these cheeky lip print pjs is obligatory. Taking you beyond lounging, this set is almost chic enough to wear IRL alongside an oversized cardi and knee-high socks.
9. Rose Bib Necklace (BaubleBar) // This J.Crew-esque rose bib necklace is just the thing to take your outfit A-game up a notch (or two). Toss it over a chambray shirt, a LBD or a navy cashmere sweater — the sartorial options are endless.
10. Stubbs & Wootton for J.Crew Velvet Slippers (J.Crew) // If you know me at all, then you know that I’m on Team Flats. (Sorry, heels!) While these velvet smoking slippers are more-than-just-a-little out of my budget, I think they would look perf with skinny jeans or a wool mini skirt and tights during the winter months. I digress…

11. Cozy Heart-Printed Jumper (Topshop) // Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can cozy up to a heart-printed sweater this chic? It can be dressed up with a tulle skirt or pared down with black jeans + ballet flats for an off-duty look.    
12. Valentine’s Cupcake Kit (Anthropologie) // Come party time, these Valentine’s Day cupcake liners will be a hit. The snazzy wrappers and decorative toppers are perfect for the hostess with the mostess.  

13. Sweetheart Minimergency Kit (Pinch Provisions) // When in a pinch, a miniemergency kit will save you from every potential wardrobe conundrum or fashion fiasco under the sun. No joke: These cute pint-sized pouches come equipped with everything from clear nail polish to double-sided tape.
What are your favorite Valentine’s Day essentials? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A


PS: Don’t forget to check out my latest Brit + Co article featuring 25 Valentine's Day gifts under $50 your BFF will love.
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