insta. crush. // sophia. rosemary. barrese.

Hello, friends! Today, I’m introducing a new series on the blog in which I spotlight some of my latest Insta style crushes. First up is Sophia Rosemary (@sophia_rosemary), a fantastic UK blogger out of Manchester who I’m always happy to see grace my Instagram feed. (But seriously, is she not the cutest?!) Her style encapsulates so many elements that I love — she’s got the retro look down pat (give or take a little bit of a rocker ‘tude on occasion) with ultra-femme undertones. TBH, she could very well pass as Alexa Chung’s impeccably dressed twin. (Pssst: Her winged eyeliner is even on point.)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve swooned after one of Sophia’s chic jumpers (ahem, specifically the one with the dinosaur!) or pondered whether or not I could pull off denim dungarees half as seamlessly as she does. And she’s got quite a few sartorial tricks up her sleeve too. I’ve never seen someone style Doc Martens so exquisitely alongside a striped knit sweater, a leather mini and a faux sheepskin jacket. Her off-duty uniform consisting of oh-so charming frocks (or my personal favorite, a sweater and a denim button-front skirt) is the definition of outfit #goals. And, she may or may not have influenced my current obsession with Chuck Taylors… Note to self: Invest in a pair of high-tops STAT in an effort to be a fraction as cool as Sophia Rosemary. Enough chit-chat — I’ve included a few of my favorite looks below (all borrowed from Sophia’s Instagram feed) as a testament of this tastemaker’s A+ style. 

 

1. She has a kitty cat printed dress. // The cat’s meow is right. (Sorry, HAD to.)

2. When in Venezia… // If I ever venture to Italy, then you best believe I’ll be replicating this head-to-toe look. (Polka dot skirt + Converse = match made in heaven.)

 

3. Barbour is the word. // I'm absolutely smitten with Sophia’s laid-back chic take on the classic waxed field jacket.

4. The “new” cool-girl uniform. // Mansur Gavriel bucket bag? Check. Worn-in Chuck Taylors? Check. Star girl sweater? Triple check. And let’s not forget risky white jeans for good measure.

 

5. A little bit military, a LOT femme. // When in doubt, just toss on a tough-girl military jacket. To say that I’m obsessed with Sophia’s drop-waist gingham dress would be an understatement.

Get the look:

Who are your favorite style ‘grammers to follow for inspiration? Comment below!

xo,
A

PS: I created a Pinterest board devoted to all my Insta crushes — be sure to follow along!

4

me. my. poncho. and. i.

As you can probably surmise from the title of this post, a certain knit poncho will be taking center stage. If I ever attend a music festival (slim chance unless it's Glastonbury), then you best believe I'll be wearing some variation of this ensemble.
 
Initially, I bought this fringed knit poncho (still available and on sale!) for winter, only to realize that I prefer it so much more when styled for spring (see ya never turtlenecks and bulky layers!). Teamed alongside a simple white tee, a denim skirt and suede ankle boots, the result was something along the lines of rodeo-ready — and I do mean that in the best possible way.
 
Particularly groundbreaking ensemble? No, not by a long shot. But for this classic prepster who swears by a uniform consisting of waxed field jackets (or Barbour) and Keds sneaks on the regular, this is as boho-chic as it gets.
 
While this outfit may not be suitable for the most balmy spring days, it's perfect for moderately warm weeks when the temps are nippy in the morning and a perfect 70 degrees (insert praise hands emoji) come recess — AKA, fun in the sun time. As for additional ways to get the most wear out of your favorite knit ponchos (and wraps for that matter)? Try teaming 'em with denim boyfriend shorts, high-waisted mom jeans or denim button-front skirts for instant festival flair.

knit poncho (on sale) | white tee (similar) | denim skirt | suede ankle boots (similar)

Do you own a knit poncho? What are your spring wardrobe essentials? Comment below!

xo,
A

5

the. short. list. // frayed. hem. jeans.

Step aside, patchwork jeans! Frayed (or raw hem) jeans are currently the cool girl-approved denim trend of the moment. And for good reason. Not only do they give off a ceaselessly chic vibe when teamed alongside backless mules or vampy steppers, but they lend a little extra somethin' somethin' to even the most casual ensembles. (Never has a plain white tee looked so — wait for it — groundbreaking. But actually.)

While I typically consider myself a traditionalist when it comes to the denim game (alright, there was that one time I fell victim to a certain pair of paint splatter jeans...), a perfectly distressed pair that I recently spotted at Madewell's denim bar made me a convert. My mother on the other hand was not as much of a fan (I wonder why?!?) Whether you're already on the raw hem jean bandwagon or are halfway there, I’ve rounded up a few pairs that are currently on my radar. Oh, and if you’re in need of inspo in the styling department, I’ve got you covered with 13 ways to master frayed hem jeans, according to Instagram. You’re welcome.

1. Capri Jeans in Black Hampton (Rag & Bone) // Contemporary, modern and oh-so flattering, these black raw-hemmed skinnies were made for the city girl with a downtown edge. Chelsea boots and an off-duty topper are non-negotiable.

  

2. The Perfect Summer Jean in Malden Wash (Madewell) // Meet your new wear-everywhere jean that you’ll never want to take off. Not only will the high-rise ‘90s supermodel-inspired style (Madewell’s words, not mine) give you legs that go on for miles, but the slouchy fit and moderate distressing are guaranteed to please. Any takers?

  

3. Mid-Rise Capri in Debutante (J Brand) // You had me at millennial pink, AKA my favorite power hue of the season. The fact that the edges are frayed are just further confirmation that I need some blush pink jeans in my life. But don’t we all?

  

4. Destroyed Reagan Button Front Jean (Free People) // Flaunting just the right amount of distressing and a boho-chic button-front design, these bad boys are all set for an upcoming farmers’ market run or Sunday brunch. Bonus points: The cropped ankle length makes them ideal for pairing with sneakers (ahem, Chuck Taylors).

 

5. The Looker Ankle Fray Jeans (MOTHER) // It’s time to start rounding out your wardrobe of summer whites ahead of MDW (Memorial Day Weekend), starting with these stretchy white ankle fray jeans from MOTHER. While I’m not the biggest fan of white jeans (with the exception of Industry Standard’s Odettes, which fit like a dream BTW), these look pretty promising. Throw in some classic Breton stripes courtesy of Saint James and then we’re talkin’. 

6. Mimi Skinny Jeans (M.i.h Jeans) // I don’t know about you, but I’m digging the faded (almost to the point of being bleached) wash, the high-waisted fit and, of course, those frayed hems. When you need to be out the door in a flash, simply toss on a crew-neck sweatshirt and d’Orsay flats for the lewk of the season.
 
Yay or nay? Will you be investing in a pair of frayed hem jeans? Comment below!

xo,
A

1