Sometimes an outfit inspires the venue for blog post shoots or sometimes vice versa. In lieu of my traditional spots — a random street alley, an exposed brick wall, a charming stoop in Georgetown — I had the perfect backdrop for this particular #OOTD in mind. For those who aren't familiar with the Charlottesville area, the IX Art Park functions as a public-space-turned-art-park located just minutes away from the downtown mall. There are murals to be admired, restaurants and cute coffee (and cupcake!) shops to be enjoyed, in addition to concerts and events for the community.
Can I just say that once again, Madewell came through with the quintessential cropped sweatshirt? It's the type of pullover you reach for without hesitation and somehow still look the definition of ~effortless~ chic. Team it with a snap-front denim mini or frayed hem jeans for a uniform that says "trying, but not trying too hard." Y'all know that's what I'm here for. My only complaint — and it's a minor one — is that Vienna wasn't included in the grand tour of cities featured. Womp, womp.
Now onto the details. Between my *wink* mani (which I'm still obsessed with) and assortment of pretty rings, it's the itty-bitty add-ons that really make this look my own. If you're looking for a streamlined timepiece besides Daniel Wellington, allow me to put Linjer on your radar. As of lately, the brand's minimalist rose/gold watch has been in heavy rotation (it looks stunning with both heavy knits and blouses alike). Throw in my favorite triangle opal ring and stackable kitty ring for instant eye candy. The heart necklace from Ban.do was a last-minute addition that I thought was fitting, given my love for travel (err, more like wanderlust).
You might have remembered when I blogged about these exact Comme des Garçons x Converse high-tops
at the beginning of summer. Well, said kicks have since been inducted
into my wardrobe, and they're easily a statement piece in their own
right. I especially love wearing them with denim skirts, which I've done
here for a high-impact look that requires minimal effort.
Shop the look: white slogan sweatshirt (different, but here's another rad sweatshirt) | denim a-line mini (similar) | minimalist rose/gold mocha watch (Linjer) | triangle opal ring (Emily Warden Designs) | lovecats ring (Catbird) | heart-shaped necklace (found a pink one on Poshmark!) | seafoam green crossbody bag (different, but obsessed with this mint green crossbody) | hidden heart high top sneaker (PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor)
What does your weekend uniform consist of? Comment below with your favorite fall style essentials!
xo,
A
I’m back, back again with new content! Apologies for the unannounced hiatus, but sometimes a little R&R is absolutely in order. Like any other self-proclaimed fashion person, I’m constantly on the hunt for the latest fill-in-the-blank wardrobe essential to invest in for the upcoming season. But then, there are always those $$$ pieces that are pretty wow-worthy in their own right. Here’s the potential start of a new series in which I spotlight a few well-calculated splurges that I could definitely justify, especially when you factor in cost per wear and all that jazz.
The Saddle Bag in Leather (Cambridge Satchel) // Cue the summer strolls in the English countryside — yes, I’m indeed dreaming. My inner prepster is swooning at the sight of this hands-free Cambridge Satchel saddle bag reimagined with classic blue Breton stripes (can you say MDW-ready?). Between upcoming getaways and weekend brunch dates, you won’t find a more versatile carryall to accompany you this summer. For #OOTD perfection, throw in an Audrey Hepburn-esque midi skirt, a streamlined blouse and some woven huaraches.
Mosebacke Pale Pink Raincoat (Stutterheim) //
Dare I say it, we ALL need a rainy day slicker that makes us look
forward to the prospect of rainy days. I recently stumbled across
Stutterheim on Instagram,
and let me tell ya, I’m obsessed with everything that this
aesthetically pleasing brand has to offer. (Their tagline, “Swedish
melancholy at its driest,” pretty much says it all.) Introducing the
millennial pink raincoat of my dreams that I would undoubtedly reach for
rain or shine. Non-femme crowd: There’s a slew of other covetable hues
(ahem, rubbery ducky yellow!) available for your sartorial pleasure.
Chuck Taylor 1970s High-Top Sneakers (Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse) // Since I’m apparently into sneakers these days (who am I?), I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m in dire need of some Chuck Taylors. But not just any old Chucks — I’ve got my sights set on Converse’s It girl-approved collab with Comme des Garçons PLAY. The black high-tops featuring the brand’s iconic peekaboo heart, to be exact. I imagine teaming these bad boys with everything from denim cutoffs and streamlined button-downs to carefree striped dresses for no shortage of downtown appeal (think: lower East Side meets Brooklyn).
What’s on your splurge list? Comment below!
xo,
A
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!
Today, I’m returning with an installment of “the list.” Not only is it officially #sweaterweather, but October just so happens to be my birthday month (any other fellow Libras out there?!). With that in mind, I’ve compiled the ultimate bday/treat yo’self wish list for fall. *Adds everything to cart.*
1. Stacey Print Card Holder (Alice + Olivia) // How cute is this charming card holder inspired by Alice + Olivia designer, Stacey Bendet? It’s a way chic alternative to your everyday wallet, especially when you’re heading out for a night on the town. With three card slots, it’ll hold a credit card, your driver’s licence, a student id — you name it.
2. Swing Time Pendant (Kate Spade) // A glam tassel necklace that can double for day and night… Count me in, please! Dress it up for the upcoming holiday season with a drop waist dress and chunky block heels or dial it down with a crisp button-down and high-waisted skinnies.
3. Uptown Mini Satchel (Henri Bendel) // Calling all self-proclaimed #girlbosses! This ladylike mini satchel is just the thing for running errands across town. AND it’s in millennial pink. I digress.
4. Polka-Dot Tulle-Trimmed Striped Jersey Top (J.Crew) // ICYMI: Net-a-Porter just released a capsule collection with J.Crew and I’m kind of obsessed. This Breton striped top with a playful polka dot tulle hem is nothing short of perfection.
5. Barbour Classic Olive Beadnell Wax Jacket (Tuckernuck) // A classic Barbour Beadnell jacket is at the top of my fall wish list, and for good reason. It’s versatile enough to toss on with jeans, a t-shirt dress or even an A-line mini skirt (accompanied by riding boots, natch).
6. Button-Front Skirt (Madewell) // Another button-front skirt from Madewell that I’m yearning for. ~ Shocker ~
7. The Original Hobe (Hobes) // Rest assured that this will not be the last time I profess my love for Hobes. As the days get nippy, I foresee these navy suede ankle boots (also available in tan) being paired with a plaid blanket scarf and your best denim.
8. Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneakers (Shopbop) // Not sure how I’m so late to the game, but I feel like it’s time I invest in some Chuck Taylors. These metallic gold ones are actually pretty fly.
9. Enamel Ring (J.Crew) // Step aside dainty finger jewels — cocktail rings are officially on my radar again thanks to J.Crew. This pretty bauble — totally reminiscent of something from your granny’s jewelry box — will give you an excuse to play dress up.
10. Baneera Heels (Kate Spade) // Any birthday babes out there? These sparkly heels deserve to be worn beyond the dance floor. Like when a case of the mundane Mondays hits or when a plain ol’ t-shirt just isn’t cutting it. Ya know?
What are your must-haves for October? Leave a comment below!
xo,
A
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