casual. little. black. dress.

#WhenAtTheMet  |  Madewell "abroad dress in stripe-inset" (similar)

It goes without saying that we all have at least one LBD tucked away in the back of our closets, if not more.  While on vacay in NYC, I stumbled upon the cutest little black dress at Madewell (surprise, surprise!).  Though I didn't necessarily need another black dress, after trying it on, my mind was made up.

The fit was impeccable and extremely flattering.  (Major bonus:  Twirl factor on fleek!)  And it just so happened to be on sale... that obviously never hurts either!  The deal breaker:  Whereas a lot of LBDs err on the formal/evening attire side, this one took on a more effortlessly chic and daytime appropriate look. #Winning  I ended up wearing my new dress to the Met, which I thought was fitting.  I mean, if you're going to go the #allblackornothing route in NYC, then it might as well be for the Met museum and rooftop garden, right?  I say yes — très chic, indeed.

So, while this isn't a groundbreaking post introducing some fashion-forward trend for the upcoming season, it is a simple reminder that wardrobe staples, including a versatile LBD, can be just as exciting + innovative in channeling your signature look.  As for my favorite way to style a little black dress... I'd have to say, simple really does it for me.  Granted, I will more than likely throw a statement necklace into the mix — but besides that, I'm good to go. :)

If you're on the hunt for a casual-chic LBD, I've rounded up some of my favorites below.  Enjoy!

Besides a little black dress, what other wardrobe staples do you think every girl should have?  Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

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what. i. wore. | frumpy. sweatshirts. no. more.

I am currently on Spring Break and it is glorious!  No, I am not off to some exotic destination or roaming the streets of a foreign city. Quite the contrary, actually.  With the exception of a trip to D.C. this past weekend for museums + shopping and another mini trip scheduled for this coming weekend, I am all about staying at home this week.  Although I do have projects and assignments to get done, I’ve penciled in plenty of time for relaxing, catching up with magazines and, yup, blogging!

Today, I thought that I would introduce a (potential) new blog series in which I share snapshots of some of my favorite outfits.  I realize that while I’m used to sharing my #ootd on Instagram (@a_wilmer), it’s not often that I post about my personal style in this corner of the internet. I’m not sure whether this series will turn into a once-a-week-kind-of-deal (I’m thinking probably not!) or just a bimonthly post to look forward to… But either way, here goes nothing!

field jacket (similar)  |  ruffle hem sweatshirt  |  tassel necklace  |  bow ring (sold out, but here’s another great KS option!)  |  black skinny jeans (similar) 

Photographed above is one of my more casual outfits (read: I’m actually wearing pants, not a skirt or dress!).  Oh-em-gee, I cannot tell you how obsessed I have become with my J.Crew Factory field jacket these past few months!  I literally wear it all the time — with jeans, over a dress, paired with a skirt… you name it.  Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind adding another field jacket to my collection. In all seriousness though, if you don’t have a field jacket, I highly recommend investing in one.

Just as the quote that I shared on Instagram reads:  “Who says that sweatshirts have to be bor-ing?!” It’s hard to tell in the picture, but this sweatshirt that I snagged on sale at J.Crew is adorned with a pretty navy ruffle on the bottom.  I may be biased, but it just so happens to look perfectly on point with my field jacket and skinny black jeans ;)

As far as my jewelry is concerned, I tend to gravitate toward pieces that I can wear and restyle for a variety of looks.  Case in point: this tassel necklace that I recently got at Duo is undeniably simple, yet so sophisticated.  I foresee endless outfit possibilities on the horizon. 

Would you like to see more snapshots of my outfits here on the blog?  Tell me in the comments below + share links to your latest #ootd posts, so that I can check them out as well!

xo,

A

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keds. style.

It wasn't too long ago that I hinted at a future post on styling Keds.  Well, today's the day!  I finally got around to curating three easy-peasy looks that I think would be perfect for the gal heading BTS (back-to-school, that is!) or simply anyone on the search for a casual on-the-go weekend look.  Truth be told, I myself haven't gotten around to wearing my navy Keds as much as I would have liked (#guilty)...but I assure you that endless outfit possibilities are on the horizon.  And, when that time comes, you can bet that I'll be sharing my #kedsstyle here on the blog.

Three pairs of Keds, three equally rad looks – here ya go!

First of all, I think there's something to be said about a quirky + playful sweater.  Second, I love how on-trend, yet totally effortless this look is – seriously though, no shoe laces means that these guys can be slipped on at a moment's notice.  Third, if you're heading to class, this oh-so-deep tote by KS Saturday will have you more than covered.  Let's just say that looking cool for school will be a cinch this semester!

1. Inside-Out-Pocket Tote in Vachetta // Kate Spade Saturday
2. Champion Mesh // Keds x Kate Spade New York
3. Eloisa Sweater // Joie
4. White Asymmetrical Skort // Goodnight Macaroon

Ah, the everygirl.  She who covets stripes while simultaneously yearning for an off-duty pair of denim shorts...sound about right?! As a self-proclaimed sucker for stripes (especially those of the J.Crew variety), I can't think of a more appropriate pairing.  While the stripes lend a lil bit of Parisian to this look, the chic cross-body bag screams fashion girl-in-training.  When you find the perfect pair of Keds (like these Champion Originals), why change a good thing?           

1. Freja Cross-Body // Club Monaco
2. Champion Originals in "Stone" // Keds
3. Painter Tee with Zips // J.Crew
4. Super Sky High Denim Shorie // American Eagle

While maybe a tad more eclectic than preppy, this outfit is the epitome of FUN!  I dare you not to fall for the dizzy floral printed shorts, I know I have. Although I'm still very much on Team Summer, I think this outfit would be ideal for transitioning into fall.  Wear a chunky cardi in the morning and by mid-afternoon you can take it off to reveal your favorite, tried-and-true white v-neck tee.  I've always been an advocate of mixing-and-matching prints, and shoes are no exception.  You guys, stripes + floral is practically a match made in heaven, but you already knew that!

1. Texturework Cardigan in "Marled Caramel" // Madewell
2. Champion Pop Stripe // Keds
3. Casual Slub Cotton T-Shirt // James Perse
4. Marylin Short // French Connection

What's your favorite way to style your kicks?  Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

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