who's that girl // no.1

Paging Alyssa Coscarelli, paging Alyssa Coscarelli... 

Who's that girl? She fancies coffee shops in NoLIta + gallery hops on the LES. She's a burgeoning fashionista who favors emerging designers (hey, Sandy Liang, hey) and absurdly cool under-the-radar labels. She's influencing, but not necessarily an influencer. 

K, cool, now that we've got that straight… behold, ze dress of summer (this puff-sleeve number may be a close second in my book) courtesy of Sandy Liang. All hail "Chinatown grandmas" everywhere. I'd RSVP "a million times 'yes'!" to the white daisy print and easy-breezy silo — best accompanied by '90s-inspired jellies or designer Teva-like sandals for a normcore vibe come the weekend. Bring forth a hit of sweet nostalgia with one of The Last Line's layerable BFF pendant necklaces. Angular pink glitter frames over teeny-tiny Matrix frames any day, please. Finishing touches include a minty fresh manicure and a vegetable-tanned leather daypack that successfully marries form and function. For the savvy adventurer, may I recommend a LOST iN travel guide? Vienna waits for you.

Shop the lewk (clockwise): Sandy Liang Picasso Floral-print Georgette Dress, Carla Colour Modan Pink Glitter Sunglasses, LOST iN Vienna, Sundays No. 34 Nail Polish, Matine Capucine Daypack in Honey, The Last Line Diamond Best FriendHeart and Flower Pendant Set, Alexa Chung Crystal Wreath Reilly Transparent Juju Shoes 

What's your dream summertime uniform? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

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sézane. / bonjour. new. york.

What if I told you that your lifelong dream of becoming a beret-wearing Parisian girl is finally about to be realized? Well, almost, anyway. Meet Sézane: the first French fashion brand to function entirely online. What started out as an e-commerce store (formerly known as Les Composantes) for repurposed vintage threads quickly turned into a business plan for founder Morgane Sézalory. In 2013, Sézane was born. The ceaselessly chic brand releases four capsule collections per year — with femme blouses, silk dresses and tailored outerwear taking center stage. I imagine the quintessential Sézane girl being a cross between UK blogger Olivia Grace (isn't her polished tomboy style to die for?) and that of Parisian prepster, Daphne Moreau.

"A reflection of the times, of elegance, of real life."

During my most recent trip to NYC, I had the pleasure of visiting L'Appartement New York (Sézane's first stateside location, natch) and can attest that it's just as elegant/charming/cozy as you'd imagine. Between the complimentary coffee + treats from Maman and the curated bookshelves (displaying the most dreamy selection of heeled pumps and satchels), this Parisian boutique located in the heart of Nolita doesn't fail to bring a hint of je ne sais quoi to the city that never sleeps. Take it from me — the storefront especially dazzles at night. I was fortunate enough to stop in during the holidays and it was enchanting. 

 

I've rounded up a few of my favorite Sézane picks from the winter collection — shop 'em below!

1. Sézane Harlow Skirt // Um, yes, please. My wardrobe needs a soft leather mini that looks just as fabulous with mariner stripes as an oversized knit sweater.

2. Sézane Gaston Jumper // My femme side is screaming out for this fringy cream-colored lace jumper that practically calls for a trip to the City of Light. That and naturally tousled waves… I digress.

3. Sézane Oscar Striped Jersey // True story: I initially discovered Sézane through one of their highly coveted collaborations with Madewell. A "toi avec moi" striped pocket tee from said collab continues to be one of my most beloved Breton shirt purchases to date. It would only seem fitting if I were to snatch up this sweet bow-back top next. The only question: navy or red? 

4. Sézane Bow Coat // "BRB, off to grab croissants at the corner bakery." 'Nuff said. 

5. Sézane Elise Dress // French girl insouciance at your fingertips, right this way. Style this garden party-ready embroidered dress with noir tights and a teddy bear topper for all your after-hours affairs.

6. Sézane Demain T-Shirt // How about a whimsical t-shirt that puts a smile on your face and inadvertently gives back in the process? With proceeds from the purchase of each tee being donated to children's education, Sézane's charity initiative of choice, you can't lose.

7. Sézane Joe Coat // Every girl needs a sophisticated coat that elevates even the most normcore of looks (jeans, a tee and perfectly worn-in Chucks). Although, trust that this double-breasted number would look right at home with a corduroy mini and menswear-inspired brogues — should you take that route. 

8. Sézane Low Arthur Boots // Err'body's cult favorite Chelsea boot reimagined in chic leopard. Any takers?

Visiting NYC? Be sure to stop by L’Appartement New York:

L’Appartement New York
254 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012

Are you loving Sézane as much as me? Comment below with your favorite pieces from the collection!

xo,
A

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vintage. stripes.

Fall, as we know it, is knocking on our door. The leaves are changing. Snaps of apple orchards and weekend excursions to the pumpkin patch have slowly been taking over my Insta feed. The only thing missing? In lieu of fall weather, we've been experiencing a bit of an Indian summer here lately. Although, to be fair, Virginia is known for its notoriously mild October temps.
 
Lemme tell you, these vintage Levi's cutoffs have been the real MVP as of late. Since the onset of summer, I made it my mission to uncover a pair of perfectly broken-in Levi's in a light wash with minimal distressing. (See inspiration a la the one and only Amy Stone here.) Don't ask me to explain the difference the between a pair of 501s or 505s (couldn't tell ya if I tried!), but best believe the scavenger hunt to find the quintessential cutoffs is worth it in the end. Seeing as to how I'm new to this thrifting business, I hit up Urban Outfitters' Urban Renewal line for some reworked Levi's. I recommend checking in store for best selection and to ensure that you're getting exactly what you bargained for. Each pair is unique, so distressing and washes vary.

Can we talk about this rad striped blouse by College Town for a sec? It also just so happens to be a thrifted piece that I picked up at a local vintage shop. After not purchasing it the first time I saw it (despite trying it on and falling in love with it immediately), I knew it was meant to be when it was still waiting for me on BOGO Wednesday (yes, I also ended up snagging a granny-meets-Alexa-Chung-esque floral embroidered cardigan as well). Between the retro stripes and flouncy collar detail, what's there not to love?

As far as throwback trends go, get ready to cringe. And cringe hard. I'm officially back on the scrunchie bandwagon — and I have Mansur Gavriel's fall 2017 presentation to thank for that. Who knew an effortless low-slung pony could look so utterly elegant and, dare I say it, non-fussy? Not I. To add that extra zhoosh factor, I secured my ponytail with an extra AF sequin scrunchie, and voila. Man Repeller status = accomplished.

Moving forward, I cannot wait to style my trusty Levi's with an oversized knit sweater and Chelsea boots. #OOTD snaps to come or it didn't happen...

What's the best thing you've ever thrifted? Comment below!
 
xo,
A

4

best. of. glastonbury. style.

While Glastonbury Festival may have come and gone in a flash, I’m naturally still drooling over all the fab fashion sightings. Despite never having attended Glastonbury, I’ve come to associate the British music festival with a certain waxed field jacket (does Barbour ring a bell?) and a parade of rainy day wellies that come out rain or shine. Sure, there’s still your typical festival-going attire (OTT sequins! Glitter-sprayed cheeks! Shimmery piñata-inspired fringe!), but once again the Londoners have turned out in full force gracing us with their sartorial greatness. Have I piqued your interest yet? Keep on scrolling for a highlight reel of some of my favorite looks from the Instagram sphere.

1. Classic Glasto uniform // Could Sophia Rosemary Barrese be any more perf? Nope. She’s got that classic Glasto uniform down to a science, and I’m low-key loving it. Translation: I would wear this head-to-toe getup to fall harvest in a heartbeat. But ~news flash~ wouldn’t we all? (via @sophia_rosemary)

2. Ghetto superstar: I call this look “when you’re glam AF and you know it.” Slay on with a pair of your own rockstar shades, an accompanying day dress and *perfect* windswept hair. (via @kararosemarshall) 

3. Daytime metallics rule supreme // Switch out the editorial-ready Barbour for an off-duty military jacket with rad embroidered patches. Then set it off with a metallic mini, a rocker tee and tough-girl ankle boots for major slayage. (via @shopgirlbella)

4. Yellow rainy day mac: You had me at rubber ducky yellow rainy day mac that requires not a raindrop in the sky. (via @shoeandclothe)

5. Vintage blouse // Alright, alright. I’m about to raid this FASHUN blogger’s closet that’s bound to be chock full of vintage gems like this renaissance fair-inspired blouse. Don’t even get me started about her high-waisted mom shorts and huarache-style sandals. (via @sophia_rosemary)

6. B is for Barbour: Call me crazy, but I imagine more Barbour jacket spottings at Glastonbury than a preppy college town in the south (cough, Charlottesville, cough). Though best believe the styling in London would be especially exceptional. (via @alexachung)

7. Femme meets tomboy // Now, we’re talking. Maybe I’m a tad biased, but I’ve always been a fan of the whole sneakers-and-dress combo. This gem right here is no exception. (via @c_illidge)

8. An Alexa Chung-esque jumper // YOU GUYS. In case you somehow missed the memo, regional It girl A.Chung recently debuted her namesake clothing line and this whimsical face jumper is included in the collection. Chung models it SO well. (via @alexachung)

9. Back to basics: Dialed down has never looked so RIGHT on the money. Suki Waterhouse shows everyone who’s boss with her stripped-down approach to overdone festival fashion. Frayed hem denim shorts and everyday stripes have never looked so — wait for it — utterly groundbreaking. (via @_springlondon)

 

10. Ditsy floral frock + Hunter boots // And here’s yet anotha stunner lewk from you-guessed-right. There’s something to be said about a ditsy floral dress and some worn-in Hunters that screams savvy London girl in the idyllic English countryside, amirite? (via @sophia_rosemary)

11. Kooky apron dress: ...and that’s a wrap. This Alexa Chung lookalike werks it in her frilly PVC apron dress that’s part cool girl, part rodeo-ready (it must be the fedora and leather ankle boots). (via @josefin_ohrn)

Are you obsessed with Glastonbury fashion? Which style blogger/celeb do you think was best-dressed? 

xo,
A

2

see it. want it. buy it.

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

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brand. spotlight. // YSTR.

Just how dreamy is YSTR's Seraphine Ruffle Top? Obsessed would be an understatement.

YSTR's minimalist design is so on-point with the brand's aesthetic.

As much as I love frequenting perennial favorites like Madewell, J.Crew and Free People (among others), every now and then it’s good to mix it up with an up-and-coming label. Enter YSTR (derived from “yesterday”), a new e-commerce brand out of LA that gives Reformation a serious run for their money. They launched this past July with a capsule collection of California-chic essentials with a retro twist (think: an easy-breezy ruffled blouse, a carefree black jumpsuit and a relaxed fit t-shirt dress) that are made to fit and flatter.

Not only are the clothes themselves beautiful, but YSTR's cut-to-order technology allows them to cut down on fashion waste. They only carry limited runs of each fabric so as to keep their collections fresh and to avoid having leftovers. In addition to their eco-friendly mission, YSTR is also an advocate for timeless style. Just as it says on their website: “Clothes you’ll love, inspired by yesterday & tailored for the modern era.” Though I enjoy test-driving the latest trends, there’s something to be said about a statement piece you can wear for years and years to come.

We take inspiration from vintage silhouettes and classic styles from the 20th century, then tailor them to fit the modern era. This design approach allows us to make sure every YSTR piece becomes a favorite staple in your wardrobe that will never go out of style.

I was lucky enough to snag a piece (or two) from YSTR’s debut collections and I have to say I’m already a fan. Upon opening my package, I was super impressed with the attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced clothing, the Seraphine Ruffle Top felt incredibly special and one-of-a-kind. I’ve already worn it on a few occasions, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how versatile it is. While the ruffles are a bit on the dramatic side, there’s still something incredibly effortless and classic about the style. I can’t wait to wear it with high-waisted black jeans next!

I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite YSTR pieces below — definitely take a look at their website + keep an eye out for their upcoming September collection!

1. Seraphine Ruffle Top in Blue // Sophisticated with an air of cool. The great thing about the Seraphine Ruffle Top is that you can dress it up with a skirt (like I did) or pare it down with denim cutoffs for an off-duty look. Believe it or not, it’s 10 times more stunning in person.

2. Anais Dress in Floral // Last-minute summer getaway? Add this tropical bib dress to your packing list for a slip-on-and-go piece that takes you from beach to boardwalk. It’s that easy.

3. Isley Tee // You can’t go wrong with a simple t-shirt, especially when it’s a super soft v-neck. The Isley Tee comes in both black and white for your sartorial delight — so don't hesitate to invest in them both!

4. Chloe Blouse // Just as the description reads, this drapey blouse is for “the ladies who tend to order a size up, on purpose.” I actually have the Chloe Blouse and I like to describe it as laid-back chic with an ultra-femme twist. I can’t wait to wear it with everything from denim boyfriend shorts to a school-girl wool mini.

Afternoons spent on the Upper East Side call for your Sunday best. I couldn't be more pleased with how the Seraphine Ruffle Top ended up looking teamed with my summery Scotch & Soda skirt and Madewell sandals.

Be sure to give YSTR some love by following them on Instagram, “liking” them on Facebook and joining their e-mail list (scroll down to the bottom of their website).

What’s your favorite piece(s) from YSTR? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

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pinch-free. st. patty's. day. outfits.

Don’t have a St. Patrick’s Day outfit planned out yet? Say no more! Whether you’re looking to dress in head-to-toe green or are all about those subtle pops of mint, scroll down for three green (and pinch-free!) #OOTDs that can be styled with almost zero effort.

 

When in doubt, mix in green accessories that exude your personal style. Start with a trusty striped dress and then proceed to add in a kelly green satchel (loving this one from Cambridge Satchel Company!), a pair of mint sandals and some sparkly green bejeweled studs. If you’re not so keen on wearing all-green-everything, then you can just pick one attention-getting accessory to keep the pinches at bay.

1. Seastone Sparkle Cluster Studs (Kate Spade)
2. The Cambridge Satchel Company Mini Push Lock Crossbody Bag (Madewell)
3. Faux-Leather Double-Strap Sandals for Women (Old Navy)
4. Chinti and Parker Striped Cotton-Jersey Mini Dress (Net-a-Porter)

Dress to impress with this preppy outfit that you could wear to class, work and beyond. Celebrate the arrival of spring (this Sunday!) by incorporating some throwback floral into the equation. This Brady Bunch-esque button-front skirt (with hints of mint + lime) can be teamed with a white scalloped blouse and a cardigan/denim jacket/field jacket depending on the weather. For an extra dash of green, try working in an emerald cross-body bag, mint flats and/or fluorescent green nail polish FTW!

1. Butter London Nail Polish in Wellies (Net-a-Porter)
2. Kara Nano Tie Leather Shoulder Bag (Net-A-Porter)
3. The Fortuna Flats (M.Gemi)
4. Scalloped Carrie Cami (J.Crew)
5. Floral Twill Skirt (H&M)

Non-green enthusiasts, I hear ya! Rest assured that you don’t have to love shamrock green to avoid the pinches on St. Patty’s Day. Enter an army green jacket that won’t cramp your minimalist style one bit. Keep things business as usual with a slouchy striped tee, streamlined black skinny jeans and of-the-moment slides (I actually want to snag these for myself!) Last step: Add some pep to your step by fastening a festive green hair tie around your ponytail or braid.

1. Field Mechanic Jacket (J.Crew)
2. Yoga Hair Ties (Banana Republic)
3. Pointed Flat Fashion Mule (Old Navy)
4. Short-Sleeve Slouchy T-Shirt (J.Crew)

5. High Riser Skinny Jeans (Madewell)

What will you be wearing for St. Patrick’s Day? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

PS: For more green sartorial inspo, check out my article, 18 Green Dresses to Wear on St. Patrick's Day (+ All Spring Long).

2

september. the. list.

It's hard to believe, but September is just about outta here. WHAT?! To celebrate the arrival of October (any other fellow Libras?!), I've put together a roundup of my top picks for fall. With the exception of a few of-the-moment trends (button-front skirts, I'm looking at you), these are all tried-and-true staples that you can wear for seasons to come. #winning

Alexa Chung for AG Kety Cord Mini Skirt (Anthropologie) + Denim Skirt (Nordstrom) // Like everyone else, I'm currently loving button-front skirts. Now, whether I can actually pull one off is a different story... Both of these options from Alexa Chung's line for AG are at the top of my list. I especially love the corduroy one on the left which seems significantly less intimidating to me.  Not to mention that it would also look super cute with lace-up flats and a chunky knit sweater.

Loeffler Randall Ambra Flat (Loeffler Randall) // Speaking of lace-up flats, these Loeffler Randall beauties are utter perfection. Insert heart eyes emoji. From styling them with skinny leg jeans to A-line mini skirts, the outfit possibilities are endless.

The Downtown Field Jacket (J.Crew) // Ah! Field jackets are ah-mazing. I have one from J.Crew Factory and now I really want to invest in another one. Whereas my current field jacket is more of a lightweight cotton material, the ones from J.Crew are made of water-resistant waxed cotton.  I'm currently eyeing one in either black or mossy brown.

Letter Pendant Necklace (Shopbop) // Since I'm not a fan of monograms, I've come to the conclusion that a simple initial pendant necklace is completely necessary. I love this one by Kate Spade — it's clean, simple and practical enough to be worn on the daily. As someone who normally gravitates toward statement necklaces, I think it'll be nice having a more subtle piece of jewelry for #sweaterweather days.

The Simone Highrise in Black (Industry Standard) // Black jeans are yet another one of my fall must-haves. I have a pair from Madewell that I absolutely swear by.  Alas, they've seen better days. To ensure that I have a back-up pair, I've already asked for these high-rise black jeans from Industry Standard for Christmas. Based upon how much I love my Industry Standard jeans in ink blue (read all about the "jeans of my dreams"), it only makes sense to snag another pair.

What are your fall must-haves? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

0

kate. spade. // spring. 2016.

Ah! Kate Spade, you never fail to knock my socks off. ICYMI: KS's Spring 2016 collection, entitled "Imagine the Possibilities," was just as colorful, witty, kitschy and FUN as you would expect it to be. Fun fact: Over 30,000 fresh blooms were brought in to decorate the show venue and to hand out to attendees. I loved the c-o-l-o-r-f-u-l lineup of clothing, shoes and accessories (oh the bags!) so much that, naturally, a quick post was in order. Thanks to all the scrolling and double-tapping that I did on Insta, I've rounded up some of my favorite snapshots from the presentation. (All photo credits noted within the captions below.)

Photo via @ladydeborahlloyd // Imagine the Possibilities.

Photo via @ftdflowers // #livecolorfully

Photo via @ladydeborahlloyd // Black + yellow everything, please!
 

Photo via @bloomingdales // Tea time at Spade.

Photo via @katespadeny // Behind every KS girl is a bouquet of fresh blooms...

Photo via @katespadeny // I spy an ice cream truck clutch.  Insert heart eyes emoji.

Photo via @mrbradgoreski // BRB, crying, because this was Brad Goreski's last time styling a show for Kate Spade.

Photo via @portermagazine // Stop and smell the roses.

And now for a few of my favorite looks from the presentation (Photos via Vogue Runway)...

Candy stripes FTW!  I especially want to replicate the head-to-toe look on the left.  Don't even get me started on the accessories...  An orange bucket bag and movie theater-inspired clutch?  Sign me up.

So chic + sophisticated.  Besides the fact that stripes are a perennial staple, I am straight-up loving the classic trench + navy crossbody bag look.  Can we just go ahead and skip to spring already?!

Ooh-la-la.  I mean, what is there not to love here?  Pretty floral prints, bow flats (!) and a chic neutral palette.

What were your favorite looks from the Kate Spade 2016 collection? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

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