twenty. seven. names.

Fall inspirations include a groovy floral dress from twenty-seven names, glittery Dr. Martens derby flats, a deep midnight blue polish from J.Hannah, and snapshots from a recent-ish studio visit at Catbird HQ.

Sometimes all it takes is a creative spark to dig you out of a rut. Trust me, you're not alone if the shift in seasons has left you feeling a bit disoriented. This "clinically depressed fall girl" longs for nothing but endless sunshine and sundresses… I'll refrain from calling the next six months trash, but not NOT saying it either.

< I'm surviving. Everything is fine. >

As I struggle to find my footing in this season of change, I find myself dreaming up visions of fuzzy teddy fleece and heavy-duty stompers. A roadtrip to upstate New York or Vermont for spontaneous apple picking adventures wouldn't hurt either.

To mark the return of fall, I've curated a mini-moodboard reflecting my current color obsessions, a new-to-me New Zealand label, and hopefully a fresh POV to get me through these next few months.

That new NEW: Introducing twenty-seven names, an ethically minded brand combining childhood whimsy (a reminder to never grow up) with contemporary styling. (No joke: I now have a newfound appreciation for teaming all my dresses with socks + Docs!) The founders Anjali Burnett and Rachel Easting not only have quite the eye for playful prints and feminine silhouettes but their creative direction is pretty spot-on, too. I stumbled upon the label on IG and instantly fell in love with their ethos. Peep away at a few of my fall favorites below:

 
sequel shirt // TSN is serving up the charming prints and peter-pan collars this szn.
jane dress // dresses with pockets? yayyy, more room for snacks.

 
phoebe dress // this pink vivid floral print *sparks* immense joy.
diana pants // french girl insouciance meets lazy girl on a mission.

Color Scouting: ...midnight blue (definitely for my nails), blush, goldenrod, and tangerine hues. 
Write This Down: "what's for you won't pass you by"   
Listening To: I Know You Know (Ninski Remix)
Currently Craving: warm apple cider donuts 
#GirlCrush: Talita von Fürstenberg (the latest TVF for DVF collection is 🔥)
Beauty Obsession: Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser 

What's piquing your interest this season? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

3

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

0

how. i. styled. it. // UO. wrap. dress.

 

 

We May'd it. Not only is it finally beginning to feel more and more like spring (err, summer), but it's also a bit of a whirlwind weekend with graduation (not for me, but it's that time!), the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo all overlapping.

It took long enough, but I've finally abandoned the sheer nude tights for my bare legs. And with that, I celebrate the arrival of wrap dress + juice box season. Seeing as to how it's been 4ever since I've done an #OOTD post, I'm doing a quick rundown of one of my most recent lewks. The good news: The wrap dress in this post is still available (albeit, there's a limited size run) and it's on major sale. #WinWin



Ze dress: Upon stumbling across this long-sleeved ruffle wrap dress at Urban Outfitters, I knew I had to at least try it on. Despite the somewhat mixed reviews online, I actually loved it at first try-on — with a few exceptions. As many have noted, the fabric is a bit on the flimsy side and will need to be re-ironed with each wear. I'll have to check, but I believe I purchased this dress in a size small, so it appears to run TTS (most customers said that it runs large though, so be sure to keep that in mind). With it being a wrap dress, it does take a bit of adjusting to keep everything in place, but it wasn't a deal-breaker. To avoid any potential wardrobe malfunctions, I knotted the wrap front skirt and added a set of Dress Downs (aka, reusable garment weights), should it be extra windy outside. What else? While the daisy motif is super cute, beware that it's only printed on one side which cheapens the dress a bit, IMO. I didn't find the dress clingy — if anything, I found it extremely comfortable and perfect for the balmy temps. Oh! My fave part just may be the subtle ruffled bell sleeves. Cue the heart eyes. 

The lewk: On this particular outing, I kept it simple by styling my navy UO wrap dress with metallic gold oxford flats and a seafoam green crossbody bag. In case you were wondering: Trader Joe's has a v good lemonade juice box (I'm also partial to their apple juice.)

The verdict: Whether you're looking for a carefree summer dress or want to test-drive the wrap dress trend on a budget, I would 10/10 recommend this UO ruffled stunner that's currently available in three different colorways. For just under $20, this dress would be great for an outdoor sporting event, especially if you only plan on getting one wear out of it. Pro tip: Be sure to DL the Urban Outfitters app for additional savings (maybe) or at the very least to rack up points with their somewhat new-ish loyalty program.

Should you want to splurge on a wrap dress (cough, Ganni, cough), I've rounded up a few of my favorites below:

1. Tilden Tulip Mesh Wrap Dress in Vanilla Ice (Ganni) // Dem orange tulips.

2. The Alexandra in Navy Star (Réalisation Par) // Style influencer-approved, summer-ready.

3. Lucky Dress (Reformation) // "Never met a wrap dress I didn't like." 'Nuff said.
 
What's your favorite way to style a wrap dress for summer? Comment below! :)

xo,
A

2

roygbiv. sweater.

Spring is SO close, yet so far away…

I can’t believe that I’m admitting this, but I’ve actually been enjoying the cold spell that's been wreaking havoc on most of the east coast. WHO AM I?!?! While I’m a self-proclaimed summer girl through and through, there’s something to be said about the final push of blustery, cold air before spring takes over. (Although, don’t be mistaken, Virginia has become notorious for its unsettled sprinter-like weather.) Not to mention that it legitimately gives me an excuse to reach for all my beloved winter sweaters at least a handful more times.
 
Speaking of #sweaterweather, can we please talk about this happiness-inducing ROYGBIV number? It was an Anthropologie find from a new-to-me brand called Essentiel Antwerp, and it's basically the equivalent of a very stylish security blanket. While the oversized fits gives it a boho-chic feel, it's the Instagram-approved rainbow stripes that initially won me over. I kid you not — I can't wear it w/o smiling ear to ear. 

How I styled my trophy sweater: Typically with skinny jeans and smoking slippers, but I've also teamed it alongside a denim zip-front mini and suede ankle boots for a girlier vibe. These snaps were taken post-bomb cyclone craziness, but trust that it was nippy out — hence the need to document this look on two separate outings.
 
I don't know how y'all feel about scrunchies (err, cringe much?), but I'm all about this resurgence trend. Literally the moment I caught wind that Mansur Gavriel was going to be making scrunchies — three words: vintage Italian silk — I knew I was on board. Though a far cry from MG's perfectly elegant and non-fussy styling, my inner '90s kid couldn't turn down the chance to rock an extra AF sequin scrunchie. And so, a high-ponytail, it was.



 
Shop the look: stripe sweater (different, but I like this one for spring!) | frayed hem jeans (similar) | velvet loafers (similar) | sequin scrunchie (similar)

What are you most looking forward to about spring? Comment below!

xo,
A

2

ix. art. park.

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

1

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

0

the. reign. of. waxed. field. jackets.

Was it just me or was January a doozy? In the midst of unseasonably warm weather (for the most part anyway), I still somehow struggled with an extreme case of the winter blues. How many days until spring again? Do I even want to know? Probs not, but according to Punxsutawney Phil, we still have at least six more weeks of winter to endure. Womp, womp. 

On a positive note: The blasé days of January inspired me to keep the outfits coming. As a rule of thumb — whether it’s a rainy day, an important class presentation (I’m no longer in school anymore, but you get the idea) or a mundane Monday, an extra on-point ensemble can never steer you wrong. For the sake of having a productive work sesh, I often times will pull out all the stops just to feel more in the zone.

One particular pièce de résistance that’s been on repeat lately is this long waxed downtown field jacket from J.Crew featuring military-inspired details and a corduroy collar. The dark forest green hue doesn’t hurt either. It’s no overstatement when I say that I reach for it almost every. Freaking. Day. Rain or shine, work or play, it always comes through. What can I say? I love it’s off-duty appeal and the fact that it can be dressed up or down. While I love wearing it with plain ol’ jeans or black high-waisted skinnies, I’m equally obsessed with how it looks teamed alongside a mini skirt or a casual dress. To show you how it’s done, I’m sharing two different ways that I’ve styled my go-to topper of the season.

 

field jacket (similar) | gingham shirt (similar) | the margot highrise (industry standard) | cross-body bag (different color) | d'Orsay flats (similar)

Outfit #1: I call this my unofficial weekend uniform. There are few things that I love more than a gingham button-down — even better if it’s knotted into a bow. I paired it alongside my favorite Industry Standard Margot high-waisted jeans and a pint-sized Kate Spade cross-body bag (which holds just the essentials BTW!) for a look that reads girl-on-the-go. Perfectly put-together with a hint of prep, just the way I like it.

field jacket (similar) | sweater (different, but I love those tassels!) | skirt (different, but another great CM style) | tights (similar) | penny loafers (similar)

Outfit #2: Though a smidge more on the dressier side, I would also consider this to be an off-duty #OOTD. My field jacket instantly dials down the appearance of my jacquard mini skirt and lace-trimmed blush pink sweater (so pretty!) making it more suitable for the daytime. Since it was a bit nippy out, I opted for polka dot-printed tights and velvet penny loafers. 

What are your go-to ways to style a field jacket? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

4

NYC. #ootds.

As per annual tradition, I recently had the pleasure of spending a few days in my favorite city this past December. A recap of my trip will be coming to the blog soon, but in the meantime, I'm sharing the #OOTDs I wore. Just as a disclaimer: It was cold (like 20 degrees in the daytime cold), and so I was pretty limited in sartorial options. It was quite the wakeup call after last year's unseasonably warm temps. Bundled in layers with a cuppa steaming cider in hand, I think I actually fared pretty well. Regardless of the weather, anytime in NYC is a good time, amirite? Disclaimer #2: Don't be fooled, I only temporarily ditched my mustard coat for the third outfit snapshot.

Day 1: Since day one consisted of a six-hour-or-so train ride, I opted for a comfortable American Apparel floral dress, black tights, marled socks and lace-up ankle boots. Oh, and I cinched in the waist with a skinny leopard print belt from J.Crew. I’m thankful I decided to bring my mustard yellow toggle coat along — come the evening, having a hood to block out the windchill proved to be game-changing. AKA, I didn’t completely freeze.

Day 2: Being in the city during the most magical time of the year definitely influenced my decision to toss on this festive fair isle sweater by Free People. I opted for a casual look by styling it alongside my go-to Industry Standard jeans, lace-up ankle boots and a few layered necklaces. Side note: I'm so glad I thought to bring along my classic Cambridge Satchel bag. It was just the right size for everything I needed/wanted to carry, and it matched all my outfits without fail. #Winning

Day 3: In true NYC fashion (especially during the winter months!), you never know what to expect with the weather. That said, we actually woke up to some snow. While I enjoyed admiring the fluffy white stuff from the hotel room window at dawn amongst the quiet streets, trudging around in the slush was just a slippery mess. Although less chilly, a comfy-oh-so-cozy sweater from Scotch & Soda proved to be the perfect layering piece. I finished off the look with a cream-colored Club Monaco skirt and lace-up boots once again as the other ankle boots that I packed weren’t quite as all-weather friendly.
 
How do you combat the elements in style? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

1

fall. uniform.

As much as I live for the summer months, I have to admit the arrival of fall often brings out my inner style chameleon. I seek solace in all the cozy layers, textures and slouchy knits that inspire me to adopt a more laid-back ‘tude. Though the temps have been relatively moderate so far, I know it’ll only be a matter of time before the tights and heavy toppers make an appearance. (Although, you best believe that I’ll be holding out on the tights part until absolutely necessary.) 

Today, I’m sharing my favorite #OOTD from the season to date — in fact, I’d go as far as to call it my unofficial fall uniform. If I had to live in one outfit this entire season, then it would undoubtedly consist of a chunky knit sweater, a mini skirt and Chelsea boots. REPEAT. I love how effortless and dialed down this combo is — there’s nothing overly fussy or “trying too hard” about it. It’s as streamlined as you can get, yet still totally polished. In a few short weeks, I could easily see black tights thrown into the mix.

Pretending like I'm a stoop kid... 

Outfit details: The light blue knit sweater I’m wearing is one of my absolute favorites. It’s by Cheap Monday, and the fit is oh-so impeccable. It’s a little bit slouchy, a smidge oversized and 100% off-duty. I love pairing it with high-waisted skinny jeans equally as much as a skater skirt. Speaking of which, while this teal floral print skirt from Aritzia is more of a summer staple, it instantly takes on a fall-ish vibe when teamed with a sweater and ankle boots. Last but not least, I snagged my pointed toe Chelsea boots on a whim from Gap last fall (you can check out this year’s version here), and they’ve already been in heavy rotation this season. I literally can’t put 'em down. If anything, they're proof that I need to invest in more Chelsea boots (and actually a pair of Doc Martens while I’m at it).

Shop all my favorite knits, cold weather-approved skirts and Chelsea boots in the widget below:

Do you have a fall uniform that you swear by? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

1