Work Smart to Play Hard

I'm beyond excited to start the day because I'm spending it with the one and only DCFoodporn! I'll be updating a ton on instastories so make sure you follow along.  We'll be hitting up more than one place so it should be a good time - hopefully my food coma won't be TOO bad!

Then, I'm getting up early to teach on Saturday and heading to the Walters Art Museum to get my exploration on afterwards.  It's been years since I last went so I'm pumped!  On Sunday, I have a longgggg but awesome shoot planned with Jared Wolfe in Alexandria, VA.  I'm probably going to be there all day, but no complaints here!  We always get a lot of really cool shots so I'm pumped to work with him again.  What are you guys up to this weekend? Do you have any cool plans?

I used to be obsessed with working 24/7, but my mentality's changed quite a bit over the last few months. I genuinely DO think it's possible to have it all!  You can be a girl boss, while making the most of life.  Yes, sacrifice is obviously necessary, but if you work smart, your efficiency will allow you (at least) some breathing room.  Plus, it's all a crucial part of your education anyway so put yourself out there and try new things as often as possible.

I've been doing fun stuffs each week to challenge myself, and I feel so much happier which in turn helps my productivity.  See? I told you it was a total win-win!  So, join me on my journey to grab life by the balls and kick ass all day, every day.

Now, a few words on today's featured OOTD!  I decided to style a super casual look for you guys. I centered my getup around my new Laila Jayde tank and paired it with skinnies.  To battle the cold, I threw on a fab coat from Free People (I bought it at Last Call last year) and wore velvet booties to match.  I finished things off by carrying a statement bag from Handbag Heaven!  I don't know if ombre is still "in" or not, buttt I don't really care.  I like it, and that's all that matters, ha!  What do you guys like to wear on the daily? Describe your everyday "uniform."

 Tank:  Laila Jade || Bag:  Handbag Heaven || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Coat:  Free People via Last Call || Shoes:  Amiclubwear ($32.50)

Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

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Find of the Day: The Mesh Ruffle Top ($17)

I'm a huge fan of mesh, and although I own a lot of clothes with pops of the fabric, never in my life did I think I was ever going to wear an entire piece made of it.  When I saw this piece online at ASOS, I immediately added it to my cart...only to leave it there unpurchased.  To be honest, I've always thought it was a skimpy and somewhat scandalous material so I wasn't sure I'd feel 100% comfortable wearing it.  Well, as you can see, I decided to take the plunge.  I mean, it was on sale for $17, plus I could always return it if I wasn't feeling it.

Needless to say, I'm beyond pumped that I decided to step outside my comfort zone.  I seriously fell in love with the top the second I tried it on!  The piece has a relaxed fit with an asymmetric ruffle hem, and it's ridonkulously cute.  For those of you wondering, I'm wearing a US 4, and it fits me perfectly.

I paired the top with a lacy bralette and high-waisted skinnies to keep things modest and threw on a moto jacket on top for extra warmth.  To finish things off, I carried my Chanel boy and slipped on my favorite animal print heels!

Shop my look: 

Jacket:  Boohoo (similar) || Top:  ASOS ($17) || Jeans:  Aeropostale (similar) || Bag:  Chanel (look for less) || Bralette:  Gentle Fawn (similar)

Photos shot by the fabulous Sung Shin.

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Cozying Up This Winter

It's time for another remix, everyone!  Last week, I dressed this fabulous cardigan up and shot it at Tysons Galleria with the wonderful Katelyn Mariko.  I definitely wear polished outfits to work, but I like to keep things rather casual when I'm off.  I used to rock sweatshirts and hoodies a lot in college, but I go for more sophisticated options now.  A cozy cardigan is equally comfortable yet a million times more stylish!

For today's OOTD, I re-featured many of my old favorites.  I wore magical skinny jeans from Stitch Fix and paired them with a simple tank.  Then, I threw on an oversized cardigan for warmth and went with animal print pumps for a splash of print.  

Other fabulous cardigans (all under $75):

Tank:  Chaser || Jeans:  Stitch Fix || Cardigan:  Gentle Fawn (also available in gray) || Shoes:  Off 5th

Photos shot by the amazingly talented Jared Wolfe.

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My New Custom Made Boots

Feeling all sorts of fancy in my new bandage skirt!  I picked this piece up at BCBG Factory Outlet a while back for $30, and I can't get over how cute it is.  I paired it with a graphic tee to dress things down and threw on a faux-leather moto jacket on top to add some edge.  How would you guys style this skirt?

 Other fabulous skirts I'm currently lusting for:

Sung caught me mid-twirl because he's a pro like that!

Let's take a closer look at my new boots courtesy of Two Perfect Souls.  Custom shoes are seriously the way to go - these babies are, hands down, my new favorites.  They're so beautifully made and they couldn't be more comfortable.  For those of you interested, TPS specialize in petite heels and unique 3-D jewelry.  Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! I'm always happy to hear from you guys.

Boots:  Two Perfect Souls || Skirt:  BCBG Factory Outlet  (similar)|| Tee:  Sincerely Jules || Bag: Chanel (look for less) || Jacket:  Boohoo (similar)

Photos shot by the amazing Sung Shin.

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Find of the Day: The Mock-Neck Tunic ($39.50)

Alright everyone, I'm EXTRA excited for today's post because I've styled fab velvet boots for you guys.  I don't know if you remember, but I blogged about these Gianvito Rossi lookalikes a few weeks ago.  If you're a fan of the velvet trend, you'll absolutely love my latest OOTD.

Anywho, I don't know what it is about neutral hues, but they just ooze elegance and sophistication to me.  Now, before I go any further, I HAVE to tell you all about my new tunic-dress.  I got it online at Last Call a while back for $40, and it's still available for the same price (!!!) It was originally $126 so you're getting serious bang for your buck.  FYI:  the side slits are a bit high so you may need to wear leggings underneath.

My dress sans cardi!

A close-up shot of my monogrammed crossbody bag from GigiNY!  Their madison crossbody is the perfect everyday bag.  Made of pebble grain leather, it has a large interior pocket and an adorable tassel zipper!  For those of you interested, it's available in 6 other colors, and you can personalize it up to three initials if that's your thing.  I don't have a middle name so I went with KK!  How do you guys feel about monogrammed pieces - are they a yah or a nah?

Other velvet shoes I'm currently lusting for:  

Onto my Gentle Fawn cardi.  If you're a fan of fringe, this piece is an absolute must-have!  Run, don't walk though because it's on sale for $111.75 (originally $149).  Look effortlessly stylish in cold weather with this cozy knit - also available in gray.

Bag:  GigiNY || Dress:  P. Luca ($39.50) || Shoes:  Amiclubwear ($32.50) || Cardi:  Gentle Fawn 

 Shot by the fabulous Katelyn Mariko.

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Wearing Stripes to Work

I'm beyond pumped to share photos from my 2nd shoot with Katelyn Mariko with y'all today on SS! I styled a cute but (very) comfy work-friendly look for you guys featuring all new pieces.  I started with a simple base for a classic office ensemble:  a flattering striped tank dress from Laila Jayde. 

This piece oozes sophistication with it's mock-neck, and its solid side panels visually slim one's figure.  If you prefer a lower neckline, check this design out!  It's basically the same silhouette, and it's available in both B&W and navy/white.

I styled the dress with a fitted jacket (courtesy of Donna Degnan) for a polished vibe and accessorized with an elegant pendant necklace to top things off.  For those of you wondering, this necklace is a long-time favorite of mine.  I bought it at Talbots a few years back, and I still wear it on a regular basis. They (very surprisingly) carry a ton of cute accessories! I've bought a fair amount of jewelry, shoes, AND scarves there.  I used to be obsessed with their skirts as well, but I kind of grew out of that phase - at least for the time being!

A closer look at my shoes!  I wanted to incorporate a splash of color so I did so with my heels.

Dress: Laila Jade || Shoes:  Steve by Steve Madden via Stitch Fix || Jacket:  Donna Degnan || Necklace:  Talbots

Photos shot by the amazing Katelyn Mariko.

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How-to Transform Your Everyday Look in Seconds

I don't know about you guys, but I'm all about cute outfits that are comfy as hell.  I understand that looking fine entails at least a bit of pain sometimes, but when it comes to daily getups, comfort trumps all especially if I'm out running errands like a crazy person.  So, that brings me to today's post: two easy ways to elevate your everyday look.

1.  Throw on a fierce statement necklace!  I mean, it's really as easy as that, and it makes all the difference in the world.  Transform a potentially blah look into something much cuter in 2 seconds tops.  I get all my baubles from JWholesale because they have an amazing selection for a fraction of the price.  I have a giant collection of necklaces from them in varying styles and colors!  What can I say? I love having options.

2.  Wear cute boots over jeans!  I swear, this combo's a total godsend.  Personally, I prefer OTK boots, but tall ones work well, too.  Tuck your pants into these babies for a casual vibe that oozes polish and sophistication.  I own several different pairs, both expensive AND affordable, and I wear them equally depending on the weather.  

Today's boots are from Boohoo.  I got them a few years ago, and they're super comfy!  They were on sale for like $15 so I couldn't resist picking up a pair.  I wore them with my favorite skinny jeans from Aeropostale for today's low-key look.  My top's from Stitchfix, and my necklace, as I mentioned earlier, is from JWholesale.  To finish things off, I threw on my Style & Co moto jacket.

Shot by the amazing Sung Shin.

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Lost in a Sea of Green

So beyond excited to tell you guys all about my new boots today on SS!  I don't know if you all remember, but a while back, I partnered up with Two Perfect Souls for a fab giveaway.  One super lucky winner won custom shoes of their choice (!!!) I ordered a pair for myself, and I honestly couldn't be more impressed.  I was kind of skeptical when I sent Evelyn, the lovely owner, my measurements, but I'm a believer.  Custom shoes are now a luxury I'm more than willing to pay for! Not only are these boots super stylish, they're ridiculously comfortable.   Made of suede + leather, they're perfect for cold weather!  Do yourself a favor and invest in a pair ASAP.

Now, let's talk about my new Gentle Fawn dress.  I got this baby in the mail recently, and it's the ultimate transitional piece.  For those of you interested, it's currently on sale for $60 (!!!) - also available in coral. 

Get your layer game on in the winter to style a fashionable look that withstands the cold!  I'm not wearing tights or leggings here because I'm a crazy person (apparently), but you definitely should if it's cold out.  It'll create the illusion of longer legs anyway so it's a definite win-win. 

A close up shot of the back for you guys!

Other fabulous mini-dresses that I'm currently lusting for (all under $50):

A photo of the vintage Bally bag I told you guys about in my designer bag roundup!

Dress: c/o Gentle Fawn ($60) || Duster:  Sosie (similar) || Shoes:  c/o Two Perfect Souls || Bag:  vintage Bally || Necklace: c/o JWholesale

Shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

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All About Vintage Celine

Beyond pumped to partner up with Katelyn Mariko Photography for my latest!  We connected on IG and decided to collaborate by shooting a couple of outfits together at Tysons Galleria.  One of the BEST things about blogging is meeting new people.  I've had the opportunity to hang out + work with some truly amazing creatives!  We did three looks together so make sure to keep an eye out.

For today's work-friendly OOTD, I re-featured a bunch of old favorites:  my chunky cardi from Off Saks Fifth, my retro high-waisted BCBG dress pants, and my vintage Celine bag.  Sidebar:  I blogged about my designer bag collection a while back.  If you'd like to take a peek into my closet, clicky!

I'm a huge fan of neutrals, but I wanted to incorporate a pop of color so I paired my bottoms with a mustard tee.  I picked this baby up at Madewell during after-Christmas sales for $10 or so.  They were giving customers an extra 30% of sale merchandise & on top of that, they let me use my student discount (!!!!) 

Other fabulous chunky cardis:

Tee:  Madewell || Pants:  BCBG (old) || Cardi:  Saks Off Fifth (old) || Shoes:  c/o AMICLUBWEAR || Bag:  vintage Celine

Shot by the fabulous Katelyn Mariko.

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