15 Winter Outfits To Guide You This Season

Hate to break it to you guys, but it's about to get freaking frosty.
I don't hate to break to you that, in fact, fall and winter are the freaking best.

Reason 1: Layering. Summer was all about getting the most bang for your buck. Aka wearing the least amount of clothes while maintaining some sort of class, dignity, and personal style.

Reason 2: Hot drinks. You can now sip an almond milk latte without sweating from various orifices as your silk blouse sticks to your back, questioning, "Why? why in 94-degree weather?"

Reason 3: The holidays. But more particularly, the holiday shopping and holiday movies and holiday egg nog and holiday decorating. Don't be a grinch, you know you love it.

Reason 4: The street style and the trends that come with it.

Reason 5: You don't have to worry about the constant, nagging fear of an abrupt pool party in which you have to wear a bathing suit after eating 2 plates of pasta an hour before.

With all these incredible and true reasons, do you need more convincing? If so, check out the 15 outfits above I found for you to ogle. If not, still check out the 15 outfits because I guarantee you'll find inspiration in at least one of them. The streets are filled with the style we all crave this season.

An oversized white button down and glossed leather ankle boots? I dig it.

Patent leather trench coats and cap toe pumps.

Plaid, houndstooth and loads of Gucci.

A RUFFLED, knitted, cold-shoulder sweater. What?!

Unexpected colors compliment and never clash.

Massive sleeves and stripes make for a drool-worthy combination.

Carry your summer dress into the new season by layering it over denim, of course!

Belting a puffer jacket (down jacket) is the french way of slimming down this oversized outerwear.

And more and more and more above. ^
Photos via: Vogue, Who What Wear and Collage Vintage.

Breaking Out of A Creative Rut With Zaful

 In the midst of working two jobs, a controversial (and hurtful) election, and squeezing in time to get a few coconut milk rum cocktails, I have neglected this blog. I've slept and dreamt about writing. I've taken a brown sugar bubble bath and thought about editing photos. I've deposited checks, browsed online (without purchasing anything) and tried to talk myself into photographing products but I just couldn't do it. Passion and creativity are tricky things; when you don't feel them, it's hard to force them to show up for the party. For some reason, this election made me want to dive back in. Why, you ask? Because all we can do is move forward (and protest) and continue to better our lives (go to school, work, make money, travel, eat too many carbs and attend too many loud concerts) immerse ourselves in what we love and make our lives our own.

It also helped that the fun and trendy website, Zaful, sent me a message about collaborating. I picked out an enormous black fluted sleeve sweater and another item I will be photographing soon. This sweater is my favorite kind of fall piece. Oversized, more-than-comfortable and with an interesting detail. In this case, it's the massive sleeves. Wiggling my arms around has never been more fun. If my sweater's a bird, I'm a bird.

I paired the sweater with tie-waist leather shorts and knee-high leather heeled boots. I like to think that I was forcing a little New York into midtown Atlanta.

Wearable Runway: Rosie Assoulin, DVF & J.Crew

J.Crew

Since Fashion Week is filled with the artistic, the over-the-top and the fanciful, it was refreshing to see pieces you would actually be able to wear. And no, not only if the occasion is a wedding or major event. Jenna Lyons and co. brought in friends, industry favorites, and just generally cool people to wear the collection — which accompanied a feeling of familiarity and personal style. White bow ties, an abundance of khaki, a sea of stripes and light pink pants were included. 

Rosie Assoulin

Rosie is obviously a fan of eternal Summer vacations because the collection backdrop featured sand dune like flooring, beach chairs, straw bags and pastel tones that remind you of a lost tourist in Key West. The collection gave homage to all that is good about summer; full-length pants, bowling shirts, flare legs, an egg-blue denim jumpsuit, plaid, oversized sun hats and an unapologetically playfulness that is inherent to the brand. 

DVF

New York Fashion Week thrives on contemporary brands and DVF is one of them. Nonetheless, Jonathan Saunders introduced a much-desired freshness that we were all relieved to witness. Asymmetrical shapes, pristine tailoring, 70's detailing and modern sensibility while still playing with signature DVF (Beautiful prints and the wrap dress, of course) The biggest addition? Accessories. 

Stay tuned for more fashion week (or should I say fashion month?) 

Reviews, streetstyle, trends and more. 

Photos via: WWD. Vogue Runway and Elle

(5 Day's of the K's) Style Icon: Kim Kardashian

Pencil skirts, tonal colors and leather galore.

Kim Kardashian is a lighthouse of hope to anyone stuck between an awkward stage and a doesn't-yet-know-their-style-phase. Maybe it was the boyfriend/husband or maybe it was a baby, but in the past three years (here's looking at you Kanye?) Kim has gone from more is more to less is best. Extensions? Gone. Ultra-bold eyelashes? Gone. Artificial Cabo tan? Gone-ish. Now, she oozes a feminine, edgy-modern look that we all can appreciate and envy.

The best part about her style evolution is that she proved curvy figures can look equally as chic in a pencil skirt, turtleneck, or nude latex dress as those 'blessed' with waify statures and six foot long giraffe legs. Where many state that designers and brands only create pieces for runway-ready anomalies, Kim's (and Kanye's) style shows otherwise.

1) A red lip makes a bold statement, but a nude lip sets the tone.

2) Mobility is overrated, a hip-hugging calf-length pencil skirt is not. 

3) A mid-pony says laundry day but a high, sleek pony says Met Gala. 

4) Mom's can wear crop tops, too. Don't go too far, a little sliver with suffice. 

5) If you're not walking far, the higher the heel the better the heel (even with a little North on your hip)

6) You don't have to keep your pajamas exclusive to the boudoir. Wearing them outside can prove to be sexy and alluring. And of course, ultra feminine. 

7) Sunglasses = futuristic & oversized cat-eye

8) You're going to need a nude bodycon dress, by like, yesterday. 

9) OUTERWEAR: Army jackets, (faux) leather, longline blazers, kimonos. 

10) If you don't feel like straightening your hair, pigtail braids, a messy bun or subtle waves will do. 

11) Well fitted denim (not too tight and not too loose) is always a staple to keep updating. 

12) Try a choker. It's in, it's fun, it limits breathing but only slightly. No biggie. 

Thoughts? Opinions? Have you been thoroughly convinced to wear a tight dress this Friday? Do you suddenly want a matte foundation?

DISCLAIMER: KANYE NOT INCLUDED

Follow me on Bloglovin for updates on when I post cool shit like this. 

In My Shopping Bag: A Well-Traveled Great Grandma

While wandering through the interwebs at 3 AM, I clicked on a link that linked me to Matches Fashion. And while browsing through Matches, it suddenly occurred to me that having a steady retirement fund, living in my deceased 3rd ex-husband's estate and playing Bingo on the beach in a kaftan might be the ideal life for me. This realization dawned on me when I added a seersucker maxi dress to my shopping bag. For the fifth time. In my groggy-late-early-morning mind, I'd like to dress like a well-traveled great grandmother. Someone too busy to send you a birthday gift in the post by your actual birthday, but kind enough to remember to send it to you a few weeks later. It's the thought that counts, honey. 

Ninety percent of what I want to wear are in dress form. Silk-satin midi's like this one, ruffle trimmed crepe ones like this or even, actually, this jacquard maxi. But then, of course, there is a gingham printed one for, I don't know, a breezy impromptu picnic day. Then, think about how cool this would look with a pair of block heels and metallic socks, right? I know, so cool. 

Then I ventured into tops. I'm definitely going to need this ruffle-trimmed satin blouse for a play or a Wake, who knows which. Or maybe this milk-chocolate colored pussybow blouse for a quick trip to a fresh fruit market. When someone compliments the shirt I shall reply, "Well thank you, it's a pussybow." Because the word is fun and you don't get to use it often. Or this oversized point-collar shirt for when I'm feeling exquisitely spicy and order the white wine instead of the red. How great would that look with a long, pleated, metallic-blend skirt and slides? I'd have them rolling over in their graves, literally and figuratively. Oh, and a sweatshirt. Oh and this mock neck. What kind of woman do you think I am. A mock neck is essential.

Comfort is key. That's my motto. How does one expect to parade around town when I keep on tripping over my own feet? These carnation-print satin heels frame these hooves just right. I feel these in my 64+ soul, sensible and elegant, like myself. They're certainly too wonderful for an old folks home and besides, my grandchildren get postcards (a lost art) after I've already moved to a different area. They won't track me down in those, or these.

Oh, clothes. You keep me old in the best way possible.

Moodboard of The Week

“If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail. It could mean derision. It could mean mockery--isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you'll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you're going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is.” 

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That's the only thing you should be trying to control.” 

What to Wear When It's Too Hot To Wear Anything

If you consider "accidentally" walking into the sprinklers every time you pass them or  purposely spilling ice cubes from your sparkling water into your v-neck silk blouse, then it has officially gotten way too hot. Before you succumb to summer hibernation and binge watch Sex and The City for the 67th time, here are a few outfits that will allow you to leave your apartment without melting into a puddle of BB Cream, sunglasses and sunblock.

Idea #1: Brunch, Drinks or Dinner Date

By wearing an off-the-shoulder dress you are exposing your shoulders and glorious collarbones to any possible breeze that might occur per fifty minutes. The espadrilles are comfortable for walking long distances and super, super cool. The bag adds major beach vibes, even if you're stuck in the city.

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 Idea #2: Cocktails, Lunch and Shopping or Creative Job

In a creative working place, this kind of outfit is allowed. At a Real Estate office, maybe not. If inappropriate, opt for cucumber sushi rolls with an old friend, too many Sex on the Beach(es) or finally shop that sale you've been eyeing.

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Idea #3: Casual Afternoon, Sightseeing or Park Wandering 

No need for heels here. A laid-back afternoon is an event everyone looks forward to. Stay looking cool in a denim mini (not the Mean Girls inspired version) suede sandals and a shoulder-bearing top with major sleeve interest. The embroidered bag takes the lead, and bows, with butterfly-clad grace.

The Art of Sunnies

What do Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O have in common besides a signature hairdo? Signature sunglasses, of course. Think of Jackie in her oversized shades, Marilyn in her sexy, sophisticated cat-eyes, Audrey in her Manhattans. Or even, Mary Kate and Ashley, running through New York with coffee in hand, buried in oversized clothing, and in even more gargantuan shades.

The point: as far as outfit changing accessories go, sunglasses are basically at the top of the list. They add mystery. They reshape your face. They flatter the jawline. They keep the blinding sun out of your eyes while keeping you just hidden enough to avoid eye contact with that guy that just cannot stop looking over from his table. 

But, how do you find the pair that's perfect for you?

1. Square faces = soft edges

2. Round faces = angular frames

3. Oval faces =  anything BUT the most flattering = cateye

4. Heart shaped faces = Aviators

5. Cool factor = Sporty, embellished or futuristic