5 Inspirational Instagrams You Should Follow



Instagram is ideal for inspirational images, new perspectives and emerging artists. The best accounts have a unique voice -- whether that be in continuously beautiful travel photos, digital collaborations or vintage photography collections. More than any other website, Instagram has become a visual haven for ideas to grow. 
Check out the above slideshow for five inspirational instagram accounts that you just have to follow: The Collecteur, J.Hannah, Rstheory, Gerogia_Tal and Monique_Delapierre --- each account will entice your creative side from a different point of view, while you scan through on your phone from the comfort of your desk/bed/couch/feet. 

Ruffles For Spring, Groundbreaking.

Let's play a game. Imagine you are suddenly five years old again. To you, the word 'ruffles' conjures up your entire wardrobe. A wardrobe that's probably stacked to the ceilings with pink frills, lace detailing, church dresses and colored stockings. You have yet to experience a world where grown women (those tall people walking around, fussing on the phone) wear such feminine detailing. 

Now, open your eyes. The seasons ruffles are romantic, subtle and delicate. From cascading layers to sheer tiers, femininity was in fine form at Paris Fashion Week. Leather ruffles appeared at Alexander McQueen, chiffon was abundant at Giambattista Valli and Proenza Schouler exuded major spanish vibes. Although I have never been a ruffle girl myself, I couldn't escape it. Everywhere I turned, my favorite minimal pieces were punctuated by it. The more it appeared, the more I considered it as an option. The frills of late may by flouncy by essence but are neither overly girly or too princess-like in execution. That makes for a perfect embellishment. 

If afraid to dive right into this trend, opt for one piece. I went for this one shouldered, subtly striped Zara top and paired it with cropped and belted Asos trousers, Carolina Herrera sandals and white L'oeil box bag. I don't know about you, but now that i've worn it, i'll be living in this feminine trim for as long as the sun will allow. 

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Warm Weather 101: The Bathing Suit

2016 Bathing suit shopping guide

Oh, God.

It's happening again.

Summer is coming. Summer is coming and I along with many other people have not stuck to the number one New Year's resolution: Get in shape. I can count on one hand how many times i've gone to the gym this year and I can tell you officially that salad does not taste like pizza. I still don't have a six pack and I still can't pronounce quinoa but I do have a guide for you today.

Bathing suit shopping can (and probably will always be) a dreadful event. The lights are harsh, the mirrors are too close and the body is inherently flawed. But, But! That doesn't mean shopping for a new suit has to be totally terrifying. Here are some tips and tricks for everybody and every body to remember before you stand underneath those fluorescent lights and decide on a turtleneck for vacation.

1) Disguise a tummy: Ruched fabric strategically placed as the waist can more than make up for the lack of abs existing there. The deeper the neckline the better.
2) Elongate legs: Baywatch knew what they were doing. Channel your inner 90's supermodel with high cuts. Think Cindy Crawford, think Pamela Anderson.

3) Lift boobs: This is important, very important. Suits with a wide strap, halter-neck or structured cups lift and hold what gravity won't.

4) Enhance a flat booty: Not everyone has been blessed with a Kim Kardashian (wait, was she even blessed with it?) bottom. Show a little cheek with a boy short or add in some frills with a print.
5) Small chest: PADDING. Patterned and embellished tops can also create an illusion. Like a magician.

6) Downplaying Broad Shoulders: Cut-outs and asymmetrical tops break up the neckline and draw the eye up and away instead of straight across.
7) Ample backside: Tugging for more coverage can be frustrating so opt for a bathing suit that has a side tie. You can adjust accordingly.
8) Hide muffin tops & Bulges: A high waist two piece that hits just above the navel or a one piece with slight gathering helps eliminate those stubborn womanly issues.

9) Curvy thighs: To flatter a fuller thigh, bottoms with a skirt or a boyshort can help conceal the top part of the leg that we all seem to have an issue with. Also, feel free to go shave-free. 

#OOTD: Elevated Basics




Lately, i've been focusing on finding quality basics with a twist. And when I say 'twist' I mean an interesting detail that makes the piece unique but still wearable for everyday (errands, dog walking, brunch) Instead of purchasing haphazardly or based on sudden emotion, I have been making sure that each new piece I add to my wardrobe is something that I wouldn't forget about if put on hold. For example, I walked into Topshop and put a pair of shoes on hold until I scanned through Bloomingdale's first. By the time I was done browsing, I couldn't even remember what the shoes looked like thus informing me that I was not in love with said item.

Note: Only buy pieces you're obsessed with.
Another note: Literally, out loud, in the store, ask yourself, "Do I love this piece?"
Side note: Unless you're having an absolutely shitty week, then buy it anyway. Return at later date.

Back to the point. I found these boyfriend jeans at Zara. Low price, quality look, fantastic details like a deeper hued hem and frayed edges. They also have slight distress and make my butt look lovely. I guarantee your butt will also look lovely in them. Next, my tie front button down blouse from H&M. This shirt makes me want to give button downs a second try.

Check out these button down blouses (with interest)
Easily, my handmade leather bag from a new favorite store of mine and others, Loeil, has easily become a wardrobe bestie. It's square. It reminds me of my childhood lunch box and it's super modern. It doesn't hurt that the inside is stock full of navy blue polka dots and gold detailing. All of these items could be basic but are not. Do you get what I mean?

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What pieces have you been loving lately? 
And how are you dressing up your wardrobe staples?



Making a case: For Mules


And no, i'm not talking about the stubborn animal. I'm talking about shoes. Backless, slide on shoes that are not quite slippers but not quite flats and are totally acceptable to wear in every scenario. Abandoning height for comfort is an increasing trend in the footwear department lately, and for good reason. It makes commuting around easier. If you were to say, get robbed on the street, you could slide these babies off and chase after the crook. (I've been watching too much Daredevil) If you happen to be at the airport, you could easily take these off at that awkward part of boarding without falling over as you try to yank off your zipless leather boots.

Besides all those varying points, mules are just super cute.

Seen on crucial runways like Alexander Wang and Balenciaga the mule resurfaced with a sense of lightness and simplicity, even when embroidered or covered in fur. Maybe it's the surge of pajama dressing causing us all to embrace the ease of a supposed inside shoe or maybe it's pure laziness. Either way the flattering line of a mule, paired with its majestic origins, is likely to stay in rotation beyond Spring and Summer.

You have your share of pickings, too.

For example, the patterned mule. An easy statement. A chic exclamation, "Hello! Check me out!" It demands attention without asking.

Then you have your wildly popular embellished mule. Jeans, t-shirt, no problem. 


The simple mule; for those of you not ready to take that party-show-plunge. 

The chunky mule aka the shit kicking shoe. 

With all these options, are you buying? Have you already bought? Past tense?
Tell me what you think about the mule.