Sporty Footwear with SOREL

May 8, 2018

WEARING: GANT RUGGER CRINKLE DREAMY OXFORD KNOT SHIRT | AMERICAN EAGLE DENIM SHORTS 
| SOREL ELLA SANDALS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GANT & SOREL.

Hey guys! I don't know about you but I always have the toughest time finding the perfect summer sandal. Since I'm a very active gal and literally run around doing a gazillion things at once, I need footwear that's comfortable enough to wear but also stylish. I need good quality support, something that's enough to take it from day to night, especially during those crazy warmer months where I'm not home as often as other seasons and therefore have no time to change outfits if I'm going out. Which is why these SOREL sandals in today's post are the bee's knees when it comes to summer footwear. Continue reading to see how I styled this casual but chic summery look and also where to shop these items directly.

The quality of the sandal material is very good and the sole has great traction and feels surprisingly thick. I'm wearing the Rose Gold with white straps and they are so cute and will match with so many outfits. This particular sandal also comes in a variety of colors such as black and camel, grey, all black and white. They are all a great sporty but sophisticated look to any summer look. And I find them very easily packable for travel for those jet-setters who are always looking for a little extra room in their luggage, these multi-purpose sandals would look amazing on anyone. The Ella sandal runs at $80.

The Crinkle Dreamy Oxford Knot Shirt takes its cue from classic American sportswear styling with its knot detail at the front. Made from crinkled Oxford cotton, (which is one of my favs) this shirt has an exaggerated shirt shape, with extra-long cuffs, point collar, and button down placket. I think the features really ties well in together with the American Eagle denim cutoff shorts and the SOREL sandals that are both also sporty - the ripped hem thanks to myself makes it a little country which I don't mind... I guess you can take the girl out of Michigan but you can't take Michigan out of the girl! :)

Again I can't stress enough how great these sandals are. If I can leap up in the air with them and have no trouble whatsoever, I either was born with cat feet-like tendencies or the SOREL sandals are legit amazing and everyone should own a pair. I'm already considering a different color to add to my collection but I must resist the temptation! I have too many shoes as is! More content coming your way soon, I'm sorry for the delay this week in posts! Too much going on - and in a fabulous way! Catch ya back on M + S very soon.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Bluesy Metallic Friday

October 20, 2017

WEARING: s a k u NEW YORK METALLIC KNIT TOP | AMERICAN EAGLE WHITE JEANS | 
EGO TEGAN POINTED TOE | FOREVER 21 CREAM PATENT CLUTCH BAG | GALTISCOPIO JOLI CRYSTAL
 RING | H&M BLACK FEATHER POLKA DOT FEATHERED HOOP EARRING

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY s a k u New York.

Lately, I've been feeling like I am failing in so many 'sections' of my life, I can't keep track. It leads to discouragement and therefore I'm harder on myself than I usually am. But it's also the fuel to the fire to not give up and to keep working toward what I want. What makes these cross paths in life easier to navigate? And how do you know when something is right? And even more so, how do you know when it's wrong? Regarding work and personal relationships, I am currently having major conflicts with time and effort. Trying to find the balance is quite difficult, even straight down to missing my best friend's wedding. And to make days of feeling pretty lousy worse, it just seems like so many people I know are getting those promotions, getting married, having babies, etc; and as much as I am happy for them - it's sometimes hard not to reflect on my own self. Am I doing the right thing? Am I making good decisions? Are they worth it? Are you worth it? Maybe I should focus more on settling down and starting a family. But life takes you in so many directions and as my father always used to say, "If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans."

You know, I've changed careers three times before really figuring myself out. From the criminal justice world to the figure skating world, to now the fashion blogging world, each transition scared the bejesus out of me. I've always firmly believed you should do one thing that scares you each and every day. And this can mean completely different things for everybody but challenge yourself. Not happy with something? Make that change. Get it done. Stop dreaming and start doing. Take a leap of faith. And even though each time I took a different route on that crazy path to self-discovery, as much as every time I would, of course, think over my choices, there was still something deep down in my gut that knew I was reaching closer to something. Like the truth.

Now, how do you know when something isn't right? If it's broke and unfixable, and/or you are asking yourself if you've reached the end of whatever it may be, maybe a career choice/job or any kind of relationship, those are pretty obvious signs to me. Though, I think that if you've applied a lot of diligent effort to something or someone and the results are still same and you're still unhappy, that's the bottom line for me. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results, as Einstein used to say. But the bottom line is far away from where you draw the middle line. Because not everything is in black and white, right? The most complicated areas are always foggy and grey.

My instincts do say I'm on the right track. But I sometimes forget that it's not the destination that really matters, but the journey. Maybe that's why I feel like a failure lately. My impatience has a tendency to get the best of me. *Flaw alert* Whatever path you take in life will deeply be affected by your experiences and more especially, the choices you make from them. Because when it comes down to it, we ALL have a choice. In everything we do. So, I think that if you choose to stay in a certain mindset, either negative or positive, it really makes a difference in everyday living. Sure, I have those days too where the bully voice defeats me, I don't feel good enough for anyone or anybody, and I just want to be left alone. But I try very hard every day to wake up with a positive attitude, and I feel when I do, the rest of my day is rather positive too. How do you guys differentiate between what feels right and what feels wrong? Do you think that some people tend to gravitate towards one or the other for certain reasons? And how do you deal with those bluesy days like I've mentioned? Retail therapy? Writing? Gabbing on the phone with your girlfriend? Bad emotional eating habits? What helps you get you through it?

LOVE & XX'S,

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s a k u New York Metallic Knit Top Dark Blue

H&M Black Feather Polka Dot Hoop Earrings

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They Don't Call It The Big Apple For Nothing

February 13, 2017

WEARING: ASSEMBLY NEW YORK STANDARD BLACK BELT COAT | 
ZAFUL LACE PANEL CUT OUT KNITTING DRESS | AE DISTRESSED DENIM | 
DRESS LILY FRUIT SHAPED ZIP AROUND CROSSBODY BAG | 
STEVE MADDEN BLACK ANKLE BOOTS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ZAFUL & DRESS LILY.

NYFW has taken the city by storm, literally. And I'm having way too much fun. It has by far, been the best season I've experienced, in more ways than you'll ever know and I cannot wait to share everything about it with you guys! If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you may already have had a little sneak peek into my New York fashion week adventures. :)

On Day 1 of fashion week, I was photographed outside the shows by WWD & Getty Images. Not a shabby start, am I right? I also attended three back-to-back shows that day which will be coming up next on the blog! Last season, I compiled all my experiences into one post, but this time around and with my blog's focal point being toward fashion + style as of late, I definitely have a TON of NYFW content coming your way. And a lot of my experiences are first-time, so I'm really excited to get it up and ready for you!

About the look - been wearing my favorite black belt coat again by Assembly New York. The knitting dress by Zaful has a lace panel with cut-outs on the sleeves, which I styled with an old pair of AE distressed denim jeans and my latest pair of black boots by Steve Madden. But the apple to many eyes? This gorgeous fruit shaped zip around crossbody bag by Dress Lily. If you guys haven't checked Dress Lily out, you should. They really have great quality items at an affordable price.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Assembly New York Standard Black Belt Coat

Dress Lily Fruit Shaped Zip Around Crossbody Bag

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Kitty Cat Geek

November 16, 2016

WEARING: CALVIN KLEIN SWEATER | KYBOE! ROSE GOLD WATCH | 
AMSCAN GREEN BANDANA | AE DISTRESSED JEANS | VIVIAN'S CAT PRINT TIGHTS | 
DRESS LILY POINTED TOE HEEL BOOTS | PERSOL EYEGLASSES

Happy Hump Day! With the colder weather coming in, I've been playing a lot with layers and mixing of textures. Never the girly-girl type (hell will freeze over before I wear pink... ha ha ha!) I've always been comfortable with my style: Tomboyish with a kick of rock n roll and a dash of minimal chicness. So when I received these adorable cat print tights by Dress Lily, I wanted to put a twist on how to stylize these cuties into my everyday wear. Sure, you can wear these tights with a super cool LBD (little black dress) or miniskirt and get 'witchified' but Halloween is soooooo over! ;)

Instead I added an old pair of American Eagle jeans, one I've distressed myself through the years. I actually can't wear them by themselves because one part of the bottom back pocket is ripped and you can totally see my booty through them! But with black tights you can get away with much more. I wore my husband's Calvin Klein hunter green sweater to keep warm and accessorized with an Amscan green bandana and Kyboe! watch. My favorite accessories from this look? Definitely my new Persol eyeglasses and these killer Dress Lily pointed toe heel boots. I love the lace-up detail and red soles of the boots.

The boots definitely bring something extra to the outfit and to be quite honest, I always love shooting in high heels! I feel much more confident and I believe bringing that kind of energy into anything you do, but especially when you are doing work for someone other than yourself, it's imperative to keep your insecurities to yourself. And if a sexy pair of high-heeled boots will do the trick, then wear the crap out of them! You got to appreciate fashion & style in everyday life because it's not just a form of expression but it can also change your mind in how you're feeling. So whatever accessory brings out the best in you, I suggest you keep these staple pieces in your closet for as long as you can! What is your favorite piece of accessory that makes you feel more confident?

LOVE & XX'S,

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Hustle Hard

February 24, 2016

WEARING: LORD & TAYLOR BROWN SUEDE LEATHER JACKET | ZARA BLACK SWEATER
FOLEY & CORINNA CLASSIC MID CITY TOTE IN BLACK | AMERICAN EAGLE DENIM RIPPED JEANS
ALDO BUGIANO STUDDED ANKLE BOOTIES

HUSTLE HARD. Graffiti created by Queen Andrea with Critical Massive and Outlaw Arts.

Layers after layers. Necklaces from H & M, The Savvy Heart, and Forever 21.

Gold plates, studs and black leather; my favorite Aldo ankle booties paired with ripped jeans from American Eagle.

White on gold. Nail polish from Essie | color: blanc | Ring from H & M.

Ahh rip it, rip it real good! Foley & Corrina mid city tote in black with American Eagle denim.

Matching hair -n- jacket, thanks to Fox & Jane Hair Salon and Lord & Taylor.Long hair don't care, but long hair no more. Check out my new do here! — Matching hair -n- jacket, thanks to Fox & Jane Hair Salon and Lord & Taylor.
Long hair don't care, but long hair no more. Check out my new do here!

Happy Hump Day! Today's look is from this past weekend. On Sunday, my husband and I ventured down to the Lower East Side to check out the Lowline, the world's first underground park and to partake in our favorite pass time on the weekends: BRUNCH. We tried Spitzer's Corner, a very chill, laid back American gastropub where I had their fresh avocado omelet and the hubby went with their country breakfast. Can I just say that their cheddar grits is a must-try?! Everything was fantastically delicious, right down to the very last bite!

Afterwards, we strolled through the city's streets to walk off what we ate. I did some shopping and found the most gorgeous coat from Assembly New York. And yesterday I got my hair redid! I'm excited to show you a whole new look on the blog, coming soon! You can see a preview of my hair here on my Instagram. Stay tuned!

And now more about today's look (and the last time you'll see me with long hair for a while) - I'm wearing a brown 100% leather and suede jacket from Lord & Taylor. Since the weather warmed up this past weekend (thank goodness), I had to whip out this suede leather beauty pronto! I've had it for years and I'm obsessed with the distress and age of it — gives it a little history and edge to the look. My jeans are from American Eagle but I ripped them myself a while back. My style has never been 100% feminine - perhaps a lil' more tomboyish/rough around the edges than dainty and delicate so whenever a pair of older jeans get a tiny tear, I improvise and make it into something else! Case in point: Ripped denim. YEAH! I actually turn a lot of my jeans into shorts for summer time each year as I like to customize a lot of my pieces. My Aldo ankle booties too I've had for a while but they're my go-to booties from the past year. They're super comfy and I always feel like a total rockin' bad-ass while strutting around town in them. To complement the black details, I paired the shoes up with my Foley & Corinna mid city tote bag and my favorite Zara sweatshirt. Lastly to accessorize I added some layered necklaces with a statement necklace. The necklaces are from H & M, The Savvy Heart and Forever 21. My rule to layering is, if it seems like the layering is a tad-off add one more piece into the mix and you'll be good to go!