Hot Pink Monochromatic Outfit

October 14, 2019

WEARING: VELOUR CROP TOP | SILK SLIP DRESS | SALMON PINK BAG | WESTERN ANKLE BOOTS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY PUBLIC DESIRE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

What day of the week do you wear pink? A lot may say Wednesdays but why not on a Monday? I love the idea of kicking the start to the week with a splash of color. And a color I rarely wear - pink. Why? Not sure, to be honest, but most likely because I associate the color with feminine style. In today’s post, I’m sharing a monochromatic look that’s a surprising color to wear during the fall season, but can be an excellent way to re-wear some summer pieces from your wardrobe. If you’re a fan of layering and hot pink, definitely continue reading to see where to get similar pieces to recreate this fun autumnal vibrant colored look.

I’ve styled this top several years ago (link here) but have linked many other similar tops such as this one since it’s no longer available. But I’d say it’s a velour long-sleeved crop top, so a jersey sweater or even a knitted one would also work for a look like this. The slip dress is also no longer available to which I’ve linked a few similar ones. Boots are from Public Desire and are only $60 where they definitely look like they’re worth more. I love that they’re western snakeskin ankle boots but in a fashionable bright pink. A definite eye-catcher even by itself with jeans and a white tee.

Other accessories with this outfit are my favorite pink bag from Thesis Crisis and hair accessories from Hvisk and Neophyte Jewels. Since there were purple accents in the boots, I picked one of the barrettes made of acetate in dark pink and then a slimmer pearled one with red and pink tones to mix up the shade range. I think the block of the heel and other tones work well with someone who has darker hair like myself. What do you guys think about monochromatic looks? I did a red one (link here) last March that many of you loved. Let me know in the comment section down below! Happy Monday!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Pooltime with Ramona

June 20, 2018

WEARING: VICTORIA'S SECRET BIKINI | AMSCAN MUSTARD YELLOW BANDANA | 
EGO RAINA SANDALS | BAN.DO GRAPEFRUIT COOLER BAG

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RAMONA.

It's wine... but cooler. What is pink, keeps you hydrated and happy? Meet Ramona, the lovechild of a mimosa and an Aperol Spritz. If you're a fan of Aperol Spritzing and something more citrusy like grapefruit, then this is the drink for you. Ramona is a ruby grapefruit wine spritz made with organic Zibibbo grapes grown in Western Sicily. Bright, aromatic, and refreshing, it doesn't need a glass, a bottle opener, or an occasion to drink it. Continue reading to see me chilling in my very own pool on my rooftop (I'm super ballin' haha!) and to learn more about this great new summer drink you all need to know about!

Ramona is an organic, all-natural, gluten-free and vegan wine spritz. And I do enjoy a little something citrusy during the hot summer months, not too much of a drinking those super sweet fruity cocktails, and this wine spritz is legit - so refreshing and tasty! I even took full advantage of my favorite summertime hangout spot, my rooftop with a kiddie pool shaped as an elephant. Yep, you read that correctly, lol. We just got through our first heat wave this summer here in New York, so it was perfect timing to unwind with drinks and a pool all to myself! You can safely guess I received a few tan lines from this super fun shoot!

The brand was also sweet enough to send me a summer kit, including of course their drinks that I love (seriously though, low in alcohol and the best fizzy drink out there right now), a pair of really cute pink sunnies, straws, sweet and sour grapefruit candy, this adorable fruit bag from ban.do that is also a cooler, and this mini-inflatable drink holder shaped as a grapefruit. My bikini is from Victoria's Secret (I linked a similar one for $19.99 from Target here) and I kept my hair tied back with a mustard yellow bandana. Who else loves to tie scarves, ribbons, bandanas into their hair? I think it's a great summer accessory. The kiddie pool is from H2OGO!™ and you can bet I'll be using this bad boy again - especially on those hot sweltering days here in the city!

LOVE & XX'S,

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8 Ways to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself

March 13, 2018

WEARING: LUCIE BROCHARD FUSCHIA MEN JACKET | LUCIE BROCHARD WHITE TOP | 
OT LEGGINGS BURGUNDY LEATHER | NAT & NIN GIULIA FRINGE BAG | FRED MARZO BOOTS | 
ACCRUE KANDINSKY SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KREATEURS.

Happy Tuesday! If you know me by now, you definitely know how hard I can be on myself. It's not the best feature I've acquired through the years, as this, in turn, makes me be hard on those around me as well. I have been through a lot in my life and the way I grew up also affected the way I perceive life sometimes. It can be a roller coaster ride; at times I really feel like I'm on the right track, that I know where I'm at and what I'm supposed to be doing, and then other times I'm curled up into a ball, crying, and wondering what I am doing with my life and that the only explanation is my crazy self. Ah, the sweet cycle of a creative person. So in today's post, I'm sharing my tips on how to not be so hard on yourself - I'm not perfect by any means, but I've been doing a lot of soul-searching and these suggestions have greatly helped me balance it out much more than I have my entire life! Continue reading to learn more from these 8 tips.

1. HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Your mistakes are part of your learning experience. It's okay to fail. We are only, human, after all. What's not okay is to give up. Learn to be resilient in the face of failure. And when presented with an opportunity: Run with it, don't have any kind of expectations! If you do, you're already setting yourself up for disappointment.

2. THE PAST IS NOT YOUR IDENTITY.

Yes, the past usually is filled with heartache and pain, and a plethora of mistakes. We have all gone through the good, bad and yes, the ugly. And though the past will shape you into what you will become, it doesn't dictate your entire YOU. It's not easy to put the past behind, but that's where it's meant to stay. Don't look back, learn from the lessons (they're in everything, just LOOK) and keep on keeping on, but moving forward.

3. LEARN FROM PEOPLE WHO CRITICIZE YOU.

Don't let their critics get you down. That's the easy way out! Let it inspire you to work your ass off. Now it should be constructive criticism and not a case of bashing/bullying/doesn't know what the hell they're talking about, and instead of shutting out any form of feedback, learn to take it with a grain of salt. Let that motivate you to learn and grow.

4. ACCEPT YOUR WEAKNESS AS YOUR FEATURES TOO.

We all embrace our strengths, but what about our flaws? You can't be good at everything you do (trust me I've tried), but nobody else is, either! Loving everything about yourself also means accepting the not so perfect parts. Change doesn't happen overnight, but if you're willing to work on yourself while being aware of what it is, that's pretty commendable. But don't fight it, be okay with everything you are.

5. WHAT MAKES YOUR PROBLEMS BIGGER THAN ANYONE ELSE'S?

Not going to lie, in the past my answer used to be, "They're MINE." But now that I'm older (and hopefully a little wiser) my answer is that every single problem you have is NOT unique. Put your problems in perspective, just turn on the TV and watch the news to get a glimpse of the bigger picture, and trust me, you will solve your problems faster.

6. DON'T GET MAD, GET EVEN.

We all go through feelings of anger, resentment and more. What you do with these emotions is completely on you! Feel your anger, express it (in a productive manner) and learn from it. It's like that saying, "take your broken heart and make it into art." Same ideology applies when it comes to being really pissed off. Make use of that negative energy and put it forth to something better.

7. AFFIRMATIONS ARE KIND OF GROOVY.

Are you able to look at yourself in the mirror every day and go, "Wow, despite my imperfections, I'm a pretty awesome human being! Go ME!", or something to that effect, then yeah, I'd say affirmations go a long way. Instead of pointing out what you don't like about yourself because let's face it, that's a little too easy to do... why not make note of the little things you actually do love about yourself? Face that mirror and give affirmations on what you love about yourself. That positive energy will translate in more than one way, I promise!

8. CHALLENGE YOUR NEGATIVE INNER CRITIC

Or as I call it, "The Bully Voice". Shut that bitch down. It's easier to let negativity win rather than the positive. When my mind starts to play tricks on me, saying "I'm not good enough" or, "This will never happen", etc; you have to smack that voice upside the head until its gone. How to do to that? Take your mind off of it, go for a run, go have a drink, talk to a friend, distract yourself with some spring cleaning. Positivity will always outweigh the negative.

What are some of your tips/suggestions on not being so hard on yourself? Would love to hear from you guys so leave a comment at the end of this post with your own advice! As always, you can shop the look at the beginning or end of each blog post. Who is feeling this fuschia men's jacket/blazer as much as me right now?! Doesn't it just scream spring? I'm ready, are you? :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Lucie Brochard Tropical White Cotton Shirt

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Hot Pink Parisian

October 2, 2017

WEARING: FOREVER 21 HOT PINK RIBBED SWEATER-KNIT CROP TOP | 
LEVI'S 711 ALTERED SKINNY JEANS | ASSEMBLY NEW YORK STANDARD BLACK BELT COAT | 
FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY FAUX LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS | LEVI'S WINTER WOOL BERET | 
BRAHMIN ANDESITE GABRIELLA MELBOURNE BAG | FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED ROUND GLASSES

Hot Pink Parisian Chic! Since Paris Fashion Week, I've been getting all the feels (and a MAJOR desire) to not just visit ole' Paree but to dress like one! One of my biggest inspirations when it comes to that effortless Parisian chic style is the iconic Caroline de Maigret. Her laid back but rock n roll look (not to mention she's basically married to a rock star, and how incredibly hot is that?!) always brings me inspiration when it comes to my own style. But fashion is not supposed to be one main thing. And so begins the story of this hot pink sweater-knit crop top from Forever 21. No, this is not a sponsored post. I just wanted to share with you a look that mixes different pieces together that can be affordable but still giving you that Parisian chic vibe including some 90s vibes up in here! Continue reading to hear about why I HAD to style this colorful top and how you can get this look too!

The other day I had run into a Forever 21 store just to look and de-stress from hours of burning holes into my eye sockets from the computer screen. To others like myself, this means editing your life away... am I right?! I had taken my usual lap around the store before going upstairs to see what other stuff they had. One of the first things that caught my eye was this hot pink sweater-knit crop top. It's velvet, soft to the touch and looked oh so cute. BUT. One, I'm not a pink-wearing type of gal and two, crop tops are not typically in my wardrobe. So initially, I walked away from it. But even after a whole day of not being able to stop thinking about that damn top, I was finally convinced to go back and get it!

I'm sure many of you ladies can relate. And it's a sure sign to go back and get whatever it is that you can't stop thinking about (so long as you don't break the bank hardcore with what you can afford, ha ha!) Got to trust that first gut instinct too. If you're in awe of a piece right away, it may be a good sign to at least try it on. Other pieces I had to have are these oversized round sunglasses that are so 90s retro and these comfy burgundy patent faux leather ankle boots. I think each accessory fits well with the beret (it's from Levi's of all places!) I love that it's wool material because that means I can wear it through the winter season as well! My jeans are also from Levi's, and more specifically are style 711 altered skinny jeans. I love the long-lined seams in the back along with how comfortable they are to move around in.

My staple fall coat is this black one from Assembly New York. I've had it for a couple of years now and I still wear it every fall/winter season. I love how classic it is, also made out of wool, and the beautiful cuts of the coat along with the long belt. I think it goes well with the ensemble, no? And you can still wear crop tops when it gets chillier, especially with a bad boy like this on you! ;) What are some of your favorite ways to mix in summer-like pieces into your fall wardrobe?

I really wanted to style this Forever 21 top not only for how much I love it but because it's something outside of what I normally wear. The most vibrant color I have the most in my closet is probably red (Hello, Aries.) but I think adding a few pieces here and there and trying stepping away from your comfort zone is always a good thing. It's how you will learn and grow, even if it's not always a hit. Because we're all going through hits & misses, what do you think? I'd love to hear how you try and elevate your styles! Whether it's adding more refined, high-end pieces, or trying something new, or both, what do you think works for you?