3 Ways to Wear Tie Dye

July 22, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BLUE VANILLA BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

When it comes to elegance and ultimate sophistication in fashion, tie-dye is probably not the type of clothing you’d first consider. The term “tie-dye” first appeared in the United States during the 1960's. Hippies, who were protesting the Vietnam War and promoting peace and love, began wearing clothing with vibrant colors and psychedelic designs. If you wore tie dye you stood for something! And in today’s post, I’m standing up to show you tie-dye can be very chic and stylish. I’m sharing 3 ways to wear the comeback trend; as a top, as a bottom and as a dress! Continue reading to see full visual story.

The first look is all about sporty and feminine pieces together. I love the juxtaposition behind contrasting styles and this is a combination I often go for. The tiered, lace, pleated skirt is actually a dress, but given that I wanted the yellow tie-dye shirt to stand out, I didn’t want to cover up the piece with the dress. So I styled it by tucked the top part of the dress underneath, and resulting in creating a skirt. To pair the feminine details of the skirt, I accessorized with a pearl hair clip and cute orange and white abstract clutch, designed by a friend of mine. To contrast with the pretty details, I went for a pair of chunky trainers to go in the mix.

WEARING: BLACK BELTED BLAZER | TIE DYE JOGGERS | BLACK SANDALS | BLACK BUCKET HAT

Needless to say, getting dressed for work during the summer is not the easiest thing to do. You want to wear something that's going to keep you cool during your commute, warm in your freezing office, plus take you from your desk to al fresco drinks—all while sticking to an office dress code. This black belted blazer has clean cut lines and perfectly tailored shoulders and lapels. It is in a slightly stretchy fabric, giving you a full range of motion and a comfortable fit. This perfect piece will fulfill both the oversized boyfriend blazer trend and the tailored belted blazer trend. Can be worn without the belt as a classic blazer or with the detachable belt for a more trendy look this season. To give it a more boho style, I wore tie-die joggers and a bucket hat. I think this outfit would be best on Casual Friday. And the tie-dye joggers are so cozy, it’ll be like wearing pj’s at the office. :)

WEARING: TIE DYE DRESS | SUMMER TOTE | ROPE SANDALS

The final and third look is a casual weekend outfit. Something that can easily be worn to the beach, the farmer’s market, brunch, and city strolls. I fell in love with the blue color of this tie-dye dress. And apparently many others as well, since it is already sold out! But if you click through the link, there is a way to be notified once the dress is restocked. I styled the dress with neutral toned accessories such as a large tote and rope sandals. Handcrafted in Peru, the Braided Frida Shopper is the perfect accessory for chic summer outings. This easy to carry and relaxed style is handwoven by indigenous female artisans and shaped with an open top that reveals a spacious compartment. Intricate weaving and long twisted braids further elevate this must-have, versatile accessory that comes in a chic olive shade, a lively mustard hue, a soft pink, an ice blue and a classic beige.

LOVE & XX’S,

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How to Style A Yellow Neon Snake Print Skirt

April 19, 2019

WEARING: MEN’S BLAZER | SNAKE PRINT SKIRT | BEIGE SUEDE AND LEATHER SHOULDER BAG | WHITE STRAPPY SANDALS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LE PARMENTIER PARIS, NOBODY’S CHILD, & LINZI BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

It’s Friday! I don’t know about you folks, but it’s been one hell of a week. Everything went wrong, and no matter how hard I tried to persevere, more and more continued to fall downward. It was a disaster. First I had the eye situation (see in last post), then tried to get back to work shooting content that was delayed because of that (of course, everything I need to photograph was beauty shots! UGH) and then came the unpredictable weather. If the meteorologist said it was sunny, we’d go out to shoot and voila, out came the rain. And vice-versa! I had to skip all my events this week just to try and catch up on my workload, which is something I really hate doing. If I say I’m going to be somewhere, I’m going to be there. And no matter what I tried to style this week, whatever I did it just didn’t seem to work. I am extremely hard on myself, and never feel my best is even close to good enough. Any suggestions on how to be easier on myself without having the guilt of ‘slacking’ or not doing my ultimate best? Meanwhile, check out the latest outfit post where I style a yellow neon snake print skirt with some very fashionable accessories, including a favorite: stealing from my husband’s wardrobe! Continue reading to see complete shoot along with where you can find these pieces online!

I ‘borrowed’ this men’s jacket from my husband’s closet. By the French designer, Pierre Cardin, he prefers geometric shapes and motifs, often ignoring the female form. He advanced into unisex fashions, sometimes experimental, and not always practical. When I saw the silhouette of this jacket, I knew it’d look great as an oversized blazer on me. I think it helps create more masculinity into this look, which is also quite feminine from the waist down. I kept it simple with a black t-shirt to not overshadow this amazing blazer. What do you think of oversized pieces in women’s clothing? Yay or nay?

The Yucca Shoulder Bag crafted in smooth genuine Italian calf leather and velvety suede, pulls out all the stops with its updated take on the classic saddle silhouette that keeps you discreetly organized all day and stylist on casual fun nights. Featuring a flap top magnetic snap closure with bold hardware detail, adjustable wide shoulder strap and gold tone hardware detail, you can get your Yucca bag from Forzieri. You can use the code code name: SUZANNE15 for 15% OFF on Le Parmentier bags collection at forzieri.com valid April 19th - May 17th.

I’ve been eyeing the strappy sandals from The Row, but even someone like myself can’t always afford the splurge into higher-end goods. Which is why I love to dupe, from time to time, especially when they look and feel amazing such as these white spring/summer sandals I’m wearing by Linzi Shoes. Made with soft faux leather, with a toe post and a strappy lace up that has almost a 4” heel, but it doesn’t feel that way. They’re actually quite comfy! This particular heel also comes in black and snake skin print, so be sure to check ‘em out! Also, each pair are under $40, a great deal!

Last but not least, the snake print skirt. It’s yellow neon, has an elastic waist (my favorite) with a pleat and midi-length. I’d easily wear this skirt with a white t-shirt and some sneakers, but I wanted to vamp it up with a mixture of my usual style of juxtaposed feminine and masculine pieces. I hope you guys enjoyed this outfit post, stay tuned for a video and different look on Monday! It’s going to be a really fun post, so can’t wait to share with you guys! Wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend, for those that celebrate. Much love, always. x

LOVE & XX’S,

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5 Ways to be a Fashion Rule Breaker

November 2, 2018

Happy Friday, you guys! Today’s look definitely reflects my overall style in fashion - rebellious, maximalist, chicness if you will, but today’s post also discusses the ways to do it. One of the key rules in fashion, in my opinion, is taking risks and trying something new. I think when we do this, it helps us hone in on what our style is, and though it is constantly evolving, there are always a few keen elements that resonate within one self. I tend to break the rules, in general. And just like it has in life, I have made some mistakes and I’ve also had some successes by now following the usual norm/rules. Continue reading to see more of this strong masculine outfit and the top five ways to be a fashion rule breaker.

1. DO YOU – AND ONLY YOU

It’s easy to scroll through Instagram and be ‘influenced’ by an outsider. A complete stranger. But I think what really helps is focusing on what styles you truly love. What makes you feel really good, confident, empowered. Anything positive. Because I too have had my fair share of uncomfortable outfits for the sake of some trend or vibe I was trying to go for, if it’s not me I know right away. But the way to be is to have the desire to impress yourself rather than for anyone else. Don’t develop your style based on other peoples’ opinions of yourself.

2. EMBRACE CHANGE.

When I was going through a lot of personal stuff a couple years back, I went to the hair salon and got bangs. At first, it took some getting used to but now, I can’t imagine my hair any other way than the way it is. For those that are not in the know - I have jet black hair and took nearly a year to get to the color I have now. I had really originally wanted platinum blonde hair but my hair colorist was so honest and trustworthy in the fact that that kind of drastic color would utterly fry my hair. So instead of walking around with damaged locks of frizz, we reached to this kind of color. And I find it unique and never had a hair color like this that I love so much. So it just goes to show, embrace change. Take a chance. Worth the risk. If not, it’ll grow back lolol.

3. IT TAKES TIME

Rome was not built in a day. And neither will your style. It’ll take years of trial and error to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. This comes with taking chances, but it takes time to build up confidence in knowing what your style is. So be patient, have fun with clothes, and don’t take it too seriously. Fashion after all is a form of playing dress up, is it not? So don’t be shy in expressing yourself to the world!

4. DON’T KNOCK IT TILL YOU TRY IT

In order to figure out what works for you, it’s not a bad idea to step outside your comfort zone when it comes to your style. Maybe try a style you may not usually wear, just to see how you feel and look in it. I tend to mix/clash between what I’m confident in, and other styles I may not normally do and put them together to see the result. Sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised and other times it’s, “What’re thinking?!” Haha! So don’t be shy in experimenting.

5. STUDY FROM THE PROS

Not, not your favorite influencer with a million followers. We’re talking legendary icons in fashion like Coco Chanel, Diana Vreeland, Grace Coddington, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele and others. These are those one can learn from. It’s like anything else, the more knowledge you have in something, the better off you are in it. So this definitely applies to the world of style, in all aspects - not only fashion.

What do you guys think of this masculine power suit look? I deliberately mixed three different patterns of plaid and to be quite honest, I love it so much! I styled it with a crisp white blouse and burgundy accessories like my handbag and boots. The added contrast is my navy blue silk handkerchief that always makes me feel European for some reason. I think this outfit is an absolute fashion rule breaker, how about you?

LOVE & XX’S,

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When Menswear Meets Boho Gypsy

May 2, 2018

WEARING: TOPMAN PINSTRIPE MEN'S JACKET | THACKER NYC WHITE BLOUSE | 
SAKU NEW YORK BLUE LACE PANTS | PATRICIA GREEN ESPADRILLES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK AND PATRICIA GREEN.

Happy Hump Day, guys! Now that the weather is finally glorious, I'm sharing one of my new favorite pair of trousers on the blog. Today's outfit post is all about these cobalt blue lace-trim from Saku New York. I have known the designer, Lissa, for a few years now and I just can't get enough of her work! There are Korean traits within her designs, as this is her background, but she brings a twist in her collections by bringing feminine pieces and combining them with more sporty, athleisure type of styles. It's a beautiful mix, one I'm completely in love with, and these pants are the epitome of cool, boho-gypsy vibes. Continue reading to see how I styled these pants with an oversized men's blazer, a pair of fun, navy blue espadrilles and more.

Side slits accentuate the relaxed fit of these wide-leg pants. The color is electric, and the lace trim on the side slit brings the perfect amount of feminine to the piece. There are also hidden side pockets, my fave with a snap closure and zip fly. I styled them with my trusty Gucci belt to go with the suede navy blue in my shoes. Now as far as comfort goes, these cobalt blue pants are superb. And I love the airy breeze you get as well from the side slits, these are perfect for this time of year but I feel like you could wear these during the fall and winter season too with some tights and extra layering. These pants also come in black and retail at $425.

One of my favorite ways to style an outfit is to bring a piece from my husband's wardrobe into it. I tend to wear men's shirts/jackets in general since I've apparently caught the same Olsen twin syndrome of wanting everything oversized and exaggerated. Some might believe it's not a flattering look for a petite woman, but I think that if it's done in the right way and there's a good amount of balance between the pieces, then it can be done and is quite a complemented look for someone who's as tiny as me. The pinstripe jacket I'm wearing is the same jacket my husband wore when we had gotten married! I picked it specifically for its dark navy blue color, as I like to mix the colors within its same palette to bring a little variation to the outfit. It also works in interior design too!

Now, these navy blue suede espadrilles by Patricia Green are super cute and really easy to walk in. I'm usually a little iffy about wedges as I don't find them the easiest pair of shoes to walk in. But these Rockstar (love the name btw) espadrilles are amazing and I love the cool edge it has with the studs. They'd look great with a floral maxi dress, jeans/capri pants, skirts and more. I think it'd look fabulous with everything! This style is available in whole sizes only and tends to run small. If you normally order a 1/2 size it is recommended that you order the next full size up. For example, if you normally purchase a size 6 1/2 we recommend purchasing a size 7. They also come in black as well. I hope you guys liked this outfit as much as I do! Drop me a line in the comment section down below and as always, feel free to shop the look at the start or end of this post. Have a great sunny Wednesday, everyone! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Houndstooth & Charles Bukowski

October 16, 2017

WEARING: VINTAGE MACKINTOSH OVERSIZED HOUNDSTOOTH JACKET |
FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED CUTOUT SHIRT | LEVI'S 711 ALTERED SKINNY JEANS |
EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS | CHARLES BUKOWSKI WOMEN

I WAS SENTIMENTAL ABOUT MANY THINGS: A WOMAN'S SHOES UNDER THE BED; ONE HAIRPIN LEFT BEHIND ON THE DRESSER; THE WAY THEY SAID, "I'M GOING TO PEE. . ."; HAIR RIBBONS, WALKING DOWN THE BOULEVARD WITH THEM AT 1:30 IN THE AFTERNOON, JUST TWO PEOPLE WALKING TOGETHER; THE LONG NIGHTS OF DRINKING AND SMOKING, TALKING; THE ARGUMENTS; THINKING OF SUICIDE; EATING TOGETHER AND FEELING GOOD; THE JOKES; THE LAUGHTER OUT OF NOWHERE; FEELING MIRACLES IN THE AIR; BEING IN A PARKED CAR TOGETHER; COMPARING PAST LOVERS AT 3AM; BEING TOLD YOU SNORE, HEARING HER SNORE; MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS, SONS, CATS, DOGS; SOMETIMES DEATH AND SOMETIMES DIVORCE, BUT ALWAYS CARRYING ON, ALWAYS SEEING IT THROUGH; READING A NEWSPAPER ALONE IN A SANDWICH JOINT AND FEELING NAUSEA BECAUSE SHE'S NOW MARRIED TO A DENTIST WITH AN I.Q. OF 95; RACETRACKS, PARKS, PARK PICNICS; EVEN JAILS; HER DULL FRIENDS, YOUR DULL FRIENDS; YOUR DRINKING, HER DANCING; YOUR FLIRTING, HER FLIRTING; HER PILLS, YOUR FUCKING ON THE SIDE, AND HER DOING THE SAME; SLEEPING TOGETHER. . . .

One of the many passages from writer Charles Bukowski's novel, Women, I always found comfort in his writing. His style flairs in the rawest form of honesty, something that most writers today do not have. The older I become the more I realize how important it is to pull away from the idea of what perfection is supposed to be - straight to its core in every aspect. Bukowski wasn't exactly the nicest of people; a total misogynist, narcissist and straight up alcoholic. Many disliked him, but many like myself saw him as an influence not just in the realm of writing. So in today's post I'm sharing with you five things I've learned from one of my favorite American writers.

HONESTY

Writers have so many things they can’t write about: family, spouses, exes, children, jobs, bosses, colleagues, friends. That’s why they make stuff up. Fiction is their best friend. But Bukowski didn’t let himself get hampered by that so we see real brutal honesty, a real anthropological survey of being down and out for 60+ years without anything being held back. No other writer before or since has done that. For a particular example, see his novel, Women which detailed every sexual nuance of every woman who dared to sleep with him after he achieved some success. Most of these women were horrified after the book came out. It's actually one of my favorite books written by Bukowski and the beginning excerpt of this post is from Women. Sure he talks badly about most of the experiences he has had with women, but what I really love about it is the cold hard dose of reality that comes with any relationship: disappointment, pain, heartache... love... and the way he is so candor about some of the more intimate parts of life. Think about it, would you find it easy or rather difficult talking about your personal relationships through the written word?

DISCIPLINE

Imagine coming home from an awful day at work and arguing with a woman/man that was living with you, finishing off a six-pack of beer and then... writing. He did it every day. Most people want to write that novel, or finish that painting, or start that business, but have zero discipline to actually sit down and do it. I'm actually amazed he had any sort of discipline at all. With that kind of work ethic, it just goes to show that if you truly love what you're doing, it will supersede the rest. (Even through the potent powers of alcohol!) In order to be a writer, you must really love to write and you must write every single day. Easy to say, but so tough to do. I, myself, also write every day, but I'm not going to lie, there are some pretty bad days where I just want to throw my typewriter out the window. But you keep at it, because it's all you know, it's all you have and without the written word, you feel like you could die. That's how Bukowski felt too.

SHAMELESSNESS

Bukowski didn't give a rat's ass what people thought about him. And I praise him for that. I'm constantly looking over my shoulder and am always second-guessing myself. I sometimes wish I could throw caution to the wind and really have that mentality of 'no f*cks given' at all times. But when feeling extra down, my insecurities tend to get the best of me. Learning the art of not caring what people think takes time and experience, I think. But I've always admired those who really didn't worry about the opinions of others - because it's not as easy as it looks. It can be cleverly hidden in so many different ways.

POETRY

Bukowski was quite the poet. And it's all non-fiction, which to me, is the best part. It's not the puzzle-kind of poetry where you have to intellectually decode it to understand it. His work was straight to the point. Poetry was something that let writers to master making each word in a sentence effective and powerful. It was this training that allowed them to destroy the competition when they sat down to write their longer pieces. That's how I also got started in writing. In fact, the first two pieces I ever had published were actually poems I wrote as a young teenager. It was only after these publications that I really started to consider becoming a writer.

PERSISTENCE

The man wrote his first novel at age 49. And it took him over 25 years to become a successful writer. Everyone (mostly everyone) nowadays wants instant gratification. Less and less are understanding what it takes to become one of the greats. I find that when most figure out how long or how much dedication/work will be required to reach whatever goal you may have, most tend to give up before even reaching that halfway mark. And Bukowski was far from perfect and yet still managed to become what he wanted to become. So if he could stay persistent despite all the misfortunes and misgivings life can bring, he still kept plugging away and never gave up. And to me, that's what makes the heart of any champion...