Transitional Trench + Mink Fur Loafers

March 19, 2018

WEARING: GWEN SALAKAIA PATENT LEATHER TRENCH COAT | UNIQLO HEATTECH TURTLENECK |
 LEVI'S JEANS | SORELLE SHOES | ELLIA WANG WHITE LAYERED BAG | ROMWE SUNNIES

Hey, everyone! How was your weekend? I spent the majority of my time working and also caught up with an old friend for brunch on Sunday. I also watched the docuseries, 'Flint Town' while editing yesterday and it is a must watch. It's not just about the problems that surround the town of Flint in Michigan but more about the clashes of racism, political battles and everyday police work that coincides with what is currently happening. You guys really should check it out, not a long one I promise! I've been heavily into documentaries lately while working at the computer, what do you like to have as white noise in the background while you work? Or do you like the silence? Why? Okay, okay... not to get sidetracked; let's get to what I'm discussing in this blog post! In today's outfit post, I'm sharing how a long patent leather trench coat can be chicly styled with a pair of loafers. It's not the typical norm, but rules are meant to be broken and I am far from anything typical ;) Plus, it's still absolutely freezing in New York!

A trench coat is a fashionable product that can’t be separable in autumn, and many girls like the simple matching that a trench coat can solve the dress from head to feet. So in the selection of shoes, flat shoes that are convenient to wear and take off are very matched with a trench coat. I normally will pair a statement coat with more subdued mules or even with some fresh sneakers, but I do like to step outside the box and see what combinations can work when it comes to fashion and styling. And how beautiful are each piece?!

The long patent leather trench coat is from Gwen Salakaia, with a voluminous shape and a beautiful muted color. Isn't the faded brown so lovely? I've always loved a statement coat for any season as I really think it polishes up a look as well as my obsession with outerwear. Because the coat was such a singular piece on its own, I wore my favorite Levi's jeans (yup, total repeat offender) and a Uniqlo Heattech turtleneck due to the STILL frigid temperatures. The mink fur with Swarovski crystal-loafers are from Sorelle Shoes and you can find both the coat and shoes at the NYC showroom, Dreams On Air.

The gorgeous Italian calfskin, multi-layered white crossbody bag is by Ellia Wang and can also be found at Dreams On Air. I wanted something lighter and softer in terms of color to balance out the dark and neutral colors of the outfit. A trench coat such as this is a great staple/investment piece because it can be worn all year round in various weather conditions along with being quite versatile when it comes to styling it. From a dress to jeans, (to maybe even a surprise visit to your man's showing up in nothing but the trench!) this is a trend that won't be dying out anytime soon. What do you guys think of this look? Shop similar pieces at the beginning or end of this post! Wishing you all a fab week! Catch ya guys back here on M + S real soon!

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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Spring Blue Pantsuit

March 12, 2018

WEARING: LUCIE BROCHARD.võ SATIN-SILK POWER SUIT | LUCIE BROCHARD.võ SATIN-SILK TUNIC SHIRT | 
NAT & NIN TEREZA | NINE WEST JANILLY LOAFERS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KREATEURS & NINE WEST.

Happy Monday! How is everyone doing today? This weekend I finally had the chance to take a stroll through the streets of SoHo and discover Kreateurs. Though the showroom is technically based in Paris, they were here in New York for 10 days for their popup showcasing emerging French designers. Ranging from timeless styles, high-quality, ethical processes and authenticity, Kreateurs is a tangible alternative to the overwhelming power of leading brands; by creating a space for independent designers, they platform a unique expertise and vision.

Lucie Brochard.võ matured her creativity throughout her experiences in Europe, America, and Asia. Across her many travels and stop-overs in airports, Lucie identified the need of confident women to wear outstanding clothes without compromising on their comfort. Always ready for unplanned stop-overs around the world, this collection caters to the modern, creative, elegant spontaneous traveling women. The Lucie Brochard.võ collection reveals a distinguished feminine silhouette filled with character, originality and a sense of escape. Yet, the wardrobe is subtly inspired by menswear tailoring in order to bring exclusive comfort and practicality.

Such as with this blue pantsuit: The color, stitching, lining; every single detail is with careful attention, right down to the excellence in tailoring, I was immediately drawn to the collection. I styled the pantsuit with contrasting bright, spring colors such as yellow and orange to give the whole look an extra pop. The colorful top is actually a tunic shirt that I loosely tucked into the pants to give it a more carefree feel. To color balance with the variety of colors, I chose more subtle feminine tones, like this blossom // blush pink leather bag from Nat & Nin, and a pair of crisp, white loafers from Nine West. I think I'm ready to kick spring's butt in this look! Feeling inspired, empowered and ready to take on this week like a champ! For more info, please visit kreateurs.com

LOVE & XX'S,

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Take Me out to the Ballgame

May 3, 2017

LOOK 1

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK BELL DRESS | ADIDAS STAN SMITH LEATHER SNEAKERS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SAKU NEW YORK.

LOOK 2

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK CUTIE COLLAR PLEATS DRESS | ADIDAS STAN SMITH LEATHER SNEAKERS

As some of you may know, I have, as of lately, been highly interested in Korean fashion. In the past week, I featured two distinctive Korean designers, one called, s a k u New York. s a k u is both feminine and casual, with great attention in creating never-seen-before styles. The SS17 collection's theme is, 'the LINK_', in that every creature is somehow linked together through inspiration and dreams. What is really exquisite about this collection are its key designs which have slit-pleated details and beautifully colored liners, like in Look 2 which is very sporty chic. Even the crochet detail with the neon peach color is quite lovely. The collar also brings a cute added touch to this dress.

Look 1 is all about structure and material. The cut and shape of the bell dress are impeccable. What I'm most infatuated with about this particular dress is the neon peach liner. You guys will be seeing a lot more of this up and coming-trending color. This stretchy, white, crew neck dress also features a concealed back zipper closure and the front hemline is shorter than the back side. Flirty and feminine, this bell dress is a perfect pick for any daytime look, from a stroll through the park, out watching your guy play ball, or even to a bridal/baby shower!

I styled these dresses very simply yet I had a lot to work with :) The baseball team, balls flying everywhere, the wind, the sun, the felt grass and symmetry of the lines... all these worked into creating a story. Sporty chicness meets girl-next-door meets ballet dancer. I hope you guys are digging the new edits and photos. As always, hearing from my readers never fails to make my day! Drop those comments down below or feel free to send me a message! Have a great rest of your Wednesday!

LOVE & XX'S,

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City Ballerina

April 28, 2017

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK BLACK PLEATED SKIRT LINKED W/ SWEATSHIRT | 
RHODA WONG DUSTY ROSE SLEEVELESS TRANCH | MATT BERNSON MEZZA |
VVA IVY CALF GREEN POUCH HANDBAG

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK, RHODA WONG, & MATT BERNSON.

Friday calls for a mixup on ballet-like trends and a bit more feminine chicness! Today's post features two designers from my most recent post (check it out here - major Parisian feels) who are both extremely talented in their own rights. The pleated skirt linked sweatshirt by saku New York is a great staple piece to have in your closet. The adaptability of this piece is incredible, as I can see this being worn all-year round. It's a great combo for layering or just by itself. The vest (comes separately) scalloped collar and lace work are just gorgeous! I layered it with an insanely beautiful dusty rose sleeveless trench by Rhoda Wong, with intricate pocket and collar details. What really caught my eye was what's within the pocket, a handkerchief holder! Like chivalry, it is a rarity - a dying breed if you will...

These Matt Bernson ballerina flats are my latest shoe obsession. You can wear these flats with or without the lace-up straps, whether tying them further up the legs to bring a gladiator/ballet-like feel to a look or even just around the ankles for a more definitive structured look, these versatile flats will be all the crazy this spring/summer season. And you bet I will layer these beauts with some sort of socks/tights come this fall! If you're looking to invest in a really good pair of flats, I really recommend these comfy and chic pair!

What's everyone up to this weekend? I will be working on more content for you guys - coming up on Monday will be a new cocktail recipe with one of my favorite liquors I've been drinking a lot of this year :) I can't wait to show you this spring-y, yummy and refreshing drink! Next week will also feature more sporty athleisure wear, but think more high-fashion, folks! And much more exciting projects in the works, it just keeps getting busier and busier! #forevergrateful