April Showers Bring Stutterheim

April 25, 2018

WEARING: STUTTERHEIM MOSEBACKE BURGUNDY RAINCOAT | GENUINE PEOPLE SWEATER DRESS | 
HUNTER LACE UP RAIN BOOTS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY STUTTERHEIM.

Rain, rain, go away! It isn't out of the norm to have a wet month in April, and this season I'm not minding all the rain in my new raincoat. The latest, waterproof, lightweight and packable coats combine Stutterheim's commitment to wet-weather protection with fresh colors and bold, graphic elements - lifting spirits during depressing spring and summer showers. Besides, before you know it, May flowers will be sprouting everywhere. But in the meantime, I'll be sure to wear my raincoat and wellies appropriately. Continue reading to learn more about the Swedish brand and how I styled this gorgeous burgundy raincoat. It's definitely a showstopper and not to be missed!

The Stutterheim Mosebacke Burgundy raincoat is the women's A-line version of their iconic raincoat. This feminine model has a beautiful silhouette with a spacious cut. It is handmade in rubberized cotton, comes unlined, with double welded seams, snap closures and cotton drawstrings. The finest craftsmanship is used to create this style, here in a beautiful burgundy version with silver buttons. Their raincoats have undergone severe testing in horrible conditions both at sea and in the city. Each coat is individually quality-controlled by their skilled seamstresses. It's by far the best quality raincoat I've ever owned and aside from that, it's the color that makes my heart swoon. It

Given the temperamental weather, I wore a sweater dress with a high slit, some wool socks, and my trusty Hunter boots. The combination is enough to keep me warm but also a little room for my skin to breathe. Fun BTS story behind this shoot: for many who saw the teaser photo to this post on Instagram and asked how we got the 'fog' into the photos... we did not rent a smoke machine, but rather I stood on top of one of the steam vents in the streets and said a little prayer. These kinds of mysterious 'drops' (including sidewalk hatches that always leaves me ridden with anxiety) I can never predict how far down they go... even just telling you about it is making me nervous! Plus, the smell of the steam, eww. I didn't exactly smell too pleasant afterward! Ah, the things we do to get the shot. It's not as easy as it looks, guys, trust me! Stay dry out there today, x.

LOVE & XX'S,

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There's a LIE in Believe

March 21, 2018

WEARING: LIE COLLECTION TRENCH | LIE COLLECTION RUFFLE SLEEVE TOP | 
JOE'S JEANS THE CHARLIE | GUCCI BELT | LOUIS VUITTON BAG | NINE WEST PUMPS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SAKS OFF 5TH & LIE COLLECTION.

In case you missed last week's, 'Motorsport Trend' blog post, where I talked of up and coming Korean fashion designer, Chung Chung Lee of LIE Collection, and featured an amazing hybrid pair of navy blue track/tuxedo pants in the look, today's feature also includes some amazing pieces from his latest collection. Continue reading to see the coolest camel trench coat of the season along with a great pair of frayed hem jeans and a ruffle sleeve white top that combines both athleisure and chicness together. I'd like to think of it as an updated version of a casual classic look, with what will be trending this spring season.

Many classic camel trenches have a horn buckle and button fastenings, a trans-seasonal appeal offering any wardrobe great versatility. Pair it with jeans and a white top for a casual chic look. But this LIE Collection trench coat is anything but traditional. It's ruched/buttoned sleeves are beautifully detailed with a large tag around the waist belt with the writing, 'LIE' on one side, and 'BELIEVE' on the other. "I think nobody is perfect, but that is the real beauty,” Lee said. “We don’t have to think about stand-out beauty or a beauty contest. I want to talk about real, natural beauty.” In that real beauty cannot be a lie. It's not a lie if you believe in it, no matter if it's beauty or, overall, yourself.

The white ruffled sleeve top is also by LIE Collection. Its slit detail button-down blouse with ruffles and drawstrings definitely amp up the typical white bouse. Its athleisure details are what's currently trending. The cutouts on the arms of the blouse are great for layering, especially right now when the weather won't quite exactly shift to spring. It can also be worn with skirts and dresses, but I kept it with jeans as I'm really a jeans gal. It's rare that I wear more feminine pieces. The jeans are from Joe's Jeans. I got them at Saks Off Fifth and I got them for just a little over $100! They're having a denim sale‪ till 3/27, you can get 40% off all denim in stores and online so you can stock up on cute new jeans for the spring season!

These Nine West white pumps were sold out for a hot minute, but they're now back in stock. Click here for shopping link or shop at the beginning or end of this blog post. What's your take on this updated classic look? Do you like what you're seeing trending? And what are you most looking forward to wearing this season? Leave your comments down below, I don't always have time to comment back but I do read each and every message from you guys! Until next time, let us pray for less snow and a little more spring. ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

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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