All Black

 Outfit Details // Blouse, Max Studio via Marshall's - similar (here)| Skirt, J Crew - on sale! (here) | Heels, Target (old) | Three-strand necklace, TrendzNOLA | Rings, TrendzNOLA + Porter Lyons + Banana Republic // 

Photos by - Jeanne-Marie Exposito 

Happy Tuesday! 

I'm in love with this skirt from J Crew. I've been searching for something versatile enough for summer/fall and I think I found it. I paired it with a back draped top and black strappy heels, gold accessories, and some gorgeous roses I found at Whole Foods. Seeing all the gorgeous jewel toned flowers reminded me that I'm so ready for fall !! This season's forecast consists of lots of gold jewels, textures, stripes, and ....black, of course! 

Also, Maroon5's new album dropped today * fangirls* Who else is excited?!  

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Palms + Stripes

     Outfit Details // Dress, by Max Studio - Marshall's | Sandals, Kenneth Cole | Necklace, (old) + Ring,  Stella & Dot | Nail Color, "Bubble Bath" by OPI // 

Photo cred - Carlyn Exposito 

There's nothing I love more than a great striped dress. This one by Max Studio has recently become one of my favorites and I love the nautical-ness of it. Often times people stay away from horizontal stripes because they think it makes them appear larger than they are. That isn't always the case.  It is the case, however, that certain kinds of stripes can give off that illusion. The thicker the stripe, the larger you appear. The reason being that it separates your body into large chunks and can be very unflattering.

 One of the reasons I love this dress is because of how the stripes are layered. It's extremely flattering and actually makes you appear thinner and defines your waist! 

I paired it with red jewelry and white sandals for a beachy feel. For a more formal look I would have worn black heels and a white (or black)  leather jacket and my usual array of gold rings. 

In other news, I've been growing out my bangs! I was time for a change and it felt kind of strange, but I'm really happy with how they're coming along. 

Happy Monday! 

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Blue Jeans + Calfskin Bags

      // Outfit Details - Blouse, Ann Taylor (old) | Jeans, KUT from the Kloth | Heels, c/o Versona 
   Accessories | Calfskin Cross-body Bag, c/o Lady Sophia | Knuckle Ring, Porter Lyons | Spike Bracelet, c/o TrendzNOLA + The Limited // 

I recently attended a trunk show for one of my favorite local designers - Lady Sophia! ( See my coverage of her debut runway show, here ) The Kenyan-born designer's latest line features beautiful handmade jewelry, colorful dresses and skirts, and my personal favorite - these drop-dead gorgeous calfskin bags. After drooling over them at the show I was able to pull a couple of my favorites to style here on the blog!

This one in particular is the perfect size and style for summer and it goes with everything. Although it can be difficult for me to operate out of such a small purse, cross-body bags have become my go-to accessory this summer. 

I chose to pair the bag with a pair of flared jeans and heeled clogs, but I'd also style it with an LBD or some textured shorts and t-shirt. I love how adding an unexpected print to an outfit can really amp up the 'luxe-factor'.  I'm also a huge fan of any kind of animal printed piece paired with something red. It really makes the print POP. To compete this look I accessorized with some simple gold statement jewelry to compliment the hardware of the bag and some basic brown mules. 

Thanks so much for reading! 

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