Sydnie

Spring Sweaters

June 11, 2018June 5, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

This time of year is always difficult to dress for—especially in the Bay Area. It starts out chilly and overcast, and by 1pm it’s 73 degrees and sunny.

That’s why it’s so important to own a lightweight sweater that can help make the cold to warm transition effortless.

I’m wearing my grandma’s vintage Eddie Bauer sweater. It’s the perfect amount of material to keep me warm in the morning but loose enough that I’m cool in the afternoon. My favorite aspect is the bright, white color that doesn’t attract the sun.

My sweater is no longer available, but here are similar alternatives ideal for spring:

On Me: Articles of Society Jeans

Universal Thread Mules

Nine West Purse

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.”

― L.M. Montgomery

Royal Replica

June 4, 2018May 30, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

I’ve been intrigued by Harry and Meghan since news first broke that they were seeing each other, and the footage of the royal wedding was so fun to watch. It’s like a modern day twist on a childhood fairytale, because this charming prince met a mature, self-made woman with a story and style of her own.

She’s gone from girl next-door to Hollywood glam to Kensington Palace, and her Givenchy wedding dress by Clare Waight Keller really spoke to who she was. It was classic and contemporary at the same time, with an elegance and simplicity that reflected her persona perfectly–no frills or embellishments, yet beautiful. What was even more lovely to me was her sophisticated reception dress by Stella McCartney. The halter cut was so sexy and chic. I immediately started looking for something similar to enjoy this summer. Here’s a few options I’ve found that might work for us commoners:

“You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women.” –Meghan Markle (Create & Cultivate, 2016)

Polka Dots For Spring

May 28, 2018May 22, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

As a young girl, I loved wearing polka dots. Somewhere down the line, I realized I had grown out of them. I found myself overlooking the pattern in stores and eventually came to the conclusion polka dots were just for kids.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. In recent months, I’ve found myself reaching again and again for the fun pattern. I’ve learned that polka dots are more than just youthful, but they can also add personality to a professional, classy look.

I’m not sure if it’s the playful spirit of spring that has gotten me back into my favorite childhood trend, but in this modern, stressful society, it can be refreshing to embrace the lighthearted kid in all of us.

“You can’t have a bad day in polka dots.” —Anna Kendrick

On Me:

Express Blouse

Articles of Society Jeans

Nine West Purse

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Swimsuit Cover Ups

May 21, 2018May 15, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

With warm weather, the beach, and bathing suits on the brain, I can’t forget about an often overlooked yet equally (if not more) important summer staple…cover ups. There’s nothing worse than shopping for months and finally finding the bathing suit of your dreams only to realize that you have nothing to wear over it on your way out the door to a last minute pool side BBQ. We have all been there—your favorite low rise jean shorts look weird with a high waisted swimsuit bottom underneath; or maybe your bikini top isn’t sitting well beneath your tank. Or worse, your swimsuit ties are rubbing uncomfortably against your hips because your shorts are too tight with your bathing suit bottoms on, but you hate the tacky look of ties hanging out the waist of your jeans so you just can’t win. No matter what the issue might be, there usually is one (if not a couple) of set backs that make getting dressed for a swim day a drag.

Instead of going through this fashion fumble another year in a row, I’m planning ahead and shopping for cover ups early. To me, the best type of cover up is one that can be worn all year long, like an oversized t-shirt dress or a lightweight cardigan. Take a look at my cover up shopping list and save yourself from the stress of picking out an outfit that doesn’t make you feel confident. It’s not worth it.

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” –Charles Bowden

Not Your Average One Piece

May 14, 2018May 7, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

As a pre-teen and teenager, I ran as far away from one piece bathing suits as I could. Bikinis were cool, and one piece bathing suits were lame, period. I associated one pieces with little kids or moms. Two pieces were a right of passage—the minute you put one on you instantly joined a club that all the girls I ever looked up to and wanted to be like were already in. It was kind of like when you start shaving or wearing a bra. Once I was in, I definitely wasn’t going back.

Yet here I am, a 23 year old in 2018, finding myself wanting to buy a one piece! Here’s the thing: one pieces are COOL now. Either I didn’t notice back when I was fixated on two pieces, or they have really upped their game, but one piece bathing suits for my age group no longer just come in the junior life guard plain tank top look, with no added designs, styles, or embellishments. Now they are flattering, fashionable, and fun! If you’re curious about this new bathing suit revolution, check out a few one piece suits I have my eyes on:

Reformation

Barneys New York

“Don’t grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.” –Michelle Held

How To Style Boyfriend Jeans

May 7, 2018May 1, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Create a one to one and a half inch cuff a couple inches above your ankle to achieve the trendy cropped look (if jeans are longer then fold over twice).

Pair with structured or fitted top (in my case structured) to compliment the loose and unshapely bottoms.

Add a heel to make your legs appear longer.

Accessorize for elevation.

On Me:

Lucky Brand Jeans/ Topshop Blouse/ Life Stride Sandals/ Nine West Purse/ Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Check out some more boyfriend jeans outfit inspo:

“Jeans represent democracy in fashion.” — Giorgio Armani

Sweaters & Skirts

April 30, 2018April 25, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

I bought this Roxy skirt a few weeks ago and have been dying to pull it out, but it hasn’t been warm enough here in the Bay Area for the tank top I had originally envisioned wearing with it.

Being a naturally impatient person, I found myself rethinking my cropped tank top idea, and instead, pulled out a loose fitting sweater shirt I’ve had in my closet since high school. Once I tried it on, I fell in love instantly.

This look is my 2018 take on the classic 1950s sweater and poodle skirt combo. Iconic as it was, I think I prefer this modern spin.

Though I love a good poodle skirt, this longer, less obtrusive option is much more my speed. The effortless sweater not only keeps me warm while I’m waiting for summer, but it also adds a nice contrast to the fitted skirt.

Living in Santa Cruz has taught me to mix and match different seasonal pieces. Granted, I draw a line at Ugg boots and shorts, but in this case, pulling out a top I normally save for the winter months had me pleasantly surprised. Who knows, come Fall, I might pair this skirt with booties and a leather jacket!

“Negative results are just what I want. They’re just as valuable to me as positive results. I can never find the thing that does the job best until I find the ones that don’t.” —Thomas A. Edison

On Me:

Purse

Statement Shoes

April 23, 2018April 17, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Shoes are my favorite piece of any outfit. For me, they make or break the look. When I want to make a statement and dress up, I instantly turn to my shoes to up my game.

The best types of statement shoes are the ones that take a simple pair of jeans to a whole new level. What was once considered casual is now ready to head out to dinner or to a party. They don’t need to be over the top. They just need a certain something that makes you feel like you could do anything and go anywhere in them—maybe it’s the pretty color, the unique style, or maybe they just make you feel confident because you like the way they make your legs look!

A good pair of shoes is usually the first thing anyone notices about your outfit, and they are all the way down at your feet. Talk about a statement. These Sam Edelman’s instantly caught my eye—their pale blue complexion is perfect for spring, and the kitten heel with a simple slingback strap is a timeless style I knew I would get a lot of wear out of.

“You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet.” — Christian Dior

Check out a few other statement shoes for spring you’ll wish you had in your closet:

Gilt

Off 5th

Nordstrom Rack

Dorothy Perkins

Gilt

Everlane

Nordstrom

Marks and Spencer

Nordstrom

Dresses for Spring

April 16, 2018April 10, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Ever wonder what differentiates a spring dress from dresses worn the rest of the year? Mostly it is the feelings of renewal, happiness, and carefree comfort they evoke through the use of colors and patterns that are associated with this special time of year. With spring dresses, I love incorporating pastels and floral prints. They represent the common themes I’ve been blogging about for weeks: bright, light, and full of fresh starts. Dresses are so effortless. They’re perfect for the days when you wake up late and need to throw something on without thinking about it, but still want to look polished and pretty. If you’re like me and need to refresh your spring dress collection, keep scrolling:

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” ― Yves Saint-Laurent

Spring Decor

April 9, 2018April 3, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

It’s no secret that this year’s shift to spring has really been inspiring my style! Winter felt extra long, so I’m finding this transition easier than in the past. Not only am I incorporating spring looks into my wardrobe, but I feel motivated to dress up the house a bit too. One trend in particular has been bombarding my Instagram feed non-stop—plants. You might be thinking that owning a few plants is in fact not a new notion at all, but rather a very old and common tradition, and yes you’re right, but it seems that my fellow Millennials have taken the effort to a whole new level. Plants are no longer just an accent piece here and there to help brighten the room and clean the air, but instead, are the main attraction. I don’t think I’ll be turning my home into a green house anytime soon but I’m definitely going to add some much needed greenery to my surroundings, and what better time than April to start? Check out some amazing plant decor inspo to help bring out your green thumb too: