Sydnie

Un-Bum Your Beach Bag

April 2, 2018March 28, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Now that we are a couple weeks into spring, I’m already planning for summer. Just the slightest glimpse of sunshine gets me in the mood for beach days, sun dresses, and flip flops. Summer style is so much fun to play with, except for one major overlooked element: beach bags. In years past, I struggled to find a bag that I wasn’t ashamed of and didn’t instantly try to cover up with my towel. That’s because my go to “beach bag” was typically an old backpack I no longer used, a reusable shopping bag, or worse, a disposable shopping bag. This year I have had enough, and after a little research I found quite a few options that are cute enough they might even find themselves added to my monthly rotation of hand bags—beach or sans beach! Check them out:

“Summer was on the way; Jem and I awaited it with impatience. Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape; but most of all, summer was Dill.”

―Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

Spring Trends

March 26, 2018March 22, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Now that spring is finally here, I wanted to talk about a few of my favorite indulgences for the season. Most of these are repeat offenders, but that’s part of their charm. All winter long I look forward to these to help me brave it through the rest of the chilly months. There is something so special about this time of year, as the flowers begin to bloom, I can’t help but feel the familiar comfort of new beginnings. Check out my top five effortlessly romantic spring trends:

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?” –Neltje Blanchan

Athleisure Sneakers

March 19, 2018March 12, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

The athleisure trend has been in full force for a while now, and though controversial to some, I’m 100% supportive of the movement! Especially when traveling and living in San Francisco, I found myself grateful many times that wearing sneakers with a stylish outfit was considered fully acceptable and even in vogue. After contemplating the new fad, I realized that the sneakers are, in fact, the defining piece to achieving the athleisure look! Think about it…no matter what you’re wearing—be it a dress, pea coat, or jeans—adding chic sneakers takes your style from everyday to sporty. And yes, some take the trend a bit more seriously by wearing their full on workout clothing and just adding a cute jacket to the mix, but when looking at the full spectrum of athleisure outfits, all you really need are some stylish sneakers to fulfill the requirements. In my hopes of supporting practical fashions, I thought I would share the perfect athleisure sneakers for a little extra inspiration! Check them out:

“Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love. Beauty comes when fashion succeeds.”― Coco Chanel

Long Skirts for the Modern Girl

March 12, 2018March 7, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

When I was younger, I always kept my distance from long skirts. I felt they were restraining, unshapely, and one of the many fads from the 19th century that I didn’t want to revisit. Fast forward to 2018 when long skirts have completely reinvented themselves, and now they are not only breathable and flattering, but also versatile. They provide options for styling an outfit in a myriad of ways—from sporty to professional and everywhere in between. It’s fun experimenting with them. Check out some of my favorite long skirt trends thus far:

long skirts, spring, fashion, vintage, trendy

P.S. Urban Outfitters and ModCloth have a ton of great options right now—just in time for Spring!

Silk Scarves

March 5, 2018February 23, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

When I was in Paris this Summer, I was immensely inspired to upgrade my daily look. The Parisians know how to elevate their style effortlessly with a bold lip color or fun accessory. One element I noticed again and again was their creativity when it came to silk scarves. Paris is known for the classic silk scarf tied around the neck, but my visit proved they have broadened their signature look quite a bit. If you’re like me and constantly try to emulate a Parisian, check out a few simple ways adding a silk scarf to your wardrobe can do just that…

Classic

Headband

Hair Tie

Loose Classic

Shrug

Bracelet

Anklet

Vintage

Belt Loop

Purse

“I wanted to be a certain kind of woman. I became that kind of woman.” —Diane Von Furstenberg

Statement Earrings

February 26, 2018February 23, 2018 Sydnie1 Comment

As Winter starts winding down, I’m beginning to plan for Spring. I have already started coming up with warm weather outfits in my head involving floral prints, cropped jeans, and flowy skirts. Aside from clothing, accessories are also something I enjoy experimenting with each season. There are so many trends to look out for—one of my favorites being statement earrings. I feel like everywhere I turn I notice a different influencer sporting a bold, beautiful piece of jewelry on their ear and I’m eager to join in the fun. Normally, I’m attracted to a simple stud or modest dangle, but in the spirit of Spring, I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I love the way a statement earring can make an average outfit pop. If you still don’t believe me, take a look at some inspiring earrings that will make you want to indulge in a new pair or two for yourself.

Kenneth Jay Lane

Shashi

Carousel Jewels

Carousel Jewels

Goodnight Macaroon

Kendra Scott

“Jewelry has the power to be this one little thing that can make you feel unique.” –Jennie Kwon

Flats

February 19, 2018February 12, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

For the longest time I didn’t think much of flats. I always felt they were boring, unflattering, and they never made the cut into my wardrobe. When I pictured flats, I saw a plain, black ballet slipper that didn’t help my figure or outfit in any way. Back in high school and my early college years, my wardrobe consisted of two (loose) categories: sneakers and heels. I wore Converse or Vans to school and would put on heels whenever I went out. Since then, things have changed dramatically. Living in the city and dealing with public transportation made me dread high heels. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good heel, but I needed something in between. Not to mention, I wanted to elevate my daily style without always feeling overdressed/uncomfortable. Insert flats. As I opened my mind, I started noticing a wide range of options that not only added to my outfit, but didn’t make my legs appear shorter than they are. I fell in love with so many different genres from a classic loafer to a pointy toe flat. Now I find myself wearing flats more than any other shoe style. Check out some of my favorite daily flats on the market:

“A woman carries her clothes. But the shoe carries the woman.” –Christian Louboutin

Glimpse of Spring

February 12, 2018February 7, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Old Navy, Nor Cal, Spring, Sunset, Fashion Top

This weekend was not typical for early February in Santa Cruz, but I’m not complaining.

Normally, it’s either raining, cold, or both this time of year, but instead, we have been living in a heat wave with sunny skies and warm breezes.

Though I worry about what this means for the world at large, I was eager to take a break from winter and pretend that spring had already arrived..

Joel and I spent the day as we usually do when the weather is warm—exploring the backroads.

It was nearing sunset, so we pulled over and looked out toward the west through an opening between the trees. There’s something so effortless about a Northern California sunset. It never disappoints.

I had recently bought this top at Old Navy in anticipation of warmer weather, but did not expect to be wearing it this soon. I love the shoulder detailing paired with the airiness of the cloth. I can picture it over a bathing suit come summertime. On days like these I can feel the lake calling me.

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” —Anthony J. D’Angelo

Vintage Style

February 5, 2018February 4, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Most trends are cyclical, moving in and out of vogue over time. What was fashionable for an older generation, i.e. bellbottoms, may be a dreaded faux pas later; yet some pieces are so iconic that they have made repeated encores. Here are a few examples of style fads that have made impressive comebacks:

Oversized Sunglasses

High Waisted Bathing Suit

Oversized Sun Hat

Off The Shoulder

Crop top

LBD

High Waisted Jeans

Asymmetrical Shoulders

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” —Coco Chanel

Valentine’s Day Dresses

January 29, 2018January 27, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Valentine’s Day is just a couple weeks away! Whether you’re headed to a romantic dinner with your beau or a fun night with the girls, your outfit is going to be a priority. For those of us who rarely get the opportunity to put on a dress, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse. Check out some of my favorite dresses to celebrate love!