Bags – styleXsydnie

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

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

The Sleeveless Turtleneck

August 6, 2017August 6, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I love the retro look of sleeveless turtlenecks. I find them incredibly flattering and stylish.

When I was in elementary school, and my mom still helped me pick out my outfits for the day, she used to always suggest I wear a turtleneck. At the time, I refused with all my might. Now, I reach for them all the time and laugh at the irony.

Sleeveless turtlenecks are perfect for the hotter months of the year, when you still want the same look of a turtleneck without the extra warmth.

On a side note, I love the way black and brown complement each other. I know that’s an unpopular opinion—to each their own. To me, there’s something so effortless about the combo.

Whenever I wear this top, I pair it with a simple outfit—jeans, low heels, and cat eye sunglasses. Everything fits together seamlessly, putting a vintage spin on the classic jeans and a tank top style.

Shop my look: slide sandals/ jeans/ top/ purse/sunglasses

Summer Slides

July 31, 2017July 30, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

Every summer I find myself slipping into these slides again and again.

Aside from being incredibly comfortable, they go with everything. I wear them with dresses when I’m going out to dinner, or with jeans on casual day.

I love the way they elevate a simple outfit like you see here. What would have been the equivalent of a “moving day” outfit is now enhanced to create a cute weekend look.

Being just under 5 “4”, most of my favorite shoes have a small heel. I have seen a lot of flat slides recently, but this kitten heeled one is perfect for me. It’s high enough to make a difference, but low enough to walk in for long distances.

Shop my look:

Nine West Jaya Solid Crossbody • Nine West • $44.25
Who What Wear Women’s Carolina Double Band Block Heel Slide Sandals – Who What Wear • Who What Wear • $32.99
Women’s Free People Found My Friend Sweatshirt • Free People • $78
BDG Twig Super High-Rise Skinny Jean – Indigo • BDG • $59

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What’s in my backpack?

October 6, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

It’s that time of year again. As Mark Twain once said, “Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.” Nonetheless, it’s good to be prepared. As a college senior, I have lots of experience with school supplies. Check out my backpack essentials:

Baggu backpack

Baggu Laptop Sleeve

Baggu is my go-to bag brand. Their designs are simple and their material lasts.

bareMinerals Lipstick

I never leave the house without this lipstick. The formula is comfortable and the nude tint is perfect for everyday.

Boo-Boo Cover-Up

I can’t tell you how many times I have been so happy I had cover-up with me at school. It can be a life saver.

Lavender Essential Oil

When school is stressing you out, a whiff of this will do the trick.

Gucci Glasses Case

Not only is this case chic, but it is also extremely durable–perfect for inside your backpack.

Klean Kanteen

Staying hydrated is key for a productive day at school. Keeping a refillable water bottle with you is cost effective and good for the environment.

Target Planner

My planner is my most prized possession–it keeps me organized and sane. The cute floral design is an added plus!

Etsy Pencils

Speaking of cute designs, these pencils make a dull writing tool into a fun accessory.

Louis Vuitton Wallet

It’s always good to have your wallet on hand, especially when you need to buy a coffee and scone between classes.

Bobby Pins

Mundane, yet vital. Studying is impossible with your hair in your face.

What’s In My Bag

June 12, 2016June 12, 2016 Sydnie1 Comment

I found this Rebecca Minkoff tote at Nordstrom Rack and just had to have it! It’s big enough to carry all my stuff, but it doesn’t feel like a piece of luggage.

Check out my list of handbag essentials:

A Good Book/Magazine–You never know when you’ll have extra time in a waiting room or get bored on the bus.

A Small Notebook & Pen–It’s so handy to be able to pull out pen and paper when an important thought comes to mind that you don’t want to forget!

Wallet–DUH.

Sunglasses–Good for both outdoors and indoors when trying to see in sunlight or look put together after a rough night’s sleep.

A Piece of Jewelry–Spur of the moment dinner plans might cause for a little something extra.

Small Makeup Bag–Perfect for concealing a hairbrush, pressed powder, hair tie, argan oil, lipstick, tweezers, and perfume (all quite necessary, I swear).

Reflection

January 7, 2016 Sydnie2 Comments

Since it is now 2016, I think it is appropriate to reflect on some of my favorite blog posts–going all the way back to the beginning! I love looking back and seeing how my style has evolved. I’m proud of these looks. This blog has been a wonderful outlet, and I’m so excited for what’s to come!

Happy New Year!!!

Urban Outfitters Dress

Express Top

Zara Heels

Levi’s Jeans

Urban Outfitters Pants

Lucky Brand Boyfriend Jeans

Cotton On Scarf

Target Dress

Sundance Earrings

Urban Outfitters Pants

Brandy Melville Dress

American Apparel Top

The Sak Purse

Brandy Melville Hat

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” -Rachel Zoe

Modern

September 27, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

It’s amazing how much style has changed throughout the years. What was once appropriate for an office setting is no longer the mainstream. I recently saw the new movie, The Intern, and it reminded me just how much workwear has evolved.

Right now, we are enjoying the casual workwear phase. Mixing and matching laid back pieces with hints of something fancy or professional is all the rage.

It’s fun to experiment with your style in a workplace setting. The suit and tie uniform is no longer required, although, a timeless look like that is truly unbeatable. Our modern times have allowed us to play a little. I enjoy pairing an androgynous article of clothing with a feminine accent piece that I am most comfortable in–like these pants with my oversized sunglasses.

What is important, however, is that you tried. Your workplace attire must be a step up from what you wear on the weekends. For you, this may mean wearing a pair of heels or a button down instead of sneakers and a t-shirt. That doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable, though. Dressing up is a very individual process.

For instance, this guy looks ready to head into the office with a pair of sneakers on. That is because of the way he dressed up his shirt and blazer.

Or, keep the t-shirt and add a pair of heels and businesslike jacket. Remember, workwear is not necessarily the same thing you would deem appropriate for an interview. Jeans are something you can wear once you have the job, not when you’re trying to get it.

Modern times are telling us that it’s ok to look like ourselves. Professional environments are stuffy enough. Looking put together in something you feel good about is more valued than wearing a pair of misfitted slacks.

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” – Coco Chanel

On Me: Urban top & bottoms

Zara shoes

Nordstrom Sunnies

Lestrade bag (Santa Barbara)

Steps

September 22, 2015 Sydnie1 Comment

If you are ever in San Francisco, I highly recommend climbing up the Moraga Steps.

Aside from the gorgeous view from the top, the steps themselves are a sight for sore eyes.

If you live in the Bay Area, you are probably already aware that dressing in layers is very important. I love pairing a Summer top with a Fall jacket as I ease my way through the transition of seasons.