Family Candids like It’s 1998

huji, forever 21 cardigan, express blouse

Have you guys noticed the recent hipster trend on social media? You know…the one that makes all of your photos look like they were taken with a disposable camera from the ’90s?

huji, forever 21 cardigan, express blouse

At a recent family get-together, one of my sisters, who is WAY cooler than the rest of us by the way, enlightened me. She showed me the Huji Cam App, immediately made me download it, and a photoshoot quickly ensued.

huji, forever 21 cardigan, express blouse

I was skeptical. As an amateur style blogger who values REAL cameras (both film and digital), the idea of using an app that imitates disposable film didn’t sound appealing.

Nonetheless, when she showed me the “developed” pictures, I was pleasantly surprised. Don’t get me wrong; you won’t find me posting all of my pseudo-fashion shoots from the Huji App, but there is something candid and heartwarming about the pictures from our gathering.

huji, forever 21 cardigan, express blouse

Maybe it has to do with the fact that the App looks and acts like old disposable cameras, meaning you have to take your shot looking through the tiny viewfinder, forced to press the shutter whether or NOT the subjects look absolutely perfect. Things are done with less focus and positioning, and as a result, turn out a little bit more authentic, in real time.

huji, forever 21 cardigan, express blouse

The convenience of having it all on your phone in an instant helps too. Usually I am impatiently waiting on Joel to develop our most recent batch of film, but in those cases, the quality is well worth the wait. My final opinion? The Huji App has a time and a place.

On Me: Forever Cardigan // Express Blouse

Thanksgiving Rompers & Jumpsuits

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

With Thanksgiving only a couple days away, there’s so much to do–grocery shopping, meal prepping, decorating, and most importantly…outfit planning.

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

It can be difficult to know what to wear as a guest. You don’t want to be over the top, uncomfortable, or too casual.

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Wearing a romper or jumpsuit is the perfect answer. Rompers effortlessly evoke the appropriate combination of looking like you tried while still being able to move.

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!

On me: Forever Jumpsuit // Alfani Heels // Adrienne Vittadini Sweater // Fossil Purse

Before you go, take a look at a few other rompers & jumpsuits I love:

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Topshop

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Nordstrom Rack

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Nordstrom

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Nordstrom

Piling On The Bling

Layering jewelry has been a fashion practice since ancient times, but the trend has really been taking off recently. I personally love the style. I have always gravitated towards more feminine, delicate looks as opposed to big, bulky pieces. Layers help make what was once reserved and shy into a subtle statement. Why wear one necklace when you can wear three? The secret is making sure that each individual item isn’t over the top on its own, so when they come together they mesh perfectly. Keep scrolling to see what I mean.

Necklaces

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

Bracelets

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

Rings

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

Check out my three favorite places to shop for jewelry right now:

Mejuri // BaubleBar // Sundance

“Jewelry is the most transformative thing you can wear.” —Iris Apfel

Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride

After working tons of weddings this season, I’ve seen many different dress options for bridesmaids. As time progresses, people are moving in a less traditional direction—which I love! Most notably, I have not seen a single wedding this year where each bridesmaid is wearing a 100% matching dress, as is typically found at your run of the mill wedding dress shop. Let’s face it, it’s nearly impossible to flatter EVERYONE in your bridal party with the same dress, so why try? Instead of forcing something that usually doesn’t fit or feel right, brides are getting creative. These are a few of my favorite modern bridesmaids dress trends (so far:-)

White SHORT Dresses

bridesmaids dresses, wedding dress trends

Same Color/Fabric but Different Style

bridesmaids dresses, wedding dress trends

Different Fabrics/Patterns of Same Basic Color

bridesmaids dresses, wedding dress trends

Same/Similar Fabric/Style but Different Colors

bridesmaids dresses, wedding dress trends

Jumpsuits Instead of Dresses

bridesmaids dresses, wedding dress trends

My favorite dress shops right now are BHLDN, ModCloth, Lulus, Reformation, and ASOS!

Brands I Love

I’m constantly on the hunt for new brands and retailers on the market. In the past few months I’ve discovered some companies that have earned my stamp of approval and quickly become a few of my favorite places to shop. Today I thought I would talk about three of them—Everlane, & Other Stories, and Monday Swimwear.

Everlane:

As a young woman who just started her first full-time professional job, I’ve come to see Everlane is a great resource for finding high quality, basic pieces at a reasonable price. Their clothing is nice enough to wear at the office, but comfortable and balanced. I find them both trendy and classic. See for yourself:

everlane, professional clothes

everlane, professional clothes

everlane, professional clothes

everlane, professional clothes

& Other Stories:

If you love H&M’s fashionable pieces, but find yourself disappointed in the standard of their quality, look no further than & Other Stories. Coming from the same people who brought you H&M, & Other Stories is literally a couple of stories above them, unintended he he. This collection is more expensive than H&M pieces, but you’re paying for better made items. Though just as stylish, & Other Stories is not competing with other fast fashion retailers like H&M and Forever 21. Instead they are selling items that are built better and can last. Check them out:

& Other Stories, Fashionable Clothes

& Other Stories, Fashionable Clothes

& Other Stories, Fashionable Clothes

& Other Stories, Fashionable Clothes

Monday Swimwear:

I’ve talked about the subject of swimwear many times on the blog, usually with a heavy sigh, because it’s the one category of clothing that is difficult for me to find a good fit for my form. That’s not because I don’t see tons and tons of styles that I would love to wear, but instead it’s because the bathing suit industry rarely offers sizes and cuts for the common woman. Luckily Monday Swimwear is here to make the swimsuit buying process more fruitful for your everyday girl. They offer a range for women up to an E/F cup with an impeccable fit and standard. They refuse to include any piece that has not been tried on and fit the buyer’s body and needs. Their Clovelly top, in particular, is well known for being supportive and flattering. Keep scrolling:

Monday swimwear, bathing suits

Monday swimwear, bathing suits

Monday swimwear, bathing suits

Monday swimwear, bathing suits

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” –Bill Cunningham

The Tie-Front Shirt

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

My summertime style is a little bit more carefree and fun.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

As soon as the weather gets into the 80s, I find I just want to play around with my look. For example, I usually wear button downs tucked in. I like the form and shape it gives me.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Once Summer arrives though, I’ll usually do a tie in the front style. I’ll get the same structure to the look, but with a more casual flair and feel that is better in hot weather.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Changing how we wear clothing can be just as fun as getting something new and can drastically change the look and feel of the item. We all express ourselves through our styles, even those of us who claim we have no style and pay little attention to what we wear or how we wear it. It all goes into presentation. A tied button down says summer to me, and lets everybody else know I’m feeling it.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

For more Tie-Front tops, keep scrolling. Maybe you’ll be inspired to switch things up too.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Nordstrom

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Nordstrom

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Off 5th

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Urban

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Revolve

On Me: Similar Forever Blouse/ Urban Jeans/ Universal Thread Mules

 

Not Your Average One Piece

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: 

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Reformation

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Barneys New York

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Revolve

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Ted Baker

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Reiss

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

AllSaints

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Carbon38

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Ted Baker

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Ted Baker

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Carbon38

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

How To Style Boyfriend Jeans

boyfriend jeans, topshop button down, heeled sandals, nature, spring

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).

boyfriend jeans, topshop button down, heeled sandals, nature, spring

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

boyfriend jeans, topshop button down, heeled sandals, nature, spring

Add a heel to make your legs appear longer.

boyfriend jeans, topshop button down, heeled sandals, nature, spring

Accessorize for elevation.

On Me: 

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

Check out some more boyfriend jeans outfit inspo:

how to style boyfriend jeans

how to style boyfriend jeans

how to style boyfriend jeans

how to style boyfriend jeans

how to style boyfriend jeans

“Jeans represent democracy in fashion.” — Giorgio Armani

Spring Decor

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:

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” — John Muir

Spring Trends

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:

Mules

Mules, spring trends, shoes

Flowy Dresses

flowy dresses, spring trends

Beach Waves

beach waves, hair, spring trends

Pastels

pastels, spring trends, color

Floral Prints

floral prints, spring trends

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