My Style

ADD SOME SHINE: THE PATENT PUFFER

It’s February and it’s still freezing.

The parka game may be getting a little old and it gets harder and harder to actually attempt dressing up in the winter. Thankfully, some outerwear trends can make a statement and still keep you warm like the patent puffer.

Since fall, the patent trend has been everywhere. I love it in boots, skirts and yes even pants! I gave into the skirt and sadly declined on the pant once I tried them on in the fitting room and heard how they sounded as I tried walking back and forth and immediately thought of the Friends episode with Ross’s leather pants…the horror. lol

On Black Friday I had ventured into Zara in the suburbs and there it was…shining bright…the patent puffer. I knew I had to have it!

Yes, it was a bit ridiculous. Yes, it kind of made me feel like Missy Elliot in the ‘The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)’ video but I didn’t care — I needed it…and it was on sale! I got that and these boots I’m wearing here which also happen to be borderline patent…I can’t help myself. The heart wants what it wants.

For this look, I kept it super simple wearing a black turtleneck sweater by H&M and these amazing jeans by Levi’s in collaboration with Aritzia. They’re the jean I have been searching at every vintage store for…a light wash, non-destroyed pair of Levi’s 501s with a high waist. They do cut at the ankle so wearing a high ankle boot like these are perfect.

This puffer may seem a little bold to some but I think it’s a great way to ease into the trend if you’re still a little on the fence. It’s a fun outerwear piece that can also go sporty. I think it would look great with sweats or leggings for a more athleisure look as well!

Ready to shine?

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JACKET: Zara, similar here

SWEATER: H&M, similar here

JEANS: Aritzia

SHOES: Zara

THE PARTY TOP: UPDATED

As the holidays approach, it seems like this month is filled with even more events, birthdays and dinners with friends before family time and some much needed hibernation. When the temps drop it can be challenging to put effort into your outfits. I know I tend to gravitate towards dark jeans and cozy sweaters but sometimes that can get a bit boring for a night out.

Quick way to upgrade your look? Add a fun blouse! It’s been a while since I’ve updated my “going-out tops” and for the longest time it was a sea of tank tops. However, I came across this top at Zara and was immediately drawn to it. I love the unique shade of blue and contrast of color with the floral print. The drapey fabric is so pretty and fun fact –it’s actually a bodysuit which makes it super easy to tuck into a high waisted jeans.

Keeping the rest of the look simple is key. I kept it clean with my go-to black jeans by American Eagle to let the top be the star and added my black ankle boots. I accessorized with my black Gucci bag and gold vintage earrings.

Linking below a few of my favorite tops similar to this one to ease you through the holiday season. Happy shopping!

Photos shot in NYC by Kevin Tun

SHOP MY LOOK:

TOP: Zara; similar here, and here — also loving this one by Mango.

JEANS: American Eagle, similar here

BOOTS: Steve Madden, similar here

BAG: Gucci

LEATHER WEATHER: TOP 5 JACKETS TO ADD TO YOUR WARDROBE NOW

A leather jacket is something that can elevate any outfit. It is so important to invest in one you love. It took me a while to find my favorite after a big debate and I found a great option by Zara. Best part? It was under $200! Links to all my favorites from high to low are on my LiketoKnowit profile here as well as below — happy shopping!

STAND OUT IN THE STRIPE PANT

Stripe pants can be a bold statement. I came across these last summer at H&M and wore them frequently with a simple black top because I didn’t want to compete with the pattern. However, I got inspired to pair them with something a little more daring — a rock tee to mix things up a bit.

Rock tees have become a wardrobe staple for some time now. I had an obsession of trying to find the perfect vintage tee but it was a constant struggle. Luckily, a lot of mass brands have done some cool collaborations to bring that vintage feel in a more attainable way, like this awesome Rolling Stones tee by American Eagle.

I love how this pairs with the stripe pant for an updated look. As we get into the cooler days now that it’s October (!), you can take this into night by adding your go-to leather jacket.

Finishing touches? A simple slide sandal and my Gucci cross-body. Also, my lob. More on that hair transformation later though…I could go on and on….:)

Hope this look inspired you to try out a statement pant. These feel practically like pajama pants so I don’t think you’ll be dissappointed. 🙂

SHOP MY LOOK

TEE: American Eagle Outfitters, similar here

PANTS: H&M, similar here and here

SHOES: American Eagle Outfitters, similar here

BAG: Gucci

EYEWEAR: Ray-Ban

Wardrobe Must-Have: The Aerie City Sweatshirt

If I could wear one thing everyday it would be the Aerie City Sweatshirt. I’ve never worn anything more comfortable that is acceptable outside the house. Lol

It’s the perfect item to throw on when you’re heading out for weekend errands or having a chill night on the couch. I love pairing mine with my Aerie Move leggings — also amazingly comfortable.

My favorite part about this sweatshirt is how soft it is. You have to feel it! I also love the oversized fit. I have three colors because I couldn’t just pick one…and at that price, why not?!

I styled this with my Aerie colorblock move legging. I love the rise on these and love the mix of white and grey.

Accessorized with my weekend staples — a Yankee hat (queue Jay Z ‘Empire State of Mind’) , my black Vans and Gucci crossbody I’m ready for a day on the go and effortless as ever.

Get yours, here. Thank me later. 🙂

Photos shot in NYC by Kevin Tun

SHOP MY LOOK

TOP + LEGGINGS: Aerie, Aerie

HAT: ‘47 Brand

SHOES: Vans

Not Over Summer Staples

It’s September in New York and everyone is way too hyped about Pumpkin Spice Lattes…but not me. What can I say, I love warm temps and summer style. Last night I was on a beautiful rooftop in downtown Brooklyn and all I could think about was how cold it was and my friend kept reminding me it was only 60 degrees! lol

This look I shot a while back but it has been my go-to outfit of choice throughout the season and will try my hardest to wear these items as long as I can!

First up, the bodysuit. I had major inspiration from the cute bodysuits I saw on Reformation.com but found one at Forever 21 for a fraction of the cost! I literally bought this in two colors. I love the cream and black stripes and tie detailing on the straps. It’s all about the details. Paired with my hi-waisted cropped flares with already fringed hems by Levi’s — it’s the perfect look to transition into fall (if we must!).

Shoes? I can’t stop wearing these satin yellow slides. I love the color mustard and am so excited to see a lot of it for fall as well. I first fell in love with these particular shoes on Instagram and ran to Zara to try on. However, the Zara ones didn’t quite fit right but then I found the perfect replica (again) at Forever 21! Sometimes when Forever is good, it really is.

The final touch? My basket bag from ‘& Other Stories’. I’ve worn this bag all season. It’s the best size to fit so much in and the best part? I got it on sale AND it’s real leather. Talk about winning.

Hope you can get some inspo from this look and we can still have some warm days left to live out summer to its fullest.

Photos by Katherine Pekala shot in NYC

SHOP MY LOOK:

TOP: Forever 21

JEANS: Levi’s

SHOES: Forever 21

BAG: & Other Stories

Sugar + Stripes

I didn’t know I could become so obsessed with gummy candies again until I had my first Sugarfina Sugar Lips. Sweet, tangy and yummy…they are simply delicious. They’re basically the sour patch kids I had as a child, all grown up and in way better packaging. (Talk about Instagrammable!) I thought how fun would it be to mix up my outfit blog shoots and take this one on location.

Behold, my editorial + candy dream come to life on one Saturday in NYC…

Back to our scheduled programming — the outfit. This look is ideal for a summer weekend brunch or day party. We’ve seen a version of classic blue stripes everywhere this season. I love this simple silhouette by Zara. What makes it stand out is the amazing embroidery on the sleeves. The wrap style can be worn in a few different ways but I think it looks best worn slightly off the shoulder.

To keep the rest of this outfit simple, I wore my Kendall Jenner inspired jeans by Citizens of Humanity from Aritzia. This fit, called the Liya, has a great hight rise and just the right amount of distressing. I sized down in these for a more flattering fit.

Lastly, I added my go-to suede wrap heels by Steve Madden from ae.com and I’m ready to grab some sweets and hit the city in style.

If you haven’t tried Sugarfina, I highly suggest it. I have no shame buying some for myself and while you’re there grab a few for your girlfriends too — they make the best gifts! The store is the cutest – if you have a chance, definitely visit this location on the Upper East Side in NYC!

Photos by Christina Emilie at Sugarfina in NYC

SHOP MY LOOK:

TOP: Zara, similar here

JEANS: Aritzia

SHOES: Steve Madden

CANDY: Sugarfina

SUMMER SOLSTICE: TOP 5 DRESSES

Summer is officially here — can you believe it?! I wanted to share my top five favorite dresses to celebrate the season we’ve been waiting so long for.

It’s finally time to wear those off-the-shoulder numbers you’ve put away from last year’s wardrobe and bring them back out. This trend may seem a bit overplayed I know but I promise it is still relevant.

I’ve added a few more dress trends I’ve been loving this season and hope you find a fave amongst the list below.

Happy summer and happy shopping!

Going global. Embroidered pieces have been all the rage. Love the details of this by Zara

A maxi is always a good idea in these warmer temps. Love this AE dress.

Can’t beat a classic cold shoulder white dress. This Aerie one is perfect to take from the beach to the streets.

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A bold print is what your wardrobe needs to have some fun! Living for this Mango mini.

Can never have enough slip dresses. This silky dress from H&M looks school layered over a tee with sneakers or paired with your favorite tassel high heels for a night out on the town.

POWER SUIT

A monochromatic look is always in style. I love wearing all white — it always looks so classic and chic.

For this look I rediscovered a blazer I have from Aritzia and completely gave it an update by pairing it with a white crew neck tee and my high waisted cropped Levi’s.

This is my modern power suit.

I’ve always been a denim lover and a pair of white jeans is a wardrobe essential. The frayed hem trend isn’t going anywhere for a while and this little detail helps show off what I call a ‘wow factor’ — these heels.

I bought these shoes impulsively before a trip to Vegas with my sister and am so happy I did. The block heel is actually pretty comfortable and I love the shade of gold.

The finishing touch? My Gucci crossbody.

I have shared this item on my Instagram but haven’t blogged about it yet! After probably a year long thought process of what designer bag to splurge on (many conversations, focus groups, lengthy group texts with my sisters) I finally decided that this Gucci bag was what I wanted most. The classic camera style is perfect to fit my necessities; iPhone (Plus), mini wallet, metro card and a lip color. I am obsessed with the gold hardware and am excited to officially start my designer handbag collection….which could be dangerous.

Photos by Christina Emilie in NYC

How will you wear all white everything this summer?

SHOP MY LOOK

BLAZER: Aritzia, similar here

TEE: Aritzia

JEANS: Levi’s, similar here

SHOES: Mango

BAG: Gucci

UNEXPECTED EMBROIDERY

This spring it’s all about embroidery.

I’ve seen so many unique pieces this season with the most beautiful embellishment. Anywhere from denim, tees, jackets and accessories — this extra detail can really update your look.

This jacket by French Connection just spoke to me. Maybe it’s my Pakistani roots, but the embroidery on this jacket is so reminiscent of my heritage. I love the intricate detail and color combination. It’s such a statement piece that is made super wearable on a sporty silhouette — the classic bomber jacket.

I decided to make the jacket the star of the outfit and keep the rest of the look super simple. An easy white v-neck tee, by Don’t Ask Why, has the best slouch and oversized fit. I am always on the hunt for the perfect white tee and this one is by far one of my most loved.

If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m a denim girl. These Vintage Hi-Rise Straight distressed jeans by American Eagle make this look easy, relaxed and casual.

One of my favorite parts of this outfit? My earrings by Baublebar. Not only are these a great accessory to add to any outfit – they’re very light weight and won’t hurt your ears by the end of the day! I’m a huge fan of statement earrings but the worst part is that most are so heavy and painful. However, these are quite comfortable and I want every color. Dangerous! It was hard for me to not buy them all…I opted for the white and pale pink for now. Highly recommend!

Completed the look with my go-to menswear loafer and I’m ready to hit up brunch with the girls or some easy shopping around the streets of SoHo.