Cozy Coats: Winter Edition

The Puffer. This is truly a staple item in every winter wardrobe when it comes to braving the cold. Not only is it super functional, but there are also so many variations to the puffer jacket that will fit every style. Plus, it is extremely versatile and comfortable, a win-win! Since leather or pleather is having a major moment especially when it comes to jackets (eg, trenches, blazers, shackets, etc), I opted for a faux leather puffer to keep me warm.

The Classic. Every time I wear this coat, I feel like such a girl boss. A classic, timeless wool coat can really make you feel some type of way. You can pair this coat with even the simplest of outfits, and instantly you look super chic and put-together. Long coats can be tricky to style because they can feel formal and stiff. I always look for an oversized fit because it suits more of my casual style, plus I can throw it over the chunkiest of sweaters and still have room for some comfort. The color of the coat also makes a huge difference — while black is timeless, it can feel harsh at times, so to tone it down a bit, I like to go for a navy hue which is more muted and relaxed.

The Teddy. While once thought to be super trendy, the teddy coat has proven itself worthy of a place season after season in your closet. This coat is the epitome of coziness and comfort. While the oversized nature and fuzzy texture of the coat may make it a statement piece, there are definitely styles out there that allow these coats to be more wearable for everyday outings depending on the color and cut. Mine for example is a cropped version of the typical teddy long coat, which is perfect if you don’t want to lose your entire figure. Brown is another great neutral color to incorporate into your closet — again, a lot less stark compared to black and a warmer, refreshing change.

Leather Weather

Fall is upon us and I could not be more excited because fall fashion is my absolute favorite! Before jumping straight into chunky sweaters and knee high boots, why not enjoy the very last moments of warm weather and wear your favorite summery clothes before the long, harsh winter sends you into hibernation? I love dressing for transitional weather because it’s all about layering, mixing light colors with moodier hues, and playing with different fabrics and textiles.

One of the must-have essentials in any wardrobe but especially now to welcome in the autumnal breeze is a leather jacket. Before leather jackets were made popular in the fashion world, they were actually part of military uniform for fighter pilots in the early 1900s during the First World War. These flight or aviator jackets were durable and served a practical purpose in protecting airmen against the cold air. Leather jackets have since evolved into many different styles and designs, and while are still worn for their warmth and durability, they have made a statement in the fashion industry and have become a staple item for many.

While moto and biker jackets were once the go-to styles of leather jacket, lately leather blazers, shackets (shirt + jacket), and long (trench) coats have been in high demand. The leather blazer is an especially great option because it’s super versatile and can be easily dressed up or down (for example, with a mini dress and strappy heels for date night, or a t-shirt and jeans for a casual shopping fit). Leather blazers also instantly add edge and an effortless cool factor to even the simplest outfits without going overboard and looking too grunge given their clean silhouette and classic style as compared to the added features and adornments (eg, studs, buckles, zippers) seen in many moto jackets.

For this look, I paired my oversized leather jacket with a simple summer outfit I wear often. I love the contrast between hard and soft — the hefty leather jacket with my light linen skirt, the juxtaposition of black with the pop of red. To balance out the bottom, I decided on chunky combat boots to complement the leather jacket and added a cute tote bag to soften and casualize the overall look. I actually found this leather jacket at a thrift store, and to date has been my best thrift store find. Protip, I highly recommend browsing thrift stores and consignment shops when looking for blazers and leather jackets. You will be surprised with what you find and the hidden gems that are available!

Polka Dots n’ Picnics

Well, well, well… summer is finally here which means it’s time to say goodbye to chunky knits and gloomy mornings and say hello to sunshine rays and some much needed vitamin D! While admittedly I’ll be spending most of my summer this year in the hospital, I’ll definitely be taking advantage of any excuse to enjoy the warm weather and switch out my day-to-day attire of hospital scrubs in exchange for actual clothes on my days off.

As someone who rarely wore dresses growing up, I’ve realized with time and some sense how extremely convenient (and comfortable) they are! Throwing on a one-piece and looking put-together without actually putting in a lot of effort speaks to my inner soul, especially on days where the summer heat gets to you and you’re feeling like a lazy bum.

To maximize on comfort, I highly recommend going for midi or maxi dresses that are loose and flowy. I love simple silhouettes because I feel like they’re classic and never go out of style. You can always jazz it up with a fun print, like polka dots in this case, or pair it with bright-colored sandals like I did. If you’re ever worried about losing your figure, I like adding a belt to highlight the waist. Otherwise, these dresses are perfect for hiding a belly after stuffing your face with food, whether that be at family outings, picnics dates, brunch with the girls, etc.

Business on Top, Party on the Bottom

I know many people say that a classic blazer is a staple in every wardrobe, but for me, blazers have never really fit into my personal style. I feel like they either give off a super preppy or an “I mean business” vibe. I’ll be honest, up until this point in my life, the only times I ever really wore blazers were during interviews, with trousers or business skirts. Picking out an outfit in the morning meant that my eyes gravitated towards other areas in my closet that didn’t scream professional or give me major flashbacks.

However, lately I’ve realized how versatile blazers can be. When you think of blazers in the traditional sense, they’re usually fitted (especially in the shoulders) and hit you right at the hip. Oversized blazers, where the shoulders are extended and the hemline is longer, are great because you can still look professional with a pair of trousers, or elegant with a silky dress, or cool with biker shorts, or relaxed with distressed denim and sneakers.

One of my favorite ways to wear blazers is with a mini skirt and t-shirt. I love the juxtaposition of business with casual, having modest features on top mixed with a more flirty and daring elements on the bottom. I think it’s also visually eye-catching and appealing, perhaps a bit unexpected. For this outfit, I went with a more dressy and edgy vibe by pairing my oversized blazer with a faux leather skirt and some nude heeled sandals. I think overall it’s a smart look, but there’s also an understated coolness factor to it.

Well that’s a wrap! Hope this gives you some inspiration next time you see that blazer in the corner of your closet. Pick it up and try styling it with items other than a blouse and slacks. It’s not as intimidating as you think, I promise!

3 Jackets You Need to Elevate Your Style

As a student with a demanding schedule and bad sleeping habits, I think I’ve mastered how to look put-together with as little effort as possible. Looking stylish is easy when you simplify first and then, with an editing eye, add, tuck, crop, and accessorize. Over the past year, my fail-proof outfit has been a basic shirt or sweater tucked into high-waisted denim, topped off with a cool jacket or coat. Honestly, if I had to pick between being a shoe or purse girl, 100% I’d say I’m a jacket girl.. is that even a thing? Probably not, but a third layering piece is so essential when you want to elevate an outfit and change the entire vibe of your look. Trust me, you can’t go wrong in diversifying your jacket wardrobe!!

Shearling. A little bit trendier, but honestly it’s here to stay. These jackets are warm, wear better with age, and look luxurious (even the faux ones). If you’re starting to venture into shearling and want a safe option, I recommend going for an aviator or moto jacket. These silhouettes are timeless and give off an effortlessly cool vibe. If super edgy isn’t your thing, go for lighter, neutral tones like the cream one I’m wearing.

Long coats. Believe it or not, the coat I’m wearing is five sizes larger than what I usually wear. But that’s sort of the beauty with long coats. You can get away with wearing them oversized as long as you don’t lose your figure underneath all that material (for example, by pairing it with a tight-fitting top or by belting your coat to accentuate your waistline). I actually prefer them oversized because it fits my casual style plus they’re much more comfortable to layer over chunky sweaters, or in this case, a blazer, compared to a fitted coat. Long coats will make you look sophisticated and make you feel confident and powerful. Yay to dressing for success!

Puffers. There are so many styles even within puffer jackets, but if you want to stay warm and look cute during the winter, you can’t go wrong with a puffer. These jackets are functional yet fashionable, ranging from cropped to long and oversized, from faux leather to metallic, plaid or colorblocked. You can definitely find a puffer that fits your personal style and has you looking sleek and cozy during the cooler months.

Well, that’s it! Three jackets I wore all throughout the fall and winter this past year and that I’ll continue wearing this year. Hope you guys enjoyed!

Spotted Downtown

Jumping into fall, I was super excited to whip out this jacket. I saw it a few months ago as I was browsing & Other Stories and was so intrigued by the jaguar print, but was unsure if I could ever pull it off. A few days later when it went on sale, however, I figured it was the universe’s way of telling me this jacket belonged to me.. so I jumped the gun and did what I do best: I made an impulse purchase.

If you know me, you know that this jacket is totally out of my comfort zone. It’s loud, it’s bold, and it’s really kind of flashy. I usually gravitate towards softer colors and more muted prints because they’re easier to style, and they’re what I’m more comfortable wearing. However, this jacket caught my attention because yes, even though it is a very loud and busy print, the oversized cut and the neutral tones make it slightly more wearable. Plus, I’m always up for a good challenge when it comes to experimenting and pushing the boundaries of my style, and there’s no harm in making a bold statement with your outfit.

The trick to wearing jackets like this is to make sure that the base of your outfit is as simple and minimal as possible. I styled mine with a T-shirt and high-wasted denim, and kept the color palette all white (with hints of black) so that the eye is always drawn to the jacket. A quick fashion tip that I love to do: tuck your tops in! I’m a big, big fan of tucking in mine, especially when wearing oversized so that my figure doesn’t get lost in the clothes. I topped my outfit off with black loafers and a pizzaz of gold to tie everything together.

Dumbo, Brooklyn

Since I’ve been in New York for the summer, I’ve been dying to come here. It’s become such an iconic place to take photos, and of course being a sucker for all things basic, I had to snag some of my own shots here.

Since it was such a hot and humid day, I thought it would be perfect to wear this light, airy dress. The key to staying cool in crazy hot temperatures is to wear loose-fitting clothing, and this dress definitely fits the bill. Plus, yellow has been a trendy color for a while now, and it adds such a nice pop of color to any backdrop. I also just love wearing it because it makes me feel so bright and cheery! Don’t underestimate the power of color and what it can do for your wardrobe and your mood.