Make Your Statement

Simple Layers with Unlikely Pairs

Photographer: Kristin Fields

Shoes: Wanted (available here) | Sheer Top: Free People | Plaid Blouse: The Limited | Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Simple layers are one way to transition your wardrobe from warmer to cooler months. No surprise there. However, in the past I’ve been told, “I would never put these pieces together, but it works”. There is no secret ingredient to pulling seemingly contrasting pieces together, but I usually like to build on small accents, contrasting textures, or lines and shapes.

For this look, I started with this sheer tulle top as the focal point for creating a quick casual look. I look at this top and I see a lot of potential. It is a unique and flowing piece with embroidered details. During the summer, I wore it over cropped tank tops. A thin belt at the waist can also be added to create a peplum shape. During cooler months it can be layered in a variety of ways. I usually wear it over a simple fitted and solid color top, but for this look, I thought it would fun to emphasize the lines created by the embroidery and layered the top over a plaid blouse. It’s a casual Friday so I pair it with jeans. The shoes are my favorite flats at the moment and they add another metallic accent to the outfit.

What are your thoughts on this look? Don’t forget to subscribe at the link below to receive regular updates!

Celebrations in Black

by Ayanna

Celebrations abound after reaching another a major milestone in my PhD journey: the successful defense of my research proposal! If I can be honest, January was somewhat brutal. It was filled with late nights and diligent work towards finalizing my proposal and preparing to defend it to my dissertation committee. There is something about sharing your own original ideas and defending them that makes you feel particularly vulnerable. Yet, this experience is another reminder to trust in your journey. You have all the tools for success. I’ve taken some well deserved time over the past week to pamper myself galore with spa treatments and stay-cations (New Glow. Who Dis?!).

This little number was a part of the festivities.

Temperatures in Atlanta dropped just enough for this shaggy faux fur (swoon!). I paired it with a vegan leather pleated skirt and caged pumps. I haven’t worn all black lately (I go through my phases), but something about this look feels so regal. The coat and skirt are both from Zara (and they are having an amazing sell right now). My shoes are from Nine West.

Cheers to February!

Color Pop

by Ayanna

Photos by Kristin Fields

I recently came across a statement from a clothing line stating that a woman’s clothing should be the least interesting thing about her. The company is a clothing line that creates professional workplace looks for women, which I think is an ingenious idea, by the way. That statement, however, caused me to pause. I am sure it was well intended, but it is loaded with underlying assumptions that are somewhat offensive and reinforce stereotypes about fashion. It implies that in all of the important decisions we make throughout the day, our wardrobe is certainly not something we can be concerned with, a subtle nod to antiquated views on what successful working women should look like and care about.

It is absolutely fine for women to care less about fashion, and not only women who are climbing the corporate ladder, but all women. However, it is also fine to enjoy fashion and to have your personal style appropriately reflected in professional settings. In my opinion, there is room for vibrant and creative personal style in the workplace. What are your thoughts?

Blouse and pants from The Limited (closed temporarily). A similar blouse can be purchased here.

final5

Shoes: BCBG

I expanded my wear to work pants collection beyond brown, navy, and black and these red pants provide the perfect pop of color. Aside, I think my workplace wardrobe is pretty fabulous and I would still like to think that is the least interesting thing about me. Style in Full Bloom.

Lights, Cameras, Magic – NYE 2k16

by Ayanna

Second to my birthday, NYE is my favorite occasion to get dressed for. Here are a few looks I’m considering for tonight. The embellished bustier from Nasty Gal made all of my pearl dreams come true. I am in love with the details. I wore this top on my birthday and I have been patiently waiting for an occasion to wear it again (and again) …Sidenote: I love the pieces that I purchase and how wasteful to only wear things once :).

I look forward to spending this day in reflection and bringing in the new year with my loved ones. Happy New Year!

Pants – Bill Hallman, Ruffle Top – H&M, Shoes – Betsey Johnson

Top, Skirt, and Coat – Nasty Gal

Counting Down to the New Year!

by Ayanna

It is hard to believe that 2017 is just a few days away! The last quarter of the year always seems to pass by quickly. In 2016, I decided to push myself beyond my comfort zone by pursuing a few new creative ideas, including this blog. I spent the year taking more “fashion photos”, but continued to wonder if I was ready to actually launch a blog. The moral of the story: Just do it! I started this domain in January 2016, with plans to make my first post about NYE. In honor of what was planned as my first post, I decided to reflect on a few of my favorite looks from 2016, beginning with NYE 2015. This is a snap shot of things that I LOVE (tulle, fringe, patterns, and leopard print).

The end of the year does not only have to be a time to plan for things to accomplish in the coming year, but there is still time to wrap up unfinished projects…or even start new ones :).