Love it to the Max(i)

Old reliable: The Outnet. Everything I buy from the Outnet makes me look and feel amazing.

It's been over 3 years since I started buying from the Outnet, and I've loved every piece from them.

I used to buy a ton of pieces from fast fashion stores like H&M or Zara, but after thrifting vintage pieces and gently used designer brands, I realized I needed to invest in "lifetime" pieces. Pieces I know that will last me this lifetime.

     This ensemble is the perfect example! The Oxford button down is a staple everyone should have in their closet. Its versatility lends itself to business functions paired with a pencil skirt or brunch with a good pair of jeans.

     Same applies for the skirt. I originally dreamt of walking on sandy beaches with this skirt, but as I have no vacations planned, it was right at home for a nice dinner date instead. To be honest, I felt exposed, because it felt like I was wearing nothing below the waist! That's how lightweight and breezy it is, but I know I'll be thankful the moment our weather hits 100 degrees and the humidity index is 90+. Maybe after my overnight oat diet, I'll be able to wear this with a crop top on a nice summer weekend!

Oxford shirt | Uniqlo
Maxi skirt | Enza Costa
Platform sandals | L.A.M.B.
Handbag | Coach
Mother of Pearl watch | Roven Dino

Do you live by fast fashion or lifetime pieces?

Let's stay in touch!

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Reiss AW15 Press Day

After Life Lately, I met some amazing brands including Reiss, who invited me to attend their Press Day and preview their upcoming season. This was my first Press anything so I was more than a little nervous about what to wear, say, do, etc. I tried to do research, but unfortunately, there's not much on this topic, let alone from a small blogger's point of view. So I've decided in the next week or two to write a post detailing what to expect, what happens, what to wear, etc. If you have anything specific for me to address in the post, just comment below and I'll be sure to include it in the post!

I loved their jewelry. It consisted of some of the biggest trends hitting stores this year such as the stone inset bracelets reminiscent of Aimee Song's pyramid stone bracelets.

Onto my first Press Day. It was a bit odd looking at winter coats, sweaters, and gloves during one of the nicest summer days we've had. Sun scattered across showroom and warmed the top floor of the Bryant Park Hotel. With the whole floor rented out, they were able to display all three lines: 1971, womenswear, and menswear.

Born in London in 1971, Reiss made its first foray into fashion with fashionable yet functional menswear. Since then, Reiss creates luxury menswear, womenswear and accessories. Priding itself on delivering bold, original and stylish fashion, Reiss effortlessly fuses exceptional design, quality and value. It can count Kate Middleton as one of its loyal customers due to consistently delivering incomparable womenswear.

Since 2009, Reiss has curated 1971 as their younger, edgier sub-brand. It consists of more knits, vibrant colors, and various textures such as this combo. The leather hugs and keeps you warm while the printed dress keeps things light. I seriously can't wait to get my hands on this!

I loved the 1971 accessories. I imagined a noir film femme fatale tipping this wide brimmed hat over finger curls with the matching pinot noir leather gloves. Just loved how these accessories transported me to another time!

#blackandblue or #whiteandgold? :P

As the revival of the 70's has shown us, many designers are looking to the past for inspiration, and it's clearer than ever that Reiss has looked to the glamorous flapper girl for inspiration in rich hues.

The big bows on the shoulder straps for this vibrant orange dress were gorgeous. If I could, I would have snapped this up right then and there!

How darling are those peek-a-boo black heels??

A theme featured throughout Reiss's AW15 collection was this gold hardware on the heels of its shoes. It reminds me of Tibi's all gold heel from a few seasons back, which soon showed up in all the Zaras, H&Ms, and Forever 21s.
You know what that means: this trend's going to be everywhere in a few months!

Last but not least, I had to take a photo of Reiss menswear accessories. The hats are my special favorite. They are a collaboration between the famous Christy's over in the UK and Reiss. The wide brimmed hats are "travelling hats" meaning they are the only hats you can squish, flatten, or pack in your suitcase that will retain its shape when you take it out again! It may be part of the men's collection, but I know for a fact I'm getting one!

What would you buy from the collection?

Let's stay in touch!

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Thrifting Reform(ation)

I'm taking it back to why I started this blog: thrifting.

I never felt comfortable with most fast fashion trends and boutiques. But for the longest time, I didn't think I had any other fashionable option so I followed suit and wore whatever was available. Then I stumbled upon the world of blogging, introduced to thrifting darlings such as Nicole Warne, and had my eyes opened up to a whole new world of possibility. I could wear midi skirts with peter pan collars, indulge in bows on everything, and vintage clothes with a touch of whimsy.

Thrifting was a gateway drug.

However, since moving to New Jersey for work, I have found the thrifting resources here are a bit bare. It's filled with a lot less vintage pieces, and more upcycled fast fashion. My only option for good thrifting was to go into NY every time I had the thrifting bug, that is, until recently.

I buy clothes online all the time, but thrifted pieces are another story. Their inherent nature of being "pre-loved" pieces makes them bound to show signs of wear, but would I find them acceptable? Did the company's "like new" mean a beaten up old rag or still with tags? I took a leap of faith, and gave thredUP a try (my lack of thrifting the past few months played no part in this decision, I swear). With free returns and a coupon code, I couldn't really lose. Boy, am I glad I trusted my thrifting gut and bought from thredUP!

I bought a bunch of beautiful pieces including this one from the Brooklyn-based brand, Reformation. I've lusted over their beautiful dresses for YEARS. They originally started by creating one of a kind dresses from vintage fabrics. Each dress embodied the grace of eras past without being outdated. They hinted at sexiness with its sheerness and design. With their growing popularity, they've since moved to using sustainable fabrics in conjunction with vintage fabrics, but stayed true to the original design of the dresses. I loved it so much I couldn't decide on just my usual 5 photo round up, and had to upload 10. Sorry!

So my verdict on thredUP? They're really awesome & here's why.

First Bit of Awesome: A lot of "New with Tags"

The majority of the clothes are "New with tags" or like new. I was a nerd and read their guidelines for sellers. They have really high standards. They refuse old clothing, or anything showing signs of wear, but they will always disclose any imperfections found like pilling or mild fraying).

Second Bit of Awesome: Range of Choices

They carry every brand imaginable. There were big names like Louis Vutton, Tory Burch, & J.Crew but also indie brands like Shabby Apple & Free People! They also have a varied range in products including shoes, handbags, maternity, and petites. Literally, a little something for everyone!

So if you're itching to thrift, and can't get to a store, then I highly suggest you try thredUP! If you still have questions on how it works, then check it out here. If you do buy from thredUP, let me know as I'd love to see your finds!

Sheer dress | Reformation

(here or similar here/here)

Two tone pumps | Schutz (leopard version here)

Satchel with top handle | Kate Spade (here)

Gold-plated belt | Asos

Tortoise shell sunglasses | Kate Spade

Disc earrings | Jules Smith 

Mother of pearl necklace | Ippolita (similar here)

Arm party | Shashi, Handmade, Gorjana (ring)

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Let's stay in touch!

  &    &   

Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)