How to: Forever 21 OOTD

As a graduate student and full time employed 26 year old, I have come here to share with everyone that it’s possible to look put together in a hurry! I am free mostly the weekends and this is a time for me to catch up with loved ones, go out to some of my favorite restaurants and shop of course! I have read up on some great techniques and tips for throwing together a last minute outfit but these are some of the tried and true methods that work personally for me when I finally get a moment to enjoy myself.

  1. Layer- layering always makes the outfit more intricate and seems like you’ve put more effort than you actually did. This olive trench style jacket is perfect to throw over literally anything for an instant cool girl vibe.
  2. One trend- Find one thing that sticks out as “new” or “fresh” or even eye catching. Pieces like these can be conversation starters and ways for you to stand out from the crowd. I went with this denim button up style skirt that everyone is rocking these days.
  3. Basics with a twist- I used an oversized white t-shirt and tied it up in the front for a more feminine feel.
  4. Staple classic items- These black mule sandals are perfect for the Florida weather and are so comfortable and chic with the gold detailing. Funny enough, these are shoes I would see my mom wear and used to think they were “old lady style” funny how things change and now I love them! My Kate Spade purse is also a staple classic item that I wear with everything for a sophisticated touch.
  5. Pop of color- Lastly a pop of color isn’t necessary but always fun; I played around with a bright red lip and loved the finished look!

You can play around with different textures, colors and patterns on the “off” days to make up for the drab work wear worn during the week. Links below to items!

IMG_1497

IMG_1453

IMG_1414

IMG_1447

IMG_1377

Toodles, Ari

Forever 21 Denim Skirt

Forever 21 Mule Sandals

Similar Jacket

Forever 21-Platform Sandals OOTD

As some may have noticed for a period of time I deviated from one of my all-time favorite stores, Forever 21 for a while. I think once I turned 26 I felt as though some of the items weren’t age appropriate and let’s face it, sometimes shopping in store can be daunting. So many racks upon racks of items to sift through can be exhausting and a challenge to say the least. The other night I was online “window shopping” when I came across so many great new items at forever21.com. Priced slightly higher, it seems as though they are taking a turn towards more quality pieces that can transition easier than previous lines. I found myself throwing stuff in my cart and being really inspired by what I was getting. One of the standout items being these amazing lug-sole platform sandals. This chunky heel is designed with faux leather construction and buckle detailing perfect for any occasion. They are described as “dark grey” on the website but have some undertones that make it look olive/taupe color in certain lighting. They are the perfect neutrals that I can see myself pairing with so many things, not to mention comfortable! The sunnies are also forever 21, jacket from GAP and dress is from Primark. Links to items can be found below. Cheers to rediscovering a classic staple store!
IMG_1354

IMG_1190

IMG_1219

IMG_1231

IMG_1255

IMG_1278

IMG_1295

IMG_1308

IMG_1333

Forever 21 Lug-Sole Platform Sandals
Round Sunglasses
XOXO, ARI

F21XME

Today’s outfit of the day is incredibly simple. As stated before I am starting to lean towards cleaner silhouettes and colors now that I am getting older. I found this sexy body-con at marshalls and knew it would be perfect for this last stretch of summer before school starts. It features a high neck, key hole cutout in the back and is knee length. It is a bit sheer so I did wear a nude bra and a nude spanx set to keep everything in place and also hide the goodies. I paired it with these awesome mules and suede hat with brown trim detail both from Forever 21. I love how this dress could be transitioned into fall with a chunky sweater thrown over or a flannel tied around the waist. This entire outfit was under $100. Check out the links below!

forever 21, f21xme, summer, ootd, fashion

forever 21, f21xme, summer, ootd, fashion

IMG_0325

IMG_0425

IMG_0432

IMG_0397

Forever 21 Mules
Forever 21 Fedora

Toodles, Ari

Mac “Stone” Lipstick

Having been a cult favorite for some time now, Mac cosmetics has finally come out with some of their signature lip pencils in lipstick form. The color “Stone” is a sexy matte greyish taupe brown that is so on trend right now! This color is muted on its own for everyday use or can be vamped up with some gloss on top for a sexy night transition. I personally would not wear it unless I had a full face just because it makes my skin tone look a little sickly on its own. With a nice highlight and blush, cat eye and bold lashes this lippie is sure to call everyone’s attention. Check it out on Mac’s website or try it on in store! Link down below.

image

image

image

Mac “Stone” Lipstick

Toodles, Ari

Out with the old, in with the new Summer Fashion!

The unbearable summer heat has reared its ugly head and it has come at a particularly opportune time in my life. I am turning 26 this August and have been giving away or selling old gently used clothing that don’t fit my new aesthetic that I am trying to go for. No I am not giving up my crop tops for good (never gonna happen), but I am going for a more neutral palette in my wardrobe with sophisticated pieces that can transition in my different life roles easier. Some key pieces that one can invest in are a good pair of sunnies (to ward off the harmful rays), a long line loosely fitted tunic that can be paired a million ways, comfortable sandals and shorts that don’t scream twerkathon. This one is particular is hard for me seeing as my body shape does look better with tighter options. As we age I think the key is going for more tailored classic shapes that can complement our body types and shift the focus. I picked some summer items that inspired me below. What are some pieces you are looking to incorporate in your closet this summer? Comment down below!

Untitled #9

XOXO, Ari

Red, White and Cool

Happy Fourth of July!!! In spite of a lot of negative statements and sentiments being felt by some during these dubious political times, I am still happy to say I am proud to be an American and celebrate this day. The struggle to identify with one “culture” when you are first generation is hard but I think both me and my sister could say we got the best of both worlds and are better people for it. This great nation still has a long way to go with relation to race, immigration issues (just to name a few) but nonetheless its the place we call home. Its also great timing that Gwen has come back now from her 6 month stay in London to celebrate with all her close friends. Below is my OOTD for your standard BBQ or casual outing for this holiday. Plaid is so versatile and it doesn’t hurt that It incorporates the flags colors. I paired this #fabfound Marshalls dress with my Aldo lace up booties and some gold accessories. This piece could also be used to layer and could have been worn with shorts and a crop top as well. Heres to another great year and awesome fireworks! Links to similar items below and previous Fourth of July outfits for inspiration.

fourth of July, ootd, red white and blue, plaid, tartan, fashion, blogger

fourth of July, ootd, red white and blue, plaid, tartan, fashion, blogger

fourth of July, ootd, red white and blue, plaid, tartan, fashion, blogger

fourth of July, ootd, red white and blue, plaid, tartan, fashion, blogger

Similar Dresses from Forever 21 –Here, Here, Plus Size

Previous Fourth of July Posts – Here and Here

XOXO-Ari

North Face Killa

The brand North Face brings back so many great memories of my past. Growing up in New York, North Face is an iconic staple to get you through any harsh weather conditions (especially the cold). From my coat to my book bag, hat and gloves, north face was where it was at in terms of style and what was on trend. This hip/fanny pack is one way I can rock it while now residing in scorching Florida. I stole it from my sister (and co blogger) who had stolen it from her best friend back when she was in high school. I guess you can say it’s endured a lot and yet still has so much life left to it. It is extremely roomy and can fit my entire wallet, keys, some cosmetics and my phone comfortably with still some room for more. I loved being purse-less for this comfy and casual day! I paired my bum bag with a white crop top and boyfriend jeans from H&M, target studded sandals and a plaid shirt to tie around my waist and cover my belly. This brand will always have a special place in my heart

ootd, fblogger, fashion, plaid, boyfriend jeans, north face fanny pack

ootd, fblogger, fashion, plaid, boyfriend jeans, north face fanny pack

ootd, fblogger, fashion, plaid, boyfriend jeans, north face fanny pack

ootd, fblogger, fashion, plaid, boyfriend jeans, north face fanny pack

North Face Hip Pack

Boyfriend Jeans

Target Sandals

XOXO- ARI

Denim On Denim

An ode to Britney and Justin, denim on denim is making a resurgence in the best way! Paired best with complimenting shades (both items being light or both being dark denim) this works well in a casual setting or even dressed up a little with heels and edgy jewelry. I was inspired by the button up denim shirt I purchased in London on my Primark shopping run. It was particularly tricky to match exactly since I don’t have such light jeans, but I made it work with my thrifted shorts of a slightly different wash. I brushed my curls out and went for a “cool” hipster vibe with my bowler hat and nasty gal cut out booties. Details and links below!

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

Similar Top
Similar Shorts
Bowler Hat

Love, Ari

Nike Leisure Wear OOTD

Random fact about me: I am not into theme parks! I know it sounds preposterous considering I live in close proximity to all things magical at Disney and Universal but nothing about it appeals to me. I get sick on most rides and am apparently a bit afraid of heights (never really knew this until my trip to Spain going up the mountain Montjuic a couple of months ago). I was invited this past weekend to Busch Gardens in Tampa and to appease my family I went. I opted for my new favorite work out Nike capris purchased at TJMAXX, a white t-shirt and my old air max sneakers that would keep me comfortable and cool. The sporty athletic leisure look is cohesive with the ever popular 90’s resurgence and also plays up androgynous sex appeal in a woman. I’ve actually been complimented more by men wearing sport clothes then my normal attire. Next time ( if there is a next time) I would probably go for a wife beater or racer back to avoid ugly tan lines and also in a slightly darker color considering I got soaked in a water ride and gave the kids a show. Free wet t-shirt contest anyone? I ended up having a lovely day and enjoyed viewing the animals and spending time with family. Links to similar items below!

Men’s White Crew Neck T-Shirt- Literally anywhere! Walmart, Target etc

Nike Capris

Nike Air max

XoXo- Ari

Im in love with the COCO

It is approaching the unbearably hot and humid temperatures that we all have a love hate relationship with here in Florida. Fair Disclaimer- I will be wearing less and less clothing in my fashion posts! On this day it was a particularly sticky one and I needed to be comfortable to walk around outdoors and explore. I found these awesome American Apparel high waist shorts with floral detailing at a local thrift shop. They are old season but I found some links below of the exact identical item if you are looking for a similar outfit. You can’t go wrong with denim shorts, a crop top (featured here before from Nasty Gal), any neutral cross-body like my favorite vintage Salvatore Ferragamo one and my pink Converse chuck’s that I’ve had since the 9th grade. Easy no brainer outfit perfect for what is sure to be a scorching summer. P.S this coconut was the best thing ever!! Links to items down below.

american apparel, ootd, fashion, nasty gal, coconuts, converse, chucks

american apparel, ootd, fashion, nasty gal, coconuts, converse, chucks

american apparel, ootd, fashion, nasty gal, coconuts, converse, chucks

american apparel, ootd, fashion, nasty gal, coconuts, converse, chucks

Similar Nasty Gal- Crop Top
Denim Floral Shorts- Here & Here

XOXO ARI