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!

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

70’s Camel Suede

Seventies’s fashion is so on trend for this fall season and although I don’t necessarily want to abandon my beloved 90’s, I figured I would incorporate some modernized pieces into my wardrobe. The 70’s was all about glam disco meets flared jeans, fringe, suede and Farah Fawcett hair. I bought this amazing faux suede dress at none other then Marshalls! Ive been obsessed with going in there and scouring the racks for such amazing #fabfinds as this one. It is the perfect complimentary camel for my skin tone and fits the body so well. The darting in the waist really help create a shape (where I don’t normally have one) and the mini length allows my legs to be the main focus. I paired it with my lace up Aldo booties and the outfit is complete! You can throw on a wide brim hat or a chunky necklace for some added flare but I loved the simplicity of this look. The brand of the dress is “paper crane” and it was a steal as always at marshalls. This is the perfect dress for the transition to “Fall weather” even though that dosen’t really exist here in Florida until about January or so. Links down below to similar items!

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Similar Dresses- Here & Here

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

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Forever 21 Mules
Forever 21 Fedora

Toodles, Ari

Teen Vogue BTSS Event Turnout

Below are the pictures I was able to get before and after the Sierra Marie youtube star mayhem ensued at the Teen Vogue back to school event at the Florida mall. As I previously blogged I was chosen for the VIP portion and was able to get a sneak peak into all the fun prior to the panel fashion show. I am so glad I was able to attend and receive goodies and a gift card to be able to implement some of the inspiration displayed at the event. Whether it be the 70’s vibe or mixing and matching prints (my favorite) this school year is sure to be one for the books! You to can be VIP at a teen vogue BTSS event at a mall near you! It was amazing to meet Elaine Welteroth (teen vogue beauty and health director) and revisit blogger/stylist Melanie Pace. Check out the link below for the rest of the mall tour and how to apply.

macys btss teen vogue back to school blogger fashion

Jacket- Primark I Shorts-Thrifted I Top- Forever 21

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Props to fellow blogger Kiara Michelle she rocked it! Check her out at kiaramichelle.com

List of Events

Toodles,

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

Everyday Casual Look

Sometimes low key basics can translate better than any other cool and curated outfit. On this regular day I didn’t really feel like fussing with coordinating a stylish over the top look, I just wanted to be comfortable, cute and most of all weather appropriate. My H&M boyfriend jeans are always my favorite go to for anytime I want to be comfortable yet still on trend. I paired them with an old blue and white pin stripe cotton button up that was light and breezy enough for the hot weather. These everyday low Target sandals completed the look. This casual ootd could also be replicated for the Fourth of July (considering the color scheme) or any other event not requiring so much effort. Accessories include my trustee Kate Spade purse (which I should have opted for my nude version instead but was in a rush) and my hair which was reaching for the heavens on this sticky humid day. Links to similar items below!
h&m, fblogger, fashion, target, casual, ootd

h&m, fblogger, fashion, target, casual, ootd

h&m, fblogger, fashion, target, casual, ootd

h&m, fblogger, fashion, target, casual, ootd
H&M Boyfriend Jeans
Similar Red Sandals
Similar Striped Shirt

Toodles- Ari

Nautical Spring Look

We are well into spring although the weather has taken an odd turn towards cold these last few days in Florida. With that being said the day time is still very enjoyable for a nice casual outing. I went to the farmers market with friends and spent a lovely Sunday relaxing and sampling amazing food and crafts. My oufit of choice was based around these awesome horizontal navy blue striped pants purchased from Primark on my recent trip to London. Not only are they versatile and appropriate for work and regular life (a must these days) they are also trendy and have a nautical flair perfect for spring and summer. I paired them with this Ralph Lauren peplum button up, nine west tassel flats and my Kate Spade bag that is attached to my body at all times. All american and preppy, perfect for the weather and any occasion. Links to similar items below!

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Striped Pants
Ralph Lauren Shirt
Nine West Flats

XOXO -Ari

Primark Treasures

While in London I wanted to take advantage of the fact that we were in the city and were able to find time to shop around in Primark! For those that don’t know, Primark is sort of like a fast fashion trendy store similar I would say to Forever 21 but with elements inspired by higher end brands. The prices are comparable as well and I had a blast picking out some staple items for the summer. This black basic dress is a dream! It has ribbed detailing and its body con style sucks me in and makes me feel sexy without showing much (except legs of course). The olive anorak jacket is another must have. Its light weight and unlike my beloved utility vest I’ve featured before, this one has clean lines and can be worn in a more dressed up manner. With a draw string waist it adds absolutely no bulk, I just threw it on and I was out the door. I wore this outfit for an Orlando Blogger meet up event (shout out to Dash Orlando) and paired it with my Aldo lace up booties and gold cat eye sunnies (also purchased in London) for a more relaxed vibe. Links to items below!

****The wind was not cooperating with ya girl!

primark, ootd, anorak, aldo, booties

primark, ootd, anorak, aldo, booties

primark, ootd, anorak, aldo, booties

primark, ootd, anorak, aldo, booties

Aldo Lace Up Booties

Nasty Gal Double Breasted Anorak

Nasty Gal “Incognito” Olive Anorak

Missguided Black Bodycon Dress

TOP SHOP Bodycon Ribbed Dress

Love, Ari

The Makeup Show- Orlando 2014

It’s that time again! The Makeup Show is back with its team to bring education and inspiration to all the beauty fanatics and artist of city beautiful and beyond! I am so excited to be attending again this year (first time was 2013) and am happy to say I will now get the chance to volunteer and see some behind the scenes action go down at this awesome show. Home to many sponsors and exhibitors such as Nars Cosmetics, Crown brush, Inglot and much more this is going to be the place to be this weekend. You have the opportunity to not only purchase from well-known vendors, but also can attend seminars and workshop focus series that highlight the keynote makeup artist affiliated with the show. James Vincent and Orlando Santiago will be amongst them just to name a few. I cannot wait to see what goodies I score for myself and what “guru” sightings might occur. Last year I met the lovely Nicole Guerriero! Make sure to grab your ticket today and check out this awesome show!

Sneak peak of my outfit of the night for the pre-show mixer I am attending tonight. This red scalloped playsuit was purchased at Marshalls and its from the brand Monteau Los Angeles paired with my Sam & Libby Spiked Dahlia Heels and black sparkle clutch. Similar items below!

The Makeup Show Orlando

red scalloped jumpsuit, play suit, monteau los angeles, sam & libby spiked dahlia heels

Similar Playsuits- Here, Here, Here & Here

Love,

Ari