This dress is definitely made for nights in Havana (which I’ve never been to.. but maybe someday). The flirty hem screams “let’s dance some more!” which is why I was drawn to it. I also loved the flow of fabric on this piece but I did somewhat get lost in all the volume which is why I added a waist belt.
I cinch my waist when appropriate because it adds proportion and gives me shape. I also love that the dress falls above my knees because it doesn’t cut me off length wise.
…And a touch of some gold heels adds charm to the dress.
So what do you say? … Shall we go dancing in Havana?
xx. Valentine
Hello Molly Dress (Love THIS , THIS & THIS) | Zara Bag – old (Love THIS & THIS) | Michael Kors Belt – old (Similar HERE & HERE) | Zara Gold Pumps – sold out (Similar HERE & HERE) | DVF Sunglasses – old (Similar HERE) | F21 Studs (Similar HERE & HERE)
The best thing about getting dressed in the morning is having go-to basics. Blazers are something I wear a lot of because I work in an office setting but I also dress them down with jeans and shorts. I find them completely versatile and believe everyone should own a quality one or a few.
Another great basic are jeans, whether it’s blue, white or black. I stray away from colored jeans because they’re trendy and I always find myself giving it to charity after three months. The one I have on is by Levi’s and are my favorite because of the high waist and the raw cut at the hem (which I DIY’d). It adds a twist to “basic” and adds edge to the feminine pink jacket. High waist jeans also give my petite frame some height.
The other basics I love are white tees (also great in grey and black) and nude shoes, whether it’s heels or flats. I have a couple white tees (and am in desperate need of ALOT more), this one has the streets of New York sewn on, which again puts a ‘twist’ on basics but I love it and have worn it so much that I’m afraid it’ll soon be worn out. Lol. Otherwise I stick with solid whites (black or grey) because I dress them up or down.
And nude shoes are a MUST! .. they go with everything and they never fail to match. I have many pairs because of how fast I go through them in a year span. It’s definitely the best basic for shoes and they also elongate your stature.
What are your go-to basics?
xx. Valentine
Zara Blazer (love THIS & THIS) | J Crew Tee | Gap High Waist Denim – old (Similar HERE) | Steve Madden Pumps – sold out (Similar HERE) | Zara Raffia Bag (love THIS)
Summer has been good this year with very few extremely hot and humid days. I don’t remember a summer this balanced and I LOVE IT! When it is extreme, I like to wear airy pieces because it keeps me cool and comfortable. This backless romper definitely saved me. It reminds me of a Zimmerman piece (which is way out of price range right now). But this is such a keeper when it’s at a fraction of the designer price.
xoxo.
What’s your favorite summer go to?
xx. Valentine
Shein Romper, sold out (Similar HERE & HERE)| Zara Raffia Bag (love THIS & THIS & THIS) | Steve Madden Pumps – sold out (love THIS)
” You say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.” – John Lennon
While shopping in Target I came upon these sunglasses and E V E R Y T H I N G about John Lennon came rushing at me. Obviously his staple glasses are beyond my target purchase but I can see why his were so significant to him. I can’t explain what he felt putting them on everyday, but I will say my pair of sunglasses definitely transported me to whole ‘nother era.
Wearing these shades takes me to his lyrics from ‘Beautiful Boy’,
.. before you cross the street, take my hand. Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans ..
Sometimes we forget to live in the moment, to enjoy current events, most of which are usually small things but make a big impact. There are the adult things, where we are planning for a future we know is not certain. We’d like to just put on shades, a facade and carry on arranging.
..but life is too short. We should wear them to enjoy the world in the moment, as is. No planning, no organizing, nothing but the current moment.
Welcome back to Miami photoshoot TWO! This was so fun to shoot and this dress was an absolute dream, especially for the beach. I was pleasantly surprised while scrolling through Forever 21. I love how they are expanding and carrying other brands.
The dress is made of a linen material which I think is great for the warmer months. Though linen does crease very easily, I still love how the breeze flows right through so you’re kept cool.
The funny thing is, I initially planned to shoot this dress at 5 am (or between 6 and 7 am for photos with no crowd or bodies in your photos) but it was just not doable when my mind was on vacation mode. So it got pushed to 11 am; which is why the sun sat so high in the day and Miami heat is no joke. Nonetheless, I think it turned out just right. And the giant drift wood was not planned either, we came upon it while scouting for a photo spot. “It was meant to be” like my photographer had said when we encountered it.
…I definitely believe beaches heal the soul to some extent. And traveling is one of the best things someone can do to escape.
I have only traveled to Florida once and that was with family. This time around I went with just the loved one and it was amazing! I was thoroughly enjoying my time there until … I caught swimmer’s ear on my second night. It was dreadful there on out because it was get tinges of pain from the earache.
Even though I was experiencing that, I still enjoyed every minute. And the waves are like what you see in the movies, moving so serenely in and out and the warmth was just right.
Now let’s talk about this outfit and how perfect it was for this beach day. I was thinking about the 50’s, high-waisted shorts and a gingham crop top. Did I channel that era? What’s insane is, I had only carry on luggage and managed to get seven outfits into it .. with 5 handbags and five pairs of shoes. Not excessive at all (giggles) … but really, I needed options.
There’s just so much to say about Miami … it’s definitely more than a few beaches and the weather. The people, culture, food and the sights .. it was a great! A much needed trip.
I always feel like I’ve stepped into Paris when I wear a neck scarf; especially one with breton stripes. When I was 16, I purchased my first square scarf but I never actually adorned it on anything .. until a few years later. I was so caught up in what people would say so I completely left out my own thoughts.
Now, I love it more than ever and the versatility is endless. I adorn it on my neck and my bags and my wrists. It’s so chic and everything Parisian! .. Am I giving away the thought of wishing I was born in Paris or maybe residing there?
The stripes definitely play with the rest of the outfit. Parisians are best known for their minimalism, which inspired this two tone outfit. And last but best of all, these ankle boots are to die for!!
What are your thoughts on Parisians fashion?
xx. Valentine
H&M Jacket – color sold out (Similar HERE & HERE) | J Crew Logo Tee | Gap High Waist Denim – old (Similar HERE) | Ralph Lauren Crossbody | Zara Lace Booties – old (love THESE & THESE) | H&M Scarf – old (try this HERE) | BP Sunglasses – old (try THESE)
I think monochromatic is the way to go to and perfect for petite frames. Can you tell it’s a staple in my closet? I like how it lengthens me and makes such a statement. It’s so chic!
Now let’s bask in these shades. The rose gold tone definitely finishes the over all look. Though my handbag may have a gold finish, the two don’t clash. I find this funny because I used to be obsessed over NOT mixing metals. But now I love the idea when put together in subtle ways.
What is your closet staple? Share below, I would love to know .. ❤
xx. Valentine
ASOS Petite Sequin Top | ASOS Petite Culottes – sold out (Similar HERE) | Steve Madden Pumps – old (Similar HERE) | Chloe Nile ‘Dupe’ – Amazon | BP Sunglasses – old (try these HERE or HERE)
I don’t know about you but I think linen is the best warm weather wear! The lightweight fabric works for those humid days and can be dressed up or down. I paired it here with a sheer polka dot blouse and I’d like to say this is my favorite outfit to date. I purchased this blouse during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last fall and am now just dressing it up. I stowed it away and completely forgot about it but it’s such a classic piece.
Spring doesn’t linger long enough here. It stays for what seems like two weeks and we are straight into Summer so these pieces work into both seasons. I’ve worn these linen trousers with trainers and like the casual effect. They definitely work with all kinds of shoes which is a HUGE plus.
I often find myself looking for balance between classic pieces I have had for years and trendy pieces that I keep for just one season. Sometimes my entire outfit is all trends and that’s what I am trying to get out of. I’d like to stay in the range of a few classic pieces and then incorporate a trend or two into the outfit. It’s a work in progress but it’s surely coming into place.
..I can’t enough of my current favorite coats right now! It’s beginning to warm up but not fast enough, which allows me to enjoy my favorite spring piece. In honor of this year’s late spring bloom and the semi cold breeze, I’ve paired this jacket with a leopard knit. The two compliment each other very well I think.
Now, are the reoccurring pinks screaming louder? It’s been present in coats, handbags and dancing on my lips in the past few posts, but all for a good reason. It’s so versatile and I can’t get enough of the pastel hue, like on this darling handbag (a Chloe dupe).
Ohhh Spring … I’m always in awe of all the blooms as I’m sure every floral loving fiend is as well. Though they are flowers I’ve seen before, the beauty never ceases to amaze me.
What is that one piece you find yourself wearing season after season because of it’s iconic stature?
xx – Valentine
J.Crew Iconic Coat | J.Crew Leopard Sweater | Gap Skinny Denim, old (Similar HERE) | Chloe Nile Dupe (Amazon) | Steve Madden Daisie Pumps | BP Sunglasses, old (Similar HERE)
