” 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)
It’s definitely not new news when Spring is around the corner and pastel colors are coming out to play. I’ve seen lots of it hit the runway for Spring 2018 and which has been labeled ice cream pastel hues. And you just don’t say no to these sweet treats .. ever. But aside from dessert talk, I almost find these hues to be a closet staple. Granted, not all of these colors work for four seasons, but this pastel pink fits right in.
With this pretty pink I’ve paired it with another spring trend, gingham. I see this print pop up every year and I don’t disagree. It’s a closet staple in my humble opinion and it works well as a statement piece when you put it together with a simple, chic outfit.
And sometimes, you compliment the bag with red lips. I’m always pulled into the 50’s when red and gingham are placed next to each other. The retro vibes are flying high!
What are your thoughts on 2018’s Spring Trends?
xx – Valentine
Zara Faux Suede Moto Coat (Similar HERE & HERE) | Brooks Brothers Silk Top, sold out (Similar HERE & HERE) | Gap High Waist Skinny Jeans, old (Similar HERE & HERE) | Steve Madden Daisie Pumps | WhoWhatWear Gingham Handbag (Similar HERE) | BP Mirror Sunglasses, old (Similar HERE & HERE)
It’s been a whirlwind of two seasons coming and going this month. For a week we had wonderful weather here in the mid-west and it was such a good feeling! So I brought out this beautiful trench coat from ASOS and I seriously did not want to take it off. In the duration of this nice weather, I went in between three different trench coats … well, because Spring screams trench coat weather.
This blush colored one is absolutely beautiful. I’ve been coveting the designer ones (Sacai & Burberry Prorsum) but I couldn’t justify spending $$$ on a such luxe pieces. So when I came upon this one on ASOS and saw the price tag, I dropped it into my basket quick and it made it’s made permanent home in my wardrobe.
The second trench coat I brought out this Spring is by J. Crew. Their Iconic Trench is second to none. I’ve had a total of 7 trench coats in the last 8 years and this one by J. Crew has been the best one. Granted, I’ve only had it one year, but it’s made from such grand material that it’ll be shown so much love with lots of wear.
The third trench coat … drum roll … is also from J. Crew. It’s identical to their iconic trench coat that I mentioned above but has navy stripes on the bodice and mid sleeves. J. Crew has many great classic pieces and the prices are a bargain when you run into a sale they are promoting. These are the times I stock up on outerwear, jewelry and wardrobe staples.
What have you reached for time and time again this Spring?
ASOS Lace Coat | Shein Embellished Tee | Gap Denim Skinny, old (Similar HERE & HERE) | Chloe Nile Dupe (Amazon) | Steve Madden Daisie Pumps | BP Sunglasses, old (Similar HERE & HERE)
