color war

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Spring is just around the corner as the weather settles. I’m excited for all the light pieces I’ve stocked up on. I’m that person that shops off season. So in the warmer months, I’ll look for Winter/Fall deals, and in the colder months, I’ll shop for Spring/Summer bargains.

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It’s all about knowing when to look for those deals. I’m an online shopper (since shopping malls can be too busy) you know about deals sooner. And signing up for a retailer’s email benefits you. They make sure you get the best deals. I mean, not all retailers have the best savings but it allows you to see which one is right for your style and budget.
I hope everyone’s having a wonderful week. Thanks so much for reading.

xx. Valentine

Top: Topshop | Bottom: H&M (Similar HERE & HERE) | Shoes: Zara* (Similar HERE & HERE) | Sunglasses* (Similar HERE)

..Valentine’s ..

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Now everyone doesn’t always enjoy today for the purpose of not having a significant other. But I believe soul mates come in all forms. Whether it’s a friend, family member or a pet. It’s being able to share the love that makes today count.

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But every year this day comes around, it lets me know my third undeclared birthday has arrived. My real birth date is in January and I also believe in half birthdays (since I’m a winter baby), which would make mine on July 4th. Of course, I’m not boasting that I should be treated more special, but it’s pretty awesome to be named after a holiday.
I hope everyone finds love however befitting. Happy Valentine’s Day friends!
xx. Valentine
Top: H&M | Bottom: Asos (Similar HERE & HERE) | Shoes: Target (Similar HERE & HERE) | Handbag: Charming Charlie (Similar HERE & HERE) | Lips: Revlon (Similar HERE)

on EDGE // black & white

And the story goes…

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I’ve owned this Michael Kors blazer for 5 years and it still looks like when I first purchased it. Back when I was employed by them and the blazer first made its appearance, it ran for 450. It was definitely an outrageous price. I would watch interested parties try her on but back it went, onto the rack.
So two winters go by and still, no one purchased it. Because I worked in retail, of course I tried it on numerous times as well. And then a couple months before I left the company, the blazer had gone down to 50 and that was my calling. Good things do come to those who wait. From then on, it’s been a go to piece for Fall and Winter.
I just wanted to share how this little beauty came into my life. And I know not every fashion savvy person agrees with purchasing leather products. But to each their own. I just believe quality over quantity.
Thanks so much for reading. Have a wonderful day!
Michael Michael Kors Blazer (Similar HERE & HERE) | Ann Taylor Sweater (Similar HERE & HERE) | Paige Denim (Similar) | Banana Republic Boots (Similar HERE & HERE) | Renata Corsi Crossbody | BP Sunglasses

comfy luxe

Chunky knits are THE BEST comfort clothes! I can’t tell you how many white, black and grey sweaters I’ve acquired in the last couple years. What’s funny is how every one of them differs from the other, leading to the “this one has detailed sleeves”; “that one has a different knit” or “this one is so chunky”. Of course, you only need at max maybe three, each in a neutral color or print but it’s definitely a struggle when they’re all so cute!

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And can I point out how versatile knits are for most of the seasons. Depending on how you wear it, they can be layered under coats for the colder months or lightly layered for the cooler months of spring and fall. I can’t tell myself no now, when I can wear it for three seasons out of the year.

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But what I LOVE about this ensemble is the monochromatic effect. There’s always something refreshing about the overall concept. I switch up color combinations in between two or three. I learned from Olivia Palermo who keeps it at two colors when she wants an outfit to stand out. Less is definitely more. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be neutral colors or a monochromatic palette, it can be contrasting as well.
Now I added the fedora to complete everything. I walked out of the house so bundled up, my boyfriend asked for a fast draw (a duel between two cowboys in those western films). Funny as it was then, I still confidently strutted this outfit. I mean fedoras are a staple for Rosie H. Whitley. And here, I believe I channeled it in my own way. 😉

xx. Valentine

Gap Cardigan (Similar HERE & HERE) | H&M Tie Top (Similar) | Levi’s Denim (Similar HERE) | Banana Republic Boots (Similar HERE & HERE) | H&M Scarf (Similar HERE & HERE) | Brixton Wool Fedora | Renata Corsi Crossbody| BP Sunglasses (Similar HERE & HERE)

little italy

There’s this little section in this serene park where a bridge hovers over a lake and it reminds me of something you’d see in Italy. The bridge is made just right as if a gondola could glide right through.

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Of course the beret screams Parisian and maybe I’m at the wrong park but France and Italy aren’t too far apart on the world map. Here, I decided on a lighter cover up because of how warm it’s been. Most days we get cloudy, cold weather or gusts of wind on top of the snowfall. The rays don’t particularly come out much except for rare periods like today. We’ve experienced a little of every weather this winter which allows me to dress lighter and more chic on the sunny days.

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Aside from the weather fiasco, I purchased this skirt at the end of fall and have been waiting for an opportunity to wear it. Yes, I could have gone with opaque tights but I’m not a big fan of it with a skirt or dress. On the flipside, sheer tights are always a go because they show a little leg and can be the final detail to an outfit.
Now it seems winter will remain for another six weeks (by the groundhog forecast). I’m just hoping it’ll be good and the sun will stay. I cannot wait for spring so I can wear all the dresses I’ve acquired.
Thanks for reading and Happy Wednesday!

xx. Valentine

Outer(coat): Zara (featured HERE) | Top(inside): H&M (similar HERE & HERE) | Bottom: F21 (similar HERE, HERE & HERE) | Shoes: Banana Republic (featured HERE) | Bag (cross body) : Kate Spade (featured HERE) | Beret: Nordstrom (similar HERE & HERE) | Lips: Revlon Red Revival (similar HERE)

All that Glitters

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I believe sequins are a must in everyone’s closet. Whether you have it on a pair of shoes or on a bag, even on a scarf. It’s attracts attention to a simple outfit like how I have it here, dressing it up on the days you didn’t quite have time to choose the outfit.

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It can be intimidating to wear because you don’t want to leave your house looking like you let your 5 year old self dress you. It is all about wearing it at a minimum if you want to achieve a day time look. Leave the full blown glitz for a night out or the festive parties. I know I can never overlook some sparkle on the days I feel like I need it. And leaving some of that sparkle wherever you go is never a bad idea. I think the world needs more of it.
 Thanks so much for stopping by to read. Have a great day!
xx. -Valentine
Outer top: Ann Taylor (featured HERE) | Inner top: H&M (Similar HERE & HERE) | Bottoms: Zara (featured HERE) | Shoes: Banana Republic (featured HERE) | Handbag: Zara (featured HERE)

a mermaid’s tale

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If you’ve seen The Little Mermaid, you’ll see that these kitten heels remind me of Ariel’s tail. The detail looks just like her scales. Anyone who’s a fan will know she wished for legs to walk like how we wish for beautiful soles to parade in.
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Ariel also had the biggest treasure cave in her water world. Some more extravagant than others and some so simple, that was the elegance. The outfit I have on,  I adorned with with a silk neck tie. Although this ensemble carries a simple tone, they all compliment each other well. This scarf definitely gives the rest of the attire some character.
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What legs are to Ariel is what shoes are to me. You cannot complete your daily uniform without the perfect pair.
Thanks so much for reading and if you wanna join the mermaid brigade, shop this look below.
Top: Banana Republic (Featured HERE; Similar HERE & HERE) | Bottom: J. Crew (Similar HERE) | Shoes: Ann Taylor | Scarf: Vince Camuto (Similar HERE & HERE) | Earrings: Francesca’s | Sunglasses: BP

dark romance

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I absolutely love this color in a moto jacket. It’s a different spin on tough being that it’s in a dark romantic color. Here I have it paired here with this lace blouse; you still get the effect of feminine without getting lost in the all tough get up. You can never go wrong with a moto jacket and black is definitely classic but a colored one spices up your look. Burgundy is also a rich color in the winter, so this jacket can be worn with many outfits. You can shop this look below and thanks so much for reading!

xx. Valentine

Outer: Vince Camuto (Similar HERE & HERE) | Top: H&M (Similar HERE & HERE) | Bottom: Ann Taylor (Similar HERE & HERE) | Shoes: Banana Republic (Similar HERE & HERE) | Sunglasses: BP (Similar HERE & HERE)