High-Low

 

 

Shirt:    Zara (old, but similar here)

Jeans:   Zara

Shoes:  ETRO

Bag:      YSL

 

 

I named this post High-Low not only because of the shirt I’m wearing, but because when picking out my outfits, one of my favorite things to do is mix high-end and low-end items.  In this outfit, I kept my jeans and top pretty basic but added designer accessories.  I find that I do this often, because usually, if I spend a lot of money on something, it’s in the form of shoes or a bag.

 

 

When I’m deciding whether or not to splurge on a designer item, my main concern is whether it will withstand the test of time.  Is it an investment piece? Will it go out of style quickly? Will it hold up well? Will I get a lot of use out of it?  That being said, I usually gravitate to classic or very unique designer accessories that I know will go with lots of stuff I have in my closet, and will not be easily damaged or hard to care for. 

 

 

Take these shoes for example.  Even though they are not “classic,” I wouldn’t consider them “trendy” either.  To me they are a unique statement piece that you don’t see every day.  I was drawn to the fact that these shoes have a chunkier heel, making them appropriate for both day and night. Also, the chunky heel minimizes the risk that they will be destroyed by one slip of the heel into a sidewalk crack (we all know that horrible that feeling). The black and white color also makes them super versatile and easy to pair with different outfits.

 

 

When it comes to my clothes though, I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum. I usually stay away from high-end designers, and like to stick to stores like Zara or H&M, where you can get fashion forward items for a good price.  This allows me to try out trends without the guilt of spending a ton of money on something that is just going to go out of style in a month. 

 

 

I find that combining high-end accessories with lower-end items is a great way to give an outfit an “expensive” look, even if what you’re wearing didn’t cost that much.

 

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ERIKAH318

 

 

 

Coated Skinnies

Sweater:       Zara  
Jeans:            Citizens of Humanity
Shoes:           MIA  (on sale for $39.99)
Watch:          Michele
Bracelets:     David Yurman

I have been searching for the perfect coated black skinny jeans for a while.  I had my heart set on this pair by AG—but unfortunately, they just weren’t meant to be.  I stalked them online for a good few months and planned to buy them when Bloomingdales had their Denim Days sale.  I went to the store, and they were just as beautiful in person as they were online.  The coating is really leather-like, not just shiny like most of the other coated jeans out there.  They just look so rocker and cool… on the hanger, that is. 

On me? Now, that's a wwhhhooollleee other story.  Something about the coating on the jeans rippled when I put them on and literally made my legs look like sausages about to burst out of the casing.  It was horrible.  Not pretty.  At all.  I wanted those jeans so bad that I even tried two sizes up from my usual size (if that’s not a sign of desperation, I don’t know what is).  Still sausage-y.  No good.

Since, the AG’s were a no go, I decided on the Citizens of Humanity pair.  The coating isn’t as nice as the AG pair but they are still pretty.  I also really like the fit.  They are super stretchy (no sausage effect), and slightly high-waisted, so they are very comfortable.  Definitely a good alternative to leather skinnies which are often very constricting.

Moral of the story:  if you are blessed with long skinny legs try out the AG’s because they are beautiful, if  you're less fortunate like me, the Citizens are a good second option. 

 P.S.  For all my fellow Miamians, just a reminder that the Mason Martin Margiela With H&M Collection will be available at the Lincoln Road store starting Thursday, November 15th at 8am.  If the grand opening of the store was any indication, it’s probably going to mob scene.  I personally did not fall in love with any of the pieces in the collection, so I won’t be camping out or anything crazy.  What do you think of the collection?  

Pop of Green

Dress:              Madewell

Belt:                 Madewell
Shoes:             Ash
Necklace:       Dogeared

These Ash sandals are one of my favorite purchases of the summer.  When I saw them featured on the ShopBop home page I had to have them. Despite the bright color, they are very versatile.  Colored shoes and accessories are a great way to spice up an otherwise basic outfit.

All About Leather

On the List:

1.BB Dakota Leather Shorts

2.Trouve Leather Tank

3.Mia Leather Pumps

 

 

As I gear up for Winter slightly cooler temperatures here in Miami, I find myself obsessing over all things leather.Although some would laugh at the thought of wearing leather in a tropical climate, I can assure you that I will be breaking out my leather (and fur) as soon as it drops below 70°.So I don’t look like a fool, I am trying to focus on pieces that don’t seem too “winterish,” ie. shorts and a tank top.I just ordered the shorts from ShopBop, I’ll let you know how they turn out.Once I get the tank and the shoes, I might try wearing all of these pieces together in one outfit.

 

The "List"

So, there’s this thing I call the “List.”  I’ll probably refer to it often.  It’s a list (duhh) of all the things I reaalllllyyy want at the moment, and plan on purchasing if/when my bank account permits.  I want to mention that the List is not just a mental list, it’s like a real list- one that I write down on paper (usually when I am bored at work).  Nerdy, I know, but what can I say?  It helps pass the time and makes my day a little more interesting. 

 The List is ever changing. An item gets crossed off the List when I buy it, when it goes out of stock before I get a chance to buy it, or when I decide I really don’t want it that much anymore (usually because I found something I like better).  On the rare occasion that the List gets shorter, it gives me a strange sense of accomplishment.  More often than not though, the List just gets longerrrrrr and longerrrrr… to the point where it gives me anxiety, because I know I can’t buy everything (I know, I need help).

            Anyway, some of the items on the List at the moment, shown above are:

            1.         Asos Harlot Sandal (here)

            2.         Ash Cool Wedge Sneaker (here)

            3.         Christian Louboutin Pigalle Pumps (here)