Uniform

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I've noticed that when I don't really need to dress a specific way, I have been more and more gravitating to a uniform that consists of black leather, white, and denim. It's funny how a few years ago, these pieces were not what I would reach for on most occasions, and now it is my go-to. I used to think of uniform dressing as boring, and sometimes still do, but it is definitely nice to know that when in doubt, running late, or just want to look put together without much effort, staying in these three colors and fabrications will have you looking classic regardless. I like to think of fashion as a daily puzzle or word problem if that makes sense--you have to keep trying on pieces to see which ones work together and which don't. In keeping in the color palette above, the challenge is more of finding fresh and alternative ways to switch up your look so that your uniform dressing doesn't become limiting.

What is your favorite combination of the pieces above? Lately I've been reaching for my faux leather pleated skirt, white slides, and a dark denim jacket.

Invaluable

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When it comes to watches, I have been dedicated to my gold Michael Kors since I got it in high school six years ago. Usually I am drawn to chunkier mens style watches, and I love feeling the weight of it on my arm and the finish that it brings to an outfit overall. Invaluable is the world's largest online auction marketplace for so many luxury items from fine jewelry to artwork. I styled three looks around a particular mens watch on their site and while a Rolex isn't typically anywhere in my budget, I appreciated this style for it's silver and black sleek appearance compared to my glaring gold Kors for a change. Far too often I find myself wandering the mens watch section in department stores (and my dad's arm) for these styles that I am particularly attracted to, and this was a fun opportunity to see how a change in a timepiece can change an overall outfit and attitude. Here I have put together three different looks with this beautiful watch that I felt enhanced and worked well together with such an elegant and timeless piece. 

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Which is your favorite look above? How would you style this watch?

Check out all of the other mens watches on Invaluable! 

Embellished Americana

/ J.Crew button down (sample sale) / Vintage Levi's from LF / Zara heels / H&M clutch / Illamasqua polish / 

When I would think of classic American dressing, jeans and a white t-shirt would come to mind. As much as I love a good basic, I wouldn't really call them my go-to. Still inspired by the denim and white combination, and the concept of easy dressing in mind, I pulled out pieces that much more suited my sense of style to update the classic pairing. Both the button down and the vintage Levi's are updated versions of classics in themselves. A white button-down can easily seem quite stiff and conservative, and ill-fitted denim can come across as borrowed from your parents--and not in the chic oversized way. However, with a bit of embellished beads and rhinestones and a fitted shape for the top, and a distressed appearance and lace inserts for the shorts, these pieces are still classics, but for a girl who likes her basics--a little less basic. 

PS: Happy Birthday, daddy! I hope it's full of everything you wanted. xo