Swing of Things

Shirt: Old Navy (similar) // Coat: J.Crew Factory // Jeans: Topshop // Shoes: J.Crew Factory (similar, cheaper) // Necklace: J.Crew Factory (similar)

I'm only two weeks in to second semester and I can already tell that it's gonna be a looooong semester. With harder classes, more hours at work, and a million clubs, events, extracurriculars, and projects it feels a bit tough to keep track of everything. Luckily with the help of my handy dandy planner, and pens in every color of the rainbow I'm starting to get in the swing of things and make a routine for myself. I don't have as much downtime during the day as I did last semester so when I go to get dressed in the morning I have to make sure that my outfit works for everything from class, to work, to meetings and events. I wore this on a Friday which is generally my most relaxed day because I only have one class. However, on this day I had to attend an info session for a job I really wanted and made plans to get boba and enjoy the rest of the day with one of my roommates. 

These jeans from Topshop are by far my favorite because they are incredibly stretchy but hold their shape very well. This flannel is also very soft and it looks nice without feeling stuffy or constricting. Because I knew that at the people who would be looking over my job application would be at the info session, I felt like I really needed to look put together and added a flashy necklace and wore my favorite shoes. Although these shoes are not practical at all for walking around in New York (they have no grip or padding whatsoever), they always get noticed by others and hearing them tap tap tap down the hallways gives me a major confidence boost.

I'm already getting a bit bored with dressing for winter (I just want to wear shorts!), but with some solid pieces, creating a winter ready outfit isn't so bad after all. 

the look

Jacket: J.Crew Factory (similar) // Sweater: J.Crew Factory // Jeans: Topshop // Shoes: Adidas Universal // Watch: Daniel Wellington

My favorite outfits are the ones that when I look at myself in the mirror all I can think is "YES! this is it, this is the look I'm going for". I hate when I feel like an outfit is missing something so when everything comes together I feel like I'm on cloud nine. I finally picked up some turtleneck sweaters when they were on sale at J.Crew Factory and I can already tell that it's gonna take some major self restraint to not wear them everyday this winter. I really can't stand when my neck is cold, but scarves can sometimes just get in the way so this is a perfect alternative. 

I paired my cozy turtleneck with my favorite jeans (Topshop is my new go-to for jeans, these fit like a dream), my everyday accessories, a lightweight jacket to keep out the wind, and my new favorite pair of shoes. These sneakers happen to belong to my brother, but not for long because I fully intend to bring them back to New York this weekend. Adidas Superstars and Stan Smith's are all the rage right now, but I've always been a dedicated Adidas lover and my brother has quite the collection of sneakers from over the years, he totally wouldn't notice if this pair goes missing right?

I'm obsessed with this outfit because it's the right amount of smart and classic with a good dose of fun and casual. I wore this while doing a shoot this weekend but I can totally see myself wearing this to go to class, hangout at my favorite coffee shop, go to work, or even run errands. Just swap the lightweight jacket for a proper coat (nyc is expecting lots of snow!!!) add some gloves and I'll be good to go!

All Layered Up

Sweater: Gap // Denim Jacket: Aeropostale // Jeans: Cotton On // Scarf: Old Navy // Shoes: Kohl's // Bag: Old Navy

What a mild winter it's been here in New York! I love the fact that it's not bitterly cold yet, but I honestly wish that the weather would stop being so bipolar. I never know what to expect when I go out so layers are always my go to. I wore this to go ice skating in Bryant Park with my friends and it was your quintessential New York experience. Huge decorated christmas tree in the background, vendors selling hot chocolate, me trying to not faceplant on the ice or run over a small child, exactly what you'd expect haha. 

I haven't worn my denim jacket in a while, but I realized that it is the perfect thing to layer over an already cozy sweater for a bit more warmth and to make an outfit feel more thoughtful and put together. This scarf was one of my few black friday purchases and I'm pretty sure I wore it for a week straight! It's super warm, but I'm still trying to find ways to wear it without having to fix it every two seconds. I just decided to drape it over my shoulders making me look slightly like Bender from The Breakfast Club. 

Good move, Toyosi. Good move.

Busy

Dress: H&M // Cardigan: Gap (similar) // Scarf: J.Crew (more colors) // Shoes: Kohl's

Sometimes you just get the urge to wear ALL THE PRINTS. I wore this outfit about two or three months ago (oops) and while it is getting a bit chilly out, I think I'll just add a pair of tights a puffer vest and wear this look to my next holiday gathering!

Photos by Maddie Tsang

Welcome to The Neighborhood

Shirt: Ralph Lauren (similar)  // Sweatshirt: Uniqlo (similar)  //Jeans: J.Crew // Bag: Everlane // Sunglasses: Forever 21 // Necklace: J.Crew Factory (similar)

After sorting, editing, and exporting these photos I realized something– I am basically dressed like Mr. Rodgers, and I think that's awesome. My sweatshirt isn't quite a zip up cardigan, and I may be wearing a flashy necklace instead of a tie, but you have to admit that I'm pretty dang close. I'm all for striking a balance between masculine and feminine, casual and dressy and I think this outfit does a stellar job at that. Dirty converse, ripped jeans and a sweatshirt keep this outfit pretty laid back and relaxed, but the oxford and shiny necklace under the collar add just enough to keep this from looking like I rolled straight out of bed. I scored this sweatshirt for only $5 the other day when Uniqlo was having their massive anniversary sale, and I can't wait to wear it during the holiday season!

I wore this on a tea date on the upper west side with my roommate and let me tell you, if there are stoops and brownstones around, you can guarantee that I will fall in love with the area. I find that my favorite parts of the city are the more quiet areas because you can relax and enjoy the scenery but you know that the hustle and bustle of the city is just a short subway ride away. As I explore different parts of the city, I love thinking about if I could imagine myself living there, and I could totally imagine living on the upper west side– just not until I start making upper west side money

It's Fall, Y'all!

Top: Zara // Cardigan: Gap // Jeans: Hollister // Shoes: J.Crew Factory // Tote: Everlane // Ring: c/o Leif Shop

Living in New York has confirmed the fact that I love the fall time. I love living in layers and the leaves, oh man the leaves are beautiful and scattered all over the place and when a strong gust of wind comes along and knocks them off the trees I can't help but fall in love all over again. I made sure to get myself out to Central Park before all the leaves fell off the trees and WOW. As you can see in the first few pictures, I'm really into this whole leaves thing. It also helps that it's been oddly warm here in the city (it's been bouncing around in the 60s-50s and occasionally the low 70s the past few weeks) so now really is the perfect time to get out and explore the city. I'm just really glad that I can still go out with just a t-shirt and a cardigan!

I am absolutely obsessed with this cardigan, so much so that I actually have it in two different colors! I love that it has large pockets which make it easy to place my phone, keys, or ID if my hands are full, and it's long enough and big enough where it feels like I'm just walking around wrapped up in a blanket. I've quickly come to learn how important outerwear is in terms of staying warm and looking polished! I'm thinking of adding a leather jacket to my arsenal and possibly a blazer to wear casually so I'm not constantly wearing these cardigans day in and day out. 

Are there any outerwear items that you find your self reaching for again and again this fall season? Also, where can a girl get a decently priced nice quality leather jacket?