Fabric, Frills + Lace

What is summer without the romper? Though the fashion staple has been around since the 1900's, I did not take an interest in incorporating the one piece into my wardrobe until high school. I found these adorable floral rompers that ad enough space for my thighs—an important distinction when choosing any fashion piece. But, the pleats! Hitting right at my hip, the pleats exaggerated my width and a very unflattering way. From then on, I was anti-romper. After living in Japan, and seeing more drop-waist or A-line waist rompers sans pleats, I was interested in slowly increasing the amount of rompers I owned. Of course, the practical side of me argues you'll never wear these to work (especially the one I'm showcasing here). Yet, I've managed to wear this silk, baby blue romper from Urban Outfitters at least four times in the last two months. Full outfit for ultimate viewing. My only problem with this cute score from Urban's sale rack is the liberties take...

Have you ever walked into an art museum and felt like your outfit game was off? During the summer tourist season, the usual museum-goer opts to wear khaki shorts, sensible shoes, and a fanny pack. However, the average art museum-goer knows that aesthetic is everything--especially when you're all about the Instagrams. This can be tricky for those of us who are new to the whole fashion game. How do you manage comfort and style? I thoroughly believe you should wear what you want to wear, no matter what. But, if you're looking for some tips on navigating the fine line of aesthetics. I've got you covered! For this look, I choose to match a cute straw hat with a pink ribbon that I got from Hawaii, a pink lace-up top from American Eagle, my high-waisted jeans from Monki, and Jack Rogers sandals. All-in-all, a very summer look. However, there is a hidden functionality in this outfit. I choose a hat because I knew I'd be walking to the museum in the intense heat...

Before you go off and buy some self-tan lotion, here's a few tips on wearing off-the-shoulder tops (and other summer trends). White OTS Top, Tokyo, Green Lace Bralette, Francessca's, Embroidered Denim Skirt, Zara, Tan Handbag, Coach, White Sandals, Jack Rogers Summer is here and that means that the colorful trends of the season have arrived. One of the summer trends of 2017 is the off-the-shoulder top. You've probably seen the covetable style at trendy stores like Zara and H&M, but you might be surprised to know that the style is actually two years old. When I was in Tokyo two years ago, the off-the-shoulder top was a huge hit. Every store was selling some version of the OTS top. Now, I'm not saying that Tokyo invented the trend and the U.S. stole it. Instead, I'd like to propose that the OTS is a classic summer staple--one undisturbed by time and place. I didn't want to buy an OTS until I felt much more comfortable with my hairy arms and shoulder...

Provocative as this title might sound, I try to keep everything PG at the office. I'm lucky that the dress code at the non-profit I work for is business-casual (a complicated term that I'm still trying to define). I've taken the suggested dress code to mean that I can still experiment with cute fashion trends without selling my soul to corporate culture. Case-in-point, I showed up to work in a slip dress. Now for those who have somehow messed the retro-90's fashion trends that have slowly taken over social media, the slip dress was a 90's statement that graced the slim bodies of models like Kate Moss. The look was elegant evening wear that reminded everyone of nocturnal activities. Not exactly work appropriate. My favorite example of the slip dress comes from Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30. The confused actress shows up to work in nothing but her night wear and a fashionable coat. Of course, in Hollywood a woman can get away with this, but what about tho...

For some of us, this might not be news. High-Waisted jeans, shorts, and bathing suit bottoms have been a long time trend and occasional style staple for the fashionista—especially if you rock vintage looks. But, I have to be honest. Sometimes I wonder if high-waisted mom jeans on a pear-shaped-wide-hipped-woman (like myself) are a good look. Sure on a tall and thin model, the high-waisted jeans emphasize what I like to call the ideal ‘hip-to-thigh ratio,’ making them look not too feminine but not too masculine—perfect androgyny. There’s no mistaking my feminine figure. Now I love my body—thunder thighs and all—but the worst feeling is when you don’t feel as if your clothes flatter your natural shape. After all, you spent hard-earned cash on them; they should fit your body shape, not the other way around. Sometimes we fashion pioneers feel think this means we have to avoid certain styles. Short girls beware the maxi dress that makes you look like a child; only the flat che...