SOSNU Recents

Hey guys, I'm back and I'm really excited because in this blog post I will be featuring Something Old (a thrifted/pre-loved item), and Something New (an item purchased from regular retail store).  I feel like it's been a few months since I've had new pieces to share on the blog.  Honestly, I haven't been inspired to go out to the shops and buy things.  Nothing is really exciting or aspirational - like I am currently coveting nothing.  There have been times when I would literally have tons of items in my online shopping carts from several retailers.  I don't know what's happening in fashion anymore.  But I digress, I am really pumped about these buys.

Something Old - first up is this beautifully structured navy blue pinstriped double breasted blazer.  The width of shoulders with the shoulder pads literally make me beam from within.  I love to exaggerate my shoulders simple because the top portion of my body because it's my larger half.  By placing emphasis on the shoulders draws attention from my larger bustline, an area of my body that I am not fully comfortable with.  As a stylist, I understand that the ultimate goal in dressing is to create proportional balance especially with personal styling and everyday wear.  However, as an editorial stylist I have a knack for doing things differently, and creating looks that are a bit off.   It's the little details that make dressing up fun for me.  Oh I almost forgot to mention that I scored this beauty for pennies during a 50% off sale at my local Salvation Army.

Something New -  guys pan down to this rich, autumnal midi skirt.  There are so many elements of this skirt that I love.  The midi length is a huge plus. The black band at the waist is so flattering.  The lace detail and the trimming at the hem is spot on trend, and lastly the rich burgundy color.  This skirt is the perfect seasonal addition to any wardrobe.

outfit details - blazer (here) and sweater (here): thrifted; skirt (here), socks (here) and boots (here): H&M; earrings: H&M (here)

HYSTN: Erdem x H&M - My Top Picks

Hey guys so I'm back with a new blog post sharing some of my favorite things.  About a month ago, I wrote a blog post on the new Erdem x H&M collaboration collection (here).  Back then only the collection's editorial lookbook had been released, so I posted looks that stood out and gave a little background on the brand.

Now (well as of Nov. 2) the complete collection is available in selected H&M stores, as well as on hm.com, and I have posted my favorite pieces below as well as links for you all to purchase them directly.  

black patterned dress

Erdem x H&M, $129

floral tights

Erdem x H&M, $24.99

Jacquard patterned blazer

Erdem x H&M, $199

Jacquard patterned pants

Erdem x H&M, $129

Jacquard long dress

Erdem x H&M, $299

Leather handbag

Erdem x H&M, $299

Sherling Jacket

Erdem x H&M, $129

Black lace top

Erdem x H&M, $149

White lace blouse

Erdem x H&M, $129

grey hooded sweater

Erdem x H&M, $69.99

Lastly, and just because I thought this was pretty cool, check out the campaign film that was released leading up to the full launch of the collaborative collection.  The film, "The Secret Life of Flowers", created by Baz Luhrman uses the collection to helps to define characters as they portray a very modern love story amongst friends. 

Capsule Wardrobe: How to Elevate It

As promised guys I am back with a little more on building, and living on a capsule wardrobe.   In this short series, I am simply giving pointers on how to work with the little that you might have and build upon it. 

If you look closely at this outfit, you will see that I am wearing the exact pieces from my last post (here) on building a capsule wardrobe.  The classic white button down blouse and my black skinny jeans are the foundation of this look.  However, things here are a bit elevated.  The look is much stronger, and my sense of personal style is shining through.   So yes guys, even with a limited wardrobe it is possible to look great and be stylish. 

Both the blazer and leather trousers are vintage items that I have either thrifted, or were given to me.

   3.  Wildcard. Statement pieces and staples that will allow you to standout in a crowd.  I think it’s most important to have these unique wildcard items in your capsule wardrobe because they allow you to really display your personal style.  Also, I want to reiterate that because it’s merely an abbreviate wardrobe that you shouldn't have a lot of those items -  may not be space, and who wants to lug around all of that stuff. 

   4.  Splurge.  With such a basic, and neutral based wardrobe I think it’s necessary to splurge on a specific accessory.  The entire time that I lived abroad I don't think I purchased a single piece of clothing.  However I did buy shoes.  The item which I splurge on is shoes.  I love shoes.  Shoes are life, and with a limited wardrobe I depend on my cute shoes sometimes to make my plain outfits pop.  Some women love handbags or jewelry, and should use these items.  I would say, pick your poison ladies.

   5.  Borrow.  Tap into your resources.  As a stylist, I have have fashion connections and friends at my finger tips, and at times I have to call them up to borrow items for events or special occasions.  For those of you that may not have that access, you can simply ask your boyfriend if you could borrow his blazer, oversized jumper or trousers even.  Ask a neighbor for a handbag/clutch for the evening.  Or a good, close friend if you could borrow her cute party dress for an event.