sophistiCAITed

OutfitOfTheDay. watch ASOS. top & belt Forever21....

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:25:20 -0500

OutfitOfTheDay.

watch ASOS. top & belt Forever21. skirt Francescas. nails OPI Ate Berries in the Canaries.

The classiest dames of Cannes

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:32:00 -0500

Mmm, Cannes. You give me a hearty dose of red carpet when I’m jonesing for awards season to come back. Designers are not playing around at this southern France affair & there’s better fashion here than most of the year. I also appreciate the global collection of legitimate actors, producers, writers, etc., who show up in their chicest to give some well-deserved face time to great works in film.

And now, the classiest dames of Cannes.

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior

Black and white was big at Cannes and this is a shining example. She’s really gotten accustomed to rocking the strapless throughout awards season and I appreciate her doing the dress justice with firm posture. Hair and makeup are killing it; keeping Jennifer young and bright. This dress could’ve been styled differently on someone 30 years older and still worked. It’s always about how you package a dress!

Julianne Moore in Christian Dior Couture

I went back and forth on this choice for a while, but this is just such a great dress for a woman of her personality and age, and she wears it sooo well. Jewelry, hair & shoes (except her pinky toe - what the hell?) are all great choices. It’s just really fun, formal & trendy.

Isla Fisher in Dolce & Gabbana

White is such a perfect choice at Cannes. I can hardly think of a better backdrop for Isla’s firey locks, pink skin and the warmth & luxury of southern France than a crisp, white dress. Insanely classic; love the laser cut detail.

Nicole Kidman in Dior

Hey Nicole, let’s have some tea while you let me wear those shoes. And later I will make curtains out of your ornate, pretty, midi frock.

and the hair

I’ve never seen this and it’s one of the most formal, appropriate ways to wear a ponytail on the red carpet. With Nicole’s look, it’s very chic and sleek, but this could easily work as an edgy hair choice with a more defiant, powerful look.

Carey Mulligan in Dior

So elegant. Stunning. Old Hollywood. I wouldn’t make a habit of wearing that color with such a light skin tone. Make it a moment. Like this!

Cara Delevingne in Burberry

Bam. Black lace, red lips & nails, diamonds. I don’t think this requires further explanation.

Freida Pinto in Gucci

and again in Sanchita

Twice. Because she is a red carpet stunner and can do no wrong when it comes to Cannes. Freida has an amazing track record of fantastic, on-trend, on-point looks every year. Classy, exciting, creative. Love her.

Zhang Yuqi in Ulyana Sergeenko

I’m slightly torn, only because I think this dress looses some refinement and class with the heaping serving of cleavage. It’s such an elegant gown in a gorgeous, saturated green, it’s kind of a shame. While she looks beautiful in it, I would’ve liked to see this on a very small-chested lady. I think that’s the only way you can pull off a deeeeep neckline.

Cheers!

Caffeinated mani & summer shopping savings

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:25:00 -0500

This mani moment is courtesy of my new favorite pink. It’s like a glossy, fresh, frosted donut on my nails.

Essie Neo Whimsical for the win.

Between the Starbucks (which is a treat for me, not a daily thing, so I like to make a big deal about it & how happy it makes me) and this fresh mani, Friday is off to a good start. The little things, dolls.

Neo Whimsical is an opaque, cool, sweet light pink that’s darker than a blush and lighter than a medium pink. You may not realize it (because you’re likely not as nerdy about polish as me - count your blessings), but this shade of pink is extremely hard to come by.

Because of the pink undertones in my fair skin, I wear either a light blush pink or a dark, cool fuschia. Medium pink, bubblegum pink, mauve pink - completely blech on my hands. This might be a completely different scenario for you, but regardless, this pink.is.amazing. Flattering on any skin tone, it will pop without being too immature or obnoxious.

You’ll be surprised how many looks it blends into, even if you’re wearing another shade of pink. This polish color also looks killer with camel, ivory or gray. It’s super cute for spring & summer and pigmented enough to work on your toes, too.

THERE’S MORE

I feel like I owe you a really solid post, considering I’ve been a bit less active lately. I blame the psychotic spring weather we’ve been having. From snow to heat advisories in a 10-day span, my head has been spinning and I’ve been in a fashion funk. Let’s just get to some consistency, please.

Now that a reliable warm season has arrived, we should chat about summer shopping. Even if you live in a climate that’s warm year-round, there are still summer-specific pieces you’re likely excited about. And if you’re anything like me, it’s easy to get caught up in the exhilaration of summer shopping. To be sure that you don’t go overboard or overspend on one piece, keep your eye on cheaper doppelgangers and implement some strategy into what you really must have.

Save vs. splurge

Summer, in my opinion, is not the best time to splurge. So a general guideline is to go for the save, every time. Warm weather pieces tend to be ultra-trendy and will last longer because they aren’t up against the harshness of a long & chilly fall/winter. Don’t you dare spend more on a pair of sandal wedges than you would on tall heel boots.

Here are a few trend pieces and proof that saving is easy this summer.

No disrespect to the higher-end pieces, but only go for a splurge if it’s exactly what you’re looking for (you’re certain nothing else will do), you need it for a special event (rehearsal dinner or another event where you’re the center of attention), and your summer wardrobe is already set. Otherwise, Savings City it is. Plus, no.one.will.know.

Happy shopping!

Cheers,

I'm pleating you

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:57:49 -0500

For a cool, spring evening downtown. Live music & drinks.

Pretty pink pleated maxi. Seasonally on-point. Bolstered by black; the color of classic, urban, un-fussiness. Tan booties for a bit of lift with tons of comfort for hours of standing & walking. Tresses are curled & easy-going.

This is a great alternative if you’re not in the mood for jeans, heels & a top and don’t want to be too dressy.

Short & sweet today, dolls. Perhaps I need more coffee…

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Cheers,

Eenie, Meenie, Mani, Mo.

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:04:00 -0500

When you want an easy color that will shine with any look, but you’re just not in the mood for a nude or pale pink…

…go for a rose gold.

Mani of the Moment brought to you by Essie Penny Talk.

I would definitely consider this a neutral. Just like your jewelry, a metallic nail color will blend into any outfit you pair it with. It doesn’t really count as an additional color in your look. And depending on how dressed up you get, Penny Talk can go from glam to playful & cute.

The difference in usability between a rose gold versus a silver or gold nail color is actually quite vast. The rose gold won’t try to mimic your white or yellow gold jewelry; it’s not overly glitzy and it won’t make you feel like it’s New Year’s Eve. The rose tint makes all the difference.

So, if a fuchsia or red just seems like too much for the moment, but you want some mystique in your mani, slather on a coat of rose gold and be on your way.

Cheers.

Color please: Design seed inspiration

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:23:00 -0500

The scene out my window is lacking variation or vibrancy. Gray skies, dull earth, rain/snow that blurs everything into a chill shroud. While gray is one of my favorite colors, that’s not the point. I have spent months (and then a few more months) appreciating the sharp, dark branches, hugged with plush snow; a quiet, soft landscape of monochrome and muted tones. I love that sh*t, don’t get me wrong. But, enough is enough. I’m overdue for a soiree of color palettes. The design seeds below and their accompanying looks are a welcome escape and a sight of things to come. Sometimes, creating a look that starts with a specific set of colors is the best way to satisfy your fashion soul. Fun colors, warm weather outfits. Let’s do it.

Follow me on Instagram @ctzhs. #fashiontidbits

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:09:49 -0500

Follow me on Instagram @ctzhs. #fashiontidbits

fashion appliCAITion: Wedding guest

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:09:00 -0500

It seems my role as a wedding guest is feast (last year) or famine (this year). Instead of a wedding guest series, this is all you get!

A lovely wedding that narrowly escaped the spring snowstorms that had been beating us senseless, like a slip of paper under the door. Thankfully, that meant we could all go along with our planned spring attire.

Inspiration

appliCAITion

This dress was the perfect coverage & color balance. The bright, peachy pink is a warm nod to the season, while the long sleeve, shift cut keeps it classy and appropriate for a wedding (or even the office!). The mod 60s are all over the SS13 ready-to-wear looks, particularly shift dresses. Get ready for shift dresses to be way in for the spring & summer. Feel no remorse stocking up - they are insanely versatile.

I chose nude and gold accessories to keep it light and warm, with the focus on the dress color. I bolstered the ensemble down with a dark, dusty rose lip, so my blonde hair and fair complexion didn’t get totally lost in the light look.

You could take a bright dress like this and make it a night look with a camel blazer or faux leather jacket, dark nails, black wedges, a black clutch and a giant cocktail ring.

Convert this pink frock into an office look with neutral flats, minimal jewelry (maybe a long, simple necklace and studs), a sleek chignon and gray or taupe nails. You could also throw a gray or beige blazer over the dress to tone down the impact of color.

Mmm, the possibilities.

While there may not be another wedding guest series of posts this year, there is sure to be plenty of fashion challenges to tackle and style strategies to implement.

I’m also totally open to ideas. If there’s a style series you want to see or you have a challenge of your own that you’d like me to solve, let me know! Send me a Facebook message or Tweet me.

Cheers.

Photo

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:39:22 -0500

Mani of the moment

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:33:55 -0500

It wouldn’t have been a good weekend without some good vino. And a chic, pale polish.

OPI Bubble Bath

Bubble Bath is my all-time favorite, go-to, must-have pale polish for ultimate class and sophistication. It’s understated without being boring; it’s feminine, versatile, and pretty. This OPI shade is a light blush pink that really looks more like a nude on my hands because I have very fair skin with pink undertones. It goes from sheer to opaque in 3 coats, and has a very creamy, soft finish that looks great with high-gloss topcoat.

This color is truly an all-seasons pick. Perfectly delicate for spring, clean & refreshing in the summer (and a great balance with bright looks), chic & polished with tailored looks in the fall, and a soft balance to rich, dark looks in the winter.

As I described in the nail polish essentials post, your perfect shade of nude or pale pink may not be the same as mine, but every lady has one. Consider the undertones and shade of your skin and do a bit of experimenting. Some beauty supply stores will be nice enough to let you test a few shades or you can purchase mini packs of Essie or OPI (Amazon has a wide variety for slightly cheaper than stores).

If you don’t wear nail polish regularly or can’t figure out what your favorite colors are for your particular style set, start with a pale pink. In the nail polish world, a blush color is considered a neutral. It’s really easy to commit to this shade because it’s such a chameleon and isn’t too bright or trendy. It might just be your gateway drug to the gorgeous world of nail color.

Cheers!

Fashionology: How to cope with trend overload

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:44:00 -0500

A few thoughts on being a victim of trends, namely, how to prevent it.

It can be really overwhelming to see your favorite stores overloaded with new trends, things you don’t own, feel like you should be wearing, etc. So let’s chat about how to stay in control and pick trends that really flatter you & reflect your personality, whilst preventing yourself from crumbling under the pressure of trends.

There are plenty of trends that I enjoy, but haven’t participated in: Peter pan collars, neon skinny jeans, denim jackets & vests, canvas slip-ons, high-low dresses & skirts. These are trends I react positively to, but they don’t necessarily fit my natural style and probably won’t last that long. I have to constantly resist picking up these pieces.

It’s all about reminding yourself that you can’t have everything and you really don’t need to. Being fashionable is about rocking specific trends well; being stylish is about knowing which trends to rock.

The best trends to participate in are the ones that get you the most excited. Example: I love lace. Thank GOD lace is in. Now, I can wear it in new and exciting ways. When something becomes a trend, like lace, you’ll start seeing it everywhere, on everything - shoes, tanks, shorts, sweaters, the back of loose tees, etc. So, I’ll pick a few of those that don’t come off as totally silly to me, and go to town. Another example: Pastels, specifically pink and mint. I already love these colors; I loved them when I was a wee child in the 80s, so this modernized, chic take on this color scheme is a joyful experience for me. These colors also look great with my light coloring (This is important: If you love a color, but it looks bad on you, I’m sorry. Paint a bathroom that color or something, but don’t wear it.)

So, needless to say, I jumped on the trend as well. I have a few mint blouses, and a blush skirt and blazer. Thankfully, the pastel craze returned for a second spring/summer round, so last year’s purchases are safe & sound. I still have almost every type of clothing & accessory in black and that’s not going to change just because other fun colors are in.

Keep to your staples; your classics; things that you know look good on you & stand the test of time.

In my case, I shouldn’t go all out, making lace and mint the centerpiece of my wardrobe. I work it in, stirring it into my other classic staples.

Resist. You may think something is cute, but that doesn’t mean you need it in every shape and form. It might be hard to figure out what trends are worth your money and how far to go when you love something, but you’ll get a feel for it with time.

Always be mindful in your purchases of trends. Ask yourself, ‘how does this fit with pieces i have that are classic?’ ‘Does this mix well into my personal style or is it a huge deviation?’ Nothing is more transparent and unfortunate than watching someone blindly follow trends with no sense of who they really are, style-wise, through it all.

Trends will come and go, but you and your personal style must stand the test of time.

Think about how 80s you’re willing to go without actually transporting yourself back there (because remember, there were many terrifying fashion choices in that era). How much aztec or boho will you implement before you start to look like a different person?

Trends help you evolve; try new things, test your limits, and define your style spectrum. It can be a hypnotically fun world to get lost in and there’s no need to feel bad about enjoying that, but like all things in life, don’t lose sight of your style self.

Cheers.

Just another mani Monday...

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:06:00 -0500

Along with the cheap & easy 1980s pop culture reference, I bring you nail color inspiration with my mani-of-the-moment.

OPI Ate Berries in the Canaries

A cool, rich, fuchsia berry that is strong enough for cold weather; feminine and cute enough for spring. It’s a good adult pink that is office appropriate, but still super fun for special occasions and warm weather. I think this was my effort to coax spring out of whatever cave it’s hiding in (still.snow.help.) but still look chic while I’m bundling up and wearing dark or neutral looks.

This OPI shade has a smooth, pigmented application. You will be totally good-to-go after two thin coats. I have it on my fingers and toes, but it would also be really cute as a pedi with a pale pink or nude mani in the summer.

Cheers!

Word.

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:09:25 -0500

Word.

Daydreaming: Coachella

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:37:00 -0500

What do you call a set of looks that you can’t actually wear to the event you created them for? You’re just dreamin’, honey.

Coachella is not only a flight’s distance away, but as per usual, it’s sold out. The dual-weekend desert fest has such a distinct style, I couldn’t help but get inspired. Plus, there’s no good reason you couldn’t implement this aesthetic into your summer looks. Maybe you’re going to a music festival in your area, having a beach bonfire or just going out on a steamy summer night (I’ve been told that this season will occur, but where I live right now there’s still.snow.dear.god.).

Check out three looks and Coachella’s mind-blowing schedule. I circled my faves, pretending as if I’m actually going. This post is all about dreaming.

Fashion humor for a dreary Monday, from the bright...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:05:00 -0500

Fashion humor for a dreary Monday, from the bright & exuberant Betsey.

My name is Caitlin and I love nail polish

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:17:00 -0500

~~too much.~~ so much, a perfect amount, and I don’t care who knows it. I will shout it from the roof tops. Delicate, tiny blinks of rich color, enhancing every outfit & skin tone. Feminine. Cute. It’s a way to be really on-trend or perfectly classic in a subtle, inexpensive way…unless you count Dior, YSL or Chanel. I would say that it’s not worth $20 for a bottle of nail polish, except it is totally worth it (for a bottle or two, if you’re a freak like me).

Whether you’re totally into it or just enjoy a good mani occasionally, there are colors that you should get accustomed to. Nail color is tricky because on the one hand, there are no rules and it’s a very fleeting accessory. There’s no one way to do it “right” but there are definitely ways to do it well, which is the other hand - the essentials.

If you have a stash of your own, these are the colors you must have. Add in whatever trendy, fun colors you want, but keep these staples present. If you cannot or dislike giving yourself a mani/pedi, then keep these colors locked in your memory bank for your trips to the salon.

When I say red, I mean pin-up, vintage, hothot red. Color so hot it burns. And somehow, this red goes well with any outfit. Pay attention to a cool bright red vs. a warm one (examples of both above) and pick the one that best fits your skin tone. I would reserve red for winter or summer.

All year, all day. Nude is chiiiiic and goes well with almost any look (there are just a few cases where you really need a bold nail). Of all colors, it’s most important to be mindful of your skin tone with nude. If you have pink or blue undertones like me, a very pale blush pink can actually be a nude (like Ballet Slippers). Because there are so many slight variances in skin tone and nail color, you’ll likely have to play around with a few shades until you find Your Perfect Nude Polish.

Peach and coral is amazing for spring & summer and a firey orange-red (like Tasmanian) is spot-on for a sweltering July day. If you’re bored with red & pink, this is a really fun deviation and very on-trend. If you love this color family, rock it out in the warm months because it’s a little awkward to for the winter & fall.

Sophisticated, sultry, vampy. I love a good dark nail. The best colors are the ones that are so dark they appear black in dark lighting, but there is no mistaking that there’s a rich shade of purple or burgundy. If you try a dark polish and it really just looks black, trash it. There are so many luscious shades of plum, bordeaux, navy and emerald out there, don’t mess around with a dark polish that doesn’t hit the mark. Dark polish works on toes year-round and as a fall/winter mani. If you want to slip it in between bright & light manis in the summer, it can be awesomely edgy and dramatic; just be sure to pair it with bright colors.

Think pink! Think pink when you want to feel girly, when you’ve got an outfit full of neutrals or metallic embellishments; when you need a neutral nail but want a whisper of color; whenever the hell you feel like it! Light pink nails work all year, as long as you’re mindful of the shade. Softer, cooler pinks are basically a neutral in the nail world, so fall or winter is fair game. Baby or Barbie pink or purple-pinks can be a summer staple.

Darker neutrals like taupe, mushroom and gray started to get uber popular a few years ago and they’re not going anywhere. They are just too damn classy and easy to quit. Gray is really gorg in the winter against fair skin; mushroom or a cool taupe (with almost a purple hue) work well in the fall or winter; and a latte shade (like Jacques, still kicking after 3 or 4 years) is autumn’s best friend.

Lastly, it’s fun to have one or two shades in your stash (or mani appt rotation) for the super trendy colors. Metallic and glitter is heavily popular and glam for days. Leave the colored glitter & metallics for tweens and stick to shades of gold & silver. Rose gold (like Penny Talk) is the most versatile and sophisticated of the metals. Navy is another trend that’s really classy and a nice diversion from the standard dark wine nails that can become such a habit in the cold months. The OPI example above has a nice gray sheen to it, so it’s not oppressively dark.

Hopefully you’re amped to polish your digits with a color that not only expresses the season, but your personal style & temperament.

Mani of the Moment: Ombré neutrals

L to R: Essie Ballet Slippers, Essie Penny Talk, Sally Hansen Commander in Chic

Photo

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:38:38 -0500

Fashion appliCAITion: Chilly Easter

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:05:35 -0500

What kind of a self-proclaimed stylist would I be if I didn’t love a good fashion challenge?

Cold weather (patches of snow, blustery winds, cool temps) x Easter (spring holiday, traditionally loaded with pastel & warmth) = challenge accepted

That is the extent of my aptitude and interest in math.

Easter is totally different every year. We have everything from bright green grass and warm sun to snow and ice. This holiday skips around willy-nilly from March to April, not giving two sh*ts about anyone (who has any desire to plan around this day; events, apparel or otherwise). Yes, it has glorious religious meaning, but it’s always a fashion frenzy if you’re interested in dressing for the holiday.

SO, this is how I showed Easter who’s boss.

Inspiration

appliCAITion

blouse: Forever21. skirt: BB Dakota. tights: Urban Outfitters. Very sturdy, highly recommended. shoes: Target. The most reliable, versatile, amazing pair of ballet wedges. I’m sorry, you can’t get them anymore. That’s how long we’ve been BFFs. nails: Essie Neo Whimsical.

Normally, I would scoff at black on Easter. This is coming from black’s biggest supporter/lover/defender. I have so much black in my wardrobe, I really belong in NYC. If anyone was going to wear this color on Easter, it’d be me. Regardless, I still felt a bit iffy about mixing it in with my pretty, planned pastel outfit.

But this was my logic: 1) I am 26. I’m not 6, so white tights and shoes were not an option. It was cold, so bare legs and nude shoes were also not happening. 2) I absolutely could’ve worn pants and closed toe shoes, but I was set on the blush skirt and mint blouse because not only is it an incredibly Easter-y combination, but I love both colors & they’re conveniently on-trend. It’s important to acknowledge that none of us have every piece of clothing imagineable for every event. I just didn’t have a pants/top/shoes combination that I loved for Easter as much as this skirt & blouse. 3) The blush skirt is also very thick & reminiscent of Baroque curtains in the tea room, so it’s perfect as a seasonal transition piece. 4) What’s stylish and in good taste for the North is not the same for the South, East, or West. Regional style is also something to be mindful of. When you live where I do, black tights on Easter is just not that weird.

Moral of the story (and most other style tales): It’s all about balance.

Cheers!

Outfitspiration: Winter-to-spring transition

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:18:00 -0500

I realized this morning, when I threw on my old faithful outfit, that transitioning through seasons always takes a little more effort. I can tell that I’m just not up for a challenge when I dress in my fall-back look: skinnies or leggings, long tank, cardi, scarf, flats or a low wedge. It never fails. This outfit always looks pulled together, not too fancy, comfortable, and easy for a Friday in the office. I bet a lot of you have your own version of the old faithful - an outfit guarantee when you don’t have the time or inspiration for anything else.

Sometimes I feel lame wearing my go-to look it because I know it means that I couldn’t come up with something more creative. Other times, I just feel so classically me, that I gladly sink into the familiarity and comfort of the look. And today, I know that I’m wearing it because moving from winter to spring looks can be hard. When the calendar says spring, but there’s still snow on the ground; when you’re excited to get into your mild weather outfits, but know you’d freeze….then you need a transitional look.

This is what I’m wearing today; an example of my old faithful outfit.

And here are a few looks for winter-to-spring inspiration.

Mint and pale pink are back again this spring. Hallelujah! An ivory sweater is warm & cozy and the light color helps soften the look for spring. Black accessories keep it from looking too eagerly spring when there’s still a chill in the air. Scarves are a win all year long; adding a flower print is a subtle way to move away from your winter neckwear. A messy braided updo is cute and playful (spring), but also practical for cold winds (winter).

Gray is an awesome transitional color. It’s softer and lighter than black, but still neutral enough to use for tights, shoes & bags. Bold fuschia and green are colors that could be worn in winter or spring. Combining them, however, shouts April. And again, a floral print is a fantastic way to get away from winter. This particular print has an antique, vintage feel, which is definitely a fall or spring persona. By summer, you’ll want to lean towards more modern floral prints or aztec (another trend that’s returning). Keep the nails light and the hair flowy!

Boho is so easy for transitioning because it’s all about eclecticism; combining feminine with edgy in a relaxed way. Marry your summer floral maxi with a leather moto jacket and booties to keep covered & warm. With hair up and the option to take the jacket off, you’re ready in case the sun revs up. Pulling the peachy pink from the floral print to the nails and blush is a nice feminine touch to the more masculine jacket & shoes. Balance & boho, baby.

Major fashion appliCAITion: Carib cruising

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:29:00 -0500

Here we are - the mother ship of fashion appliCAITions. Just got back from a Caribbean cruise and I’ve compiled my dinner looks for your inspiration. As I described in the packing post, these looks are the result of a fun Sunday outfit planning session. I was handsomely rewarded for my preparations by skipping the ‘what should I wear tonight?’ song & dance, and just putting on my pre-packaged look, opening a bottle of wine and enjoying the gorg waters of the Carib.

Maxis are effortlessly chic in warm weather and perfect for the evening, especially if the temp drops a bit. Gold jewelry and a bold, bright lip were key elements of each outfit. Breezy looks with warm, rich accents create a perfect sister to the seas, without being too literal.

Inspiration

AppliCAITion

This pic did not capture the sheerness of this dress. In fact, if it were actually this opaque, I wouldn’t have purchased it and certainly wouldn’t have worn it on a cruise. BUT, if you look very closely, you can see there’s a short skirt underneath and the overlay is sheer with slits (also not pictured). The sleeves are also sheer. I fell in love with this dress when I saw it move - it flows like the deep blue sea.

Do not fear plunging necklines if: you have a small set of tatas and fabric tape. This dress is so cozy, I might wear it to bed. With long sleeves & a maxi skirt, you really need a deep v, especially for a warm climate. You could easily add tights and a v-neck tank underneath & wear it in the fall or early spring with wedges or moto boots. It’s more versatile than you may think.

This is the most literal and overtly Caribbean look I own. It was purchased solely for trips south of Florida. Do not wear something like this in the Midwest. Too bad the wind caught the bottom of the dress because it has a fantastic shape & length.

I couldn’t go a whole week in the islands without an animal print! This was a no-brainer. Nude patent platforms lighten up the look; black heels would’ve been almost too formal and dark for this setting.

I have to tell you how comfortable these gold stilettos are. Ankle straps are paramount in creating a sturdy step and the less crazy straps & edges you have going on, the better. Simple straps in a gold hue blended with my skin and helped to elongate my short gams.

This black maxi had a plunging back. Love.

Apologies for the squinting and blowing hair; I was a victim of the elements. I couldn’t not use the ship deck as a backdrop, though; so pretty.

There was no convenient or practical time for shots of all my daytime beachwear, but I will at least share the inspiration with you:

I got so amped on the fun locations and wanted to create looks that mimicked the islands. This was my favorite one:

I returned to The North with no tan lines or sunburn and still enjoyed hours & days under the sweltering rays. For the win.

Other highlights, not fashion-related: Jet skiing & kayaking in Haiti, snorkeling off a catamaran in Grand Cayman, playing with dolphins in Cozumel, and drinking unlimited rum punch & Red Stripe on the beach in Jamaica. Irie indeed.

Cheers!