Step Aside, LBD.

Everyone knows that an LBD (Little Black Dress) is a staple to a well-rounded closet. But in the Summer months, I try to stay away from the dark section of my closet, which is tough, because that's a good 3/4 of it. I tried a LRD, little red dress, but it felt too dressy for daytime. I tried a LGC- a little grilled cheese, but was still hungry after. BESIDES THE POINT, but I'm getting there. It finally hit me that I had go-to dresses in just about every color except one- white. I became obsessed with finding an LWD, and this Halogen one from Nordstrom (similar here) was the answer to my prayers (can we work on this whole presidential mess/race inequality/home depot hot dog stand-hours now, God??). 

Your LWD is as versatile as any other go-to in your closet. For this look, I paired it with some Sorel sandals (yes, SOREL. Like "winter boots we're not ready to think about" Sorel) and a Glossier pink pouch, which Mike asked me if it was an accident that I was holding it in these photos. MEN. 

This is not only a lesson in expanding our closet staples, but in alterations as well. When I got this dress, it was about 3- inches too long and gaped out under my arms. However, I knew it was nothing a seamstress couldn't fix. She was able to tailor it to perfection, and I felt like a regular ol' Kimmy K having something tailored right to my body. But then later when I couldn't afford double meats on my Subway I was put back in my place. STAY GROUNDED. 

The brocade detail on this dress and the neckline gives it a solid 60's vibe, super easy for dressing up and down.  I'll wear this again with a jean or leather jacket, flats, or even a t-shirt underneath.

This dress is a staple, which means it's meant to be built upon and worn different ways. 

Try subbing your LBD for one of these LWDs below, and give your closet a little TLC. I'm out of abbrevs here thankfully. 

                     Leith Stretch Tank Dress: Nordstrom ($68)

                                                       ASOS Off The Shoulder Mini Dress- Asos ($25)

                                                                            ASOS White Shirt Dress- Asos ($89)

Not Your Grandma's Dress (but maybe her blanket).

I am always buying things to "run around in". Seriously- I probably justify a good 90% of purchases because "I'll look cute while running errands!". However, I usually end up in my yoga tights and "Karl is my Father" sweatshirt (that one always brings in smart remarks from old folks). However, with this dress from Zara, I'm sticking to my word. 

When I first saw this crochet mini, my initial thought was that it's the perfect mix between a mexican blanket and something my Grandma used to have at the foot of her bed. In other words, ALL THE MAKINGS FOR MY DREAM DRESS! Not to mention, it finally incorporates a little color into my wardrobe. I was one black and white sweater away from professional Miming. 

The lightweight comfort of this dress is selling point enough, but when your roommate stops to tell you her grandma has a similar quilt..to the front of my closet you go, blanket-like beauty.

Paired with sneakers and an old Chanel-my dad gave it to my mom in the eighties, and knowing him, it's most likely not real, but still fun!-, this combo is perfect for running around (for real this time), and not having to make a lame excuse when a friend texts for impromptu drinks mid errands (I'm on a detox girl!!!!). 

If you happen to run into me about town (you can find me every Sunday at the butcher choosing the perfect chicken breast- "NO LARRY- THE FAR LEFT ONE. OTHER LEFT.") and I'm still in my yoga pants, with no signs of actually working out, take me outside. Really- I need help loading my car. 

The Slip

It took me a long time to get on board with "lingerie dressing". I'm still bitter at the Victoria's Secret sales lady that showed me a bra when I was 7 and said, "just a few more years until you need one of these!!". I am pretty positive she cursed me "Sleeping Beauty" style, because it's 18 years later and I'm still waiting to really need one (let's be honest).

However, my belief system changed when I saw Vetements S/S '16. After seeing the most insanely gorgeous slip dress, I started seeing them as a sexy staple, instead of chincy and sleazy (and not in the good, party Ke$ha way). 

             Slip Dress: Uniqlo (similar here) // Sleeveless turtleneck: Asos (similar here) // Pink Pouch: Glossier packaging FTW. 

Here's the thing: a slip dress (or camisole dress) can go from simple and chic, to after-hours at Déjà Vu REAL QUICK. So how do you avoid looking like you just ran away from a bad rap video? Layers. Try pairing with a sleeveless turtleneck like I did here, a bodysuit, tee-shirt, or even an oversized sweater over it for a silk-skirt effect. My new dinner go-to is to pair mine with a lacey bralette, delicate necklaces and an oversized trench. 

                                             (Blogging requires a lot of walking.. does this count towards my daily steps?)

The key is to not look like you're wearing the slip dress by mistake when you woke up late from binge watching "Love It or List It" all night (SPOILER: THEY NEVER LIST IT.) They're effortless, versatile, and undeniably sexy.

If anything, slip dresses are the ultimate excuse to abuse the saying "Let me SLIP into something more comfortable". It's my most used pun at the moment, and also probably why my boyfriend is screening my calls. Looking good and feeling powerful (and having fire puns) might just be worth it. 

March (Metallic) Madness

There are countless articles in countless magazines telling you what staples you MUST HAVE to form your closet. While I can get down with the black slacks and a tailored jacket, that does not a wardrobe make. Sometimes you need to spice it up a bit, and for that, you need a new staple: say hello to metallic skirts. 

Thanks to Gucci, metallic skirts are becoming just as much a staple as a good white button-down, or in non-fashion terms, what cocktail sausages are to a good party. STAPLE. 

Metallic skirts are basically the Bernie Sanders of the closet. Loud, sensible, and always a smart choice. (Am I still talking about skirts here? #Berndownforwhat). 

Skirt: Vintage Christian Dior from The Peacock Room. Sweater: Uniqlo. Shoes: Asos

Your new skirt is just as handy as a pair of blue jeans. Pair it with an oversized sweater, a basic tee, sneakers, heels, even a crop top or bandeau in the summer. I've found midi-length and pleated work best with metallics. If you go mini and solid, you run the risk of looking like a girl who's lost at the festival just looking for a bathroom and a vodka redbull. 

A few no-fail options below: 

 

Topshop Metallic Pleated Skirt, $130 (Nordstrom)

Pleated Midi Skirt, $69.90 (Zara)

Asos Pleated Midi Skirt with Metallic Foil, $60 (Asos)

If you haven't already, you're going to be seeing metallic skirts everywhere, and trust me, you want in on this trend. GRANTED, I also said the same thing about those one-size stretchy sweaters in middle school, but I promise I've learned from that, and am much more credible now. 

Photos by Lauren Montgomery at the Belle Isle Conservatory.

A Little Shoulder, A Long Way

When I first became infatuated with fashion, it was all about fun. I would mix my oversized Tweety Bird tee, ruffle socks and jellies and would not even think twice that my outfit wasn't on POINT and that I wasn't flexing on my fellow first-graders. 

But as you get older, you are just beginning to scratch the surface of becoming who you want to be, and you can get very easily influenced by friends, trends and in my case, whatever they were wearing on The O.C. (Marissa Cooper is still my style icon). 

I've gone through so many style lives, and still do from day-to-day. However, the biggest lesson I've learned over the years is that sexy does not mean one thing. It does not always mean short skirts (re: college pics), low cut tops (re:re: college pics) and un-walkable heels. It can be covered up, it can be baggy, and it can even be a little silly. 

Enter: This Shirt. 

I love the silliness of the culotte, but the undeniable sexiness of an exposed shoulder. The perfect union of covered/uncovered. 

We shot these in Florida on vacation-AKA a trip made so I could wear this shirt sooner.

In college, I presumed that the more skin I showed, the sexier I was. But I never actually felt sexy, and I really still don't a good 99% of the time. But trust me when I say a little shoulder goes a long way. I remember wearing mentioned Tweety Bird shirt in first grade, and being told on by a male classmate because my shoulder was showing. Well, eat your heart out, John*

*Name has been kept exactly the same. Not afraid to call him out 19 years later.

Live The Life You Deserve: A Guide to Bodysuits

When you're in your twenties, it's a very rare feeling to feel like you've got it all together. I don't care how many inspirational quotes you Facebook, cups of coffee over the sunrise you Instagram, or the amount of times you have checked in at the gym. NONE OF US HAVE IT TOGETHER. We are essentially giant toddlers with formal educations and bank accounts. Being in your twenties is damn hard, and we're all just trying to do the best we can to form a life, little by little.

Recently, I've found one small, but substantial, way to at least make it SEEM like I've got it together- bodysuits. 

One of the very first tips my boss and living legend, Linda, told me was that she wore a bodysuit every single day. It was possibly even her secret to success (not really, but it seemed pretttyy important). I was immediately intrigued, and started upon my research. 

For my inaugural suit, I ordered a basic black long-sleeve from Asos. It was love at first snap (don't forget, these are basically onesies for adults. I TOLD YOU. TODDLERS.). Not only was it extremely comfortable, but it quickly became essential to every outfit I wore.

This is the easiest, yet chicest way to upgrade your wardrobe. 

The world of bodysuits is big, so it can be intimidating at first. Start with a few essentials. I've found Asos offers the best quality for a good price:

1) The Long-Sleeve

This is the exact one I own. Bodysuits are a simple way to look more polished. Just tucking in a tee can often look sloppy and disholved. Bodysuits stay put all day and never lose shape. $31

V-necks are a great option to wear alone with jeans, and the thong is a bonus for wearing with leggings (V.P.L. IS AN EPIDEMIC. LOOK IT UP). $31

2) The Tank

An essential. Perfect for warmer months or under a sweater. $31 for a 2 pack. 

Bonus points for a muscle-tee suit. Extra bonus points if you have actual muscles. Über cool with some joggers. $21

This might be my favorite one in my closet. The mock neck is ideal for under a duster-cardigan or a long coat for an effortless yet put together look. $24

3) The Unexpected

This one under a sweater? A great pick-me-up. Under an oversized-flannel and high-waisted jeans? Perfection. $35

 With a pair of creme culottes, just walk backwards into the room with this one. $52

Recall how Beyonce looked in the "Single Ladies" video. Now imagine feeling that way EVERY DAY. When you're really feeling like you don't know what you're doing with your life, slip on a bodysuit, and remember that we are all in the same boat- and now the same suit too. 

Xx

Inside the Box

Quick confession: I am a bag lady. I walk into work every day with at LEAST 3 bags on my arm. Each morning I tip to one side, succumbing to the weight on my right arm, forcing me into an unintentional pimp walk.

Although the overall tone in my upper arms has vastly improved, I'm exhausted of divvying up my life into tote bags, cross-bodies, and whatever else I can fit my life into. Enter the Box Bag. 

Vogue made it official in the August 2015 issue, and I've finally committed to my new, smaller yet more efficient partner. And yes, I know that's what she said. You can go back to 2008 now. 

I found my new go-to at The Peacock Room in Detroit. Vintage from the 1950s, I fell in love with its upholstered style in a fall/winter palette. The ease of carrying this shape and size had me throwing my carry-on sized tote in storage faster than Galliano was dismissed from Dior. 

In an attempt to simplify my life, I've simplified my bag down to the necessities : wallet, chapstick, mirror, and a KIND bar (I am never not down for a snack). I of course still take a tote as well to my job for my papers, agenda, lunch, etc. Girl's gotta work! 

The argument for the box bag is simple: most of us don't need all the junk that's in our bags. Find your must-haves for on-the-go, and throw them inside the box. You and I both know we don't need those 2-day-old water bottles and ten shades of Nars Velvet Lip Pencils. 

Take a peek at a few gorgeous options below, and feel the weight lift from your shoulders- literally. Have you ever lifted a woman's purse? We could put CrossFit out of business with our bags (Did I just create my Shark Tank idea?).

Marc Jacobs Leopard Box Crossbody- Nordstrom

Asos Structured Box Shoulder Bag- Asos

Vintage (like mine!) Black Velvet Box Bag- Etsy

Xx

Photography by Lauren Montgomery