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Style Series is an installment on YBC to help get me out of my leggings & lipstick go-to look. I've always, obviously, wanted to feel put together, but growing up, I really never took the time to try to figure out what looks good on my body type, so this series is all about trying to figure that out.
Recently, we received a few emails expressing thanks for putting together this Style Series. One YBCer said she has a similar body type (short, curves) and appreciated seeing something different than your typical tall, thin fashion blogger. (No shade to the fashion bloggers - I wish I had your height!) Thanks for that, guys. Despite analytics telling me otherwise, it sometimes feels like no one reads blog posts anymore because I've noticed comments going down across the board. I don't know if it's just that people don't have a whole lot of time and it's more about a quick scroll through and that's why Instagram is so huge these days, but either way, I appreciate the feedback and knowing at least a few people are out there interested in this series.
Anyway, last week I had to go into New York for a project with Speedo. We went down to the train station a little early so we could shoot this outfit and grab lunch. Lunch was first on the agenda, cuz your girl was getting hangry. When I caught a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror, I cringed. As much as I preach about self-care and self-love, sometimes I'll see my reflect and want to crawl into a hole. It might've been the mirror or lighting or something, but the whole scenario reminded me of going to the store to try on bathing suits and just wanting to cry. Like, why don't retail stores invest in fantastic lighting and quality mirrors?! I can pretty much guarantee it'd increase revenue. Anyway, I had to do the shoot after seeing my reflection and I was feeling pretty low, if I'm being honest.
But then I looked at the images and thought, "Oh. It must've been the mirror, cuz I am liking what I see!" My point is, people, life is too short to let dimly lit pub mirrors make you feel like you shouldn't be cat-walking down some tiny Connecticut street! Ok, let's get to it.
If you ask our Marketing Director Lauren, she will attest to the fact that I have been searching for the perfect sweatshirt dress for years. Years! Every fall for the last few years, we have randomly texted links to potentially perfect sweatshirt dresses, and every single dress I ordered was either too long, too short or a weird fit, and was sent back. But this one, my friends, this one is a keeper. And high five for it being under $100! Below is my dress, along with a bunch of similar styles, all under $100.
It's lightweight so it's perfect for transitioning into fall, and when it gets colder, can work with over the knee boots as well, which you can see in the widget above. Due to the material and cut, I felt so comfortable in it. I really like the zipper detailing on the side. It cinches the dress in just enough so that I don't wind up swimming in it and looking like a shapeless blob. The cinch also ensures it won't fly up if it's windy.
I accessorized with a bright cross-body bag I got a while back at The Real Real, an online high-end consignment boutique that's become my go-to place for investment pieces. While I love this bag for its durable construction, it's really not that travel friendly. I brought it with me to Italy last spring and realized my new travel bag rule: it must be able to fit a bottle of water. That said, it's perfect if you don't need to carry much. Below are a few similar styles at various price points
Details - Proenza Schouler bag and zipper sweatshirt dress
Adidas sneakers and sweatshirt dress
I never thought I'd be on board with the dress and sneaker trend. While I really loved the look when I started seeing it everywhere, it just didn't feel like anything I'd be able to pull off, given how short I am (5'1). Turns out I was wrong. I think the key to pulling off the look, no matter your height, is just finding the right proportions. Were the dress any longer, or were the sneakers a hi-top style, it would've looked funky.
Speaking of the sneaks, my dad (of all people!) got these for me for my birthday. You'd have to know my dad to understand, but basically he never knows what to do for gifts, so he always just gives money, no matter who the recipient is. This was the most awesome surprise! I find these Adidas pair so comfortable, and am loving that they're coming back in style. I remember having the black ones in sixth grade! I'd love to hear if you're into the sweatshirt dress trend, and what other styles you're looking forward to trying out for fall. Let me know down in the comment section below!