Category Archives: outfits

Mellow Yellow

80 degrees in NYC…… in the words of one of my Swiss friends, YIPPIEE!!!! This is one Monday I was looking forward to. Naturally, on the warmest day of the year thus far, I wanted to feel like a flower in full bloom.

My plans for the day were extra mimosas, extra high heels and to look extra beautiful for a super long and super fun brunch date in Soho. This yellow jumpsuit from Topshop was the extra special fit that made the cut

The color is amazing, spot on for spring and perfect for the weather now. It’s a bold choice for a very stylish girl. Everything from the cut to the color exudes chic confidence. Jumpsuits are a huge trend this season and the culotte is an even bigger trend. This is a way to effortlessly get in on what’s trending now.

It’s a bold choice for a very stylish girl!

I wanted the focus to be on the jumpsuit so I opted for my go-to heels, the Christian Louboutin pigalle, in nude. No necklace, small studs and I piled on some arm candy. I love this lucite bag from Topshop because it’s not super tiny and it’s clear so it can be worn with almost anything. I’m not big on people seeing EVERYTHING in my purse so I put this hot pink makeup case I bought from Sephora inside. It originally came filled with travel size L’Occitane products. Perfectly sized to keep my transparent purse personal.

I completed the look with my favorite lip color in the world, MAC Ruby Woo. I love a bold matte lip! To add a little depth to your lip color, try lining your lips with the MAC Currant lip pencil.

I love a bold matte lip!

It’s been too cold to shoot anything this colorful and fun. So before hoping in a cab down to my Soho cafe, I skipped over to Park Ave to shoot and showoff this look.

I’ve been dying to take advantage of the beautiful flowers that line Park Avenue this spring.

I felt like Carrie Bradshaw in Wonderland and Park Avenue was my playground.

I got so caught up in the shoot I sat next to the flowers well on my cardigan…..but close enough!

This entire look from Topshop is under $200!

Who ever thought you could be spoiled with affordable fashion? Well, my fellow It Girls, stay tuned. This is only the beginning, I’m going to spoil you rotten. Summer isn’t even here yet! xoxoSB

GET THE LOOK

Topshop halter culotte jumpsuit

Topshop lucite clutch (no longer available)

Christian Louboutin nude pigalle

Tiffany T bracelet

Photography by: Tovah-Marie Bembride

Lifestyle, outfits, The Look for LE$$

The Little Brown Dress

Hello my spring belles and beaus, I hope you all had a fantastic week and a great weekend! Thursday is my absolute favorite day of the week, and this Thursday I got some friends together for a #GIRLSNIGHTOUT.

Location:

The Grand Salon Lounge at the newly opened Baccarat Hotel and Residences. There’s no point in having great style with no one to see it. So a girls night out anywhere that’s new and trending is always a great place to showcase your It Girl Style. I must say that I was extremely impressed

The lounge is BEYOND BEAUTIFUL;it’s shiny and decadent as though it was built for a princess.

What I wore:

This look is so affordable, yet so trendy and chic, I had to share it with you guys. (All of my photos are just iPhone pics because this post was totally unplanned).Earth tones are a big hit this season. All shades of brown, army green or clay corals are a YES! This brown H&M trend dress fits great and the texture of the fabric combined with the length gives it a very polished look.

All shades of brown, army green and clay corals are a YES!.

Naturally , I had to add my touch to make it a bit more glam for an evening out on the town with the ladies. I added this H&M shell necklace to give the appearance of an embellished neckline. Despite it’s size and bulkiness, it added an understated glam effect to my little brown dress. Loved that!

The shells + the brown earthy tone of this dress were a perfect pair.

And here you have it. A glammed up girls night out look all from H&M!

Yes these roses are real. Pretty amazing right!

These python print gold Giuseppe Zanotti sandals and purse gave the perfect accent to an already complete look. You guys may remember these sandals from my travel post Resort Style of a Bond Girl in St. Barth’s.I’m wearing them here in a much different setting with a very different look. They are comfortable and worth every penny. The matching purse is pretty cool too. I’m big on combining affordable clothing with high-end handbags and shoes. This way, you have the freedom of trying out as many new trends as you like and experimenting with fun outfits without breaking the bank.

Happy shopping, lovies, and be sure to check out this new lounge. Between sitting on coyote-haired chairs and dining on crystal, you are sure to become submerged in the decadent ambiance of this new lounge. Well done, Baccarat, and cheers ! xoxoSB

GET THE LOOK

H&M fitted dress

H&M shell necklace

Giuseppe Zanotti gold python printed sandals

Giuseppe Zanotti gold python printed bag ( similar here )

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#GirlsNightOut #HMOOTN Brown Earth tones H&M HMOOTD Neutrals The little brown dress The Look for LE$$

outfits, The Look for LE$$

Fifty Shades of Pink

New York City weather has been acting like a broke chick stunting on Instagram. One minute it looks great, then you sleep and wake up and outside looks not so great. You’re unable to decide between whether you need your long coat or you can get away with just wearing a cropped jacket.

In this post I’ve decided to share some helpful tips that I’ve used to make it through these ocassional winter relapse until spring arrives on steriods.

First let’s talk about my outfit, trends, and inspiration.

First let’s talk about my outfit, trends, and inspiration. This look was inspired by Hedi Slimane’s Spring 2015 ready-to-wear. I was in love with the hat, the platform heels, and the eclectic mix of texture and prints, leather and silks, and of course my absolute fave, the mini skirt!

The Saint Laurent hat alone retails for $990 so my goal was to get the look without breaking the bank. Like I always tell you, you don’t have to copy an outfit to the T; it’s always best to incorporate themes from a look with your personal style, what you can afford, and also what’s available in stores that you love to shop in.

STYLE TIP!

1) Go light on the bottom and heavier on the top.

Best way to embrace this moody spring weather: Aim for balance, temperature wise. Stay away from turtlenecks; winter has said its goodbyes. You can do light knits, button-down shirts, and cute blouses with a mini skirt or leather shorts.

When you go light on the bottom, wear thicker jackets or cropped coats on top. Bright colored chunky knits like this one can be worn solo, with your fave midi or mini skirt with just an undershirt underneath. Black sheer stockings are a great option with mini skirts and leather shorts whenever you feel like it’s just to cold to go bare skinned.

2) DOUBLE OR NOTHING!

The leather jacket is always a go-to option for spring, because it’s light and it easy and goes with pretty much anything. For those colder spring days when we get into the windy 40s, try doubling up on coats. I know the idea sounds wild, but it’s easy and makes your outfit really interesting while keeping you warm all at the same time.

With the big faux trend this past winter, I’m sure we all bought tons of stuff whether faux vests or some kind of acrylic wool blend coat that you could not wear independently because it was just too cold this winter. Throw them on over your fave biker jacket or luxe leather coat. When doubling up on coats, I would wear light button down blouses underneath.

This season, the tie-neck blouse is a big trend or any button-down with bow at the neck, say yes, yes, and yes!

3) Nothing says spring like florals!

There are tons of them in stores now. Aim for darker hues like burgundy and wine colors or deep blues if you’re not ready to dip into the Alice in Wonderland pond just yet. Mix dark florals with lighter ones and play with different textures.

I fell in love with this tapestry A-line mini from Topshop for its burst of color and texture. It was like staring at fifty shades of pink unable to decide which one you love more.

You all know I’m the queen of socks and high heels. I don’t know why, don’t judge me, but I love the look. The leather platforms in the Saint Laurent show were amazing, with the deisgns and the colors, they were high heeled drug over dose. I dug up these 4-year-old velvet platform sandals from Zara and decided to incorporate them in the look. They were platform and embellished so they were exactly what I was looking for. Trends go away and then they come back. Never feel pressured to go out and shop if you have something at home from WAY BACK that looks just the same. All you need to do is find a modern way to wear it. Best way to do that is to read magazines and blogs like mine for an up-to-date oufit inspiration.

The Hat! I’m usually not a hat girl but hats have been showing up everywhere. It was impossible to ignore the felt fedora this fall and now the wide brimmed hat has been showing up in every magazine this spring. I struggled to try to find an affordable alternative to this Saint Laurent one, the best I could find was this little number in Urban Outfitters. I wished it was bigger and wider yet I refused to spend more than $200 so this was a bargain for me. WAAAAY under $200. So I made it work with a smile.

I think handbags and shoes are the perfect accessories to splurge on, because you get so much wear out of them. The Chanel Boy bag has become the new classic. It can be worn long or short strapped, carried by the hand or over your shoulders. Either way it’s something an It Girl must have in any size or color. You will have zero regrets and get tons of wear out of it.

The Chanel Boy bag has become the new classic.

So what do you guys think? Do you love the look would you try it?

I hope you at least got useful tips on you how to deal with this moody NYC spring weather. I really had a lot of fun with this outfit. Especially shooting it in my neighborhood. No one else on the Upper East Side looks like me. I love that! Just a young black belle having fun with fashion. I took advantage of living next door to these gorgeous brown stones. Just because I cannot yet afford them does not mean I cannot appreciate and use them

Au revoir for now from this uptown girl with a downtown attitude. xoxoSB

GET THE LOOK

Urban Outfitters austen teardrop panama hat

Zara floral shirt with velvet bow similar here and here

If you want to go for the exact look from the Saint Laurent Collection try this or a cheaper splurge here

Topshop tapestry A-line mini alternate option a leather mini like this one or splurge for the exact Saint Laurent version

Zara velvet platforms – shop Saint Laurent platforms here similar here

Zara leather biker jacket

H&M wool knit

Chanel Boy Bag

+11

A-line mini skirt black chanel boy bag chanel boy bag fiftyshadesofpink floral floral shirt floral skirt pink saint laurent hat Sherece Bennett tapestry mini tie neck blouse

outfits, The Look for LE$$, Travel

Resort Style of a Bond Girl in St. Bart’s

Today is a really good day to Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF)! It’s Good Friday for the Christian calendar, so Happy Good Friday to everyone celebrating!

How amazing was the weather in NYC yesterday?! A balmy 62 degrees and finally feeling somewhat like New York City at springtime. It got me in the mood to share some more looks from St. Bart’s with you! This one in particular is my absolute fave because it just screamed RESORT STYLE!When I packed for vacation to St. Bart’s, this outfit really stood out, and the entire time I had this “I can’t wait to wear this!” feeling. I bought it from H&M two days before leaving—it’s from their Spring 2015 Studio Collection and it was love at first sight. I literally got up and waited outside H&M on 86th street at 9:00am to guarantee that I would be one of the first people in the stores and also get my size. It was well worth it, because at my location there was only one size 4 set. Once I got my little Sherece paws on it, I heard the angels sing and the lights shine down on the iridescent pink sheer fabric. YES, LORD! A SISTAH LIVES! St. Bart’s was really calling my name. Clear skies, here I come!

Once I got my little Sherece paws on it, I heard the angels sing and the lights shine down on the iridescent pink sheer fabric.

I’ve never actually worn a kaftan, primarily because I’m just not really a cover-up girl on vacation. New York weather forces me to keep my body hidden under several layers most of the year, so when I’m on vacation, the Jamaican lady comes out, embracing all things tiny, “suck-on,” and see-through!

This kaftan had a personality of its own.

This kaftan had a personality of its own. The palm leaves and gold cactus print on the pink silk background was vacation perfection! The outfit was flowy and beautiful, which provided an extremely delicate and sexy look. I felt like I was wearing nothing but my bikini and high heels.

I loved the burgundy detail on the pants. It broke up the busyness of the print when worn together with the kaftan, yet it could still hold its own with a white tank top or shirt.

Some of you may be wondering, “What’s the deal with gold python heels on vacation?”

These pants had shiny gold cactus printed all over—that plus my new gold-rimmed Chloe sunnies was just screaming seventies. I went full on James Bond Girl at a resort in St. Bart’s.

I could not tame the glam factor with flat sandals. These Giuseppes took the outfit to another level in my eyes. Remember, the key accessory for each look you create must be confidence. If you love it, own it!

STYLE TIP!

A great way to update your woven bag is to tie a scarf on the handles. Choose a print that you love and watch it give all your vacation looks that resort flare they need. I’ve had this Michael Kors basket and the scarf for over 6 years. I buy scarves from all over from time to time. Each time I change them, I feel like it’s a whole new bag with a whole new look.

Everyone on the island was in LOVE with my look, from Point Milou to Gustavia. I was like the 007 girl on Mission #SLAY!

At the end of it all, who really cares about people liking what you wear? YOU’RE ON VACATION! Relax, enjoy, dress up, and create unforgettable memories!

Have an amazingly Happy Easter, my lovies! xoxoSB

GET THE LOOK

H&M Studio Spring 2015 silk kaftan (sold out in stores, available here on ebay )

H&M Studio Spring 2015 silk pants

Giuseppe Zanotti gold python printed sandals

Michael Kors basket (similar here and here )

Topshop straw hat (similar here and here )

Chloe cartina gold butterfly-frame glasses

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H&M Resort Style HM studio spring 2015 HMOOTD HMStudio HMStudioSS15 Kaftan Michael Kors resortstyle St. Barths Style What to wear in St. Barths

outfits, The Look for LE$$

The Balmain Effect

Spring has been teasing New York City. We’ve been going from heavy duty wool coats one day to light knits the next. So I interrupt my normally scheduled St. Bart’s shoot to get a little in touch with what’s happening in NYC. I have lots more fun stuff in store from St. Bart’s, but now I’m in New York city and it’s disappointingly cold.

This weather is depressing, so I try to keep engaged and occupied. No Thursdays spent at home watching Olivia Pope dress up. Instead I try to get together with friends and try out new bars and restaurants when I have free time. I love hanging out during the week. Dinner and drinks with a gal pal . . . MY FAVE!

So what do we wear when it’s cool but not too cold, and it’s the beginning of spring but sometimes feels like winter? For my girls’ night out, I opted for shorts and fur . . . or faux fur, rather.

This look was heavily inspired by the french fashion house Balmain. Which girl did not fall in love after seeing the way Olivier Rousteing captured so much beauty and detail PERFECTLY in the September 2014 issue of W magazine?

It was Parisian luxury, but from a very modern and intricate perspective. #ABSOLUTELYFABULOUS!

Great to look at, but impossible to afford unless it goes on a super sale. This was my inspiration: Capturing a 10k look on a 1K budget.

This was my inspiration: Capturing a 10k look on a 1K budget.

Take away notes from the Balmain look is to use gold embellishments, leather, fur, rust tones, and sequins to create a very luxurious and glam yet cohesive look. This was my mission to join this Balmain army.

In general, it’s hard to pull off a high end look on a small budget. The key is creating a look for yourself, without falling victim to bad knock offs. Yes, I know we all love it on Kim K, but even if we can’t afford to dress like her, it doesn’t mean we can’t look as good as her . . . or better yet AS GOOD AS YOU!

I’m sure these Balmain looks got trickled down into the “insta-market place.” And there’s nothing wrong with buying it if that’s the look that works for you. I personally like to draw inspiration from high-end looks and try to create an outfit with a similar feel. That is, of course, if I can’t find it in my budget on The Outnet or other great online designer discount shops. This is a New York City It Girl Blog . . . Not INSTA-GLAM 101!

I started this look from the waist up. It all started with the shoes. I purchased these DVF calf-hair ankle boots about two years ago. The strappy leather and gold hardware made them my go-to item for creating my own Balmain look.

The basic look is just loose leather shorts with a rust or even jeweled tone silk shirt would work. These Zara shorts aren’t even real leather . . . can you tell? This Zara shirt with the sequin embellished sleeves had Mr. Rousteing written all over it.

Silk is a very luxurious fabric all on its, own so combined with leather, it has a very glam appeal. From there I just piled on the gold accessories. C Wonder is one of my favorite places to shop for gold bracelets. They have a wide variety and are perfect for stacking together or combining with another fave piece like a watch or leather band. Add a broad leather belt for that cinched waist look, some midi rings and earrings, and you’re well on your way. These Zara earrings are also a fave. I love the one long earring look.

Last thing you need is a black coat, and voilà! You’re ready to take on the town. Remember this little Altuzarra for Target faux number. Chic and warm all at the same time.

Remember this little Altuzarra for Target faux number.

Only thing missing from this look is a smile, because you are looking fantastic without spending gigantic! Plenty of room in your wallet to treat your friends to a round of martinis and cosmos on you. Have fun, girls! xoxoSB

GET THE LOOK

Zara silk embellished blouse – similar here

Zara faux leather shorts – similar here

Diane Von Furstenburg calf hair ankle boots – shop similar here or for a high end options try this or this

H&M wide leather belt – shop similar here and here if you feel like splurging go for this or for a mega splurge this

Zara gold clutch

Photos by : Alena Soboleva

outfits, Travel

Sunkissed in St. Bart’s

Hello, my lovies! I know it’s been a while, but posting while away on vacation was a struggle. I found it impossible to detach myself from the magnetism of being in St. Bart’s to stop and text on my phone, much less type on my laptop.

For an island that has only an eight mile radius, there was sooooooo much beauty to fall in love with. Normally in New York City you will not see me waking up at 6am to capture the sunrise, but in St. Bart’s you most definitely did. This sunrise gave me a whole new meaning to Beyonce’s flawless “I woke up like this” . . . REALLY!

This sunrise gave me a whole new meaning to Beyonce’s flawless “I woke up like this” . . . REALLY!

There was nothing to interrupt me but the crash of a wave on the shore. Tranqulity at its best! While running around the island , dining, sailing, exploring, and guzzling champagne at Nikki Beach, I hardly had the opportunity to just sit and really enjoy the tangerine glow of an island sunrise. Lord knows New York City has no tangerine glow . . . more like crisp, chalky, busy and cold when I have to get up for work in the morning. So this was a real treat for my skin and eyes.

Being born on an island myself and loving the beach as much I do, you would think I was a water baby . . . however, I’m quite the opposite. I’m like a cat in water—I’ll swim to save my life but there’s no snorkling, surfing, or deep sea diving for this island belle. Sad to say I’m not a strong swimmer, but this is something I want to improve on before the summer—I’m always on a boat or staying at a beach house in the summertime and I would really like to enjoy the water more.

I’ll swim to save my life but there’s no snorkling, surfing, or deep sea diving for this island belle.

I feel like I’m just a little too shy to join a big adult swim class. Sherece + colored floaties on her arms?

NOPE . . . not The Look! I more enjoy the relaxation part of it all. Laying on a floatie in the pool or if I’m feeling adventurous I may go on a jet ski. Yep, no real swimming happening here! I’m like a poolside ballerina, just dancing around the water.

Now let’s talk about The Swim Look!

I glimpsed this print in an ad for Victoria Secret Swim Special and fell in SWIM LVE! For me, the tinier the bikini, the better . . . but then you add fringe and color on top of making it teeny-tiny . . . GET OUT! This is not the matching top, but as you already know I’ll mix polka dots with stripes in a heartbeat. Same goes for vibrant hues and tribal prints. For swim, I think it just makes your look far more fun and interesting.

Dare to deviate from the safe black bikini and be the colorful, sexy, and fun girl.

Dare to deviate from the safe black bikini and be the colorful, sexy, and fun girl. You know she is in there somewhere . . . don’t be shy! Why miss out on the safest place to try mixing prints? When you’re poolside or on the beach, virtually anything goes. Another trend you should not miss out on this summer is beach-body-jewelry. Give new meaning to the term beach goddess and pile on the jewellery to go with the crown. Don’t ask me what happens when you wear it in water. #StraightPoser

If anyone knows of any waterproof beaded body jewelery or gold plated stuff that won’t rust, let me know. This tribal beaded belly chain was just the accessory I needed to tie the look together. I LIVE for accessories like these. I think I was some kind of indigenous African Indian in my former life—addicted to all things beaded-colorful-tribal-looking!

One of the things I love about shopping on Victoria Secret for swimsuits is that you have so many options for swim tops in order to find the right look, fit, and support for your twins. Somehow when I put the top on I didn’t tighten the neck enough so my girls were just enjoying “hang-time” and missing out on the push up activity this top offered, but it’s okay. Totally having a Baywatch moment.

There are no real takeaway style notes to being a poolside beauty. The key is knowing your body and shopping for a bathing suit that’s flattering for your body type. This way you are cool, confident, sexy and just having fun in the sun.

The key is knowing your body and shopping for a bathing suit that’s flattering for your body type.

Dear St. Bart’s, you are too amazing!

xoxoSB

Victoria Secret fringe brazilian bottom (color: chartreuse dot , yellow with tiny sapphire polka dots )

Victoria Secret bomshell halter ( color: Byron geo )

BCBG beaded rope waist belt

outfits

The Gridlock on Fur

This winter, fur was a huge trend. Whether faux or real, you saw it on everything from shirts to sandals. This made me actually start to shift from my strict love for faux fur only and start to explore purchasing a real fur coat. I looked at it this way: the winter was brutal, and honestly the warmth you get from a fur coat just did not compare to any Moncler jacket I owned.

Whether faux or real, you saw it on everything from shirts to sandals.

I was very excited to attend the Dennis Basso show because he’s top tier when you talk about fur connoisseur. The exciting part was that he now started to shift from strictly working with fur to gowns and other pieces. I wore a faux fur coat to the show because I did not own a black fur coat. This little Altuzarra faux number paired with some leather gloves added the right amount of warmth to my fit.

I got the inspiration for this look from one of my favorite women Queen Bey herself back in October 2014. She attended a London art fair in an outfit with a similar play on black and white prints. Saw it, loved it, and knew I had to try it!

Saw it, loved it, and knew I had to try it!

I’m a huge skirt gal. I’m not just saying this because it’s International Women’s Day Whether mini or midi, count me in! I am, however, not a big plaid or stripe person. Polka dots yes, stripes no, not so much. I had the option of pairing this grid midi skirt with a polka dot shirt but I decided to go full on grid . . . why not? The easiest way for me to wear similar prints is to blend different shades from the same family. It’s also great if you work with a smaller print and a bold, more defined one—they pair perfectly.

I’m a huge skirt gal.

As I watched those sable coats glide down the runway, I had a Dear Santa moment.

All the pieces were beautiful and elegant. I was not in the least bit shocked when Beyonce’s “Flawless” started playing. Click here to see my live peek at the show.

The designs, the models, the looks, the music . . . everything was just that—flawless!

The take-away message from this post is that there are no rules to fur. Whether faux or real, wear pieces that you love. Stay warm! xoxoSB

Altuzarra for Target faux fur jacket (sold out, but you can probably purchase on eBay)

Topshop grid print shirt (similar here)

Topshop grid print bonded midi skirt

Salvatore Ferragamo Belt

Wolford sheer stockings

Topshop black lace trim socks

Christian Louboutin pigalle

Photographer: Tovah-Marie Bembridge

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outfits

My Culotte Made The Cut

I’ve been so excited to wear these new trousers since I bought them last November. Upon purchasing, I envisioned myself wearing them with an architectural crop top in the summer . . . but summer was too far away. I decided that I should not let Fall Fashion Week go by without partaking in this new pants trend, the culotte. Unfortunately for me I chose the last day of Fashion Week, Feb 19, 2015, which was also one of coldest and windiest days of the year in New York. Temp reading 27°, but the windchill made it feel like 8!

When I first saw these pants, I was like “is wah kinda short pants dem dis” (in ma Jamaican voice). Nonetheless I wanted in on this look. My waist is tiny, so I’m attracted to anything that’s high-waisted. I also love garments that have a lot of structure, and these sturdy polyester culottes set a tone all by themselves. Not to mention they were pink. Well maybe not exactly pink, more like a peachy blush, but close enough for me to LOVE!

A turtleneck was my only option because because of the weather. I wanted to play with more texture since we were in the middle of winter. I piled on as many fluffy things as I could find. First thing I grabbed was this fringy jacket, then I tossed in a very cool oversized faux fur clutch. Usually nude pumps would be the go-to option for these hues; however, your silver stilettos can function the same as your nude pump. Silver and blush tones had a marriage circa 2014. Try it! It will give your outfit a very NOW look.

Keeping the look neutral with all the same pastel tones but playing with different textures made this an eye catching outfit at Lincoln Center. I was interviewed three times and the photographers kept on coming. This was when I knew that my culotte made the cut.

After all the interviews and shooting, I was excited to go inside and warm up before the show.

I even got a chance to go into the MBFW Star Lounge, where all the MBFW biggest clients go to hang out. You can have cocktails at the bar or sit on the couch and conduct an interview. The decor was amazing . . . beyond pretty.

I was sad that it was the last day of Fashion Week, but I could not have picked a better ending, thanks to my pretty-peachy-pink pants. The culotte is a big trend this summer. So whether you are big, small, short, tall . . . get in on the look like I did. Don’t unpack those summer “battyrider” shorts just yet! xoxoSB

Zara turtleneck

Zara fringe jacket

Topshop culotte ( similar here and here )

Topshop fluffy clutch (similar here)

BCBG silver pumps (similar here )

Photos by: Tovah Bembridge

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outfits, The Look for LE$$

The Look on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day—where to go, what to wear, and how to celebrate? For most girls, this is the challenge that Cupid has set out for us. If you walk into Duane Reade, you’re bombarded with heart-shaped chocolate boxes and stuffed animals, wondering which one you’ll receive as a treat. As ladies, we tend to gravitate to all things pink, sweet, and fuzzy…and oh yes, LOVE—we love LOVE!

It’s only worth having a Valentine if your someone special understands that “the most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the YOU that you love…well, that’s just fabulous.” – Carrie Bradshaw

“The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the YOU that you love…well, that’s just fabulous.”

– Carrie Bradshaw

Now let’s get down to the important stuff: how to dress. Everyone usually thinks red and sometimes pink when they think of the Vday Date. I think it’s great if you can incorporate hints of red or pink in your outfit versus going for the full-on red dress, but you don’t have to. Wear whatever makes you feel pretty. Have fun with it. Don’t restrict yourself! Wear clothes that you love on Valentine’s Day. People will love you all the more in it if you feel confident while wearing it.

I fell in love with this h&m skirt the first time I saw it. The dress version was really my first love, but the skirt loved me back more when I tried it on. I’m actually wearing the front of the skirt on the sides. I liked having the two big pleats on my side instead of in the front and back.

The seam now goes down the front of the skirt, but it’s not noticeable and actually looks as though it were made this way. Having the big pleats on the outside gave the skirt a more elegant and fancy look. So instead of looking like h&m, I could be wearing Oscar De La Renta (in my mind, at least!).

Having the big pleats on the outside gave the skirt a more elegant and fancy look.

I added a belt to the skirt to cinch my waistline more. I wanted to really show off my big floral pleats and the shape of the skirt. The belt added texture and detail to the outfit and sealed the look right up.

During the shoot, Le Photographerinsisted that I did a shot smelling my roses. However I’m not so much of a smelling-the-roses kind of girl. I’m more the put-them-in-a-nice-vase-with-some-water-and-plant-food type. I tried really hard, and after about thirty frames, finally got a shot where I didn’t look like a goat approaching some rose petals! #NomNom What do you think? How did I do?

Maybe this was a good lesson for me. I need to take the time out to “smell the roses”—literally. Living in NYC, we are always on the go. We seldom find the time to appreciate a lot of things, so we take them for granted. Whether you do some shopping, smell the roses, attend some fashion shows for fashion week, or have a romantic dinner for two at Per Se, be sure to enjoy yourself doing what you love and have a very happy Valentine’s Day! xoxoSB

American Apparel turtleneck

H&M skirt

Walford stockings

BCBG belt

Christian Louboutin Shoes – pigalle

Photos By: Tovah-Marie Bembridge

outfits, The Look for LE$$

A Modern Take on Mod

This was my favorite look from my first shoot. I was excited about playing with colored patent leather. This combination gave me a 60s and 70s feel, so I wanted to play up on that vibe in a modern way. I knew I wanted to do a crop top versus the traditional big sweater of the mod era, but finding a cropped shirt to pair with this skirt was a challenge.

This Topshop crop top was like a divine intervention—everything from being sheer and black combined with primary colored beading was exactly what I was looking for. The design of the beading made the shirt look almost like tweed, which for me gave it a bit of a sophisticated spin considering that it is sheer and I am pairing it with patent leather.

Playing with this much color and texture is a bit on the adventurous side, which made me feel very much in my element while shooting. Feeling confident in a NOT-SO-SAFE-BUT-FUN-OUTFIT it is a high all on its own. Do you dare to take this ride on the colorful side? xoxoSB

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Topshop Top

American Apparel Skirt

Chanel Bag – Jumbo Classic

Christian Louboutin shoes – Pigalle spikes ( similar here )

For a winter take on this look pair the black vinyl mini with a winter knit like this one and black So Kate or Pigalle. If you’re feeling fun and adventurous try these Christian Louboutin Follies.

Photos By: Alena Soboleva