Aldo Shoes

Pattern Play: Why Crop Tops and High Waisted Skirts?

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Why do I love crop tops and high waisted everything?

Even for those of us without perfectly toned stomachs, the cropped top is not quite as scary as it seems. Trust me when I say my stomach is no wear near flat, I’m just really good at pretending. Hence: suck in as much as I could, wear spanx or wear something high waisted. I opt for the latter because sucking in stomach and wearing spanx is pretty darn uncomfortable.

That’s probably why I’m always in something high waisted and pairing it with a crop top to show the illusion of a flat stomach. How? The higher-midriff zone is the part of the body that doesn’t really get fat and showing a peek of it is a good way to create suggestion of a tone stomach without revealing much at all! Crap, now you know my secret. :)

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Top/Skirt: KTRcollection crop top and pencil skirt | Shoes: Aldo metallic cap toe pumps | Bag: B Brian Atwood metallic bag | Accessories: Multi Rings & Rope Chain Bracelet c/o ASOS

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Even though I love combining a crop top with a high waisted skirt in the same print, this time, I wanted to play around with a slightly different pattern. One print is a little busier than the other to balance each other out. Combining these two different yet complimentary fabrics creates a look that’s similar to a dress yet with an unexpected break that’s unique and eye-catching. Hope you guys like this look! This will be available to ship the week of September 15 (possibly sooner).

PRE-ORDER now for 20% with Discount Code KTR20 good thru September 2nd.

PRE-ORDER HERE

JUXTAPOSE

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Top: Aqua white blazer, F21 tank | Bottoms: Vintage Levis (DIY distressed) | Shoes: Aldo metallic cap toe pumps | Bag: Valentino rockstud mini bag | Glasses/Hat: H&M | Necklace: J. Crew (similar here and here)

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If there is one word I cannot remember for the life of me to spell, it would be juxtapose. I don’t even know why, but somehow I always find myself spell checking to make sure it’s spelled correctly. Well, even if I don’t pass the spelling bee contest because of it, I’m still very much infatuated with juxtaposing outfits. In my opinion, some of the most interesting outfits usually come from mixing different elements of color and ordinary, classic and trendy, edgy and sweet…breaking up the expected and pairing it with the unexpected. Oh, I also hate the word hors d’oeuvres. Who came up with these words? :)

The Bandage

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Top: BCBGeneration` white blouse | Bottoms: BCBGMAXAZRIA bandage skirt | Shoes: Aldo metallic cap toe pumps | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff crossbody | Necklace: layered pearls (similar here)

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Remember those Hervé Léger (and various affordable versions) bandage dresses and skirts that were seen all over the internet, runways, and on celebrities a few years ago? It’s been 3 years and I’m still seeing these bandage styles in stores. The slim fitting trend that hugs a woman’s curves and shows off a feminine silhouette was a staple in fashion then and I think it’s quietly trying to make a comeback.

To be honest, I’m not usually a fan of trends that’s over done to death (ah hem: Zara skorts), but these bandage styles are so sleek, sexy and a classic that has proven to last the test of the fashion trend life span.

I’m loving this nude skirt I had on when paired with white for a clean and fresh summer look, but I’m also loving all the bright colors and prints as well!

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 1) Pink 2) Teal 3) Blue 4)Cream 5) Stripes 6) Coral

 

Above the Bar

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Top: Bar iii faux leather jacket, Topshop top | Bottoms: Bar iii slim jocket pants (similar here)|  Shoes: Aldo Shoes metallic pumps | Bag: Valentino Rockstud mini tote | Glasses: Lumete

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As much as I love pretty flowy dresses, I favored an awesome pair of casual pants that’s versatile and can take me from day to night. These Bar III slim jockey pants are beyond comfortable, stretches and are so soft to the touch. They’re typically worn with flats or sneakers (perfect for running errands or lounging around) but I decided to dress and edge them up with metallic pumps and a (faux) leather jacket with interesting back details. The mixing is really more of an outcome to my on-to-go-and-didn’t-have-a-change-of-clothes problems than me trying to be creative. :)

Casual Comfort

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When it comes to accessories, I’m more of a silver or gold kinda gal but the contrasting colors of mint, coral and purple of this Chiara statement necklace from 2Hello Beautiful definitely caught my eye and I love how it adds just the perfect touch to my summer staples.

Speaking of summer staples, I’m loving the 2013 Summer collection from Spiegel, which are mostly on sale right now! I have my eyes this Ponte Taylor jumpsuit for day, cute floral one piece swimsuit for the beach, and this bright blue maxi skirt for everyday.

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Top: Bar iii crop moto jacket, Target tank top | Bottoms: DIY vintage jeans | Shoes: Aldo Shoes metallic pumps | Bag: Louis Vuitton Trevi PM | Necklace: 2HelloBeautiful statement necklace| Glasses: Michael Kors mirror aviators

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The best thing about coming back from a week stay in a tropical place is that I brought back the sunshine. Or at least that’s what I like to tell myself because it’s been unbelievably warm in this little part of town (80 degrees +). With the weather heating up, my favorite go to pieces are these DIY cut off shorts that I made from old vintage levis, a comfy tank, crop moto that’s just too perfect for day and night and of course a hat for those uncooperative hair days! Hope you’re having a good hump day! xo