Blue is the Warmest

cincinnati fashion stylist blog

Wore this out to an impromptu dinner necessitated by the fact that my fridge is currently running on empty. I’d actually been wanting to wear these pants because 1. They’re comfy as hell 2. They’re high-waisted enough to conceal the result of eating gelato and pizza and cake (oh my!) all weekend.

cincinnati fashion stylist blog Thrifted pants, cuffs, and clutch, Moda International top, Steven heels, Hats in the Belfry straw fedora, Lily in Flux pendant necklace, Forever21 earrings

Full disclosure: I hardly ever wear this top because it’s always a bit of a dilemma what type of bra (if any) to wear with it–my strapless bras show in the back, and those stick-on-cup things can’t withstand the, um, moisture generated by 86-degree, 90% humidity days. Feel free to throw any suggestions for boob-restraints my way if you have ‘em.

GET THE LOOK

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Style // 21 Jumpsuit

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But hark! What is this miracle that hath been drug up from the depths of the internets? It is but an outfit post, a peace offering from a fashion blogger who slacketh much as of late.

The good news is that I think I found a fairly simple way to take pics without having to go through the rigamarole of dragging around a tripod and bulky Nikon and setting up the focus and lighting for 20 minutes. Hopefully these posts won’t be such a rarity going forward.

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As for the actual outfit, the mall seems to have gotten the better of me on this one: the jumpsuit is from Forever 21 and the blazer-jacket thingy is an old H&M impulse buy. The shoes are vintage Charles Jourdan (surprisingly comfy for heels) from a long-forgotten thrifting adventure, and the beaded bangles, earrings, and rings are from various crafters/festivals/indie shops. Locally, Kilimanjaro in Clifton is a fantastic resource for all things colorful and African-inspired, but here are a few more ideas to get the look:

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Oh, Hey There!

Cincinnati fashion stylist blog

I should start this off by apologizing for being a bad blogger and not actually, you know, blogging, but here’s the thing: I’ve been blogging nonstop, just not here. Keeping up the Cincinnati Magazine Style Scout blog and Cincinnati Wedding Bridal Buzz blog uses up most of the shallow reserve of writing skill I possess, and I’ve been posting about everything from DIY party decorations to the best places to shop for vintage furniture to weekly style stops. I’m trying to figure out a posting schedule that doesn’t wipe out my feeble mind, but…my brane hurtz.

So I guess this is my #sorrynotsorry version of an apology/update. I do have a few things in the pipeline, so…I’ll try to do better?

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Editorial // 5 Looks to Wear Now

Cincinnati Fashion Stylist blog

It’s no secret that warm weather is (finally!) here to stay, so now is the perfect time for a mini wardrobe update. Check out these five looks for a little summer style inspiration.

Cincinnati fashion stylist blog photo shoot

Pair a girly dress and colorful accessories with brogues for a fun (and comfortable) dinner date. Chloe & Reese dress, $325, lucite bracelets, $25 each, earrings, $29, Mar’De Couture, 2894 Woodburn Ave, ‎(513) 888-2007. Shoes, stylist’s own.

Cincinnati Fashion stylist blog

Spend playtime at the park in a cute camo-print dress and classic sneakers. Vitrine dress, $65, drop earrings, $19.99, bracelet (part of a set), $45, Mar’De Couture. Shoes, stylist’s own.

Cincinnati fashion stylist blog

Black is anything but basic when an intricate neckline and a sparkly beaded clutch are part of the mix. Head Turning black dress, $89, White and gold beaded handbag, $205, Mariposa statement post earrings, $162, Navy chain rhinestone necklace (around wrist), $84, High Street, 1401 Reading Rd, (513) 723-1901.

Cincinnati fashion stylist blog

Add a subtly sporty vibe to a linen minidress with a simple visor and trendy footbed sandals. Esley linen dress, $55, spiked necklace (part of a set), $45, white stone ring, $45, Mar’De Couture. Sandals and hat, stylist’s own.

Cincinnati fashion stylist blog

Nothing says Festival Chic like a swishy fringed top and layers of beaded jewelry. Crème sheer top with fringe, $76, Crochet back strap dress, $58, Vintage Chain layering necklace, $78, Jupiter gold necklace, $46, Skull and Brass Dagger necklace, $48, Moroccan beaded earrings, $72, Gypsy bracelet, $48, High Street.

A few special accessories made these looks pop! Some of my favorites:

Cincinnati shopping fashion

01 White and gold beaded handbag, $205, High Street // 02 Spiky necklace (part of a set), $45, Mar’De Couture // 03 Straw hat, $32, High Street

Huge thanks to the team that worked on this shoot!

Photographer: Claudia Hershner

Hair and Makeup Artist: Alisa Owen, asilacreations.com

Model: Nicole C. with Wings Model Management

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The Evolution Will Not Be Televised

Every now and then I do something that reminds me how much I absolutely LOVE fashion. This week, it was the Friends of Fashion fundraiser/Cameron Silver book signing at Evolution. I knew about Evolution (and the brilliant STIFF UPPER lip), and LA-based vintage shop Decades is legendary so of course I was excited to meet special guest Cameron Silver, but I encountered something else there: a sense of belonging.

Evolution1

What fashion lover wouldn’t delight in the chance to swan around a gorgeous penthouse studio filled with vintage Mugler and Moschino and McQueen, to have semi-intellectual discussions about the controversy that initially surrounded Dior’s New Look, to talk to someone who not only knows who Haider Ackermann is, but casually wears his designs? I felt like I’d found my tribe.

Evolution2

I had a weird moment with a cherry-red vintage Chanel coat when I instinctively hugged it like a long lost friend. To feel such affection for an inanimate object seems ridiculous (and rightfully so), but I guess that’s what happens when you’re truly enamored, surrounded by what you love…and maybe a little tipsy on wine and margaritas.

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