Saturday, December 31, 2016

On 2016

2016 was a whirlwind of a year. There was chaos, confusion, division, and inequality on a global scale. Every corner of the world struggled with the very fundamentals of human rights; a debate on who holds the privileges of freedom, safety, and self-expression, and who has been unjustly denied them. 2016 saw the election of Donald Trump, whose track record of misogyny, islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia, racism, and ableism frightens many, myself included. 2016 saw Aleppo burn, lives lost in cruel and senseless acts of violence, injustice for women, people of color, and other minority groups, a general lack of accountability, and the warmest year on record. 

Through the heartache, there was hope. I saw hope in communities coming together after devastating events. I saw hope in Michelle Obama who reminds us, "When they go low, we go high." I saw hope in Hillary Clinton, who carried her campaign from beginning to end with poise, respect, and strength. Her concession speech brought me to tears when she said, "Never stop believing fighting for what's right is worth it....And to all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion." I have hope that the future is female. I also saw hope in the power of the written word. I read countless articles in 2016 that so articulately captured feelings which are practically indescribable. I will link a few of these below. 

I have already packed my proverbial suitcase for 2017 with a sense of humor, unbreakable strength, and love that knows no bounds. It is so full it can barely shut, and I will carry it with me wherever I go. We have a long way to go moving forward, but I am prepared for the journey and hard work that lies ahead. 

Below, I've compiled the media that moved me, made me think, and made me laugh this year. Have a read, a watch, and a listen. 


Articles:







"24 Things Women Over 30 Should Wear" (Warning: Curves Ahead)



Video:








Film:
Zootopia

Arrival

Jackie

Moana

Moonlight

The Hunting Ground 


Television:
House of Cards

Parks and Recreation

The West Wing 

Stranger Things

The Office  

Girls 


Albums:
"Lemonade" - Beyonce

"Joanne" - Lady Gaga

"ANTI" - Rihanna 

"This Is Acting" - Sia 

"Views" - Drake

"I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it" - The 1975


Here's to a new year and new opportunity. Go get 'em. 

 ~Bitsy

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Corduroy








Top: American Apparel (sold out, similar here) | Skirt: Free People | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Tights: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out) | Hat: Free People (sold out, similar here) | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack 

This look is one of my favorites of the year. It combines a few of my favorite fashion things: the color black, the color blue, my Greek fisherman hat, my Rebecca Minkoff mini bag, sock boots, fishnets, and big hoop earrings. It's the perfect outfit for a warmer winter day, which we've been having far too many of lately in New England. (Global warming, anyone?) Warm winter days should be an oxymoron, but I digress.

What I love most about this outfit is all the texture mixing happening. This Free People blue corduroy skirt is a unique piece with a cozy, luxe vibe. Corduroy has been everywhere this season. It reminds me of my childhood and, of course, the bear. I paired the skirt with fishnets to add pattern, interest, and edge. Sock boots are the finishing touch.

I went with a simple black turtleneck to keep it posh. I would say I wear turtlenecks too much, but there's no such thing! A fisherman hat caps off the look.

~Bitsy

Monday, December 26, 2016

Retro Flare







Top: American Apparel | Jeans: H&M (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: MCM (vintage, similar here) | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack | Glasses: Warby Parker 

These flare jeans have become one of my favorite pieces to style. I love to up their retro vibe by pairing them with statement making tops and accessories. This off the shoulder choker top from American Apparel is a fun piece with a bit of drama. It's a shirt and necklace all in one! To keep the '70s alive in this look, I wore big gold hoops and carried my vintage MCM tambourine bag. My Warby Parker glasses complete the outfit. I'm all about retro inspired fashion. 

~Bitsy

Friday, December 23, 2016

Red Coat





Coat: Kate Spade | Turtleneck: Uniqlo | Skirt: T.J.Maxx (similar here) | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: Kate Spade

I'm feeling like Miranda Priestly in this red Kate Spade coat. The Devil Wears Prada fashion icon would most definitely approve. The red is the perfect shade and the leopard faux fur collar adds extra glam. This coat can make any outfit fancy. I kept the clothes underneath all black to make the red pop. A red lip adds the finishing touch. My look is holiday ready.

~Bitsy

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Winter Formal






Dress: thrifted (similar here) | Capelet: thrifted | Heels: ASOS | Earrings: Nadri (sold out, similar here)

The holiday season is in full swing. Christmas is just five days away and New Year's is right around the corner. If you are going someplace *fancy* or just want to dress up, this look may give you some inspiration. I wore my velvet gown and faux fur capelet to my school's Yule Ball last weekend. (Yes, my college is low-key Hogwarts.) I felt like getting all dressed up for the occasion, because how often can you wear a look like this? 

When it comes to winter formal wear, I'm all about velvet. It's luxurious and warm. I found my black velvet gown at Goodwill. I highly recommend scouring your local thrift store for a fancy find. What I love most about this dress is how classic it is. I feel like Audrey Hepburn in it. Black pointed toe heels, sparkly hoop earrings, red lipstick, and a capelet complete the outfit. I'm winter formal ready.

~Bitsy 

Monday, December 12, 2016

Bits of Style x Gifts and Glam

On Thursday, December 8th, The Prudential Center in Boston hosted their annual Gifts and Glam event. It's an evening of style, snacks, and sips. The Prudential Center Marketing Team was so kind as to extend an invite to me and my fellow Boston bloggers: Elissa (@style_wire), Emily (@stylecubby), Jess (@whatjesswore), Meredith (@thoughtfulwish), and Thu (@justtututiny). I hadn't seen them since the summer at Back Bay Night Out and it was lovely catching up. Be sure to check out their amazing Instas and blogs! Each of us received a goodie bag with gifts from Shinola, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Under Armour. We spent the night visiting their stores and learning about the brands. 

Our first stop was Shinola, an American-made watch company with Detroit beginnings. All of their products from watches to journals are manufactured right here in the United States, which is wonderful. Their store embodies timeless quality with a minimalist aesthetic. I had my journal monogrammed in-store to add a personalized touch. It was so neat being able to watch the process happen right before my eyes. If you're looking for a nice gift to give anyone on your list this holiday season, Shinola is the place to go. 




Our second stop was Polo Ralph Lauren. The store had a festive boutique feel and I felt like I had been transported to New York City during the holidays. Holly, garland, and snow white accents were in abundance. Their clothes were impeccable as well. I was inspired at every turn. Polo Ralph Lauren had pieces suited for any occasion, from work, to weekend, to a night out. Tailored blazers, luxe fabrics, and elegant dresses were all around. Clothes in shades of winter white, black, and earthy neutrals suited my taste to a T. I wanted every piece to be hanging in my closet. If you're looking for an outfit to wear to countless holiday parties, look no further than Polo. 




Our final store stop was Under Armour. I was surprised to learn their Boston location is a flagship store. The closest flagship store to Boston is stationed in New York City. The breathtaking, fit-tech paradise has only been open for about one month. The layout is modern and perfect for browsing. Wall splashes clearly say which section is which, so you know where to go if you're looking for yoga clothes, running, and so on. My favorite parts of the store are their social wall, green wall, and UAS section. The social wall displays Instagram posts in real time featuring the hashtag #UABoston. It extends from floor to ceiling. The green wall is located on the second floor of the space and features live plants that are watered by a special team every few days. I'd never seen anything like either of these two walls in a store before. It was very refreshing and added life and dimension to the space. Under Armour's UAS section features a curated selection of minimalist ready to wear pieces with an athleisure twist for men and women. If you're looking for workout wear, Under Armour should be your first stop.



A big thank you again to the Prudential Center Marketing Team for having me. Thank you to the representatives from Shinola, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Under Armour for taking the time to share the stories of your brands. It was a wonderful night. 

Happy holidays!

~Bitsy

Friday, December 2, 2016

Classically Monochrome








Jacket: Zara (sold out, similar here) | Sweater: Lord & Taylor (sold out, similar here) | Shirt: H&M | Skirt: American Apparel | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: Kate Spade | Watch: Daniel Wellington

It's no secret I love a monochrome outfit. The sweater + crisp white shirt + black tennis skirt + leather jacket comibation is my favorite look of all time. It's classically Coco Chanel and effortless. This look will take you anywhere: from class, to work, to a night out. Layering a white shirt underneath a cozy black sweater and topping it all off with a leather jacket adds extra warmth. Also, can we talk about how cute and festive Beacon Hill is looking right now?! There is nothing better than Boston during the height of the holiday season. 

~Bitsy

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Bits of Style x Tobi

I'm excited to share that I have been working with Tobi to bring you a mini fall look book! The online-only fashion boutique always has the most unique pieces. They look like they came right off the runway and make for some fierce street style outfits. Tobi so kindly gifted me with a couple pieces of clothing and I'm showing you how I style them below.

Look #1: LBD Glamour 





Dress: Tobi (c/o) | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Coat: thrifted (similar here) | Bag: Kate Spade

 I am in love with this Valley Bolo Tie Bodycon Dress. It's not always easy to come across a chic long sleeved dress. I'm obsessed with the neckline and cutout detail. It adds a unique touch to the classic appeal of a little black dress. This LBD is just right for a night out, special occasion, or, if you're like me, whenever! Because the city is getting chilly, black tights are an essential. Sock boots give the look an edge.

A statement making dress deserves a statement making coat. I recently found this one at a thrift store in Allston, Massachusetts.  It has an old Hollywood vibe and is wonderfully over-the-top. The Olsen twins would definitely approve. It's 100% wool with a faux fur neckline, so it is very warm and well suited for Boston weather. When it comes to styling this coat, simplicity is key. This LBD is the perfect pairing.

Photo credits: Erin Swauger (@erinrose_)


Look #2: Fall Flare 





Sweater: Tobi (c/o) | Jeans: H&M (sold out, similar here) | Vest: Rachel Zoe (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Belt: ASOS 

This Benson Turtleneck Sweater is my new favorite piece of knitwear. The flared sleeves make it unlike any other sweater I own. I have an obsession with turtlenecks and this one makes me very happy. It's cropped, cute, and cozy. For a flare on flare look, I paired it with frayed hem flare jeans. You really can't go wrong with a sweater and jeans.

This outfit has a vintage, '70s inspired feel. A faux fur vest and western belt up the retro-luxe factor. Sock boots with a pointed toe are just the right shoe to keep my jeans from dragging. I'm really looking forward to styling this sweater many more ways throughout fall and winter. The possibilities are endless.


Thank you, Tobi, for completing my fall wardrobe!

~Bitsy

FTC: This post was sponsored by Tobi. All opinions are authentic and my own. 

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Suede Layers




Dress: Aritzia | Jacket: Zara (sold out, similar here) | Top: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Kate Spade

This season is all about suede. I have been seeing the luxe fabric everywhere. Suede is covering boots, bags, dresses, jackets, you name it. It's perfect for the fall and winter months. When I came across this faux suede dress in a beautiful charcoal color at Aritzia, I had to get it. It's one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I love the plunging neckline and fit and flare style. It is a unique and timeless dress. 

Since going sleeveless isn't all that practical for the chilly months, I layered a form fitting black turtleneck underneath the dress for added warmth. For an extra layer, I popped on my beloved Zara faux leather jacket. Tights, sock boots, a mini bag, and red lipstick finish the look. I'm wearing Chanel "104 Passion." This outfit is night out ready. 

~Bitsy

Friday, November 11, 2016

Fisherman Hat and Fishnets




Dress: Reformation (sold out, similar here) | Top: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Hat: Free People | Bag: Kate Spade | Fishnets: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Choker: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here)

Something's fishy in the world of fashion. Right now, I'm all about fisherman hats and fishnets. They're retro, edgy, and instantly up the cool factor of any outfit. This look makes me feel like Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl. It's gothic, dark, and punky, which I really dig. I'm also obsessed with my Dr. Martens 1460W boots. I haven't owned a pair of Docs since I was seven. They were black and floral print and I wore them every single day. Now, I find myself wearing this pair constantly. They're perfect for trekking through the streets of Boston. 

Because I was feeling very '90s and nostalgic, I wore a velvet dress I bought in the Ref Sale with a black long sleeve tee underneath. Seven-year-old me always wore velvet with her Dr. Martens. A black mini bag, gothic choker necklace, and dark lipstick up the punk. I'm wearing MAC's "VIVA GLAM Ariana Grande 1." To cap off the look, I wore my Greek fisherman hat from Free People. Hats off to nostalgic style. 

~Bitsy

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Classic



Top: ASOS | Skirt: American Apparel | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: Kate Spade | Watch: Daniel Wellington 

Classic looks can be the best looks. I'm all about experimenting with fashion, but I love simple outfits dearly. The tennis skirt, turtleneck, and ankle boot combo is one of my favorites. This look can go from day to night. It's easy, yet put together. I wore a mini bag with chain detail to pay homage to one of my fashion icons, Coco Chanel. I think she would approve of this all black outfit. As Coco once said, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

~Bitsy