Bits of Style Wears PrettyLittleThing

Cool town, evening in the city. Dressing so fine and looking so PrettyLittleThing! Isn't that how the song "Summer in the City" goes? PrettyLittleThing kindly reached out and invited me to take part in its Summer Style blog campaign. I chose three outfits, selecting pieces from PrettyLittleThing.com's summer in the city-ready dresses, rompers & playsuits, and tops. Even though I live in D.C., the outfits I put together are inspired by the NYC fashion scene in one of my favorite movies, The Devil Wears Prada. Clearly, PrettyLittleThing and I are on the same page of Runway Magazine because it sells a T-shirt featuring the legendary Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), and Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway). Speaking of Meryl Streep, can we talk about how fantastic she is in Big Little Lies? That's all.... Scroll onward to see how I styled my favorite PLT pieces into Miranda Priestly-approved looks that are on-trend, yet timeless. 

Look #1: PrettyLittleThing in Pink

Wearing the PrettyLittleThing Rose Strappy Satin Cowl Midi Dress

I had to say yes to the dress. Its name alone spoke to me. The rosy pink color and sheen of the satin are standouts. Miranda Priestly would want this dress on the cover of Runway. I can see Carrie Bradshaw, yet another fictitious NYC style icon, wearing it on the streets of Manhattan. Come to think of it, this dress reminds me of the one Carrie wears in her column's bus side advertisement. (Can you tell I'm watching Sex and the City as I write this?) I styled it with simple silver jewelry and barely-there nude heels for an evening look that's chic and summery. 

Look #2: Blazer Dress Business

Wearing the PrettyLittleThing Petite Black Gold Button Blazer Dress

I have wanted a blazer dress for ages, and PrettyLittleThing delivered. The gold button detailing on this one adds a vintage-inspired touch. Emily Blunt's The Devil Wears Prada character would wear this while lecturing pre-makeover Andy about how to be successful at Runway. Speaking of successful, you can probably tell by the hair this look is influenced by Ariana Grande, who just so happens to live in New York City. Inspired by Ari's music video for "Breathin'" filmed in Grand Central Station, I staged this photo shoot in D.C.'s Union Station, which is pretty grand itself. PLT's blazer dress means business, but is better suited for a night out than the office. I styled it with black suede lace-up sandals, gold hoops, and a mini bag. 

Look #3: Denim Devil 

Wearing the PrettyLittleThing White Devil Wears Prada Oversized T Shirt and Light Wash Denim Dungaree Dress

The Devil Wears Prada? On a T-shirt? Groundbreaking. I freaked out when I saw this tee on PrettyLittleThing's website. It's so me. Did you know the movie is now 13 years old? Hard to believe. I love layering a graphic tee under a denim jumper dress, and this light wash one is perfect for summer. Plus, it has pockets! Paired with canvas sneakers, a mini bag, and simple silver jewelry, this look is ready for the weekend. 

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Thank you, PrettyLittleThing, for helping me update my summer style. The PLT Petite collection (sizes 00-10) was the perfect place to find my blazer dress, and the straight size (sizes 0-16) pieces I selected fit my five-foot frame well. PrettyLittleThing also offers PLT Tall (sizes 2-12) , PLT Plus (sizes 12-22), and PLT Shape (sizes 4-16) collections. I like my pieces so much, I want to order from PrettyLittleThing for myself sometime. With PLT, my summer in the city is pretty chic. Let me know which look is your favorite!

-Bitsy 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Disclaimer: This post is an advertisement sponsored by PrettyLittleThing. All PLT clothing is gifted in exchange for this review. All opinions are authentic and my own. 

MAD WOMEN

Dress: T.J.Maxx (similar here) | Shoes: Dolce Vita (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here) | Scarf: thrifted (similar here) | Belt: ASOS | Necklaces: Forever 21, Lucky Brand, Kohl's | Earrings: formerly my mom's (similar here)

Lately, I've been wondering what style defines the decade of the 2010s in America? Throughout history, fashion has been used to visually represent societal outlook and change. The 2010s dressed us as we kept up with the Kardashians, looked across the pond to covet Princess Kate's closet, and scrolled through social media in search of style inspiration. Towards the end of the decade, we, as a country, faced deep change that tugged at the already threadbare fabric of our nation. Racism, sexism, and xenophobia, to name a few of many "isms" and "phobias," became more emboldened than before. People protested, chanted, recorded, and wore pink "pussy hats." There was triumph, there were tears, and there was tyranny.

I finished Mad Men the other day. The clothes in the show are captivating. Patterns were bold, colors were bright, and silhouettes were whimsical.  The '60s, much like today, saw protests, chaos, and change. But the clothes told a different story. Fashion was fun. People dressed up. The later seasons showed the hippie culture with its carefree clothes, relics that the likes of Free People and Urban Outfitters try to recreate. A lot of the topics Mad Men covered are just as relevant now as they were in the '60s; racial justice, women's rights, abortion. If the '60s are so similar to today, why haven't we dressed like it? Sure, we have ModCloth and thrifting, but what's lacking is a large-scale movement like the hippie generation that impacts clothing choices. However, one could argue that movement is digital. Millennials tend to dress, so I've noticed, like social media influencers. Sometimes, being fed what you find as you scroll through your feed prompts a trip to Urban Outfitters.

The hippies showed us how fashion can be a form of protest and defiance, and in this age of injustice, I'm all for it. The latest MET Gala theme, "Camp: Notes on Fashion," was a form of defiance in its own right. This summer, I want to dress in a way that gives a nod to the '60s. This outfit was square one. Call me Mad Woman. I searched my closet to put together this groovy getup. This crochet dress is one of my all-time favorites. Styled with a western belt, head scarf, ankle booties, bamboo top handle bag, and layered necklaces, this look is nothing but peace ☮️ and love ❤️ . Summer '19 is far out.


~Bitsy

I've Got to Get This Job: How to Dress Professionally

"I really need this job. Please God, I need this job. I've got to get this job!" - "Opening: I Hope I Get It" from A Chorus Line.

For me, and I'm sure for many of you who are looking for jobs, internships, and externships, it's application season. I always find job applications incredibly nerve-wracking. From the cover letter, to the resume, to the writing sample, and (hopefully) the interview, the whole process makes me anxious. The part of the job search that brings me joy is dressing for the interview. I have always loved putting an outfit together, no matter the occasion. What's special about professional attire is the empowerment that clothes can make you feel. When I'm in a suit, it's like I'm on top of the world. I want to share my fashion wisdom and help you feel confident walking into the interview.

#1: Where to shop?

via GIPHY

When it comes to professional attire, fit is key. If your outfit doesn't fit you impeccably, it will look messy. No matter where you're shopping, keep good tailoring in mind. My personal favorite places to shop for workwear are J.Crew (petite, tall, and plus sizes), Banana Republic (petite, tall, and up to size 20), Ann Taylor (petite, tall, and up to size 18), ASOS (petite, tall, and plus sizes), H&M (plus sizes), Topshop (petite and tall sizes), Zara, ModCloth (sizes XXS-4X), Nordstrom Rack, and T.J.Maxx. These stores have the best selections; a mix of classic and on-trend pieces. I like to shop at J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor when sales are going on. J.Crew Factory, the outlet version of the store, has more affordable options. I bought my favorite suit there.

#2: What to buy?

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Everyone has their own personal sense of style. Stay true to yours. However, I believe there are some staple pieces everyone should have in their wardrobe to help them dress for success: a black blazer, a suit, a white button-down shirt, a black button-down shirt, a striped button-down shirt, and a black cardigan or sweater. These are pieces you will be able to style in countless ways for a wide range of professional opportunities, to interview and beyond. I love both skirt suits and pant suits, but if you're not a skirt person, by all means, stay away. The same goes for a dress. If you don't wear dresses, don't buy one. It will be a waste of money you could have spent on clothes you love. Let your clothes reflect who you are. Don't try to fit into some mold of what you think a "professional" should look like.

#3: Heel or no heel?

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If you don't like heels, don't wear them. I am a heel fan, but a lot of times I find them uncomfortable. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, BREAK IN A NEW PAIR OF HEELS, OR ANY SHOES, FOR A JOB INTERVIEW!!! You will be in pain, and you don't want that. Interviews are painful enough without blisters.

#4: What to wear?

via GIPHY

It depends on how formal the job in which you will potentially be working is. Some jobs are business casual, others require a suit. Before your interview, be sure to research what the environment is like to gauge what attire is work-appropriate. In my view, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. As the saying goes, dress for the job you want. For my upcoming job search within the legal profession, I plan to wear a suit, with either a pencil skirt or pants, a crisp white button-down shirt, and heels. This is a classic look that makes me feel most powerful. Find your power outfit and wear it with pride.

Best of luck to all of you who are embarking on the job search! You're going to be stylish, smart, and a "singular sensation!"

~Bitsy

Doorway Series #1

Sweater: Isabel Marant (sold out, similar here) | Skirt: Aritzia (sold out, similar here) | Coat: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Bag: Forever 21 | Hat: Free People (sold out, similar here)

When one door closes, another door opens. Since I've started law school, I haven't had the time to blog like I've wanted to. Bits of Style took a necessary backseat for my very first semester. Yes, Elle Woods. Law school is hard. Instead of going on photoshoots around the city, I was studying Civil Procedure.

This blog has been my creative outlet for six years; a space to express myself and my passions for writing, fashion, and photography. Now that (I think) I get the general gist of how law school works, I want to post more this semester. Lately, I've been inspired by '50s and '60s fashion (thanks, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and editorial styling. I want to share that inspiration with you.

When one door closes, another door opens. My latest photo series utilizes the doorways inside my apartment. I love the retro aesthetic and the way the doorframe frames the photographs. For this outfit, I drew inspiration from the editorial and retro styling I've been inspired by. The result is a bit British and a bit French.

Pairing red and green is my favorite way to color block. A sleek scarlet coat and an emerald '70s-influenced handbag with a bamboo handle (you'd never guess it is Forever 21) make the look vibrant. My mom gave me the handbag as a gift. She once had one just like it. Classic Doc Martens are my shoe of choice.

Here's to new doors opening in 2019.

~Bitsy

Cowgirl at Waterloo

Top: Nordstrom (sold out, similar here) | Vest: Levi's (sold out, similar here) | Jeans: H&M (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Dolce Vita (sold out, similar here) | Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters | Bandana: Walmart | Bracelet: Pandora | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here)

Jessie from Toy Story was totally my inspiration for this outfit. She's low-key a fashion icon and unofficial "it girl." I rarely wear denim on denim, but the vest works well with these flares for a '70s-meets-western, festival apropos look. I've never been to Coachella, but if I did, I would wear this. Sunglasses straight out of the movie Get a Clue (2002) starring Lindsay Lohan (cough, cough, I mean Urban Outfitters) and a bandana at the neck complete the outfit. Come to think of it, Donna from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again would wear this as well.

~Bitsy

Long Time, No Post

Well, hello! Long time, no post! Much has happened since the last time I blogged in April. I graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Marketing Communications and am making the move to Washington, D.C. for law school. I'm excited for what's to come, and a bit melancholy about saying goodbye to four unforgettable years in Boston. Change is wild.

I'm not sure how much time I will have to devote to blogging when law school starts. I barely had any my senior year of college. I don't want to stop blogging, though. Bits of Style will turn six (six!!!) in December and I want my blog to continue to grow as much as it can. I've devoted a lot of time to this little creation and am like a proud mother (to keep this maternal metaphor going). 

I've photographed a whole bunch of outfits over the past year, and I want to share as many of them as I can with you. I've cut my hair since a lot of the "older" photos were taken, so bare with me, and pay no attention to inconsistency in 'do length. Through sharing these photos, you'll get a sense of how my style continues to evolve. I find fashion evolution fascinating, which is a big reason why I created this virtual space. I hope you find a thread of inspiration in my collective, clothing musings and the moments that define them. 

~Bitsy   

Photo credits: Maggie Skerry (@magsterpiece97)

Business Casual

Blazer: J.Crew Factory (sold out, available in navy here) | T-shirt: Hanes | Jeans: LF (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Kate Spade (sold out, similar here) | Necklace: BCBGeneration | Earrings: BCBGeneration | Watch: Michael Kors

I couldn't wear this to the office, because, ripped jeans, but I'm still going to call this outfit business casual. A blazer can make any look polished. I hadn't worn blazers in so long until I started working in a professional environment. Now I like to style them on days off. A blazer, jeans, and a T-shirt can take you anywhere, from meetings, to running errands and dinner out. You can't go wrong. 

I paired my blazer with a boys Hanes T-shirt I got at Walmart for $4. Seriously, buy boys/mens T-shirts to layer with. They're affordable, durable, comfortable, and classic. My favorite jeans I got at the LF sale last year add a laid-back edge to the look. To counter the ripped denim, I wore ankle boots and minimalistic gold jewelry. A mini bag adds the finishing touch. 

~Bitsy

Snow Day

Dress: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here) | Top: American Apparel | Scarf: Steve Madden | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Glasses: Warby Parker

It's a snow day here in Boston and that means I'm in hibernation mode. What a great opportunity to bring you a new blog post! I am not wearing this outfit today, but it's what I would be wearing if I wasn't stuck inside while 20 inches of snow accumulates around me. Perhaps if it were a light dusting, I would.

I call this look "snow day-chic." It's comfy, cozy, and captures the essence of what's left of the New England winter. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to spring. Snow in March is a big no from me.

~Bitsy

Photo credits: Maggie Skerry (@magsterpiece97)

Feminist Oliver Twist

Coat: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Top: American Apparel (sold out, similar here) | Jeans: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Hat: Free People (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Glasses: Warby Parker | Earrings: H&M

"Please, sir. May I have some more respect for women?" - Feminist Oliver Twist. 

It's Women's History Month; a time to celebrate and reflect on the advances women of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities have made in society. Women are revolutionaries. We are movers, shakers, thinkers, creators, entrepreneurs, and so much more. We're strong and vulnerable, clever and scrappy. We persist and defy expectations. We raise our voices. We say #MeToo and Time's Up. We demand positive social change.

I love the color red. It's a power color. Red lipstick colors the words I speak with a stroke of strength and passion. A red coat keeps my body warm that others have branded with a scarlet letter for being too vocal. Isn't it strange how women can seemingly never win? How people try to color us with their favorite shades? 

When someone tries to paint you with a broad brush, make your colors shine brighter. Be unapologetic in the showcase of the masterpiece you call your soul. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate yourself. Support your sisters. Be an ally for those who are not able or are hesitant to express their complete selves. Listen. Learn. Speak and stand up. We are women. 

~Bitsy

What I'd Wear to NYFW: Day 1

Dress: Zara (sold out, similar here) | Boots: thrifted (similar here) | Choker: H&M

I wish I was at Fashion Week! I've never been, and it's on my bucket list. Since I can't be there, I will be posting every day of New York Fashion Week what I'd wear if I were actually attending the shows. If I were there today, the first day, I'd wear this black off the shoulder dress from Zara paired with tights and feathered over the knee boots. According to the weather app on my phone, it's 32 degrees in NYC. Perfect mini dress weather. Go glam or go home! A black velvet choker completes the look. 

~Bitsy

Festive Furs

Coat: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Sweater: c/o Tobi (sold out, similar here) | Jeans: Abercrombie (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here)

Happy Holidays, everyone! I haven't posted in over two months! WOW! I've been very busy with my last year of college and haven't had the time to devote to blogging. Now that it's winter break, I have more flexibility. My hiatus comeback wouldn't be complete without an outfit post, and, since it's wintertime, a festive look is in order.

I haven't worn this coat in months, so what better time to break it out of my closet than the holidays? I'm festive in furs! I let the coat be the shining star of the outfit and styled it with high waisted skinny jeans, my favorite turtleneck sweater from Tobi, and my trusty Dr. Martens. The storybook aura of Acorn Street in Boston's Beacon Hill is the perfect backdrop for this casual, winter look. Merry Everything!

~Bitsy

What Forbes Can Learn From Its Women@Forbes Under 30 Summit

What do Forbes, Playboy, and my Women@Forbes experience have in common? 

A few weeks ago, I applied to and was selected to attend the Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston where I am completing my senior year at Emerson College. I was honored to be recognized as an Under 30 Scholar among a group of like-minded, entrepreneurial peers. I looked forward to gaining industry insight from top young change-makers such as Kendrick Lamar, Karlie Kloss, Tyler Oakley, Evan Rachel Wood, and many others who would be speaking. I was even more elated to receive a special invitation to the Women@Forbes MIT Takeover, a summit for young women in tech. 

As a self-taught, rookie coder, I am very proud of the blog I have created. Everything you see on Bits of Style has been executed by me, with the exception of a few photoshoots from time to time. I never would have dreamed of being hosted by Forbes and MIT as a top young woman in tech. On Sunday, October 1st, I made my way over to the MIT Media Lab, ready for the eventful day ahead. I envisioned an empowering, inspiring experience with women doing everything to make the event possible from operating the tech booth to the cameras. Was I in for a surprise. When I stepped into the lecture hall, I was taken aback that every camera recording the event was being operated by a man. I thought this was a women in tech summit. I took a vacant seat in the press section and listened closely to Bozoma Saint John, the new and first Chief Brand Officer of Uber, a company with a history of sexual harassment. Bozoma is a strong, smart woman who gave a moving speech on what it means to be female in the tech sector, and how solving the issues of sexism takes effort from everyone. I have all the confidence in her ability to shape an inclusive and respectful culture at Uber. 

Uber is by no means the only company plagued by insidious, abusive behavior. The Weinstein Company has been making headlines for producer Harvey Weinstein's sexual harassment and abuse of female employees and coworkers. His mistreatment of the women he works with has spanned decades. Weinstein was fired on Sunday. What is it with men in positions of power in the entertainment and tech industries treating women with such disrespect, like we are a disposable commodity? I firmly believe it has to do with the "boys club" mentality of these sectors which for so long have kept women out and fenced men in. 

As I looked at the male camera operators, I felt uneasy. I thought about how hypocritical it was for Forbes to host a women in tech summit only to have the individuals recording it be men. There I sat, listening to CEO of Glossier, Emily Weiss, in a room full of women with their eyes on careers in tech, as camera lenses captured our vulnerable, shared experience through the male gaze. How powerful it would have been to see women cinematographers. As someone who attends one of the top film schools in the country, I know firsthand how the film industry is rampant with sexism. Couldn't Forbes have made a statement on creating opportunities for women in the tech sector? Where is their entrepreneurial spirit? I know many young women at my college who are talented cinematographers. What about their representation? I left the Women@Forbes Summit early and did not attend any other Forbes Under 30 festivities.

Because this all doesn't exist in a vacuum by coincidence, I did some research on the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes. It all came full circle. The CEO is Michael Perlis and he joined the company in December 2010. I know you don't inherit a high-profile position without some hearty past experience, so I looked into where he worked before. His former title? Publisher of Playboy, succeeding none other than Hugh Hefner. He took over Playboy from Hugh in 1989. I found an article in The New York Times archives all about Mr. Perlis. The 1992 interview is a testament to his character. In the interview, he calls himself a "feminist." I fail to see how Playboy is feminist media. He is quoted saying men have, "become a subculture like everybody else." Steve Forbes, the Editor-in-Chief, is pro-Trump and pro-life as he openly expresses on his Twitter. Mr. Forbes is certainly not a feminist. If Forbes seeks to be a feminist, forward-thinking publication, it must be inclusive from the top down. It is wrong for Forbes to exploit young people's aspirations for equality as a veil for its own corrupt values. Let it be known, Forbes, the leading business publication, is nothing but irony and false advertising.

~Bitsy

City Casual

Dress: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here) | Shirt: Nordstrom (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Converse | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here) | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Watch: Daniel Wellington | Bracelet: Tiffany & Co. | Choker: H&M | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (sold out, similar here)

T-shirt dress + shirt tied around the waist + Converse + mini bag = the perfect busy-in-the-city look. It's comfortable, casual, and can take you anywhere from running errands to treating yourself to a tasty lunch. One of my favorite spots is Tatte Bakery & Cafe, which is right around the corner from where I took these pictures in Beacon Hill. Their sandwiches are some of the best in Beantown, as are their pastries, cookies, and hot teas. Tatte's mint lemonade is my weakness, especially on a hot day. It's hydration and happiness in a cup. To complete the laid-back look, I accessorized with simple jewelry and sunnies. I'm summer in the city ready.

~Bitsy

Patriotic in Polka Dots

Romper: Zara | Shoes: Nordstrom Rack | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here) |

  Earrings: Nordstrom Rack | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Happy 4th of July! I hope all of you who celebrated the big 241st birthday were able to relax and have fun. It was a gorgeous summer day where I am. I kept it low-key and spent time with my family. Though I didn't wear this outfit today, it would have been perfect for the holiday. I'm obsessed with this navy blue and white polka dot romper from Zara. The ruffle detailing and wrap silhouette make it unique. Paired with cork wedges, Ray-Bans, hoop earrings, and a mini bag, it's ready for any summer's day. The blue and white look wouldn't be complete without a red lip. 'Zip' by Glossier is my summer scarlet of choice. I'm patriotic in polka dots. 

~Bitsy

Stars and Stripes

Dress: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Jacket: Hollister Co. (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Converse | Bag: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here) | Necklace: Brandy Melville | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Happy 2nd of July! Can you believe it?! We're only two days away from the 4th. I'll be delivering Fourth of July outfit inspo all long weekend long here on Bits of Style. My first look is a modern spin on Americana. I wore this same Topshop navy and white stripe midi dress around the holiday last summer. I've styled it a bit differently this time around. I paired the dress with my go-to white Converse to keep the look casual. A vintage wash denim jacket I've had in my closet for ages (I'm talking freshman year of high school) protects arms and shoulders that burn easily. It's lightweight enough that I won't overheat either. A faux leather backpack holds all my summer essentials: sunscreen, sunnies, baseball cap, and a water bottle. For accessories, I chose my favorite gold star choker to play up the stripes on my dress. Stars and stripes scream Independence Day. Gold hoop earrings keep the look well-rounded. Ray-Bans are the finishing touch. Enjoy the festivities, my fellow Americans! 🇺🇸 ⭐ 🎆 ❤️

~Bitsy

Photo credits to my fabulous sister, Maggie (@magsterpiece97).