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

Grunge Garb

Top: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Skirt: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Jacket: thrifted (similar here) | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here) | Tights: ASOS | Choker: H&M | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

This outfit couldn't be more '90s if it tried. All that's missing is a CD player. This look says both "give me your lunch money" and "give me your Hulu account info so I can watch The Handmaid's Tale." I'm, like, getting serious Spinelli from Recess and young Drew Barrymore vibes from this look. I love how effortlessly cool grunge garb is. A black denim button-front skirt paired with a mid-wash denim jacket creates a subtle double denim contrast. I've decked mine out in pins I've thrifted and been gifted. A lace-up tank, fishnets, Doc Martens, and '90s jewelry complete this wicked sweet look. 

~Bitsy

Posh Spice

Dress: Reformation (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here) | Velvet choker: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here) | Silver choker: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here)

Someone told me this look was very Posh Spice. She hadn't even by my outfit inspiration. I was flattered! My style almost always favors the '90s so it's very on-brand. I am always down to wear a little black dress. I paired my favorite one from Reformation with lace up sandals, layered chokers, and a mini bag. "I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want!" I want to "spice up my life" with more '90s summer outfits. 

~Bitsy

Shades of Cool

Jacket: Zara (sold out, similar here) | Top: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Skirt: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here) | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (sold out, similar here) | Bracelet: Tiffany & Co. | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

It's been a bit chilly lately so outfits like these are still on rotation. Who knew it would be 50 degrees when spring is winding down? I'm not going to have summertime sadness, although a bit of sunshine would be nice. This look is one of my all-time favorites. I love how simple yet put together a denim skirt, turtleneck, and (faux) leather jacket is. I like to think the black tights and sock boots make me look taller, but I might be kidding myself. Someone who is barely 5' can only look so statuesque. If these low temps keep up, i'll be living in shades of cool for a while. 

~Bitsy

Sheer Darkness

Jacket: Zara (sold out, similar here) | Top: Brandy Melville | Bralette: Brandy Melville | Skirt: H&M | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here) | Tights: ASOS | Choker: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here)

I feel like a Hex Girl from Scooby Doo and the Witches Ghost. That movie is highly underrated imo. If you want to talk about it, lmk. I'm really into clothes that look like I'm in a coven, especially since the country has been put under some political dark spell. These days, you can find me wearing all black singing along to Harry Styles' album. My personal favorites are "Sign of the Times," "Sweet Creature," "Ever Since New York," "Two Ghosts," and "Meet Me in the Hallway." However, all the songs are divine (much like him). If you haven't given the masterpiece a listen yet, please do! (If you're reading this, Harry, I love you.)

I finally got my hands on the sheer top from Brandy Melville I'd been eyeing for a while. Your first see-through article of clothing counts as some sort of rite of passage, doesn't it? I'm going to go with yes. It's daring. It's edgy. It's totally Cher Horowitz approved. I'm all about it. I paired the barely-there blouse with a lacy black bralette, faux leather jacket, raw-hem denim skirt, fishnets, and Doc Martens. MAC lipstick in 'Model Behaviour' adds the finish touch. If you're going '90s goth, you have to go all the way. This look is sheer darkness.

~Bitsy

The Midi

Jacket: Zara (sold out, similar here) | Top: Nordstrom (sold out, similar here) | Skirt: Aritzia | Shoes: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Kate Spade (sold out, similar here) | Choker: H&M (sold out, similar here) | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack

We are right in the "midi" of spring! Summer is right around the corner and I cannot wait! Boston has been on the cooler side lately, so outfits like this one are perfect for the crisp temps. I am obsessed with this knit midi skirt I got at the Aritiza sale back in February. Aritzia's sales are amazing! You can find some incredibly stunning items. I styled the midi with all black pieces, (no surprise), as its sleek silhouette suits the classic, stark shade. An off the shoulder crop top compliments the high waist and block heeled sandals literally tie the look together. My signature faux leather Zara jacket is the finishing touch. 

~Bitsy

Dark Spring

Top: Nordstrom (sold out, similar here) | Skirt: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out) | Choker: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here) | Tights: ASOS (sold out, similar here) 

Just because it's springtime doesn't mean I won't stop wearing all black. The sun is shining, clouds are in the big blue sky, but I prefer to be cloaked in darkness. (A bit dramatic, I know.) I don't care what season it is; I will wear black.

For this dark look, I wore a black denim skirt with an off the shoulder crop top, a favorite of mine. Fishnets and Dr. Martens make the look extra edgy. A velvet rhinestone choker and black mini bag accessorize the outfit. Dark spring is my thing.

~Bitsy

Grunge Girl

Top: Nordstrom (sold out, similar here) | Jeans: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here) | Flannel: Target (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Fishnets: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Choker: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here) | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (sold out, similar here)

I've been digging grunge looks lately. They are effortless and make me feel powerful; like I can conquer the busy day ahead. The key to putting a grunge outfit together is layering. I wore fishnets under my distressed mom jeans to create a unique mix of texture. I tied my favorite monochrome flannel around my waist and went for an off the shoulder crop top. I accessorized with a blingy velvet choker and oversized silver hoops. Dr. Martens, a grunge icon, complete the look. 

~Bitsy

The Statement Coat

Coat: thrifted | Top: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Jeans: H&M (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out) | Belt: ASOS | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (sold out, similar here)

I've said it before and I'll say it again; thrifted finds are the best finds. My love for this vintage camel coat with a faux fur collar is everlasting. I found it at Urban Renewals in Allston, MA this past fall. It makes an outfit. There's just no way around it. This coat is a look in itself. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen would totally rock it. This coat is shamelessly extra. I can't get enough.

To play off the '70s vibes of the dramatic piece, I paired it with my favorite flare jeans and a basic black turtleneck. For accessories, I chose silver oversized hoop earrings and a western belt. Simple black boots and a mini bag complete the outfit.

~Bitsy 

Blue Print

Dress: Topshop (sold out) | Top: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Bag: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Glasses: Warby Parker

The alternate title to this post is "Grunge Librarian." (Fun fact: I worked in my hometown library throughout high school.) Honestly, the Docs are really the only element of this look that makes it grunge. I suppose the layering is a little rebellious though (at least I like to think it is). This blue, printed Topshop dress is one of my favorites. I love the fit and flare silhouette and geometric pattern. The yellow thread in it matches the stitching on my Docs, which I dig. Details are the cornerstone of my style blueprint. 

~Bitsy

French Stripes

Top: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here) | Skirt: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out) | Tights: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Watch: Daniel Wellington 

The brick-paved streets of Boston's historic Beacon Hill are perfect for wandering down when you want to escape reality for a moment and pretend you're in a Parisian village far far away from the land of "the president who shall not be named." It's been very warm lately, and by very warm I mean in the 60s and 70s, which is both lovely and disturbing. As I mentioned in my last post, we can thank global warming for that. Fishnets and skirts have been my weird weather go-tos. For this look, I paired them with a black and white stripe mock neck top, loafers, and mini bag for French-inspired flair. 

~Bitsy

Angst

Dress: Tularosa | Top: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Jacket: Zara (sold out, similar here) | Tights: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Topshop (sold out, similar here) Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out) | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack

Boston is melting! It's bizarre that it has been in the high 50s and 60s lately, especially since we had a blizzard about two weeks ago and over a foot of snow. It's only February! Global warming is not being subtle. I figured I might as well take advantage of the angsty weather by wearing an angsty outfit. I haven't worn my denim dress since October so it was nice being able to wake it up from wardrobe hibernation. I paired the frock with fishnets and layered a simple black turtleneck underneath since it's certainly not sleeveless weather quite yet. My trusty faux leather jacket is the perfect topper piece. Ankle boots, a mini bag, and oversized silver hoops complete the edgy look. 

~Bitsy