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

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

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)

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

Dream Jeans

Top: Zara (sold out, similar here) | Jeans: LF (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Vans | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out) | Choker: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here) Earrings: Nordstrom Rack |

Hey now! Hey now! This is what jeansssss are made of! Seriously. Lizzie McGuire is singing about them right now. These jeans are the jeans of my D R E A M S!!! They're one of my favorite pairs I have ever owned. I'm in love with the vintage vibe. I got them at LF during their end of the season sale for almost 90% off. If you're going to shop LF, shop their sales. Trust me. I paired my dream jeans with an off the shoulder top from Zara, my well-loved slip-on Vans, Rebecca Minkoff mini bag, big silver hoops, and a velvet rhinestone chocker. I dream of jeans and beautiful spring weather. 

~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

Deport Me, I'm Irish

T-shirt: Teespring | Jacket: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Jeans: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here) | Sneakers: Adidas | Bag: Kate Spade | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (sold out, similar here) | Choker: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here) | Glasses: Warby Parker (sold out)

"Deport Me, I'm Irish." St. Patrick's Day is over, but the threat to 50,000 Irish immigrants living in the U.S. is not. My great grandparents immigrated to America from Ireland. As the saying goes, we are all immigrants. President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration put many people in this country at risk of deportation. The President's intolerance towards those who are seeking a new life in the United States is incredibly disheartening and unconstitutional. That's why when you purchase any of the "Deport Me, I'm Irish" merch I designed, a portion of the proceeds benefits the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU has been working tirelessly to ensure the rights of all human beings are protected. Organizations like them need our support now more than ever. Get your "Deport Me, I'm Irish" merch today.  

~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

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

Onyx Overalls

Overalls: H&M (sold out, similar here) | Top: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: Kate Spade | Choker: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here)

Two things I'm passionate about are wearing black and overalls. I fell in love with this pair when I found them at H&M. They are super comfortable and versatile. I can't wait to style them throughout the fall and winter. For this look, I styled the overalls in a dark and minimalist fashion. I wore a simple black long sleeve ribbed tee, black suede loafers, a lace choker, and Kate Spade mini bag. A dark lip in the shade "Media" by MAC keeps the look extra edgy and autumnal.

~Bitsy

Crochet Coven

Dress: T.J.Maxx (sold out, similar here) | Belt: ASOS | Shoes: Steve Madden | Hat: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here) | Choker: Forever 21(sold out, similar here)

Halloween is tomorrow and wow, did it creep up! I've been in the spooky spirit all week long and my fashion choices certainly reflect that. This look gives off some major coven vibes. I'm in love with this crochet bell sleeve dress from T.J.Maxx. It's super witchy and boho, especially when paired with a western belt, black combat boots, and wide brim fedora. I added a gothic layered choker necklace to up the spooky factor. To complete the outfit, I couldn't forget a bold, dark lip in a vampy, deep berry shade. This one is "Quelle Surprise" by MAC. I am All Hallows' Eve ready! Happy Halloween, everyone!

~Bitsy

Daisy

Dress: H&M (sold out, similar here) | Sneakers: Adidas 'Superstar' | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, similar here) | Watch: Daniel Wellington | Choker: Forever 21

This ditsy daisy print dress is one of my favorites in my wardrobe. It's from the H&M Conscious Collection and made almost entirely from recycled fabric. Unfortunately, the fashion industry is a big polluter. I truly hope more companies make the push towards ethical practices that will keep people and the environment safe and healthy. Aside from being eco-friendly, this dress has an adorable silhouette with a unique cutout detail. I love how the top is more fitted and the bottom has just the right amount of flowy goodness. The simple, girly floral print pops against the navy background. 

To pick up the white of the daisies and keep the look casual, I wore my Adidas 'Superstar' sneakers. A unique silver faux leather choker makes a statement and adds to the minimalist vibe. I carried my blue Rebecca Minkoff backpack for a bright pop of color. There are only so many more days I can wear it before it looks out of place as the leaves turn. As much as I love fall, I'm going to wear this daisy dress as many times as I can before summer's officially over. 

~Bitsy

Dark Side of the Moon

T-shirt: thrifted (similar here) | Jeans: Brandy Melville (sold out, similar here) | Boots: Topshop | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Watch: Daniel Wellington | Tattoo choker: H&M (sold out, similar here) | Lace choker: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here)

Pink Floyd is one of my all-time favorite bands. I love their unique, edgy, and poetic sound. When I found this The Dark Side of the Moon T-shirt left behind in one of my school's residence halls during move out this past spring, I snatched it up. Not sure why someone would want to give away a piece this cool, but I'm happy to give it a new home. The previous owner cut out the neckline of the top which adds a super grungy vibe. 

Since Pink Floyd is a one-of-a-kind band, I wanted to style the T-shirt in a fun and funky way. Vintage-inspired jeans from Brandy Melville, Topshop sock boots, and chokers up the eclectic, rocker aesthetic. A Daniel Wellington watch helps me keep "Time" (pun intended), and Rebecca Minkoff mini bag is perfect when I'm "On the Run" (pun also intended). 

~Bitsy

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QOTOOTD (Quote of the Outfit of the Day)

"Breathe, breathe in the air. Don't be afraid to care. Leave, but don't leave me. Look around and choose your own ground" - Pink Floyd, "Breathe," The Dark Side of the Moon. 

For the Love of Lace

Top: Forever 21 | Skirt: Topshop (sold out, similar here) | Sandals: ASOS (sold out, similar here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Choker: Forever 21 | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Summer 2016 has been loving lace. From lace-up sandals and tops to lacy fabrics, the fashion world is all tied up in the trend and so am I. For this look, I wore lots of lace. Can you really ever have too much? I don't think so! My ASOS lace-up suede sandals mirror the feminine vibe of the Forever 21 boho lace-up crop top nicely. I'm kind of obsessed with how cool this blouse is! The details make it very unique. To complement the laciness of my outfit, I put on a wardrobe staple of mine — this Topshop button-front denim skirt. I kept the jewelry to a minimum with a gothic choker necklace and stud earrings. Ray-Bans shield my eyes from the sun and a mini bag holds the essentials. What's not to love about lace?

~Bitsy

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QOTOOTD (Quote of the Outfit of the Day)

"Stop trying to be somebody else. Don't try to be someone else. Be yourself and know that that's good enough" - Frank Ocean, "Be Yourself."  

Crochet Crop

Top: Forever 21 | Shorts: Levi's (thrifted, similar here) | Belt: ASOS |  Sandals: Sam Edelman | Necklace: Forever 21 | Watch: Daniel Wellington | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban 

Hot days call for cool crop tops. Lately the weather has been in the '90s, which means I've been turning to the '90s and '70s for fashion inspiration. This look is inspired by both grunge and hippie style. The crochet crop top, Levi's shorts, and western belt have a very '70s vibe, yet also nod to eclectic '90s fashion. My gothic choker looks like the necklaces worn in The Craft. 

This edgy, boho outfit wouldn't be complete without a pair of simple sandals, watch, and Ray-Bans. MAC's 'Up The Amp' adds a kiss of color to my lips and brightens up the witchy, Woodstock look. I'm spellbound by summer. 

~Bitsy