Trending | Sneaker Love

You guys, this sneaker movement is being welcomed in with open arms. As a former 'sneaker head' my insides (and pinky toes) are rejoicing!

If you're wondering what a sneaker head is exactly, well it's someone who basically spends their entire paycheck (each week) collecting the latest and rarest kicks. Yep, that was me all from high school through college. Not exactly sure when or why I stopped (my bank account said it was for the best), but somehow my sneaker collection was outgrown by my heels and boots. 

Being a sneaker head isn't entirely bad per se, a few kids in my neighborhood managed to turn it into a lucrative business. Wish I did something that savvy at 16!

Currently, the only sneakers in my possession up until recently were my running sneakers which are worn only on runs. Reason being, I run a lot and prefer to keep track of mileage so they're replaced at exactly the right time. 

The few others I had were tossed, given for free via Craigslist, or sold through Twice. I'm sure there's a pair hiding out somewhere but I'm doing my best to declutter the unused and very old.

Hence, definitely needed a supportive pair for errands/everyday with a 90s vibe that could stand out from the sea of New Balance. Then while cruising through Brooks running sneakers (#NerdAlert) I stumbled upon their Heritage collection. These Chariot kicks took me back in time, were freakishly comfortable, and if I had to run for it (i.e. catch the subway during rush hour) there wouldn't be an issue.

So far, these are the bomb.

Sweater: Express (similar here)  Turtleneck: J. Crew  Jeans: AllSaints  Rings: c/o Kendra Scott  Bracelet: c/o Kendra Scott  Necklace: Vintage  Clutch: c/o Lafayette 148  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban  Socks: K. Bell  Sneakers: c/o Brooks  Lipgloss: Make Up For Ever's Rouge Artist Natural in N9

As for accessories, an all-black look calls for amazing found jewelry and the latest pieces from Kendra Scott's Avant Garden collection. You'll definitely be seeing these midi rings from her collection a lot more, they basically go with everything. 

P.s. If you're wondering why my hair suddenly went from down to top knot - let's just say chilly winds and damp hair do not mix.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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TSB: February Rack Up

February, ahh my beloved birthday month filled to the brim with non-stop action. Generously cold and with lots of heart, this was quite the month.

Here's what I wore:

Jacket: c/o Lucy  Shirt: c/o Lucy  Running Tights: Old Navy  Headphones: c/o V-MODA  Sneakers: Saucony

Jacket: Joe Fresh (similar here)  Shirt: c/o Marine Layer  Pants: bebe (similar here)  Boots: Wanted  Messenger Bag: Chrome  Earrings: c/o Capwell+Co  Lipstick: Elizabeth Arden Moisturizing Lipstick in Red Door Red

Moto Jacket: Topshop  Shirt: c/o Le Motto  Skirt: Tart Collections (similar style)  Earrings: c/o thePearlSource.com  Tights: Calvin Klein  Boots: Wanted  Tote: Sorial  Pouch: c/o Quilted Koala  Lipstick: Audrey by NARS

Vest: Zara (similar style)  Sweatshirt: c/o Mother via Piperlime  Jeans: Vigoss  Necklace: Capwell + Co  Shoes: c/o Joe's Jeans via Piperlime  Lipstick: c/o Red Hot Red via Bésame Cosmetics

Jacket: Y-3 (similar style)  Shirt: J. Crew  Jeans: Levi's (similar style)  Necklace: Designz by Dez  Shoes: Shoes Like Pottery  Backpack: c/o Sprayground  Lipstick: Audrey via NARS  Body Oil: c/o Out of Africa

Jacket: bebe (similar here)  Shirt: Express  Skirt: American Apparel  Rings: House of Harlow via Rocksbox  Cuff: Gorjana via Rocksbox  Clutch: c/o Lafayette 148  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban  Tights: Plush Tights  Lipgloss: Electric Lip Slide in Pulp Friction

Read more of Dove's #LoveYourCurls post here.

Dresses, skirts, and anything that can show off my shapely legs were trending for the month. Also, moto jackets. Did I mention I'm saving up for this one and plan on getting rid of all my other moto jackets when and if it happens. Yes, I know it's quite a hefty price tag but if I save every month until next year and invest - I know it will be worth it for years and years to come. Question is, how do I run this by my boyfriend without him getting a heart attack.

What do I foresee next month? No idea but I'm hoping for more color and prints.

Photos were snapped by Victor Cerejo, Lydia Hudgens, and Anna Rosh.

Establishing My Lewk

For those of you working on decluttering your apartment and/or closet - I feel you. I totally understand the feelings of anxiety and confusion when it comes to minimizing the closet. FYI, currently struggling with the shoe collection which is kind of crazy and a first world problem if there ever was one.

There simply had to be a way to a better part with unnecessary things. 

After a night of sorting through denim (some even witnessed high school) my nerves were at an all time high (clutter will do that to ya), I decided to unwind by pinning. Don't ask why - it just works. So there I was pinning my dream bedroom which turned into a few inspirational quotes followed by a few aspirational spring looks. 

Then it hit me - I can use Pinterest as a way to declutter my closet.

Yep, I see those blank faces from over here, so let me explain and start from the beginning. 

Pinterest has given me a way to store all my favorite looks by pinning what made my heart flutter. In turn it gave me an idea, or rather an outline of my lewk - something concrete I can look at and say "ah, that's so me."

Pinterest also gave me a checklist of sorts: items that should remain in my closet and things that gots to go.

Being that I grew up in the age of H&M and Forever21 you can bet there is an influx of NWT (new with tags) crap hanging around waiting to be worn. After experimenting with trends and figuring out what styles worked best on my frame I finally have a clear and concise sense of style that feels like me. 

So whenever I feel the urge to hold onto a pair of sequined booty shorts, I'll give my Pinterest board a look over and remember that it's not part of the road I'm headed towards. It's also pretty handy when cruising Zara.com and reminding myself that nope culottes aren't for me (but they are cute).

For those of style-searching and experimenting with the latest trends, I say keep a Pinteres board and keep a record of either what you wore, looks you would like to try, or looks you absolutely love. It'll help give you an idea of what you lean towards and what you wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole. Another great tool and if you want to take a step further is getting The StyleBook app- it helps you store outfits and manage what you already have in your closet.

Now let's get the conversation going, how did you all figure out what your style is? Do you also keep a record of your favorite outfits and how?

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.