The Stylist Kit for Everyday + Beyond

Remember this post and how I vowed to be more conscious on what I was bringing home? So far, so good. I haven't fallen astray to tempting sales (and they are tempting). Instead I've been purging my closet of the old and forgotten pieces. Lots of things have been donated and a few have been sold on Poshmark. For the special pieces that survived the purge, I intend on making them last with my tailor and look their best with my stylist kit

"What exactly is a stylist kit," glad you asked.

Image via J. Crew

Image via J. Crew

A stylist kit can be thought of as your fashion emergency kit. Got white fuzzies all over your black sweater, reach for that kit. Unintentional deodorant skid marks on a tee, reach for that kit. Popped a button, reach for that kit. See where I'm going with this. Why waste the outfit when your kit is there to save the day. 

For those of you in the market for a pre-made kit, I suggest going with Fashion First Aid kit curated by Lauren Messiah (co-founder of School of Style). This kit has basically everything for your next gig or fashion mishap. For those of you knee-deep in wedding season, consider this your best friend for rehearsal dinners and the big day. This kit prevented hot mess syndrome during sweaty Miami fashion, so its pretty solid to say the least.

The kit comes complete with: folding scissors, lint roller, sewing kit, tagging gun, tape measure, safety pins, double sided tape, skid out deodorant packets, drool remover sponges, bra strap holder, heel fixers, shoe grips, nipple covers, garment guards, purse shine, sole glow. See complete details here.

Image via Brit + Co

Image via Brit + Co

For those of you wanting to DIY your own kit, consider these essential basics to be stored in an all-clear bag (easier to find what you need): 

- mini deodorant + deodorant remover or a small sponge: smell good and avoid the white stains.

- Band-Aids: great for blisters and unexpected cuts. I carry a few in my beauty bag too!

- safety pins, binder clips/clothespin, double-sided tape: these are great for hemming or holding any piece on the go.

- nipple covers: turn off the low-beams when they're not invited.

- nude underwear: sometimes our clothing may be a little more sheer than expected. Avoid any embarrassing moments with nude or black undies. 

- tide to-go: because life happens and stains come along with it.

- lint roller: helps keep the fuzzies at bay.

- foot petals, heel liners + shoe pads: to prevent feet fatigue on those long days.

- static guard, small sewing kit, and scissors: necessities for any kit.

I know it sounds like a lot but you'll be happy to have them when the bad ju-ju strikes, especially that tide to-go pen. Is there anything I missed that should be added?

P.s. You don't need to be a stylist to have a stylist kit, in fact think of it as your fashion emergency kit!

NYFW | What to Wear

When MAJOR models agency is in your building, you kind of get the hint as to when NYFW is upon us. AND, my friends - it is upon us. There is nothing we can do to stall it, but we can prepare for it. With a few challenges (full-time job, uncooperative weather, and subways as transportation) thrown in of course, here's what I'll be wearing for NYFW.

This kick-ass printed dress inspired by Women We Love in New York is what I'll be wearing. Curious to see who Lafayette 148 chose, read all about that here.

When one enters the tents, let alone the sidewalk where all the hustle and bustle is happening, you want to feel and look confident, strong, and on point. Wearing this dress makes all that happen for me and more which is why I'm excited to rock it during Fashion Month. 

Coat: Planet London  Dress: borrowed via Lafayette 148 (up to size 18)  Over the Knee Boots: Zara (similar style)  Necklace: c/o Capwell+Co  Earrings: c/o Capwell+Co  Purse: Rebecca Minkoff  Foundation: Ready Set Gorgeous by Covergirl  Lipstick: Audrey by NARS

As for the challenges, I got it all covered. This dress would crush it at the tents as it would at an office presentation. The chunky heels on my boots make slugging from the East to the West side and then back again, bearable (#subwaylife). And saying no to exposed knees, toes, and midriffs (+ a warm coat) will keep me warm compared to those baiting the street style photographers. 

So, what do you think - would you say I'm ready for tents?

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

Shop the look:

NYFW: SS 2015 Round Up

I'm probably way late on this round up of my favorite designers and styles, but hopefully it will be well worth the wait. I did manage to see a few shows and get acquainted newer designers. With so many beautiful designs on the way for SS 2015, next year is going to be an amazing year for fashion. 

Bela Criacao, Portuguese for "Creations," is a brand inspired by the sights, sounds, colors, and culture of South Americam and made in New York City. Obviously I fell in love with her bright use of color and two piece separates. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a few day to night transitional pieces for my wardrobe.

Yoana Baraschi's spring 2015 collection is inspired by her love of Africa. Particularly, the bold photographic style of the Yoruba people's formal portraits (1960-1970), the explosive  Highlife music style, and the bewitching colors of the Afrian sunsets. I am beyond obsessed with her use of tribal patterns and extreme colors, they definitely scream Style Boro!

Snowman's coats and raincoats are a godsend to us in the North. Their down coats aren't of the bulky variety instead they are thin and crazy warm. I am particularly fond of their Action collection, a colorful array of rain coats made for our Urban life. All are chic and provide lightweight comfort. After watching their show it has dawned on me that I own neither garment and that yes I am crazy for believing layers can protect me from Vortexes.

Light as air... #JMENDEL #SS15 @gillesmendel #nyfw #CFDAnyfw

A photo posted by J. Mendel (@j_mendel) on

J. Mendel was insanely beautiful. For spring 2015, Gilles Mendel collaborated with artist, Enoc Perez, for a vibrant collection that contains an intensity of print, color, and texture within a framework of sleek and architectural lines. The shoes (Manolo Blahnik for J. Mendel) to the kooky colored furs had me drooling in my seat.

@adrianalima.... Girl you are FOINE 🔥🔥🔥 @desigual #NYFW

A photo posted by Aileen O. (@thestyleboro) on

Desigual had the best energy out of all the shows, and it had an amazing opener and closer on the runway... Adriana Lima! Lots of fun colors, not too serious, loud prints and great fashion. Lucky for you this Spanish retailer has their catwalk available on youtube so we can both relive this moment. View it here.

Katty Xiomar a, another pleasant surprise from NYFW. Her spring 2015 collection was shown at Nolcha Fashion Week, a great place to scout independent designers. Xiomara showcased lots of geometric patterns and her clothes had more of a punk feel, but surprisingly feminine - both of which I welcome with open arms! Expect to see more from this award-winning designers. 

Any designers you had fun exploring with me? Let me know in the comments below.