Sucker for Lace

One of the many style challenges I came head to head with myself was, “how do I re-wear my bridesmaid dress?”

Because of the fabric and cut, the dresses ended up hanging in the back of my closet, never seeing the light of day. Another option, that has never been utilized, was tailoring it into a brand new piece. When it came time to partner with Gather and Gown I really wanted to put my casual spin on their lace dress.

I was, and still am, big into wearing sneakers with dresses. The vintage vest and black sunnies helped pull the look together with an edgy vibe. I was very into this look and still have the dress for more casual opportunities!

Let me know in the comments if you would re-wear your bridesmaid dress.

Photos by Mark Kim.

Dress: Gather and Gown (love this alternative!) Vest: Rag and Bone (similar here) Sunglasses: Old (love this option!) Shoes: Vans Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury in Red Carpet Red

The Old Navy Dress Everyone Is Wearing

This dress has been making the rounds on Instagram lately and for good reasons.

It's affordable, it's cute and amazing quality.

It's from my rediscovered favorite, Old Navy.

Side note, it's kind of interesting how Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy are all sister brands with similar styles but Old Navy is killing it. They're so quick to deliver on value and trends in recent years that I highly recommend popping into your nearest store or surfing their newest arrivals here. 

However, you should keep in mind you get what you pay for. Namely, the sizing still needs a bit of work as I find most pieces to run big. To be fair, Zara doesn't have the best sizing reputation either so this is where you handy neighborhood tailor comes in handy.

Another summer staple you'll want to use daily... Sunscreen. Not only is it the most powerful skincare product we can use against premature aging and skin cancer, but they're so many different variations and formulas. There's no excuse to not make it a part of your daily routine.

I've been using this one from La Mer religiously, mainly to finish the formula before it expires, but these always make their way back into my skincare routine. This one from Asia, in particular, is my ABSOLUTE favorite.

Dress: Old Navy (similar here)  Necklace: Gold Chain (love this one!)  Sunglasses: Foster Grant  Watch: Capwell + Co (here's an affordable option)  Ring: Old (love this too!)  Boots: Cat Footwear  Lipgloss: 22 via Kylie Cosmetics

I couldn't end this post without mentioning how much I love this photo series by Mark. We connected on Instagram, decided to meet up and shoot around Long Island City. He's honestly so talented so make sure you check out his page here.

We shot two looks so can't wait to share the second look with you soon!

Photos by Mark minsoo Kim.

Shop the look:

The Little Black Dress w. Pink Suede Heels

I've been clearing out some digital clutter on my end and organizing my past photos when I realized... I never actually did a style post on this look... AND that my sister still hasn't returned my favorite little black dress.

Well, looks like I'll be paying her a visit real soon. In the meantime, let's chat summer weddings and platforms heels that are meant to be seen.

As much as we try to avoid the cost of attending one (local or abroad) it's the memories that make it so worth it. In fact, I'm currently in the throes of planning one to Norway next month. It's a new-to-me country in every sense of the phrase so I'm staying positive about not knowing the language.

I haven't looked into the weather but have a feeling it's nothing like NYC's hot and humid hell. With that being said, this little black dress might be perfect for the ceremony or any of the pre-wedding festivities. It's also a pretty easy piece to layer with as well.

But for the sake of my Northeastern babes, I'm going to prep as if a muggy day awaits me. In that case, I would wear the bare minimum and 1-2 statement pieces. (Cause this girl CAN sweat). In this case, my go-to conversation starters are my heart-shaped purse and my sky-high platform heels.

Now being as tall as I am, I tend to shy away from heels. But what's the point of collecting drool-worthy pairs that go unworn? So, in the past few years, I made it a point to wear my fanciest heels to anything that requires a RSVP & gift.

Weddings, bridal + baby showers, holiday parties - the list goes on and these heels are coming with.

"But how do you stay in them all day long?"

Um... I don't. I have yet to find an ultra comfortable pair for my flat feet so my purse du jour always stores a pair of foldable flats. But, the day this becomes unnecessary I'll make sure to spread the good news on the shoes all over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter... EVERYTHING.

Dress: Ramy Brook (similar style)  Heels: Banana Republic (similar & under $40)  Necklace: La Soula  Purse: Ora Delphine  Lipgloss: 22 via Kylie Cosmetics

As for the dress, it's from a brand called Ramy Brook. The line is incredibly luxe and lightweight making it the perfect choice for any summer wedding or date. It's on the pricier side, so if you're on a budget or looking to save I highly recommend setting up eBay alerts or ShopStyle notifications on the brand because everything they make is so good! Plus, if you can save a few dollars why not?

The Norway wedding is in about five weeks so if you've been to Olso before please share tips and recommendations on what to do or expect. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram before I take off on my adventure too!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

Shop the look: