White Coat

By Amra B.

I was usually not the one to experiment with color in winter; black is my staple color during this season, and as the saying goes, “it is my happy color.” However, recently I discovered this beautiful-white-sweater coat, and had to try and incorporate it into my wardrobe. It was an instant success: I quickly realized that white perfectly suits everything I own. I also realized how amazingly fresh it looked in comparison to the sea of black and grays around me.

I wear my white coat with denim, black, and brown pieces. It is entirely versatile and can be worn over a dress (like I did in the photos below) or combining it with ripped jeans (example below). My tip: go for the popular minimalist aesthetic and keep it basic; combine the white coat with solid prints for a sleeker look.  

Wearing the white coat with denim 

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Outfit (below): Coat Zara, dress Elizabeth and James, boots and hat Zara, purse Salvatore Ferragamo

How to Get the Boho Chic Look

By Elma B.

Origins of the Boho-Chic Look: Secret Brotherhood 

Although Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Mary-Kate Olsen were the pioneers of the modern day boho-chic look, the bohemian style dates as far back as mid 1800s to a brotherhood of English painters, poets, and critics (known as the Pre-Raphaelites), and of course the gypsies inhabiting Spain and Morocco. The boho-chic look reached its peak in the 1960s with the hippie psychedelia and the make love and not war mindset. Overall, bohemian fashion encapsulates the nomadic, non-bourgeois, and the free-spirited lifestyle.  

Although some say that the boho-chic look drifts in and out of fashion, I agree with journalist Bob Stanley that "the late 1960s are never entirely out of fashion, they just need a fresh angle to make it de jour." The carefree boho look has withstood many centuries and has made its colorful imprint on the fashion world. 

How to Get the Boho-Chic Look: 

Me

Above (and below) you see my look, which was inspired by the bohemian lifestyle and adapted to New York City lifestyle. So, how do you incorporate this look into your wardrobe? Here are some styling tips on how to get the boho-chic look:

1. Free flow fashion items. Pick items that are loose, e.g., long dresses, twirly skirts or shirts with loose and long sleeves. The items need to be the opposite of tight. Comfort and free flow are key. 

2. Chunky and vintage accessories. The jewelry needs to have a vintage feel, try copper. Pick unique pieces that have animal shapes, e.g., snakes, owls, bull heads, and eagles. Large vintage necklaces or head pieces will complete your look. 

3. Embroidery. Embroidery on clothing or accessories, e.g., head pieces, gives that extra touch to boho-chic pieces. Embroidery on top or a free flowing dress is a modern twist added to many dress-up pieces. 

4. Loose locks. Just like clothing, tight hair is the opposite of the bohemian look. The beachy waves and I just got out of the bed look work well for a bohemian hairstyle. 

Whatever you pick to complete the boho chic look, keep in mind that the opposite of polished in bohemian; instead, rough around the edges with lots of love is more like it. Until next time, stay chic, lovable and elegant, xo from New York! 

For more on how to get the boho-chic look with Moroccan twist, click here. 

Office Chic: Top 5 Work Fashion Essentials

By Elma B.

I am a huge fan of elegance and understated glamour, which are both fitting styles for almost anyone's work wardrobe. And no, you don't have to look like a boring bureaucrat to look professional at work. I wanted to provide you with some styling tips on looking chic and elegant in while at the office. 

Top Work Fashion Essentials 

1. Solid Colored Pencil Skirt. Solid colored pencil skirts will go a long way for your work wardrobe. You can wear it countless of times with a colored blazer or a patterned blouse. Below, I am wearing a solid colored white pencil skirt. 


2. Fitted Blazer. The secret to finding a perfect blazer is to know your measurements, do not pick any off the rack. Ask the sales associate to measure you, and then pick one according to your proportions or even have it altered. This way, that fitted blazer will go a long way in your everyday work wardrobe. Another styling tip, steer clear from wearing collared shits beneath the blazers so you do not bulk-up, look like a man, and feel super uncomfortable. 

Me

3. Pencil dress. Victoria Bekcham has been the pioneer of the modern pencil dresses. Although I own a few, I am a huge fan because of the elegant and understated appearance of the cut. Also, I am a fan of any work wardrobe that does not make a woman look like a man. 

4. Black Stiletto Heels. Sure, why not, add a little bit of sexy to your wardrobe! Women do not have to look like a man to produce an excellent work product, be who you are! Do not be afraid to look feminine and beautiful. 

5. Clutch with a thin strap. Just a plain clutch without a strap can be uncomfortable and hard to handle, especially if carrying another bag with a larger load. A small clutch with a thin strap makes you look effortless and under control. Did I mention that a small clutch has the power to downsize the look of any bulky work wardrobe? 

Whatever items you decide to wear to work, my top fashion tip is that you pick out clothes that fit your body type. Here are the exact directions on how to dress for your body type. For instance, if you are an apple shape, do not wear a skin tight pencil dress that lets your stomach rolls show! 

Equally as important as the former paragraph: always choose one size bigger than your actual size. Err on choosing a bigger size than a smaller size. Also, your looks will always look more effortless with looser clothes. Below, you will find an example of how I styled my work wardrobe. Until next time fashionistas, stay cool and chic, xo from New York! 

Simple Black Pumps

By Amra B. 

Recently, my sister and I both purchased the same pair of black pumps and have not been taking them off ever since. I am really into stretchy-below-the-knee dresses lately and these simple black pumps complement the dress perfectly. Generally, I find them so versatile and feel like they can be combined with almost anything in my wardrobe. Below are some tips on how to wear a simple black pump: 

• Wear them with boyfriend jeans: one of my favorite ways to style boyfriend jeans is to combine them with a simple black pump. Black pumps instantly add a dash of glamour to this otherwise casual style. 

• Wear them with a pencil skirt: look perfectly chic in the office by pairing up black pumps with a pencil skirt. Black pumps are perfectly suited for any skirt below the knee due to their ability to visually elongate your legs. 

• Combine them with a little black dress: for a perfect cocktail party look, pair up your simple black pumps with an LBD. For an extra dash of glamour, add a red lipstick and a clutch. 

Wishing you a great week! 

Outfit: Dress Custo Barcelona, moto jacket Mango, shoes Zara, purse Stella McCartney

Top 5 Fashion Essentials for Winter

By Elma B.

Recently, I have been downsizing my closet, and focusing on keeping and buying only basics. I read this rule that said something along the lines: "I will not purchase a piece of clothing unless I can wear it over a 1,000 times." It is a smart approach to shopping because almost all of us can confess to buying so many pieces and wearing them maybe once...or twice. 

My biggest recommendation for downsizing your closet is to buy basics and buy quality items. Figure out your budget, and see what is the best you can get. My tip: try digging for those vintage one of a kind pieces in a consignment shop. Other than that, here are the fashion essentials to keep you warm, cozy and chis this season...

Top 5 Fashion Essentials for Winter: 

1. Faux-fur leopard print coat. Leopard print remains timeless. It is an easy print to wear with red, black, beige and even jeans. 

2. Wedge sneakers. Besides being ultra comfortable, they look chic and effortless. Buy a light brown or a black pair that you can pair-up with almost anything. 

3. A huge cashmere black scarf. I cannot say enough about this scarf, it goes with anything and feels ultra soft. This cashmere item is definitely worth the little investment. 

4. Opaque pair of black stalkings. I am a huge fan of Wolford's because of their impeccable style and quality. These stalkings have lasted me about two years now. 

5. Black clutch. The one that I am wearing is vintage Salvatore Ferragamo. Find one that suits your personality, and you can pair with just about anything. It is timeless, elegant and chic. 

The key to fashion essentials is that you see yourself wearing those pieces over and over again and quickly making them look cool while you are on the go. More on how to get the everyday casual-chic style look here. Below, you will see my look in winter basics; they were quick to combine and did I mention very comfortable and warm? Until next time, stay gorgeous and warm, xoxo from New York!