Pink in the Park

Equipment blouse (dot version), Marmont dress c/o Gypsy Junkies, Mixx Shuz heels, and Mossimo fringe handbag

Upon spotting this blouse in the store, there may have been an audible gasp and some animated movement (running, really) toward the racks. After glimpsing the heavily reduced price, it was a win-win that left me feeling extremely fortunate.

Although I'd like to think some creativity was involved in the styling of this look, the weather was more of a factor. It informed my choice to layer the blouse over the dress, hence the dress styled as a skirt. Come warmer and sunnier weather, this sleeveless dress will be well complemented by some sandals, sunblock, a floppy hat, and perhaps a picnic basket.  Enjoying lazy moments in the park with some healthy snacks might just become my new favorite pastime.

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Sartorial Supernova

Marni at H&M bracelet, thrifted jacket (similar), dress c/o sheinside, Mossimo handbag, and Michael Antonio heels

We're still experiencing what I call "jacket weather" in my neck of the woods, so I find that lightweight jackets are paramount to my layering efforts this time of year.  To my dismay, it's not quite warm enough for this sheer chiffon dress on its own, so a versatile, non-bulky jacket is the ideal cover-up for foggy and drizzly spring days when the sun refuses to shine.  The softly worn-in and faded feel of this thrift store find was a total score; I find myself reaching for this when I want an effortless layer that imparts a relaxed vibe. 

As for the asymmetrical galaxy printed dress, I'm already daydreaming about how to style it for date night one of these weekends: with metallic or strappy stiletto heels, a patent skinny belt, and a studded moto jacket with the sleeves scrunched up. 

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DailyBuzz Style 9x9 - Styling A Statement Necklace

Thanks to our friends at Accessorize who made this style challenge possible, and are the sponsors of this post. To check out their complete line of jewelry, please visit: http://us.accessorize.com/.

I'm honored to be teaming up with DailyBuzz Style again for another 9x9 feature. This month's challenge is all about how to style a structured gold tone necklace courtesy of Accessorize, a U.K. brand which I became familiar with during past trips to London.  To show the versatility of the necklace, I've decided to play stylist. I've created three daytime looks and included some style notes on each one.

Look #1 channels model-off-duty-meets-rock 'n' roll style for an edgy take on casual insouciance. The low U-neckline of the T-shirt allows the necklaces to become a focal point. Since I wanted to brighten up the look with accessories, I used bold pops of color and gold tones in the jewelry to inject a vibrant touch to the dark tee and tie-dye jeans.  



Top necklace c/o Accessorize, beaded necklace by Xhilaration (similar), Frenchi T-shirt, Cheap Monday tie-dye jeans (another version I love), Sam Edelman boots, Marni at H&M bracelet on right hand, and vintage Coach handbag

For look #2, I styled a madcap print mix for a tropical, earthy feel. Never one to shy away from prints or colors, I find that pairing two seemingly clashing patterns can be executed with ease and aplomb if the prints share a color palette, are similar in scale, or are along the same theme. These two prints scream vacation resort to me. The coral and mint hues complement each other well, and the open crochet neckline of the blouse allows the necklace to become a focal point. I kept the accessories somewhat neutral and simple so they wouldn't overshadow the rest of the outfit.



H&M sunglasses, Calypso for Target blouse (similar), DvF loves Current/Elliott jeans, Qupid heels (colorful alternative), and Zara handbag

Look #3 is the most dressy, and I used animal print boots to play off of the exotic feel of the necklace. The contrast of black lace with casual accessories makes the dress wearable for daytime, and the simple shape of the black dress allows the necklace to shine. With a quick change into strappy heels and the addition of a colorful clutch instead of the satchel, I'd be ready for a night on the town. 



Fire Los Angeles dress (similar), H&M handbag (preppy version), and Forever 21 boots (similar)

And there you have it, one necklace worn three different ways.

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The Layered LWD

Forever 21 lace dress (similar) and hat, Zara jackets (similar floral version) and (similar tweed version), Sam Edelman boots, and Xhilaration handbag


An evening that began as partly cloudy and morphed into an eerily foggy sunset demanded extra layers to ward off the chill. Now that it's spring, I plan on putting my little white dresses in heavy rotation. I'm still waiting for temperatures that don't require extra layers, however, there are certainly benefits to such dreary-looking weather. I promise that the deserted pier isn't as uncanny as it appears. Having the location all to ourselves (save for a few diehard fishermen) was quite a treat.

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A Prada D.I.Y.

D.I.Y. Prada-inspired bandeau, Forever 21 lace jacket, H&M pencil skirt (similar), Zara heels (strappy alternative), and Aldo bag


A combination of leisure time and a recently acquired pile of fabric compelled me to finally try and create my own version of Prada's 1950s-esque spring 2012 bandeau. Last year I became fixated on her banana prints and made a few of my own fruit print pullover tops, but this season, I went to the fabric store in search of kitschy car prints. This scooter print version was the closest thing, and in about an hour, my simple project became a reality. I'm happy to report that as accident prone as I tend to be when I'm near my sewing machine, no fingers were pricked and no needles were broken in the making of this top. Now all I have to do to fulfill my Prada-fueled 1950s obsession is find the perfect cat eye sunglasses and pastel frame handbag.

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When Opposites Attract

Marni at H&M bracelets and jacket and Topanga maxi dress c/o Gypsy Junkies


The relaxed silhouette of this maxi dress makes a strong juxtaposition to this structured jacket that I find myself wearing more often than expected. It was a pairing of opposites - both in color and in shape - that came about on a whim, and I'd be pleased if that happened with more frequency. It reinforces what I've found to be true over and over; it's best to trust your first instincts and not to overthink an outfit.  Just go with what suits your mood and makes you feel most at ease.

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Scenes From the Week

This is a selection of highlights from recent events, meals, and shopping trips. The Instagram collage includes floral pieces from Zara, photoshoot scenery, Melissa Velia's D.I.Y. headband, a special lunch, and my favorite strappy platforms and neon handbag.  You can get sneak peeks at what inspires me (and my shoe obsessions) by following me on Pose and Instagram @thekeytochic.



Regarding my footwear preferences, I finally transitioned from chunky platforms to a more delicate color blocked Zara heel. I thought the day would never come, but a sleek stiletto sandal suddenly feels right. Given the ubiquitous nature of Zara's orange and black versions, I'm confident that this blue/green colorway will be equally as popular.

In other shoe news, while browsing the pragmatic flats and printed apparel at the Keds spring preview last week, I was charmed by a preppy Keds x Opening Ceremony silk blouse with a book print and Peter Pan collar. It was tough deciding which I liked better - the printed dresses or the printed and metallic flats that would look so perfect worn with them on languid summer days.

At the event, bloggers were able to have sketches made of them wearing Keds outfits, which was a unique touch. I had to tear myself away from the clothing in order to attend the Nylon 13th anniversary party at Smashbox Studios, where the cupcakes and oversized magazine mock-ups were overshadowed by sightings of famous faces. Overall, it was a great source of style inspiration just scanning the crowd. After spotting various attendees wearing strappy neon heels, cutout dresses, tie-dye, sequin harem pants, and patent wedges, I was nostalgic for my pre-blogging days of shooting street style.

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April Style

Above are bits and pieces of items that I love for spring. While this doesn't begin to scratch the surface of all the things I'm into this season, it's a little peek at what I've worn recently.  Tweed blazers are one of my new and notable obsessions, and Zara has them covered in case you're in search of one.

From the top:

Zara blazer, Zigi striped wedges (similar), gifted landscape print Motel tee with J Brand jeans, lace bell-sleeved kimono c/o Gypsy Junkies (similar), Xhilaration neon handbag, and Zara bug print blouse

What are your spring obsessions?

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Deceptive Comfort

H&M Guns N' Roses T-shirt and leggings, thrifted denim jacket, high-low skirt and temporary tattoo c/o Gypsy Junkies, Forever 21 bracelets, Bakers handbag (similar), and Sam Edelman Louie boots


Don't be deceived. This might be one of my most convenient ensembles of all time. The core pieces - a tee and leggings - are often the first pieces I reach for when lounging at home, and I'm loyal to them for comfort and functionality during my frequent workouts. Ironically, as casual as the individual pieces are, I felt somewhat dressed up due to the skirt's flowy fabric, long hemline, and the clicking of my heels on the pavers.

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