Masked Up // No-Sew, No-Cut Face Mask Tutorial

This past weekend, it became official in NYC: wearing a face mask/covering is now required in public places where social distancing is not possible. More secure than a scarf, I've been wearing this DIY face mask. Scroll down to watch how I made it — and to see what I wore it with on my bi-weekly grocery run.

Just like the rest of the city, I'm staying home as much as I can. Aside from my near-daily social-distance runs, I only venture out every two weeks to purchase groceries and occasionally to buy toiletries at Duane Reade across the street. A few days ago, it was grocery time.

Since going to Whole Foods is now a "dress-up" occasion, I like to look a bit more polished than I do in my usual self-isolation getup. I teamed black joggers with a matching cropped tank, and my favorite Veja sneakers. To pull it all together, I threw a burgundy bomber jacket on top, taking the outfit from fitness studio to street style.

 Of course I took along my trusty self-constructed face mask. To create it, I used a normal sized bandana and simply folded it a few times, looping each end through a hair tie. I am NOT a crafty person, but making this was so easy — no cutting or sewing required!

And of course, sometimes I still wear it like this too — folded in half on the diagonal and tied in the back. In my opinion, bandanas are the most versatile (and easy!) way to create a face mask. But if you're looking for other options, the CDC is a great resource. Just make sure whatever you're wearing covers your nose, mouth, and chin.

Photos/Video by Antonio Owens 

[top: Aritzia (other similar ones here and here) // sweat pants: Reebok (similar pairs here and here) // jacket: Vince (similar styles here and here) // sneakers: Veja // choker: Uncommon James // initial necklace: Anthropologie // purse: vintage Fendi from my mom // tote bag: BCBG (I also like this one) // bandana: Urban Outfitters (similar style here]

When choosing a bandana to use as a face covering, make sure it's 100% cotton. Per current CDC guidelines, that's what's known to be most effective. Every option I've linked to below, is in fact 100% cotton — prices starting at just three dollars.

Stay well <3 

CUTE BANDANAS:

Springtime Blues // Cropped Chambray + Leather Pants

My world definitely doesn't look like this right now. These were taken much earlier in the month when 2020 Spring Fashion was a still a thing. Now we're all wearing a whole lot more sweat pants and a whole lot less high heels. But while this isn't the year ANYONE had in mind, it won't last forever. Until then, I'm trying to get more creative around the apartment while enjoying spring from the comfort of our home.

It's hard to resist a red-lip-denim moment. I love this combo any time of year, but I love even MORE how it came together here with leather trousers, round shades, and an artwork-esque bag. This look is chic, simple, yet majorly impactful.

When I first spotted this STAUD bag online, I fell in love with its unique shape. STAUD has some of the prettiest, most original purses I've seen, and they're true outfit game-changers. The amount of polish this bag adds to my outfit shouldn't be legal ;)

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[top: Rag & Bone (I also like this one) // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // boots: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: STAUD // sunglasses: The Row x Linda Farrow (similar pair here) // necklace 1: Uncommon James // necklace 2: Uncommon James // earrings: Kendra Scott (charms here, hoops here) // hair clip: Wunderkin Co. // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics liquid matte lip kit in "Kristen"]

These are the last of the extra photos Antonio and I took before the Earth flipped upside down. Clearly we won't be able to hit the streets of New York anytime soon for a photo shoot, which definitely hits a somber note — on more levels than one.

I'm not sure how my blog will look moving forward, but we'll take it one week, one day at a time. For now, I'm more thankful than ever for mine and my family's health. Stay well, everyone <3 

// SHOP //

Rock On // Snake Print Dress + Leather Jacket

A leather moto jacket is SUCH a rockstar piece. Not only is it a closet hero, but — I don't know about you — it effortlessly makes ME feel like an actual celebrity every time I slip it on. Add combat boots and a mini dress and you've got a winning combo that's chic, modern, and hella edgy. 

A dress with combat boots? How very 90s! Make it current by incorporating a so-now print like snakeskin, double hoop earrings, and an on-trend statement bag that's guaranteed to ring in the compliments.

You all know I'm a sucker for animal print. Throw some leather into the mix, and I've got a confidence-boosting ensemble worthy of a night out. This is the kind of weekend look I could easily spend all day and/or night in and feel completely comfortable and like myself.

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[dress: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // jacket: Topshop (similar style here) // boots: SOREL // headband: Sephora (similar style here) // purse: STAUD // earrings: vintage courtesy of my mom (similar styles here and here) // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in "Backtalk"]

Antonio and I snapped these photos in Gramercy Park two weekends ago — before the current madness began. It feels a little strange to be posting as normal, but the truth is, I love sharing my outfits on this platform and I don't want to stop doing that. I need this creative outlet, and I also need a fun distraction. I hope you do too.

I know a look like this isn't something anyone will be wearing anytime soon. But enjoying fashion again is something I'm looking forward to once things start getting back to normal. For now, we must power through and not just carry on, but ROCK on. We got this!

// SHOP //

Wild Card // Leopard Midi Dress + Trench Coat

Spring is a wild card. With chilly, frosted mornings and warm, sun-soaked afternoons, dressing can be tricky to say the least. You never know what you're going to get, which means layers are key. So is an effortless look that'll take you from day to night — preferably with leather and animal print ;)

This leopard midi dress is a current favorite of mine and has been since fall. Now that it's not freezing outside, I've been able to dust it off and try my hand at styling it in new ways. Here, I've layered it over a mock neck bodysuit and under a chic trench coat. Pointed-toe booties with an angular heel complete my spring-ready ensemble. 

I've said it one hundred times and I'll say it one hundred more: playing with layers is SUCH an easy way to add interest to any outfit — not to mention warmth. Get creative! This bodysuit under this dress helps breathe new life into my look; it adds dimension and polish in an instant. 

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Banana Republic (almost sold out, but this one is similar) // turtleneck bodysuit: Express (similar one here) // coat: Ann Taylor (old, but here's a similar style) // boots: Naturalizer // clutch: Hobo (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // earrings: gift (similar pair here) // lip color: Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick in "Joyride"]

My sister and I snapped these photos this past weekend in Atlanta. Antonio and I stayed at a charming bed and breakfast in the Inman Park neighborhood, which is where these pics were taken. Spring is already busting out all over the city — so much green! So many flowers! It was refreshing all around and made me even more jazzed for warmer weather here in New York. This is the kind of outfit I can see myself wearing rain, shine, or whatever this fickle season has to offer! Bring. It. On.   

// SHOP //

Beige is the Rage // Sweater Hoodie + Plaid Pants

Who says beige has to be boring? Neutrals are one of the year's most noteworthy trends, but they're also one of the most wearable — and fun. After all, they're a blank canvas just waiting to be accessorized!

A fancier version of your typical hoodie, this sweater is especially versatile in a muted tone like beige. I teamed it with a glitzy headband and statement zebra purse to give it some oomph. Meanwhile, plaid pants and tough combat boots provide a trendy 90s-esque edge. 

This look keeps it cozy while thinking outside the box. Elevated with work-appropriate trousers and a crossbody worthy of a Friday night, it's extremely comfortable without sacrificing style — or polish. That, my friends, is the goal! 

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[hoodie: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // pants: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // boots: Sorel // purse: KENZO (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: Elizabeth & James (I also like this pair) // necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in "Hudson"]

I actually wore this outfit on Christmas Day, which, in my family, is a casual affair consisting of playing games, eating food, and straight up relaxing. On the other hand, I've also worn this outfit to work. To be fair, my office does not have a strict dress code, but it's an unofficial rule that you show up looking polished, professional, and put-together. This ensemble is all three...with pants so stretchy they feel like leggings! In short, it's what everyday outfits are made of.

// SHOP //