To Dye For // Tie Dye Loungewear + Activities for Two

Aside from tie dye loungewear and baking banana bread, one of the biggest trends right now is tangible activities. You know — puzzles, cards, Mad Libs (?), Legos, board games, puzzle books, etc. Lucky me, I'm 2 for 3 in the trend department! Scroll for the games Antonio and I have been playing to keep ourselves sane AND for the tie dye set I can't get enough of. ...TBD on the banana bread ;) 

It may be old-school, but there's never been a better time to break out a classic deck of cards — all the better if they're stylish too! And while cards may be a tad more fun with more players, there are some games that work just as well with two. Antonio and I have played:

Egyptian Ratscrew

Crazy Eights

War

Slapjack

Spit

Old Maid

Put on some fun music, get cozy, grab a few snacks, and play away!

My family sent Antonio and me Unstable Unicorns last week, and we finally broke it in this past weekend. I'm not exactly sure we played it ENTIRELY right (there's a lot going on...) but I will say, however we played it, it was definitely a hoot! It also gave us something new to do for a solid chunk of time, which is especially appreciated these days. You better believe we'll be playing it again!

Last but not least, this puzzle book has been our favorite couples activity yet! We've been getting our "mental fitness" on with these challenging-but-still-doable brain games and it has been such a fun way to pass time when we're all Netflixed out. We always look forward to cracking the book open and bonding over these challenges! 

But if you're more of a solo gamer, no worries — these games are actually MEANT to be played alone.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[sweatshirt: aerie // shorts: aerie // socks: Gap // necklace: BaubleBar (super similar one here) // lip color: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in "FU$$Y"]

Hope everyone is still hanging in there. These days, it's the little things, and for me, I've been finding some joy in discovering new things to do with Antonio and wearing cute loungewear (I'm particularly partial to matching sets right now). And a fun burst of colorful tie dye never hurts either!

MORE TIE DYE LOUNGEWEAR:
Champion Tie-Dye Boyfriend Hoodie
Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Renewal Recycled Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Project Social T Oversized Tie-Dye Tee
Out From Under Shiloh Dip-Dye Short
Crop Tie Dye Hoodie
Gracie Tie-Dyed V-Neck Sweater
Melrose Tie-Dyed Maxi Dress
AXIS BOLD AS LOVE SWEATSHIRT
Tie Dye Haze PJ Set
Tie-Dye Bamboo Socks

MORE ACTIVITIES:

Unstable Unicorns card game
Gold Deck of Cards
417 More Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young
One Night Ultimate Werewolf Game
Codenames Board Game
Bananagrams Game
399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young
Paint by Number Daisies

52 Lists for Happiness
DIY Lanyard OR Keychain Kit
Watercolor Painting Jigsaw Puzzle

WFH Chic // Monochrome White + Blazer

Comfort is key when you're at home. Working or not, you want to feel at ease, but — especially in these times — NOT sloppy. And when you've got a Zoom call or an important video chat? You want to go the extra mile without looking like you tried too hard. The solution? Just add a blazer. 

Indoors or outdoors, monochrome is a timeless trend. And on a video chat, it's best to err on the simple side rather than donning something too loud or print-heavy. A classic white tee will always look chic. For further elevation, throw on a blazer and layer a few gold necklaces.

Although your shoes aren't getting much attention right now, slipping into a stylish, comfortable pair can be refreshing — even just for walking around the house. These pink slides almost look like slippers, which makes them the perfect feel-good accessory if you're after a bright burst of color.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: LC Lauren Conrad (old, but I also like this one) // tee: J.Crew // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // slides: Tibi (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // necklaces: gifts (similar styles here, here, and here) // eyeshadow: Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow in "Sassy" // lip color: Stila Beauty Boss Lip Gloss in "Synergy"]

To be honest, I have yet to actually *dress up* for a video chat — work or otherwise. BUT the self-isolation period is still young. I have a feeling I'll be pulling out this blazer trick at some point within the next month ;)

// 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 //

Living for Leopard // Soho Photo Shoot with Gaby Deimeke

I don't care what anyone says, a leopard coat is a winter staple! It's elevated, impactful, and better yet, versatile. I throw mine on whenever my chilly-weather looks need a little more zhush — and you better believe it delivers every time ;)

Chic, modern accessories help take this outfit to the next level. Even something as simple as a pant silhouette can bring your look to new heights. The pants I'm wearing here feature an updated wide leg with a flattering ankle crop, which I love. Throw a sleek bucket bag, pointed booties, and a tortoise shell bar clip into the mix, and this outfit is instantly 2020-approved.

A super easy way to ensure you look polished, is to tuck your top into your pants. I used to HATE doing this (and kinda still do...), which is why I've started to make bodysuits a priority in my closet. You get that pulled-together affect without having to fuss over actually tucking your shirt in — and keeping it in. 

I know it can be a hassle, but trust — if you're wearing anything other than a cropped top, oversized sweater, tunic, or flowy shirt, 9 times out of 10 it looks 100 percent better tucked in. So if you're like me and don't want to deal, a bodysuit is your BFF. 

 Photos by Gaby Deimeke 

[coat: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // bodysuit: J.Crew (I also like this one) // pants: J.Crew // boots: Naturalizer // purse: Staud // necklace: Anthropologie // hair clip: Wunderkin Co. // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick in "Hudson"]

How fun (and gorgeous!) are these photos? I teamed up with NYC photographer Gaby Deimeke (IG here, website here) to capture this winter fashion moment in the streets of Soho. If you're looking for a talented photog, Gaby pretty much does it all — plus she travels for projects and is often in Cali! From weddings to engagement shoots to lifestyle pics, Gaby is SO fun to work with and we had a blast shooting these photos. 

Soho is always an inspiring place to shoot, and Gaby and I got lucky with an overcast day. The two of us just walked around talking, looking for interesting backgrounds, and getting excited when we were able to capture a cab or two in the background (if you know, you know!) I'm already looking forward to an upcoming engagement project Gaby and I have in the works for next month — it should be epic! 

// SHOP //