Long Dress, Tall Boots



Today’s outfit of the day is perfectly suited for the early Fall weather notorious to October. It features a beautifully patterned maxi style dress with creamy undertones, muted reds, blues, and some mustard yellows. Besides the stunning pattern, the dramatic leg slit and crossed neckline make this dress stand out. I took advantage of the leg slit by zipping up some suede thigh high boots.

To coordinate with the black boots I layered a Criss cross “cage” styled bra. The bra adds an eye catching dimension to the ensemble. I kept my purse small with a small saddle bag from Nasty Gal. I don’t normally wore make up but today I put some Bobby Brown Lipstick on to coordinate with the color pallet of my outfit. 

How was everyone’s Saturday? Mine was super productive traveling all over the city for various errands.

With love,

Anna B 

Fall Florals OOTD

Wearing: Culottes (similar) | Ankle Boots | Crop Top (similar) | Jacket

While florals for spring are less then ground breaking, florals for fall are a bold yes in my book. By picking the warm red as a background color the muted black, white, and grey tones in my pants definitely lend themselves to the fall. I paired the culottes with an effortless black crop top and two choker styled necklaces.

Right now in New York, the weather is frigid until midday so I layered my muti green army styled patch work jackets and my favorite little black ankle boots complete with cut outs and velvety swirl pattern.

However, by 1 pm the weather turns super warm which makes these light weight and loose culotte styled pants ideal when paired with the crop top. It take of the jacket, tie it around my waist, and viola I am weather appropriate. Pick an outfit that is adaptable and leaves you with multiple options in the seasonn of unpredictable weather. Because the colors are muted and dark, using black as my base color allows me to mix multiple patterns and styles.

With love,

Anna B

Check out these pictures and moron Instagram (@runandfollow)!

Campus Daze

In the whirlwind of visiting numerous colleges and finalizing decisions that will basically determine my future, my mom and I spent some extra time exploring the towns that form around colleges. I love the environment of local coffee shops and how big brand stores like LF, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologies get speckled in with various bars and local boutiques. The last college I visited, right outside of Boston, was a 10 minute drive from Harvard Square. Despite rainy conditions, my mom and I suited up and explored the college culture.

I wore super shredded Carmar jeans; these are made especially unique by the five completely exposed buttons. Ripped jeans are perfect for in between weather because they offer some warmth, and in this case protection from the rain, while also allowing a slight breeze from the sticky heat.

On top I slipped into a super comfy mint green shirt featuring an antique bicycle logo, and layered a cozy cardigan over it. This cardigan gave me such an old school, school girl vibe with its white piping and longer length. Finally to hold my necessities I used a powder blue purse. Keeping is casual and cool I slipped on my personalized white Converse sneaks.

My hair was not feeling the weather, and traveling has its downsides (yes I am thinking about my mismatched socks in these photos) so I just tied my hair in a top knot styled half up do. Of course the perfect accessory was a cup of piping hot White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks and an open mind.

With love,

Anna B

NYFW Experience

So no, I wasn’t front row for any shows…or backstage, honestly I had no huge impact on Fashion Week but goodness gracious my tentative experience had a huge impact on me. I’m going to talk about what I wore and my experience here but also feel free to check out my latest video HERE. Where I discuss other aspects of my experience as well as detail my summer internship and a SURPRISE DISCOUNT for my store!

Like any fashion enthusiast or person interested in the industry, I have grown up in awe and social media stalking the glorious fashion marathon that comes around twice every year. Designers, make up artists, photographers and models alike work all year to make an impact and influence fashions next season.

On Saturday September 10th, one of my dearest friends and my sister commuted into the city walking to Pier 16 where Tommy Hilfiger and Gigi Hadid had debuted their collection the night before. Pier 16 had be transformed into a Gigi themed carnival incorporating Tommy’s iconic colors. There was various rides games, and best of all two pop up shops, the first shop contained vintage Tommy such as overalls, crop tops, and windbreakers. Although the clothing was drool worthy I had to resist buying until the second pop up shop which was TommyxGigi’s. In that booth, the latest ready-to-wear goods were right at my fingertips. I only purchased one item, a cure and causal super soft Cotten sports bra. When you checked out the lovely people provided you with a canvas bag and a pack of exclusive patches which was an awesome bonus.

After the carnival, we ventured to lunch at The Butcher’s Daughter. I would highly reckoned eating there if you are ever in the neighborhood because the food is delicious (I had a solar shake and Avocado toast, my sister had the same but with a mango shake) and the environment is so friendly. All the waiters wear shirts baring various food puns.

We sat at the community table and I had the chance to talk to two stunning models who let me take a few iPhone snapshots.

After lunch, we continued our journey to Soho where we enjoyed cocktail hour and meet and greet at Rebecca Minkoff’s store location. I also had the fortune of meeting the designer herself.

Check out my OOTD from the day here!

With love,

Anna B

OOTD For NYFW Experience

Later today I have a blog post written all about my tentative NYFW experience involving TommyxGigi + More, but before I dive into that part I thought I’d show you beautiful people what I wore into the city.

Although I would have loved to rock thigh high suede boots or a pants suit like many of the fashion conscious have been throughout fashion week; my life just didn’t allow for it. I maneuvered around the city on solely foot for Saturday.

Instead of suede thigh high boots I opted to wear brown suede gladiator sandals that went half way up my calves, a perfect weather friendly compromise in my opinion. The heat due to extreme sunshine was unbearable so I kept my outfit simple but elegant with a beautiful Alice and Olivia dress featuring an extreme plunging neckline. My favorite part of this skirt is how it has an almost cloud like appearance from the various asymmetrical layers of lace and lace flowers.

To accessorize, I wore my hair in a high fashion styled low pony tail with teased pieces framing my face, oversized sunglasses which could make anyone look famous by covering a majority of their face, and a simple soft leather necklace bought for me from out West.

I carried all my goodies of the day (a water bottle, portable charger, wallet, planner) in a super cool “boat” bad from Nine West, geared towards fall trends with the dark suede finish and decorative army green loop stitching.

Hope you enjoyed and lots of love,

Anna B

Emotional Hangovers

Emotional Hangover: the body and minds response to extreme stress, an extreme experience, or general exhaustion of creative juices (according to me)

Although people have emotional breakdowns differently depending on their coping methods, every single person has a breaking point in their lives. It can be the end of a relationship, the end of a friendship, a death in the family, or something as simple as burning dinner. Often times in life our response to stressful situations or a streak of unfortunate events is to put on a tight-lipped closed smile and state “I’m fine.” The more you have to tell people, and yourself, that you’re “fine” chances are that you aren’t fine.

Whether it’s a series of unfortunate events or one big event like a break up of a long term relationship, I’m here to bring you the “Emotional Hangover First Aide Kit”

1. FEELL THE F*UCKING FEELINGS. In the words of my dad, “F.I.N.E stands for Freaking Out, Insecure, Neurotic, Emotional”. If youre one or more of these words, feel the emotions, don’t suppress them. Personally, I cry my eyes out. Crying is emotionally releasing and a great natural cleanser of emotions. I think the ability to cry shows more strength then weakness. However you deal, you need to feel all your emotions. Let all the ugly mean thoughts course through your head, have your last good social media stalking session, get all those gross and horrible emotions out in big waves.If you skip this step, deny the feelings, your problems are just going to grow an grow until they crush you. Then, you’ll be back on square one. If you’re going to be a big messy cry baby like me, make sure you drink lots of water and moisturize afterwards so you don’t dry out your body.

   

   Yes, a real selfie of me crying a few weeks ago because I document everything.

2. SLEEP. The ideal cure for any hangover of any kind, you need to sleep off your feelings. A situation will always seem more overwhelming when it initially happens. Sleeping is the perfect way to allow your subconscious to work out any underlying issues. After my relationship came to an unsettling close, I felt panic and suffocating sadness all around me, and was immediately crushed by overwhelming thoughts. I got home and just crawled under my blankets and slept for a good five hours straight. Nothing was resolved when I woke up but I felt better and was able to form coherent logical thoughts.
3. CLEAN UP, CLEAN UP This step ranges on personal preferences and can include unfollowing people who don’t make you feel good on social media, putting away/throwing away objects with triggering memories, or simply just taking control back of your life. (Yes believe it or not just because you interact with someone doesn’t mean you have to follow them on social media. What are they going to do? Attack you over a friend request? Honestly. You’re doing yourself a favor.) However you foresee that happening, its important that you rule your emotions and don’t let them rule you. (Step One is when you wallow in your misery. By step three we are slowly moving up in the world)

4. GET PHYSICAL. You would be surprised by how much your mental state can be influenced by your physical state. Physical activity such as working out, going for a walk, kick boxing, or yoga can get your blood and endorphins flowing. For myself, yoga and running outside (gyms don’t do it as well for me) help control my anxieties, or depressive mood swings.

5. TREAT YOSELF. I’m not encouraging frivolous spending, but retail therapy is a thing people, a very real thing. Splurging a tiny bit on yourself just to boost your mood is not the worst idea in the world. If your wallet is not in the position to afford retail therapy trying something as simple as a hot bath, watching your favorite show, or indulging in junk food you wouldn’t normally eat

6. FORGIVE. Forgive the other people and forgive yourself. Whatever past mistakes were made, they don’t need to continue to haunt you. You deserve a clean pallet and the ability to redirect your emotions. Even if the other people or person are the ones who did you wrong, keeping the negative emotions is only going to harm you. Sometimes, we have to learn to accept the apologies we are never going to receive.

These steps probably won’t be achieved overnight. Unfortunatley emotional hangovers tend to linger like a bad odor. Sometimes they come in wave; weeks after you think you’ve fully recovered a ong or a memory can flash before you and you feel that horrible sadness all over again. Give yourself time and patience.

With love and positive vibes,

Anna B

 

 

Inner Wear Styled OOTD

Friday’s outfit was primarily comprised by an almost entirely see through baby pink lace night gown that I found on the sale rack of Free People last weekend. It has beautiful floral lace detailing and a delicate lace up going up the bust, the rib cage area of the garment being the only non see through area. Although technically classified as an intimate piece the Victorian details such as the capped sleeves, the ruffled hemlines, and the high low circular hem drew me in. Wearing “underwear” on the outside is totally okay if the end outfit is this cute am I right?

Styling this piece was definitely a challenge, hence why I bought it a year ago and no one has ever seen it, however if I do say so myself I think I was successful. For my bust I wore a lace nude colored bralette that was camouflaged by the pink lace. 

On my hips I slipped on a thrifted denim skirt, which went down to my knees. Coinidentally, the length of the shortest part of the dress perfectly lined up with the skirt length. 

There’s no better time for me to wear this dress for two main reasons. 

1. The super light weight material and breeze granted by the lace materiel allowed me to stay cool and comfortable.

2. Inner wear as outter wear has been a dominating trend through this Autum transitional season. Many people wear slinky cami styled night gowns over band tees or simple white tshirts. This Lacey number is a new take on that rising trend.

To finish the look I wore orangey brown leather sandals with blue stones that cordon aged with the little dash of blue in my necklace.

 I also layered a magnetic a wrap bracelet styled as a choker because the purpley pink color complemented the dress. Finally some hoop earrings to finish off the look.

Wearing: Free People Dress | Free People Bralette | Thrifted Skirt

What do you think of inner wear as outerwear? What’s your favorite trend this transitional season?

With love,

Anna B

Opposites Attract OOTD

When I first saw this dress, loosely dangling on the hanger among a sea of bright colors and patterns under the florescent lighting of my near by Target, my initial reaction was, eh. After trying it on and admiring the unique floral pattern I decided that this would be a great addition to my closet.

It’s trendy with the off shoulder detailing and loose layer over the bust, plus it’s a flattering fit with the waist elastic, however it’s the color scheme that got me. For any of you artists out there you might be familiar with the color wheel? Even if you’re not familiar here’s a picture:

As you can see, each color has a color opposite to it. When painting, you can make awesome shadows in your picture by mixing the color of an object with the color opposite of it. However, with fabric mixing opposite colors can sometimes be a little more tricky; if it’s the wrong shades a piece will be ruined.  This dress avoids the garish clash of colors despite being comprised of a mostly blue and orange scheme. Instead of clashing I find the orange flowers pop against the blue background. To further play up the “opposites attract” theme in the dress pattern I layered a bright orange beaded lariet or wrap styled necklace.

Wearing: Lace Up Sandals: Chinese Laundry | Dress: Target | Necklace: Gifted to me

I decided to go crazy bringing back some huge hoop earrings, square sunglasses to counter the hoops, and my super fun and summery tassel sandals!

This dress will also be perfect to transition into the fall because of the orangey flowers!

I hope you enjoyed this outfit and how it breaks traditional fashion rules!

Love,

Anna B

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Fall Collection Look Book

Here is an exclusive sneak peek of Run and Follow’s second clothing collection, “Faulted”. This collection is bigger than the summer one, featuring multi media pieces mixing traditional fall patterns such as gingham, flannel, and plaid with unexpected twists of dark floral. It embodies everything about dreaming big, taking chances and living life to the fullest. One of a kind pieces are handmade from recycled fabrics with bold silhouettes, nifty imitation corsets and a wide variety of necklaces. Embracing deep rich colors perfectly suited for the upcoming fall season, this is Faulted.

These articles of clothing as well as other unique pieces launch for sale in our webstore August 21st.

Check out our webstore here.

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With love and happy vibes,

Anna B

Shaking Up an Everyday Outfit

For most girls, grabbing a soft light weight muscle tee and a pair of super comfy jeans/jean shorts, is an easy breezy summer outfit, and I’m no exception. Here’s how you shake up an everyday outfit. 
Instead of denim pants or shorts, why not a skirt? I snagged this somewhat plain 90s style knee length skirt for $8 at my favorite thrift shop. Although plain I love the button and details by the belt loop along with the high waisted style.

 To further this outfit I rolled up a classic red bandana in a flirty way to style it like a thick choker. (For this look keep the tie part in the back and tuck the edges of the bandana away.) 

A big trend I love for summer is a peak of side boob. Tasteful side boob is the new cleavage! I wore a lace nude colored bralette under the deep arm cut exposing some of my summer tanned side. To finish this look off I slipped into my platform thong Birkenstocks in a bright summery white.

What do you think of this outfit? Does the 90s trend complement the western?

With love,

Anna B