Today, I am styling a monochromatic look from the White House Black Market (Fall Collection) which you can shop by clicking this link. This is not the first time I am kicking off fall season in an all monochrome look. A few years ago, I styled a brown monochrome look here and today I'll be styling an all black look.
STYLING BLACK MONOCHROME
But lately, we have seen fashion evolve from basic to concepts, and sometimes I wonder if fall fashion trends have taken or will up the challenge. In today’s post, I spotlight 5-fall 2021 trends, most of which are being revisited, recycled or blatantly lifted from the past, with few distinguishing features.
Fall Trends
So for fall this year, we are seeing a few trends from 2015 (see here) make their comeback in style. At first, it felt like a one-off thing when I saw the first set of loafers pop up on my Instagram feed, and now I see it everywhere. But loafers are not the only trend to look out for, color block patterns are back, and so is fur and wool hats.
Rihanna’s styling of the wool hat sparked a lot of interest, which I can foretell will be a fall trend. Wool hat has so many origins, including dating back to Europe by the Mongolian tribe, but within pop culture, Pamela Anderson is famed for the trend.
Sequin Clothing
Another trend to make a comeback is sequin clothing; especially in suits, blouses, skirts and gowns, and I am here for it! There are years when we don’t get to revisit the sequin clothing trend, and 2021 isn’t one of them. I have not always a fan of sequin, but adulthood means that sometimes our taste changes. I have worn a sequin piece this year too, see here.
David KomaLoafers
For fall this year, we will see loafers styled with in a very interesting way. The new trend has people layering their loafers with stockings, and styled with unique pieces, including suits, poplin gowns and oversized shirts.
Color Block Fashion
As mentioned earlier, color block patterns back in similar colors that were a trend from 2013 -2015. From the runway to street style, it is exciting to see orange mixed with pink, red with green, and other outlandish colors back on-trend.
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Leather Skirts/Pants
Fashion items making a comeback, which have never really been out of fashion, is the leather skirt and pants. For fall this year, they are back by popular demand. There is something about wearing a leather clothing that is unique and makes one look put together.
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Sweater Vest and Fuzzy Fur Bucket Hats
The sweater vest is another trend that is making a fashionable comeback. It is one of my favorite trends, and I can see myself indulging in a couple of sweater vest pieces this fall. Rihanna is a trend setter! So when she wore a fuzzy fur bucket hat consecutively, the girls had to go find them. Between, I was one of those girls!
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Crop Jackets, Knit Wears
And finally, for the holiday season, we are likely to see more crop jackets, turtle neck, knitwear, and more glittering party outfits. I love the crop jacket trend, I think its fresh and modern! I am also looking to see how people will play with their knitwear, because its a trend we have seen all year!
Let me know the fall trend that you are looking forward to purchasing. I am also looking forward to wearing my backpack more often this season.
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Here are a Few Unique Fall Trends from Milan Fashion Week
A few summers ago, I had to worry about grad tuition, a summer job (that I never got). And the summer after that, I had to worry about getting a real job. So, I couldn’t bask in summer joy as most people would! Everything was still, but my heart was troubled.
There are a plethora of reasons why people travel. So, when I decided to plan for vacation this year, I thought it wise to escape to a quiet place. You know, I did not want it to be lavish or loud, neither did I want to travel for the gram. I just wanted quiet!
But that is not to say that any of the ways (mentioned above) for sharing or relishing travel experience(s) is improper. It’s just that I am learning to experience things and recant them numerous times in memory before sharing them publicly.
The Journey
For this summer travel, I decided to go to a quiet place to rediscover things about myself that are known and uncover strange things. I wanted to sit with myself in quiet, listen to trees whistle, laugh at my thoughts, and enjoy solitude. The city does not allow for the exciting experience of solitude.
Cities are often loud, filled with prying eyes, and an opulence that reminds us of our wants, with little space to be thankful.
Embracing Solitude
I decided to take the train down South of the United States, the Grand Budapest way, and my goodness- it is one of my best trips. I wasn’t privy to the general knowledge that Amtrak was comfortable. The ride was quiet, had good leg space, and a dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Thankfully, I could secure an Airbnb in a safe village, with verdant farmland, closer in proximity to the city. I was surprised (actually happy) not to see children and would hear the revving of a car engine every few hours.
I was content!
Also, reminded that outside of the city, in a rural setting, is a life outside of my daily wants. The natural things of life creep up in dreams- love, books, friendship, family. At that moment, the world feels small, but there is contentment.
To be continued…
Outfit Details
Linen Pants: Glassons
Shirt: Korean Brand (Everyday people)
Sandals: Gafasandals
Tote Bag: Similar here
It’s the start of a new week, and I’m currently watching the evening sun set through the transparent screen of my slow moving train.
About my weekend- I planned a getaway trip for myself to a farm 9-hours away from DC! So, my weekend was for running a few errands in my Levi’s pirate collar shirt and ribcage jeans and putting a few things together for the trip.
I really fell in love with this sailor-collared shirt from Levi, once I laid eyes on them. Including their ribcage jeans- they’re flattering. The sailor-collared shirt had been on my wishlist for a min, and having it in my wardrobe from a collaboration, is evidence that good things come to those who are patient.
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I am at a phase in my life where I just do my work and strive for stillness. I write mostly on my social media how the world is a lot of noise, and I am striving to use media to read more writings, as against videos( let’s just say it’s a personal protest).
Podcast Spotlight
I got into listening to podcasts more frequently during the pandemic last year. There is something about podcast that tends to answer questions from our inner yearnings. When we find the right ones, we realize we are not alone in our thoughts and struggles.
One podcast I’ve listened to with consistency is “The School of Greatness” with Lewis Howes. I enjoyed his recent episode that featured Jonathan Fields, where they discussed “Dealing with Burnout and Finding your Work Spark.”
The thoughts, ideas, and advice shared came at such an important time, where I’m navigating the pace of work in fulfilling my life’s vision.
Really proud of the little habits that I’ve sustained. At the end of the day “we are our habits in sum.”
I am on my path to being a perfume collector. For years, I have wanted to be in a position where I could afford fragrances that I loved. So recently, while reflecting, I decided that time was ripe to start collecting perfumes. Ripe because, fall is the one time scents travel, since most activities are held indoors. Although, I would be first to admit that my recent itch to be a perfume collector has its chord tied to social media.
But choosing the right scent for fall requires lots of research. Perfumes are a way to trap memories and we want to make the right choice.
The first step was to do some reading on perfume culture. I was blown away by the details that I found out. For example, “perfumes today are made with a three-tiered pyramidal structure consisting of head, heart and base notes.”
Well, I have been one to purchase perfumes based off the first whiff. I have never paid much attention to the technicalities.
So, why the need to have many perfumes, you may ask? Well, choice! I love the idea of having different scents or fragrances to choose from when stepping out for an event. I am not much of a talker, and I know a good scent is a conversation starter, at least for me.
Choosing the right scent for fall requires lots of research. Perfumes are a way to trap memories and we want to make the right choice
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How to Choose Your Scent(s) This Fall
Perfumes are a way to trap memories when the weather gets foggy. Fall is a great season, but it also gets too cold for us and harder to create outdoor memories with friends or lovers. Perfumes, when chosen wisely, can help us revisit memories of travel, a faraway lover, or remind us of our confidence.
Another new finding during my research was that after spraying perfume, it isn’t always ideal to try to spread scent by rubbing wrist or applied areas. And that “the main distinction between the iterations you see today – Eau de cologne (EDC), Eau de toilette (EDT), Eau de parfum (EDP) and parfum, contain different amounts of essential oils.”
Shoutout to Her World for the basics I got to know during my read for this blog post.
I found out that not all perfumes blow you away at first whiff- you have to be patient with the scent to saturate and do its magic. Every day, my curiosity makes me learn new things that get me excited to explore.
As an aside, I am learning a few terminologies to communicate scents. For example, woody, floral, and spice notes. These terms are influencing my taste and choices in perfumes I decide to collect this fall. Oh, and there is the hair mist for those that don’t love body spray perfume. A conversation for another time!
What scent are you looking forward to this fall?
I have been curating a list of 5 things under $50 to share on the blog. Today, I’ll be sharing a few home goods from my recent purchase or which I intend to purchase that don’t wreck the bank. I felt this post will be helpful if you’re a student heading back to school or decorating on a budget.
Often times when things are affordable, we tend dismiss them for being poor quality. But sometimes these products are of good quality and provide the same service as other high end brands. Now, I know I am promoting amazon despite my angst with Bezos accumulating all these unhealthy wealth. But there is no denying that the convenience, delivery time and access to amazing products, reduces competition for Amazon.
Let’s get into the products. I have chosen products that have a unique edge and can make any space look elevated and modern.
A SOFSYS Work from Home Desk $37.99:
This SOFSYS work desk is a great affordable fit for students living in a small studio bedroom, or those working from home temporarily. The delivery time if you live in DC, is 2-business days. I have enjoyed using their product so I highly recommend.
Atlinia Linen Pillowcase $35.90
I have purchased a few items from Atlinia, and featured them in a blog post here. Excited to see that the brand is now available on Amazon, with items listed that are below $50. These throw linen pillow sham or pillow cover are a recommended purchase.
Printed, Linen-Textured Floral Curtain $36.99
If you’re looking for something bright to add to your bedroom as fall approaches, I recommend this July Joy sunny floral sheer curtain. Curtains are on my purchase list for fall, I just need to figure out my window measurements and how to hang the panels. If you have recommendation tips let me know, or I could actually just find a YouTube tutorial.
A Bamboo side Table 41.99
If you are a looking for a cute coffee, plant, or flower table like I am, then this item will be a great buy.
click here to purchase
Modern Farmhouse Side/End Table Shelf $49.99
If you are looking for a unique side table with a little shelf, I would recommend this item. I particularly love the model image used to sell the item, it’s the right design-use story for the product. Click here to purchase
This post is not sponsored. You can follow my social media pages (t2pitchy) linked on the blog. Read previous home echo post here
Last weekend I wore one of my favorite Levi’s clothing (a sweater vest) to grab tea with someone I have no intention of meeting again. But let me also note that last week was interesting. I had lovely dinner dates with old acquaintances, and then there was the Teaism date- the one person that ruined it all.
First, there is something about catching up with old friends that rejuvenates. These friends remind us of our greatness, beauty and talent. And the past week was replete with such memories. At some point during the whole experience, I felt 23 again.
Why 23? Because 23 was one of my best years. Nothing at the moment seemed impossible, and life was fulfilling and content.
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Teaism Memories
So back to Teasim and why that memory stood out. I decided recently to start dating for character development. America is a land filled with unique people, and most people seem to treat you like their past traumas. The only good thing that came out of the date was having tea at Teaism.
Teaism is a tea spot in DC with traditional loose leave flavors. I love this spot at Dupont circle because of its indoor vintage ambience. The teacups did not have handles and it felt nostalgic- If you are a fan of Asian historical movies, you’ll find out that their traditional teacups are without handles.
I ordered a Jasmin flower tea, which is my favorite tea delight.
Styling a Levi’s Sweater Vest
My outfit was a quick decision. I have worn my Levi’s vest consecutively in the past week. I love the soft feel and how it seems to go well with everything I pair it with.
See the previous blog of my graduate school experience, here and here.
When I moved to this country, I was vulnerable online sharing my challenges and progress, but that changed. I realised that my brands (fashion, academic and footwear), were suffering greatly from my publicly shared struggle.
BEING VULNERABLE ONLINE
I woke up one day and decided against it. And because I have been out of tune with my vulnerable side, I almost forgot to celebrate this 4th milestone.
Previously, I had felt that by being vulnerable online, that a lot of people would be inspired by my journey. While that may be true, I found it hard to balance out the information I was giving out (oversharing). So, I made the switch.
Life since has been lovely. I haven’t shared much of it because people like it when there is an air of mystery around what you do and how you do it.
But life is happening, and sometimes I want to tell these stories. For example, one day I want to write how being an immigrant makes you feel empty on the inside, I want to write about the loneliness, the first miracle you experience, finding joy again, etc. And I think I will.
Teju cole alludes to a similar feeling in “Known and Strange Things” …he writes… “finding solace in the idea of being in one place while desiring another, not for the sake of being in that other place…”
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE
I am thankful for my time at Georgetown, without which my current opportunities would have been impossible. Thinking of the joy that I have experienced these past months, I am open to telling my stories again. I remember that morning when things changed. I woke wanting control of the ideas of me which people had formed from the stories I told.
Now that I have practiced balance with how to share my stories, I want to write about them again. However, my intention to be vulnerable again is now a way to document my progress and not so much about inspiring people. Having the understanding that my writing can be both is still a skill I am practicing.
As I celebrate this milestone, I open the floodgates again to myself and the people who care to read. Also, a big shoutout to my readers and online community. Y’all showed up for me while I was in the trenches and I am a big fan of your kindness.
I look forward to writing to you soon.
OUTFIT DETAILS
Shoe: Nike
Skirt: HM
Top: Saks Fifth Avenue
Bag: Delovetofficial