Staples. Classics. Normcore.

Vintage Jacket / Lands End Sweater / Old Navy Distressed Denim / Forever 21 Black Skinnies / Birkenstocks / Converse

With trends and styles constantly evolving, there are a few key pieces I fall back on that never seem to let me down: thick and cozy sweaters, black skinnies, and Converse. Put together or sprinkled in with other pieces "of the moment", these classics have tested time and can be styled in so many different ways. For this post, I wore them all together in a very straight forward but stylish way and then a bit more normcore with distressed/relaxed skinnies, Birks, and a vintage cocoon jacket. No matter which way you go, these are some closet staples that you definitely need!

xx e

Photography by @j2martinez / jmrtnz.com

90s Child

Living Doll LA Tee / Vintage Levis / Converse

Born and raised in the nineties, I have this thing for anything vintage from the era. There's some type of rule that if you lived when the the trend first began, you're not supposed to wear it when it returns. But I say to hell with it. Wear what you want. This whole mom jean revival. Totally in. Converse, Keds, and the like. In again. So when I spotted this tee on the Living Doll site, it was a match made in heaven. Like my vibe smack right on the front of a shirt. Put the three pieces together, throw me on a fire escape with some good music, and it's like a scene of Friends or somethin'.

xx e

Photography by @j2martinez / jmrtnz.com

Business Casual

Forever 21 Blazer Coat (here, here, here) / Men's Mossimo Tee / Madewell Sweatpants (here, here, here) / Converse Chuck Taylors

Ever since Isabel Marant brought sweatpants "back", I've been wanting to incorporate them into my everyday wardrobe. With the recent revival of menswear and normcore, three's company to create my ideal look. By pairing an oversized but structured blazer and basic white tee with my favorite sweatpant/converse combo, I was able to create a perfect "business casual" look, if you will. The key is the keep it simple and tonal, juxtapose shapes to keep it from being too lumpy, and make sure your sweatpants have a nice cuff, too :) Check out some of my favorite options above to work sweats into your look outside the house.

xx e

Photography by @j2martinez / jmrtnz.com

Saturday Series: Part II

Bum Cake Vintage Tee (similar) / Madewell Sweats / Converse

I'd have to say sometimes my style can fluctuate between a 80 year old grandma and a 12 year old boy. This outfit: case in point. I fell in love with this "senior women" tee from Bum Cake Vintage. The playfulness of the graphics and the baseball feel of the tee... A bit grandma, a bit boy. Also, since I bought these sweats from Madewell (on an extra sale of course), I have been basically living in them. Paired together with my favorite Chucks, I have a comfy outfit that cozy enough for a Saturday in and cute enough to pop around town.

xx e

Photography by @j2martinez / jmrtnz.com

The "Skirtall"

Whistles "skirtall" (here or here) / Zara Tee / Converse / Vintage Bag (here or here) / Vintage Scarf (here or here)

We all know I'm a sucker for overalls... So when I found this amazing Whistles number that combines overalls and a structural midi skirt, I was swept off my feet. My go-to styling piece for this "skirtall" is a neutral top. Whether it's a black tee or slim, grey turtleneck, it keeps it clean so you can play with the accessories. I mixed things up with a high top converse, pop of color in the bag, and silk scarf for a bit of kitsch. I managed to snag the last skirtall by Whistles (on an amazing sale, no less!) but found some amazing alternatives above. Check out the links and have a fabulous start to the week!

xx e

Photography by Jose Martinez

NORMCORE

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Candela Sweater / Vintage Tommy Hilfiger Jeans (similar) / Converse / Vintage and Handmade Rings

The CUT describes Normcore as embracing sameness deliberately as a new way of being cool, rather than striving for “difference” or “authenticity.” Stylized by mom jeans, white tees, turtlenecks, and Birkenstocks, the Normcore movement has taken the fashion industry by storm and I'm all in. With a bit of a nod to the 90s, it takes fashion back down to the basics: clean and simple, plain and comfy.

I rock Normcore on the reg and here's one way I like to wear it. I pair my mom jeans and Converse with this amazing turtleneck by Candela. The open-knit weave and cropped shape give it a bit of update while still keeping the simplistic feel. Shop the look above to achieve your new, Normcore self ;)

xx e

Photography by Jose Martinez

P.S. I was seriously under the weather during this shoot, so major props to my boy Jose for knocking these photos (and video) out of the park!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/109332180]

Orange is the New Black

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Zara Jumpsuit (similar) / Converse / Vintage Rings (similar)

I couldn't resist with the title... but when I spotted this jumpsuit (in the sale section at Zara no less) and tried it on, I fell in love. The casual shape and cargo pockets give it that workman feel, and the color is spot on. Orange is the IT color for fall and so why not go all out?! Pair it with simple sneakers and minimal jewelry for the perfect daytime look.

xx e

Photography by Jeff Thibodeau

Casual Cool

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Vintage Jacket (similar) / Vintage Button Down (similar) / J.Crew Tee / Homemade Cutoffs / Converse / Vintage and Handmade Rings

Casual cool-- this outfit highlights exactly what I've been into these days. Working in NYC can be exhausting and all I want to reach for in the morning is the comfiest thing I can find. But even if you work in the corporate world, you can totally rock a look like this on the weekends or at a casual "pint night" during the week. This grey suede is one of my favorite transitional jackets and yet another gem discovered in my mother's closet circa 1980. It works perfectly for this time of year when "it's not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket" alla Miss Congeniality. These shorts may not be as vintage as the jacket, but they are made out the bootcut jeans I wore in middle school... was the tallest girl in my grade those days. The key is finding a pair that isn't too tight in the thigh. Once you find 'em, take the denim to some scissors, the pavement, and voila: vintage-esque cutoffs.

xx e

Photography by Jeff Thibodeau

Jump Around: Literally

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Vintage Nike Track Jacket (similar) / American Apparel Crop Top and Denim Skirt / Converse / Vintage Jewelry

Finally did it - made the gif! During this shoot, I had the urge to "run down the runway" Alexander Wang style. The moving photos turned out pretty cool, and I felt like I was in one of those Target ads. Animation aside, this outfit is just another example of why you should never get rid of items that are currently not in style. I bought this vintage Nike track jacket about 10 years ago and what do you know it's 2014 and they're so hot right now. Other than the fact that the colors are brilliant, I love how I can wear this jacket with virtually anything! It elevates even the simplest jeans and tshirt and cools up a girly skirt and crop top like above. I would obviously suggest searching for vintage but there are some great modern track/baseball jackets all over and at all price points, too!

xx e

Photography by Jeff Thibodeau