Balance + Contrast

Adam Lippes Shirtdress (here, here or here) / Free People Crop Top / FindersKeepers Shorts (similar) / Superga Platforms / Kate Spade Necklace / Outlette Necklace and Rings / Vintage and Handmade Rings

For me, the key to dressing well is all about balance and contrast. Tight pieces with loose, feminine with masculine, short with long. I've touched on balancing proportions before but I thought this outfit was the perfect example to highlight the balance on tight/loose, short/long, as well as, contrasting fabrics. I paired this stretchy, cotton tank with a dressier, pleated short. If I stop here, I have a lot of skin going on. So I add the long, silky "jacket". This is actually a new take on the shirtdress and another style tip to have up your sleeve-- keep the dress unbuttoned completely and have it act as a longer, light jacket. Wrap it up with a platform sneaker and some layering jewelry and you have a look that cool, easy, effortless.

xx
e

Photography by Becky Siegel

Color Block It

Vintage Coat / Design History Turtleneck (similar) / Zara Trousers / Supergas / Beret

My color palette tends to sku towards neutrals and black, but there's something about when fashion week rolls around that pushes me to color outside the lines (pun intended). Here I decided to play on colorblocking with a French tomboy charm.

Recognize the coat? It's from my very first post on A Vintage Vice and one of my favorite pieces from my grandmother's closet circa 1950. The oversized and structural quality allows me to play with proportions. This vibrant and cropped green sweater, tapered black trouser, and platform white sneaks complete the look and achieve the contrast of proportions and colors with a dash of tomboy.

xx
e

Photography by @lamidre / lauramilesdresser.com

Disproportions

VEDA Padre Jacket / Honor Top / Main Bra / Harper Skirt / Grenson Loafer / Flynn Bag

We all know I love and good crop top and some leather. The problem for most is putting the two together while still leaving room for a little imagination. What I loved about VEDA's resort collection was how the pieces were structural yet sexy, how I was able to pair a bustier and all leather while still looking elevated. By mixing different lengths and proportions with a bit of skin and slits, I ended up with a fashion forward outfit that still felt cool and sexy.  Shop some of my pieces above and check out thisisveda.com for their Resort Collection coming soon!

xx e

Photography by Jose Martinez