This is probably one of the most out there looks I’ve worn and I want to keep evolving my style just like this. I wore one of my dad’s old graphic tees over a neon green turtleneck with a matching beanie. This outfit paired perfectly with the backdrop. It’s fun to play with color but I like to tone it down just a bit so I added some plain blue jeans and sneakers.
xx Bella
top : vintage | turtleneck : Zara (similar) | belt : Gucci | jeans : vintage (similar) | shoes : Fila | beanie : Carhartt
I am so thankful that I am living in Italy in general but extremely lucky to be here while fashion month is happening. I decided to head to Milan for the weekend during official Milan Fashion Week to check everything out and see if I could get into any shows or events. Milan is about an hour and a half train ride from Florence so after class on Thursday afternoon I headed there immediately.
I learned so much on this trip about fashion week and myself and was constantly inspired by outrageously chic, and extraordinary street style.
outfit details : faux leather pants : Nasty Gal (similar) | shoes : H&M (similar) | top : Zara (similar) | bag : Prada (similar)
For my first Milan Fashion Week outfit, I went for an edgy, bohemian vibe. I love the flowy rust colored dress mixed with the harsh black accents. The lightweight fabric of this midi was absolutely necessary for the sweltering heat we encountered on this day. I would have preferred to carry a black purse but for this fit but, I chose function over fashion and needed some more storage in my bag of choice.
outfit details : dress : Sofi Firenze (similar) | boots : H&M (similar) | hat : Target (similar) | belt : (similar)
Our first full day in Milan, we headed out for the city centre where the famous Milan Cathedral, or Milano Duomo, is located. Since we weren’t invited to any shows or events we kind of just relaxed and tooled around Milan. We stumbled upon an event that Vogue Italia was putting on near the Brera district and that was free to the public. They were showcasing student fashion designers’ creations in a showroom type setting. It was really unique to see young artists’, like myself, work.
Later, we found the official list of showtimes and locations and basically just stood around outside and pretended to look like we knew what we were doing. Street style photographers shot us in our outfits and I even got interviewed by Amazon Prime’s only fashion network, FNL.
My second and most favorite look I wore for Milan Fashion week is the one below. I am obsessed with the monochrome color suit look. If you know me, or have been following me for a while, you know that I love black and neutrals but have been trying to branch out. This corduroy suit was one of my best Zara finds to date. It’s bold and makes me feel confident. I was determined to wear this to MFW despite the hot weather but thankfully it did cool down a bit and we had a nice breeze.
outfit details : blazer : Zara (similar) | pants : Zara (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II| bag : Prada (similar) | top : (similar)
These photos I took the night before because of how excited I was about my yellow suit. AAANNDDDD the hotel I stayed at (Hotel Cinque Giornate) had matching curtains so I couldn’t say no to a self timer photoshoot!
During day 2 of MFW, we had a more relaxed day and just enjoyed Milan. We did wait outside of one show and got photographed which was nice and it was so inspiring to see others’ street style. This trip has made me want to restart my whole wardrobe, yet again.
I’ve worn this pink python jumpsuit from Free People so so many times before but Milan has never seen it so I brought her back out! Outfit repeater always.
outfit details : jumpsuit : Free People (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II| bag : Prada (similar) | top : Brandy Melville (similar)
If you plan on going to a fashion capitol during fashion week, my best advice to you is to be bold; not only in your style but in the way you act and present yourself. Obviously the way you dress is extremely important, I mean it is fashion week, but if you present yourself as a confident individual who seems to know what they’re doing (even if you don’t) you will be noticed by others.
Don’t be shy to ask the person at the door if there is any way you can watch the show or if they need volunteers or really anything at all. Talk to photographers and reporters and, this sounds bad, but shove your name down peoples throats. Name recognition is one of the most important things in the fashion industry and you should be confident in telling people who you are. I handed out so many business cards to people because you never know who someone is going to be.
Another random thing you can do is pretend to be a photographer or reporter. I did this and after I took a photo of someone, I briefly introduced myself and gave them my card. Like I said, you never know who you’re going to meet.
I learned a lot about myself and my passion on this trip and although I didn’t get into any shows, I now know more of what to expect and what to do better hopefully next time I have an opportunity like this.
xx Bella
outfit details : pants : Free People (similar) | top : Zara (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II | hat : Target | belt : Gucci | bag : Target
16th Street Mall Downtown Denver
outfit details : pants : Etiquette Boutique KC (similar) | top : Missguided (similar) | belt : Vintage (similar) | shoes : Zara (similar) | bag : Target
Red Rocks – Pretty Lights
Hi!!!
I have officially left for my big adventure to Florence, Italy for school! (this post was written prior to leaving but I scheduled it so it would post while I was in the air) My last blog post in Kansas City for a few months does mean a lot to me. I love this city with all of my heart and have spent my entire life here. Every single person I have met here has been so kind and so supportive. This city is growing everyday and has so so much to offer. I am thankful to be apart of this community and I most definitely will miss it but I am ready for this new adventure.
This is one of my favorite outfits ever. It’s not one of my most “out-there” outfits but one that does mean a lot to me. I bought this graphic tee that says “creative director” almost 2 years ago from Zara and it didn’t feel right to wear as I didn’t feel I was working in that field yet. 2018 has been so good to me and I have had some insane opportunities that I feel like now the time is right. I love the Kansas City skyline in the background with me in the focus. I kind of took that as this city is always on my mind but I need to focus on me and my dreams now.
Thank you for everything, Kansas City. I’ll see you soon.
xx Bella
graphic tee : Zara | skirt : Urban Outfitters (similar) | purse : Wild Fable collection via Target | shoes : Fila Disruptor II
photographer : Abby Liudahl
Hello Everyone!
I feel like I haven’t made a blog post in a while but in all honesty I have been so crazy busy preparing to leave for Italy next week! Making sure I spend time with my friends and family before I leave has been a huge priority of mine and it’s always good to take some time for yourself. However, I am here with a few more blog posts to get out before I leave in a short few days!
Lately, I have literally been OBSESSED with everything checker printed. I see this pattern absolutely everywhere and hopped on board real fast. For this look, I was heavily inspired by race cars and races. This jumpsuit is from Nasty Gal and I feel like it looks so complete with the denim check jacket from the Wild Fable line at Target right now. I paired it with my favorite Dad sneakers (my babies, my Fila Disruptor II’s). This outfit is so fun and such a good, go-to.
Shoutout to Abby Liudahl, my photographer and blogger babe, for taking these amazing shots!
xx Bella
jumpsuit : Nasty Gal (similar) | jacket : Wild Fable Collection at Target | shoes : Fila Disruptor II
photographer : Abby Liudahl
Do I look like I’m about to take some kids to the amusement park? Absolutely.
Total 90s vibes is what I was going for with this outfit. I paired this satin top (I think it’s lingerie but I’m not sure, it was $4 on clearance at Target and I couldn’t pass it up) with a Nasty Gal fanny pack and my FAVORITE Fila Disruptor II chunky dad sneakers.
top : Target (similar) | shorts : Hidden Denim via Etiquette Boutique (similar) | fanny pack : Nasty Gal (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II | sunglasses : Modern Society
BELLA LIGHTNER 