A sweater vest was the last thing I thought I could make look cute. However, I decided to pick one up and try my best. The final look turned out way better than I had expected! I love the contrast and layering and am definitely a fan of the vest.
xx Bella
sweater vest : vintage (similar) | blouse : Zara (similar)| boots : Target (similar)| fanny pack : Nasty Gal (similar)
This outfit was so much fun to shoot and I absolutely love the outcome. I paired this thrifted button up blouse with my favorite cobalt blue plaid pants from Free People to keep the look light and then added black accessories, a dog shaped purse, chunky Fila sneakers, and a tube top, to make it more of a grungy feel.
pants : Free People (similar)| blouse : thirfted (similar) | tube top : (similar) | shoes : Fila | purse : Chopin Roma
One of my absolute favorite things to do is to create a denim Canadian tuxedo. All you need is a good denim jacket and blue jeans. However, I did not bring any of my denim jackets to Italy with me and I have so many at home, buying another one sounded kind of ridiculous. I did stumble upon this fringe crop top while out shopping in Florence and had the idea! It came with the white tee underneath and I paired it with jeans and wow- a modern, Canadian tux!
xx Bella
After going to Milan for Fashion Week (see my recap here) I was so inspired by the street style I wanted to up my own. I impulsively bought an Off White industrial belt and never looked back. This is by far the best thing I have purchased in a long time. It makes a lot of my outfits more put together and gives them an edgier, more streetwear feel. I have been intrigued with this brand for a while now and am happy with my purchase. Would definitely recommend.
I styled this look two different ways; one with the blazer under the belt, and the other with the belt under the blazer. I have the matching pink pants to this blazer to form a full co-ord suit but wanted to make it a bit more funky so I added the red leopard pants instead. I threw on my favorite, all black, Fila Disruptor II’s and was ready to go.
belt : Off White | blazer : Zara (similar) | pants : Zara (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II
photographer : Santiago
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
Hello hello!
I shot this look almost two months ago and these photos have just been sitting in my drafts and I totally forgot about them!
I wore this pink jacquard dress once to a formal and felt the need to style it for more of a casual, going out look. Pairing almost any “one time” event dress with a leather jacket and boots or booties makes for a whole new outfit! I added a hat to give it a touch of personal style and my everyday rings and accessories give it the perfect edge.
xx Bella
dress : Nasty Gal (similar) | jacket : CiSono (similar) | boots : Target (similar)
Happy Weekend! This type of outfit is a go to for me, especially this summer (it’s been grossly hot). I love pairing a feminine skirt with a graphic, or rocker tee to make the perfect outfit to go from day to night. I wear graphic tees like it’s my religion and I love pairing them with unexpected pieces. Also lately, red has been a favorite color pop of mine. I feel like it can make you stand out in the best way possible.
I got to shoot this look with fellow fashion and lifestyle blogger, Abby Liudahl. She is such a sweetheart and so talented, I can’t wait to collaborate with her again soon!
xx Bella
photographer : Abby Liudahl
tee : Forever 21 | skirt : Etiquette Boutique (similar) | boots : Via Spiga (similar) | earrings : Nasty Gal | sunglasses : Sunglass LA
Happy Valentine’s Day 2018, I guess… Everyone who knows me knows that I do hate this holiday; not because I’m single (that part is awesome for now) but because I think that we should love one another this much every single day and not just only on February 14th.
I shot this photos with the super talented Anna Tripoltis at our local Target! I was inspired by the “ugly places pretty photos” Lowe’s challenge and used the Valentine’s Day sections here. Since I’m not a fan of V-day, I went for an all black, gothic look; lipstick included. Something to edge up all the girly-ness.
I looked at my Valentine’s Day post from a year ago and it is so crazy to see how much I’ve changed in just 365 days! If interested, feel free to check that out here.
xx Bella
jacket : Marshalls (similar) | pants : Urban Outfitters (similar) | necklace : Topshop (similar) | shoes : Via Spiga (similar)
photographer : Anna Tripoltis
BELLA LIGHTNER 