Alyssa Smirnov

Cargo Trousers With Knit Tank

Alyssa — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 19:00:02 +0000

Initially having stolen the spotlight in the ‘90s, cargo trousers are officially back. Their popularity stems from how they are functional and fashionable at the same time. And we all could all use the extra pockets, right? The military-inspired edge might also be one of the things that contributed to these trousers’ strong resurgence.

When it comes to cargo trousers, I love the paperbag style — high-waisted pants gathered at the waist with some fabric coming out above the cinched area. The shape resembles a tied paperbag, hence the name. The ones that I’ve styled today are going to be my summer staple. They have a relaxed, tapered leg for a comfortable fit and belted waist for a laidback luxe feel.

This versatile performance pair can be styled in many ways. You can be cool with boots or classy with high heels. Throw on a blazer or tuck in a turtleneck. Wear it to work or vacation. It will always have you looking effortless. And the neutral color really gives you endless styling opportunities.

I paired it with a white knit halter tank top from Chicwish. I love the ribbed knit fabric for my transitional pieces. Ribbed knit is comfortable enough for the warm afternoons and cozy enough for the cool evenings. It’s the best and my go-to fabric for summer. The tank top gives you a casual-cool look with its understated style. I tucked it in my paperbag trousers and I was good to go.

The beige and white outfit looks super fresh if you’re going for a laid-back vibe. I threw in the Chanel 19 Small Flap Bag in dark beige to complement the neutral look. This bag, as previously appeared on my feed, is one of my favorites. It gets its name from the year it was created in, 2019 and has been a sensation among celebs and fashion-lovers alike. The bag is made of goatskin and features larger quilting than some of other Chanel bags. While there is a top chain handle for a quick grab on the go, it does have a long strap for extra functionality.

Neutrals really can never go out of fashion and neither can cargo trousers. Keep watching this space for more summer outfit inspirations.

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Olive Silk Shirt Dress with the Isabel Marant Duerto Boots

Alyssa — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:32:11 +0000

The moment leaves start turning golden, out come the fall colors. The joyful shades of yellows and oranges, the classic maroons, the dreamy blues, and the warm browns. The color palette is stunning and striking. The runways are a joy to watch. But one color that I feel is left under-appreciated and under-used is olive green. It’s such a refreshing and calming color. Especially if you feel overwhelmed with deeper colors, olive green is a perfect choice. Did you know it also symbolizes peace and harmony? All the more reason to wear it.

Olive green is one of my favorite colors for fall (these olive cargo pants have made it to my feed a number of times). So, this season, I had to upgrade my collection with more of this refreshing color. I have been gravitating towards button-down dresses for a while and this olive silk shirt dress from Intermix caught my eye right away. It’s a beautiful silk button-down mini dress with a waist-tie for a cinched-in silhouette. The front flap pockets give you that signature safari vibe. The fabric feels super soft and comfy. My favorite thing about this dress is how effortlessly it can be styled. Button it up, pair it with boots and you’re ready to go. An olive silk shirt dress is surprisingly versatile and I’ve worn it in the summer as well with nude colored sandals.

My choice of footwear was the Isabel Marant Duerto Boots. These are 100% suede boots with a leather lining so naturally, they’re incredibly warm and cozy. The western-style paneling has that rodeo appeal that every country girl would love. The mid-calf height, pointed heel, and block heel further adds to this pair’s pizzazz. This is, however, not my first purchase from the designer brand. Isabel Marant is a name that I have always trusted. You can spend your money with your eyes closed and know what you’re getting is going to be amazing and last long. I also have these gorgeous Denvee Boots from Isabel Marant that I absolutely love.

The LV Palm Springs mini backpack felt like the perfect piece to finish the look with. These little retro rucksacks first came out in the ‘90s and are now trending once again. The mini backpack is practical, durable, easy to carry, and totally statement-making. My favorite aspect is the versatility. You can either wear it cross-body by adjusting the straps or remove the straps and carry it by the top handle. I prefer the latter. It may look small but you’d be surprised how much you can fit inside it.

Now that we are all going out more, I can’t wait to share more winter outfits with you.

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Valentino Beauty: Eye2Cheek and Rosso Refillable Lipstick

Alyssa — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 01:45:06 +0000

Valentino has forever been revered for its couture aesthetics inspired by rich Roman culture and heritage. We have seen the dreamy gowns, the studded slingbacks, the hottest handbags. And now the fashion house also has its own beauty line.

After joining hands with L’Oréal Paris and working on the formula for three years, Valentino Beauty finally launched. Dipped in the signature crimson lacquered packaging, the products not only look luxe but also work amazing on all skin tones. Because if there’s one message that the creative director of the fashion house, Pierpaolo Piccioli has focused on with this line, it’s inclusivity.

Today, I’ll talk about two of Valentino’s life-changing beauty products — Valentino Eye2Cheek and Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick. And can I just say how OBSESSED I am with both of them? If they look pretty in the pictures, just wait until you have them in your hands. The exquisite packaging will make you feel like a diva, a Victorian princess getting ready for the next ball. You might even feel the urge to be extra careful while using them. I mean I guard these products like a precious little treasure. But do they work like magic too? Absolutely, yes, they do.

Valentino Eye2Cheek is a beautiful multi-purpose buttery, creamy powder that can be used as a blush and an eye shadow. Thanks to its sheer finish, it works perfectly as both. If you want an intense blush, you can simply layer and build it up to your desired mood. It comes with a mirror and a cute tiny fluffy brush to make it all happen. Don’t worry about the shades because the variety is good. From pinks to corals and oranges to plums, Valentino Eye2Cheek has 12 different shades. Want the perfect rosy cheeks that last for the whole day? A few swipes of the Valentino Eye2Cheek and you’re good to go.

The second product that I have been raving about to all my friends is the Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick. I would have bought it anyway but the fact that it’s refillable is what really sealed the deal for me. Once you’re out, you can refill the outer tube with the same color or any other color you’re curious about for almost half of the price. How awesome is that? The Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick has two luxurious finishes — a rich, creamy satin and a non-drying, soft matte. Both are equally gorgeous. It’s available in 50 shades suitable for all skin tones. It’s also highly pigmented so one stroke is all you need.

These are definitely two of my prettiest possessions. I can’t wait to try more of Valentino Beauty’s products and share the experience with you guys. Have you tried any? Tell me how you liked them in the comments below.

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5 Easy Fall Trends to Recreate

Alyssa — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:05:04 +0000

Aside from pumpkin picking and sipping cozy cups of coffee, another fall activity that I enjoy is mixing and matching outfit pieces to create fall looks. There are so many fall trends to love! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite fall looks below. If you are in need of some fashion inspiration, here are some easy fall trends to recreate.

Jewel Tones

An easy way to elevate a look is to wear jewel tones. Emerald greens, crimson red, orchid, teal and wine are the best tones for fall. These colors will look super elegant with almost any pairing, whether you are wearing basic blue jeans, midi skirts or leather pants. All you really need are nice heels and you are ready for date night.

Bold Prints

For those who have more fashion panache, I recommend bold prints for fall. These can be intimidating, I know, but they make an outfit more interesting. Prints like houndstooth and argyle offer a bold but restrained vibe. I love wearing these with basic black or neutral bottoms that balance the patterns. To be on the safe side, it’s always best to wear patterns or prints with simple-colored bottoms and accessories to keep the look balanced.

Monochromatic Neutrals

I’m a big fan of neutrals, regardless of the season but this look works especially well for fall. Monochromatic neutrals elongate your line and easily clean up your look. When I’m wearing a monochromatic outfit, I mix different textures to break up the monotony of one color. A pop of understated color thrown in the monochromatic mix can also make the look even better.

Leather Pants

Lastly of the 5 fall trends, if you are in the mood to switch up your style, add a little edge to your fall outfit with a pair of leather pants. Black leather pants are one of my ways to spice up my fall wardrobe. They are effortlessly sexy, plus also very flattering on the figure.

Shearling Coat

No fall list is complete without cozy coats and on top of my cozy coat list is the shearling coat. Wearing a shearling coat for fall and winter is honestly equivalent to a warm hug from a loved one, don’t you think? This cold weather staple is definitely worthy of a splurge. Invest in a piece that not only looks good on you but will also last for years. That way, you get great value for your money!

Did I miss your favorite fall trends? Let me know if any of these 5 fall trends are on your list!

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Khaite Argyle Sweater

Alyssa — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 20:00:58 +0000

It’s the time of the year when bold colors and patterns dominate our wardrobes. Think chevron, ikat, trellis, and the classic argyle pattern on warm browns, navy blues, and of course, the mighty black. This Khaite argyle sweater is truly one of a kind from the incredible fabric to the bold pattern.

This winter, I vowed to experiment with different patterns and argyle was the first on my list. I had been eyeing this snuggly Siro Sweater from Khaite for a while and got the perfect chance to bag it on sale. I admit that it comes with a slightly hefty price tag but this uniquely feminine brand is worth every cent. Khaite specializes in simple but sophisticated cuts and knitwear that feels so inherently luxurious that celebs are now a fan of the brand.

But I waited for the sale and I recommend that you do too. The Khaite argyle sweater features a striking and expansively scaled argyle pattern in black and ivory. The crew neck complements its straight structure. It’s bouclé knit with 53% silk and 47% cashmere so you can imagine how ridiculously soft, snuggly, and comfy it is. The cuffs and hem are finished with fisherman’s-rib-stitched trim giving it a clean look. I’ve always loved intarsia-knit sweaters and pullovers because that’s what makes them not boring. The good news is that Khaite has a nice variety of intarsia-knitted (patterned) sweaters and cardigans. Plus, an ongoing sale. So, the time is now to get your hands on these beauties.

I paired it with leather leggings to make things even more interesting. Because if you’re not going with layering, the next best thing is combining textures. Knitwear + leather is a combination for girls who want a little bit of everything. I call it the best of both worlds. It’s cozy and edgy. Sweet and savage. Nothing against jeans but leather pants are my new best friend. They would be yours too especially when you’re wearing a chunky, laid-back sweater. Sleek and smart leather pants would provide a sartorial balance.

I finished the look with black boots that complemented the leather pants. A pair of classic black pumps would also look great with the outfit but I wanted to feel comfy (and cool). So, overall it turned out to be a cute and casual winter outfit that’s perfect to wear to movies, lunches, and girls’ day out.

The bag is my forever favorite Chanel flap bag with gold hardware. Just the right amount of bling to uplift the outfit.

What’s your favorite go-to winter look? Share with me in the comments below.

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Red Sweater Puff Sleeve Top

Alyssa — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 20:00:01 +0000

This year’s holiday calendar is going to be much more cheerful than last year’s. We’re all looking forward to office parties, families reunions, get-togethers with the girls, and all those plans that were abandoned in the dreadful lockdown. It’s finally time to come out and celebrate in style.

I don’t know about you but I like to plan my holiday outfits super ahead of time. Because if you’re shopping online, you’re likely to experience longer shipping times due to the busy season. You’re not going to be too happy if your dress arrives after the day you were supposed to wear it. I’m also not a fan of hasty last-minute purchases because those have almost always made me regret. So if you don’t want to put a damper on your holiday cheer, better order now.

I got this beautiful chic red sweater from Chicwish. And it’s THE perfect winter top for the holidays. It’s got everything. The rich festive color, big puff shoulders that say you’re ready to party, and ribbed knit fabric to keep you warm when you do. The square neckline balances out the roundness of bubble sleeves and the knit fabric offers flexibility to move around freely. Thanksgiving and Christmas call for bright and bold colors that reflect the festive spirit and this red sweater top gets 10/10 for either event.

I paired the top with split hem jeans which are equally chic. Split hem jeans first made an appearance at Victoria Beckham’s runway show in 2019 and have become a fashion statement ever since. From Hailey Beiber to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, celebs have been rocking this detail and I couldn’t help but become a fan. These skinny split hem jeans are stretchy and super comfy. Plus a versatile piece in your wardrobe that you can use to create many on-trend outfits.

And then, the cherry on top. Chanel Vintage shoulder bag in red quilted suede leather. I love the classic round flap, golden metal hardware, and its smart stature. It’s not every day that you get your hands on a beautiful vintage piece like this one. So you can imagine how obsessed I am with it. You can also pair it with a neutral outfit to add that cheerful vibe. In fact, it will stand out more against a dress in a softer color. But it’s the holiday season and we’re going all in.

Finally, I finished the whole look with Jimmy Choo Lucy Pumps in black. Who doesn’t love a timeless style? Especially when it’s fused with a contemporary edge. A pointy toe, a delicate side buckle fastening ankle strap, and a glistening finish are some of the best features of these striking pumps. They looked great with the jeans and also complemented the red top.

All in all, it was a simple but spicy holiday look and I love every bit of it. Stay tuned for more winter outfits and holiday looks.

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Cable Knit Sweater for Fall

Alyssa — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 19:00:58 +0000

Sweaters, scarves, earthy tones, freshly-brewed coffee, and the sound of leaves crunching under your feet. But most importantly sweaters. The simple pleasures of fall.

Slim-fit, oversized, bat-sleeved, woolen, or ribbed-knitted. No matter the style, sweaters, in my books, are the best piece of clothing to ever exist. With its sweet warmth and feel-good fluffy look, a good sweater has the power of making even the coldest person look like a big softie. They just instantly make you feel snuggled up. Sweaters are adorable and it’s officially sweater weather here in Washington State. Since it doesn’t get extremely cold here I usually get away with with wearing a sweater and a waterproof layer over top.

I found what I was looking for in this Isabel Marant Cable Knit Sweater. This gorgeous beige sweater swaddles you in plush comfort and makes you feel like everything’s right in the world. I mean, it’s wool. Unmatched comfort and warmth are a given. The chunky cable-knit looks and feel perfectly cozy. The puff sleeves give it kind of a voluminous silhouette. So, balancing that flair with a slim-fit pants will be a good idea.

The neutral color makes this cable knit sweater a perfectly adaptable wardrobe staple. Pair it with a light color or a dark color, it will look great with anything.

My choice for the pants was a beige slim-fit pair and there I had a very laid-back yet elegant all-beige neutral look. Fall fashion trends for 2021 say that yellow, orange, and pink are dominating but my love for neutrals doesn’t care. And I’d advise you the same. Do what you love and what makes you feel confident. Neutrals make me happy and I won’t be parting ways with them anytime soon.

I even went with matching round-toe Vince Boots that are actually incredible stylish. They are 100% suede boots with chunky rubber soles that make you feel a little badass. Front lace-up and side zip fastening further add to their edgy personality. They are super comfy and you could walk like many many miles under the trees over crunchy fallen leaves and not feel like your feet are giving up.

Now, the last but the most important thing my all-beige outfit needed was a pop of color. I went with the ultimate signature fall color for the bag: rich brown that encompassed the true feeling of fall. It looked stunning to say the least and the whole look was instantly elevated.

Fall fashion is all about chunky knits and sweaters that make you smile. Keep watching this space for more fashionable fall outfits.

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Silk Mock Neck Top Styling

Alyssa — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:00:17 +0000

Neutral looks are always a sophisticated and timeless style choice. It is one of my go-to looks because it works so well, regardless of the season. I have worn them a number of times for many different occasions, and I can say with certainty that I will never get tired of styling neutrals. This time around, I decided to do a play on texture with a silk mock neck top, which I paired with beige jeans.

A silk mock neck top is the perfect piece to elevate a pair of basic jeans. I wanted to add a romantic flair to my day look, so I picked out this champagne-colored top. My beige jeans offer a pretty simple but flattering silhouette. I love that this pair is done in a cool-toned beige, which complements my lighter-colored top well. The two pieces have contrasting textures – with silk being buttery soft and jeans being a little more rugged. But, together, they have a balanced contrast that just looks so alluring.

A little tip when doing a monotone look: mix up the textures and go for different shades of neutrals. This breaks the uniformity and makes your look a lot more interesting.

Finishing my outfit is a pair of pointed-toe neutral heels, which along with the beige skinny jeans, effectively elongate my legs. Ladies, you don’t need to wear extremely high heels all the time. You can have that extra height and the illusion of longer legs with the right pairing of pants and heels!

Finally, I accessorized with a mini Chanel bag, which had just the right size for my casual day out. Most of the time, I don’t go for big, bulky totes when wearing feminine and romantic looks. Unless you are going for a statement look, it’s always smart to keep accessories simple and understated. Too much embellishments can take away from the beauty of your outfit.

This has been one of my favorite neutral looks, thanks to the silk mock neck top, which is definitely the star of this whole outfit.

Do you love silk looks too? Let me know if you would want to see more silk pieces featured here!

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Dior Saddle Bag Styling

Alyssa — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 19:00:10 +0000

I’m drawn to bags like a moth to a flame. My infatuation with handbags goes way back when I used to raid my mom’s closet to pose with her baguette purses. While I did grow out of raiding her closet, I never grew out of my love for bags.

Dior has always been among my most-loved designer brands for bags and today I’m talking about its iconic saddle bag. Dior Saddle Bag was designed in 1999 and debuted in the spring/summer 2000 collection. After making an appearance on the runway, the saddle bag was everywhere including under the arm of then style icon Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City).

In 2018, after many, many years, Dior Saddle Bag made a raging comeback with pieces flying right off the shelves. The bag was made available in two sizes (although the smaller size may feel ridiculously small to some) and a number of different iterations. You can find the reinvented saddle in different colors with leather, oblique canvas, and embroidery.

While I do love it in classic leather, I feel the embroidered oblique jacquard has more character and dimension to it. And so I went with the Blue Dior Oblique Jacquard Saddle Bag and styled it with a simple outfit. Because that’s the beauty of the saddle bag – you don’t have to overthink or complicate your outfit, the saddle does the talking. It’s a statement piece that works like a charm on a simple canvas.

The new version of Dior Saddle Bag did make a couple of updates to its original one. For one, it now has a magnetic snap closure which I prefer much more over the old velcro. Secondly, Dior has also come up with a long embroidered canvas strap (sold separately) to make the bag more functional and versatile.

The flap features a ‘D’ stirrup clasp. A ‘CD’ signature sits on each side of the handle. This antique gold-finish metal hardware looks stunning against the dark jacquard and lends the bag its bling. The flap opens up to an inside pocket that has enough room for your wallet, phone, keys, and maybe even some makeup. You can either carry it in your hand or over your shoulder. At first glance, you might think it won’t fit under your arm but it’s actually shockingly comfortable over the shoulder unless you’re wearing a bulky jacket or coat.

I do love other colors but I went with a neutral one so I can style it with many of my other outfits as well. It’s a timeless and investment piece that’s definitely worth it. So if you’re looking for something that won’t go out of style for years to come, this is it. I mean, we’re still going gaga over the saddle even after 20 years. Perhaps it’d still be here after another 20.

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Sweetheart Top with Bell Sleeves

Alyssa — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:00:16 +0000

The sweetheart neckline has been around for centuries. Some believe it first appeared in the 18th-century French couture while others trace it way back to the 15th-century court of Isabella of Spain. No matter when it originated, the sweetheart neckline has been a favorite of designers and fashionistas alike.

Sweetheart neckline gets its name from the fact that it’s shaped like the top of a heart. It’s a romantic and flattering shape that accentuates the decolletage and shows off collar bone. You might have spotted it on a lot of wedding dresses. If you compare, wedding gowns with sweetheart necklines look particularly majestic and incredibly elegant. That’s because of the neckline’s features-enhancing power.

Tops with sweetheart necklines are also getting popular. This sweetheart top I have styled today is a beautiful dupe of Khaite’s The Maddy Top. To my delight, it looks exactly like the original with its ribbed-knit fabric, slim fit, pull-on style, and that romantic sweetheart neckline. But why didn’t I just get the original? Well, because dishing out $1080 on a top didn’t make a lot of sense to me. As I’m sure most of you would agree. If there’s anything I’d be happy to spend $1000s on, it’s handbags because they truly give you unmatched quality and can even be passed down as heirlooms.

Even as a dupe, this sweetheart top is exceptionally comfortable. The long sleeves complement the neckline and add effortless elegance to the top. The cuffs go a little beyond the wrists which I find cute. To allow the sweetheart neckline works its magic, I had my hair in a sophisticated updo. With all the hair out of the way, the neckline really did highlight my collarbone.

I paired the top with black pants and slipped into a pair of black boots to create that black on black look. Everything turned out to be cute and romantic with a little dash of edgy (thanks to the boots). There was just one thing left. The integral part of every outfit. The one accessory that every look is incomplete without. You guessed it. The Chanel black denim bag felt like the perfect bag to go with this outfit. It’s a classic single flap bag made out of quilted denim and features a silver chain link and leather straps.

Do you like sweetheart tops? Mention your favorite ones in the comments below and I might churn out some more styling inspirations.

Alyssa Smirnov

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