In partnership with Nordstrom

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I figure this is a good time to share these outfit photos. It’s no secret that I love these creamy pink tones. It’s not the sweetness I’m drawn to, but the softness and dreaminess of pink. It evokes a certain version of femininity, I guess. But pink can also be powerful; blush can be boss. Think of the super chic monochromatic pastels at Mansur Gavriel. These are pieces from the Atlantic Pacific x Nordstrom collaboration (long sold out, sorry.) I really wanted to pull this together because it’s the sort of outfit we see in magazines, but never see styled on someone who looks like me (or us–dear reader–if you happen to feel the same.)

In the spirit of love, here are a few things I’ve loving this month:

– Green smoothies. Handful frozen spinach, handful frozen blueberries, scoop of protein powder, 1.5 cups almond milk, teaspoon honey. I’ve had one almost every morning since scoring a Vitamix Blender on sale.

– This SHAPE activewear sweatshirt. It’s sooo cozy. My favorite thing to wear when running a quick errand.

– Songs about love. And weekends. These are some of my favorites for chill weekend mornings, while making a cup of tea and having breakfast with my family.

– My favorite, never-found-one-better, natural lip balm from 100% Pure.

– The February issue of IN STYLE featuring Melissa McCarthy in Marc Jacobs.

– This excellent long read by Arundhati Roy in Boston Review, “How to Think About Empire” which synthesizes so much about the current political climate.

Hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day! xoxoxoxo

Jessica Castro Photography

 

Blouse, Skirt, Shoes, Sunglasses, Hat, Bag

Holiday party season is here and it’s time to start thinking about what to wear to our social gatherings. You can create an easy-to-wear but still glamorous look by combining a few feminine details—lace, bows, and some sparkling accessories. I’m obsessed with slip-inspired skirts peeking out from long coats or paired with oversized sweaters and ankle boots. This skirt is light but has an inner layer for coverage. The blouse has long ties which I made into a bow.

My blouse and skirt are from Who What Wear’s collection at Target are available in straight and plus-size. I’m lowkey obsessed with this collaboration and featured pieces from the summer collection too. There are so many ways to mix and match the collection itself, or with other favorites already in your closet. Standouts for December include lace up sweaters, velvet wrap tops, and knit vests.

In collaboration with Who What Wear

Photos by Jessica Castro

Top: H&M, Skirt: here, similar here, Sandals: Burberry, Bag: Rachael Ruddick, Sunglasses: ASOS

If you’re a romantic like me, you must watch “Before Sunrise,” directed by Richard Linklater. It’s about two people who meet on a train, a French woman (Julie Delpy) and an American (Ethan Hawke), who decide to get off the train together in Vienna. The American has a flight to catch the next morning, so the sense of time being fleeting is palpable, as is their connection. What happens?! You have to watch.

I love a romantic outfit as much as a romantic film. Sometimes it feels fashion exists in extremes, either you’re dressed to the nines or you’re running around town in sweats and large sunglasses, hoping you don’t run into anyone you know. I wear the extremes, but I’m also interested in the middle ground of feminine fashion.

Enter the maxi skirt, in a cotton candy hue no less. My advice is to style a long skirt like this with a graphic tee and wear pretty sandals rather than heels. I think this skirt works because it’s lightweight, but has structure. This flirty crop top was a perfect match.

Just the thing to wear to spend the day walking around a beautiful city, falling in love.

Photos by Jessica Castro