Named the “Best Laptop Backpack for Work” by Forbes, your daily grind just got a little fresher.
After my first experience with Generation Leather Backpack by Troubadour, it’s clear why this startup brand is making waves in major publications with their innovative, fashionable work bags.
Troubadour backpacks are sleek and functional, making them an excellent choice for the modern professional looking to upgrade their work bags.
Features like waterproof materials, sealed zippers, tons of pockets and lightweight designs make them a real asset for those who use backpacks as a part of their daily routine.
Modern silhouettes, thoughtful details, high quality hardware and uncomplicated lines make Troubadour backpacks a fashionable, versatile selection for those with sophisticated taste.
Image credit: Troubadour
Recently, co-founder Samuel Bail just announced big news for those who want a little more personalization in their daily aura. The Apex Backpack 3.0 is now available in Basalt, Livid Green, Scree and Green Smoke & Obsidian Green.
Fitting a 17″ laptop with padded pockets, waterproof materials, bottle holders, heavy duty zipper closures and more–the new range of colors is truly the ice on an already masterfully designed bag.
Image credits: Troubadour
The new color range boasts bright outdoor hues reminiscent of a summer morning in the mountains.
The official Apex Backpack lineup:
Basalt (new): Cool stone grey
Black: Essentials collection
Livid Green (new): Daytime evergreen
Navy: Deep sea blue
Skree (new): Light whitewashed stone
Green Smoke and Obsidian Green (new): Sage green with evergreen details
Looking for more details and the scoop on quality? Check out my Troubadour Leather Backpack review for a detailed analysis on the functionality and fashion behind this brand’s modern backpacks.
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post features gifted items from Troubadour. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!
Influencers are some of the most effective marketing assets in today’s digital age. In some cases, these individuals are actively driving the content creation industry for some brands, and how many micro trends are shaped and formed.
Thanks to their ability to craft an aspirational lifestyle and test a wide variety of products in the market, influencers’ recommendations are highly valuable for brands and followers alike.
This is why recent influencer surveys found that up to 57% of Gen-Z respondents and 41% of all adults surveyed want to be in this line of work.
That said, being an influencer is easier said than done. Aside from constantly having to grind as essentially your own production company, being an influencer means you always have to have content ready. Without anything fresh to cover, you can easily get overlooked in favor of the millions of other hopefuls online, given that Linktree’s found that 200 million content creators monetize their work.
For an aspiring beauty influencer, this means that you should have a steady stream of products to feature.
Of course, if you’re just starting, doing so can be challenging, given that you’ll likely have to acquire them on your own first. Thankfully, there are ways to do so without breaking your budget or your posting schedule.
Buy Products with From Online Deal Sites to Get Started.
As a new influencer who may not be on PR lists yet, and you’ll have to pay out of pocket for certain items (especially if you want to keep up with the latest trends and releases). Start with products that are already cult favorites on your buy list so you know you will get good use out of the products your purchase. Some of the best beauty and skincare reviews come from authentic experiences that are had outside of the influencer market.
The good news is that buying these products doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg if you do so through exclusive online beauty deals. Looking at the selection of products from QVC for example, you can easily find a wide range of the newest beauty collections at more affordable promotional packages and prices. This includes goods from premium brands like Bobbi Brown and Elemis, which are also often sold out in physical retail stores.
Additionally, trusted platforms are often able to partner with big-name labels for online exclusives. For instance, in the aforementioned shopping platform, you can find special deals like Benefit brow pencil duos and Sigma Beauty face brush sets, all with reduced prices that are unheard of in brick-and-mortar stores. Using these, you can buy yourself even high-end beauty products while still being mindful of what you can afford.
Later, even after you’ve established your following, purchasing from these online deals can be a practical option to balance your content with a degree of unsponsored posts.
Opt for Subscription Beauty Boxes to Test a Variety of Travel Sizes Products for a Fraction of the Price.
If there’s one that many beauty influencers will say, it’s that they have so much product and so little time. Naturally, this means that many items are barely used, if at all, which is a waste. Aside from this, if you’re still in the stage of your career when you’re buying your own products, having plenty of items on hand that you won’t maximize after your post is also impractical.
As such, it’s also worth looking into subscription beauty boxes. Offered by numerous companies, these boxes offer makeup, skincare, fragrance, and haircare items that have been selected to suit individual profiles. As a result, subscribers can receive products that actually align with their interests and preferences. As an influencer, this can help you ensure that the products you get are curated to suit your online style and niche. At the same time, since these are usually offered in travel sizes, it reduces the amount of product that you’ll have to go through.
Since the monthly cost of such a box is cheaper than constantly buying full-price, it’s easier to squeeze into your working budget.
Finally, in many box providers, you can find collaborations with big beauty names. For instance, Ipsy recently worked with Patrick Starr, who selected several of that month’s box items, which included high-street brands like One/Size, Fenty, and Kosas.
You can also do unboxing content by doing hauls of all of the items in your subscription boxes, so you’re getting double content out of the same mix of products.
Small Brand Partnerships are a Good Way to get Your Foot in the Door.
According to reports, a growing number of beauty businesses are becoming more keen to work with micro and mid-tier influencers. This is because, aside from being more financially accessible, their more modest following also creates a more “relatable” community that online followers are happy to join. Since they’re also perceived to be more authentic, smaller influencers can often drum up more sales conversions. For example, Trigwell Cosmetics, which is a self-described small cosmetics business, sold out 2,500 of their limited edition puffs in just under six hours following an influencer post.
You can find a BLAQ face mask review on this very site as an example of a small brand that created a ton of viral buzz leveraging influencer marketing.
As a new influencer, you can use this information to your advantage by offering your platform to SMEs. Since these businesses are less likely to have the resources to formally onboard bigger influencers, you can instead request an exchange deal of sorts. Through this, they can offer you products for free that you’ll then review or feature on your accounts. This is a win-win situation, so long as you know the product is trustworthy and you do the brand justice in your post.
In the long run, this can also help build your credibility among other brands while also securing a working relationship that can be helpful as your following swells.
Written by Kiera Brooks, published by Day in My Dreams
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post is in collaboration with Kiera Brooks. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!
I’ve tried dozens of 14-24K gold plated jewelry brands. Here’s how Sachelle Collective measures up with a review of quality, style assortment, and packaging (aka gift-ability).
So there are suddenly 284,398 real gold plated and vermeil jewelry brands on the market. Not sure where to start?
If you’re looking for modern, feminine jewelry with unique, delicate touches—read this Sachelle Collective Jewelry review to see if this brand is right for you.
First, here is some good info to have on Sachelle as a brand. Sachelle is a fairly young brand born in 2020.
They specialize in gold plated and gold filled jewelry designed to make a certain level of “fine jewelry” attainable to many.
The jewelry designs are inspired around longevity and a sense of timelessness, making them a brand that is good for those seeking versatility in their jewelry designs.
I selected two necklaces for this Sachelle Collective review: A freshwater pearl choker with a 14K gold plated clasp and bead, and a birth flower and birth charm necklace that’s 14K gold filled.
Since their arrival, I’ve found both pieces to be extremely versatile, matching with literally everything in my wardrobe for the season from occasion wear to everyday athleisure basics.
They add a really delicate, feminine touch to each outfit, without being overdone.
Sachelle also emphasizes the use of ethical materials and sourcing for conscious shoppers trying to make better decisions with their purchases.
Some of their most used materials include:
14K gold plated with brass base metal
14K gold filled with brass base metal
Fresh water pearls
Cubic Zirconia
In regards to quality, Sachelle boasts a “rigorous 30 days test wear” before hitting the consumer market.
If you tend to wear your jewelry overnight, through showers, rain and shine like I do, a wear test is pretty important when making purchasing decisions. So is quality of the gold plating.
Most of the jewelry from Sachelle Collective are either gold filled or gold plated, and should last for years.
Gold plated: A thin layer of gold over a base metal
Gold vermeil: A medium layer of gold over sterling silver
Gold filled: A thick layer of gold over a base metal
Solid gold:Solid gold throughout jewelry piece
While Sachelle isn’t what I would classify as “fine jewelry” (solid gold), the pieces which are gold filled should stand up to years of wear.
During my communication with the brand, they specified that most of their jewelry is “14k gold-filled, which contains approximately 3-5% real solid gold”.
I’ve worked with brands that offer gold plated and vermeil pieces in the past, and after a few years of heavy wear, you can notice some signs of wear. If you’re curious how Sachelle stands up compared to other brands I’ve tried, bookmark this page and check back and I’ll give an update on my real life wear experience.
In regards to packaging, Sachelle Collective gets a 10/10 for their price range.
The box is basic with a neat white label. Inside you’ll find tissue wrapped individual jewelry boxes each with a black velvet base and a creamy faux suede dust bag.
A really nice presentation if you’re buying this jewelry as a gift.
Want to know where you can find them? You probably missed their pop-up store in Hong Kong, but the good news is you can shop Sachelle Collective Jewelry online, and discover their brand for yourself.
I hope you found this Sachelle Collective review helpful in your buying journey!
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post features gifted items from Sachelle Collective. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!
Here are some ways you can benefit from owning a fashion style blog, with real-life examples acquired over 10 years of blogging experience.
Owning a fashion style blog has become increasingly competitive since its early beginnings. But there’s good news for those who are still trying to make it their career–you can still make money with a fashion blog, plus some other great perks.
I have owned a fashion style blog for about 10 years, and made as much as $50,000 in a year–most of which time the blog was more of a hobby than a career.
This year, I clothed my entire family in adidas for a year, made some extra cash and worked primarily during “unused” hours of the day (aka insomnia streaks, road trips, waiting in lines, etc.)
In this fashion blog “case study” with adidas, I’ll be serving examples of ways you can benefit from owning a blog as a side hustle, or even a full time career.
Learn about brand quality, which can help guide future purchases: adidas has some great value essentials from clothing to shoes under $80
With a big credit provided for a year-long collaboration, I was able to sample a good portion of the adidas collections in 2024.
By trying and wearing dozens of pieces from a brand, you can really get a good understanding of average quality and value of the brands you partner with compared to other brands.
I stocked our wardrobe with sweatshirts, tee shirts, athletic shorts, track pants, fresh terry shorts, fashion sneakers and running shoes. My husband and I were both really impressed with the quality of adidas pieces compared to other brands at that price range. We’ve now worn several items for almost a full year, and the quality has been preserved even with heavy wear items like sweats and sneakers.
In fact, my husband, children and myself all got shoes under $80 that have lasted us all year. It is evident adidas is committed to making quality fashion and athleisure essentials attainable to everyone. You can even shop by price point if you’re looking for a good steal.
You get some great discounts: I discounts on my adidas purchases, extending my credit and clothing the whole family for an entire year
With many brands I’ve worked with, many offer coupon codes and memberships that extend past the collaboration timeframe. With the adidas adiclub, I racked up points through my purchases made with my collaboration credit that added up to several extra discounts. I was able to apply those additional discounts into my collab purchases during the past year, extending the credit provided in exchange for the collab.
In the case of other brands, it’s not uncommon to receive codes for 15-30% off items to provide to readers or use for yourself.
You can make some serious cash blogging (and save money on items you would otherwise purchase): With the adidas partnership I saved our family the cost of shoes and casual athleisure essentials that will last for years
With my record year making around $50,000 in my free time, there’s no doubt blogging can be a good source of income.
You can make money through sponsored content, ads, affiliate links and codes, and less traditional opportunities that often rise with blog success–photography jobs, contract writing, etc.
I’ve done a combination of these strategies to pull in a maximum profit, focusing on the highest yield per time investment. You can also save money by selecting collaborations on items you or your family may need (or would otherwise purchase). This year, I was able to earn my family an entire year of atheisure essentials with my collaboration with adidas. From sweatsuits and sneakers, these fall and winter essentials are items I would have likely needed to purchase had it not been for this partnership.
You discover some really cool brands when you own a fashion style blog: this year I discovered a lot of boutique brands and some great sources for high quality essentials
Aside from the obvious benefits, you can also discover some really neat brands when blogging, that you may not have had the opportunity to know of otherwise. Since fashion blogs and influencer marketing are ways to spread brand awareness, brands working to expand their audience seek these partnerships out.
I have had the opportunity to discover countless brands I would never have heard of before had it not been for blogging.
Follow this fashion blog, and that’s one of the benefits of blogging I can share with you!
Want to start your own fashion blog? Here are some tips on how to start a fashion blog I put together to help you get started!
Want to update your wardrobe with fall fashion trends from the most iconic brand leaders?
Discover key luxury fashion brands fall 2024 presented from the runway, with ways to incorporate their trends into your everyday wardrobe.
From Burberry fall fashion trends leading with elevated county essentials like the tweed blazer fall trend, to American sportswear style for fall 2024– discover how to update your wardrobe with a few key essentials you’ll be able to incorporate into your style for years to come.
Think tweed blazers, trench coats, luxe leather, riding boots, trousers, and cable knit sweaters for evenings by the fireside. Check out Burberry new fall and winter arrivals for a brand that’s been build around this trend for generations.
Want to incorporate this trend into your everyday wardrobe with a few attainable pieces? Banana Republic as some attainable classic countryside alternatives. Pinterest is a great destination to find authentic and unique handmade knits.
All business: Prada fall 2024 features serious suiting with a touch of glamour
Not everyone will be relaxing and enjoying the simple life this season. Some are taking current times very, very seriously.
Suiting is always a big fashion trend for fall. This season features more dramatic silhouettes, unique tailoring and old world touches.
Look for a fresh cut blazer that’s out of the ordinary and defines your energy with statement shoulders, boxy cuts or impractical sleeves – just to make a statement. Pair with a touch of old world glamour for a look that’s striking as well as elegant.
For such core essentials, I recommend making the leap to buy something really high quality that will last you for years.
My statement blazer is from Anne Fontaine, and it is a core part of my wardrobe this season and for years to come. Anne Fontaine also has some great options for statement blouses with a more feminine touch. Check out her collection of Anne Fontaine white blouses for your next essential.
Tired of the sweats and sneakers brought on by the pandemic? Some say it’s time to revert to frivolous extremes. Couture fashion is making a comeback with opulent gowns, runway looks and eye catching red carpet ensembles.
Look to Oscar de la Renta and Gucci as ringleaders bringing back old world glamour.
While this fall trend doesn’t translate in its fullest form into most people’s everyday lifestyle, you can dabble in it. Try incorporating lavish lace maxi skirts with more casual pieces like oversized tees, knits and blazers for a look that’s glam, but also street worthy. Key pieces also include heeled loafers, lace elements and beaded embellishments.
American sportswear style fall 2024: Polo Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch
Who doesn’t love a classic? The east coast is embracing its roots in classic American sportswear. Think the era of American football at its birth and a touch of pickleball today. Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch have stuck to their roots throughout the generations as leaders in this style. They may argue not just a trend, it’s a way of life.
There’s some intersection with this fall trend and upscale country. But think more sporty elements like pops of blue, lots of denim, polo shirts, tennis skirts, and collegiate-inspired emblems and badges.
Mix your trousers and blazers with sporty pieces to attain this fall trend with items you already have in your wardrobe. Or add in key pieces like a tweed blazer or blue button down to complete the gaps in your look.
For those looking to elevate their style with comfortable yet chic footwear, check out the offerings at Lucky Feet Shoes Claremont to find the perfect pair for this fall trend.
Scandinavian cottage core: Nili Lotan and Veronica Beard
Who’s trying to escape into the mountains? Say hello to the new cottage core. If your heart is seeking solace, Scandinavian-inspired cottage looks is the trend for you. Nili Lotan and Veronica Beard have all the cottage knits and barrel leg trousers your heart desires.
You can also grab some really unique cottage knits on Pinterest, and check Abercrombie and Free People for barrel jeans and other trend essentials.
What fall fashion trends will you be sporting in 2024? It looks like the tweed blazers fall trend, chunky knits, lace skirts and wide leg pants will be key items of the season.
Choose your wardrobe additions wisely to participate in your favorite trends without overhauling your entire wardrobe with cheap fast fashion grabs.
A few quality investments pieces can set the tone for your wardrobe all season and for years to come.
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post contains sponsored links. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!
A little good, a little room to improve. Thinking about making a purchase from The Jacket Maker? Here’s what you’re going to want to know before buying, in a comprehensive review.
If you like to shop leather stores for your leather jackets, The Jacket Maker offers an alternative with a wider range of style options and more sophisticated style.
First impressions, The Jacket Maker offers a really nice selection of leather jacket styles that you don’t see at your typical leather shop.
You know the stores I’m talking about. You walk in to see some fringe leather bag, the smell of fresh leather fills the room with a rustic, earthy vibe. Their leather is always a bit heavy but good quality, and if you’re going in to find a basic jacket you may or may not find what you’re looking for.
The Jacket Maker is a good alternative to searching through store racks. They have a wider assortment of designs, with a slightly more sophisticated approach.
After placing my order (gifted for this review) I also received an email promptly asking for my measurements for a bit of custom tailoring. A nice touch for an online retailer.
Not long after, my leather jacket arrived in the mail. The box was filled with a few extra goodies that made it fun to open–a car freshener, leather pad, and jacket bag were included.
Full disclosure, the quality wasn’t what I was expecting for a $300 jacket.
The leather itself is smooth and soft. I had been looking forward to styling a fleece collar women’s leather bomber jacket for the colder season. But overall I was hoping to see more refined details at the price point.
Some of the jacket details (collar material, hardware, lining material, ribbing) don’t look or feel like a luxury grade jacket.
I would have rather seen a heavier duty, less shiny zipper than the extra goodies in the box. The lining material and ribbing, also a bit shiny–which could have really elevated the jacket had they been a bit richer quality. In my experience, such details set luxury fashion apart from box retailers and fast fashion.
However, overall the jacket is nice. Better than what I’ve seen in some of the discount leather shops, not as good as a luxury grade leather jacket brand. Imagine if a well established, lower price point brand decided to use a higher quality leather to make a limited release jacket. I’d say this would be a close match in quality and design.
The styles are less trendy than fast fashion, more sophisticated than your average leather shop.
I’ve seen on The Jacket Maker that they’ve been featured in some pretty major publications, so it’s clear not everyone shares my more neutral opinion on the brand. If you’re looking for something different and The Jacket Maker has your style, you can check them out for yourself.
I’ve placed my leather jacket on my styling rack for fall, and I’m hopeful with the right outfits the overall look will achieve a fresh American classic style.
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post features gifted items from The Jacket Maker. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!
In a world where developing a personal style seems more difficult than ever, staying true to yourself amidst the chaos of fast-evolving fashion trends can feel overwhelming.
With social media platforms like TikTok driving the explosion of new micro trends every day—whether it’s ‘gorp-core,’ ‘quiet luxury,’ or the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic—keeping up can be exhausting. This constant churn of micro-trends not only fuels overconsumption but also risks eroding our sense of individual style, leaving many of us lost in the whirlwind of fast fashion.
So, how do you break free from the cycle and focus on building a wardrobe that reflects you? Developing your personal style takes time, patience, and a little trial and error. One of the best ways to guide this process is through reading ebooks. On the digital library Everand, you can find a treasure trove of titles written by fashion experts and industry veterans for learning about different styles, trends, and wardrobe essentials. The lifestyle ebooks on Everand include The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas and The Happy Closet. Affordable and portable, these ebooks can be downloaded and read offline, offering inspiration wherever you go.
Here’s a closer look at the top ebooks to help you develop your personal style:
The Happy Closet – Well-Being is Well-Dressed: De-clutter Your Wardrobe and Transform Your Mind by Annmarie O’Connor
Contrary to what many believe, developing a personal style doesn’t require filling your wardrobe with hundreds of items. In fact, wardrobe curator and stylist Heather Hurst, argues that this myth promotes overconsumption and even shopping addictions. So, she recommends confronting your closet with intention. This perspective aligns perfectly with Annmarie O’Connor’s ebook, The Happy Closet.
O’Connor’s work provides readers with a roadmap for decluttering their wardrobes and shifting toward mindful shopping. She emphasizes moving away from accumulating clothes you rarely wear and instead focuses on curating a wardrobe that fits your lifestyle. Once your closet is organized and streamlined, you’ll experience increased confidence and control over your personal style.
The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas: A Stylish Solution to What Should I Wear? by Alison Lumbatis
Many of us know the frustration of staring at a full closet but still feeling like there’s nothing to wear. This dilemma can often be solved by embracing a minimalist wardrobe—especially one that includes versatile staples like a fitted knitted dress and knee-high boots for the fall season, as discussed in our post Minimalist Fall Fashion. But what about building outfits for the rest of the year?
That’s where Alison Lumbatis’ ebook, The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas, comes in. Lumbatis, a style psychology expert, offers a simple yet effective approach to outfit building. The book teaches readers how to create stylish looks using clothing they already own, employing tried-and-true “outfit formulas.” With chapters on defining your personal style, dressing for your body shape, and seasonal outfit planning, this ebook is a must-read for anyone serious about refining their wardrobe.
Wear Next: Fashioning the Future by Clare Press
Fast fashion and overconsumption are two of the biggest challenges facing the fashion industry today. A study revealed that the global apparel industry leaks millions of tons of plastic into the environment annually, contributing to one of the most significant sources of pollution. This makes it more important than ever for individuals to make mindful fashion choices as they seek to develop their personal style.
In Wear Next, Vogue’s first-ever sustainability editor, Clare Press, addresses these concerns head-on. The ebook introduces readers to the innovators revolutionizing fashion who are creating more sustainable practices and reducing environmental harm. As Press notes, the current fashion system is wasteful and harmful, but solutions already exist. She provides an expert guide on how we can reshape our fashion choices without compromising our planet’s future.
Fashion-focused podcasts to elevate your game
Beyond ebooks, podcasts are another excellent resource for expanding your fashion knowledge. Some podcasts blend fashion analysis with current culture, offering insightful commentary on the latest trends. Whether you’re a die-hard fashion fan or simply interested in knowing what’s happening in the industry, these podcasts are an entertaining and informative listen.
Developing your personal style is a journey, and these resources can help you along the way. With these ebooks, you’re sure to find the inspiration you need to cultivate a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are.
Written by Madison Hopkins, published by Day in My Dreams
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post is in collaboration with Madison Hopkins. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!
Very thoughtful. Very demure. Like to see young aspiring entrepreneurs succeed? Enter ANINE BING. Musician, photographer, fashion blogger and founder of her own brand, ANINE BING. What started in her garage, now boasts storefronts in cities all over the world.
Want to know how this inspirational brand stands up in a detailed ANINE BING review?
I bought a simple ANINE BING sweatshirt as my first piece from her collection. Here’s why it’s not just simple, and the difference between brands like ANINE BING and fast fashion retailers.
First a bit about the brand. Based in a Los Angeles fashion house “Blending elements of Scandinavian simplicity with American energy, ANINE BING offers modern wardrobe essentials for women seeking a timeless yet confident approach to everyday style. I first discovered the brand ANINE BING through the designer’s personal account, @aninebing
Her aesthetic is everything I love. Simple but elegant–fashionable, but functional.
She is indeed very elegant, very demure. There are a lot of black and whites with a mix of artistic lifestyle shots as well as fashion posts that excuse a real powerhouse of a woman.
When I realized she’s designed her own brand, I became a closer follower since.
As a brand, ANINE BING pieces follow the lifestyle the designer exudes in her personal account. You’ll find statement blazers, denim, boots, sweaters and tees.
She designs all of the essentials needed for the young professional making their way in this world.
Each ANINE BING piece is thoughtfully designed with modern yet timeliness cuts, occasionally flashing a tasteful logo on the more casual pieces.
Each season reveals a new collection, while the site maintains a category of “classics” which I imagine would take years to go out of style. That’s what I love about ANINE BING. She designs truly classic pieces, not trendy eye grabbers.
Her modern approach to the details is refreshing with a clear understanding of subtle trends like color and cut.
I felt compelled to publish this ANINE BING crewneck review after making my first purchase.
A crewneck may seem like a strange choice for a brand review or for someone investing in limited designer pieces. But here’s why it actually makes a lot of sense.
Everyone makes crewnecks. Because everyone wears them. And people tend to wear them a lot. Rule one of smart shopping, invest in pieces you know you’ll get maximum wear from. Why spend $200 on a crewneck when I can easily find one from a fast fashion retailer for $15? I hope people reading this article are already aware of this, but there’s a huge difference.
ANINE BING casual essentials like the Bradie sweatshirt are exceptional quality in both materials and manufacturing.
The midweight cotton fleece is heavy duty, but not too heavy. It’s soft, but durable.
And I imagine it will survive many a wash without pilling or threading up (I’ll update you if not). The cut of the crewneck is relaxed, but not exactly oversized. It’s not the same as buying a large sweatshirt to try to achieve that effortless effect. It’s cut to be oversized.
The crewneck has a slightly higher mock neckline, adding to the sophistication of the piece.
It’s clear thoughtfulness went into each and every detail of this ANINE BING sweatshirt.
All that to say, ANINE BING has a new cult fan, and I hope to experience more of her pieces in the future. Purchased a piece and want to maximize your wear?
ANINE BING designs versatile essentials that you can wear with anything.
Just a couple of weeks in sweatshirt season, I’ve already worn this piece more than a few times, and styled it several more ways to wear as the season gets cooler.
For this review, I styled the ANINE BING Bradie sweatshirt with tailored wool trousers and casual soccer sneakers by Back 70.
Looking for more outfit ideas? Here are a few looks that I’ve styled that you can try for yourself:
Crewneck with maxi skirt for errands and fashionable weekends
Pair with beige or grey athleisure sweat shorts for an off-duty look you can wear at home and out casually
Wear over your favorite evening gown for that caught in the cold look
Sweatshirt + sweatpants (always a winter favorite)
Wear the Bradie sweatshirt with jeans for a casual collegiate look
Pleated khaki trousers and this sweatshirt is a preppy, tailored look for weekends and casual Fridays. Layer over a button down when it gets colder
Pair with black athletic shorts for a casual sporty look that’s really functional for outdoor activities
Layer with boxy blazer for epic street style vibes (note blazer sleeves have to have space for the oversized sleeves
With so many versatile combinations, I’ll be getting plenty of wear out of my ANINE BING sweatshirt this season.
Loved the review? Grab some ANINE BING investment essentials of your own. Not sponsored by the brand, just a true full-hearted fan.
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post is may contain affiliate links. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!
I’ve worked in fashion for years and tried so many sunglass brands I doubt I could name them all. Want to know how Saint Owen sunglasses compare? I’ll be sharing details on quality, design and style in this comprehensive review of two styles I tried for myself.
First you should know, this brand is really cool.
Handcrafted in small batches in Italy and Japan
Founded by twin sisters
Distinctly higher quality
Expertly fitted and balanced
Beautifully embellished details
Saint Owen sunglasses are handcrafted in small batches in Italy and Japan.
Staying in small factories gives designers a lot more influence in overall quality and manufacturing. It also reduces waste caused by over production, which is a common fate in the fashion industry.
If you like to support small business and entrepreneurs who are truly talented in their endeavors, Saint Owen is a brand you can get behind. It was founded by twin sisters and since been featured by some pretty big celebs including Machine Gun Kelly, Lady Gaga, and more.
The level of quality in Saint Owen sunglasses is distinct from design to execution.
I noticed an immediate difference in fit and balance when trying on the glasses for the first time.
Saint Owen sunglasses are really balanced, with no pressure points.
Some of the finer details include ceramic nose pads and optical grade stainless steel hinges.
“All frames are crafted of the finest Italian acetate, tumbled and hand polished to achieve the ultimate finish.” –Saint Owen
The brand also incorporates conscious manufacturing using biodegradable, natural and recycled materials. Even the included sleeve is thoughtfully designed in a buttery soft leathery material that protects your sunglasses without being too oversized or bulky in your handbag.
Saint Owen sunglasses are modern and edgy, with a touch of rock and roll.
You’ll notice thick acetate frames in bold colors and classic black, as well as tortoise prints and studs throughout the collection. For this Saint Owen review, I selected two variations of the Lucid sunglasses in Tortoise and Black.
Saint Owen sunglasses are embellished with subtle details that add intrigue to their styles.
Both pairs of the Lucid frames feature a golden emblem reminiscent of hand sketched lighting near the temple on each side. The black pair also features gold stainless steel temple tips that give it an edgier look.
The frames are beautifully beveled giving them a richness in the depth and fluidity of the design. The frames are just so oversized that they are impactful, yet functional for everyday wear.
You can wear Saint Owen with just about anything to elevate your everyday looks.
Since receiving my Saint Owen sunglasses just a couple weeks back, I’ve already worn them nearly every outing, from the butcher shop to special occasions. I keep the black pair in my bag at all times, and swap out with the tortoise shell when I feel like exuding a bit more style.
Ready to try a pair of your own? If you read through this Saint Owen Sunglasses review, you already know they come highly recommended.
In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post features gifted items from Saint Owen. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!
You can’t miss seeing colorful indoor soccer sneakers breaking the internet on the fashion scene. The urge to buy a pair for every outfit is real. Here’s why you’re going to want to choose Back 70 sneakers in this comprehensive review of colors, fit and style.
In this Back 70 Sneaker Review, I’ll cover a bit about the brand, materials, comfort, fit and style.
I personally own several pairs of Back 70 sneakers, so if that gives you an idea on this review’s conclusion, so be it. They’re the sneakers of today, and the style and comfort is so versatile they’re a great grab without having to overthink your fashion.
Here are a few of my favorite features:
Back 70 is a boutique brand, you’re supporting a small business and local boutiques!
These colorful indoor soccer shoes come in a ton of unique materials to personalize all of your favorite outfits
They are some of the most comfortable shoes I own–you can wear them for hours
The silhouette of today looks amazing with literally everything
Back 70 is a boutique brand (AKA you can’t get them everywhere, and the designs are exclusive.)
You won’t find them everywhere (yet) and so far the brand is committed to keeping their roots in local boutiques. The boutique list is pretty exclusive right now, so search your local upscale boutiques for a chance to spot the brand, or you can shop Back 70 sneakers online and support a small business direct!
Back 70 materials are unique and emphasize individuality
The materials and color ways of these colorful indoor soccer shoes are so fun. And they have a color for every look and everyone. From bright cherry red to orange and lime green, Back 70 sneakers can be the highlight of your outfit. They also have a great range of neutrals, as well as specialty materials like metallics and fuzzy teddy sneakers. Insider slip, I hear they even have rhinestones and other bling coming in for SS25.
Back 70 sneakers are super comfortable
I’ve worn many a pair of sneakers in my lifetime, and I have to say these are some of the most comfortable–competing only with a limited release pair of Golden Goose sneakers I got on a visit to a flagship store in Milan. I’ve worn them with or without socks. Laced or tucked laces. I’ve worn them for quick errands and all day affairs.
From the first day of wear, they’ve been comfortable day-to-night no exceptions.
I’d say they are pretty true to size, but sized in IT so you may have to test fit your first pair. I usually wear a US size 6.5, and wear a Back 70 size 37. They feel a bit bigger than a 6.5, but I wouldn’t size down. In fact the bit of extra space makes them feel all the more comfy without being so large to slip around.
Back 70 sneakers look amazing with literally everything
Wondering how you’ll style your Back 70 sneakers? I started wearing Back 70 sneakers over the summer, and have just started styling with transitional and fall looks.
These kicks are super versatile, and you can wear them with literally everything.
I’ve worn them casual with knit shorts and oversized tees, denim and tanks. I’ve worn them with trendy cargo pants and wide leg trousers, and even dressed them up with a satin maxi dress. This fall I have them styled with coordinating knit sets, leather pants, chunky sweaters, and crewneck sweats. I even did a shoot for luxury fashion icon Anne Fontaine… and Back 70 sneakers even looked smashing with an evening gown.
If you could only own one pair of shoes, Back 70 sneakers would be a legitimate candidate for style, comfort and versatility.
Recap of Back 70 Sneaker Review
If that last statement doesn’t say it all, Back 70 sneakers are totally worth their affordable price point. If sneakers are your go-to, you’ll get plenty of value out of the wear with endless outfit possibilities. They actually elevate your everyday looks, so you can feel a little stylish without having to put any extra effort in.
Want to see how all the cool kids are wearing these colorful indoor soccer shoes?
Back 70 is pretty active on social, so follow them on Instagram and don’t forget to check the “tagged” tab to catch reels, stories and posts of Back 70 real life stories and outfit inspiration.
Also for the record, I’m the U.S. Creative and Marketing director for the brand. But I’m also letting you know, I’m not being partial. Check out some of the latest reactions at the industry’s biggest trade shows and you’ll know, this brand is about to explode.
Want to get on the viral indoor soccer sneaker trend and fall in love Back 70 sneakers first hand? Shop small online at https://back70.us/
