All posts tagged: minimal

living lighter with less

’Til 2022, a deep desire for “less” has continued to well up in my being. Perhaps partially driven by a complex, heavy world around us. Simplicity is uncomplicated peace, and excess is no more than baggage. I’ve applied this not only to a more capsule approach to my wardrobe, but throughout my home and life as well. It’s become easier and easier to let go of the baggage that builds up with time, and more and more rewarding as the piles of unneeded disappear leaving more time to kick back and enjoy what you have. Not only in things which are material, but also in matters of the mind.    We are a generation of over thinkers. Of excess, and emotional weights we carry with us throughout our lives. It’s a new year, and it’s time to eliminate and reduce baggage – physically, mentally and emotionally. The cause and effect is simple, with less, we are lighter. With less burdens, we can stand up straighter. We become free to pursue what makes us truly happy without …

all white minimalist fashion lifestyle

a minimalist lifestyle from a blogger’s perspective

minimalism: noun min·i·mal·ism \ˈmi-nə-mə-ˌli-zəm\ 1: a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity – Merriam Webster Dictionary Minimalism is the most simple and pure form of any thing. The essence of something – without anything additional. It is the absence of excess. But how does that interpret into lifestyle? Some interpret minimal fashion as a constricted wardrobe of monochrome ensembles. Black, white, beige, simple. Hangers should be 2” apart with plenty of empty space since “minimalism” seems often translated as having less. Each piece should have minimal adornments and detailing, and must be of the most straightforward nature. T-shirts, tanks, jeans. The aura should be stark, neat, empty. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | top c/o:LIE | shorts c/o:SALIENT LABEL I have a much different perspective. Indeed, those descriptive characteristics above are part of a minimalist lifestyle – but it goes much deeper than that. It’s less about the rules, and more about the experience and aesthetic of each piece, item, and choices. …

life as a fashion blogger

returning to life as a fashion blogger, and introducing hemsmith

Just returned from a journey through India, and resuming once again the lifestyle of a fashion blogger. It’s been a long break, and catching up the the pace of normal life has been a more tremendous undertaking than expected. I can still taste the mouthwatering curries and ample coconut water that was consumed along the way. And the silence feels strange as if I’ve never heard it before. At any rate, getting back to the routine has felt more like  a fresh start, and I’ve spent the past couple of days sorting through trip photos and catching up on the latest on Instagram. But before diving into vacation adventures, I wanted to share with you a discovery I made earlier in the year and have recently had the pleasure of experiencing first hand. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | crop top c/o:HEMSMITH | knot cuff c/o:LUXE BLOGGER | ball ring c/o:EVERY MONDAY | cutout boots c/o:WINDSOR SMITH Introducing Hemsmith, a modern, unisex clothing line of comfortable basics that compliment a minimal wardrobe. I …

teatox and travel wear

Frequent trips have led me to develop some go-to habits which are my fail safe to avoid all the many mini crisises that can happen along the way. Travel wear: it’s a science. Packed bad shoes? Bandaids in bag. Airport security? Liquids in easy-access purse pouch. Might need an evening clutch but don’t have room for another single bag? Clip chain for the wallet. Sounds like madness, but these types of little tips keep a swing in my step and the hitch out of travel. If anyone can figure out the solution for delayed flights… queue me in. #lifestory For the most part, the main issues are averted with some basics steps that save a bit of time – and make traveling a whole lot more simple. For example: travel wear. This one took me surprisingly a long time to master. It was a constant battle of what was “comfortable” and what was social acceptable to wear in public. Frankly – I couldn’t care less about the latter. But at time, duty calls for us …

minimalist watches from charlize

Many of you are fully aware of my watch obsession, and Charlize is one brand of minimalist watches which I own not one or two styles – but several. So in honor (more like dread) of daylight savings time today, I thought it only appropriate to post one of the most beautiful ways to tell the time. (though let’s be real – I use my phone for that… watches are for decoration right?). photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | timepiece collection c/o:CHARLIZE (use code: dayinmydreams15 for 15% off!) | beige knit c/o:VIDEO | white jeans c/o:PARKER SMITH | gold stack rings c/o:GRAMERCI | silver hardware cuff c/o:GRAMERCI | gold weave bracelet c/o:CAROLYN COLBY | white marble iphone case c/o:RICHMOND & FINCH The time change hit softly for me this year, spending the hour in an Airbnb for a weekend in NY with not a place to go or thing to do other than cater to my lazy whims. Spending the first hours of the morning delved into the blog, and likely spending the other half with croissant and mimosa …

knit on knit

Casual girls are confident (or just lazy) one of those – I’ll choose to side with the prior. Knit everything blew up the runways and ready to wear – in unconventional forms of knit sets and knit dresses, and it’s no wonder. Women want to feel good in what they’re wearing. And not just because they know they’re a babe. Literally. We want to feel good. And there aren’t many things in life that feel as good as thick knits across your skin and nothing else. This knit set is no exception. Lamoda101, you make me want to lounge so hard, because it’s just so soft. Nothing is as good as life’s simple pleasures, and this year has been an allowance in excess of such guilty luxuries. And why shouldn’t it be. With all life throws at us on a day to day basis, if something simple as cozying down dressed in knits and indulging in whole-milk lattes puts a smile on your face – it’s worth it. And while you’re at it, double that …

bershka street style

Back with some more Bershka, exploring the streets of D.C. So much to do wandering the streets of the city. I could get lost just following my nose on the scent of fresh baked goodies and sidewalk cafes. I’ve had such an incredible time working with their team throughout the past couple of months, and have basically resorted to living in these jeans 24/7 (good thing they’re made to be worn in). photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | head-to-ankle c/o:BERSHKA | ankle-down (aka boots) c/o:CLARKS Spent a good deal of the afternoon hours trolling the streets. I was glad to be in my Clarks boots – this is seriously the pair that never fails. You know those items in your closet that you wear so much, you literally can’t imagine life without them… yeah. It’s like that. Their new spring collection is making it’s arrivals now… so looks like shopping is on the horizon. #clarkstrendsetters Checking my Insta every insta. I mean seriously, look at the food in front of my face, and not even phased… clearly I …

that holiday feelin

The holiday weekend is upon us! Headed to Wisconsin to see the fam for the weekend. Road-tripping it with two monstrous dogs in the backseat… wish me luck. Note to self, don’t wear black. Or leggings. Or anything else comfortable for that matter, since somehow “comfy” = world-shifting force magnet for dog hair. #itsgonnabealongtrip #ineedlintrollers Also, not going to be so warm up north, so I’m enjoying this record sun to the max while for my last days in VA for the week. Not often you can wear skirts and scarves in a Virginia winter, but I’ll take it! photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:NIKON D90 | knit skirt:TJMAXX | scarf:LOUIS VUITTON | lace-up shoes c/o:TRAFFIC SHOE | bracelet c/o:AEROCULATA | rings c/o:AEROCULATA | stack chokers c/o:NO WEEKENDS | nail laquer c/o:INTENSAE Huge fan of lace-up shoes, and these little shooties are a total steal with Traffic Shoe’s sale, buy 1 get one for $1. Word of advise for when to splurge or steal: for timeless pieces (scarves, knits, quality basics, etc) go big or go home. They’ll be in your …

nude

Good morning and happy Saturday. Just a quicky post of today’s morning ritual. VA has been blessed with 70’s and sunny this nearly holiday weekend. And despite the weather, Christmas has come early! Spending the quiet hours of the morning sorting through goodies, setting up the TV’s new sound system,  and listening to Elvis’ Christmas CD… who else but #theking photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | pj set c/o:ADORE ME | natural skincare c/o:NUDE | chain bracelet c/o:FOXY ORIGINALS | geo ring c/o:FOXY ORIGINALS | bralette c/o:ADORE ME And speaking of early Christmas, so excited for this gift set from NUDE. True story: I was cleaning out my sample drawer. You know, the one stocked courtesy of Sephora… holding tiny viles of perfumes you’ll never wear and cremes for every inch of your body possibly imaginable. Amongst those, stood out a completely empty purple vile of cleansing oil. I had kept it intending to order the full size, but apparently it had gotten lost along the way. And yes you’ve guessed correctly, it was from NUDE! Love them because their formulas are all-natural, and …

confident

Demi Lovato’s “Confident” stuck in my head. Holy girl-power… if that’s not enough to get you strutting your stuff this weekend, not sure what will. The past week has been spent in mindful debate over a new direction in my working carrier. When you come to a crux in life, it can be difficult to be confident that, (within the rush of emotions and opportunities) the decision you make will be the best one. But more than right or wrong, it’s most important that when you do make the choice, you stick to it with guns blazing. No one can predict the future, but you can wield the direction of the day with your choices. So here’s to being confident that today will be your day, and you will live it boldly. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:NIKON D90 | silk blouse:VINCE | skirt c/o:DIARIO DE UNA COUTURIER | luggage set:TUMI | shoes c/o:CLARKS | stack rings c/o:K D’ANGELO With a fresh working mindset – and this totally beautiful new luggage set gifted to me by a good friend Manish, the feeling of …