Black & Blue

[Dress: Forever 21 (appears to be sold out, but another cool colorblock option here); Shoes: Ruche; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Boyfriend; Earrings: BaubleBar; Bracelets: J.Crew and Flea Market; Nails: Essie: Muchi Muchi] 

I promise you'll see my eyes again soon; it's just been really sunny out lately, so the glasses are a must. And yes, I'm posing in parking lot. 

On a completely different note, I am going to do something unusual for me and wax poetic about Forever 21 (sense the sarcasm?). No, but really. A lot of friends remark that the store is overwhelming and intimidating when they try to shop there, and I would agree if I hadn't spent the last 10 years fine-tuning the art of navigating it. If you're looking to get your toes wet, check out the store's Love 21 division, which is described as "contemporary." By that, I see nicer fabrics, more refined styles, flattering (i.e. not soooooo tight) fits, and an overall modern, chic look. Now, I think all corners of the store have gems if you look hard enough, but Love 21 has already sort of sifted through all the clutter for you.

I say all this to point you to my dress, which comes from the Love 21 line and called my name when I saw it in the store. The classic ladylike shape, cute bow, and skirt in my favorite color had me at hello. I styled with minimal jewelry and t-strap, kitten heel sandals that also play to the girlish vibe.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets