I was recently interviewed by a friend for a feature in a fashion article. I stood outside of a classroom after conducting an English Society meeting spouting out the details of what I was wearing and the inspiration for it. “I decided to channel a witch today,” I had said, my bell sleeves fluttering on my black dress. With heeled boots, a bird skull ring and dark crimson lips, I had managed to channel the “Witchy Woman” the Eagles were singing about. Perhaps I had Halloween on the mind, but I said that I take inspiration from fantastical creatures like witches, fairies and pirates when I style myself in the morning. I like to go for a more eclectic and fun look over what’s trending on Instagram at the moment.
With this look, I might have the lips of a vampire or the shoes of Cruella de Vil, but I decided to go with a look that’s a little less magical and more wearable. I found this wonderful two-piece striped set at Zara this summer and fell in love. It will forever hold a special place in my heart because it was what I wore when photographed in front of the Eiffel Tower for the first time. It can be hard to get it on due to the very stylist knot on the side, but once I’ve shimmied in, I’m strapped in for fun. I’ve always stayed away from horizontal stripes, but lately I’ve been drawn to them. The old fashion rule that stripes make you look bigger should get tossed out the window.
To add a sporty edge to this look, I added a black bomber jacket and hoop earrings. My leopard print heels were a last minute decision. I had considered sneakers or boots, but I like to play with patterns, and I think the break up of the black-and-white at the feet ends up bringing the look together.
I hardly ever find myself planning outfits. Sometimes when I can’t fall asleep I imagine what I will wear the next day, but Floridian weather usually changes those plans, so I end up going with my morning fancies. Does this outfit match in theory? Probably not. Does it match in confidence? Definitely.
