Category: style

Summer Wish List

It’s officially summer! Summer is my favorite season, and what’s even better is summer clothing! I’ve really been wanting to revamp my wardrobe this summer. Do you ever just get tired of looking at the clothes in your closet? I feel like I want to throw everything out and start over, but let’s be realistic…I don’t have the budget for that LOL. That being said, a girl can dream. So if I could, these would be the items I would purchase to revamp my entire wardrobe.

Tops

Bottoms

Shoes

Accessories

 

What is on your wish list for summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Spring Clean Your Closet

clean your closet

Hi my name is Esther and I am a hoarder. Sadly, kind of true. One good thing about my latest move is that I got a chance to go through my closet and clean out bags and bags full of things. It’s spring cleaning time so I wanted to share with you guys some of my tips of how to edit down that closet.

Okay, first things first: Create three piles – Donate, Sell and Toss

These are the items you should pull out of your closet to place in these piles.

1. Anything you haven’t worn in a year – If you haven’t worn something in the past year, chances are you probably won’t really wear it again. Be honest with yourself. If it’s in good condition put it in the sell or donate pile, if it’s not toss it.

2. Items with tags still on them – Unless you just bought something within the past month that you haven’t worn yet, if you still have the tags on chances are you won’t be wearing that item. I found a couple items that still had tags on them for YEARS. I was always saving it for that “special” moment to wear the item, but let’s be real…that moment will never come.

3. Old bras and underwear – You know what I’m talking about. We all have those bras with the underwire coming out, or underwear with holes in them. Get rid of them.

4. Anything with holes in them – TOSS. That old pair of jeans with the button missing that you’ve been saying for years you’ll fix…you won’t. Give it up and just toss it.

5. Freebie items – Those shirts you got from that random event you went to, or that ugly old t-shirt your ex-boyfriend gave you on his last trip. Get rid of it. There’s really no “sentimental” value in holding onto these things. They’re just taking up space and you’ll never wear them.

Okay, now that you’ve pulled out those items from your closet here is what you do with those piles of clothes.

Donate: There are many places you can donate your gently used clothes to such as Good Will, Salvation Army or local churches. If you drive around your town you might also see those red donation bins in parking lots that make it super easy to just drop your donation bag off. Some charities will even come and pick up your donations straight from your house. If you itemize your tax deductions, be sure to record what you are donating!

Sell: This is one of my favorite things to do because it’s fun, and you get some extra cash out of it.

For designer clothes I suggest you sell to TheRealReal. It’s super easy, they will send you a prepaid shipping label. You send them your items and if they accept it, they will then sell your clothes for you. You get to keep 55% of the sale price and TheRealReal keeps 45%.

ThredUp is another way to sell clothes online. These items don’t have to be designer, but not all items will be accepted. You can choose to donate the unaccepted items which will then be recycled. Win win.

Poshmark is an app that allows you to sell your items right from the comfort of your house. This requires the most work because you have to take the pictures and ship the items out yourself, but you also get to choose the selling price which you don’t get to do with the other services. I love using Poshmark for items such as jewelry because it’s easy and convenient.

Toss. Self explanatory. Throw it out.

There you guys have it! Happy cleaning!

 

Chilly Spring Outfit

Jacket: Blank NYC // Shirt: Brandy Melville {similar} // Jeans: Rag and Bone // Bag: Gucci {similar} // Shoes: Steve Madden {similar}

Last month I went to Charleston for my birthday weekend. While we were there the weather was still quite chilly. It’s warmed up in Los Angeles, but I know some places are still cold. I wanted to share with you guys my favorite chilly weather spring outfit. I never used to be a turtleneck kind of girl, but this shirt has made me a convert. Not only is it super comfortable, but it’s very chic tucked into any pair of jeans.

Speaking of jeans, this is my first pair of Rag and Bone denim jeans and I would live in them if I could. They are SO comfortable. Especially for being high waisted. I feel like suck you in at all the right places, but aren’t super tight to the point of no return. If you’re looking for new jeans, definitely check these out.

spring outfit

Gingham Mini Skirt

Gingham Mini Skirt: Boohoo // Bodysuit: Boohoo // Bag: Gucci // Shoes: ASOS // Earrings: BaubleBar [ON SALE!]  // Ring: Monica Vinader

What a week it has been ya’ll. I’m in the process of moving apartments so I’ve been spending the past week packing up all my things. Who knew I had so much stuff. Well actually, I kind of did. I’m sort of a hoarder. Not like the TV show Hoarders status but I definitely have a hard time getting rid of things. I’ve seriously found things I didn’t even know I had. It’s been a good way to get some spring cleaning done, but let me tell you it is S-T-R-E-S-S-F-U-L. I’ve gotten rid of bags and bags of things. Not only that but I am going to Vegas tomorrow for a Bachelorette party so I’ve been trying to get everything done before I leave. Vegas is seriously one of my favorite places on earth so I’m excited to go and celebrate my friend Sarah’s engagement! Also, we’re going to see Magic Mike on Saturday and I can. not. wait.

Gingham Mini Skirt

A brand I have been loving lately is Boohoo. I got both the bodysuit and skirt from Boohoo for under $50! I highly recommend getting a bodysuit like this to wear under tight skirts. This gingham mini skirt will be in full rotation for me this spring and summer. You can buy Boohoo from their website directly like I did with this skirt, or you can also get it on ASOS.

Boohoo

Photos by: Jordan Zobrist

DailyLook March Unboxing

It’s that time again! Another DailyLook Unboxing! DailyLook has revamped their box with this gorgeous blue box with a bow. It feels like you’re opening up a present. They really are elevating our style with their new box! Okay, let’s see what was in this month’s box!

Halter Cami Top – $79: I LOVE a good halter top. I think it’s so sexy to show off the shoulders, especially in the warmer months. Plus this pink color is the perfect pop of color. I will definitely be wearing this out a lot! KEEP

V Neck Stripe Long Sleeve Romper – $84: Rompers are great to throw on when you’re not sure what to wear. I really did like this romper but it was too big on me. RETURN

Make You Mine Wrap Knit Dress – $88: This wrap dress was so pretty! I love the blush color, and wrap dresses are so flattering. It was a little too low cut on me but I almost kept this because it was so pretty on. RETURN

MINKPINK Club Culture Tee Dress – $33.95: This was a super casual dress and I love the brand MINKPINK. I’m just not a huge pattern person so this was just not my style. RETURN

Knit Top with Tiered Sleeves – $79: LOVE! This was my favorite item from the box. I look a fabulous sleeve. This sweater is perfect for work, but is also cute enough to wear on a date or night out! Plus it’s super comfortable to wear and I love the neutral tan color! KEEP

Hudston Barbara High Waist Raw Hem Super Skinny Jeans – $195: Black high waisted denim is what I wear 75% of the time. So of course I had to keep this pair because it’s exactly what I wear all the time. Plus these jeans are super comfortable for high waisted which can be hard to find sometimes. KEEP

Floral Print Tie Blouse – $78: This was a super cute blouse. I almost kept this as well. I love the bell sleeves on this and the silk material. If I wasn’t in between moving apartments and trying to downsize my closet I definitely would have kept this. RETURN

Sarai L/S Bell Sleeve Top – $69: This was a super cute sweater that I also almost kept. I have so many similar grey sweaters like this so ultimately I decided to pass. RETURN

ONE by One Teaspoon Dusty Bandits Denim Shorts – $62.95: I love denim shorts but for me I love a more fitted pair. These were unfortunately too baggy for me. But I have friends who would love this look! If you like the baggy oversized shorts, these are the pair for you. RETURN

Zina L/S Tie Back Off Shoulder Top – $69: This was a super cute off the shoulder top with a pretty bow tie on the back. I decided against keeping it because it was a little too loose on me and kept falling off. RETURN

DailyLook

Gorjana Hoop Earrings – $65: I love Gorjana jewelry! They have amazing quality stuff and these hoops are super cute. I’ve been on a jewelry ban myself because I have so much at home so I decided to pass on these. RETURN

There you guys have it! My DailyLook box for the month of March! I absolutely LOVE the new packaging DailyLook put together. It is such a cute touch to elevate the whole experience of getting a monthly box. To get more information, or to get your own box check out DailyLook here.

This post is in collaboration with DailyLook, all opinions are my own.

Birthday Lunch at the Polo Lounge

Top: Zara {similar} // Pants: Frame Denim // Shoes: Sam Edelman c/o Stylst // Bag: Gucci // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Happy Friday everyone! I know I normally post a weekend reading on Fridays, but this week I wanted to switch it up a little bit. Monday was my birthday and so I just wanted to post my outfit from my birthday lunch yesterday! BTW if ya’ll are looking for some comfy heels, these Sam Edelman heels are seriously the most comfortable heels I have ever worn!

First off, I wanted to thank all of my family and friends for celebrating my birthday with me! I’m officially 27 now! I don’t know whether to be excited or terrified LOL. I kicked off my birthday weekend in Charleston with my two good friends. It was my first time in Charleston and I had such a blast! I’ll be doing a post next week about my trip, so stay tuned for that! When I got back from Charleston, I celebrated with my roommates and also my coworkers. My one coworker got me a clay replica of Baguette, and it’s seriously the cutest thing ever! Can’t wait to put it in my new apartment!

This weekend I’m going to be keeping it pretty low key and just hang out with some friends. It’s also Baggy’s birthday on Sunday (she’s turning 3!) so we’ll have a little celebration at home for that. What are you guys up to this weekend?

birthday lunch

Off The Shoulder Dress

Dress: Express // Shoes: Steve Madden // Bag: Gucci // Earrings: Anthropologie {similar} // Rings: Monica Vinader, Anita Ko {similar} and BaubleBar

The other day I was FaceTiming with my mom while wearing this off the shoulder dress (as I normally do to see the puppies, duh) and she asked “did you get that dress for half off cause it’s missing a sleeve”. LOL old people humor. But for real, I got this dress from Express for not that much (it’s on sale right now for $50!). I’m really trying to dress up more in 2018, as I sit here writing this post dressed like a hobo…don’t judge me it’s freezing in LA right now. Dresses are the easiest way to dress up (pun intended) and look put together without putting in much effort.

Also, I’m going to Charleston this weekend for my birthday, woot woot! I seriously CAN NOT wait! Be sure to follow me on instagram @esthercollins because I will be posting a ton during my trip, showing you guys what I am doing! If you guys have ever been to Charleston, let me know your favorite places that I should check out. I’ve never been before so I am stoked!

off the shoulder dress

Photos by: Jordan Zobrist

Comfy Work Wear

work wear

Bodysuit: ASOS // Blazer: ASOS // Pants: ASOS // Shoes: Boohoo [on sale!] // Bag: Gucci // Rings: Monica Vinader and Anita Ko

Can I be real with you guys? I hate business attire for girls. Now some girls can really pull it off and look hot aka Meghan Markle on Suits (she can do no wrong). But whenever I try to wear a business suit, I look and feel frumpy. That’s why when I saw this matching blazer and pant suit set on ASOS I had to get it. It was super chic and one of the few business looking outfits that I thought, hey I think I can pull that off. Not to mention it’s a super soft material that makes you feel like you’re wearing pajamas. Because let’s be real, no one likes to wear stiff clothing.

I’m seriously obsessed with this outfit. It’s the perfect thing to wear to work where you look super put together (and cute!) and still comfortable. I’ve already gotten a bunch of compliments with this outfit. The shoes are also my new faves. I’ll be honest, they’re not the most comfortable to wear all day but they are pretty damn cute! I love that pointed toe shoes are coming back in style. It really helps to elevate an outfit.

What outfits do you guys like to wear for a business look? I’m always in need of some new work clothes so let me know in the comments below!

Photos by: Jordan Zobrist

How to Score A Dress for Cheap! + Shop My Closet via Poshmark!

Dress: 12th Tribe // Sandals: Matisse (on sale now!) // Ring: Monica Vinader

One of my all time favorite apps to use is Poshmark. For those of you who don’t know what Poshmark is, it’s an app that allows you to sell your own clothes, and also shop other people’s closets. It’s great to score some really killer deals on items and also be able to make some money of your own. I got this off the shoulder dress on Poshmark the other month, and I’m OBSESSED. I’ve already worn it a bunch of times. And get this, I got the dress for $30! How crazy is that!? Since Poshmark mostly sells one-off items, I’ve linked the dress in case you guys want to purchase it. I also post a lot of items to my own Poshmark closet, so be sure to check it out and see if you like any of my items! If you guys have your own Poshmark closet, let me know in the comments below, I’d love to follow you!

poshmark dress for cheap

Photography by: Jordan Zobrist

DailyLook Elite Box – September 2017

We’re back for another DailyLook Elite Box unboxing! For those of you who don’t know what DailyLook is, it’s a monthly subscription where you basically get your own personal stylist. They send you a box of clothes, you try it out keep what you like and return the rest. This month was seriously my favorite! All the pieces were pretty much all incredible. Let’s get started!

Tart Collection Tacita S/S Printed Knit Maxi Dress – $174: This is hands down my favorite item from the box. It’s definitely on the pricier side so I took that into consideration when picking what items I wanted to keep from this box. The material on this dress is so luxurious and soft. I love the off the shoulder detailing on this dress. I feel like this dress is perfect for a casual day look but can also be dressed up for a dinner date or night out. KEEP!

Cameo No Advice Chambray Bustier – $41.99: I really love the structure of this bustier and I think it looks perfect paired with a skirt like this, however…I could not zip this up with my boobs. It was way too tight and for that reason I returned it. RETURN

Jonesy Button Front Scuba Skirt – $44.95: This skirt is so cute! I love the gold button detailing down the front and the length of it is perfect. I just didn’t love the neoprene material that the skirt is made of. It didn’t really flatter me. RETURN

DailyLook Diane Sheer Inset Slip Dress – $82: This dress is super cute and very flattering on. I love slip dresses, I have another one from DailyLook in an olive green color that I wear all the time. This time I didn’t keep the dress because I have about a million plain black dresses already in my closet. But if you’re looking for a slip dress, this one is perfect. RETURN

Olivia Grey Eve S/S Open Shoulder Lace Inset Top – $74: I was super torn with this top. I love how it looks and you all know I’ve been loving the cold shoulder top trend lately. The downside I had to this was it was SO hard to put on myself. It had two clasp closures on the neck and I could not figure out how to put them together for the life of me. For that reason I decided to return this. RETURN

DailyLook High Waist Vegan Leather Leggings – $39.95: Another item I was torn on. I LOVE the faux leather legging look, I already own a couple pairs. This pair however was super tight and small on me. Fit wise it just wasn’t the best. I think I would need to size up for this item. RETURN

DailyLook SL Elaina Asym Knit Ponte Dress – $89: I love this dress! I think it’s a super flattering body con dress. My coworkers loved it when I tried it on! I think this would be super cute with a pair of white sneakers. KEEP

DailyLook Soft and Sweet Floral Tank – $68: This top was cute and I love the structure of the top. It had a super cute back. The only thing I didn’t love was the pattern. It was a little too girly for my taste. I’m not a HUGE pattern person so when it comes to a top like this if I don’t love the pattern I won’t wear it much. RETURN

Just Black Daria Knee Slit Cropped Skinny Jeans – $88: Ya’ll know I love Just Black denim! I loved the cropped jeans because they fit me perfectly. I’m just not the biggest fan of light wash denim. RETURN

Free People Vegan Leather Studded Moto Jacket – $198:  I love me a good leather jacket. I love the studded detailing on this jacket and have been looking for a jacket similar to this. I just didn’t love the fit on this for me. It looked a little too big and boxy. RETURN

Free People Long Ribbed Cardigan – $78: Another Free People item, and this one I LOVE LOVE LOVE! I’m obsessed with this lilac color. Also long cardigans are super in right now and I think will be a big trend this fall. I cannot wait to wear this piece! KEEP

Mirabelle Lace Shoulder Tunic Dress – $68: This is a cute dress for fall. I love the color on this and the lace detailing. For me however I just didn’t love the fit. It didn’t really do much for my shape. RETURN

So there you guys have it! This was what I got in my box for the month of September. I’m SO obsessed with the blue maxi dress and the Free People cardigan! As always be sure to check out DailyLook and sign up for your own monthly box here. Also be sure to check out my YouTube video showing you what I got in this month’s box, and don’t forget to subscribe!

This post is in collaboration with DailyLook.

[youtube https://youtu.be/ngE1gjc-Yl4]