Saturday, March 17, 2018

All The Best Under $100 Denim In My Wardrobe.

fashion blogger mia mia mine wearing a blue velvet top and chloe faye bag

fashion blogger mia mia mine wearing levi's denim and a blue velvet top by free people

fashion blogger mia mia mine wearing a blue velvet top with ribbons and a chloe faye bag

fashion blogger mia mia mine wearing a blue velvet top and levi's denim

fashion blogger mia mia mine wearing a chloe faye bag and white louboutin heels

fashion blogger mia mia mine wearing a blue velvet free people top and quay sunglasses

fashion blogger mia mia mine wearing a chloe faye bag and blue velvet top and chloe faye bag from nordstrom

I’m always on the search for a new pair of denim since I wear it daily. Unfortunately,

I’m always on the search for a new pair of denim since I wear it daily. Unfortunately, finding the perfect fit is no easy task. I typically order a few new pairs a month, but after trying them so many end up going back. I have the hardest time with the thigh fit and of course the length, but most pairs I end up DIYing the hem so I’m never too focused on length. I just found this under $100 pair and I’m obsessed! I ordered them in this light color too and I’ve been switching off between each pair for the last few days. They’re super flattering with a higher waist and the distressing is perfectly placed. I go back and forth on premium denim – I will definitely spend up for the right pair, but with so many great affordable options, it’s really not necessary. Below I’m sharing the denim in my wardrobe that I wear most often. Levi’s and Asos are my go-to brands.

My Favorite Denim Under $100

xo, Maria

Outfit Ideas

Free People Velvet Top (wearing an XS)

Levi’s Jeans (wearing a 24)

Chloé Faye Medium Bag

Quay Sunglasses

Christian Louboutin White Heels

120mm Anouk Patent Leather Pumps (also love these)

Post from: MiaMiaMine.com

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Friday, March 2, 2018

SPRING CLEANING: HOW I’M DECLUTTERING MY HEAD, HOME, AND HEART

Maxi from VICI (sad this one already sold out, but they have so many new arrivals for spring!)

Well… I think it’s safe to say that February takes the cake for one of the most depressing months of the year! Being a midwestern girl, I’m used to the long winters, but these last few months always seem crawl by.

After Fashion Week I decided (or life decided for me) that I needed a little mental break to refocus and declutter. Trying to keep up with work, bills, chores, to-do lists, and other responsibilities can feel pretty exhausting and overwhelming. And when you hit a speed bump going 100 mph, it can completely throw your life off balance.

I always have to remind myself that that’s the key to contentment, balance. But finding the right balance and keeping it up is the hard part. With spring right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get a head start on some much needed ‘spring cleaning’. Here’s how I’m decluttering my head, home, and heart this season:

CLEARING MY HEAD

Catch up on adulting by getting a head start on taxes, planning things further in advance instead of waiting until the last minute, and making it a priority to get things done on my to-do list that has been on there for probably 6 months now.

Other random things: make sleep a priority, be realistic about my daily to-do list, wake up earlier and go to sleep earlier, set realistic goals.

DECLUTTERING AT HOME

I have this thing where I can’t concentrate on ANYTHING or think clearly unless my room is clean, my office is organized, and my suitcase is unpacked. It definitely holds me back a lot of the time, but I’ve found that I’m so much more productive when my space feels organized and it’s not lingering in the back of my mind.

Clean My Closet – there are few things more gratifying than an organized closet. Things I’m doing this week: get rid of anything you can’t remember the last time you wore it, shoes that are out of style, and old coats/outerwear taking up too much room. Donate or sell things you don’t need!

Organize my bathroom drawers – I got to the point where every time I attempted to get ready for the day I’d spend SO much time just looking for things in my drawers. Organize them and KEEP them clean.

Workspace – whether you work from home or you have an office elsewhere, decluttering your workspace is so important. If your job requires any type of creativity, you NEED a clean space that promotes a clear and creative mindset. Plus, it always just helps when you can find things quickly and avoided unnecessary stress.

REFOCUSING MY HEART

Make prayer a priority every single morning. The best way to start your day is to express your gratitude and ask God to guide you through every step of the day (because you and I both know we aren’t getting through it without Him, talking to YOU my fellow control freaks).

Church. Every. Sunday. No excuses. (the Soul City of Chicago is amazing, just started going!)

Forgive people. Grudges can take up an unhealthy amount of space in your heart. Please watch this sermon if you’re struggling with this.

Have someone in your life that holds you accountable for staying on track with keeping your heart and spiritual relationship on the right path.

If you’re reading this and you feel like you’ve been running on empty, use this post as the sign you’ve been needing to refocus and declutter. Give yourself a little pep talk, make a plan of action, and get back on track. Spring is the perfect time to do some cleaning in all areas of your life. Comment below or on this Instagram post with other things you’ve found to be helpful when it comes to decluttering, I’d love to hear from you guys!

PS – how cool is this honeycomb structure in Lincoln Park?? If you live in Chicago you have to take a walk through here – there’s a perfect view of the John Hancock and other skyscrapers downtown through its arch! | Pics by my girl Aesthetiica

Post from: OliviaRink.com

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

THE ULTIMATE SWIMWEAR GUIDE FOR 2018

THE BEST SWIMWEAR FOR YOUR SHAPE

Location: Soneva Jani Resort, Maldives

Photography: Alex

Whether you’re a trend lover or you enjoy a classic, minimalist wardrobe, all rules are seemingly out the window when it comes to swimwear. We know our personal style so well that choosing perfectly flattering denim, the best length of dress for us or the color palette that heightens our confidence, seem to be relatively easy tasks. Swimwear, on the other hand, can leave you suddenly feeling like a fish out of water – all puns intended. So how do we choose the right swim style and leave ourselves feeling just as confident beside the pool, as we do wearing our favorite, well-loved, everyday pieces?When the time comes and you decide it’s time to invest in some new swimwear, it can be hard to know where to start. From bikini to one piece, from sporty to sexy, from retro to modern and don’t even get me started on how much support you might need both up top and down below – it can be daunting. After posting a few bikini pictures over on Instagram recently, following a heavenly trip to the Maldives, *pinch me!* a few people messaged me to ask how I chose from so many styles and still managed to feel confident. The truth is there are 2 answers.

Firstly I’ve learned over the years that we’re all different and that’s beautiful – confidence definitely starts from within, a topic I recently took on here. And secondly? Making sure I choose the pieces that I think will flatter the parts of me I’d like to try and enhance. Combining both my love of fashion and a healthy mindset means I’ll rock my swimwear and feel as confident as possible while doing so. As for finding the right swim for your shape? Here’s my guide to choosing the cuts, styles, and patterns that will flatter us all!

THE HIGH CUT ONE PIECE

A style definitely not for the faint of heart – but so great for lengthening legs and making you appear taller, without the need to wear heels around the pool! If you want to add a few inches to your height, without much effort at all, then a high cut swimsuit is the way to go, especially if it’s a one piece. The eye will be drawn to the top of the cut (a few inches higher than your actual leg height) and will make you appear to have pins that would rival any supermodel. Choose a swim in a solid color, to continue to draw the eye upwards but be wary that a high cut leg will often mean more bum cheek will be on a show, than if you were to choose a more classic one piece. Another bonus to emphasizing your leg length, especially in a one piece, is the extra coverage across the stomach if a bikini is not your go-to pick. The one piece definitely isn’t boring anymore! Unfortunately, this pink striped beauty from Revolve is now sold out but there are some more of my favorites below.

SHOP THE HIGH CUT ONE PIECE

THE ADJUSTABLE BIKINI

It may sound like a broad term, but an adjustable bikini can be a life saver! The amount of times I have shopped online for swimwear and found that the straps don’t adjust, the back has a single clasp or the halter doesn’t tie – it’s just something I personally dislike. I love a bikini that adjusts with me and my shape and can be altered so I can definitely wear it more than once. Between being on my period and needing to adjust the back strap to accommodate my chest, to be slimmer or curvier the next time I pack for my holidays – an adjustable bikini is a great investment piece. From enhancing your bust with a halter style tie to adding curves and balancing your figure with a tie side bottom – bikinis like this L*Space one can really boost your confidence.

SHOP THE ADJUSTABLE BIKINI

THE SPORTY ONE PIECE

One of my favorite types of swimwear because of the brands that come to mind – Roxy, L*Space, Jets, Seafolly etc. Think supportive, rash vests, fun zip details, and great coverage while still looking on trend and feeling uber confident. Easy to transition from the beach to the pool, to the surf, without worrying about the right support. Often a great cut for boosting your bust with an added zip to the front but also awesome if you want a little extra coverage, for either sun protection or a little modesty. I love this striped number from Heidi Klein – the thicker straps give me some extra support, while the gold zip detail and racer back add a little sexiness to the choice.

SHOP THE SPORTY ONE PIECE

THE CUT OUT SWIMSUIT

When I think of a cutout swimsuit, I think of adding a unique, trend-led piece to my holiday wardrobe. Not always a piece that will see me through numerous holidays over the years, but always a swimsuit that makes a statement – no matter what the destination. Cutout one-pieces, although a little terrifying initially, can definitely be flattering if chosen to flatter your personal shape. Don’t choose cutouts across the stomach if your other swimwear aims to flatten here, but do choose cutouts at the waist if you want to enhance your curves. Similarly, don’t choose cutouts across the chest if you need more support, but do choose cutouts at the hips if you want to lengthen your legs. I love this floral swim from River Island with its cutout above the stomach and bandeau top.

SHOP THE CUT OUT SWIMSUIT

THE SPORTY BIKINI

The sporty bikini is a great addition to your suitcase if you have a smaller chest, a lot like me. You won’t necessarily find a lot of support, as a more athletic style top will usually be a bralette-style and often lacks an underwire. Choosing a style with padding will counteract the lack of underwire and help to give that support you may be looking for. More sporty bikinis are often teamed with a ‘cheeky’ bottom, that will lengthen the leg or a full hipster style that will enhance and balance out your curves (offering more coverage than the previous) but may not sit and flatter curvier hips. This bralette-style bikini from Melissa Odabash has a flattering peek-a-boo across the chest and a high cut leg to lengthen pins.

SHOP THE SPORTY BIKINI

THE TRIANGLE BIKINI

The triangle bikini is another great option for adjustable coverage and style. Quite often found in mix ‘n’ match sets on retailers like ASOS, with multiple bottom options and the ability to adjust the cups placement. This offers a great opportunity to enhance a smaller chest or to minimize cleavage on a fuller chest – multiple ways to boost your confidence! The string bikini bottom also offers adjustable coverage, depending on how tight they’re tied, and the side ties draw the eye to the hips to boost an hourglass figure. This striped bikini from Tommy Hilfiger, in stores soon, has ruffles to enhance the chest and draw the eye away from the stomach – I love it!

SHOP THE TRIANGLE BIKINI

THE BLACK ONE PIECE

Just like with every other item of clothing, if all else fails then LBS – Little Black Swim! We always have a fall back plan with every night out, work day and coffee date and quite often that’s something in black. Sometimes we just can’t make a decision and throwing on the most flattering, classic color we know can be a great way to go – even when it comes to swimwear. A stylish, black one piece should be a staple in everyone’s holiday wardrobe. It might not seem the ‘go to’ shade for a sunshine break, but if it boosts your confidence and you invest in a well-fitting piece, it can last you for years. Wear an underwired style to support a larger chest, a lower cut leg to enhance an hourglass figure or a bandeau to show off your shoulders. This retro style swim from Seafolly has tank top straps to offer support but a flattering low back to show a little more skin – a definite new favorite!