Chambray + Lace with American Eagle, Who What Wear Collection at Target and Dr. Martens

I was so happy with how this summer photo shoot turned out! You'd never know the mosquitoes and humidity were at play in these photos. As for my outfit, chambray + lace ended up being the perfect fit for the park scenery and flowers.

My American Eagle chambray dress was super comfy, and I’m excited to mention that I saw more chambray dresses at the recent American Eagle holiday preview. I have very minimal white in my wardrobe, but this lace shell ($22.99) by Who What Wear Collection, exclusively at Target is the perfect layering piece. I also got it in black. If you haven’t checked it out yet, definitely go to target.com and check out the new Who What Wear fall collection. I already bought four fall pieces and plan on getting a few more for the upcoming season. Great quality and pricing, but the best part is that the XS is actually true to sizing, with more of a tailored fit. I get so disappointed by these designer collaborations having such a large, loose fit. I’m happy I can actually shop this collection!

The Dr. Martens Jemima Aunt Sally shoes ($120) in White are comfortable to walk in for miles. They run wide and big, so I definitely recommend sizing down or wearing with a shoe insert or socks. What I love about these chukka boots is that you can dress them up or down. I’ve worn my Black pair with jeggings for a previous Dr. Martens photo shoot, but they can also be worn with a skirt, shorts or leggings. I saw that these shoes now come in Silver which I love!

Thank you to Deepti Sheladia for doing a fabulous job on my makeup look – I love the copper/navy eye and bold pink lip. Thank you to Krystal Pratt for thinking of this hidden gem of a location to shoot at and capturing such natural shots and making it look and feel effortless. The photos in the mini flower field are some of my favorite ones that Krystal has ever shot of me!

Lace shell: Who What Wear Collection at Target

Dress: American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes: Dr. Martens

Photos by Krystal Pratt

Krystal Pratt Productions

- Kim Weling

Activewear Featuring Spitfire Petite

Shelf Bra/Tank Top: Jillian Michaels for Kmart

Leggings: Spitfire Petite

Sneakers: Reebok

Sunglasses: Oakley

Water Bottle: Bobble

I recently came across activewear brand Spitfire Petite, which by the name you can guess is proportioned to fit petite women. I was super excited to try their Core Performance Petite Long Leggings in Black Mesh. 

The one issue I always have with long leggings is that they are always too long on me and i wear an XS. When it comes to length, I'd say this is my best fitting pair. It would probably fit perfectly if it was an inch shorter, but it's definitely shorter than my other pairs of leggings. I absolutely love mesh leggings, since they are fashionable and keep you cool at the same time. These are now my favorite pair of mesh leggings since the mesh inserts extend up the leg. The breathable mesh inserts are also thicker than the mesh I'm used to wearing. This makes it less likely to snag while putting them on, wearing them or throwing them in the wash. The heavier-grade high-flex fabrics also make these leggings perfect to stretch in and wear in the fall or early spring.

The toning power mesh reinforced waistband really sculpts to my core, and I can keep running without having to worry about my leggings falling and having to constantly pull them up. There is one detail that is key for me: it has a back zip pocket. It's the perfect spot for me to keep my key in. 

I go jogging at night, so during the summer where it's more breezy and less humid, I can wear these despite the heavier fabric. I usually just wear these leggings with a sports bra and tank top but this would also be perfect to wear with a t-shirt or sweatshirt. Overall, these leggings are fashionable, functionable and comfortable for working out or for on-the-go travel, running errands or walking around the city.

Spitfire Petite also specializes in pieces for tennis and golf. They also sent me the Grand Slam Racerback Tennis/Workout Tank to try out, which I plan on doing a fall tennis shoot with. Spitfire Petite is currently having a summer sale of up to 50% off, so it's a great time to stock up on activewear and try out their pieces!

Thank you to Krystal of Krystal Pratt Productions for another amazing shoot, who made this all happen during my lunch hour! She captured a great workout session on camera!

Photos by Krystal Pratt

Krystal Pratt Productions

- Kim Weling

Black and White Style with Dr. Martens

Top: Tamar Collection

Jeggings: Gap

Watch: Timex

Shoes: Dr. Martens

You can't go wrong with wearing classic black and white, and once I saw the Dr. Martens Jemima Temperley boot in Black I knew I had to have them! When styling these shoes, I knew they would easily go with a pair of black jeggings, and this white laser-cut vegan leather top for a streetwear vibe. 

I can also see myself wearing these shoes with distressed denim, or dressing them up with a skirt or dress. This chukka style fits my look perfectly, and I love the chunky contrast soles and kiltie detailing. The Jemima Temperley boot has some of Doc's signature elements such as grooved sides, stitching, heel loop, and air-cushioned sole, but it really has it's own fresh and modern look! Aside from the details, they didn't really look like Dr. Martens to me. Whenever I wear these out, people are always amazed when I tell them they are Dr. Martens!

The first time I wore these shoes I had to be on my feet at market for a 12-hour day, and they were incredibly comfortable! These shoes run big and wide, so I usually at least use an insole when I wear them, and sometimes also wear socks. 

Thanks to Krystal of Krystal Pratt Productions who took some amazing lifestyle and product shots! 

Photos by Krystal Pratt

Krystal Pratt Productions

- Kim Weling

Street Style Featuring Cat Footwear and American Eagle Outfitters

 

I can't tell you enough how happy I am that spring season is almost here. I'm over all this snow and heavy winter coats. As much as I love wearing dresses, I love playing up a good streetwear look and am actually most comfortable in a pair of jeggings and layering it from there. 

There are several brands I want to give a lot of love to in this post, and I really feel like all the pieces included in this look really came together and tied into my style. First I'm going to start with what I love most about the winter season ---- wearing boots! The Penelope Boot by Cat Footwear has been my go-to tall boot this winter, because it gives me some heel height (2.5 inches) but is also comfortable enough to trek around city all day or evening. I also love the combination of leather and suede, as I've found with any Cat Footwear shoes I own, the more you wear them, the more worn and rugged they look. These boots are so durable, I expect them to stay in my shoedrobe for a very long time. I also love the nail head inspired detailing on the shoe, giving it a little bit more edge. What's great too is that I can wear tall boots and ankle boots well into spring. I usually wear the Penelope boots with jeggings but in the spring I can also wear them with a mini skirt or ripped shorts and slouched over-the-knee socks. 

The American Eagle Outfitters Patched Utility Jacket is already sold out online, but you might find it on clearance in stores. I usually wear an XS in American Eagle sizing, but this jacket I have is a size S - I actually love the oversized look and it allows me to easily wear a chunky sweater with it. Now for these jeans...which I've gotten a lot of compliments on. These American Eagle Outfitters Denim X Hi-Rise Jeggings are my favorite ever and they have the most flattering fit! The denim is Super Super Stretch, and I'm all about the high rise fit and destructed detailing. I'm definitely going to have to get more pairs!

The Taurus Zodiac Necklace is from Sequin's Star Map Collection, which features the Taurus Zodiac charm, embossed and studded with crystals. It is 22K gold-plated brass with an antique finish and cast from an original Sequin illustration. The collection features all twelve astrological signs, so it's the perfect gift to include with a horoscope!

For travel, I've been using the Solo Weekender Backpack Duffel from the Velocity Collection. I use it as a carry-on for my market trips for work. I like how you can carry it as a duffel or wear it as a backpack. It has a fully padded laptop compartment and internal iPad pocket. There's also a separate shoe compartment, which comes in handy since I always bring one too many pairs of shoes. There are also side zip pockets on both sides to easily access your wallet, phone, tech accessories and snacks. 

A big thank you to all the mentioned brands who have helped me pull this look together, and to Krystal of Krystal Pratt Productions who has quickly become one of my favorite photographers to work with. She gets my vision, comes up with great concepts and ideas, is extremely organized, and makes the shoot feel natural since she is great at giving direction. Some of my favorite shots are the candid ones! She makes her work look effortless, and I'm always excited to be a part of it :) Check out her blog at www.krysprattphotography.wordpress.com, to check out her stories from a photographer's perspective. 

Thank you to MUA Nancy Rose, who did my makeup with a daytime smokey eye, nude lip and faux lashes (what a difference lashes make!) and to Bri Weling for giving my hair more volume with loose waves. 

Outfit:

Jacket: American Eagle Outfitters
Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters - Denim X Hi-Rise Jeggings
Boots: Cat Footwear - Penelope available at Zappos
Sweater: Sam Edelman
Bracelet: Deepa Gurnani
Necklace: Sequin - Taurus Zodiac, Star Map Collection
Watch: Timex
Sunglasses: Oakley - Daisy Chain Aviator, Rose Gold
Backpack: Sprayground
Duffel Bag: Solo - Weekender Backpack Duffel

Makeup:

Eyeliner: Backtrack in Mac
Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express Kit
Lashes: Kiss
Eyes: Strange in Urban Decay Naked 3, Muse in Anastasia Beverly Hills
Blush: Nars Goulue
Contour: Kat Von D Shade + Light Palette
Highlighting: Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Palette
Lip Liner: Brick in Mac
Lip Gloss: Juice Me Up in Me Makeover Essentials

Photos by Krystal Pratt
Krystal Pratt Productions

- Kim Weling