This past year was an interesting one for my style. I had to become used to dressing my postpartum body after my second baby. I’ve always been on the petite size, but after having Caliana I was one dress size bigger than my pre-pregnancy weight. It was a challenge I was up for. And what I realized is, that you don’t look better when you’re smaller – you look better when clothes fit you and you’re confident about those clothes.
In the beginning of the year, I really had to force myself to do outfit posts and create style content. Both my confidence and usual dress size was not there and it was a bit uncomfortable. But the more I shot content, the more I started to feel like my usual self. And that was the goal: to feel like my best self. I didn’t do too many outfit posts this year – (20 in total) – but I wanted to recap my 10 favorite to get excited about style content next year.
Do you guys still enjoy outfit posts in general on blogs? I enjoy shooting them so I probably won’t stop altogether, but would love to hear your feedback.
Here are my 10 favorite looks from 2018:
Olive Green Dress with Straw Hat
When I wore this olive green dress from Target, I was really just excited that I could still fit in it. It’s a piece from the WhoWhatWear collection in 2017 and such a low fuss but quintessential piece for spring and summer. Because it’s so simple, you can switch up the mood of the look easily with accessories so adding this straw hat from TOPSHOP made it casual chic. These sandals from ZARA were surprisingly perfect for the look and the weather was perfect the day we shot this. Definitely, an “oldie but goodie” type of outfit.
Floral Print Suit from Target
This floral print suit from Target was one of those outfits that made me feel confident in my postpartum body. It makes such a statement without trying too hard. I paired it with a polka dot button up blouse from Wal-Mart, because prints on prints is my cup of tea.
2018 was the year I really embraced mules and these Steve Madden pair were in heavy rotation in the spring. This colorblocked box bag a la ZARA popped against the print seamlessly. This was right when I just cut my hair, so I was feeling myself for sure. Oversized aviators were the cherry on top.
Red Teddy Coat
If I’m being honest here, this look was one of those self discipline moments when I had to mentally coach myself to go out and shoot. This was my first outfit post after having Caliana and it was insanely windy the day we shot this.
However, I was determined not to give up on myself even if it was hard and I absolutely love this red teddy coat from ASOS. It automatically makes a statement even if you only wear it with a t-shirt and jeans like I did here.
It was also one of my most liked photos on Instagram this year and I’m not ashamed to say that was the kind of confidence boost I needed to get back in the game. Ha!
Leopard Print Top with Wide-leg Jeans
If you follow me on Instagram, it is no surprise that I am a huge fan of leopard print. It really does make me so happy, so it to being on trend this year was great for my wardrobe. This was also our first attempt at an outfit post video on Instagram. You guys loved it – but it was a lot of work. Nonetheless, it’s something I’m looking to do more of in the New Year for sure. This was another oldie but goody look – I got this MANGO leopard top about 3 years ago and these Joe’s Jeans denim from Amazon in 2017. But classic pieces are always in style.
Lace Dress with Denim Jacket
As girl’s girl, I love a really pretty dress so it’s no surprise that this lace dress (from Amazon for only $29!) was one of my favorite 2018 looks.
I love the dichotomy of dressy pieces with casual pieces so I opted to drape a denim jacket over this dress. These rose gold ASOS sandals were so good (but hurt like hell) with almost every dress in my closet. I really wore these silver mirrored Quay x Desi Perkins High Key sunglasses almost every day for the first half of 2018.
No regrets at all.
Yellow Skirt Set
Matching sets were my wardrobe ministry these past 12 months. They usually photograph beautifully and make for awesome separates on their own. This yellow set from Forever 21 is a prime example. I absolutely love it.
My breastfeeding boobs were spilling over in this tie top so I turned it backwards and made it work. I love this set because whether you wore it with pumps, sneakers or sandals it was still a headturner. I was really into straw bags this summer like this one from Amazon. I plan on breaking it out again next summer.
Leopard dress with white booties
We discussed my love for leopard print earlier, so this is no surprise here. When I saw this maxi leopard print ASOS dress, I couldn’t press ‘Add To Cart’ fast enough. When I bought it, I knew immediately that I’d be wearing it with my white ZARA mules and Brahmin Mini Priscilla bag they had sent me.
Downtown Atlanta served as the perfect backdrop for this outfit, even with so many people walking around. Per usual, we made it work and I love these photos.
Denim Set from Nichole Lynel
If you’re smart, you’re following Nichole Lynel on Instagram and I absolutely love the pieces in her online boutique. (Her custom pieces are amazing as well.)
She’s one of my favorite black owned boutiques on Instagram and this denim set was easily one of my favorite looks. Simple and chic enough to dress up with heels and a statement – but easy and breezy enough to dress down for a summer casual look as well. I opted for the dressy version and paired it with the it bag of the summer – the Cult Gaia Ark bag. (Because I’m extra, I got it in extra large.)
Orange Sweater Set from ASOS
I love to dress for fall. While I love dress in yellow, this orange ASOS sweater set surprisingly caught me off guard in the best way possible. Was obsessed with it the minute I tried it on and have worn the top alone with denim many times throughout the season. It screamed Halloween but make it fashion when I paired it with my black Brahmin bag, which is totally fine by me.
Polka Dot Birthday Dress
My favorite look of 2018 was hands down my birthday dress – this off the shoulder polka dot dress with rose gold sandals. This was the kind of dress that did the heavy lifting. It made a statement and made people immediately ask, “Where’d you get your dress?” Shooting it with two dozen red balloons was easily said than done, but the result was well worth it. I broke out my go accessories that summer – my ASOS rose gold strappy sandals and colorblock box bag from ZARA. Really the goal here was to pick accessories that didn’t distract from the dress.
Mission accomplished.
What was your favorite look of mine from 2018? Excited for the content we’re cooking up for 2019!
