Werk It With Workwear: How To Turn The Office Into Your Catwalk

Let’s be honest: dressing for your desk job is the equivalent as waiting in a queue at Starbucks. No matter the setting, the thought of being bound to your desk for 9 to 10 hours is nothing but a torture. Ditto with waiting for your raise and a promotion. Rather than letting yourself be cramped by desk life, get ready to snatch trophies at the office and get that promotion with a new, improved and more confident you!

To get where you wanna be at, no head-turning performance can start without your sense of style. According to a Forbes article, what you wear really does tie you in to your promotion. Regardless of whether you work in a corporate or creative environment, let these classic, but daring style tips help you get the promotion you want!

Continue reading “Werk It With Workwear: How To Turn The Office Into Your Catwalk” →

Michelle VarinataLeave a comment

The Top 10 Trends We’d Like To Leave Behind In 2020

In a sea of nostalgia trends, athleisure, fast fashion and Instagram, I have to say that the 2010s is full of super instant consumerism. That also makes me MORE than a little guilty because I was also hopping on so many trends to the point where I completely regretted what I was purchasing. Safe to say, fashion during the early 2010s is definitely much better than the mid 2010s, where basic bitchdom was a thing among red carpets and street style photos. Ditto with music festivals. As of now, I have to say that fashion isn’t slightly terrible, but just some trends from 2017/2018 REALLY need to be put aside as we say “Thank you, next”.

  1. Bikini Tops As Crop Tops

I LOVE being in a bikini and there’s a reason as to why you ONLY wear it at the pool or the beach. If you wear it out with a suit, it just looks plain tacky. No shade to Emily Ratajkowski’s creativity, but this outfit just looks cheap with a white bikini top. Like, who actually WEARS a bikini top outside of Instagram?! I mean, it’s obvious that she’s plugging her swimwear line; hence, the staged pap shot of her wearing it. Then, Sofia Richie literally copied that look to a red carpet event.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4F6MdbJ_or/

But also, I’m not so sure which is worse: the skirt with the sneakers or the bikini top with this entire outfit.

Not even this idea can be saved with yoga leggings…AND NEON!

This concept is FLY for the runway, but I’m not entirely feeling it. And to be fairly honest, let’s just leave bikini tops as crop tops in 1998.

2. Super Tight Dresses With Sneakers

Whoever thinks that pairing a tight dress with sneakers is genius simply doesn’t get the memo. Not only can the top of the sneakers be at risk for making you look shorter than you really are, super chunky kicks DO NOT look good on anyone of any leg shape. It’s just not cute!

But also, this trend is further proof that sneakers aren’t the universal shoe as seen on yours truly.

I could’ve thought of wearing something better than this combo and TBH, I think that these LIANA striped socks are tragic with these Fiorucci x Adidas sneakers.

When a really tight body con dress is paired with white sneakers, I think that it’s a sign that this look has gone into basic territory.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzWml7dlO6F/

Even in a longer dress, this trend is proof that it only looks good on people with slim physiques. (Seriously, most fashion trends are NOT body positive!!)

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life recently

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3. Yoga Leggings As Pants

I am really torn on leggings as pants, but I think that this look is REALLY done to death with yoga pants. Yo, there is a REASON as to why yoga leggings are called the way they are. You are only meant to namaslay your day away ON A MAT with tight leggings, NOT wear them out on the street or like, use ’em as a substitute for other cuter options!

I mean, why opt for yoga pants when you can go for lace, wet look or PVC leggings instead of those Lulu Lemons or Alo Yogas?

Also, this outfit is PROOF as to WHY yoga leggings DO NOT work as pants!

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#bellahadid

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After all, who wants to see our camel toe when you’re trying to eat your lunch in peace?

4. Full On Athleisure

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WANG x @badgalriri || #Rihanna X #outfit ✨

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There’s no doubt that athleisure’s been burning the midnight oil from the mid 2010s onwards, but at this point, we NEED to be more inventive. And how can we NOT unsee this?

OR THIS?

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Blonde hair😍 #KylieJenner @kyliejenner

A post shared by Kendall Jenner. (@kendalloutfits) on

Also, ex-best friends shouldn’t Single White Female their friend’s closet either.

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🙂

A post shared by HEIR JORDYN (@jordynwoods) on

Ditto with bike shorts…

No matter how many times we can’t be separated from our yoga leggings, sweatpants, bike shorts, navel-baring tops or sports bras, these photos are proof that not every single thing you wear to exercise can work as viable OOTDs. But if you wish to flaunt it ath-your-leisure, just go for a catsuit! 🙂

BONUS: Fashion Hiking Boots

Apart from two piece sets, sports bras and leggings, nothing tops statement hiking boots. I honestly have no words as to why this trend is trying to happen, but it is NOT happening!

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﴾͡๏̯͡๏﴿ O'RLY?

A post shared by sydney lynn (@sydneylcarlson) on

5. Poorly Coordinated Mixed Prints That Have Nothing To Do With Each Other

I dare you to roast me! 😛 Well, I’m already doing it myself, anyways haha! If I have to say what my biggest OOTD regret is, it’s mixing prints in a chaotic manner. I am a BIG fan of mixed prints, but not when the colors have no common ground to the point where you MAKE your outfit try to be matchy-matchy.

Another bad case is when there’s too many trends going on at once when mixing prints. (Idk what’s the source of anyone’s headache looking at this: the FaceTuning or the fact that both outfits are just bad?)

Before I forget, don’t mix logos with logos.

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Casual type of day

A post shared by Sarah (@sarahfuckingsnyder) on

If you MUST mix prints, at least anchor it with one color or some neutral shades that can unite it together harmoniously. Like this:

But if you still wish to mix prints colorfully, at least use a clean print that can anchor the entire outfit like this:

6. Flip Flops

Dear mother of Peter, please DO NOT wear flip flops with jeans! That’s so 2005. The last time flip flops with jeans looked hot, it was in my sister’s high school yearbook, where my Ashton Kutcher lookalike crush was wearing a green shirt, jeans AND black flip flops. Just save the flip flops for your yoga class, beach, BBQ or mani-pedi.

Even though Kim Kardashian DID bring this trend back from the time machine, it’s not something I’d dare to wear for parties or anywhere outside the beach.

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🗞 EXTRA EXTRA 🗞

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on

Even if it’s a slightly more dressier iteration, I’m not so sure if they look comfortable to walk in…

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🦋 @bellahadid #styledbymimicuttrell

A post shared by Mimi Cuttrell (@mimicuttrell) on

7. Ugly Sneakers

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Chicago in Tokyo

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on

My sister, who’s the biggest Kim K fan, DM’ed me this pic the other day. Both of us thought that those Yeezy Crocs were mad ugly. The moment I saw them, it was like the Rapture of footwear. However, other pre-Yeezy Crocs were just as abominable, too.

Exhibit A: The Balenciaga Triple S

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We meet again Palm springs 🌵💚

A post shared by elsa hosk (@hoskelsa) on

Sure, it’s hot. But, they look like they belong to Arthur Fleck.

Exhibit B: Balenciaga Sock Sneakers

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5q-ljwlHoC/

Super gluing your socks to your sneakers seems like an easy hack. Duh! But here, they just look SO FREAKING HORRIBLE. After all, what exactly IS the point of wearing expensive shoes and styling it to make it look extremely cheap when it already looks cheap to begin with?

Let’s just hope that in 2020, ugly sneakers can be put to rest.

8. Teeny Tiny Sunglasses

This trend is hands down, the WORST fashion trend of the 2010s! I mean, don’t get me wrong, but I do like wearing tiny sunglasses. But, not to the extent where the lens are 1/10th of your entire face and they don’t cover your eyes.

Man, woman, trans or non-binary, this trend DOES NOT LOOK GOOD on anyone!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5bZVhDgrcq/

What’s the point of wearing sunglasses if you can’t get frames that cover past your eyes? I’d rather have good eye vision when I’m 80 than to get cataracts from wearing non-existent sunglasses.

9. Baggy Pants with Ruched Cuffs

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Bye Melbourne

A post shared by J (@jennierubyjane) on

Case in point, baggy pants with ruched cuffs at the ankle basically point to the fact that you are meant to have multiple pairing options with naked strappy sandals to Doc Martens. However, this is NOT a flattering style on everyone, even if you are the skinniest person in the room among all your friends.

What I also dislike about those pants is that the bagginess of it does NOT look flattering in photos because it requires a special angle to make it work. With this shot below, you can already see how the bagginess of the pants doesn’t photograph well. Regardless if you wear a baggy or tight top, the baggy pants with ruched ankle look is as abhorrent as harem pants.

Even inside boots, it still wouldn’t look flattering at the front.

10. Fur Slides

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back in nyc, looking happy ☺

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Real or faux, fur slides just look tacky. Like, I don’t get why winter materials and a summer shoe have to be mixed together. If you want something furry, feathers are more breathable and less stuffier in hot climates.

I’m sure the Fenty faux fur slides look great on Rihanna, but the fact that she hasn’t been seen wearing them in a while is a sign that this trend already died. Ditto with Miley when she stopped wearing her Celine fur slides because she went vegan nearly 5 years ago.

Celebrity or civilian, this trend really doesn’t do justice for anyone. (Am I surprised that UGG is still making this trend survive on Cardi B and Sofia Richie?)

Let’s just hope that in 2020, we can see more practical fashion trends that can outlast our feed.

Michelle VarinataLeave a comment

The Coolest Beauty Trend You Need to Try for 2018

Sorry, Mia Wallace, Your signature vampy lip is done, done, done! Although I, myself, love a vampy lip color, the hue of dried blood isn’t as groundbreaking as it once was. The new shade that has everyone talking since March is your least favorite neutral: gray.

To me, gray is the type of color that screams “dull.” It often feels so basic to the core that I barely wear ANY gray on my body apart from silver jewelry or a sweatshirt that I lounge in. In fact, I don’t even know what to make of this muddled shade when I first saw Huda Kattan wear it on her Instagram.

Given that the year is coming to an end, you can close the chapter on 2017 by rocking this trend and wear it throughout the new year. Here are some ways how you can wear this color:

Continue reading “The Coolest Beauty Trend You Need to Try for 2018” →

Michelle VarinataLeave a comment

Urban Cowgirl: A Guide to Country Dressing

 

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Vintage Roncelli jacket and pants | Vintage top | Vintage Chanel bag | Seville Michelle choker (worn as bunholder) | CC Skye bracelet | Gianvito Rossi boots

Watch out, Daisy Duke! There’s a new girl in town and she’s ready to bring her game on. Instead of pounding the streets in short shorts, plaid tees and cowboy boots, she’s ready to make a splash in suede, ruffles and lace. To all my lovelies out there, take notes: this country look is going in STRONG!

Speaking of country, there are ways to rock this trend: either you keep it simple like Miley Cyrus or go hard for that urban rodeo vibe like Gigi Hadid. As much as I want to rock my cowboy hat and boots, I’m swapping them out for my vintage Roncelli studded suede pants and Gianvito Rossi lace boots. But to keep it looking country cutie chic, I swear by my vintage Guess jacket and ruffled lace-trim top. Tie-in the look with a quilted bag for that ultra extra touch! To quote Hannah Montana, it’s the best of both worlds!!

If going edgy ain’t for you, grab a prairie-style dress. (Preferably in a bright or pastel color like mine!) Prairie dresses may look hard to wear outside the runways and lookbooks, but please give it a chance. Generally, they tend to be long-sleeved, but feel free to roll the sleeves up. Kick it up with some boots or some white sneakers! Believe me, you will never run out of ideas with it.

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Similar (in order of appearance): Seville Michelle The Feast choker | Boohoo Pointed Lace Boots| Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock dress

All photos by Hallie Geller

Michelle VarinataLeave a comment

Slip it Away: A Case Study for the Perfect Dress

image origial _ HBGPhotography - 315.jpgVintage ’50s dress | Seville Michelle choker

I don’t like to wake up and I hate getting out of bed. I also hate wearing Spanx for all of eternity. If there is one thing I must do to hide my period bloat, what else can I wear besides leggings or jeans? Thankfully, it’s something that I can slip away at the end of the day. Mis amigas, this is is a slip dress.

Continue reading “Slip it Away: A Case Study for the Perfect Dress” →

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Cool In The Summer: How to Layer During Warm Temps

image origial _ HBGPhotography - 145.jpgPrada bag | Vintage moto jacket | Nasty Gal x Courtney Love catsuit | The Vintage Twin reworked Nike shirt | Vintage Levi’s 501s | Creepyyeha belt 

Layers in the summer seem like the most unreasonable thing ever. Like, who really does that? The only layer you’ll need in the warmer climes is a jacket and that is only restricted to AC’d rooms. When you’re outdoor, it’s where the real action takes place – I mean that on the street.

If you really wanna wear layers in the summer, just buy a lace catsuit. Underneath any outfit, it can literally pop underneath your t-shirts and jeans. While peeing in it is hell for me and you, it’s worth getting that ‘gram. Let me guide you on the three #herssentials you need to pair with a lace catsuit:

A) The Graphic Tee

image origial _ HBGPhotography - 78.jpgChanel bag | Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals 

I hate to stick to the safest things in the closet, but a graphic tee is a must MUST. It’s literally the most timeless thing you can have in your closet whether it be a band tee or a regular ol’ Nike shirt. Graphics can also be accompanied by fun details like bleach splatters such as the one I’m wearing. Fitted graphic tees are cute, but if you have a slightly oversized boyish cut, it gives a lace catsuit a bit of an edge. Think early ’00s “Complicated” meets ’07 “Girlfriend” Avril Lavigne.

If you wanna take that look out on a post-work dinner, rock with your go-to jeans, belt, small bag and heels!

B) The Studded Moto Jacket

image origial _ HBGPhotography - 111.jpgCharlotte Olympia loafers | Wendy Brandes “Shaka” stud

Moto jackets may not seem so summer-worthy, but in some strange case, they actually are a hot summer staple for the coolest nights. It’s very Elle Fanning if you rock it out in the heat. If you live somewhere that’s a bit colder, this look can work.

For the girls that refuse to let go of velvet, pull out your go-to velvet shoes and make it pop with the catsuit! It’s dramatic, yet trendy enough to make the entire look more fashion forward than what it really is.

C) The Kimono

image origial _ HBGPhotography - 20.jpgimage origial _ HBGPhotography - 41.jpgVintage silk kimono | Chanel backpack

Swish, swish bish! The silk kimono is BACK!! Nothing else is more perfect than the kimono, which you can practically wear it all day long. It can go with a graphic tee, jeans, shorts, skirts, etc! As for the catsuit, it surprisingly complements it well. If your kimono comes with a sash, leave it at home or repurpose it into a skinny scarf! Seriously, you can fake the look like you got a whole new closet when you reuse things differently. 😉

Similar (in order of appearance): Nasty Gal studded moto jacket |  Elegant Moments lace bodystocking | Nike Serving Up Heat tee | Vintage Levi’s 501 acid wash | Vintage Peacock Kimono | Vintage Chanel quilted backpack

All photos by Hallie Geller

Michelle VarinataLeave a comment

The Last Dance: How to do Prom Right

I may be long out of high school, but the memories of going to prom have never been forgotten. I have to admit that I came a long way from looking like a basic bitch: smoky eyes, pink lipstick, natural makeup, whatever! Not to mention, a big ass ball gown, sky high heels and an undo was the thing back in 2011. I honestly loved going to prom, but I wish I was more adventurous with my dresses (other than me wearing a tuxedo the year after).

Instead of going out on big dresses and big hair, keeping it simple is the way to go.

A) Pretty in Polkadots

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Are You Am I top | Rodarte choker (worn throughout) | vintage ’90s dress | Alice and Olivia x Pretty Polly thigh highs | Chanel sandals (worn throughout)

Inspired by the ’80s vibe of Pretty in Pink, I pull out an off-the-shoulder top and style it with a sleeveless polka dot dress. It gives that cutout shoulder effect that the era was known for. Have you forgotten to shave your legs for the past week? Pull on some thigh-high stockings! Believe me, it’s unbelievably avant grade when you rock with lucite sandals. Throw on your choker and you’re good to go!

B) Emoji Flamenco

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American Apparel tee | vintage ’90s (or ’00s) dress | Clare Vivier x Garrett Leight sunglasses | Fogal tights |Sandro coat |Fenty x Puma sneakers 

Still stuck on the flame trend? Give that a go with an asymmetrical hemline! This red dress has an asymmetrical hemline that can elevate the look immediately. When paired with lace tights and a white tee, you got this look on lock. Believe me, it’s very 2017 with the white tee underneath everything look for formalwear! When your feet are exhausted and you’re too cold, grab a coat and put on your favorite white sneakers. If you choose to stay up until the morning comes, don’t forget to bring your sunglasses!

Will you try those looks? What other suggestions do you have for unconventional prom outfits?

 

All photos by Hallie Geller

Michelle VarinataLeave a comment

The Last Days of the Big Chill

The temps are getting warmer than ever and it’s a sign that a dream of spring has finally came! No longer are we stuck in the winds of winter, it’s time to take advantage of the last few days of the big chill. Even as the temperatures are creeping up, there are some winter-friendly options that can still work at this time.

A) Tangled up in Layers3B2A8832.JPG3B2A8841.JPG3B2A8861.JPG

Vintage jacket | Vintage hat | Uniqlo fleece turtleneck | Vintage ’80s Motley Crue tee | Uniqlo thermal leggings | Bebe Aguirre pants | Missguided shoes

OK, it’s still cold, but you need to bundle up. My classic bundle-up outfit – even when I need a t-shirt – always consists of a go-to turtleneck and thermal leggings. Thermal leggings and turtlenecks are mano a mano; however, it can get too basic! Top it off with your favorite band tee and patched up jacket that is guaranteed to have this “I may be cute, but don’t try me” type of vibe. It’s not a easy look to pull off, but I’m telling you, if you try this combo, you can make everyone believe that you are a Hadid sister.

B) The Velvet Dress

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Uniqlo bomber jacket | Vintage Donna Karan dress | Miista boots

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DIY jacket | Vintage ’90s dress from The Vintage Twin | Rihanna x Stance socks | Raye sandals

Technically, velvet is a fall to winter fabric; however, people still wear velvet in the summer. Even at this transitional phase, velvet is still cool enough to wear it out. These two velvet dresses are dramatic, but entirely different. My vintage Donna Karan velvet dress is more for that ’90s Sharon Stone girl who wants to get a little more basic. When worn with a bomber jacket, it’s fierce as fuck.

For velvet dress #2, it’s got that Sabrina Spellman vibe to it when paired with lace socks and sandals. If you think that going out in 10 degrees Celsius guarantees instant warmth, rock it with a denim jacket by all means. But if you are still feeling the cold, channel your inner Jordan Catalano by throwing on a shearling-lined denim jacket. Talk about cuteness AND warmth at the same time!

C) Faux fur3B2A6047.JPG3B2A6061.JPG

Rad + Refined sunglasses | Neo-vintage ’00s turtleneck | Reformation faux fur jacket | Vintage ’90s Versace skirt and belt | Fenty x Puma creepers

Ignore my Andy Warhol hair. Here, a double dose of faux fur never hurts. Try throwing on this look with a metallic turtleneck, faux fur chubby and a faux fur skirt! Faux fur is not a spring-friendly fabric, but if Rihanna does it (NOTE: her coat was real fur), please do it! Not only can it keep you warm, it’s perfect for those balmy nights. If you are feeling hungover from going too hard on Sunday, a pair of statement shades never hurt.

If you believe that these looks are hard to stunt in, fear not! Be free, live your life and most importantly, keep it #LivinLaVariNaDah!

All photos by Hallie B. Geller

Michelle VarinataLeave a comment

New School, New Rules: Slay in the Snow

The winds of winter are here, but I dream of spring.

The prospects of dealing with incoming snow and falling temperatures that dip below zero (in Celsius) scare me. The actual thing that most of us and myself included fear is that there isn’t enough cute clothing to make us LOOK hot while it’s freezing out there. As much as I want to layer my fishnet tights under my jeans, I can’t do that because basically, that’s hypothermia ready to call your name. And I am NOT going to let myself suffer for the sake of fashion or worst comes to worst, end up getting sick. (Yup, this happened to me when I didn’t realize that I wore summer clothing in fall temps!)

While winter fashion has a rap for being too boring, let’s not forget how YOU can spice it up!

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Rule #1: DON’T be afraid to wear a crazy jacket

Have you ever done drunk shopping before? Or like, impulse shopped when you are sober?  Ninety-nine point nine percent of the time it’s always something regrettable, but a good one percent is always the opposite. This is where the “crazy” jacket comes in. Cute, stylish and a tad bit dangerous for your closet, the “crazy” jacket is born to take you places. While you’ve mainly purchased it for the look of it, you can never go wrong with the little deets that make it a classic.

In my case, my favorite go-to for the cooler climes is a vintage yellow marabou jacket. Marabou jackets tend to have an oversized silhouette like a Superbowl player, but it can make you two sizes smaller than you really are without having to make yourself gorge on a juice cleanse AND keep you extra fuego! 🔥

Although I originally bought it for Halloween, I decided to wear it a few days ago and I never regretted it. If life is only meant to be celebrated once, what’s the entire point of living?

Rule #2: SHORT is sweet

Bummed that you felt like you can’t get your money’s worth on that short skirt you bought on sale? Make a killer bang for your buck with a new styling trick! As a petite gal, the one thing I swear by is an oversized sweater. The sweater that I wore in photo #2 originally hit my thighs. I would’ve done the full Edie (Sedgwick), but I didn’t want to waste the full $66 of my beloved Tripp NYC skirt. So, I tucked it in. Not only did it make me look chicer, the sweater was able to keep my whole body warm. Even if you’re tall, this trick will do you some magic!

If you don’t have an oversized sweater, a thick wooly dress is also a great substitute!!

Rule #3: When in doubt, WEAR metallic lipstick

Metallic lipsticks might be party-friendly, but you can BE the party when you have one in your pocket. In the snow and colder climes, the sunlight tends to be harsh and honestly, it’s not so kind on your skin. Unlike matte reds, browns, nudes and pinks, metallics are there to save your day. What’s amazing about it is that it reflects the light, which is why my lips always feel popping! Based on this fact, it’s proven to become an essential in my bag. If you are looking to try a metallic lipstick, go for Jeffree Star’s Pussy Whipped. The peachy gold tones gives you that J.Lo in Miami look – minus the extra spray tan and bronzer. It’s very editorial chic without literally being in one. Believe me, you are NOT going to regret it!

 

 

 

 

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