Olive—the trending summer color

I usually do not wear peplum shirts, but this particular one has exceeded my expectations. It clings to my body, outlining my shape, and stretches where I need it to. In addition to its great fit, this shirt is an olive tone—a great color that happens to be trending right now. Olive shades add enough color to an outfit while also being incredibly neutral. The other great thing about olive/cypress shades being in this summer is that the trend won't die when fall approaches because it's traditionally an autumn style.

For those who have been keeping up with my recent posts, you'll know that the Tory Burch sandals I'm wearing were on my summer wish list. While being stylish and chic, they are also fairly casual, making for a versatile sandal. Although they were painful the first few days I wore them, they are totally comfortable now that I have broken them in. And though they are a little on the pricey side, I figured I could make the sacrifice for Tory.

Shirt: H&M | Shorts: Forever 21 | Sandals: Tory Burch | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelets: H&M |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Reva

After years of carrying cross-body handbags, I decided it was time to switch it up with this Tory Burch Reva clutch. Sleek, black and lightweight, this handbag makes even the simplest outfit pop. 

No longer do I suffer with the burden of a long strap weighing me down on a night out. Carrying cross-body handbags can be so annoying when trying to dance or move around a tight crowd. 

And these Zara jeans give outfits a more sophisticated edge, making them casual yet refined. They hug my hips perfectly and make my butt look good—an added bonus.

| Shirt: Forever 21 | Pants: Zara | Heels: Steve Madden | Handbag: Tory Burch |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Boho Dreams

Since December 2013, this dress has been collecting dust in the back of my closet, patiently awaiting the day I would finally wear it.

If I were asked to describe my style, it would be contemporary chic, not boho Barbie. Though this dress is something I likely won't be seen in throughout my everyday life, the delicate lace stitching and lilac coloring make it a beautiful garment nonetheless.

Manufactured by Free People, the dress has that familiar hippy, bohemian vibe that People always tries to achieve in its clothing, making it an enchanting and whimsical wear.

When trying to pair shoes with this dress, the only image that came to mind was wedges. I knew the shoes had to be springy and could not be black, which is why I was relieved to find the pair I'm wearing. Because the cream color matches perfectly with the dress's mesh neck and shoulder design and the wedges have a traditional cork wedge, the shoes are the ideal fit for the ensemble.

The only thing missing is a floral headband.

| Dress: Free People | Wedges: BOC | Bracelet: Pandora | Ring: Michael Kors |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Formally Chic

| Shirt & Skirt: H&M | Scarf: Zara | Heels: Steve Madden | Ring: Michael Kors | Watch: Montblanc |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Michael Kors isn't considered cool anymore, I don't care

Michael Kors, a brand that gained significant popularity in recent years, was deemed uncool by an April 10 Business Insider report. Because the company's shares dropped 37 percent in the past year, the report claims that the brand is now slowly losing its clout, forcing consumers to look for trendy handbags and watches elsewhere.


Anyone who has been reading my blog since its inception knows that Kors has maintained appearances in my posts. Some of my favorite pieces like my black riding boots and my three-tone handbag are Michael Kors items and are still pieces I wear regularly in everyday life.

Once hearing the news that the brand may be irrelevant, I considered throwing all of my Kors pieces away. As a fashion blogger, I feel pressure to be at the forefront of trends, and featuring brands that are considered passé is practically blog-suicide.

I'll admit that my MK pieces are no longer considered exclusive, but is that a good reason to stop wearing them if I still like them?

Other brands like Betsey Johnson and Juicy Couture have gone through similar business slumps where their shares dropped because their brand lost some of its prestige. But that's a struggle brands face when they try to maintain luxury standards while also being affordable. Perhaps Michael Kors struggles with establishing itself as a prominent and respected brand like Louis Vuitton or Chanel—brands that seem to never go out of style—but consumers have to remember that Kors, while still pricey, is also more affordable than these out-of-reach brands, meaning more people will have it, ultimately taking away its novelty.

However, despite Business Insider's claim that the company is uncool, Michael Kors' profits show consumers are still flocking to stores. According to a Feb. 5 press release, their total revenue increased by 29.9 percent by the end of the third quarter on Dec. 27, 2014.

So, although I probably won't be buying Michael Kors in the future, I'm not going to retire the pieces I already own. Even if the brand is considered lame, it is much lamer to stop wearing something I actually like just because someone said so. Following your own fashion intuitions is way cooler than following a trend, especially if it cost you two paychecks.