Back to School Muse: Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid has mastered the art of comfy-chic dressing. The model's off-duty outfits are complete with sneakers, jeans, T-shirts, denim jackets and oversized shirts. Gigi is the ultimate style muse for the busy college or high school student. She knows how to rock a dress and sneakers and makes even the simplest of outfits stand out. Her effortless fashion sense is A+. 

I recently went to Zara and walked away with some Gigi Hadid inspired pieces that are perfect for back to school. What's so great about Zara is their clothing looks exactly like what was just coming down the runways. I purchased distressed jeans, black biker jeans, a striped shirt, navy blue sweater and a black boat neck dress. I've put together a few looks below to show you how I plan to style these Gigi-esque items. The possibilities are truly endless and I know I'll be wearing these pieces again and again. I hope this gives you some inspiration for your back to school outfits. 

styling striped shirt by bitsofstyle featuring adidas sneakers

styling sweater and jeans by bitsofstyle featuring a genuine leather purse

styling biker jeans by bitsofstyle featuring a toggle bracelet

styling boat neck dress by bitsofstyle featuring a white gold bracelet

Here's to a stylish new school year!

~Bitsy 

Back Bay Blues

Top: Topshop | Skirt: Topshop | Flannel: Forever 21 (similar) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (similar) | Shoes: thrifted (similar) | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban 

I'm back in Boston's Back Bay area! Yay!!! I'm so excited to start my sophomore year at Emerson College. This celebratory outfit is all about the Back Bay blues. Blue has been such a big color this year which is awesome because it happens to be my favorite color (besides black, of course.) I would dress in head-to-toe blue when I was little. Now I like to incorporate hints of the shade into my everyday style. This flannel and Rebecca Minkoff 'Fiona' backpack are the perfect pop of color. The bag is definitely the standout piece. I love the bucket shape and how it can be worn many ways. This season, do blue and do you! 

~Bitsy

Stripes by the Sea

Dress: Topshop | Sandals: Sam Edelman | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex and Ani 

Last weekend I attended a lovely wedding by the sea in Maine. The scenery was so gorgeous I couldn't help but take  pictures! Since the dress code was beach formal, I wore this nautical dress with modern details from Topshop. I love the oragami style skirt and triangle cutout at the bodice. The blue and white stripes lend oceanic appeal. My Ray-Bans, gold sandals, gold jewelry and Mini MAB bag keep this look anchored. 

~Bitsy 

The Back to School Edit

It's August and that means the new school year is right around the corner. I'll be going into my sophomore year of college and I can't wait! For me, back to school means a wardrobe refresh. I like to add some new pieces to my closet to keep my style current. I've put together an edit of the back to school essentials that I'm loving and will definitely have in my wardrobe. Some of these items you may already own, while others you may want to look into. I hope this guide gives you some inspiration for your shopping endeavors. 

blue denim skirt (*regular*/*petite*/*tall*)

black denim skirt (*regular*/*petite*)

white denim skirt (*here*/*here*)

denim jacket (*here*/*here*)

sweatshirt (*here*/*here*)

flannel (*here*)

faux leather backpack (*here*/*here*)

leather jacket (*here*)

midi dress (*regular*/*petite*/*tall*)

white tee (*here*)

black tee (*here*)

striped tee (*here*)

ankle boots (*here*/*here*)

white sneakers (*here*)

black and white sneakers (*here*)

black sweater (*here*/*here*)

gray sweater (*here*)

cream sweater (*here*/*here*)

mom jeans (*here*)

black jeans (*regular*/*petite*/*tall*)

blue jeans (*here*/*here*)

What's at the top of your back to school shopping list? 

~Bitsy

Black and White Swan

Top: Cynthia Rowley (similar) | Skirt: Brandy Melville (similar) | Sandals: Sam Edelman | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex and Ani | Necklace: Tiffany & Co. | Earrings: Tiffany & Co. 

I'm not going to lie...I kind of felt like a ballerina in this outfit. I'm not a dancer, but I can say that taking style inspiration from dance wear is "en pointe." The ballet style top with 3/4 sleeves and low back paired with the twirly black and white skater skirt lend this look prima appeal. You can never wear "tutu" much monochrome! 

~Bitsy 

Bits of June/July

I didn't do a Bits of June last month, so I figured I'd combine it with July. I've been busy working this summer at Lord & Taylor, so I haven't done anything big. I'm excited to be back at school soon where I'll being going on many Boston adventures. This summer I've been picking myself up a little treat every now and then because you have to treat yourself sometimes. This "Bits of..." post is complete with some of the trinkets I've picked up in the past two months that I'm loving. 

1. MAC Lipsticks

I purchased many MAC lipsticks in June and July. I'm kind of an addict. The shades I've added to my collection are 'Steady Going,' 'Matte Royal,' 'Whirl,' 'Eugenie (sold out),' 'Charlotte (sold out),' 'Tats (sold out)' and 'Bianca B (sold out).'  

2. Urban Decay NAKED Smoky Palette 

I ordered this palette the day it launched on sephora.com last month. I still haven't tried it yet, but I'm obsessed! I absolutely love the smoky colors. I'm a true Urban Decay NAKED palette fan and am happy to welcome this one to the family! 

3. Forever 21 

I haven't bought anything from Forever 21 in a while, but went I went into the one at my local mall, I  knew I was going to find something fabulous. Everything was so cute and looked like pieces you'd finding hanging in Topshop, Zara and Brandy Melviile. I picked up a couple things that I just couldn't leave behind. The "More Issues Than Vogue" and "Addicted To Black" tees make this the most accurate purchase of my life. I thought I would be only taking a few tops home, but as I was heading out of the store I spotted a white bag that looks exactly like the Alexander Wang 'Rockie.' Needless to say, that came home with me too.


I hope you're all having a great summer. Stay stylin'!

~Bitsy