The Black Duster

Duster coats are a great staple piece for layering in your wardrobe. They come in so many different colors and automatically make your look more sophisticated and classy. The best part is that you can find these dusters just about anywhere! The prices can range anywhere from $20 to $200 depending on your taste, and of course your budget as well. My duster coat in particular is from Topshop, however I purchased it during their buy one get one free sale last year. Because of that, this duster ended up being only about $15 which is such a steal especially for a store like Topshop. I will say, these coats are definitely not meant for colder weather so I would recommend you wearing them when temps wear down or wear a coat on top to stay warm.

Because this duster in particular is such a basic color, I was able to have a lot of fun picking out the accessories I chose to wear with it. These shoes from Betsey Johnson are the perfect statement piece for any look. They can be easily dressed up as well by wearing a black or maroon colored dress, or a blouse with some nice dress pants. Velvet has been all the rage this past season. I chose to pick up this gorgeous velvet bag from Primark for only $12! It's such a great way to make any outfit trendier, yet sophisticated.

These photos were taken by one of my friends Paola Torrico. You can check out her AMAZING blog by clicking here!

• Duster: Here is a very similar one!


• Top: Forever 21


• Jeans: Zara


• Bag: Primark (here is a similar one!)


• Shoes: Betsy Jonson (Macy's) Here is the boot version!

Frayed Hem Jeans

I'm sure you've been seeing these jeans just about everywhere. At first when they came out I thought "huh, these are.... interesting". I couldn't tell if they would look good on or not or if they would be easy to style. Turns out, I love them! They go with so many items i my wardrobe and are so easy to wear since there are multiple styles available.

I decided to pair these frayed hem jeans with a peplum blouse. Peplum is flattering on everybody and it is so easy to style as well. Since the jeans do most of the talking, you want to make sure to go with a simple top which is why I went for a black one. For accessories, I decided to opt for some gold pieces since this outfit was for an event. For shoes, I went with my trusty nude block heels because they just instantly dress up the outfit. Definitely go try out a pair of frayed hem jeans for yourself. There are so many to choose from!

• Shirt: Zara


• Jeans: Forever 21 (very similar)


• Earrings: Francesca's (similar)


• Purse: Here and here are similar ones!


• Shoes: Here are a similar pair!

Click on these brands to see some of my other favorite jeans!

Old Navy

Francesca's

ASOS

Goodbye, 2017

2017 was an interesting but fun year for me. Before starting college, I was told that I would make some of my closest friends while being there. But that honestly wasn't the case for me. I did start to feel really lonely because most of my closest friends went away for college. However, this past year I became friends with people who I can say are now some of my closest friends. They aren't from college, but from my job at Kendra Scott as well as through blogging. I've connected with so many amazing girls there who I can now call my closest friends and I am so blessed to have these people in my life.


And of course also blessed to have my oldest friends in my life still as well!


Throughout 2017, I also got the chance to travel to a few places. Nowhere far, but still a great experience.

I went to my first ever New York Fashion Week which was such an amazing experience!


I was able to go to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina which was beautiful!

I was also able to go visit my best friend Erica in Boston and we had such a fun time!



I even got to go to a Coldplay concert!

Overall, even though there were both ups and downs throughout the year, 2017 was a great year for me and I cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store for my family, friends an I Insha'Allah.

And of course, I had to end 2017 off with a glam outfit!

These photos were taken by my amazing friend and photographer Helena Tewolde and you can check out her website by clicking here!

• Dress: Free People


• Shirt: Forever 21 (similar)


• Purse: Here is a similar one!


• Earrings: Here are a similar pair!


• Heels: Aldo