Chain Too Heavy

Top: This is a Love Song // Skirt: Foreign Exchange // Shoes: Zara // Necklace: Forever 21 // Bracelet and Ring: Like a City

I am happy to announce that as the temps have dropped so has my need to wear cut-offs, tank tops and sky-high heels (Converse for work) at all hours of the day. Instead, I pull from the skirts in my closet for a look that I will equally wear out: Cropped tops and high-waisted skirts are my jam right now. I have always been into waist-grabbing bottoms because they tend to be more flattering and show off the stomach Fergie’s album helps us achieve. Instead of going for the standard top either tucked in or lying sloppy over the skirt, why not make use of those crop tees and tanks that you thought were retired for the season?

Listen, I totally get that in some areas of the country a 60 degree winter isn’t the norm and for those chilly nights my vote is for a wooly cropped sweater (yes, they make those despite the bipolar qualities of such a garment). Or, if you’re like me, you are down for lots of layering. I’ve been known to wear a tank under a flannel that's under a jacket paired with a coat, and that is just to walk across the street to Starbucks. It is not necessary that people understand you.

What’s great about this look is that you can rock it any way you want. For a classier look, keep the crop top a little longer-just because it’s cropped doesn’t mean you have to show off your gym results…life is all about choices. If you’re into more of a tomboy look, grab a beanie, booties and your favorite slogan tee then add a sweatshirt and leather jacket for layers. When layering-up, the key to avoiding the frump is to keep the bottom fitted. On the flip side, if you’re going with a fitted tank like I did here, you should avoid a skin-tight bottom during daylight hours: a tight, short, mid-driff baring ensemble is not what your boss wants to see on a Monday morning…and if they do, it’s time to pad your resume and bust out the good ole interview attire.

images by Allen Zaki