Monochrome Short Set and Embellished Heels

Let's face it, I'm utterly obsessed with monochrome lately.  What I appreciate about a monochromatic look is the simplicity and cohesion of the pieces that meld together seamlessly.  Hence, the nude-blush pallette for today's post.   Lightweight trench coats are also a must-have piece in my Spring collection of clothing (indeed, I need one of every color) because they add an effortless completion to an outfit that I absolutely love.  And so, here I am in a parking garage with brightly painted teal walls and just the right amount of light for me to snap some shots with my tripod sidekick.  

What I'm rocking:

Trench Coat by F21

Camisole by Victoria's Secret

Shorts by Macy's

Shoes by Nine West

Get the look:

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Two-Toned Blazer and Silk Jogger Pants

"Interestingly, I love power dressing 

and combining edge 

or masculine pieces 

with a feminine flair."

Over the course of two or three days, Miami experienced Winter, meaning unseasonably cold weather.  As a result, the black suit is the solution to any possible occurrence of 49-degree weather.  Fortunately, I am not the type to sway in fluctuating weather conditions so I threw on a black and white blazer with these silky jogger-like pants and called it a day.  Black suits are ultimately timeless, as they will never go out of style and there are variations to play around with.  I'm also quite a fan of the short set, especially in Miami.  Interestingly, I love power dressing and combining edge or masculine pieces with a feminine flair (exhibit A: gold watch and glistening black heels).  

For its simplicity, this look pieces together the puzzle of how to dress fashionable yet logically.

What I'm rocking:

Blazer by Macy's 

Pants by ZARA 

Shoes c/o GUESS

Watch by GUESS

Get the look:

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Lust List: Weekend Wear

1/  Gucci Aristographic Plexiglass Evening Clutch 2/ T by Alexander Wang Bralette
3/ Balmain Pencil Skirt 4/ Giuseppe Zanotti Leaves Sandals

It may not be as cold in Miami as every other location in the world right now, but there's one thing that's true all across the board…it's the weekend!  Therefore, I'm teaming up with Lyst to share my "Lust List" of weekend-inspired attire for three occasions.  If you aren't familiar with Lyst, it's ultimately a wonderland of every possible fashion piece imaginable, and it allows you to create photographic lists of your favorite items.  It really helps me style my looks with ease, as I can just drag and drop items to see how they look together.  I like how I can navigate through the site easily, and pair pieces together as if I'm in a virtual closet.  Lyst also suggests particular styles that it believes coincide with my personal style, which is great because it saves me the time of searching for new pieces!

For a night out on the town, I wanted to put together a twist on the typical "little black dress" and give it some edge.  The Gucci Aristographic Plexiglass Evening Clutch and Giuseppe heels add a little glamour as well.  As for a Saturday shopping trip, it's all about edgy comfort.  When I'm shopping, I love a good embellished boot and leather pants or jacket.  Sunday Brunch is a must, so I paired neutral tones for a sexy-chic look.

(click on each to see where to shop these items)

Friday Night Out

Saturday Shopping Trip

Sunday Brunch

5/  Gucci Lady Bamboo Python Shoulder Bag 6/ Alice + Olivia Bodysuit
7/ Lovers + Friends Cape 8/ J Brand Leather Pants 9/ Saint Laurent Boots

10/  Gucci Borsa Bamboo Daily Cipria Bag 11/ H&M Knee-High Boots
12/ Carven Trench Coat 13/ Missguided Mini Dress 14/ Chloé Sunglasses

Here's Mr. Louboutin

"Don't be afraid to be bold and be yourself."

White is not only for the mundane pre-Labor Day activities, but Winter action as well.  It's for the fireballs with nude Louboutin heels, or none at all.  

Good day, from Miami Beach - the singular city that isn't baring a freezing cold tundra in the midst of February or New York Fashion Week season.  Therefore, I thought I would take you to a sweaty rooftop where my tripod, my three-year-old son, and I spent an afternoon racing cars and what have you…in 5-inch So Kate Christian Louboutins nonetheless.  In that moment, I felt invincible in an all white ensemble and pumps that made it appear as though I have long legs of some sort (nude heels tend to do that).  Once I re-entered my condo and took them off, I realized I'm still short.

In the past, wearing belly-sucking pencil skirts have scared the life out of me for the mere fact that my baby-birthing hips tend to get in the way of my desire to portray one of those beautiful Nordic 5'11" human beings that can gracefully throw on such a piece and look like Gisele Bundchen instantly.  

After some time, I have become completely comfortable with my body shape and although I may never be an epic runway model, I've learned to be grateful for what I do have.  Don't be afraid to be bold and be yourself.

What I'm rocking:

Two-piece set ℅ Hot Miami Styles

Watch ℅ La Mer Collections

Rings by Topshop (similar styles here)

Shoes by Christian Louboutin

Guilt-Free Strawberry Nutella French Toast Stack

"I'm sharing one of my favorite breakfast nibbles...Strawberry Nutella French Toast Stack."

One of my decadent pleasures is chocolate and strawberries.  Although dark chocolate is my typical go-to since it's packed with antioxidants, Nutella is second best.  Yes, it may come with some fats and sugar, but I believe everything is acceptable in moderation when it comes to living a healthy life.  Strawberries boost immunity, promote eye health, and surprisingly keeps wrinkles at bay.  I'm all over recipes that keep me full throughout the morning and don't sacrifice the body, so I'm sharing one of my favorite breakfast nibbles…Strawberry Nutella French Toast Stack.  

What you'll need:

• 2 egg whites
• 1/3 cup of vanilla unsweetened almond milk (coconut milk, or skim milk)
• 3 slices of bread (I'm using Nature's Own 40-calorie bread)
• 2 Tbsp of Nutella 
• 4-6 strawberries, stemmed and sliced
• Whipped topping
• Pinch of cinnamon

1.  First, you will need to combine the egg whites, milk, and cinnamon together in a flat dish.

2.  Next, grab a cookie cutter or large glass to cut off the crust of your bread.

3.  Dip each piece of bread into the egg/milk mixture until well coated.

4.  Place the battered bread into a large pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray, over medium heat until lightly golden on each side.

5.  Remove the french toast from pan and begin placing one slice on a plate.  Add a thin layer of Nutella (or a whole glob if you're so inclined)

6.  Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the french toast slice, and repeat this process until all of the bread has been stacked.

7.  Put a generous amount of whipped topping for garnish, along with a strawberry slice.  

Devour it up!  Simple, and delicious.

Check out my Instagram @StyleByLynsee for more food photos!

The Essentials

The product of my recent overconsumption of wanderlust has left me with life's essentials: a basic white tank, skinny jeans, skyscraper heels and a leather coat.  Upon traveling to the arctic (or what America likes to call the Midwest in January), it's needless to say that I did a terrible job at packing for such weather.  It would seem that I have not learned my lesson from living up there for over 17 years, but I digress.  

And so here I am, open-toed and all, in Miami Beach once again.  Now that I'm back in the Magic City, it's only suitable that I share some of my favorite go-to spots to hit up post-traveling.  

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

Mexican food and I have had quite an extensive love affair ever since I can remember.  My entire pregnancy is sheer proof of that, but one of the newest taco spots in Miami Beach is a combination of a backyard food truck fused with a hidden gem (the bathroom door actually leads to an after hours lounge).  Try the Pescado with Grilled Mahi, Charred Pineapple Slaw, Picked Onions, Cilantro, and Chipotle-Cotija Dressing for a sweet $4.50.  Boom.  I just blew your mind. 

City Hall

Sunday is undoubtedly considered the dedicated day of brunching; however, one of the greatest parts of this place is its ability to understand the value of a Saturday brunch.  With its 1930s New York style chandeliers and burgundy leather walls, it carries a "local Miami" aura that I became instantly amused with after my first visit.  The low down: the champagne and bloody mary's, for those of you so inclined, flow until 4pm every Saturday.  Food wise, you need to get involved with the tuna tartar (with truffle-soy vinaigrette), sweet potato fries, and the seared North Atlantic salmon salad.

Pérez Art Museum

The quintessential modern and contemporary art museum is a must-see every second Saturday of the month, as it exhibits international artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries at no charge.  The architecture is exceptional, and it comes equipped with outdoor swings and lounge chairs with a beautiful bay view of Miami.  

Ladurée

The way to my heart is obviously through french macarons, and Ladurée has the absolute best tasting selection ranging from salted caramel (my favorite) to Marie Antoinette, Praline, and Pistachio.  Whenever I'm perusing Lincoln Road after a long trip, this is the perfect pick-me-up treat.

Drunken Dragon 

Korean restaurants are few and far in Miami, and the closest one that I've spotted was in North Miami (which closed years ago).  I've secretly been dying inside from the lack of Korean food in the area that I live in, but alas, the time has come.  The Drunken Dragon is a Asian gastropub with Korean barbecue-style tables and tiki-themed cocktails, that serves up goods until 6 a.m. on weekends.  The hot spot has everything from twice fried chicken to white kimchi, Shanghai style fried rice, D&D fries and octopus.  

What I'm rocking:

Jacket ℅ GUESS

Top by ZARA (similar style here)

Jeans ℅ dl1961

Shoes by ZARA (similar style here)

Sunglasses by Gucci (similar style here)

King Taejin + Onyx

It goes without saying that my little guy, Taejin, is my ace and we pretty much go everywhere together.  Everything from prancing around on giant trampolines at SkyZone, hopping on a flight to wherever we end up, to meetings that require a bit of professionalism (he wears his black suit for these), we go together like Anna Wintour and her signature bob haircut.  Aside from the obvious New Year's resolutions that have been flooding the universe, my focus has shifted to simplicity.  Hence, this silky Simply Vera by Vera Wang top, which has become the quintessential top for everyday wear.

As of lately, I've also been quite engulfed in these black jeans that I've taken a chance at dissecting into thigh-baring wonders.  Indeed, they have become the most comfortable pair of jeans I own.  

Pat yourself on the back, Lynsee.  

My son conjointly loves to dress in similar pieces as me; therefore, a few of his favorites come from H&M, Gap Kids or Zara Kids.  One of the aspects of H&M's kids section that I love is that their sizing ranges from 2-4 or 5-7 years, so the pieces last for a lifetime.  He's also become a mini Asian Tony Hawk, so skater shoes are crucial.  

What I'm rocking:

Top ℅ Simply Vera by Vera Wang (Kohl's)

Jeans by F21 (DIY)

Jacket by Express

Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell

What Taejin's rocking:

Top by H&M

Jeans by H&M

Blazer by Gap Kids

Shoes by DC Kids

Get the looks:

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The New Icons

So here I am, on a rooftop, in a knotted-tee and bandage skirt.  It turns out Winter in Miami isn't so bad. As a result, my daily wardrobe tends to consist of my beloved crop tops and short shorts (or in this case, a skirt) to give my Summer pieces some relevance once again.  Although I've never really been the woman to check the weather prior to stepping outside, so I usually just throw on these basics and hope for the best.  When in doubt, throw on a graphic tee and a bandage skirt (to suck everything in) and call it a day.

What I'm rocking:

Tee by ZARA

Skirt by BCBG Maxazria 

Shoes by ALDO

Watch by GUESS

Rings by Topshop

Get the look:

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Miami Heat

The weekend is creeping around the corner, which means it's time to paint the town red.  As another week discontinues, stepping out in a complete black ensemble is an absolute essential look for any woman.  When in doubt, pair something leather with a red lip and trek on.  One can't go wrong with a Rita Ora signature lip and black on black.  One of my favorite aspects of residing in Miami Beach is the option to wear spaghetti-thin strapped tops and thigh-baring leather skits only a few short days after New Year's.  It's quite grandiose if you ask me.  

This sexy skirt ℅ of Hot Miami Styles is a new favorite of mine, as it bares a little skin without sacrificing your dignity and allows for flexibility.  Attempting to walk around Miami Beach in a pencil skirt can be next to impossible, but the high slit on this one keeps it comfortable.  

What I'm rocking:

Skirt ℅ Hot Miami Styles

Bodysuit ℅ Hot Miami Styles

Shoes ℅ ASOS

Bracelet by Kate Spade ℅ Nordstrom