Monthly Archives: February 2019

How To Create The Perfect Flatlay

LAY IT OUT

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When I started my blog, I was introduced to the flatlay. What started off as a simple layout of a few fun items has now evolved into one of the biggest Instagram sensations to hit your feed. All these years later, it’s stil going strong and is now also a regular appearance on my page as well. The response from you all to my flat lays have been overwhelming and after a lot of trial and error over the years, I’ve picked up some amazing tips to help you, my TSS family, get the dreamiest flatlay around. Traditionally a flat lay is exactly what the name suggests, a group of items laid out flat. Usually they are organised in a specific way and taken from above. This is not necessarily the case anymore! Of course those still work a treat, but now you can create more minimal versions or even “messier” versions of the same.

So, scroll down and enjoy my flatly tips! I would love to know what your favourite flatlay has been so far and what your special tips are!

START WITH A FOCUS

Make sure your flatlays are highlighting something specific. This could be a colour or shades you love (rainbow anyone?), a theme, your favourite bag, lipstick or simply your favourite things! This is always a great place to start. It’s always good to choose something that makes you happy, even if it’s your morning coffee or your newest flower arrangement. In this photo, it was all about my new Chanel lipsticks that I was trying out during my morning coffee to see how well they lasted!

A few other instagrammers who do an amazing job of this are Tara Milk Tea and Design by Aikonik.

CHASE THE LIGHT

Naturaly light always works better. It also creates soft shadows and does not distort the colours, I always gravitate towards spots with beautiful natural light. The best spot is always by a window or outside at a cafe table. You can even be really adventerous and do it on the sidewalk! I am known to create flatlays everytime we go out for a coffee or to an event. This photo was taken at the Jo Malone town house,

I think a huge misconception people have is that they can fix any photo with a filter. Yes, filters are an amazing way to express your aesthetic but don’t rely too heavily on a filter to fix the lighting in a shot, especially a flatlay!

It’s always good to choose something that makes you happy, even if it’s your morning coffee or your newest flower arrangement.

CHOOSE A BACKDROP

Keep your background simple! Textured tiles like marble work really well. Sometimes I like toa dd an addtional texture to my backdrop like a scarf or a knit for more dimension. If you decide to go for a bolder background, nake sure the pieces you use contrast the background and stand out enough. Also keep the items you choose simple! This photo was taken on a balcony. My backdrop had a lot going on with the beautiful buildings so I kept the items minimal.

Remember not to have too many points of focus if you are creating a more non traditional flatlay like this one!

USING THE GRID

Your iPhone camera has a grid that you can use as a guide to your flatlay. I never use a ruler (much to the contrary of what everyone thinks!) but instead I rely on the grid to help me make sure everything is aligned; perfect when you’re out for brunch, cause lets be real, pulling out a ruler would just be strange.

Remember that the grid operates on the rule of thirds so you want your focal points to be in line with the lines on the grid and the crosses between them.

THINK ABOUT COLOUR

Colours are super important, especially when choosing what goes in your flatlay. Choose colours that compliment each other. You can occasionally add pops of colour that act as contrasts (ex: all blue with a pop of orange! Think about opposing colours on the colour wheel). Essentially, make sure your colours go well together and don’at clash. Make it soothing on the eyes! In this photo the pink bag is my pop of colour and it goes well with the denim.

You are now fully geared and ready to conquer that flatlay you’ve been wanting to share forever. I think after all these tips that I’ve learnt over time, the most important one is to not be afraid of trial and error. Flatlays can take time and if you don’t get it right the first time, don’t worry about it. I usually move things around and take 500 shots before I get that one perfect one so be patient with yourself and always look for the beauty in the everyday around you.

Make sure to tag me in all your flatlay creations and use #TSSflatlay for a chance to be featured on my stories and blog! You’re going to want to get practicing, especially because I have a very special flatlay giveaway coming up next week! Stay tuned!

I hope you guys enjoy these special tips and tricks to creating the perfect flatlay.

Do you have any more questions about how to create a flatlay? Comment below and I will answer them!

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3 Tips To Get Ready Faster in The Morning

THINK FAST

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This post contains affiliate links however this does not affect you in any way. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Photos by Alise Jane

When I was in school, the number one reason why I was late was that I couldn’t decide what to wear. Fast forward to university, and that problem continued on. Over time I finally figured out a system that worked well for me and helped me to get ready faster in the morning, while still being happy with the outfit I was in when I walked out the door. So, I know that a lot of you have had the same moment as me when you open your closet in the morning and pretty much hate everything you’re looking at, right? To avoid that mini-meltdown, and save you enough time in the morning, I have three special tips to help you get ready faster. (Also, can we not miss the headband? I am in love with this Prada headband and I feel like it’s relevant because I’ve been rocking a headband since I was 4)

Think About Your Outfit in Advance
Okay, I know this is the most obvious tip of all time and I know that a lot of you don’t like to take your outfit out the night before simply because you’re tired, you don’t have the time, or you want to see how you feel the next day. I don’t think you should be as OCD as me (I think about my outfits a week in advance when I know I have lots of events…) but it does help to have an idea of what you’re going to wear. Think about a look you’d like to put together the night before so that when you wake up in the morning, you know what you’re looking for.

Find Accessories To Fall Back On
What lands up happening is that you sometimes feel like your outfit is too “bland” and you’re tempted to start again. Resist this urge! Instead, organise your accessories so you know which ones work to spice up your outfit. In my outfit, I added in the high socks and the headband to make an otherwise simple spring outfit, look that much more chic.

Know Where To Look
If you think that you have to compromise on style to get ready fast in the morning, I’m here to assure you that you can have your cake and eat it too. Sometimes the best way to figure out what to wear is to look at your inspirations! Check out my Instagram page for all my outfits and what I wear every day, or even have a browse on Pinterest for what others have put together. You’ll probably find an idea in a matter of minutes!

Do you have any tips for getting ready faster in the morning?

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Givenchy Black Knit

Storets White Skirt

Falke Knee Socks

Chloe Boots (similar)

Prada Headband

…organise your accessories so you know which ones work to spice up your outfit.

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Givenchy Black Knit

Storets White Skirt

Falke Knee Socks

Chloe Boots (similar)

Prada Headband

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What I Wore To London Fashion Week February 2019

LFW 2019

This post contains affiliate links. This does not affect your experience in any way and all thoughts and opinions remain my own. I have featured some products from & Other Stories who I have a gifting relationship with however products featured here were purchased myself.

As everyone turns their eyes to Milan Fashion Week, we are still watching all the beautiful street style photos from London Fashion week come out. So many of you had so many questions about all the looks I wore to London Fashion Week this year and I am so excited to share with you what I wore, how I picked my looks and how you can recreate them all!

This season I had the chance to attend four amazing shows and go backstage for two. It was so inspiring to be able to go behind the scenes, watch how the show comes together and then see it all in action! In terms of my outfits, I wanted to find a way to work in some of my favourite spring fashion trends, while still staying true to my personal style. I think one of the keys to personal style is finding a way to be comfortable in what you wear because when you are comfortable, it shows through confidence!

The trends I picked were neon, tie-dye, beige and hair accessories. Scroll down to see how I worked those and some other micro trends into my looks while still creating something classic.

BORA AKSU

For my first look of London Fashion Week I wanted to find a way to wear neon while still working it into my personal style. We all know I’m a huge fan of the slip skirt so I thought my Zara Neon Jumper was the perfect match for my cream silk skirt!

I also love the colour combination of this neon yellow/green with my navy blue Dior Saddle bag. To really bring the look together I added my white boots and my pearl hair clips.

This outfit was actually inspired by a look that was featured on my blog yesterday; It’s the perfect outfit for this in between season before we have a full blown spring! Check that out here!

My goal for all my street style looks for london fashion week, was to find a way to be comfortable in what I was wearing, while working the trends into my outfit.

EUDON CHOI

I got the opportunity to go backstage at the Eudon Choi show and it was my first time ever going backstage for london fashion week. I was so amazed to see how the looks came together from clothes, to hair and make-up.

I wanted to work in a trend that I love into my outfit; tie-dye. It surprises most of my friends and readers that I love tie dye! I styled my Zara tie-dye summer dress with a chunky beige knit to make it weather appropriate.

Sticking with the boho beach vibe, I wore my Nico bar hoop shell earrings and a shell bracelet as an anklet. To add in that classic Shloka touch, I paired the whole look with my Chanel heels to still make it look refined and finished it off with my Louis Vuitton bucket bag, my Ray-Ban sunnies and my Frame Chain sunglass chain.

MARKUS LUPFER

For the Markus Lupfer presentation I was really feeling the idea of pastels. I fell in love with this Lemon Yellow dress from Zara because of the dramatic pufff sleeves!

To add a bit of classic chic to the outfit I paired it with a sleeveless blazer from Zara. The mix of tailoring and feminine gives the outfit a unique twist.

Sunglass chains are clearly my current favourite accessory to add as I used the same chain from my previous outfit on a pair of Oliver Peoples sunglasses. I wore my white office boots and my Dior top handle bag in pastel pink to complete my retro look!

PETER PILOTTO

One of my dreams has always been to attend a Peter Pilotto show. I was so fortunate to be able to go backstage with Code 8 Beauty and see how all the looks came together for one of my favourite designers.

For this show I went for a much more classic and simple look. I wore all beige; a beige sweater, a beige skirt, a beige coat, beige boots and for that pop of colour, I wore my new Prada velvet green headband.

The best part of this show was getting to meet both Eva Chen and Leonie! Totally a dream!

If you want to see more about the shows I attended, check out my LFW highlight on Instagram! What was your favourite look?

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The Perfect Outfit To Wear Now All The Way To Spring…

ALMOST SPRING

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This post contains affiliate links but this does not affect your experience in any way! One of the items features is from & Other Stories who I have a gifting relationship with however I purchased this product featured here.

Photos by Alise Jane

There is no denying that spring is in the air and no one is more excited about cute spring outfits than me! Not only do I love pulling out my favourite pieces like slip skirts and leather jackets, but my birthday also falls in the spring! Now as excited as we all may be, it’s not exactly sun shining, warm weather, rosé time just yet, which means that right now it’s all about transitional dressing and creating the perfect outfit for in between seasons; AKA March!

For me, it’s about mixing your favourite winter pieces with your favourite warm-weather pieces as I’ve done in this outfit here. This & Other Stories cardigan is a piece I’ve worn over and over and it still sparks so much joy. It is the perfect piece to layer over your favourite spring dress or over a cute cami and silk slip skirt. (I’ve linked to a similar Topshop slip skirt)

Yes, it’s officially time for your slip skirt to come out and play and there are so many ways you can style it! I styled my white silk slip skirt with a silk cami but you can also pair it with a fun knit or for an edgier look, a turtleneck and leather jacket! If you live in a warmer country though, just style it with a t-shirt for the perfect look. You can add a pop of colour with accessories!

To complete the look I added in my pearl hair clips. I’ve had a lot of questions about them and these are from Anthropologie. Although it says there is a back order on them I actually got mine super quickly after I ordered them. If you don’t feel like waiting though here are some similar ones! For a final pop of colour, I wore my Dior Saddle bag to bring the outfit together!

Are you excited about spring fashion?

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Deme By Gabriella Silk Cami (similar)

Silk Slip Skirt (similar)

& Other Stories White Cropped Cardigan

Office White Boots

Dior Saddle Bag

Anthropologie Pearl Clips

Similar Pearl Clips

…It’s all about transitional dressing and creating the perfect outfit for in between seasons; AKA March!

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Deme By Gabriella Silk Cami (similar)

Silk Slip Skirt (similar)

& Other Stories White Cropped Cardigan

Office White Boots

Dior Saddle Bag

Anthropologie Pearl Clips

Similar Pearl Clips

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How To Wear A Beige Outfit and Not Look Boring

BEIGE
AESTHETIC

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This post contains affiliate links however this does not affect your experience in any way. I have a gifting relationship with & Other Stories, who are featured in this post.

Photos by Alise Jane

We’ve come to that point in the year (already!) where spring is at our fingertips and street style from new york fashion week and soon London is already teasing us with the best spring summer 2019 fashion trends. One of the best trends to rule all our favourite spring outfits for 2019 is none other than beige. Although you might think of beige as being boring, all-neutral outfits are set to be a favourite amongst the ultra fashionable. Not only because it’s an incredibly easy colour to wear and match, but also because it’s classic. The best part? You can always add your own twist to your beige aesthetic to make it trendier. So how do you wear beige without looking boring?

Here are my three tips to make beige a bit more exciting:

1.Mix shades
Beige doesn’t have to be all one shade. I mixed in a bit of chocolate brown with my turtleneck and an almost ecru shade with my cream knee high boots. The different shades of beige add in a new dimension to the look.

2. Play with accessories
I wanted to give my otherwise classic look a bit of a twist. I removed the belt off my skirt and tied it over my oversized cardigan. I then added in a cowboy hat for a modern update! Accessories have a great way of changing an outfit and updating an otherwise classic look.

3. Beige is for everyone
A lot of brown girls I know are afraid of wearing beige because they feel it almost blends in with their skin tone. Beige looks great on everyone, which is why it’s such a classic and versatile colour. If you’re not ready to go monochrome with it just yet, try pairing it in with black or white, You’ll be hooked onto this classic shade in no time. Another great pairing is beige and gold!

If you live in a warm country and are already embracing spring, you can recreate this outfit with a beige t-shirt and high waisted skirt. Complete your outfit with a beige cowboy hat like mine and add in some boho accessories like layered necklaces, or even a chain for your sunglasses like I did here.

So, are you embracing the new neutral this year? I almost wish I saved this look for LFW but I’m so excited to share it with you guys already!

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Zara Oversized Cashmere Cardigan (similar)

Uniqlo Turtleneck

Maje High Waisted Skirt (similar)

Topshop Cowboy Hat (similar)

& Other Stories Beige Leather Boots

Loewe Bag

Beige looks great on everyone, which is why it’s such a classic and versatile colour.

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Zara Oversized Cashmere Cardigan (similar)

Uniqlo Turtleneck

Maje High Waisted Skirt (similar)

Topshop Cowboy Hat (similar)

& Other Stories Beige Leather Boots

Loewe Bag

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5 Up and Coming Handbag Brands You Need To Know

HANDBAG HEAVEN

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This post contains affiliate links but this does not affect you in any way. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Although we are in the midst of snow and cold, I’m already thinking about the spring-summer 2019 fashion trends. Here on TSS, I place a large focus on quality, luxury fashion. Now although I may always be lusting after the latest Chanel or Prada, I also always have my eye out for new designer handbags. Remember when we all went crazy for the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag? Or when Cult Gaia achieved cult status? I’m always listening for which new designer is about to create the next it bag for 2019. After all, luxury doesn’t always mean four figures! A lot of the times you can get a luxury handbag for under £500! So, if you want to be in the know, here are the five new handbag designers to keep your eye on for the next it bags for 2019.

Image via Pinterest

WANDLER

Picking up on the belt bag trends, Wandler have created the cutest bum bags that are quickly becoming popular on the street style scene. Coming in a variety of colours and sizes I already know which one I have my eye on. Don’t miss their bigger sizes, especially the ones with the croc-effect finish!

MONTUNAS

Recently while I was attending a friends wedding in Marrakech, another friend was sporting the cutest bag. She introduced me to Montunas. They were recently picked up by Net-A-Porter and they have a small but beautiful collection. The perfect bag to get you in the mood for spring!

Image via Pinterest

TRADEMARK

Trademark is quickly becoming the talk of the town so you want to grab one of these quickly! Pick between their gorgeous bucket bag with the tortoiseshell chain or the large totes with fringe. Either way, you are sure to be the coolest babe around with one of these.

Image via Pinterest

WICKER WINGS

I discovered Wicker Wings on one of my nightly browses and have quickly filled up my wishlist with their bags. Choose between a wicker bucket bag or a belt bag or even one of their top handles. I have my eye on a beautiful emerald green one! Perfect to carry me through 2019!

Image via Pinterest

YUZEFI

You have probably seen these bags around on your favourite street style stars at fashion week; well now you know where they are from. I particularly love this brand because of the way they colour block. I feel like their pieces add so much life and fun to any outfit!

So which is your favourite?

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3 Style Commandments I Live By To Always Look Luxe

ETERNAL STYLE

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Photos by Alise Jane

Fashion trends may come and go (on that note though, who’s excited about spring summer 2019?) but style is eternal right? It took me a long time to really find my style and get comfortable with it and a part of that journey is documented through all my outfits here on The Silk Sneaker. Over time though I’ve learnt some valuable lessons on how to look elegant, no matter the season, and how to create everyday outfits that make for street style worthy looks, no matter the season. Here are my three style commandments that I live by to always look luxe:

1. Black & white is not boring
You know, this might be the first time I’ve ever actually said that on the blogs! I am a huge fan of colour and always adding something colourful into your look (even if it is just a red lip; have you seen my guide to the best red lipsticks for brown girls?) but black and white is a timeless combination and one that I fall back on constantly. When going for black and white, I always like to add texture or something interesting. I did that here with my ruffle skirt from Zara and this adorable graphic sweatshirt.

2. Mix Between High End and High Street
Yes, I love a luxury piece but I also love a good high street find! It’s all about bringing those pieces together to create something unique. After all, it’s no fun to wear a look that is basically a cookie cutter of what you saw on the mannequin! In this look, I paired my Miu Miu sweater with one of my favourite skirts that happens to be from Zara. When I wore this, no one could tell that my skirt was high street! Smart shopping and smart pairings are what make your outfit look more expensive and put together.

3. Wear it with confidence
Sometimes, when I’m trying out a new styling trick, or something trendier that everyone isn’t on board with yet, I feel nervous. Those are the moments I remind myself that if this makes me feel good it will look good too. When you feel good in an outfit, it shows on the outside so wear your style with confidence. Remember that your style is a way of sharing who you are with the world; what you wear is saying something and don’t let anyone drown your voice out. Always stay true to you and only wear something if it suits your body type, and who you are.

I hope that you find these style tips helpful and at the least, it encourages you to try that accessory you’ve been holding back on or that dress at the back of your closet. Share your style commandments with me below!

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Miu Miu Not Nice Embroidered Sweater

Zara Black Skirt (similar here)

Church’s Boots (on sale!)

Similar boots

Isharya Pearl Earrings

Remember that your style is a way of sharing who you are with the world; what you wear is saying something and don’t let anyone drown your voice out.

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Miu Miu Not Nice Embroidered Sweater

Zara Black Skirt (similar here)

Church’s Boots (on sale!)

Similar boots

Isharya Pearl Earrings

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The 3 Accessories You Need To Add To Your Closet Now

ON TREND

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A quick scroll through your Instagram and you’ll realise that there are a few accessories that you’re starting to see everywhere. You might have noticed the rise and return of the headband and that massive Gucci hair clip, or maybe you’ve got your eye on finally investing in that bum bag in your wishlist. It could be that you’ve seen an influx of white shoes ( I mean you cannot ignore the white heeled boots and the white cowboy boots taking over the street style scene). Either way, it’s no secret that there are certain accessories trends for this year and it’s time to get ahead! If I could only add three accessories to my wardrobe to be in fashion for spring summer 2019, this is what they would be.

Remember, I always think accessories are worth the investment. If you choose wisely, your piece can last you forever, no matter if it’s in trend or not (it all comes down to styling really!) I’ve curated this list for you so no matter what you pick, you’ll be making the right choice. The best part? You’ll love it for more than just one season.

HAIR ACCESSORIES

Firstly, it’s no secret that I love a good headband moment. Go for velvet, pearls or whatever else, headbands have made a massive comeback, as have hair accessories in general. Hair clips, like embellished pearl ones or massive logo ones like the Gucci hair clip, are also having their moment in the sun and I imagine it will be a long time before they go. Don’t worry, you don’t have to run to your nearest Gucci store to look elegant. Instead, shop my curated collection below to get the look and still look as luxe as ever.

PS: YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY EDIT ON THE BEST HEADBANDS HERE.

A quick scroll through your Instagram and you’ll realise that there are a few accessories that you’re starting to see everywhere.

BUM BAGS

In 2018, we saw the rise of the bum bag (or belt bag, whatever you want to call it!) Everyone was after the Gucci belt bag, and this year Dior has released a saddle bag bum bag! Essentially, this style of bag is not going anywhere soon. What’s great about this style is that you can wear it in so many different ways (Keep an eye on my IGTV for more on this). I really adore this one from Montunas, and of course, I love the Dior one. I’ve also linked to some other fabulous versions below from Gucci, Prada and also some high street stores for more affordable options.

WHITE SHOES

A lot of people used to think that white shoes were too 80’s but guess what? The ’80s are back and so is the white shoe but with a modern update. Opt for a pair of white heeled boots like the ones I’ve been wearing, or you can go for a double trend and grab a pair of white cowboy boots. Either way, white boots, white sandals and white heels are going to dominate the 2019 fashion trends so be sure to grab a pair from my edit below.

What is your favourite accessory?

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How To Look Cool on Valentine’s Day

DATE NIGHT

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This post contains affiliate links but don’t worry this doesn’t affect you in any way. You’re still gonna look fab on date night 😉

Photos by Alise Jane

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and regardless of whether you’re celebrating it with your S.O or with your girlfriends, the last thing you want is to look like a cliche. Of course, everyone is going to pull out their favourite pink and red pieces but I always like to take a step back and instead inject a bit of cool factor into my winter date night outfit. This outfit isn’t just about looking your best on Valentine’s Day, it’s about how to look cool on any date night you might have coming up.

My first rule on V-day is to step away from anything pink or red. Believe it or not, I feel like Valentine’s Day is overrated. Why should we celebrate our love for others for only one day? That’s why I always like to keep things classy and cool and treat it like any other date night. After all, you should look fabulous regardless of it being the 14th of February right?

I opt for classic colours like black and white and look to add colour into my outfit with my accessories. For this look, I went for an oversized ba&sh white sweater with a knotted back. I love the back detailing, it’s a bit of spice without being too much. I paired it with a pair of sleek Paige joggers and some cute heels. The whole ensemble is put together and elegant, without it looking like you’ve tried too hard.

To add some more personality to my outfit I wore my vintage Balenciaga statement earrings. I always find that when you wear statement earring like these, you don’t need anything else. My bag is the same belt bag I’ve been sharing with you on my Instagram but styled as a clutch. I love this company as they make affordable luxury. I also love how you can wear it in so many different ways.

So, would you wear this on your next date night? Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day?

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Ba&sh twist back jumper

Similar twist back jumper

Paige Silk Joggers

Casadei Suede Pumps

Balenciaga Vintage Earrings

Montunas Clutch