Background Noise

I've always been an extremely shy person by nature. Pair that sense of shyness with a striking sense of quietness all bottled up in a 5'2" frame and you have Ann. These features are often perceived as a sense of weakness - an easy target. I'm not the type to open up to a person right away, and am often always monitoring what I say, afraid of how it is being absorbed by the other person. In other words, there's a lot of background noise going on in my head. So many buzzing thoughts! 

However, once that cooling sense of comfort washes over a relationship, you find that there's all lot more bottled up than just a shy, quiet girl. I love talking (and talking, and talking. Just try and shut me up once I get going...hence how much I write.) fashion, food, and cracking sarcastic remarks to make people others smile. I have endured and encountered many situations and individuals who played a role in making my once innocent quiet nature turn into a shield, a cover from those with an unrelenting fascination with tearing others down. 

You know the ones, right? Everyone has encountered the mean girls / guys who forge their own self anger, jealousies, and pain and hurl it at those with an easy target on their back in hopes of themselves in turn feeling superior. What's often forgotten is that those are the people that are often superior in their own minds and the people that forget that down the road, the time they wasted spitting out bad karma will lead them nowhere in life.

In the moment, it's hard to realize that. The best, but most hard advice I received at times like this is that, karma will come back around to them. It may not come when you want it to, but what goes around will come back around. 

That being said, I learned to keep my head down and keep hustling. In the age of #GirlBosses, it is enlightening to see that hard work and determination pays off so much more than succumbing to your bullies. Feeling successful in what you are so passionate about doing is the most important thing to focus on in life. If the haters want to watch, then let them! They're just adding to your fan base.

As now a certified Health Coach (Yay!), I learned through my training to have single-pointed focus. Mute the background noise chatter and aim your focus on the goals most passionate to you - the rest will fall into place.

Rocking a confidence building outfit doesn't hurt either. I've paired my go-to essentials all together to make the comfiest, street style outfit. This body suit from Kendall + Kylie even has a cutout on the back, making it a perfect day-to-night core piece!

Bodysuit: Kendall + Kylie 

Jeans: JustBlack Denim (Similar)

Shoes: Lucky Brand

Sunglasses: YSL

Bag: Celine 

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Instagram Recap | July

Whoa. It's August already?! I feel like I'm always so surprised that a new month is here every time one rolls around, but I honestly feel like time is just flying by lately. Especially with the back to school season here...it seems like summer is coming to an incredibly quick close. But! Before I begin, I want to reflect on this hot (and humid. and rainy.) month of July through Instagram snapshots!

1. Waldorf Wardrobe! This post is a coming close to being one of my favorite outfit post on my blog. But yet again, I feel like I say that whenever I post a new outfit post. With so many clothing combinations - who could ever have a favorite? 

2. Robe up! Whenever I get to a hotel I search for the robes. They're just so nice to lounge around in, and seeing this sunset over Chicago from my terrace at the Waldorf made that day so simply sweet!

3. City views and statement earrings. This post made me fall in love all over again with these statement earrings from The Shopping Bag. The gold fringe on the bottom moved with every step I took which made them so lively and lovely!

4. Nice to meet ya! I was to incredibly tickled pink to meet Corri McFadden from eDrop Off and Jacey Duprie from Damsel In Dior at the Simply Stylist Conference in Chicago. They were so lovely and made me feel even more inspired than I was before. 

5. The ultimate #OOTD. Going to a fashion and style conference definitely made me want to up my game in the outfit of the day department. I love this set from RVN that's so minimalist and chic. Love!

6. Beep Beep! I couldn't help but share my excitement on my Instagram when I drove home in my new Fiat 5X 2016! Yeah, 2016! I'm a sucker for black cars, and this one definitely stole my heart.

7. Meet me in the beauty department! When a girl is on Michigan Ave., you know very well that you're going to see her trot into Bloomingdales. The beauty department was insanely amazing (shoutout to Heather at the YSL Beauty department - she's such a lovely person, and her knowledge for makeup is fascinating.) You can definitely bet I left with quite a few Little, Medium, and Big Brown Bags! 

Want to see more? Follow me on Instagram @StepInsideMyCloset. See more of my day to day antics on my Snapchat @SInsideMyCloset. 

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See you Thursday! 

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City Views

What is it about a big city that makes a girl feel so fabulous? I'm a sucker for a good balcony or terrace, it's that lovely addition to a picturesque vision where you wake up and take in the view of the city. Or on the other hand, unwind as you bask in the view of the sunset behind the towering buildings and hum of the traffic stories below you. Looking at the city is great, but physically being within the consistent movement and hustle makes me feel so energized. There is so much to see and so, so, so much to wear!

Each piece of this outfit is a definite statement piece, which I absolutely adore. This tough and fierce dress from Diane Von Furstenberg is definitely an upgrade on what could be considered as business chic attire. The layer of white fabric mesh on the front gives this dress such diversity from any other black and white dress that's out there. I love when dresses have such detailed bustiers, because that means that I can put on a sizzling statement with earrings.

These Seda Gem Drop Earrings from The Shopping Bag catch the spotlight of this look. The gold tassels on the end play into the fringe trend that is taking the fashion world by storm, and I love how they shake with every move I make. (Give it up for that sick not on purpose rhyme!) To me, The Shopping Bag always comes to mind for statement necklaces which is why I was completely excited when I found this pair of statement earrings that I absolutely adore. 

Since a lot was going on upwards, my shoes had to be simple. I am obsessed with this Proto By Steve Madden black heels that I got recently. They are so comfortable and don't pinch my feet (not too bad at least, but beauty is pain.) with the structured pointed toe. There is one thing that's for sure, is that a girl has to have a delightful and trusty pair of black heels! 

For hair, I kept it simple and back with a few spritz of my favorite Not Your Mother's Volumizing Hairspray. I also kept it consistent with my makeup, putting on my favorite products from YSL - like the darling liquid blush that I just came across. Who knew that liquid blush could be a thing?

Time to end my night with a refreshing Voss water and a glowing view on the balcony - 'cause ya know, that's how I always end my days. ... in my dreams! 

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg

Earrings: The Shopping Bag 

Shoes: Steve Madden 

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Waldorf Wardrobe

Welcome to a new week everyone! Mondays are always so refreshing to me - like the past week has somehow disappeared and a fresh new start has manifested itself. Fresh starts also come about in new cities or in the case of this post - a new hotel! What makes you feel like you have a fresh start? I feel everyday should be seen as a crisp new day to not dwell on yesterday's disappointments, but focus on the successes that further fuel one's drive to pursue their passions in life. I feel that way, but it's easier said than done, am I right?

I had a major Gossip Girl moment while staying at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago (Hello, Blair Waldorf anyone?). Pulling up to the Waldorf was like arriving at an English manor placed in the middle of a bustling city. It was magical. The decor was so up my alley. The minimalist, clean, fresh, and modern with a historic twist appearance of the whole hotel inside and out could make anyone that stepped foot within the revolving doors feel like absolute royalty. I felt so prim and proper, which is why this whimsical outfit was my first go-to as I explored this windy city wonder.

Badgley Mischka clothing is what I dream about. From shoes, to skirts, to dresses, to swimwear, it's all just so pretty. Their bridal collection makes me want to get married on the spot every time I see it. This matching top and full skirt set is the prettiest shade of purple and so very Taylor Swift BTS (Before The Sass). Circa "We Are Never Getting Back Together" single. 

This set was very intricately detailed with its pattern, so I wanted to keep my accessories and shoes as a minimum eye catcher. That was a little hard seeming that this pair of gorgeous Astoria Crystal Studs from The Shopping Bag are so feminine and lovely. The sparkle they added to this outfit was just enough, and it was a touch that made me feel like I was ready to go to any garden party being held at exactly that moment. I loved how they matched the chandelier in the lobby of the hotel. Did you know the chandelier was modeled after Coco Chanel's brooch? ...And you wonder why I could not love this hotel more?! 

I've noticed that these sort of minimalistic strappy heels are all the rage now, so when I saw this nude pair from Nine West, I instantly had to snatch them up! I'm on the hunt for a really good pair of classic nude heels, a forever pair, you know? If you have a good brand that I could get them at, please tweet me @SInsideMyCloset with your suggestions!

I wanted to keep my make up to a minimum as well, so I went with my trusty and life long favorite YSL products - especially my new lipstick which I just happened to pick up from Bloomingdale's in Chicago!

Before I say farewell, I just want to have a little LOL moment at my windy skirt pictures. Literally, I felt like Marilyn Monroe... Waldorf style. I can't pull off her flawless face though, as the windy city really brought the wind! 

See you Thursday! 

Top: Badgley Mischka

Skirt: Badgley Mischka

Heels: Nine West

Earrings: The Shopping Bag

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