my style vita

A Marilyn Moment

2013-05-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you just have to wear a pleated skirt and enjoy the Marilyn moments that sometimes happen when you least expect them.

Wore this little black dress out to a friends birthday on Friday. I have to say, it's my new favorite piece in my closet. It's beyond comfortable and the leather piping just makes it. But beware, some of my girlfriends thought this zipper was free range for pulling down. Good thing I stayed sober enough to keep everything in my dress.

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

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Style Challenge & A Giveaway Part 1

2013-05-16T04:30:00.000-04:00

Restricted Footwear and MSV have teamed up for a 4 week Spring trend challenge. With four shoes to work with, I'll be showing you my four favorite trends of the season. So be sure to check back each week to see! This week's trend is one of my favorites, boho. It's definitely my go to look in the Spring time.

And lucky you (actually four of you!), you get a chance to win one of the shoes featured. All you have to do is like Restricted Footwear and My Style Vita on Facebook. Giveaway ends on June 20th at midnight. US residents only, must be 18 years or older to enter.

Bonus points for following us both on Twitter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Lessons To Be Learned

2013-05-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

Being presented with a style challenge from TJ Maxx has taught me many things from how to be a better stylist to how to master a discount store. I have to be honest here, I was never a discount shopper. I think I strolled into one every few months only to get frustrated and storm out and headed to the nearest boutique for perfectly merchandised clothing.

However, I learned some very valuable lessons on this journey that I thought I'd share. Discount stores don't have to be stressful or intimidating. As a matter of fact I found some amazing pieces that I'm really excited about thanks to this challenge. Here are my 5 no fail tips to conquering a discount store.

Grab one to two sizes in everything - Discounters receive inventory from companies for many reasons and fit can sometimes be one of them. This doesn't mean the clothing won't fit you right, it just means you may need to go up or down a size to find the PERFECT fit. So be sure to grab at least two of something if they have it. You'll be more likely to find the right size this way.

Shop The Perimeter FIRST - Just like a grocery store, the perimeter of a discount store is the sweet spot. This is where the new product is and it's usually merchandised nicely with other pieces. You'll get more of a department store experience by doing this first. Head into the middle when you're ready to dig.

Get Friendly With the Store Clerk - Have no shame in asking the check out lady when they get their shipments in. This is key to finding the BEST stuff first. My Tj Maxx gets a new shipment on Fridays, so when I remember, I head there on Friday versus any other day to make sure I'm seeing what's new.

Shop In Order - Leave the shoes, accessories and home stuff for later. You can't take it in to the fitting room anyway so focus on clothing first. Try it on, figure out what you like, then head to the other departments. Breaking it up will seem less daunting, plus you'll be able to match your new bag and new shoes to your new outfit. A better way to get more for your money if you ask me.

Bring an ~~Assistant~~ Friend - Sometimes I like to think my bestie over at One Life, Balanced is my assistant, but she's really just in it to borrow my clothes. But trust me, you need someone with you to help you make better decisions. You can easily get excited over a heavily discounted item, but it may not fit right or be worth the splurge still. Having a friend with you to keep you in check is a great way to find pieces you'll love forever.

See all my TJ Maxx looks here.

These are some of my favorite tips for shopping in discount stores. How do you stay on track and don't end up with the wrong items?

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Currently Coveting | Everything Bailey 44

2013-05-14T05:30:00.000-04:00

I recently started following Bailey 44 on Instagram and noticed that everything that they post I'm obsessed with It seems like their entire collection is full of black and white color-blocking which always gets me excited. Their dresses are stunning and simple, but can easily transition from day to night. This color-blocked shift dress from Bailey 44 is the perfect dress for so many reasons. Wear it as is to make a bold color statement or add a leopard belt, boots, sandals, whatever. I truly can't think of any way NOT to wear this. Add tights and boots for fall and voila. This little shift is a must for every closet and won't put a huge dent in your wallet.

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Instagrammed

2013-05-10T09:31:00.000-04:00

Even though Instagram generates ZERO traffic to my blog, it's by far my favorite social media platform. I think because it keeps peoples opinions away and simply is a vehicle for pretty photos, it's become my favorite. Here are a few highlights from this week And don't forget to follow me on instagram HERE!

1. A muddy mess at the Shaky Knees Festival with some friends.

2. Celebrating Cinco di Mayo with Nugget, my niece.

3. More Cinco shenanigans at El Taco with the bestie.

4. Celebrating birthdays with Grandma and my big sister. This was my first baked Alaskan and it was AMAZING.

5. Writing some overdue thank you notes with my Breathless Paper Co. cards (courtesy of).

6. Received a fabulous chevron clutch courtesy of a local blogger/designer Pocket of Presh.

7. Checking out some designer dresses at the Rent The Runway event last night.

8. Sporting a new anchor necklace courtesy of Hearts.com. Use code MYSTYLE30 for 30% off your entire purchase!

9. A slew of new Sally Hansen nail polishes, lip color and NYC goodies too. Officially painting my nails on my lunch break today.

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You're Invited | lululemon Event

2013-05-09T05:30:00.000-04:00

FINALLY! I'm so excited to announce this amazing event I'm hosting with my blogging friend (and actual friend) Rachel of One Life, Balanced on June 2nd. The few things that make me happy in life are CrossFit, tequila and animals. So I'm happy to announce that this event will encompass all of these things and more.

Head on over to lululemon at the Howell Mill location in West Midtown on June 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm to enjoy complimentary Sinless Margaritas, Cawoods Nuttybutter samples all while shopping the latest arrivals at my favorite place, lululemon. But wait, there's more...

We don't want you to leave empty handed, so two lucky shoppers will win a goody bag filled with Cawood's Nuttybutter, Sinless Cocktails mix and a $75 gift card to lululemon. Yes I suppose there's a catch. In order to be entered to the raffle, you will have to purchase a $1 raffle ticket. 100% of the proceeds of this raffle will be remitted to the Atlanta Humane Society. So you'll be saving puppies! Yay! There is no maximum raffle tickets you can buy and all donations are welcome.

Hope to see you there!

RSVP by emailing me HERE.

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Currently Coveting | Chambray And Sequins

2013-05-08T07:23:00.004-04:00

Right now I couldn't be more obsessed with a perfect white tee and statement minis. The added chambray shirt just makes this for me. With flats it's casual and cool, with black sexy high heels, it's jaw dropping. I recently purchased this MinkPink statement skirt and I think I may need to replicate this look as soon as weather permits.

What's that you say weatherman? It might be sunny and gorgeous this weekend? Better fix that 20% chance of rain before I freak the f**k out. Thanks!

Shop this sequined skirt and chambray combo here.

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When In Doubt...

2013-05-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

When in doubt, put a chambray shirt over it.

This weather has me pissed the f**k off. The last two weekends have been SHIT. Freezing, raining, miserable. And guess what, forecast for this coming weekend? Rain. I need a tan, people!

I digress, for now. When it's cool and it's May, I want to wear Spring clothes but it's just too damn cold right now to do so. So my trick is to add a chambray shirt over your favorite sundress or maxi. It keeps you warm while still being Spring-y. There you have it, a genius tip from me to you. You're welcome.

Now back to being pissed off about this weather.

Photos By Rebekah Carson Photography

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For Mom

2013-05-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

Ikat iPhone Case

Made With Love Cutting Board

My Mom is hands down the hardest woman to shop for. She doesn't wear jewelry, she doesn't let anyone buy her clothing and she has every food sensitivity under the sun. I think she may be getting slightly easier now that she at least has an up to date iPhone. So a new pretty case is in order. Anything entertaining is usually a plus. This woman has a plethora of serving dishes. She'd put Martha Stewart to shame. With an addiction to sudoku, stylish pencils from my latest obsession, Waiting On Martha, is a must. I think this may be the best gift guide for the hardest mom to shop for.

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Currently Coveting | Wedding Guest Dresses

2013-05-04T19:12:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year when everyone seems to think that getting hitched is a brilliant idea. I know there's rules, like don't stand out more than the bride (psh, whatever) or don't wear white (but it's May and white dresses are so much fun) and an LBD is a go to (screw that, be original). So here's a dress that isn't black, isn't white and will make you stand out just enough that the bride won't want to throw her bouquet AT your face.

If florals aren't your thing, MissesDressy has beautiful dresses for wedding guest options from black to white to sequins to lace. They also just updated their site which looks super fab and you can browse seamlessly now.

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST FOR MISSESDRESSY

*All opinions and views are my own

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Happy Friday

2013-05-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

Image via Ron Schmidt

Can we just talk about how effing adorable this picture is? It's basically my life in a nutshell. Too cute.

The weekend is officially here and I have to say, I'm pretty bummed the forecast is looking as awful as it was last weekend. I recall laying out by the pool and working on a tan last May. Not staying indoors wishing the rain would go away. If I must stay inside, I suppose online shopping and baking is in order. 5 things I'll be doing this weekend.

1. Enjoy some margaritas on Cinco Di Mayo with this blueberry margarita recipe.
2. Get some new jewelry to swoon over like these silver earrings here.
3. Swooning over everything at my latest blog crush, Waiting on Martha's store. Want EVERYTHING.
4. Trying this paleo berry cobbler from Delighted Momma.
5. Finally repainting my nails and thinking this coral/orange shade from Butter London is the perfect hue.

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Stripes And Watercolors

2013-05-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

Outfit courtesy of Tj Maxx

This watercolor printed skirt has been one of my favorite pieces to wear right now. It's full of fun bold colors and the print is really easy to work with. The length is also sort of perfection. It's short enough that it can be sexy and fun for a night out but also with the right blouse and accessories, it can easily be a professional pencil skirt. Thankfully those days of me wearing work skirts is officially over. It's cotton maxis and sandals for this little lady. Thank goodness for no dress code.

Our MaxxStyle Scouts are making the latest trends their own, and sharing tips for ways to express yourself through fashion. You never know what you'll find at TJ's - the possibilities to express your personal style are endless.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by T.J. Maxx via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of T.J. Maxx.

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by T.J. Maxx via Glam Media.

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

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Recipe | Dill Pickles

2013-05-01T04:30:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite snacks has always been a good crunchy dill pickle. And with Spring time in full swing, these will go perfectly with any BBQ or yummy sandwich on crispy Italian bread. Or if you're like me, I eat these by themselves, usually before they're even done pickling.

I rarely believe in measuring, so you may want to play around with quantities to see what you like.

What You'll Need

5 picking cucumbers

2 tablespoons of whole Dill seed

2 tablespoons of whole black peppercorn

1 tablespoon of sugar

3/4 of the container filled with white vinegar

1/4 of the container filled with water

2 tablespoons of Salt - I used mediterranean sea salt

Let it sit for at least 24 hours, but the longer it sits the better. Plus, once the pickles are gone, just slice up a few more and add it to your container. No need to remake the pickling mix. Enjoy!

On a side note, if you checked out my instagram yesterday you know I was doing something SUPER fun with Rent The Runway. Check out the Good Day Atlanta video clip below!

Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

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Odds & Ends

2013-04-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

Playing florist with my fresh tulips. J. Crew iPhone case, FYI cheaper at J. Crew Factory and it's the same damn thing.

Stemless wine glasses make the best little vases. Plus, stealing this red coral from the sister was the best decision of the weekend.

New West Elm mercury vase.

A new bag courtesy of Danielle Nicole and some Warby Parker Gimlet sunnies (gifted).

And more practice with Pork, the model. Seem to be suffering from grainy photos. Must work on this camera....

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Resort Wear... In My Dreams

2013-04-29T05:30:00.000-04:00

True story, I bought this dress before Christmas. Resort wear at Club Monaco had just come out and I fell head over heals for this dress. Clearly, I suck at buying people Christmas presents. This bold colored maxi sparked a new goal for myself, get your ass to Greece and wear this. I think for a good two months I was telling everyone how I was going to go to Greece this year. Well, Greece is not in my near future, but maybe a beach vacation with some girlfriends is in order. As a matter of fact, checking ticket prices now. It's time for a margarita, sand and a good tan.

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

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My Style Vita Turns 2!

2013-04-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

Today marks two years from when I sat down on my couch, bought my domain and started this damn thing. I can't believe how far My Style Vita has come. What was once a hot mess of a blog (oh you remember those iPhone photos, drunken social media buttons and a hideous layout) to my newly branded, clean and sober looking blog. I feel like I'm finally a professional. No wait, I am one.

This last year has been incredible from the success of the blog, new projects and new friends. I really couldn't ask for a better year. And to now set some new goals for the blog. Like getting more of my writing published, maybe make an appearance in a National publication and maybe just maybe learn how to use my new camera so I can take even more photos.

Here's to another wonderful year! Thanks so much for reading along!

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

A few highlights from this past year.

1. A new blog design (FINALLY!) from Fabulous K

2. A trip to NYC for IFBCON and LuckyFABB

3. My first shoot with Beka, she's changed my life!

4. Getting to ask Lauren Conrad a question at LuckyFABB

5. Poor Little It Girl and I starting the quickly growing Southern Blog Society

6. A fun shopping trip to Club Monaco

7. Styling a few pieces for the Zhush's lookbook

And so many more great memories that just wouldn't fit into one post.

And the progression of my photography is probably the most epic. From bad, to better to, thank god I found Rebekah Carson Photography. Let's all just be thankful there's no more iPhone outfit photos in the bathroom! Remember this one? Awful!

And don't forget, Lulu's is offering MSV readres 15% off their entire order with code MYSTYLEVITA at checkout. Start shopping HERE!

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Strawberry Ice Cream

2013-04-24T05:30:00.000-04:00

Linen dress, ice cream cone and a straw clutch. A girl can't really ask for a better situation. Well maybe if there was chocolate fudge on this ice cream. Maybe.

Actually, what's better than ice cream is a 15% off coupon to Lulu's. Valid April 24th to Sunday the 28th, enjoy 15% off your entire order with my special code MYSTYLEVITA. Valid for US and Canada residents only. Start shopping HERE.

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

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Monkey Love And My Bagel Order

2013-04-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

The irony of me taking a photo in front of a bagel sign is pretty awesome. Why are bagels so damn good? I like mine with a little cream cheese, sliced tomatoes, red onion and lox. Doesn't get any better than that. Heaven in a circle shaped baked good.

Great, now I want a bagel. But it's pool season and I gotta get this Kim K butt in a bikini. And I don't want to hear "oh you're butts not THAT big" because trust me, I had to cut the slip in this dress so that it would cover my ass. True story.

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

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Blogger Q&A Vol. 1

2013-04-22T07:40:00.000-04:00

Image via The Glitter Guide

Starting off a new series today! I'm quickly realizing that there's an equal amount of reader questions that are about style as well as how to blog. So here goes, Volume 1 of the new Blogger Q&A.

I've been blogging now for almost two years, April 26th will be the bloggy birthday. I've seen TONS of blogs from great to awful (really awful) to funny and even gorgeous! There's definitely a few things that all of these blogs have in common and to me, they are the foundation of a fantastic blog that everyone should apply to their own. Here's a few of my tips that I've learned that every blog should have.

Tip One

Let's talk about the overall appearance and navigation of your blog. It's extremely important to have your social media buttons, navigation buttons, and a snippet of your first post should all be "above the fold". This means when you type in your URL and click enter you should be able to see all of these things without scrolling down at all. It's important for readers, brands and potential sponsors to get a quick snapshot of your blog without lifting a finger. Plus, it's easy for them to navigate to your ever so important About page.

Tip Two

Your about page. It still boggles my mind that some bloggers, who consider themselves established, do not have this important page on their site. I've also seen some bloggers who have them but don't utilize them to the best of their ability.

About pages are there to tell readers and brands who you are, why you're blog is different and usually how they can contact you (unless you have a separate contact page which is also a good idea). This page should highlight what readers can expect from your blog from your personality to the types of post you do and how you got started. I think "about" pages are the hardest to write. But start drafting one and come back to it and make some changes. Read other about pages and see what you like and don't like. My about page talks about what my posts are usually about, how I got started, what "My Style Vita" means and a little something extra about my dog Pork which is a nice personal touch. You should also take the time (and money) to take a great photo of yourself for this page. If you're a member of Southern Blog Society, we even have recommended photographers in your area who know the importance of a great head shot and would be willing to work with bloggers!

Tip Three

Photos. This was something that took me the longest to figure out. I had no clue about Photoshop or CSS coding that can help with this. But now I do. I really like using Pixlr for my editing. You can do everything you need even with the express version. Be sure to resize your images and make them all the same width (or you can add a CSS code but I prefer Pixlr). It took me FOREVER to figure it out and once I did, it made my blog look that much more professional. Photos also shouldn't be too large that your readers have to scroll to the right to see the full image. It should be easy to view your imagery and enjoyable.

And please, I beg you, stop taking instagram photos as your outfit posts. Digital cameras, a remote and tripod will work wonders! Also, get away from that garage door and explore your neighborhood. Please and thank you!

Tip Four

Buy your domain. This not only helps with your SEO, but it also helps make you look super professional to brands. Seeing .blogspot at the end of a blog to me says, I'm just blogging for fun. Which is fine, if you're just blogging for fun. But if you're trying to generate revenue, build relationships with brands and expand your business, buy your domain. It's $10 a year and money well spent.

Tip Five

Easy to find contact. I'll never understand why people want to hide this information so badly. You won't get a ton of spam, I promise. My email address is all over my blog and I get maybe one spam email a day. One! Let people know how they can reach you. You never know who wants to shoot you an email or who may want to work with you. This is important information that could lead to really great partnerships or even friendships. I found my blogging bestie Poor Little It Girl via Twitter and thanks to her "Contact" page, I was able to send her a quick email, and the rest is history. Well we first got drunk at a restaurant to make sure we were normal, then the rest is history, duh.

What other tips do you think are essential for a successful blog?

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Happy Friday

2013-04-19T05:30:00.000-04:00

Essie Nail Polish "Turquoise and Caicos" | Urban Outfitters Ring

It's safe to say it's officially Popsicle season. Headed to the food trucks last night with the sister and dogs to enjoy some delicious food and an even more delicious blueberry cobbler Popsicle from King of Pops. Ready for a weekend full of festivals, pool parties and maybe some spring cleaning. Maybe.

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The Floral Dress + A Math Lesson

2013-04-18T05:30:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite trends this season is the floral print that seems to be absolutely everywhere. However, I'm a little too bitchy, edgy, not girly enough to just rock a floral dress. So I of course had to add my go to jacket and some serious wedges. I figure this equation would result in the perfect look. One part sweet and girly + two parts cold and bitchy equals my usual look. And you thought you didn't need that accounting class...

On a complete random side note, I'm recently obsessed with this Jenna Marbles video "How to slightly annoy your dog" anyone else do this but me? Sorry Pork...

A few other great tips on how to wear floral seen in my last Reader Q&A here.

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

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Your Summer Hat Guide

2013-04-17T05:00:00.000-04:00

Fedora Nordstrom, Target, Michael Stars

Floppy Rachel Zoe, BCBGeneration, Roxy

Panama Trouve, Anthropologie, Nasty Gal

I recently came across this amazing panama hat at Free People the other day and instantly fell in love with the shape. I've already rocked a fedora before, but a panama hat is now on my radar. And anytime you go on vacation, it's just simply necessary to rock one of these three styles. Something about a beach, a great hat and a freshly muddled mojito just makes me really happy.

Plus, I decided today I'm growing out my hair, and there's nothing worse than that awkward length. I think a hat may be my new way to not hate my hair and want to cry. Wish me luck.

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Jumping The Gun On Red White And Blue

2013-04-16T05:30:00.000-04:00

Would it be totally weird if I was already trying to plan and figure out my 4th of July outfit? I had no idea I was rocking such a patriotic look (on tax day no less) but I kind of like it. And I think I may need to rock this dress on the big 4th of July holiday. Unless I'm drunk in a bikini and refuse to put my clothes on (been there done that right? Wait, right?) Sometimes day drinking at a pool means you just don't want to wear clothing and you only want to wear your bikini. I don't hate that, I kind of love that actually.

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Odds & Ends

2013-04-15T05:30:00.000-04:00

After playing with one of the MKG's $3,600 lenses at the Dockers event, I realized I was really missing out on quality photography. I ended up having a cocktail at lunch on Monday and found myself in the camera section of Best Buy splurging on a new Canon Rebel. So glad I did. I don't even know how to use the damn thing yet and it's already creating gorgeous photos. A few highlights from this week...

Practicing with my camera, Pork was a great model.

Checked out the newest Crossfit gym in my neighborhood. Pretty excited about joining since one of my favorite people is officially drinkin the Kool-Aid now and just joined! AND they have yoga at 11 am on Sundays after the 10 am WOD. Which is my current ritual already on Sundays (minus the yoga) so I'm excited to finally get limber!

Plus, they were so helpful and worked with me on my 60 day cancellation notice on my current gym. That means letting me workout for free until my current contract is up. Now that's a deal! Yoga here I come!

Balls. Wall balls to be exact.

One day.... one day I'll do a muscle up on these bad boys.

A new addition to my handbag collection courtesy of RoviMoss. And you can win one for yourself by signing up for their newsletter here.

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Wear The Pants with Dockers

2013-04-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

I spent this past weekend doing something slightly different than my usual Crossfitting and brunching. I partnered up with Dockers and MKG to help out some of my fellow ATLiens in finding the perfect pair of Dockers. Folks who tried on a pair, loved them and wore them out also got free grub from Fox Bros BBQ. It really doesn't get better than that. Free clothes and bbq. Heaven.

I had so much fun with the crew, they were really such a blast to work with. I truly love being surrounded by people who are creative and MKG is just oozing with it. Super inspiring people (hell, one of the crew members is responsible for my new Canon Rebel splurge, more on this Monday!) Also had a chance to snap a few outfit photos (thanks Beka!) to show you how I styled my Dockers Alpha pants.

Photos by Rebekah Carson Photography

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