Afrobella + Neiman Marcus Last Call Lookbook

My eternal shopping dilemma — I love quality, but I’m not willing and/or able to pay full retail prices. I am all about the look and the labels for less. I love rummaging through a good outlet store. Even moreso, I love looking online for bargains so I know exactly how steep of a discount I’m getting. So when my friends at Neiman Marcus Last Call approached me about putting together a lookbook, I was extra excited! Neiman Marcus Last Call is one of my favorite places to look for designer labels and surprisingly chic plus size finds. And there’s a super sale right now — from 12/8  through 12/15 where you can get these looks for even less. It’s the Fill Your Sleigh Sale: Save up to 80% off at LastCall.com! Offer valid 12/8-12/15! Let me take you into these looks, so you’ll know exactly what I’m wearing this winter and what to look for online.

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I’ve long loved the look of a cowl-neck sweater, but never quite understood how to accessorize one. The key is necklace length. This drapey crystal necklace by Fragments (which is unfortunately sold out) was the perfect length for this cowl. Look for a piece that’ll hit you in the upper middle of your chest and you should be fine.

Another way to dress up a cowl or turtleneck sweater? Bold, bangin’ earrings. These are by Lydell and the price may surprise you (in a good way)! And yes, that’s a tree behind my head — my hair isn’t extra tall in this photo.

I’m extra cautious about ice and snow, so during the winter months you’re sure to find me in some pretty serious boots. I like the rugged style of these Sam Edelman Circus combat boots. And the pants are by Mynt — I really like their aesthetic in general, always on trend! These snake print skinny jeans are lined on the inside so they’re super comfortable. Buy them in a size down for a tighter fit. I’m rocking my usual size here and there’s absolutely room for tights or long johns underneath for extra winter layering.

What I’m wearing:

Michael Kors cowl knit sweater (sold out)

Red Michael Kors MK wool coat

Sam Edelman Circus combat boots

Mynt snake skinny jeans (sold out)

Fragments necklace

Lydell chandelier earrings

Look number 2, we shot outside on an extra cold Chicago day. Can you tell? This is me trying to be fierce with that Chicago hawk just freezing me to my bones! Here I’m rocking more of an everyday athleisure look, something I’d rock to go out shopping in a heartbeat. Did I mention it was COLD outside?

But we made it work.

Here I’m wearing my new favorite thing — the Neiman Marcus knit blanket wrap. It is basically the most comfortable, easy cardigan and I’m probably going to wear it on every flight I go on until it falls apart.

This purse is also such a winter essential — I am obsessed with crossbody bags, and this is super comfortable, and fits over winter coats. And COBALT. Such a great pop of color. It’s by Cynthia Vincent — click to get one!

If it’s not icy or snowy out, I love sneakers from fall into winter. I’ve been wanting these Puma x Alexander McQueen’s so badly and they’re a great price (plus on sale).

I was blown away by the jewelry selection — super on-trend, GREAT prices. Lots of Christmas gift potential! These turquoise fringe earrings are by Lydell.  I like their aesthetic, edgy and great quality.

I love photo shoots with Chuck, he always makes me laugh!

What I’m wearing:

Derek Lam cat eye sunglasses

Lydell turquoise fringe earrings

Marc Zebra-print sweatshirt

NM Rib-Knit Blanket Wrap

Puma x Alexander McQueen Low Top Sneaker

For Look number 3, I wanted to tackle something I struggle with in the winter. And that’s wearing a dress. I usually tend to go for a pants and sweater combination because it’s so easy to layer. But dresses require a specific length of sleeve and hem to be truly cute and wearable for winter. And chambray? IDK if it’s winter appropriate, but it’s a timeless favorite of mine! I love this shirtdress by Nu Construction. And check out that markdown price!

We shot these photos in the stunningly beautiful Chicago Cultural Center — what a stunning landmark. Such an incredible gift and resource in the middle of downtown.

Everywhere you look, there are architectural details worth marveling at. So much detail and intricacy. My friend, historian Tim Samuelson, tells me that some of the inlays are made of shells, horns and stones that are no longer available for these kinds of purposes. Just incredible to see and be surrounded by.

Dress + tights + boots = Finally, a winter dress look I’ve figured out! Technically these are rain boots, but I love the color and the laces. Click here to check out my Bernardo rain booties!

This is how I’m most likely to rock a dress this winter — under a heavy cardigan. I’ve had this one for a few years now, just thought it’d go with the chambray dress. Let’s call this look Blue Christmas, shall we?

What I’m wearing:

Nu Construction Indigo Dress

Bernardo Lacey Rain Bootie

Lydell NYC Earrings

Tights and cardigan, my own.

Thanks to the Chicago Cultural Center, my photographers Chuck Olu-Alabi and Stephen Yursik, and Neiman Marcus Last Call for this lookbook! Click here to shop Neiman Marcus Last Call online — don’t forget about the Fill Your Sleigh Sale: Save up to 80% off at LastCall.com! Offer valid 12/8-12/15! Happy shopping, bellas!

This post was sponsored by Neiman Marcus Last Call, but the opinions and this style is all me. Thanks for your support!