Fashion Friday: My Favorite Outfits from 2021

Since I actually went outside this year for something other than work, I finally had occasions and places to wear new outfits to pretty year-round, unlike last year. But there still wasn't anything super eventful or fun to dress up for, like weddings or big parties or even shows or concerts to go to. But it was nice to actually get to wear something other than sweatpants and hoodies. So here are my 10 favorite outfits I wore this year!

Much of the clothes and products worn in the outfits below are pretty old and likely out of stock, but I will still provide links below in the caption of each photo if available. Follow me on Instagram @amanda_carmela for more outfits year round!

March 27, 2021

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What I like most about this outfit is probably the contrast, from the colors to the styles of the clothing. Obviously the pink top really stands out with the black pants and white shoes. But then there's the ruching and neckline of the top that elevates it a bit, especially compared to the cargo joggers and sneakers. The three necklaces add some sparkle while the messy bun balances the streetstyle vibes.

April 6, 2021

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If you know me, you know I absolutely love the To All the Boys movies and books and refer to myself as the Filipino Lara Jean. So of course I had to snag this replica outfit of Lara Jean's New York ensemble from the third movie!

The dress and belt are both from H&M from the official To All the Boys collection. I completed the look with a heart necklace from BaubleBar and the exact pair of sneakers Lana Condor wears as LJ in the movie: the triple platform original Keds sneakers. I was stoked to find them at Marshalls (for less than $35!) so I could be even closer to being Lara Jean! And yes, I even did my best to copy the hairstyle she had while wearing this outfit.

I actually wore this outfit only once, but when I wore it and whenever I tried it on, it just made me so happy to be channeling my favorite character of all time.

Style Icons: Olivia Rodrigo

Photo credit Disney+/Patrick Newman

I first knew of Olivia when she made her Disney debut on Bizaarvark, but I wasn't interested in that show, so I first got to witness her talent as Nini in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. I remember when I found out she's Filipino, and I instantly became a fan. As much as I've enjoyed her performances as Nini, I've enjoyed her music even more. It wasn't until "drivers license" came out until I finally started listening to music on repeat that wasn't Taron Egerton or Aaron Tveit. So major props to her. Haha.

Now she's releasing her first album, Sour, today, and I can't wait to hear all of the songs. I've loved all of her singles so far. So in celebration of Sour, I'm featuring my fellow Filipina-American in this week's Fashion Friday as a style icon.

I normally go through someone's Instagram to find a bunch of outfits to feature, but Olivia recently restarted her feed, so I didn't have a lot to choose from. I did like a lot of stuff she's worn recently, though, which helped!

"All I Want" Music Video

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A post shared by HSM: The Musical: The Series (@highschoolmusicalseries)

I remember when I first watched this music video. My brain went "All I want is that dress." I obviously love the pink. Bright hot pinks are my favorite, and I love the tulle. It all stands out really well in what I assume is the Utah wilderness (for lack of a better word?) since High School Musical: The Musical: The Series films in Utah. 

Anyway, the dress (or is it a two-piece situation?) is just stunning. The shades of pink contrast since they're different shades but still tie everything together and juxtapose well. The layers and tulle create some great texture and movement. The chunky black shoes really add some contrast to the frilly, girly outfit to add a little grunge to the look.

"deja vu" Music Video - Molly Goddard dress

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A post shared by Jake Sammis (@jakesammis)

This dress is just gorgeous. From the beautiful green color to the ruffles going around and down the skirt, it's definitely the iconic outfit of this music video. Like, taking a sledgehammer to a bunch of old TVs while wearing a bold and beautiful gown? Iconic!

"deja vu" Music Video - Chanel jacket/pool outfit

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A post shared by Jake Sammis (@jakesammis)

Pink being my favorite color, it's natural I gravitate toward outfits with pink. I love this Chanel jacket. It's classy and has a vintage feel. Pairing it with high waisted blue jeans and black loafers keeps it sophisticated and feeling vintage while maintaining a pretty casual look.

My Favorite Outfits of 2020

I think we can all agree 2020 was quite a year. No one was allowed to go out as much, which definitely impacted fashion. Sweatpants and loungewear certainly reigned supreme over suits and dresses. I certainly had fewer outfits to choose from when trying to pick my favorite outfits of the year.

I enjoyed working from home for a few months but ultimately did go back to working in person, which meant I still had to go out and wear "real" clothes. I didn't mind that so much since I do enjoy putting outfits together and dressing up. So while 2020 wasn't ideal, I am glad it didn't take away everything and still allowed me to enjoy fashion and outfits, casual or not.

As usual, I linked products in the captions. Some are exact while some are similar since they may be out of stock or discontinued.

January 11

I've never gotten the chance to wear a pretty gown before since I didn't go to prom or anything, so my great aunt and uncle's wedding provided me the chance to do so! I was hoping to find a more sparkly and pink gown for this occasion, but this dress was too good to pass up. I found it at a Camille la Vie store on sale, and it has pockets! I like the pink, black, and white floral print of the skirt and the mesh triangle cutouts at the side. Gowns and formal dresses aren't usually thought to be comfortable, but this one was.

Thankfully my great aunt and uncle's golden wedding anniversary was at the start of 2002 before everything shut down and big gatherings and celebrations were no longer safe, because it would have been such a bummer if my great aunt and uncle had to cancel their big celebration.

February 3

I bought this dress and top during Zara's semi-annual sale and thought they could pair well in the risky art of mixing patterns, and I like how it turned out! I felt very Gossip Girl-y meets '80s meets editorial fashion in this outfit.

February 11

This is my Lara Jean To All the Boys I've Loved Before copycat outfit to mimic the outfit she wears on the movie poster and in the final scene of the first movie. To All the Boys 2 came out on Netflix on this day, and I love TATB and Lara Jean. I was so excited about the movie I had to wear this Lara Jean outfit. It was so easy to put together and is something I could reasonably wear on an everyday basis.

Style Icons: Naomi Scott

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

If you know me, then you know I love Disney, especially Disney Princesses, and that Princess Jasmine is one of my favorites. Last year, the live action remake of Aladdin was released, and British actress Naomi Scott took on the role of Princess Jasmine. Aladdin's one of my favorite Disney movies, so of course I was hesitant to see how the live action version would turn out, but I loved it. Naomi Scott is an amazing Jasmine, and Jasmine as a character was really elevated in the 2019 film.

So in honor of the Aladdin remake's first birthday, in addition to Naomi Scott's 27th birthday earlier this week, I'm featuring her in my latest edition of style icons!

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Thank you Anna and @vogue for having us at the #eveningstandardawards. It was an honour to present the Emerging Talent Award, congratulations @lauriekynaston! Thank you to @miumiu for my beautiful custom piece, ❤️❤️

A post shared by Naomi Scott (@naomigscott) on Nov 25, 2019 at 9:04am PST

I love two piece dresses, and this one is unlike any I'd seen before. The half sleeve off-the-shoulder top is unique and sharp. The burgundy color is stunning, and the jeweled top contrasts with the solid sheen of the skirt really well.

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✨✨✨

A post shared by Naomi Scott (@naomigscott) on Nov 8, 2019 at 7:40am PST

Black never goes out of style and is such a versatile color. I love the different textures with this outfit, from the ruffled top to the beaded pants.The high-waisted pants create a flattering line and shape and pair with the cropped tank perfectly.

2020 Golden Globes Fashion Favorites

This year was the first year I watched the Golden Globes and was actually looking forward to it and really excited about it. Usually, I watch kind of just because and to see all of the outfits, but this year, Taron Egerton (aka my fave, but you should know that by now) was nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and won!!! While I love Taron, he did not make my fashion favorites from this year's Golden Globes. He still looked great, though! Here are the looks that did make it to my list of favorites:

Ana de Armas

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Dear Ralph & Russo and Tiffany,
Can I please have this outfit in pink? Thank you.

Okay, but for real, I love this outfit. The navy sequin dress is amazing, and the color is so deep and rich. The sequins give it shine and dimension. I especially like the layered neckline because it adds more shape. The Tiffany jewelry is simple and elegant and goes with the gown perfectly. And the best part? The gown has pockets.

Sofia Carson

Getty / Steve Granitz

This pale pink Giambattista Valli gown is what ballerina princess dreams are made of! I obviously love the color and adore the ballerina vibes. There's a lot of tulle and layering but it doesn't look over the top, and the fluffy bodice creates a nice contrast in texture.

Ellen DeGeneres

Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

I love glitter, and this black glittery suit is simply awesome. Enough said.

My 19 Favorite Outfits from 2019

Happy New Year! I've been slacking on blog posts in the past few months, but I've found some time to do my annual yearly favorites posts. First up are my favorite outfits of 2019!

Picking my favorite outfits every year is never easy, but I feel like it was a little easier this year because for some reason, when I was going through all of my outfit pictures and my Instagram, it didn't feel like I had a lot to go through. Also, since I stopped doing so many outfit blog posts, I found doing this post more fun since a good portion of these outfits haven't been shared on here before.

I think this year may include the fewest amount of summer outfits and the most winter outfits since I started doing favorite outfits of the year posts, which is interesting since I usually like my summer outfits more. I guess that's what happens when you finally have jackets you really like and the weather isn't so terrible!

March 16, 2019

Wild Fable coat from Target | H&M floral top | Classic Navy Longchamp tote | Hot pink flats from Forever 21

My favorite thing about this outfit it just seems so perfect for early spring. The pink coat pops really well but also goes with the floral top and brings out the pinks there. My hot pink flats add another pop of color without feeling like it's too much or it doesn't fit. I also love how it feels girly and sophisticated, especially with the high ruffled neckline of the shirt and the little bow. Then the pink and florals just adds to that, of course.

March 23, 2019

Suede moto jacket from Tilly's | Topshop lace trim crop top from Nordstrom Rack | Floral Pixie pants from Old Navy | Ted Baker purse from Lord & Taylor | Blondo ankle boots from Nordstrom

This was an outfit I just came up with on a whim. It was one of those days where I wasn't sure of what to wear, so I just took a look in my closet and put something together. I ended up liking this outfit a lot more than I ever thought. The moto jacket plays off the floral design of the pants well to create a contrast in styles. The lace trim pink top adds some color and brings out some of the pink on the pants, too.

Fashion Friday: Electric Boots Inspiration from Elton John for Halloween

I haven't had a reason to dress up for Halloween for over a decade since I never went to Halloween parties or anything like that in high school or college, but this year I got to wear a costume to work. So I took advantage of that opportunity, knowing not every job I'm going to have is going to allow me to wear a costume on Halloween, and went pretty full out.

My original plan was to wear clothes I already have and make a Lara Jean (from To All the Boys I've Loved Before) outfit out of it since I am basically the Filipino Lara Jean and love her outfits. But I changed my mind about a week before Halloween when I saw how could it was going to be. (It ended up being like 35 degrees and snowing.) All of my potential Lara Jean outfits involve skirts, and while I could wear tights, it would kind of ruin the look of the outfit, so I had to come up with another costume.

About three weeks ago, my sister sent me a sponsored Instagram post of these really awesome platform boots she found on Instagram. They're white with iridescent/holographic pink flames on the sides and reminded us both of something Elton John would wear, so we both thought back to those shoes, and I decided to try to be Elton John for Halloween. After all, Rocketman has become one of my favorite movies, and I've become a fan of him (outside of of The Lion King) this year because of it. Plus, with his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour going on and his autobiography coming out recently, it seemed to be rather timely.

I bought Public Desire's Ablaze White Flame Detail Platform Block Heeled Ankle Boots despite not knowing how/when else I would wear them (they're just so cool that I couldn't pass it up. I'll figure something out) and sought to plan the rest of this costume. Thanks to Rocketman, I had an idea of the kinds of flamboyant outfits Elton John would wear while performing and took inspiration from two specific outfits from the movie rather than copying exact looks.

Fashion Friday: 2019 Emmys Purple Carpet Favorites

Awards season is starting to rev up, which means a lot of red carpet looks are coming our way. The 2019 Emmys did not disappoint with its regal purple carpet and outstanding ensembles. In fact, I had trouble narrowing my favorites down to under 20. But I did! And while I usually find only a few looks that stand out from the men, about a third of today's posts features some snazzy suits!

Charlie Barnett

Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock

It's always nice when guys don't just wear a plain black suit or tuxedo to things, and this one is especially cool. The dark green color is rich, and the pattern of stars everywhere is subtle but provides great depth and adds a little fun to the serious piece. The velvet bow tie adds a luxurious vibe and nice contrast without diverting too much attention.

Parker Bates

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

I've got to give props to this kid for wearing a sparkly sequin jacket, because at his age, it's not uncommon for kids to tease other kids, especially when they wear something that doesn't fit in with the typical idea of being a boy/girl. So be like Parker Bates and wear what you want regardless of what anyone else may think. This sequin jacket is awesome! And that little rose pin or whatever it is on the lapel is such a nice touch. He dresses better than a lot of people who are older than him.

Fashion Friday: How to Style Linen Overalls

August is already almost over (how?!), and it's time to start thinking about fall fashion and how to transition. I recently bought a pair of olive green linen overalls on clearance at TJ Maxx and think it's a great summer-to-fall transition piece.

I took a quick look at my closet, which currently has all of my summer clothes out in addition to a few sweaters for layering and unexpected cold days, and found four easy, but different ways to style linen overalls. After all, unless a clothing item is for a special occasion, you should maximize your outfit options to make your purchase worth it and to simply be sustainable in your shopping.

Trendy transitions: with an off-the-shoulder top and sandals

This outfit is perfect for a mild or cool late summer or early fall day where you won't want to be all covered up yet. The off-the-shoulder top and sandals add some casual summer vibes and give you some breathing room and let you soak up some sun if you want. They're also trendy. The hems of the pants can be rolled up more if desired depending on weather and preference. This is an easy late summer look I can't wait to throw on. It has a nice balance of comfy and casual, but the off-the-shoulder top elevates it a bit.

Casual and cool: with a T-shirt and sneakers

Any T-shirt could be substituted for my coral and white striped ringer tee, but this one goes with the overalls perfectly because of the olive trim on the neck and sleeves. The coral and white stripes and white sneakers add a vibrant pop of color and contrast.

Light and easy: with a long sleeve top and sneakers

For when it starts to get a bit cool, light and thin long sleeve tops and sweaters can be paired with these linen overalls. It's a very simple look but still looks and feels like you're put together and put thought into your outfit. I would probably wear these with some sneakers, but ankle boots or combat boots could spice things up a bit.

Comfy and cozy: with a sweater and sneakers

They're called overalls, but there's nothing stopping you from wearing them under tops as well. When it's a crisp fall day that's perfect for sweaters, you could throw on a big, comfy sweater like this one over the overalls instead of under. The straps may show but don't look bad. Like with the last outfit, there are a variety of footwear options. White sneakers like these Vans add a sharp contrast to the outfit and keep it very casual, but combat boots or flats could add a different vibe.

Fashion Friday: Style Icons: Courtney Reed

In the past two years, I've developed a growing interest in Broadway and musical theatre. So naturally, I've discovered new people to become a fan of as well as new people to feature here on my blog. Courtney Reed is one of those people. While I've never actually seen her in a musical or Broadway show, I have seen her perform in a Broadway Princess Party, which is basically a cabaret show/concert full of princess songs. You may remember the show/her from my blog post all about it from nearly a year ago!

Courtney and me last August after the Broadway Princess Party in Schaumburg, IL

Reed is best known as Broadway's original Princess Jasmine from Aladdin: The Musical, and she has honestly become one of my favorite people ever. Not only do I feel like we are quite similar (we love pink, rose gold, Princess Jasmine of course, lipstick, and fashion), but she's an overall wonderful person. She's super talented on and off-stage. She's a girl boss and began her own jewelry/apparel company called Gagged Chokers and is just killing the game at living out her dreams.

So in honor of her birthday on August 10 (I'm starting the celebration early), I'm featuring Courtney as one of my style icons. But I'm doing something a little different than I have with others I've featured as a style icon on here. Not only am I featuring some of my favorite outfits she's worn, but I'm also featuring a few of her Gagged products she's created/designed.

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Look at these egg-sraordinary divas 🥚 🍳

A post shared by Courtney Reed (@rhodesreed) on Apr 13, 2019 at 4:06pm PDT

I love jumpsuits, and this purple one is just so cute and fun! The wide legs add some flair, and the ruffles on the straps are adorable. The purple color is great for spring and summer, as is the big sunhat. The pointed toe heels kick the outfit up a notch but still keep the outfit pretty casual.

Fashion Friday: Frugal Formal Finds

In the past two months, I've ended up buying quite a few formal dresses because I simply could not pass up how good of a deal they were. I mean, how often can you find designer and department store dresses for less than $70? Some of these are less than $20!

So I now have a small supply of formal dresses and am prepared for most any formal occasion if it were to arise. I like to be prepared and have options when it comes to outfits and clothes so these dresses will be good to have when something does come up. I don't currently have a lot of formal events on my calendar in the near future, but I know something will come up eventually. Then I'll be glad I don't have to worry about not having something to wear.

Jeffrey Godfrey - Pink sequin dress from Last Chance - $63

I love pink, and I love sequins. So naturally I just had to try on this dress when I found it at Last Chance, which is basically Nordstrom's super mega clearance store. I loved it when I tried it on and it was one of those moments where I knew I would complain and wish I got that dress if I didn't buy it. So even though I don't currently have anywhere to wear it, it's a great party dress to have.

It's not a trendy dress or anything in terms of its style, so I'll just be here waiting for somewhere to wear it. Obviously with the deep v neckline and sequins all over, it's definitely a dress for a nighttime occasion. I paired it with my black block heels to keep the dress as the focal point.

Ted Baker - Scalloped skater dress from Marshalls - $60

I fell in love with this dress the second I saw it in the designer section of Marshalls. Obviously I love the color, but I also adore the mesh details, the scalloped hem and design throughout, and the rose gold zipper, but you know my favorite part has got to be the pockets! Ted Baker is one of my favorite designers, and he really nailed this one for me.

The rose gold zipper at the back makes it pair perfectly with my super sparkly and cute rose gold glitter heels that I bought when Charlotte Russe was going out of business. They add a fun touch of sparkle and don't clash with the dress.

Because it's a knee length dress and isn't super flashy or anything, this could be used for several different occasions, from weddings to parties to Easter or anything really. It could easily be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize it, particularly the shoes. This is the only dress in this post I actually have a specific plan and event for. I'll be wearing this to my cousin's wedding at the end of August.

Fashion Friday: 2019 Tony Awards Fashion Favorites

Theo Wargo/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

This year I watched the Tonys for the second time and saw so many wonderful looks on the red carpet, in the show, and at after parties. There were so many that I had to include 20, which I think is the most I've ever done for one of these posts. I also think I included more men than I ever have before, so basically the fashion at this year's Tonys was just off the charts. Broadway's biggest night truly delivered in fashion.

Sara Bareilles

Getty Images

Although this burgundy and black dress seems more appropriate for fall, I still love it. The colors are deep and rich, providing a nice contrast. The velvet diamond pattern cascading and growing from the top to bottom is awesome, and the pattern on the sheer skirt looks beautiful.

Hamish Bowles

AP

This suit just screams springtime, and I love it. The light purple base is gorgeous, and the florals all over are just so fun. It's a great look for the Tonys, especially this year since the red carpet backdrop wasn't full of roses all over, so nothing's clashing here.

Fashion Friday: Style Icons: Taron Egerton

Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images

If you know me, you know my favorite actor is Taron Egerton. He plays Elton John in the fantasy musical biopic Rocketman, which was released last week, so he's been in the news and all over the internet lately. But you may know him as Eggsy from the Kingsman movies, which is where I discovered him, decked out in tuxes and Adidas.

My style icon posts normally feature female actresses and athletes whose wardrobes and outfits I covet and would love to wear, so I've never featured any guys before. But in honor of Rocketman's release and because he's my favorite actor who dresses well and has been named one of GQ's Best Dressed Men for a few years, I'm sharing some of my favorite outfits Egerton has worn. (Shoutout to Gareth Scourfield, who often styles him for events!

INSTARImages

If you've seen Rocketman, this jacket should look familiar to you since Egerton wears it in the movie during "Tiny Dancer". He's mentioned in several interviews that he would like to keep this jacket, and he finally got it! I was curious as to how he'd wear this jacket when/if he got it, and I really like what he's done with it here at the New York premiere of Rocketman. It's definitely a different look than how he wore it in the movie. The plain white T-shirt and black pants keep the attention on the fun jacket, and the red Dr. Martens add another pop of color and fun. It's modern yet retro all at once.

Also, those clear frames are super cool. As someone who has worn glasses for most of her life, I love seeing and finding fun frames. They're like a translucent pale blue, which looks great on him. Plus, I became a fan of Egerton after Kingsman: The Secret Service, and he wears glasses a lot in that franchise. So I just love when he wears glasses.

Fashion Friday: My Favorite Looks from the 2019 Met Gala

Credit:Jennifer Graylock/PA Wire/PA Images

The first Monday of May is always a big night for fashion as it's when the Metroplitan Museum of Art, better known as the Met, holds the Costume Institute Gala, better known as the Met Gala or the Met Ball. It's a big fundraiser for the fashion/costume portion of the Met, so a lot of big Hollywood and even international names are in attendance dressed to the nines.

Every year has a theme, and this year's was camp, which can be hard to understand. In simple terms, camp has to do with extravagance, excess, and being over the top. In modern slang terms, camp is about being extra. So a lot of attendees wore and did a lot with their looks. It was hard for me to narrow down my favorite looks, and I'm still not even sure if these would be my top 15, but they're definitely 15 of my favorites.

A lot of people wore pink this year, and of course I loved it, so you'll be seeing a lot of that.

Rachel Brosnahan

Credit: Getty / John Shearer

This isn't a super extravagant look, but I do love the colors, all the ruffles, and the floral print. The orange florals on the magenta base pop but are somehow still subtle. All of the ruffles create a nice flow and texture without it looking like something a Founding Father would wear, and the sheer material creates more depth.

Naomi Campbell

Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

So I'm honestly not sure if this outfit is pink or purple because in some pictures, it looks pink, and in others, it looks purple. Regardless, I'm a fan of this look. The feather boa-like cape thing looks so fun and glamorous and really complements the entire outfit. The lace tights also add another level of glam to this outfit, and I just love how unapologetically (for the lack of a better word) glamorous it is.

Gemma Chan

Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Ugh. I just love Gemma Chan (which you may know because I featured her as one of my style icons). She looked like an absolute queen in her Met Gala debut. She just looks so regal! This headpiece is amazingly beautiful and so intricate. Her gown is just extra sparkly and looks like it's made of diamonds, which is just gorgeous. And I think this look just proves there's no such thing as too much sparkle, because she's literally wearing crystals from head to toe.