It's My Birthday :: perfect party style

Today we're talking perfect party style because guess what? It's my 23rd birthday and I'm in a party mood! I'm also very excited to be celebrating on my blog in a favorite dress, a gorgeous statement necklace, and pink balloons. What else could a birthday girl ask for? ...besides cake of course ;)

Summer party season is so much fun to dress for because pretty much anything goes. My style tends to be more classic so for my special birthday look I chose to go with a traditional LBD. However, I dressed it up in a very non traditional way with strappy, white heels, layers of chains, and a bright pink lip. 

Details are my fave and this pairing of dress and heels is full of em! The eyelet hem on my shirtdress is such a pretty, unexpected surprise and I love (as I've mentioned before) the unique heel on these ivory shoes. Plus, a black dress worn with white heels is super fresh and fun for summer. 

Vibrant accessories were made for the party spirit in all of us. I threw on this Kate Spade watch to add some extra color to my black & white look. 

Isn't this necklace completely fabulous? If this isn't the perfect party accessory then I don't know what is! With this on, your neck brings its own party.  

Is it really a party if there aren't balloons? Answer: heck no! I fell in love with these pretty pink bubbles of air when I spotted them at a flower shop across the street from my apartment. So yes, I did buy my own birthday balloons. Don't judge :) 

When it comes to party accessories, the bolder, the brighter, the sparklier the better. I took that to heart when I pulled out these Kate Spade faux diamond studs. Accessories truly are the funnest part of party dressing. 

BUT the most important party accessory of all? Confidence of course! Strut your stuff like you mean it...even if you're literally stopping traffic in New York City (oops). Flash those pearly whites and you'll instantly be the best dressed in the room. 

Every girl needs a cupcake balloon on her birthday! 

Photos by Ingrid Frahm 

[dress: Ann Taylor // heels: Ann Taylor // necklace: Ann Taylor // sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar here) // earrings: Kate Spade // watch: Kate Spade (white version here) // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Urban Decay in "Anarchy"]

My photographer Ingrid and I had so much fun bouncing around the Upper Eastside taking these photos. My birthday balloons made me so happy...even though it was so hot that they partially deflated. When I bought them - 24 hours earlier than these photos were taken - they were 16 inches wide and full of life. But that's okay! Here in birthdayland the glass is always half full :) 

Thanks for celebrating with me everyone! Enjoy these last weeks of summer party fun and make sure to dress the part! 

SHOP ::