High Impact :: fur vest + lace-up heels

If you want to make an impact, the truth is you have to make a few bold choices and color outside the lines a bit. For some that could simply mean wearing a color other than black, for others it could mean wearing multiple look-at-me pieces all at once. I identify with the latter. Introducing MY high-impact ensemble - complete with shiny leather, luscious fur, statement baubles, and of course incredibly fierce shoes. 

Sporting high impact pieces are what help you earn your fashion stripes. Like most things in life, the more of these pieces you pile on, the better! ...But let's not get tacky people. To ensure you stay chic, ground your over-the-top items with a sure-fire classic. Take this utterly simple yet utterly stylish button-up for example - it's an evergreen piece, which helps ground my trendier pieces. In short, it's the staple of my entire outfit. 

"Is it just me or do I look like a bear?" I asked myself as I tried on this glorious vest in Ann Taylor one day. The truth is, I may kind of resemble a furry animal. But you know what? I also happen to think I look like an incredibly CHIC furry animal! And THAT'S the voice I choose to listen to. Yes, a fur vest is a bold choice, but that's part of the fun of it! No one ever got anywhere without taking risks, right?

Is it weird that I've become so comfortable in leggings (specifically leather ones) that they don't even feel like a bold choice anymore? But regardless of how often you sport them, the truth is that leather leggings ARE pretty high impact! Slip on a sleek pair of these babies and you instantly look like a bada*s! [Yeah, we don't swear here...which I'm now realizing is not very bada*s of me. But it's okay because my leather leggings make up for it ;) ]

Every time I wear these heels, a fashionista gets her wings! Come on, is there ANYTHING more impactful than these? 

A structured purse with a bow adds some much appreciated femininity into the mix. I'm wearing some pretty fierce pieces so this girly bag is the perfect accessory to subtly sweeten things up! 

I'm proudly wearing not one but TWO gold chokers here! I mean, layering IS the hottest trend of ze decade and I have been taking full advantage. I love how one necklace is powerful and undoubtedly makes a statement while the other is light and delicate -- it's only noticeable when you look closely. That's what we call beautiful contrast, everyone! 

If high impact, wow-worthy, striking pieces aren't your thang? No worries! You can always start small by incorporating funky fresh jewelry into your every day rotation. I love these earrings because they're wild yet strangely beautiful, and they're definitely not too loud. 

Photos by Dan Harper

[blouse: Ann Taylor // vest: Ann Taylor // leggings: Ann Taylor // heels: Ann Taylor // purse: Kate Spade (in turquoise) // thick chocker: Ann Taylor (old, similar here) // thin chocker: fine jewelry // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // gold knot bangle: Kate Spade // cream bangle: Kate Spade // eyeshadow: Innerstellar palette by Kat Von D. // lipstick: 'Bare Pop' by Clinique]

I proudly survived Storm Jonas and I'm here to tell the tale #Blizzard2016! But before we get ahead of ourselves, no, the snow here in NYC has not ALL melted yet - these photos were taken before New York got doused. Isn't it funny though how we were barely even experiencing winter at all when out of the blue it all happened in ONE day? And now we're back to 48 degree weather - yay! Well that was fun winter, see ya next year! Hmm...I hope I'm not jinxing anything...

SHOP ::

Red Hot Florals :: skirt + black turtleneck + cobalt bag

Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking. 

Florals? For winter? Hmm...actually kinda sorta groundbreaking. Maybe I should go ahead and tell Miranda Priestly ;) But seriously, although florals might not actually be groundbreaking per se, they're not something you see every day in the wintertime. BUT that doesn't mean you can't make them work! 

Gahh, I know! I'm wearing another skirt. And it's January. But look at it! It's just too gorgeous NOT to wear. I'm telling you, whenever I wear this beauty I get stopped, STOPPED! People are in love with it, as am I. The look-at-me color is one thing, the pattern is another thing, but what I can't get enough of is this endlessly flattering a-line shape; it's a game changer. 

I used to make fun of turtlenecks. True story. I thought they were silly and unflattering and just for moms - you know, like mom jeans. But I am so happy to stand before you today and say that I have changed, I have seen the error in my old ways. Turtlenecks are actually pretty amazing...and warm! And fantastic layering tools! You can wear a black turtleneck with anything and feel powerful and chic - just ask Steve Jobs. 

We all have realized by now that this girl loves a good skirt - even if it's 32 degrees outside. And let's be honest, wearing tights is not always my jam. Why? Because I enjoy a little thing called comfort. So one of my kind of brilliant solutions to wearing skirts in the winter without freezing is to wear them with super tall boots that cover most of my legs anyway! ...Okay, it's not actually that brilliant and it doesn't actually keep me that warm. But it looks fierce so it's ok! You can't argue with a pleasing aesthetic.  

At first I hesitated wearing this purse with this outfit, I thought I should play it safe and go with a black bag. But you know what? That's boring! Experimenting with color and creating unexpected combinations is my favorite thing about fashion. In conclusion: if you like the cobalt purse, wear the cobalt purse and make it work! 

A light, geometric necklace like this makes a modern addition to such a bold look. I immediately fell for the clear crystals and clean design. It's such a beautiful piece and has instantly become a classic in my collection. 

Sometimes I think I like silver better, sometimes I swear by gold. It really just depends on my mood and my outfit. But I chose gold for this look because it brought a warm glow to the ensemble and brightened up the moody, red & black vibe. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[skirt: Gap // turtleneck: Ann Taylor // boots: Ann Taylor  (love this pair)// necklace: Kate Spade // purse: Kate Spade // earrings: Ann Taylor // gold knot bangle: Kate Spade // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // lipstick: 'Shame' by Urban Decay]

I love flowers any time of year and you should too! Wearing them when it's freezing outside can be a bold move but it can also be a very easy one, all you have to think about is balance. Wear your florals with weather-appropriate pieces (i.e. a turtleneck), but that's pretty much a no-brainer unless you want to get hypothermia.

Another thing to keep in mind is color. I'm not saying pastels don't work in the winter, but I am saying that flowery pastels may make you look crazy when there's snow on the ground. Save the overly sunshiny combos for after daylight savings begins (hint, that's March 13th this year)! 

My lesson to you: don't shy away from florals in the winter - sometimes you need something the most when it still seems so far away. And on that note, everyone stay safe with this crazy winter storm on the horizon! 

SHOP ::

Embellish It :: sweater + blouse + OTK boots

An embellished sweater can change your life. Hear me out: ever have one of those days/nights when you know you have to look 'nice' (whatever that may mean) but you're so not in the mood to get dolled up and wear something that has any potential of being uncomfortable, unattractive, or unpredictable? WELL, introducing the embellished sweater - aka the answer to your fashion problems (cue applause). 

A decked-out sweater is not only an answer to the infamous question, "What should I wear tonight?" It's the answer to said question. This structured knit is made out of wool, which makes it super warm, but it's also the perfect piece for a special occasion. The gemstones give it polish but the soft texture and generous fit make it ideal for T-shirt lovers everywhere. Yay, win-win for everybody! 

This sparkle sweater tee looks fantastic on it its own, but I layered it over a simple button-up to give it an extra splash of elegance. Fun fact: I got way too excited when I saw this exact top in none other than InStyle magazine! It was a featured piece in their December issue and an InStyle editor was quoted telling the world how amazing this piece is. But even better, I already owned this baby before I ever saw it in the magazine... :) 

The trick to pulling off wow-worthy embellishment during the day? Grounding gleaming pieces with a dark neutral like black and/or denim. 

These glittery earrings echo the crystals on my top. And because I didn't need a necklace, I wanted something a smidge dramatic to increase the party vibe of this look even more. 

This Tiffany Blue purse is such a dream, isn't it? I love Kate Spade to death and this bag of hers is near perfection. From its attention-grabbing color, structured silhouette, and bow detail, this purse makes one heck of a companion. I love wearing it with neutrals to make it really stand out! 

With such a stellar sweater as this, there's no overwhelming need to go hog wild on the accessories. I kept my extras pretty simple, like with this elegant cuff by Ted Baker. It's hard to resist a dainty accent! 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[sweater: Ann Taylor // white blouse: Ann Taylor // jeans: Gap // boots: Ann Taylor (similar here) // purse: Kate Spade // earrings: Ann Taylor (old but I also like this pair) // cuff: Ted Baker (similar here) // pom pom keychain: Michael Kors // watch: Mark Jacobs]

So NYC finally got its first snow over the weekend! I'm telling you, we've been so spoiled with this unseasonably warm weather and I am not hating it! In my opinion, temps should not be allowed to dip beneath 35 degrees. But it WAS magical to experience the snowfall - even if it didn't stick! 

SHOP ::