A Walk On The Wild Side :: leopard coat + leather leggings

Allow me to introduce to you what could be referred to as my "uniform." Now, I actually despise uniforms in the traditional sense of the word, but in fashion, a go-to look (with slight variations according to your mood of course) is a total life - and time - saver! For me, that handy style formula is pretty generic. Take a peek:  

Every good uniform needs a statement piece, a more "wild" item if you will ;) This allows you to spice up the everyday, have a little fun with your look, and showcase your personality - everything a good outfit should bring out, right? And while leopard coats may not be for everyone, for ME a good leopard coat is a closet necessity. There's just something about this exotic print that's so adventurous yet classic. After all, leopard is a tried and true favorite. And good news: the iconic print isn't going anywhere! 

If there's one thing I have oodles of, it's button-up shirts. I like them oversized and in various fabrics and prints. This chambray blouse is a total winner that I find myself reaching for whenever I'm stumped about what to wear. I've had it for years (before chambray blouses were cool, if you can believe that) and it's been through quite a lot, but one thing will never change - a good chambray blouse will always be an important part of my uniform. 

Especially in winter, leather leggings are a go-to for me. But my uniform doesn't require them. Any super skinny pant works just as well, whether it be denim, ponte, or even cotton. And jeans with some rips? Even better! 

One of the most comfortable and versatile shoes out there are booties. I have countless styles and they never fail me. Trust - no matter what you're wearing a great booty will elevate it. And when you're in a rush? Well nothing beats the ease of throwing on a pair of these babies. 

Unless of course I'm having a bad hair day, a hat isn't a usual part of my uniform - but you can bet that unexpected accessories are! A hat is a surefire way to throw some color into your look and/or provide some interest to an otherwise simple ensemble.   

An everyday uniform obviously calls for some kind of purse to hold your day-to-day items. I like my bags to stand out and really reflect my mood as well as compliment my outfit. Oh and anything metallic is my best friend! 

I wear a watch every day so of course a watch has to be incorporated into my uniform. I have many different types but this one is such a fun alternative to a straight-up plain one. Creativity is essential in the magical uniform, people! 

This wouldn't be my uniform without some jewelry. I'm a total sucker for statement necklaces! This is one is a modern-styled piece that looks great with anything.  

Photos by Dan Harper

[coat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // chambray blouse: Madewell (similar here) // leather leggings: Ann Taylor (similar here) // pink beanie: Ann Taylor (similar here) // silver booties: Sam Edelman // necklace: Ann Taylor (old) // clutch: Carlo Fellini (I also like this one) // watch: Kate Spade // silver & rose gold cuff: Ted Baker // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // eyeshadow: Innerstellar palette by Kat Von D // lipstick: "Bare Pop" by Clinique] 

There you have it, the building blocks of my personal style and go-to look. Sometimes it's a problem how much I rely on a chambray blouse and skinnies but oh well, everyone has to have a signature :)

SHOP ::

Bright On :: neon yellow sweater + cobalt bag

I love wearing black but sometimes I find myself in a rut, a perpetual cycle of all black all the time. And while black IS a fabulous color (and totally slimming I might add), it can also be kind of depressing when worn 24/7. So it's times like those when I take it upon myself to inject a little sunshine into my wardrobe. Believe me, never underestimate the power of neon! Sometimes it's JUST what your spirits need. 

This brighter-than-the-sun sweater is almost blinding, which is why I love it! It's brilliant, attention-grabbing, and has the power to completely boost your energy when it's STILL winter outside. ...Ugh, can it be spring yet please? Plus, there's almost nothing that does a better job of letting you stand out in a crowd... which is pretty powerful when you're in a place as bustling as Grand Central Station.

Skinny jeans are skinny jeans, right? That's what I though too before I spotted this unique pair of pants. These skinnies are high-waisted and totally flattering AND nothing goes better with them than a crop top. Why? They boast this attractive row of buttons at the top, which I can't get enough of. Seriously, they're just begging to be shown off! 

Cobalt is such a rich hue that it grounds neon and adds a definite sophistication to an otherwise youthful look. And at this point in the winter season, I am ALL about color. The more, the merrier! Adding a pop of brightness through a bag is a no-brainer way to experience an early spring. 

...But of course my beanie reminds us that it is in fact still chilly outside. This is my ultimate favorite beanie though - the plum pom pom made of faux fur is such an amazing finishing touch! AND it adds more color ;)

Alexis Bittar is one of my all-time favorite jewelry designers. This necklace is a piece I received for Christmas and I've been having a lot of fun wearing it since. I love how it's slightly edgy but also has a minimal aesthetic to it. And that gorgeous color? Striking yet neutral at the same time! 

Since neon is the theme here, I played that up through my earring and nail polish choice as well as with my sweater. I'm loving bright blue for spring and it surprisingly compliments so many other colors!

A super simple way to take your look to the next level is opting for heeled booties rather than flat ones. Now I love my Chelsea boots probably even more than the next girl does, but when I slip into a pair of heels, I instantly feel more elevated - both figuratively AND literally. Heels = polish, every time. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[sweater: J.Crew // jeans: STS Blue (super similar here) // booties: Nordstrom BP. (identical pair here) // hat: Ann Taylor // bag: Kate Spade (I also like this one) // necklace: Alexis Bittar // earrings: Kendra Scott // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lip gloss: Buxom in "Tequila Sunrise"]  

My dad and I shot these photos last weekend on the coldest day of the year for New York. Believe me when I tell you I would have froze to death if we took these outside. It was brutal! But we found a lovely setting in Grand Central Station so it's all good. Plus it was fun to see just how much I truly did stand out with my brights in a sea of black clothing. 

The weather here has warmed up since then but we still have some degrees to go until we're safely into spring territory. Until then I'll just keep rocking my neon and crossing my fingers for sunshine IRL. 

 SHOP :: 

Purple Haze :: lavender coat + leather + glitter flats

I don't know about you, but I'm just itching for spring. Hopefully we won't have to hold on for too much longer, after all, the groundhog did declare an early end to winter! But in the meantime, I'm getting my fix by incorporating sweet candy hues into my everyday looks. I mean...wearing pastels makes spring arrive quicker, right? RIGHT?! Here's how to make them work when there's still snow on the ground. 

A great statement coat is a total game-changer in the world of fashion. Especially during these chilly days of winter, an exciting topper will have you looking fresh and stylish - anything to stand out amongst an endless sea of black, right? And this lavender number is stunning. Its striking color makes me feel happy just looking at it, and it surprisingly goes well with many items in my wardrobe. 

To make such a bright shade of purple work in February, I paired it with not just any basic hues, THE basic hue - BLACK! Black totally grounds this spectacular shade and allows it to take center stage while also making it clear that yes, I do know it's still 30 degrees outside. 

Since I'm rocking the monochromatic look underneath my fab coat, I knew it was best to switch up textures - thus my no-fail leather leggings came into the picture! To give an outfit more depth when you're relying on similar colors or shades, incorporate pieces with different textures and materials. Leather definitely serves to break up the one-hue overload.  

There's a party on my feet! How fun are these glittery flats? I feel like Cinderella but much more comfortable because when you're running around the city, who has time for a heel?

I'm a big believer in beanies. I mean, who isn't a proponent of staying warm when it's frigid outside? Wearing a hat is a stylish way of doing just that. I don't discriminate either, I wear beanies with EVERYTHING from blazers to pencil skirts. 

A pop of leopard is just what a minimalist outfit like this craves. Plus, the warm pattern makes this look even MORE winter-appropriate. Rawr! 

This Alexis Bittar piece is just as stunning as my coat. It matches it almost perfectly, which helps blend my lavender topper into my black pieces. The whimsical bauble is one of my ultimate favorites - what's even more special is that I got it in Boston with my family. 

Notice how my coat, necklace, and eyeshadow all match? Lavender is SUCH a pretty, feminine color, and I wanted to subtly incorporate it into as much of my look as I could. I was a bit reluctant to layer purple eyeshadow on my lids at first, I mean, I'm not in middle school anymore, but it turned out really lovely. I used Kat Von D's Innerstellar eyeshadow palette and the pigmentation of all of her shadows really impressed me. 

A look like this was a great choice for exploring the city with my dad. I wanted to stay warm while looking chic, and I have to say, this outfit was perfect! It was also super easy to create and wear. 

 Photos by Dan Harper

[jacket: J.O.A. Los Angeles from Max & Riley boutique in Boston (also love this one) // sweater: Ann Taylor (similar here) // leather leggings: Ann Taylor (similar here) // flats: Ann Taylor (also like this pair) // hat: Loft (similar here) // purse: Michael Kors (different color here) // necklace: Alexis Bittar // watch: Fossil // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // eyeshadow: Innerstellar palette by Kat Von D]

This weekend I welcomed my dad to New York City for the first time since I moved here over nine months ago. He wasn't here long, but we had an amazing time together while he was! Unfortunately he got sick, and now I'm sick (the flu is NOT fun), but I guess that's what walking around in the bitter cold for hours will do to a person. Looks like my immunity game is not as strong as I thought it was...

We took this series on The High Line in Chelsea - he had never been before - and I love how everything turned out. The High Line, and Chelsea in general, is an amazing place to shoot and just an amazing place to be. With New York Fashion Week in full swing, there was so much fashion and so much energy! 

 SHOP ::