All Choked Up // off-the-shoulder dress + black choker

That's right, I am ALL choked up over ALL of this summer's hottest trends - including chokers (duh), off-the-shoulder everything, and bright statement bags. And the best part? All three obsessions were MEANT to be worn together. Talk about the easiest way ever to be fashion forward! 

While tan lines are NOT my best friend (hello strappy swimsuits), off-the-shoulder tops & dresses are quickly starting to become my BFF. They are literally everywhere lately and I am not complaining! I love the subtle sexiness they bring to any look, plus they give off a totally effortless vibe. Oh this thing? I just threw it on! 

And of course to properly compliment any off-the-shoulder attire, you must wear a choker. That's right, the 90s are baaaack in a BIG way - embrace it! I mean come ON, this totally looks super cool (and it's what every supermodel on the planet is wearing right now). 

To tie in my black choker, I chose to wear black suede heels. These ground my look and really make this whole ensemble work. Plus look at them, aren't they gorgeous? 

Ah, the bright bag! This clutch just screams summer and I can't get enough of its vibrant energy. It completely transforms my dark-hued outfit into a summery look that's both exciting and fresh. A bold shade like canary yellow ALWAYS fits in! 

Ear climbers are THE earring of the moment and this gold pair I'm wearing is a real standout. They're edgy but in a non-intimidating, I-can-totally-pull-that-off way. 

Is a bright bag complete without bright nails? I painted mine neon pink as a fun compliment to my yellow clutch. And obviously I piled on the bangles like always because why mess with a good thing? 

Full disclosure: I did not do this to my hair. This is the work of a true professional - literally. It's called a waterfall braid (I learned something new) and I love it! My stylist also made sure to banish all of my crazy frizz (I didn't think it was possible but she proved me wrong) by using two miracle products from Drybar: Mr. Incredible leave-in conditioner and Sparkling Soda finishing spray. Voila - the result? Pure hair magic! 

This trendy look has been a favorite of mine so far this summer. And when I say I can't get enough of chokers, I am not lying! I've worn this baby for four days in a row before - proudly, I might add. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[dress: Banana Republic (sold out, similar here) // heels: Vince Camuto Signature Collection (I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // choker: Urban Outfitters // earrings: gift (I also like this pair) // bangles: Alex & Ani // gold knot bracelet: Kate Spade // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Smoky palette // hair products: Dry Bar's Mr. Incredible and Sparkling Soda] 

This is a total weekend look, am I right? Perfect for brunching, strolling, shopping, and overall city dwelling. And as this NYC heatwave kicks into high gear, an easy, breezy dress like this is a Godsend! Seriously. I love warm weather but boy I am not a fan of sweating my face off! And not going to lie, this dress is possibly the coolest thing I have in my closet right now - both temperature wise and otherwise ;) 

 // SHOP //

Double Duty Denim // chambray dress as tunic

When the air conditioner is blasting inside but the sun is beating down outside, a light tunic paired with ankle jeans and peep-toe heels is a comfortable and stylish compromise. Your biggest summer wardrobe challenge = solved. 

This lovely chambray piece doubles as a dress and a tunic, and you better believe I exhaust its versatility! I'm a huge denim fan so owning a chambray item that's virtually seasonless was like hitting the jackpot. I love experimenting with this dress and wearing it with jeans, jackets, blazers, boots, sandals -- you name it! The possibilities are truly endless with this one. 

White jeans are another one of those pieces that possess endless styling opportunities. I find myself reaching for this high-waisted skinny pair time and time again - especially in the summer. And worn with chambray, they REALLY shine! Make sure yours hit above the ankle to ensure your fabulous shoes see the light of day. 

WHAT a sexy and unique shoe, am I right? I just love how these look and I love how I feel when I'm wearing them. The mesh creates an undeniable athleisure tone while the heel height and patent leather toe strap are both very uptown chic. You really can't go wrong with a sleek, sporty pair like this. And even better, once your summer tan is in full swing, taupe is totally the new nude! 

Playing off the fun, sporty chic vibe of my look, this lavender rubber watch is totally practical and durable but ALSO super cute. I love the color, which is surprisingly neutral, and I love how light it is - I almost always forget I'm even wearing it! 

These black stud earrings are a go-to for me. Even if the rest of my outfit is casual, these always make me look a tad more dressed up and put together. It's crazy how a really great accessory has the power to do that! 

 I was going for a "sunset" effect with my eyeshadow. And while I don't REALLY know what that means or even how to exactly achieve it, I think I did a pretty good job. The end result is unique and a bit dramatic, which is the perfect accent for a relatively simple ensemble like this one. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[dress/tunic: Loft (similar here) // jeans: Loft (similar here) // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // earrings: John Hardy (similar here) // watch: Kate Spade (similar here) // silver bangles: Alex & Ani // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked palette // lipstick: Clinique's Bare Pop]

This is pretty much a no-fuss, straightforward outfit. It's really the shoes that make this look extra special. But no matter what footwear you chose to wear it with, this ensemble is fool-proof, and it always looks good! The formula is simple (chambray + white denim), but the result is polished and fashion forward - especially if you play with proportions like I did here. It's definitely a street style winner! 

// SHOP //