Ring It In // sequin top + skinny jeans

Friday, December 29, 2017

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an Ann Taylor sequin silver top
One last hurrah before party season is officially over! When I saw this sequin top, I couldn't resist. Sparkles are something I never shy away from, but for a special occasion they're especially easy to pull off. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper on New Year's Eve
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a New Year's Eve sequin top
Nyc beauty blogger Kathleen Harper wearing New Year's Eve makeup
For an extra oomph, I matched my eyeshadow to my top. I made my whole look pop with a metallic red lip. And of course crystal dangle earrings are the icing on the cake. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's New Year's Eve outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear sequins
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing black calf-hair booties
The best part about rocking a statement piece like this top is that you can keep the rest of your outfit super simple. I paired mine with uber dark skinny jeans and black calf-hair booties. No need to go over-the-top!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing New Year's Eve outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a silver sequin top
Photos by Sarah Harper
[top: Ann Taylor (sold out, but I also like this one) // jeans: Gap // booties: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // clutch: Hobo (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Naked 2 palette // lip color: Bite Beauty lipstick in Amuse Bouche Spiced Plum]

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and is ringing in the new year with loved ones. Here's to a happy and healthy 2018! 

// SHOP //


Glitter Eyeshadow Beauty Look // holiday NYE makeup tutorial

Wednesday, December 27, 2017


Christmas may be over, but the biggest night of the year is yet to come! Obviously everyone wants to look their best on New Year's Eve, and I'm so excited about my newest makeup tutorial because it can help you get there! 

If you love glitter, this look is for you. If you THINK you like glitter but have been hesitant to try it, this look is also for you. I've been obsessing over STILA's Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow lately, and this beauty look is absolutely perfect for not only the holidays but also any party or big-night-out. 

Let me know what you think in the comments below and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel here ;) 

And thank you to the amazingly talented Ryan Kathleen Greene who not only shot this video, but also edited and directed it! You can check out her other impressive works here

Product details & links: 
(in order of appearance)

Benefit Cosmetics: Dandelion Box o'Powder Blush
Urban Decay: Eyeshadow (in "Suspect," but "Stray Dog" is similar)
Urban Decay: Naked Palette



Holiday Shine // sequin jacket + velvet pants

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit ideas
My holiday lookbook wouldn't be complete this year without some sparkle & shine. This sequin blazer is a standout piece that was made for this time of year, and paired with velvet trousers, it only becomes that much more luxe. 
Beauty blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday makeup
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing black velvet pants
These velvet pants are my secret weapon when it comes to LOOKING polished while FEELING comfy. They're essentially glorified sweatpants that work double duty from desk to dinner. Pair with chic heels for an even more elevated look. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear velvet pants
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper holding a leopard Michael Kors clutch
Red nails and a red lip instantly make any party outfit infinitely more festive. An elegant leopard clutch doesn't hurt either. Don't be shy about pairing the wild print with other patterns, as leopard is essentially a neutral -- and it looks especially fabulous when worn with stripes.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper at the High Line Hotel Christmas tree
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a sequin blazer
[jacket: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // blouse: Ann Taylor (similar here) // pants: J.Crew // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // clutch: Michael Kors (similar one here) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Liquid Lipstick in "Crimson"]

Hope everyone's been enjoying the holiday season so far! As I post this, I am back home with my family in Chicago. Being home for Christmas is something I look forward to every year, and I'm extra thankful to be able to stay through New Year's! Isn't family time the best time? 

// SHOP // 


Very Merry // red blazer + ruffle-hem pants

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit ideas
Think beyond the dress this party season, and turn to the update-to-know-now -- statement pants. A ruffle-hem dress pant equals forward-thinking glamour, which basically means it's stylish AND effortless -- aka two of my favorite things!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a red blazer
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday outfit with pants
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing cropped ruffle-hem pants
This festive outfit is SO fun and easy to wear. I've been super into pants this season, and it's a lot easier than you think to incorporate them into dressy looks for the holidays. Add a bright jacket or blazer like I did, and don't forget some type of bold shoe. This pair features an embellished block heel that I'm obsessed with.
Nyc beauty blogger Kathleen Harper wearing holiday makeup with a red lip
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing 2017 holiday clothes
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday outfit
You know me, sparkly accessories are my thing -- especially during Christmastime! I've had this sequin black clutch forever -- my mom gave it to me in middle school after she had already owned it for a couple of years. It's one of those purses I break out for special occasions. I love how it compliments my makeshift festive pantsuit!  
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper with a sparkly black clutch by Coach
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday office party outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in front of the Lotte Palace Christmas tree
[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // blazer: Ann Taylor (similar here) // pants: Banana Republic // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // necklace: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // clutch: Coach (I also like this one) // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Liquid Lipstick in "Crimson"]

The Lotte New York Palace Hotel Christmas tree is pretty famous here in NYC. While the Rockefeller Center tree is a big tourist destination, this attraction is just as magical and beautiful, but a bit lesser known. And for all of my fellow Gossip Girl lovers, yes, this courtyard should look familiar. This hotel is where Serena and her family lived during season 1, and the cast actually filmed here!  

// SHOP //


Rockefeller Photo Shoot // behind the scenes

Friday, December 15, 2017




Hi YouTube world! I know it's been a minute, but I've finally posted another video to my channel. This project was super fun to work on because it gives some insight into what goes on BEHIND the scenes of a weekly photo shoot. 

Even better? You get to see all the amazing Christmas decorations at Rockefeller Center! We shot this at 8 am on Dec. 2 and it was about 40 degrees outside -- brrrr! 

For outfit/makeup details, and to view the post that we shot this day, click here. Also, don't forget to subscribe to my channel by clicking here! I don't have a ton up there yet, but another makeup tutorial is already in the works and you won't want to miss it! 

Super special thanks to my incredibly talented videographer, video editor, video visionary, and very good friend: Ryan Kathleen Greene! Check out more of her impressive work here

A Holiday Hit // ruffle-sleeve dress + statement necklace

Monday, December 11, 2017

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in holiday dress
The perfect holiday dress doesn't have to be red, green, or even metallic. A deep plum hue is a refreshing take on festive dressing -- and with statement sleeves, a dress like this becomes an instant hit. Just add a statement necklace.
Nyc beauty blogger Kathleen Harper showing holiday makeup ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday party outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper carrying a gold holiday clutch by Rebecca Minkoff
While ruffle sleeves truly make this dress stand out, the accessories you add will send it into home-run status. For this look, I chose delicate gold jewelry -- including a unique dreamcatcher necklace -- and a metallic clutch that's right on-point for party season. To polish it off, sock booties give off sophisticated chic vibes while still being comfy enough to wear all night.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in Rockefeller Center at Christmas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear black sock booties
Nyc beauty blogger Kathleen Harper wearing Stila glitter eyeshadow
In terms of holiday beauty, you can't get much more festive than a shimmery glitter eyeshadow. This one by Stila is hands-down my favorite -- it's got quite a cult following too! It's tasteful, elegant, yet doesn't skimp on the shine. I'll be rocking this all holiday long! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a ruffle sleeve dress
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a 2017 holiday dress by Ann Taylor
 [dress: Ann Taylor // booties: Ann Taylor // necklace: & Other Stories (I also like this one) // clutch: old Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // glitter eyeshadow: Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in "Smoky Storm" // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics KoKo Kollection in "KHLO$" (similar shade here)]

How gorgeous is Rockefeller Center at Christmastime? Of course we had to get there early (try 8 am) to beat the crowds for these pics, but it was so worth it. This dress was also surprisingly warm, as it's a thick sweater material - perfect for chilly days! 


All Aglow // golden pants + ruffle sweater

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear gold pants
With this party look I'm embracing traditional holiday favorites. Think metallic, ruffles, cherry red, and golden accents - aka the makings of a fabulous Christmas ensemble! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a red coat
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday outfit in 2017
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a ruffle sweater
The ruffles on this sweater make it truly special, not to mention uber stylish (and festive). Paired with gold pants and pops of red, it's THE perfect Christmas sweater -- no need for sequin Santa hats and embroidered snowmen.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday outfit
Beauty blogger Kathleen Harper wearing holiday makeup
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear sock booties
An outfit like this works for so many different events this time of year. I can easily see myself wearing this to an office holiday party, a festive gathering with friends, or even Christmas Eve dinner with my family. But the best part? It's insanely comfortable! Never underestimate the coziness of silky culottes and a soft sweater.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a Christmas party outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit ideas
[sweater: Anthropologie (similar style here) // coat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // pants: & Other Stories (in silver, here) // boots: Ann Taylor // purse: Furla // necklace: Kate Spade (I also like this one) // earrings: Alexis Bittar // gold knot bangle: Kate Spade // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics KoKo Collection in 'Okurrr']

These photos were taken in front of the Lord & Taylor flagship store on 5th Ave., NYC. Aren't the decorations gorgeous? But the craziest part is that EVERY department store here in the city goes all out like this. It's truly a beautiful sight. 

Christmas music even plays on the streets here. No one does the holidays like New York. If you're coming for a visit, make sure to check out the decorations outside Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier, Macy's, and Rockefeller Center too! 

// SHOP //