Ring It In // sequin top + skinny jeans

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. 

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. 

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!

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

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)

Smashbox: Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Covergirl: Outlast All-Day Soft Touch Concealer (in "Fair")

bareMinerals: Original Foundation Broad Spectrum (in "Fair 01")

Urban Decay: Naked Flushed Palette (in "Going Native")

Laura Geller: Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator (in "Fairy/Diamond Dust")

Benefit Cosmetics: Dandelion Box o'Powder Blush

Maybelline: Great Lash Clear Mascara

Maybelline: Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara

Benefit Cosmetics: They're Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara (In "Black")

Urban Decay: Eyeshadow Primer Potion (in "Original")

Urban Decay: Eyeshadow (in "Suspect," but "Stray Dog" is similar)

Urban Decay: Naked Palette

STILA: Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow (in "Smoky Storm")

Urban Decay: 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (in "Zero")

Maybelline: Volum' Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline: Line Stiletto Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Urban Decay: Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil

Urban Decay: Vice Lipstick (in "Shame")

Holiday Shine // sequin jacket + velvet pants

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. 

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. 

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.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[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

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!

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.

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!  

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[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

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

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.

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.

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! 

 [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

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! 

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.

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.

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[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 //