The Nutcracker Suite // military jacket + bow blouse

I always try to incorporate at least one jeans outfit into my holiday roundup each year. While denim isn't something you immediately think of wearing to say, a holiday party, it totally works for most occasions (even the festive ones). Here's the proof...

Interesting hardware or embellishments help make a pair of jeans fit right into any holiday situation. I love how this pair has a bunch of buttons front and center, making them standout but in a subtle way. 

A sophisticated top instantly dresses up denim as well. I chose a bow blouse in festive burgundy. Add a jacket over your whole look and you're golden. Technically my blazer is "military" style, but, especially this time of year, I like to think of it as a nutcracker jacket. You see it, right? It's pretty much exactly what nutcrackers wear, which means this is the ULTIMATE Christmas ensemble. 

Of course heels also help denim become party-appropriate. For standing/dancing on your feet all night, the shorter heel the better. But just because you're not wearing sky-high stilettos, doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. Leopard goes with everything and guarantees major polish. 

Photos by Antonio Owens

[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // jacket: Zadig & Voltaire (I also like this one) // jeans: STS Blue via Nordstrom (similar pair here) // heels: Ann Taylor // clutch: Carlo Fellini (I also like this one) // earrings: gift (I also like this pair) // dominant eyeshadow: Urban Decay's "Maui Wowie" // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in "Manic"]

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we can OFFICIALLY turn our attention to Christmas! Do you ever feel like Thanksgiving sometimes gets the short end of the stick? I mean, I personally like to celebrate each holiday one at a time. No Christmas music until AFTER Turkey Day -- who's with me?

// SHOP //

Feeling Thankful // fur vest + denim skirt + OTK boots

While usually "a holiday look" works just as well for Thanksgiving as it does for Christmas or NYE, THIS particular holiday ensemble screams Thanksgiving. From its neutral tones to casual chic vibe, this is a total Turkey Day winner in my book! 

 Although you can shop similar/the same pieces below, you don't need these exact items to recreate my look. Just grab your favorite mini skirt, a pair of your tallest boots, and go from there. If you have a vest or some fur, layer that up top. If not, a chunky sweater will do just as well! I kept my top simple with just a white v-neck and wanted my outerwear to speak for itself. 

Every great holiday look requires extra attention to accessories and makeup. In other words, bust out your sparkliest bling and your reddest lip! No lie, the right lipstick and a statement earring can really go the distance in tying your whole look together. Here I'm wearing a plumish burgundy lipstick paired with glitzy earrings and a wrap-around choker. It's ALL about the sparkle & shine this time of year!

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[faux fur vest: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // shirt: Ann Taylor // skirt: Urban Outfitters // boots: Guess // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // necklace: BCBG (I also like this one) // earrings: gift (I also like this pair) // lipstick: Nars in "Liv"]

Is it just me, or are these boots BEYOND fierce? I feel like a million bucks in them, and, better yet - they're on sale! Speaking of sales, I am so looking forward to taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals this year... although Black Friday has seemed to morph into an entire month-long event! 

But while shopping is great and all, remembering what you're thankful for is truly what the month of November is all about. This year, as always, I'm extremely grateful for all of my loved ones and for my life here in NYC. Tell me what you're thankful for below! 

// SHOP // 

The Season Kickoff // fur + stripes + sock booties

It is THAT time of year again! I'm kicking off the holiday season with a little extra glam in the form of (faux) fur, velvet textures, rich hues, and a dash of sparkly bling. Can you tell I've missed holiday fashion?

Holiday dressing rule #1: don't be afraid to go all out. The simple fact that it's November/December gives you total freedom to layer on the glitter, metallic, and frills. Here, I couldn't resist wearing festive statement earrings along with bold fur, leopard print, and even look-at-me velvet booties. 

Holiday dressing rule #2: don't take your party look too seriously! I know it's cliche, but it's so true. This season is all about having fun and wearing pieces that you wouldn't normally go for - like sequined dresses and silver blouses. So if you love it? Wear it! Trust me, nothing is TOO shiny...

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[bodysuit: American Apparel (similar one here) // skirt: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // booties: Ann Taylor // fur stole: Ann Taylor (similar one here) // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // lip color: Dior Addict Lip Tattoo in "Natural Berry"]

From now until New Year's Day, all of my posts will be holiday-focused. I'll be sporting festive looks that are easy to copy for your upcoming office holiday party, family gift exchange, Friendsgiving, and everything in between - wahoo!

// SHOP //

The Bold Stripe // topper + track pants

An outfit that's comfy, colorful, AND cool? Sign me up! This look was inspired by this season's track-pant obsession, as well as the beauty in making bold choices. With stripes galore, look-at-me hues, and elegantly loud accessories, it was fun finding the magic in this unexpected combo.

As much as we thought it wouldn't come - and as much as I personally protested - colder weather has arrived! And while bundling up doesn't give me any sort of thrill, the right layers can look uber chic and glamorous - if properly styled and accessorized! This striped topper is so fun to wear, and pairing it with equally bold, bright pieces only makes it even more special. 

Track pants. You saw them EVERYWHERE in the 80s and 90s, and now they're back! The difference? Today's fashionista is styling them with an added sophistication. Not only are they comfortable and effortless, but they make quite a statement when dressed up (exhibit A). 

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[topper: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // t-shirt: Ann Taylor // pants: Ann Taylor // sneakers: Tretorn via Anthropologie // purse: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // earrings: Alexis Bittar // necklace: Chan Luu // watch: Ted Baker (similar style here) // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Liquid Lipstick in "Crimson"]

A polished look like this hits my fashion sweet spot. Wearing this ensemble while touring D.C. during a recent family trip, left me feeling energized and confident. This is definitely one of my favorite looks of the year!

// SHOP //

Blaze On // sock booties + oversized blazer

Excitedly combining a few of my favorite trends from this season, I whipped up this casual chic look that works just as well on Saturday night as it does on Monday morning. 

Cropped jeans have been everywhere this year. Not only do these flattering pants hit at your ankle, they're also a super straight cut with a slight flare, making them perfect for pairing with THE hottest shoe of 2017 - the sock bootie!

I love this pair of blue velvet booties because they look gorgeous next to blue jeans. If I could describe them in one word, I'd pick "regal." 

I loooove graphic tees. And I love them even more when worn with a great jacket. Here, I paired my "muse" tee by Zadig & Voltaire, with an emerald-green boyfriend blazer. Notice how it hits below my hips and has pre-scrunched sleeves? Those are two of my favorite qualities in a blazer. And this stunning jewel-tone hue doesn't hurt either!

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Zadig & Voltaire (similar one here) // blazer: Zara (super similar style here) // jeans: J.Crew // booties: Ann Taylor // purse: Burberry (I also like this one) // necklace: Tiffany & Co. (vintage) // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Liquid Lipstick in "Comeback"]

Oversized blazers, jewel tones, sock booties, cropped jeans, graphic tees, and metallic bags - gang's all here! But these are just the fall trends that I can't get enough of - what about YOU? What items are you obsessing over this season?

// SHOP //