Catwalk // leopard skirt + baby blue beret

Animal print may seem adventurous, but although all-over leopard is trending, you don't have to go head-to-toe. Start with one standout piece and build a neutral or monochrome outfit around it. Here, I relied on black to ground my look, and while I was at it, I couldn't resist a beret for a fun pop of color! 

This leopard skirt may just be my favorite purchase this fall. It's endlessly versatile, flattering, and full of personality. Most importantly, it's a super fun alternative to your run-of-the-mill black pencil skirt. I can easily see myself dressing this piece down with sneakers or going all out glam in strappy stilettos.

For an extra layer of warmth, I threw on my trusty varsity jacket. I honestly grabbed it without really thinking, but it actually made a great addition to my collegiate-inspired look. I love when pieces unexpectedly fit so well together. 

Photos by Antonio Owens

[top: Ann Taylor // skirt: Ann Taylor (another style here) // booties: Ann Taylor // beret: Anthropologie (similar one here) // sunglasses: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // first necklace: Uncommon James // second necklace: Uncommon James // third necklace: J. Crew // earrings: Loft (similar here) // purse: Alice & Olivia (similar one here) // jacket: POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics liquid metal lipstick in "Reign"// eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Infra-Red eyeshadow palette]

How gorgeous is Columbia's campus? After walking by and through it dozens of times, Antonio and I finally decided to do a shoot there. The crazy part is, we only live a few blocks away — how did it take us so long to finally snap some photos there? Needless to say, we'll definitely be back! 

// SHOP // 

The Short Of It // thigh-high boots + shorts

Squeezing extra life out of my shorts, I decided to rock them this past weekend with over-the-knee boots and an oversized blazer. In short? It turned out to be the perfect fall ensemble — not too cold, not too hot, and just enough sexy.

To give my look extra flair, I added a leopard crossbody and a wow-worthy statement necklace (which belongs to my mom btw — thanks, Mom!). I also threw on my chicest shades for a boost of effortless glamour. 

I've said it a million times and I'll say it again. I love fall, as we all do, because of its mild temps and endless fashion opportunities. After all, it's a season where you can simultaneously wear shorts, boots, and a sleeveless bodysuit all in total comfort.

 Photos by Julia Schell and Julie Harper

[bodysuit: Zara (similar here) // blazer: Theory // shorts: Banana Republic (similar here) // boots: Steve Madden // sunglasses: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // necklace: Roberto Coin // earrings: John Hardy // watch: Daniel Wellington // lip color: Clinique's Pop Matte Lip Colour in "Avant Garde Pop"]

I wore this outfit for a day that began with a friend-filled brunch, consisted of walking around NYC, and ended with a casual dinner out. And while I was comfortable the entire time, the weather's only getting chillier here in the city. Therefore, I wanted to show a bit of skin while I still can! 

// SHOP //

Suit Up // windowpane blazer + matching pants

Not just for the office — power suiting has become the cool girl's uniform. From weekend hangs to special events, a matching two-piece has never met an occasion it didn't like.

Suiting is undoubtedly a staple year after year. Classic, refined, and totally timeless, a flattering suit will instantly help elevate your wardrobe. This season especially, I'm loving windowpane and plaid; prints that are impactful yet not too busy. And the best thing about a suit? Each piece can be worn on its own time and time again. 

To ease up on the business-y vibe, I accessorized with bright, poppy pieces. A punchy solid color makes a playful yet powerful statement while my red lip oozes cheerful confidence. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: Banana Republic (super similar one here) // pants: Banana Republic (super similar pair here) // top: Ann Taylor (similar one here) // heels: Rebecca Minkoff (similar style here) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // watch: Fossil (I also like this one) // lip color: Too Faced Matte Long Wear Lipstick in "Love is a Battlefield"]

Fun fact: it was actually drizzling in these photos. It was one of those mornings where my weather app not only had no rain in the forecast, but while it was actually raining, it proceeded to say that there was zero percent chance of precipitation. Hmm...and that's when all you can do is sigh and put your hair in a ponytail!    

// SHOP //

Topping It Off // yellow dress + wide-brim hat

Is it obvious yet that I've been crushing on yellow? As an It color of 2018, yellow has been everywhere! I've been embracing the trend by pairing it with bold colors like red, and topping it off with even bolder accessories — like this wide-brim hat.

I couldn't get enough of these black sock booties last year (I love them so much, I bought them in two other colors...), and I know I'll be wearing them just as much, this — and next — year too. Skirts, dresses, and ankle jeans/pants are the perfect way to show them off. 

Now that hat season has officially arrived, I plan on taking full advantage in beanies, berets, and statement styles like this one. After all, hats are the perfect exclamation point to any Fall ensemble.

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // hat: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // booties: Ann Taylor // purse: MICHAEL Michael Kors (I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // watch: Daniel Wellington // lip color: Limited Edition Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in "Spiced Plum" (similar shade here)]

It's outfits like these that make me fall in love with fall all over again. This is the season for puff sleeves, fancy toppers, and rich hues coupled with brisk walks in the park — sign me up!   

// SHOP //

Color Flash // blue jumpsuit + magenta blazer

Bold hues make for a fresh and exciting fall palette that feels empowering and polished. Continuing to plunge into a sea of color this season, I'm adding brights to my regular wardrobe rotation... And in case you couldn't tell, I am all about it.

Rich jewel tones teamed with deep cobalt is your new fashion-forward power pairing. I fell hard when I first spotted this blue jumpsuit, and I love how versatile it's proven to been — despite its out-there color. Next, I plan on pairing it with a leather jacket and black heeled booties. When it gets even colder, this will look just as fabulous with a white turtleneck layered underneath. 

With all of this color going around, I grounded my look with black heels and a moody floral clutch. When in doubt, I've learned that black never fails to tie bright colors together. In turn, delicate jewelry finishes off this look with a touch of elegance and charm.

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[jumpsuit: Banana Republic // blazer: Theory (different color here) // heels: Sam Edelman (similar pair here) // clutch: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // necklace 1: Uncommon James // necklace 2: Uncommon James // earrings: Kendra Scott (similar pair here) // lip color: Karl Lagerfeld lipgloss in "Karl 7"]

Happy October! Call me basic for saying it, but October is my favorite month and, yes, I've already decked out our apartment with pumpkins and Halloween decor — anyone else? I've also stocked up on pumpkin-flavored foods and can't wait to bake pumpkin muffins in the upcoming days.

But when it comes down to it, this season is all about comfort and warmth, and let's be real, you can never have too much of that. 

// SHOP //