Let the Good Times Glow // Silver Top + Leather Leggings

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's NYE outfit of a sparkle top and leather leggings.
I'm ready to ring in the new year in something that stand outs and makes me feel confident. After all, a new decade is upon us! Leather, sparkles, and polished accessories are currently reigning supreme, and for 2020, they're all you need for a modern statement look.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a New Year's Eve outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a sparkle top with leather leggings.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing black calf hair booties from Ann Taylor.
Sparkles on New Year's Eve aren't exactly unexpected, but it's also the only time of year when too much is just enough. So in other words, GO FOR IT! A metallic glitter top is a dazzling way to make an entrance in a way that doesn't feel overboard. 

I especially love the subtly retro puff sleeves on this Rebecca Taylor piece and the flattering ruching. It's small design details like those that take an item from ordinary to extraordinary. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's party outfit idea with pants.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's party hair style with a sparkle headband.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's New Year's Eve outfit idea.
To kick this look up a notch, I added (faux) leather leggings. While a bit extra for the every day, it's perfect for a night out or a party. A rockstar-esque studded crossbody, edgy black booties, and a glitzy headband complete my ensemble. Good luck getting off the dance floor in an outfit like this ;)
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Rag & Bone leather purse.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a silver Rebecca Taylor top.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a leather leggings outfit.
[top: Rebecca Taylor (I also like this one) // pants: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // booties: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Rag & Bone (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: fine jewelry (similar pair here) // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

I'm so excited for 2020, and, if you ask me, the best way to start a new year is to start it in style. Put your best foot forward in something that makes you feel unstoppable! Happy new year!

// SHOP //

Instant Cheer // Puff-Sleeve Dress + Padded Headband

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a black holiday party dress.
Sometimes the right outfit is all you need to feel all the festive feels. For me, that usually means slipping into a party dress (or jumpsuit) and adding fun accessories — like a red lip and statement hair accessory. Voila — instant holiday cheer!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in front of the Lotte New York Palace.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper at a New York City holiday photo shoot location.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an organza puff sleeve dress.
How's THIS for a holiday party dress? Complete with organza puff sleeves and a flattering A-line skirt, this ultra-chic frock was MADE to make an entrance — and an impression ;) It was designed by my friend Quigley Goode of Officially Quigley, and I love how it embodies her playful style in a chic, easy-to-wear way. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing black Diane von Furstenberg heels.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a puff sleeve black dress.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an Officially Quigley dress from Amazon's The Drop collection.
A splash of red lipstick and a green bag are all my monochrome outfit needs to feel Christmasy. Everything else can stay chic and black, making for a polished look with *just enough* holiday flavor.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's green plastic box purse.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in front of the Lotte New York Palace Christmas tree.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday party outfit.
[dress: Amazon's The Drop by Officially Quigley (no longer available, but I also love this style) // heels: Diane von Furstenberg (I also love this pair) // purse: Ann Taylor (sold out, but I also love this style) // headband: Anthropologie ($16 option here) // earrings: Banana Republic // lip color: Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Portofino" (similar shade here)]

This is my last 2019 holiday blog post from NYC! I'll be in Chicago for Christmas, and while I'm excited to have some down time with my family, I'll definitely miss all of the decorations in New York. No one does the holidays like The Big Apple!

These photos were taken at Lotte New York Palace, which is one of my favorite spots every holiday season. This was Antonio and mine's third shoot here with the tree, and honestly, it never gets old! 

// SHOP //


Monochrome Holiday // Winter White Suit + Glitter Heels

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday photo shoot locations in New York.
A power suit always makes a statement. But for the holidays — especially in a crisp shade of white — that statement goes above and beyond. Sophisticated and polished, this is your party-ready look that’ll shake things up.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2019.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday photos in New York City.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper holding a Diane von Furstenberg white patent leather clutch.
Arguably just as essential as a great party dress, a sleek suit is a one-and-done outfit that’ll always impress. Not only is it a tad unexpected, it’s timeless and polished no matter the occasion. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday suit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a white monochrome outfit for the holidays.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing silver glitter heels from Ann Taylor.
Ornate heels are your ticket to a standout look this holiday season. From glitter to embroidery to velvet to mesh, the perfect party shoe is ALL about being *just enough* over-the-top. 

I’ve had these sparkly pumps for four years now and, to be honest, I’ve only worn them a handful of times. What? You can’t pull out your most extra shoes for just any old occasion ;) But seriously, I love how well they work with this monochrome look. They add a festive touch that also blends right in.

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an all-white suit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Rockefeller Christmas tree photo shoot.
Monochrome looks trended hard all year long, and heading into 2020, they’re just as popular as ever. I knew I wanted to have a tonal moment this holiday season, and it turns out all white is the freshest take out there.

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a power suit for the holidays.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's photo shoot with the Rockefeller Center holiday decorations.
[blazer: H&M (similar style here) // trousers: H&M (similar style here) // turtleneck: H&M (similar style here) // heels: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // clutch: Diane von Furstenberg (I also like this one) // necklace: Madewell (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // lip color: Tarte Cosmetics Tarteist Lip Paint in "Delish"]

Taking photos in NYC this time of year is especially challenging. You have to be extra strategic in order to capture all of the amazing holiday spots and decor while avoiding the photobombing crowds. 

For this shoot, Antonio and I got to Rockefeller Center by 8 am this past Sunday. I thought even that may be too late but we totally lucked out! Although the tourists were definitely out and about, we still managed to get loads of clear photos. As a result, this is my favorite holiday shoot to date!

// SHOP //


Holiday-Party Ready // Slip Dress + Plaid Coat

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 holiday photo shoot in New York City.
December means it’s time to party. From pearlized clips to glittery clutches and velvet boots, all things festive are not only fair game, they’re ENCOURAGED. You know what they say, the more the merrier - and this holiday season is ALL about being merry (...and bright. And sparkly.)! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a cute Christmas party outfit.
Beauty blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 holiday hair style.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an office holiday party outfit in New York City.
Sleek and chic, this holiday-approved look isn’t over-the-top, but it still packs a festive punch. This black slip dress has been one of my favorite pieces these past few months, and layered with a tee underneath and a printed coat on top, it’s perfect for your next soirée. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a plaid coat in New York City.
Fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday party outfit in NYC.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a layered slip  dress outfit in New York City.
Never underestimate the power of details - especially for a party or event. These embellished barrettes are playful yet elegant and serve as a super easy way to add a hint of glamour to any look - even jeans and a tee. 
Fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 holiday outfit inspiration.
You may have noticed that my hair looks extra fabulous in these photos ;). That’s because I had gotten a blowout earlier in the day. It’s a wonder what a good hair day can do for your mood and overall spirit! I highly recommend treating yourself to a trip to the salon before a special occasion - it’ll give you SUCH a feel-good boost of confidence. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing pearl clips in her hair in New York City.
[coat: Sam Edelman (I also like this one) // dress: Aritzia (similar style here) // tee: Aritzia (I also like this one) // boots: Ann Taylor // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // necklace: MANGO (I also like this one) // earrings: Kendra Scott (super similar pair here) // hair clips: Amazon // lip gloss: Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss in "Backtalk"]

The Christmas season is about a week shorter than usual this year, and I am FEELING it. Anyone else? Things feel more hectic than normal (which says a lot), and I just know that I won’t be able to accomplish every little thing on my list. But you know what? I’m learning to be okay with that. We can’t do it all, and this is the perfect season to practice self-care, patience, and being present. After all, I don’t just want to “get through” the holidays, I want to EMBRACE them! 

// SHOP //


It's a Match // Burgundy Coat + Windowpane Pants

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall outfit inspiration.
Matching my turtleneck to my coat, I'm strolling into this holiday weekend in a polished look that's perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, or any day of the week.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper on the Naperville Riverwalk.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a hair bow.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's cute outfit ideas for work.
I consider this look fairly business casual, so I couldn't resist adding a playful spin. This whimsical crossbody is quirky and fun and it totally takes some of the seriousness out of a buttoned-up outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing windowpane pants.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an impressive Thanksgiving outfit idea.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 fall outfit idea.
Burgundy, merlot, maroon, scarlet; no matter WHAT you call this deep red shade, it's a gorgeous fall-friendly hue that's flattering on all skin tones. I really took the theme and ran with it, even clipping in a velvet hair bow to match my coat and top. Sometimes matchy matchy hits all the right notes!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a burgundy coat outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall outfit in Naperville, Illinois.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a polished outfit idea.
[coat: Primark (I also like this one) // turtleneck: J.Crew // pants: Banana Republic (similar pair here) // boots: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Alice & Olivia // necklace: Anthropologie // earrings: fine jewelry (similar pair here) // hair bow: Wunderkin Co. // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics matte liquid lipstick in "Khlo$"]

This was such a fun outfit to style and wear. I think the windowpane pants really add an unexpected element that keeps the other pieces current and fresh. And of course burgundy is always a winning color. While I'll be playing it more casual on Thanksgiving Day, this look would make such a killer holiday ensemble. Not to mention, it's festive without being over-the-top.

// SHOP //