The Formula // Strapless Crop + Midi Skirt

I'm all about easy outfit formulas; something reliable you can confidently reach for time and again. I recently discovered a combo that I truly can't get enough of, and you'll be seeing a WHOLE lot of it on my blog this summer. All you need are two things...

I'm not pretending I discovered the eighth Wonder of the World. My formula is simple and something you've probably worn yourself. BUT it felt like an epiphany when I realized just how versatile —  and flattering — it really is. 

I'm talking crop (or short) tops paired with anything high-waisted. It's SO easy (no tucking required) and looks SO put-together. I've quickly become obsessed and decided ALL I want to buy right now are shorter tops and super-high bottoms. In fact, I even took the long-time favorite top I'm wearing in this post and got it tailored, cutting off major inches from the bottom to make it significantly more cropped. #Dedication. 

This formula is especially convenient for summer, as you can apply it to shorts, lightweight pants, and skirts of all lengths. Whether you want to go super cropped up top with a bandeau, or opt for something that hits at your belly button, there's definitely a rendition of this combo that will work for you — that's part of the beauty! 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: J.Crew, with tailoring (I also like this one) // skirt: Tibi (I also like this one) // heels: Zara (old, but I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (similar color here) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // necklace: Uncommon James // dangle earrings: Kendra Scott // initial stud earrings: Diamonds Doing Good (I also like this pair) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in "Hudson"] 

I'm serious when I say I've become somewhat obsessed with this pairing! Virtually all of my upcoming posts will feature a version of a crop-top, high-waisted-bottom look (some more cropped than others...). 

The duo works especially well on hourglass figures, as it highlights our waist and gives our curves shape. I'm finally starting to realize that I can't waste my money on passing trends just because they're popular. It's way more satisfying and beneficial to invest your money in items that work for YOU and YOUR body. Mastering this formula and making it a signature of mine is exactly how I plan on doing that!

// SHOP //

Python Pursuit // Jumpsuit + Invisible Heels

If you’re ready to make a statement this summer, opt for a full-body print. I particularly love animal print for its chic neutrality; and lately, python has been my poison of choice.

More and more, I’ve been hearing friends and coworkers praise the ease and versatility of a jumpsuit. Jumpsuits elicit a real power moment that’s equal parts fierce and professional. When the office AC gets the best of you, add a leather jacket or sharp blazer. When winter rolls around, layer a turtleneck underneath.

 I couldn’t wait to try these heels after discovering them on Target.com. Available in both black and nude, I immediately added the nude to my shopping cart, knowing they’d make my legs look super long. I’m happy to let you all know that they have not disappointed! 

They blend into my skin so well, giving my feet that of-the-moment bare-foot look. And in return, they not only pair well with anything, but they enhance my legs, which is ultra-important for a 5′1″ shorty like myself. 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[jumpsuit: Banana Republic // heels: Who What Wear at Target (similar pair here) // purse: Furla (similar style here) // sunglasses: Linda Farrow for The Row (super similar pair here) // earrings: Club Monaco (I also like this pair) // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

I wore this look this past weekend for a day filled of NYC adventuring with Antonio. We started our day on the Lower East Side and made our way through SoHo and into the West Village - all on foot (yes, I did have to slip out of these heels and into some nude flip flops). We ended the evening at our favorite Manhattan pizza place - Emmett’s! Nothing like some Chicago-style pizza to round out an amazing Saturday!

// SHOP //

A Daisy Sunday // white tee + wrap skirt

Lazy Sundays don't have to mean lazy dressing. This outfit formula not only looks effortless, it IS effortless. So basically, I'll rely on it all summer long — and you can too!

A plain white tee is good for so many things — including lazy days and just throwing on with literally anything in your closet. I simply added a bold skirt and monochromatic accessories for an elevated look that secretly took next-to-zero planning. (If you're craving more outfit inspo, check out Hello Thalita — her OOTDs are 👌)

Alright, these sandals are like WALKING ON A CLOUD. They're my second pair of Naturalizer shoes and I am in love — they're all I've been wearing lately because they're so darn cute and — hallelujah — don't give my feet any trouble. I'm the kind of person who gets blisters in nearly every shoe except sneakers, so these babies have been a saving grace and I can't wait to add more to my collection!

 Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[skirt: Anthropologie (sold out, but I also like this one) // tee: J.Crew // sandals: Naturalizer // hat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (similar pair here) // choker: Uncommon James // seashell necklace: fine jewelry (super similar one here) // pearl pendant necklace: Dogeared (similar one here) // bangle: Alex & Ani // lip color: CLINIQUE Pop Liquid Matte in "Cake Pop"]

I felt so good in this outfit when I wore it just this past Sunday. I took a stroll through the park, brunched with my friends al fresco, did a little shopping, and ran errands in it. The weather was gorgeous, which of course meant everyone was looking their cutest, and I couldn't have felt more confident in this easy-peasy ensemble!

// SHOP //

We're Engaged! // The Proposal Story

If you read my last post, or follow me on Insta, you already know that Antonio and I are ENGAGED ! Last week I promised the proposal story, so here we go — in all its magical glory...I’ll try not to get TOO sappy! 

To be completely 100, I had a VERY strong feeling Antonio would propose on May 25th. After eight years, we know each other extremely well, and over the last four or five months, I had been picking up on subtleties that all seemed to add up to an engagement on our anniversary — aka 5/25. 

In fact, I was so convinced it was going down on May 25th that I even told my hairdresser I’d be engaged next time he saw me (lol), and I picked a light pink shellac polish during my regular manicure appointment — because you know, pink nails are a must, JUST IN CASE. But! After Antonio insisted we go to D.C. for Memorial Day Weekend, and that we leave on the morning of May 25, I was totally caught off guard...Is it NOT happening? 

I was having major doubts up until 9.14 pm on May 24th when I found an elegant-looking envelope sitting on top of my toothbrush. THIS IS IT — and it was! The card read: “Please set your alarm for a 7:00 AM wakeup call. Do not ask any questions. I ask that you trust me and play along. Love, Antonio.” 

Per the card’s request, I set my alarm for 7 am sharp and did not ask questions. Unsurprisingly, I barely slept that night. When my alarm *finally* went off, I jumped out of bed and discovered Antonio was no where to be found. At 7:02, I received the following text from him: “Wake up. Get up. Get dressed. And look nice." He also sent a cute meme and a "Happy anniversary!" message followed by instructions with my first clue (which, by the way, were color-coded according to how close I was to the end of the hunt).

I got super excited and started actually doing the scavenger hunt...But I soon realized I needed to get dressed first. So once I looked engagement-ready, I started hunting for the cards and following the riddles — including watching a video he had made for me, finding flowers, and reading a super sweet card.

My favorite clue read, "I'm occupied six days a week, but if you don't own me, you can't take a peek." It lead me to our mailbox, which is where I found a note that read, "Congrats! You are one step closer to finding me. Use the address above for your next destination." 

Needless to say, I was getting giddier by the minute, and by this time, I was shaking with excitement. Antonio told me to bring my suitcase for our D.C. trip along with me, so I quickly finished packing, and by 8:20, I was in a car en route to the address he provided. 

Said location was Central Park Conservatory Garden — a gorgeous, gated garden that I didn't even know existed. I walked up to the iron gates and felt like I was in a fairytale — that or The Bachelorette! The space was completely empty except for, off in the distance, I spied Antonio all dressed up and waiting for me by the fountain. (Can you spot him in the below photo off to the right?).

After I made my way over to him, and he looked super dapper if I do say so myself, he handed me one last card. When I looked up after reading it, he was standing by the fountain, where he proceeded to go into his heartwarming engagement speech. As soon as he got down on one knee, the tears started to flow (from me, ha!), and I heard a camera clicking away. 

And now, what you're all waiting for — THE RING! Let's get into it... You guys, this ring Blew. Me. Away. Not only is it the sparkliest, most gorgeous thing I've ever seen, but Antonio designed it himself and had it custom made in Chicago. And no, I did not help him at all. I didn't even know what I wanted in a ring to begin with, but he designed the most perfect piece that's SO me. It's truly special, and I've been staring at it nonstop! 

After THE moment, we had a mini photo shoot in the park with the very talented Tom Therkildsen. Antonio proposed at 9 am, and by 9:45, we were on a bus heading to D.C. It was such a beautiful, magical whirlwind — a true storybook engagement that we're still riding high on! 

 Our "engagement-moon" in D.C. was fabulous as well, and we're so appreciative of all the love and support we've received since announcing the news. Right now it's looking like our wedding will be in early July 2021, so for now, we're taking our time planning, saving, and enjoying ❤️.