Beach Please // Striped One Piece + BODY REAL TALK

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a pink and white striped one-piece swimsuit.
Whether you're catching waves oceanside or chilling by the pool, the right swimsuit will have you soaking up the sun in style. This neon striped one-piece is my latest favorite.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 Rockaway Beach pics.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper on the beach with her striped swimsuit, striped beach bag, and striped towel.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a Solid and Striped one-piece swimsuit.
Sometimes rocking a swimsuit with confidence is hard. Join my TED Talk below ðŸ’—
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper at Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York 2019.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's beach photo shoot ideas.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's cute striped beach accessories.
How was my FIRST 2019 trip to the beach only this past weekend? Antonio and I headed to our favorite spot at Rockaway Beach here in New York on Saturday, and, as always I had a blast.

I went with a striped theme and completed my beachy look with neutral shades and a star-printed fabric headband, which was perfect for keeping my hair off my face despite the salty breeze. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing tan sunglasses from Banana Republic.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a pink and white Solid and Striped one-piece swimsuit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a low-back one-piece swimsuit from Solid and Striped.
While a comfortable-fitting, stylish swimsuit may be important, nothing complements a beach look more than unapologetic confidence. Usually that's the last thing we feel when we step into a swimsuit, but, at least to me, that can mean you haven't found the right swimsuit. 

The key is not only to find one that you think looks great on you, but one that makes you feel empowered; like yourself. Easier said than done, I know. But finding a suit you're proud of, is the first step to feeling great when you hit the sand — and beyond!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a cute outfit to the beach.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's beach photo ideas 2019.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper on Rockaway Beach, New York.
[swimsuit: Solid & Striped via Marshall's // headband: J.Crew (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // yellow & white towel: Kassatex New York // pink & white towel: Dock & Bay quick dry towel (I also like this one) // flamingo cup: Party City // striped beach bag: J.Crew // lip color: Sun Bum Tinted Sunscreen Lip Balm in "Raisin Hell"]

Not going to lie, as much as I adore the beach, I do NOT adore myself in a swimsuit. Posing for these types of photos, let alone posting them, isn't always the easiest thing. Looking back on all the pics Antonio and I took, YES I saw cellulite (way more than I even thought I had), YES I saw bulges I didn't know existed, YES I saw stretch marks, and you BET I felt my confidence deflate a few times.

I wish I had a secret confidence-boosting sauce to give to all my fellow fierce females out there, but the truth is, sometimes it's HARD to feel strong and beautiful, and that's ok. I've heard other people advise to think about how far you've come — no matter what that may mean for you. Personally, I think of my fitness journey — how much stronger I am now than three years ago, how much dedication I put into my cardio and strength training sessions. I'm physically not where I WANT to be, but in reality, will I ever be? Hmm, deep questions...

But no matter WHO you are, your body is capable of incredible things, and you better believe that's reason enough to celebrate! Your body woke you up this morning, it carried you through your day, it took you where you needed to go, and it continues to be with you every single step of the way. 

So maybe wearing a swimsuit isn't as easy as we wish it were, but the good news is that confidence and happiness grow from WITHIN, and propelling yourself forward is a journey you can start at any time — including now.

// SHOP //


Pineapple Express // Strapless Crop Top + Midi Skirt

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer 2019 outfit inspiration.
For those of you looking for a quintessential summer look that's playful, refreshing, and chic, this one's for you. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a white, strapless crop top from Aritzia.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an outfit perfect for a summer date night.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a pineapple midi skirt with a strapless, white crop top.
From rooftop cocktails to Sunday brunch, a tropical midi skirt paired with a breezy strapless crop top makes a statement. Printed sandals, complementary jewelry, and an on-trend bag are the icing on the cake. 

This top in particular is a favorite of mine and I love wearing it with everything from high-waisted jeans to colorful skirts. It's definitely a multi-faceted summer staple that was worth every penny. And guess what? It's available in multiple colors!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing Stuart Weitzman tropical, floral print sandals.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a high-waisted midi skirt outfit for summer.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a dressy summer outfit consisting of a midi skirt and strapless top.
Fruit-emblazoned skirts rise in popularity every summer, and while this one is a few seasons old, it's just as relevant as the day I bought it. But if fruit isn't your vibe, a tropical or colorful skirt gets the same point across. Switch it up, play with prints and hues, and have fun — it's SUMMER, people!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's outfit idea for a special occasion this summer.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a strapless crop top outfit.
[top: Aritzia // skirt: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // sandals: Stuart Weitzman (I also like this pair) // purse: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // necklace: Jennifer Zeuner (I also like this one) // gold bangle: Alex & Ani // lip color: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Vicious"]

The beauty of this combo is that it works just as well for a daytime wedding as it does for a day of shopping with your mom. I did the latter in this ensemble and then proceeded to head out to dinner with my family. I felt comfortable and confident all day, and I'm definitely keeping this outfit in my back pocket for my next bridal shower, birthday brunch, or even for days when I just want to look a little extra sparkly!

// SHOP //


A Casual Affair // Bike Shorts + Cropped Blouse

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a bike shorts outfit.
A classic workout staple, bike shorts have quickly become an essential in everyday wardrobes. While I was tentative at first to try the trend for myself, I haven't looked back since I did. Don't be fooled — this look may be casual, but my love affair with bike shorts is anything but!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a white blouse summer outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing high-waisted American Eagle bike shorts.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper carrying a printed Kenzo purse and wearing white Nike sneakers.
Here, I put an elevated spin on a sporty athleisure look by teaming my bike shorts and sneakers with bold accessories and a crisp white blouse. These shorts are so versatile though, and I especially love how high-waisted they are. The styling opportunities are truly endless. From a crop top and a blazer to an oversized tee and slides, it's almost hard NOT to wear these bike shorts every other day...  
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a dressy bike shorts outfit with a white blouse.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing high-waisted bike shorts, a white blouse, and sneakers.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a summer weekend outfit.
A splash of color goes a long way in an otherwise neutral outfit. These vibrant bursts of orange are fun and playful and oh-so summery!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an easy summer 2019 outfit of bike shorts and sneakers.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a summer outfit of bike shorts and a white blouse.
[top: Theory (I also like this one) // bike shorts: American Eagle // sneakers: Nike // purse: Kenzo (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // hoop earrings: Banana Republic // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in "Hudson"]

We have a heatwave coming through NYC this weekend and it's going to be an absolute scorcher. We're talking a real-feel of 104 degrees ðŸ˜±. Antonio and I are planning on going to the beach on Sunday, but now I'm starting to think — is there such a thing as TOO hot to take a dip? I guess we shall see! 

At least on Saturday we'll be nice and cool in a movie theater, because we're seeing the Lion King and I am pumped! We also have acupuncture appointments, which will be rejuvenating and relaxing. And who knows, maybe I'll break out my bike shorts!

// SHOP //


Summer Heat // Satin Maxi Skirt + Crop Top

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a maxi skirt with a black crop top tank.
I wasn't kidding when I said I have a new uniform! For my third post in a row, I'm shamelessly rocking another crop-top, high-waisted combo. This one is especially playful and bold, with a pinch of sexy, making it a perfect go-to look for hot summer days, and even hotter nights 😉.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a black crop top outfit with a satin polka dot maxi skirt.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a summer date night outfit of a crop top and high-waisted maxi skirt.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing black platform embroidered heels by Nanette Lepore.
A satin, body-skimming skirt like this one hugs your curves without feeling clingy. Paired with an extra short tank, it looks especially effortless. Meanwhile, you can always count on platform heels to help elongate and sculpt your legs - these babies do just that, plus I love the floral embroidery.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer date night outfit idea of a crop top and high-waisted maxi skirt.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a summer date night outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing statement gold hoop earrings with a yellow headband.
Red, yellow, and black complement each other so well. Throw polka dots into the mix and you’ve got a punchy combo worthy of hitting the town! For jewelry, I’ve been loving all sorts of hoop earrings lately. This vintage pair, gifted to me by my mom, is chunky, glam, and all sorts of fabulousness ðŸ‘Œ. Styled with the headband, they give my outfit a fun, retro flair.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a satin maxi skirt outfit with a black crop top.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing the perfect black crop top for summer 2019.
Photos by Dan Harper 
[top: Aritzia (similar style here) // skirt: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // heels: Nanette Lepore (I also like this pair) // purse: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // necklace: Kevia (I also like this one) // earrings: fine jewelry, a gift from my mom (I also like this pair) // initial earrings: Diamonds Doing Good // gold bangle: Alex & Ani // lip color: HUDA Beauty Matte Lipstick in "Joyride"

These photos were taken last week on Notre Dame University's campus during a visit with my family. My sister is currently a rising senior at Notre Dame, and I personally haven't been back on her school's turf since I helped her move in three years ago. 

At first, my sister just needed to be in South Bend to complete a shift at her summer internship, but my fam decided to turn it into a fun day-trip where we explored campus, ate locally, and took a stadium tour. We had a great time, and this outfit helped me combat the heat in style all day — and evening — long. 

// SHOP //


Lavender Dreamsicle // Off-the-Shoulder Crop Top + High-Waisted Pants

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a cute summer date night outfit.
I've never been a midriff gal, but when done right, the trend feels fresh, current, and surprisingly elevated. As I mentioned in my last post, my new go-to combo is a crop top paired with high-waisted anything. And this look in particular is high on my list of current favorites!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a summer outfit with a white crop top and lavender pants.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an off-the-shoulder top with high-waisted pants from J.Crew.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing delicate gold hoop earrings and an Alexis Bittar necklace.
To tone down my bare stomach, I opted for office-approved trousers teamed with close-toed pumps; and just like that, a crop top becomes polished and completely wearable for all sorts of occasions. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing high-waisted pants at work.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a lavender pants outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper providing summer outfit inspiration by wearing a white off-the-shoulder crop top and high-waisted pants.
Lavender and white is such a dreamy duo — especially in summer!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a white off-the-shoulder crop top.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a white Aritzia crop top.
[top: Aritzia // pants: J.Crew (I also like this pair) // pumps: Naturalizer // purse: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // earrings: fine jewelry, a gift from my mom (I also like this pair) // bangle: Alex & Ani // lip color: Fenty Gloss Bomb in "FU$$Y"]

I wore this outfit for mine and Antonio's recent engagement party. We're currently home in Naperville/Chicago area and our intimate get-together was absolutely perfect. Of course I wanted to wear the perfect outfit as well, and this seemed like the obvious choice. I ended up feeling so great in it, but of course I did manage to get red sauce on my right sleeve. Lucky for me, Antonio managed to scrub it out using bleach ðŸ‘Œ. Am I a lucky girl or what?

// SHOP //