Feeling Wild // Python Jacket + Lace & Leather

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a python print outfit.
A little bit of leather, a touch of lace, and a splash of animal print will give you a wildly chic look that's part sexy, part fierce, and 100 percent on-trend. Date night, girls night, or any night, this outfit will supply ample confidence. All you have to do is get into it.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's date night outfit idea for fall.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a python print jacket.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper carrying a black patent leather clutch.
I'm back at it again with the snakeskin. This time, I'm rocking a buttery soft blazer jacket that adds just the right amount of pizazz to anything you pair it with. I love this piece styled with edgy, sexy pieces like a leather mini skirt and lacy bodysuit just as much as I love it over skinny jeans and a white tee. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear animal print to work.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 fall street style.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing pearl drop earrings and red lipstick.
It may not seem like it at first glance, but this look truly is versatile. It actually kind of has a Jekyll and Hyde effect, which is fun! By day, it's office-appropriate with the jacket buttoned and closed. But by night, BAM! It can be completely transformed simply by keeping the jacket open or removing it entirely. I love a good two-looks-in-one ensemble!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Financial District photo shoot.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a fall outfit with a snake print jacket.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a work outfit for fall.
[jacket: Anthropologie // bodysuit: Victoria's Secret // skirt: Zara (I also like this one) // boots: Ann Taylor // clutch: Hobo (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // earrings: fine jewelry gift (similar pair here) // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics liquid matte lipstick in "Gorg"]

I WAS feeling a little wild when I put this outfit together. Leather, animal print, and lace make quite the statement on their own, but when combined, they create a whole new animal. Add red lips into the mix and you've got yourself a bonafide look-at-me ensemble. 

Something like this is perfect when you're after that attention-grabbing effect. But I love that this outfit can also keep it chill when all buttoned up. It's basically the ultimate desk-to-happy-hour combo ðŸ‘Œ. 

// SHOP //


The Leather Layer // Paper Bag Pants + Leather Jacket

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper fall street style.
Jacket season is just about here, which is excellent news for layers lovers like myself! And since perfect fall weather never seems to last long in NYC, I'm already taking advantage of the cooler days we've had here. Before we knew it, it'll be coat season...and THAT is something I'm NOT ready for!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a paper bag pants outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing paper bag pants from Athleta.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall outfit inspiration.
I picked this jacket up from Anthropologie in August (happy birthday to me) and I had my first opportunity to wear it two weekends ago. When I think of leather jackets, my mind immediately pictures a black moto, so I love that this is an unexpected take on one of fall's biggest trends.

After all, (faux) leather has invaded the street style scene this season, with bold head-to-toe looks going mainstream. I'm talking leather tops styled with leather trench coats, leather pants, and leather boots on the bottom. But if all of that's a little too leathery for you, a jacket like this one is the perfect way to dip your toe in the trend.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a black bodysuit for fall.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing black slides from Theory.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing 2019 Fall fashion trends.
These paper bag pants have been one of my new favorite things since I tried them on in Athleta back in July. Now that shorts season is coming to a close, I'll be getting even more use out of them. 

They're unbelievably comfortable — as in they feel like a second skin — they're super lightweight and breathable, they're wrinkle resistant, AND they look like a fancy, chic trouser.  
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall outfit idea.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Fall 2019 beauty look.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall fashion outfit ideas.
[bodysuit: Zara (I also like this one) // pants: Athleta // jacket: Anthropologie // Shoes: Theory (similar pair here) // purse: Kenzo (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics matte liquid lipstick in "Khlo$"]

I love that this is an outfit that can easily be worn to work but it's not like your other work clothes — they're cool (and comfy) work clothes ðŸ˜‰. They give off a polished downtown vibe that can carry you even beyond the office. 

// SHOP //


Do The Polka // Wrap Top + Levi's

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper at New York Fashion Week 2019.
If there's one thing I've learned in this industry, it's that on-trend looks don't have to cost an arm and a leg. Sometimes a single new item can completely reinvent an outfit. Take this ensemble for example. Everything I'm wearing here is AT LEAST one season old...except my top.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing the best jeans for petite women.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall makeup look with dark lipstick.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall denim outfit idea.
Let's be clear, while every piece, excluding my top, may be "old" by fashion standards, they still look relatively fresh, which means in the REAL WORLD, they may not actually be that old. I get it. But fashion does move fast, so typically, if something is a few seasons old, that can be the difference between on-trend and old-news.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall date night outfit idea.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing hand-painted heels from Naturalizer.Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing white Naturalizer pumps.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall street style.
I decided to add this top to my arsenal because I instantly knew it would upgrade my favorite Levi's jeans (almost a year old). I was also attracted to its retro flair, which I thought would perfectly complement the cat-eye shades (two years old) and white pumps (6 months old) I already owned. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a polka dot wrap top.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a silver Rebecca Minkoff top handle purse.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing Levi's wedgie jeans.
My fiancé and I are currently in saving mode, which means I've been creatively challenged with making some of my "old" pieces feel new and modern again. The key lies in how you style them. I've also learned that strategically purchasing a FEW new items here and there can do wonders for your entire wardrobe — no overhaul necessary.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall outfit inspiration with jeans and a wrap top.
[top: Nordstrom // jeans: Levi's wedgie fit // heels: Naturalizer // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // hoop earrings: fine jewelry courtesy of my mom (similar pair here) // lip color: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Chaos"]

At the top of every season, scope out the trends and do your research. I keep my pulse on the fashion world through Instagram, people watching IRL, constantly refreshing the "New Arrivals" pages on my favorite brands' sites, and reading posts from Who What Wear and POPSUGAR.

Next, make a list of your MUST-HAVE pieces. This should consist of a few items that encompass your favorite current trends — pieces you know will completely elevate everything else you pair with them. This is the hardest part because it takes some serious thought. My first instinct every other season is to declare I need new EVERYTHING, but when you're on a budget, you have to think objectively. Be honest with yourself!

Once you know what you need to feel stylish for the season ahead, take your time scouring the internet/the world for a good deal. Patience is key here, people. For affordable, fashion-forward items, I love MANGO, TopShop, Zara, Bloomingdales' Aqua line, and Nordstrom's Halogen line.

Remember, a fantastic, on-point pair of heels or a statement-making top is oftentimes ALL YOU NEED to take your older items to the next level ðŸ‘Œ

// SHOP //


Third Time's a Charm // Bike Shorts + Denim Jacket

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a fall bike shorts outfit.
You didn't think I'd let summer end without featuring my beloved bike shorts one more time, did ya? I'm not lying when I said I've been living in these guys since July. For pre-fall, I'm styling them with oversized top-layers and thick, cozy crop tops. (check out looks 1 & 2 for more inspo).
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 fall fashion.
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a personalized screen-print denim jacket.
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 fall fashion ideas.
Denim jackets have a way of adding an effortless, cool vibe to any outfit. Whether you throw 'em over your shoulder or wear 'em fully buttoned, they're ideal for this transitional time of year. 
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's bike short outfit idea.
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing the gold layered necklace trend.
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing her favorite high-waisted bike shorts.
Monochrome black with denim on top and a purple pop of pastel makes for an easy look that's casual, on-trend, and flattering. Did I mention comfortable? In high-waisted, stretchy bike shorts, you'll feel as if you're wearing sweatpants!
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear bike shorts for fall.
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an Urban Decay naked 3 palette makeup look.
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's denim jacket outfit idea.
[jacket: Levi's (personalized) // top: Aritzia (I also like this one) // shorts: American Eagle (super similar pair here) // sneakers: Adidas // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // gold chocker 1: Uncommon James // gold chocker 2: Uncommon James // gold pendant necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // ear jackets: gift (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked3 palette // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

Fall may be quickly approaching, but I'm getting as much mileage as I can out of these bike shorts. Next, I plan on wearing them with an oversized sweatshirt. ...You may just have to pry them off my cold, goosebump-ridden legs once winter hits!   

// SHOP //