I'd Be The Man // High-Neck Blouse + Oversized Blazer

Sometimes you can't help it; you just feel like a boss. And on those days, projecting confidence comes naturally. But for times when you may need a little extra encouragement, it's amazing how much of a difference an outfit can make. In the words of Taylor Swift, this attitude-enhancing look makes me feel like THE (WO)MAN.

With help from Little Women, Victorian blouses are trending especially hard this spring. A high neck, ruffles, pleats, and bows all help differentiate this specific type of top. And with such romantic, traditionally feminine details, I prefer to toughen up the classic vibe with structured, casual pieces — i.e. a pair of skinny jeans and a long-line blazer.

A great blazer and/or a great pair of jeans can truly alter your energy. I love styling a blazer with graphic tees, denim, hoodies — even bike shorts or sweats — to provide extra polish. In short, it's the ultimate boss piece. Meanwhile, a flattering pair of jeans is ALWAYS a game-changer. You can't go wrong in either.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // blazer: Zara (similar style here) // jeans: Rag & Bone (similar pair here) // boots: Naturalizer // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this style) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar pair here) // earrings: vintage from my mom (I also like this pair) // lip color: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"] 

I'll leave you with this: dress for the person you want to be. Dress for the attitude you want. When you wake up in the morning, what message do you want to project to the world?  

// SHOP //

Windy City Chic // Pink Coat + Silver Boots

You hear it all the time in the fashion sphere — people talking about how they "can't pull off" a certain look or trend. Leather pants and metallic boots may seem like bold, risky choices, but really it's all about attitude. Henry Ford articulated it best when he said, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right.” When you feel confident, you look confident — and that, my friends, is what makes ALL the difference.

Two words: OWN. IT. Leather-effect pants are having a major moment and I cannot get enough of their sleek and edgy aesthetic. My sister was making fun of me over the holidays because I brought home three pairs of leather pants (I couldn't pack just one because DUH they all have different fits!). The icing on the cake though was when I received a fourth pair as a gift! 

Speaking of gifts, I received this Staud bucket bag for Christmas, and I immediately fell in love with the modern design and on-trend look. Even better, it comes with a crossbody strap, making it way more practical than it may look at first glance.

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[coat: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one), sweater: Ann Taylor (similar one here) // pants: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // boots: Zara (I also like this pair) // purse: Staud // sunglasses: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // "K" earrings: Diamonds Doing Good (similar pair here) // earrings: gift (I also like this pair) // lip color: Saint Jane Microdose Lip Gloss in "Nectar"]

I wore this look last month in Chicago during a jam-packed day with my family. We visited the Art Institute and checked out the Andy Warhol exhibit, dined out, and then I caught up with my best friend at a wine bar. I loved how I felt in this outfit, and that confidence carried me through my entire day. 

It can be easy to feel extra when you're outside of NYC. I love how in New York, you automatically feel empowered to dress HOWEVER you want. Thigh-high snake print boots at the office on a Wednesday? YES! Oversized, crazy, fur coat at Trader Joe's just because? YES! New Yorkers cannot be fazed. 

Sometimes I forget that no other place is quite like that. As much as I love Chicago, it's not a fashion capitol by any means. But sometimes that's part of the fun — i.e. standing out and making a statement! I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't let anyone get in the way of YOU being YOU. 

If the metallic boots make you smile, go ahead and wear them...even if you're in the midwest and already wearing sparkly lip gloss, leather pants, and a pink coat...and posing wildly in the street ;) 

// SHOP //

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

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!

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. 

Lavender and white is such a dreamy duo — especially in summer!

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[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 👌. Am I a lucky girl or what?

// SHOP //

Lavender Lady // purple coat + graphic tee

In 2019, pastels will once again be a color story to know (may I remind you of Lady Gaga's gorge Golden Globes gown?). From mint to periwinkle to cotton candy, soft shades ruled the SS19 runways, and are now owning the street style game. I’m exploring the dreamy trend by pulling out my lavender cocoon coat — which I admittedly don’t wear nearly enough. While you’ll see it again on the blog this season, here, I’m rocking it with an athleisure flair.

While mixing pastels is highly encouraged — I mean, more IS more, right? I decided to ground my lavender coat and purse with neutral shades. Enter: black and gray. Monochrome is another way to go when it comes to ice cream hues, but I love the stark contrast of such a soft color paired with stark darkness. But no matter how you style pastel colors, they never fail to feel like a breath of fresh fashion air.

Trust me, as a New Yorker, I have a major thing for wearing black. But it’s so invigorating to switch it up — especially in the outerwear department. In a sea of black, you’ll totally stand out in a dreamy hue. And if pastels seem intimidating, follow my lead and pair one light shade with all dark neutrals.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[coat: Max & Riley, a boutique in Boston (similar one here) // top: Anthropologie (similar one here) // pants: J.Crew // shoes: Adidas // scarf: A.L.C. (similar one here) // hat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // purse: Rebecca Minkoff // necklace: vintage Tiffany & Co. // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // watch: Fossil (I also like this one // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked3 Palette // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics "Damn Gina" gloss) 

The first week of 2019 is already in the books, and I don’t know about you, but I am JUST starting to feel fully recovered from the holiday madness. Don’t get me wrong, my holidays were incredible — and they included some much-needed time at home with the fam — but I definitely didn’t get enough sleep, I definitely ate too much, and I for sure didn’t exercise nearly enough. But hey, what are the holidays for if not to hit pause on life? As a result, I’ve been easing myself into the new year, and so far so good! Here’s to my first of many 2019 looks 🥂

// SHOP //

Ready to Dazzle // metallic pants + feathered top

Ring in 2019 with dazzling pieces designed to turn heads. While I have no problem being extra all year long, on New Year's Eve, extreme extraness is practically a requirement! This year, I'm loving statement sleeves, subtle sparkle, and wow-worthy metallics. The result? A party-ready combo that's both refined and impactful.

These feather sleeves are so much fun, and I love how they effortlessly transform a simple black blouse into something much more elegant and festive. It just goes to show you don't have to go way over the top to make a statement.

How about these metallic pants? They're undeniably perfect for the holidays, but I'm also looking forward to rocking them into the new year with a simple tee and leather jacket. On NYE though, these babies will definitely have you shining bright! Mission = accomplished.

 Photos by Dan Harper

[top: Ann Taylor (out of stock now, but I also like this one) // pants: Ann Taylor // booties: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this one) // necklace: Madewell (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette // lip color: limited edition Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Spiced Plum (similar shade here in "Maple")]

With pieces like these in my arsenal, I'm determined to sparkle all the way through midnight. This year I'll be in Manhattan for New Year's Eve, and to be honest, I'll most likely be playing it low key. But you better believe I won't be skimping on my ensemble! After all, the only way to ring in the new year is in style ;) 

// SHOP //