Feel the Love // Pink + Red Valentine's Day Dress

Pink and red are quintessential Valentine’s Day colors. Put them together, in one dress, and you’ve got a classic date night outfit worthy of VDay and beyond. It may be cliche, but it’s also one heck of a bold choice — in the best way!

Pink and red are loud enough on their own - especially in a luxe fabric like satin. To ground my look, I added the blackest of black accessories. My headband, matching heels, and cheeky crossbody ensure this look is wearable no matter where you’re heading. ...Hello wedding season!

I’ve been super into pants lately but there was just something about this dress that really caught my attention. Pink and red is a playful combo that, although slightly unexpected, has been EVERYWHERE this past year. It feels so fresh, so fun! Adding black into the mix gives it a chic, winter-approved twist.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // jacket: Rebecca Taylor (I also like this one) // heels: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this style) // headband: Anthropologie // necklace: fine jewelry courtesy of my mom (I also like this piece) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 palette // lip color: Huda Beauty Demi Matte Cream Lipstick in "Sheikha"]

I can't end this post without calling attention to the gorgeous trench coat I'm wearing in some of these pics. A Christmas gift from my mom, this unique jacket takes an essential utility piece and transforms it into something that's just as fresh as the color combo underneath it. And come on — those ruffles? Such an elevated touch.   

Enjoy the rest of your week and happy Valentine's Day!

// 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 //

Greener Pastures // square neckline + statement earrings

Green is the color of springtime — it's refreshing, charming, and upbeat. This year especially, shades of green are abundant, as it reigned supreme during Fashion Month. In emerald, the hue is downright irresistible. Pair it with pinks, and you have got yourself a LEWK. 

Square necklines are another major trend this year. I love how flattering they are on every body, and how they instantly add a fresh and modern twist to even the simplest looks. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene

[top: J.Crew // coat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // jeans: STS Blue via Nordstrom (similar pair here) // slides: Nanette Lepore (I also like this pair) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // purse: Anthropologie (I also like this style) // lip color: Fenty Gloss Bomb in "FU$$Y"]

I spent this past weekend in LA for work, and let me tell you, the sunshine felt incredible. It reminded me just how badly us East Coasters need warmer temps. Luckily, it's been starting to feel like spring here in NYC, and I've been taking full advantage. Greener pastures are on their way! 

// SHOP //

At First Blush // Metallic Skirt + Pink Coat

As far as Valentine's Day looks go, there's decidedly two vibes: sweet or sexy. This is the former. Dressing up for a special night out is exhilarating, and it's vital for me to feel confident, stylish, and ultimately, like me; which is why I love this charming combo of blush, metallic, and ruffles.

The pleated skirt is one of this season's key pieces, and paired with light pink, this look is wintery yet completely on trend for spring. Playing off spring even more, I added this blush-tone floral bag — it pulls the entire look together.

While I surprisingly haven't been wearing nearly as many dresses or skirts lately as I used to, there's something about Valentine's Day (or even just date night for that matter) that has a tendency to bring out my ultra-feminine side. And with pleated metallic skirts trending hard, I couldn't resist styling one with an undeniably ladylike twist.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[sweater: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // skirt: Express (old, but I also like this one) // coat: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // boots: Steve Madden // purse: Coach (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // "Love" necklace: Tiffany & Co. // barrel necklace: Lia Sophia (old, but this is another pretty option) // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kit in "High Maintenance," similar shade by Urban Decay in "Double Team"]

I have to admit; I felt like a princess in this look. It also didn't hurt that this location totally looks like the balcony of a castle! But while this outfit is perfect for a date night or a date afternoon, it's also a great combo for an outing with your BFFs — any time of day! The best part? The pop of blush of course!

// SHOP //

Skirt The Rules // chambray + ruffle midi skirt

Oh hello, summer! It's time to get playful with your closet -- I'm talking bold prints, bright colors, and eye-catching accessories. For me, this fabulous skirt is the ultimate statement piece!

This ruffle skirt is everything. Not only is it super flattering, but I love the nautical stripes and high-low ruffle tiers. You'll be seeing me in this baby a lot this summer! While I can't wait to pair it with every crop top in my closet, it'll also look great with a graphic tee and sneakers.

I'm all about color this summer, whether that means incorporating it into my outfits in subtle pops or wow-worthy bursts. I tied pink into this look with my earrings, sandals, and lipstick. My orange lenses (can you spot the Chicago skyline in them?) serve as a fun compliment to the cheery hue. 

Photos by Sarah Harper & Dan Harper 

[skirt: Banana Republic // top: Forever21 (similar style here) // sandals: Ann Taylor (identical pair here) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // earrings: Anthropologie // necklace: Tiffany & Co.// lip color: Marc Jacobs Beauty Cream Lipstick in "Willful"]

I was home in Chicago for 9 days last week, and it was glorious! I got to hang out with my family and oldest friends, and we had tons of fun making meals together, wandering the city, and shopping. Oh, and I went to the Taylor Swift Reputation tour with my dad! For all you going -- you're going to LOVE it. T.Swift does not disappoint!

I'm leaving you with a pic of me, my sister Sarah, and my mom -- taken by my dad. And that last photo is me and the man-behind-the-camera himself, my dad! Isn't family the best?

// SHOP //