Hugs & Kisses // white booties + statement coat

Getting “dressed up” can take on many different forms. Whether you’re donning a ball gown for a special event or simply wearing a spiffy new blouse with your most flattering jeans, some things never change — and here, it’s the importance of polished outerwear. No matter how you’re dressing for date night, girls night, or even family night, if you’re putting effort in, that effort should extend to your last layer!

A statement coat completes even the simplest outfits, and, in extra chilly times like these, sometimes your coat IS your outfit. Although I have mad love for my trusty Eddie Bauer nearly-floor-length down coat (my mom, little sister, and I all own the same one), I try to step my outerwear game up a notch when I’m going to an event or have special plans. This fur-collar coat by Rebecca Minkoff is one of my favorites because it’s wool (aka warm) and never fails to make an entrance. Not only does it speak to my personality, but wearing it is just so FUN!

For this last Valentine’s-Day-inspired look, I wanted to try something different by incorporating a majority of black. I love how the “XO” on my sweater pops as a result, and in addition, the neutral backdrop really allows my coat to be the hero piece. I’m also rocking my favorite white booties (yes, again ;) but with visible black socks for a fun twist that pulls it all together. And finally, my blue clutch and blue earrings add an interesting and unexpected pop of color that brings a fresh lightheartedness to the whole look.

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[coat: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sweater: Banana Republic (old, I also like this one) // skirt: Zara (similar style here) // boots: Nic & Zoe // socks: Nordstrom // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // watch: Daniel Wellington // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette // lip color: Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick in "Lolita"]

 Surprisingly I was NOT cold during this shoot and yes, it occured just days ago in NYC during February! We were recently blessed with a few rare days of wintertime warmth, and Antonio and I definitely took advantage. It felt so good to be outside — and anyone else who lives in areas that experience harsh winters, I know you can relate — but after 30 degrees days, anything over 50 feels like legit summer, which is why I broke out a mini skirt sans tights! But rest assured, I won’t ACTUALLY be wearing this on Valentine’s Day this year!

// SHOP //

Check Yourself // red gingham shorts + twist top

Red gingham: the quintessential pattern of summer. It always seems to tag along on picnics, trips to the fair, and beach excursions. But for when I'm not living a summer paradise, I WEAR the print loudly and proudly...and it's almost the next best thing! 

 Red gingham is whimsical on its own, but put it in the form of high-waisted ruffle shorts and you have yourself a charming, feminine outfit-starter. To up this look's edge factor, I paired my gingham with black and white. After that, my retro red accents were a no-brainer. 

I’ve been wearing shorts more than usual this summer and I’ve found they’re actually more versatile than I previously thought. This look for example is totally date-night appropriate. I’ve been trying to branch out in the shorts department too - they don’t all have to be denim! 

 Photos by Dan Harper 

[top: Zara (similar one here) // shorts: Zara (identical pair here) // shoes: Express (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // lip color: Marc Jacobs lipstick in "Oh Miley"]

The adorable pup in the second photo is my family’s dog Cody. I love featuring him in my photos whenever possible. These were taken during one of my visits home to Chicago this summer, and Cody definitely stole the show! 

// SHOP //

Orange You Glad // plaid shorts + twist crop top

Let's talk orange! Arguably THE color of summer, orange is bright, bold, and full of fun. And contrary to popular opinion, anyone can rock this cheerful hue. I grounded the orangeiest of oranges with navy, white, and a dash of lavender. My advice? Don't be afraid!

Twist crop tops have been steadily creeping onto the fashion scene this summer and I am so here for it. Back in May, I immediately snatched this one up in two colors (the orange you see here and also in black because, versatility). Not only is this style made for high-waisted anything and everything, but it's a brilliant swimsuit coverup too.

I may be alone here, but plaid has a tendency to feel "too played out" for my liking. However, it's such a classic print that of course I own MORE than a few plaid things. I combat my iffy feelings about the pattern by pairing it with uber trendy pieces — like look-at-me makeup and/or modern accessories such as pointed-toe shoes and studded jewelry. Traditional, meet edgy. 

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Zara (similar style here) // shorts: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // slides: Nanette Lepore (I also like this pair) // purse: Rebecca Minkoff // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // choker: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // earrings: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this pair) // watch: Fossil // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in "Crash"]

Although I quickly threw this outfit together earlier this summer when I was home in Chicago, it's actually one of my favorite looks from the season. I especially love how my orange top, sunglasses, and lipstick really popped. But why stop there with the color? My purple crossbody adds a whole other dimension of fun!

// SHOP //

Spot On // polka dot blouse + mini skirt

The unofficial start of summer has arrived, and I am fully embracing this 85 degree heatwave with short hemlines and light-as-air tops. The result? A preppy chic combo with a touch of retro flair!

A spotted blouse is playful and eye catching. I tied mine at the bottom as a trendier alternative to tucking it in. And to contrast the business-casual vibes my button-down suggests, I paired it with a mini faux suede skirt in edgy black. 

A thick fabric headband, sharp cat eye sunglasses, and a ladylike purse are the accessories that seal the deal. This season especially, I'm turning towards small extras that make a big impact. Think bold earrings and even bolder lipstick!

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blouse: Loft (similar style here) // skirt: Zara // heels: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // choker: & Other Stories (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // watch: Daniel Wellington // lip color: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in "Dolce Vita"]

I wore this look for last week's Friday evening date night where we dined al fresco and enjoyed fresh brick oven pizza on the Upper Eastside. We walked to our dinner reservation from my midtown office and got to enjoy the weather and the sights along the way. There's nothing like almost-summertime in NYC!

// SHOP //

Blazing Shorts // oversized blazer + swing shorts

Spring is a magical season where you don't have to worry about bundling up or cooling down. Instead, the just-right temperatures allow you to mix it up with proportions and combos! Enter one of my favorite outfit formulas: blazer + shorts.

Pairing high-waisted swing shorts with a boyfriend blazer will give you an effortlessly cool vibe that's casual yet polished. For an extra oomph, slip into a pair of trendy heels. I love these nude peek-a-boo booties by Vince Camuto because they're easy to wear and are way edgier than your average pump.

Let me just take a second to gush about graphic tees. I firmly believe that a graphic/slogan t-shirt creates a solid foundation for SO. MANY. OUTFITS. Pair 'em with blazers, skirts, denim, cardigans -- you name it. A graphic tee is a true hero piece that you'll never regret owning multiples of. Trust me, I get sooo much use out of the one I'm rocking here!

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: Zara (I also like this one) // tee: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // shorts: Banana Republic (super similar style here) // shoes: Vince Camuto (I also like this pair) // purse: Alice and Olivia // necklace: Free People (I also like this one) // lip color: Clinique Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour in "Cake Pop"]

Once again, I couldn't resist matching my eyeshadow to my surroundings. I love my blazer's deep forest green color, so I decided to incorporate the same shade into my beauty look! I kept my lips neutral with Clinique Pop.

 Recently I wore this outfit for Sunday brunch and then last-minute errands. Don't get me wrong though, for errands I most definitely changed into sneakers ;) I'm not superwoman!

// SHOP //