Springtime Blues // Cropped Chambray + Leather Pants

My world definitely doesn't look like this right now. These were taken much earlier in the month when 2020 Spring Fashion was a still a thing. Now we're all wearing a whole lot more sweat pants and a whole lot less high heels. But while this isn't the year ANYONE had in mind, it won't last forever. Until then, I'm trying to get more creative around the apartment while enjoying spring from the comfort of our home.

It's hard to resist a red-lip-denim moment. I love this combo any time of year, but I love even MORE how it came together here with leather trousers, round shades, and an artwork-esque bag. This look is chic, simple, yet majorly impactful.

When I first spotted this STAUD bag online, I fell in love with its unique shape. STAUD has some of the prettiest, most original purses I've seen, and they're true outfit game-changers. The amount of polish this bag adds to my outfit shouldn't be legal ;)

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[top: Rag & Bone (I also like this one) // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // boots: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: STAUD // sunglasses: The Row x Linda Farrow (similar pair here) // necklace 1: Uncommon James // necklace 2: Uncommon James // earrings: Kendra Scott (charms here, hoops here) // hair clip: Wunderkin Co. // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics liquid matte lip kit in "Kristen"]

These are the last of the extra photos Antonio and I took before the Earth flipped upside down. Clearly we won't be able to hit the streets of New York anytime soon for a photo shoot, which definitely hits a somber note — on more levels than one.

I'm not sure how my blog will look moving forward, but we'll take it one week, one day at a time. For now, I'm more thankful than ever for mine and my family's health. Stay well, everyone <3 

// 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 //

Jump To It // lace jumpsuit layered over t-shirt

Spotted on every street style star and fashionable coworker alike, the jumpsuit is now cooler than ever. Wear yours over a logo tee (or plain crop top like me) and finish off your look with statement earrings. THAT'S the new way to wear this red-hot trend! 

Breeze between seasons with a chambray button-down. Whether it's tied around your waist or thrown over your shoulders, keep this versatile piece on hand to fend off the chills until summer. 

Elevate your daywear with popping accessories like fire-engine red earrings and a lip to match. Red accents compliment virtually every color combo, but if red's not your thang, try cobalt blue or canary yellow accessories -- those hues are also known for being universally flattering. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[jumpsuit: Banana Republic (I also like this one) // tee: American Apparel // chambray: Urban Outfitters // sneakers: Tretorn // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // earrings: Anthropologie (similar pair here) // lipstick: Marc Jacobs Beauty lipstick in "Oh Miley!"]

I recently wore this outfit to brunch with friends at The Smith and then shopping with Antonio. Walking all over the flatiron district that day, I realized how much I love jumpers, how I don't own enough of them, and how I desperately need more. Luckily they're SO huge right now so pretty much every store has tons of options to choose from. 

I love the styles below, and my goal is to add at least one or two more to my wardrobe before spring ends. 

// SHOP //

Wild At Heart // leopard vest + thigh-high boots

I know what you're thinking. A skirt -- in January? I may be walking a little on the wild side, but stepping out sans tights in below freezing temps is actually totally doable (see my tips below)! Oh and speaking of "wild," this leopard vest has completely stolen my heart! 

So you've decided to wear a skirt in the winter. First of all, I applaud your fashionable spirit (I mean, pants for three months straight gets SO boring). Second, if you're going to do it, you should do it right. Start by adding boots -- the taller the better. It's even ok if your boots and your skirt overlap, resulting in zero skin exposure (that's actually super in right now). 

Now that you've got your legs mostly covered, pile on the layers up top. Here, I started with a sleeveless chambray button-down. Layering with a sleeveless top is my secret weapon because it lessens bulk in your arms! Next I threw on a chunky cable knit with a v-neck, which perfectly shows off the collar of my blouse. And finally, the icing on the cake, my gorgeous faux fur vest. (Pro tip: if you really want to get technical, I'm also wearing a cami underneath my chambray).

Photos by Dan Harper 

[vest: J.Crew (similar one here) // sweater: Ann Taylor (similar one here) // chambray blouse: Forever21 (similar style here) // skirt: Ann Taylor (similar one here) // boots: Steve Madden // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // earrings: & Other Stories // watch: Vitae London // gold spike bracelet: Stella & Dot]

Is there any leopard print item that I don't love? No. The answer is no. And it just so happens that this lovely piece is just as functional as it is fabulous. I love wearing this vest because it truly does pack in serious heat -- all my faux fur items do! But it does so in a polished, stylish way. With warm pieces like this, who needs pants!

// SHOP //

Triple Threat // denim jacket, top, & jeans

I'm not going to lie - rocking an all-denim look (or Canadian tuxedo, if you will) is a bold move. I've also found it's a bit controversial! What I mean is, people have VERY different opinions about head-to-toe denim, with some thinking it should be completely avoided. I have to admit, this was the first outfit I've ever posted on my blog that I was actually nervous about wearing. But you know what? I think I pulled it off. Here's why...

You don't have to be gutsy to pull off wearing multiple denim pieces at once. I've found that it really comes down to your accessories and how you construct the outfit as a whole. Pay attention to shades of denim - each piece should either match to a tee, or be vastly different. While I'll admit that I didn't quite master that technique, my fashion-forward accessories help to distract from the oversight. 

I didn't just whip out my sparkly booties, bright yellow clutch, statement sunglasses, and look-at-me lip for nothing. These bold accessories help modernize the jean-on-jean effect while giving my ensemble authority and street style cred. A fun belt, chic hat, or unique necklace would have a similar impact. The key? Make your outfit MORE than just denim-on-denim-on-denim.

Collecting buttons for my vintage-wash jean jacket is something I've been having fun with lately. The added embellishments help break up all this denim - same with the stripe down my boyfriend jeans. 

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[jacket: Gap (similar style here) // top: Forever21 (similar style here) // jeans: Ann Taylor // boots: Marc Jacobs // purse: Trina Turk (similar style here) // sunglasses: Anthropologie // earrings: & Other Stories (I also love this pair) // lip color: Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Girl Gang"]

So! What do you think? I want to hear YOUR thoughts on all-denim looks. Love, loathe? Yay, nay? Let me know if this is a trend better left to the Canadians ;)

// SHOP //