Wild Card // Leopard Midi Dress + Trench Coat

Spring is a wild card. With chilly, frosted mornings and warm, sun-soaked afternoons, dressing can be tricky to say the least. You never know what you're going to get, which means layers are key. So is an effortless look that'll take you from day to night — preferably with leather and animal print ;)

This leopard midi dress is a current favorite of mine and has been since fall. Now that it's not freezing outside, I've been able to dust it off and try my hand at styling it in new ways. Here, I've layered it over a mock neck bodysuit and under a chic trench coat. Pointed-toe booties with an angular heel complete my spring-ready ensemble. 

I've said it one hundred times and I'll say it one hundred more: playing with layers is SUCH an easy way to add interest to any outfit — not to mention warmth. Get creative! This bodysuit under this dress helps breathe new life into my look; it adds dimension and polish in an instant. 

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Banana Republic (almost sold out, but this one is similar) // turtleneck bodysuit: Express (similar one here) // coat: Ann Taylor (old, but here's a similar style) // boots: Naturalizer // clutch: Hobo (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // earrings: gift (similar pair here) // lip color: Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick in "Joyride"]

My sister and I snapped these photos this past weekend in Atlanta. Antonio and I stayed at a charming bed and breakfast in the Inman Park neighborhood, which is where these pics were taken. Spring is already busting out all over the city — so much green! So many flowers! It was refreshing all around and made me even more jazzed for warmer weather here in New York. This is the kind of outfit I can see myself wearing rain, shine, or whatever this fickle season has to offer! Bring. It. On.   

// SHOP //

Power Stance // Black (Faux) Leather + Sheer Tights

A power outfit can take many forms. Sometimes it’s a killer jumpsuit that flatters every curve. Other times, it may be a monochrome suit that not only makes your eyes pop, but looks fierce in a boardroom. If you’re unsure how to find yours, something involving leather is usually a pretty good place to start.

No matter the occasion, a power outfit will make you feel unstoppable, confident, and fabulous. When dreaming up new looks for myself, I have the same goals in mind, but this outfit hit the nail especially on the head. 

A leather mini skirt is inherently sexy, already making it an intriguing choice for a power outfit. Sheer black tights are a chic way to winterify the ensemble, while a classic, black mock neck sweater is just about as versatile as you can get. All in all, this look will turn heads out on the town and command any room at the office.

Sometimes an all-black, or a nearly-all-black, outfit is the perfect way to make a statement. Always elevated, polished, and alluring, black gets the job done — whatever job that may be. A moody red lip takes the aesthetic to a whole new level, creating a vibe that's ladylike and daring all at the same time.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[jacket: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // mock neck: H&M // skirt: Zara (similar one here) // boots: Naturalizer // sheer tights: HUE // purse: Staud (I also like this one) // leather cuff: Michael Dawkins (I also like this one) // Love necklace: Tiffany & Co. // earrings: John Hardy (I also like this pair) // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Gorg" (similar shade here in "Rubino")]

Sad story about this jacket: soon after taking these photos — we're talking about 3 hours and two errands later — I noticed the "leather" starting to peel around my arm cuffs. From there, everything went downhill quickly. Within minutes, I noticed another patch and another of flaking leathery pieces. I'd sit down, get up, and a pile of faux leather sprinkles would be left in my seat. I was shedding everywhere and my jacket was literally falling to pieces as I wore it. 

Unfortunately, that's sometimes the problem with faux leather items. I've had this particular coat for five years and I guess it was just it's time. BUT, I haven't tossed it just yet. I'm thinking I'll have the sleeves removed and then use it as a vest. If I'm feeling extra inspired, I could even have different sleeves put on it at some point as well. If you have any ideas, hit me up!

...
[Special hand appearance by my dad, lol]

// SHOP //

Monochrome Holiday // Winter White Suit + Glitter Heels

A power suit always makes a statement. But for the holidays — especially in a crisp shade of white — that statement goes above and beyond. Sophisticated and polished, this is your party-ready look that’ll shake things up.

Arguably just as essential as a great party dress, a sleek suit is a one-and-done outfit that’ll always impress. Not only is it a tad unexpected, it’s timeless and polished no matter the occasion. 

Ornate heels are your ticket to a standout look this holiday season. From glitter to embroidery to velvet to mesh, the perfect party shoe is ALL about being *just enough* over-the-top. 

I’ve had these sparkly pumps for four years now and, to be honest, I’ve only worn them a handful of times. What? You can’t pull out your most extra shoes for just any old occasion ;) But seriously, I love how well they work with this monochrome look. They add a festive touch that also blends right in.

Monochrome looks trended hard all year long, and heading into 2020, they’re just as popular as ever. I knew I wanted to have a tonal moment this holiday season, and it turns out all white is the freshest take out there.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: H&M (similar style here) // trousers: H&M (similar style here) // turtleneck: H&M (similar style here) // heels: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // clutch: Diane von Furstenberg (I also like this one) // necklace: Madewell (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // lip color: Tarte Cosmetics Tarteist Lip Paint in "Delish"]

Taking photos in NYC this time of year is especially challenging. You have to be extra strategic in order to capture all of the amazing holiday spots and decor while avoiding the photobombing crowds. 

For this shoot, Antonio and I got to Rockefeller Center by 8 am this past Sunday. I thought even that may be too late but we totally lucked out! Although the tourists were definitely out and about, we still managed to get loads of clear photos. As a result, this is my favorite holiday shoot to date!

// SHOP //

Falling for Florals // Peacoat + Midi Skirt

I’m a fan of florals year round. But when it comes to fall and winter, I prefer my blooms to be darker, a bit edgier, and a whole lot moodier.

I actually styled this look earlier this year in the late winter. I wore it to an event and loved how everything came together - I feel like the entire outfit just FLOWS! At the time though, it was too late to photograph it, as I was already concentrating on spring content. So I filed it away, knowing I’d pull it out again come fall. Turns out, I like it even better for autumn ;) 

This midi skirt is one of my favorite - if not THE favorite - skirt I own. It’s by Tibi and I bought it at the beginning of the year during a major online sale (pro tip - sign up for the Tibi email list and you’ll be the first to know when they’re having 70% off...which actually happens more often than you may think). 

Because I’m just under 5’2”, I had the skirt shortened, and it was the best decision. It fits me perfectly now and it goes with SO much. See two other ways I’ve styled it here and here.  

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[coat: Primark (from last year, but I also like this one) // turtleneck: J.Crew // skirt: Tibi (I also like this one) // booties: Nic + Zoe (similar pair here) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // necklace: J.Crew (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick in "Joyride"]

My little sister came to visit me here in NYC a week and a half ago, and we shot these photos in Chelsea by The High Line. I LOVE their vibe; playful, bold, and a little flirty. 

We paused for a shoot between art gallery visits (my sister is an art history major), and later, we stopped for a snack on The High Line and then walked to The Vessel. Perfect day, perfect outfit FOR that day. 

// SHOP //

Warm & Fuzzy // Slip Dress + Faux Fur

A fun mix of elegant and cozy, this look puts a warm and fuzzy focus on dressing up. Because who says you can't have the best of both worlds? Glam, meet soft and fluffy.

This black slip dress has only been in my closet for a little over a month now, but I've already gotten so much mileage out of it. It's perfect for layering or wearing on its own, and it's super easy to dress up or down. Here, ultrasoft faux fur makes it stand out, while gold accessories give it a modern, luxe feel.

My gold accessories add a certain charm to my outfit. They elevate the look in a fresh way without becoming "too much." Striking the right balance can be hard, but I find that two standout pieces are really all you need to drive home whatever fashion statement you're trying to make.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Aritzia // jacket: Ann Taylor (sold out, but I also like this one) // boots: Ann Taylor // clutch: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // necklace: MANGO // earrings: Anthropologie // lip color: Clinique Pop Liquid Matte in "Cake Pop"]

I have to admit, I did feel a bit fancy traipsing around Manhattan in this ensemble. My sister and I snapped these photos in front of The MET, and I love how we captured the polished side of the street — with neatly trimmed trees and a spotless fountain — but also the casual, playful side — with food carts and bright yellow taxis. 

I think of this outfit as having two sides as well. On one hand, it's polished and refined, but on the other, it's full of personality and a bit whimsical. As a result, you can wear it virtually anywhere! I rocked it hanging with friends, to a museum, and then out to dinner in the Financial District. One look, so many different faces.

// SHOP //