Feeling Fresh // Lavender Coat + Windowpane Pants

As much as I'm craving spring, and boy I am READY for it, winter is still here and the cold is sticking around. To keep things fresh, I'm injecting bursts of color into my wardrobe and polishing my looks off with eye-catching accessories.

I've been relying on knotted headbands lately to carry me through bad hair days and/or to be the cherry on top of my OOTDs. I have a black one, a red velvet one, and this canary yellow version, which just so happens to be my favorite. This shade of yellow is surprisingly versatile and I find myself pairing it with every color under the sun.

I've brought my lavender cocoon coat back out this season, and it feels SO right for this time of year. I'm dying to bust out more pastels and embrace warmer weather, but when it's still 30 degrees outside, this coat feels like a solid compromise. I have to say though, it's definitely not my warmest coat, so heavy layering is encouraged — hence my "199x" sweatshirt that I've been wearing on repeat.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[coat: Max & Riley boutique in Boston (similar style here) // sweatshirt: Theory (I also like this one) // pants: Banana Republic (similar pair here) // booties: Zara (I also like this pair) // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (similar style here) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // watch: Fossil (similar style here) // lip color: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Lovesick"]

I love playing with juxtaposition, and I've recently gotten super into sweatshirts. In order to reasonably wear them at work, I've had to get a little creative with my styling. Here, I'm rocking plaid trousers, which instantly provide polish and professionalism to a notoriously casual piece. I've also layered collared blouses or turtlenecks underneath my sweatshirts, worn blazers over them, or teamed them with a pencil skirt and sneakers. 

// SHOP //

Black Magic // LBD + metallic booties + beret

There's something so chic and ladylike about a little black dress. Make it a little black SHIRTDRESS, and you've got an effortless look that requires almost zero styling! Here, I'm wearing a classic shirtdress with a twist, making my electric accessories really pop. 

I love how this dress is a bit longer in the back with long vertical pleats - this gives the entire piece major movement and ensures it stands out from your run-of-the-mill LBD. A romantic red lip and matching bag elevate the look even more. 

Silver booties may seem daring, but they're actually surprisingly versatile. I love wearing mine with jeans and a black top, but they also look quite striking when worn with a dress. 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // booties: Zara (similar style here) // beret: Anthropologie // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // watch: Fossil // lip color: Makeup For Ever Pro Sculpting Lip Pen (similar shade here, in "401, Red"]

Looks like my bare legs are getting their last taste of freedom before this fall weather kicks in full force! 

Thanks so much for reading, everyone. 

// SHOP //

Maximum Advantage // orange maxi dress + metallic accents

Nothing says "August" quite like a sunset-orange maxi dress. Taking full advantage of the season, this particular style is made of linen and features spaghetti straps, which makes it all the more summery and comfortable. 

I wore this dress to a daytime wedding earlier this month. Rather than silver accessories though, I paired it with gold. Either way, this sunshiney, body-skimming dress stood out and was so fun to wear. 

This metallic pom-pom clutch brings a light-hearted youthfulness to my look. I love how the orange puff balls perfectly match my clementine dress. Sometimes all you need is one killer accessory to tie everything together. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[dress: Ann Taylor // shoes: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff  (similar style here) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lip color: Dior Addict Lip Tattoo in "Natural Berry"]

Thanks so much for reading! I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

// SHOP //

25 // Get Ready To Birthday Party

It's my 25th birthday and I'm celebrating in mesh! I decided to go with a black & silver theme for my special day this year, and of course I couldn't resist some b-day balloons - a birthday girl's best accessory ;)

Embellished heels with touches of metal drive this look home for me. While all-black is sleek, accessories are what make it pop. I especially love my strong cuff paired with modern panels of mesh - there's definitely a futuristic vibe there.

Fact of 2017: transparent clothes are in. I decided to test out the trend in my own way, and I have to say, I'm a fan. I felt sexy and powerful but at the same time, it still felt like I was covered up. And how about that see-through hemline on my skirt? LOVE. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: & Other Stories // bra: & Other Stories (similar style here) skirt: & Other Stories (sold out, but I also like this style) // heels: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // cuff: & Other Stories (I also like this one) // choker: Free People // lipstick: Urban Decay's Jean Michel Basquiat collection in "Exhibition" (similar shade is "Bittersweet")]

Thanks so much for reading, everyone. And to all my fellow Leo's out there - HBD!

// SHOP //

Silver Stunner // metallic pleated skirt + velvet crop top

Usher in the new year with metallics, embellishments, and velvet. I'm taking my party style up a notch with dramatic pieces that make a chic impression by day and a glamorous statement by night. Here's how to master YOUR perfect NYE look. 

Metallic pleated skirts have dominated Instagram feeds this holiday season, and I am loving this silver midi version of the trendy essential. While some versions have a tendency to appear cheap, this gorgeous style from Express is spot on in every way. Even better, it feels just as luxurious as it looks! 

A mixed medium top like this is perfect for a night out as it's different enough to ensure you stand out in a sea of black. I love how this crop top mixes velvet and mesh to give my outfit an uptown vibe. 

These. Shoes. I immediately fell in love with these unique heels and I knew they'd be perfect for New Year's! The fact that they're simple black ankle-strap shoes that have a majorly embellished heel makes them extra special and completely glam. 

No other bag could do the job of complimenting this look-at-me outfit better than my trusty black clutch. Simple, structured, and classic, a purse like this is your best option when donning such a striking ensemble. 

Turning to my fanciest earrings, I used this crystal dangle pair to mimic the stones on my shoes. I love how I don't need much jewelry at all when I wear these sparklers. 

Although it's not super clear in these pics, I'm wearing a berry matte lip here, which I love for winter. During the Christmas season I can't get enough of red, but this deep shade is so pretty for January through February. And as for my eyelids, a mix of silver and gray shadow can't be beat for NYE. 

New Year's Eve is the BEST excuse to dress up. It's one of the only nights you can literally pull out ALL the stops and no one will bat an eyelash! So have a little fun with it and go for a bold look that'll turn heads. A shiny skirt like this will undoubtedly do the trick. 

There's no question that if you want to wear some subtle sparkle, sporting this metallic skirt is an impressive way to do so. With its glittering threads and swishy, flapper-like hem, it looks like it came from an expensive luxury brand.

Photos by Dan Harper 

[top: Express // skirt: Express // heels: Ann Taylor (sold out, I also like this pair) // clutch: Hobo (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lipstick: Clinique in "Pow Pop" // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette]

Who's ready for 2017? I'm SO looking forward to starting fresh with a new year, a new perspective, and a whole lot of new adventures to look forward to. This year I can't wait to explore even more of my NYC home and spend time making memories with friends. Cheers to a fabulous new year! 

// SHOP //