I'd Be The Man // High-Neck Blouse + Oversized Blazer

Sometimes you can't help it; you just feel like a boss. And on those days, projecting confidence comes naturally. But for times when you may need a little extra encouragement, it's amazing how much of a difference an outfit can make. In the words of Taylor Swift, this attitude-enhancing look makes me feel like THE (WO)MAN.

With help from Little Women, Victorian blouses are trending especially hard this spring. A high neck, ruffles, pleats, and bows all help differentiate this specific type of top. And with such romantic, traditionally feminine details, I prefer to toughen up the classic vibe with structured, casual pieces — i.e. a pair of skinny jeans and a long-line blazer.

A great blazer and/or a great pair of jeans can truly alter your energy. I love styling a blazer with graphic tees, denim, hoodies — even bike shorts or sweats — to provide extra polish. In short, it's the ultimate boss piece. Meanwhile, a flattering pair of jeans is ALWAYS a game-changer. You can't go wrong in either.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // blazer: Zara (similar style here) // jeans: Rag & Bone (similar pair here) // boots: Naturalizer // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this style) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar pair here) // earrings: vintage from my mom (I also like this pair) // lip color: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"] 

I'll leave you with this: dress for the person you want to be. Dress for the attitude you want. When you wake up in the morning, what message do you want to project to the world?  

// SHOP //

Mix it Up // Dotted Ruffle Top + Stripes & Floral

What do you get when you mix polka dots, floral, and stripes? A playful spring look that's fresh and fun with a dash of daring. While patten mixing can be intimidating, when done right, it's beyond rewarding. Why? Because the result is an uber stylish look that warrants major fashion cred.

Pulling off multiple prints at once comes down to: 

1. Choosing one print to dominate and one (or two) as an accent.

2. Mixing prints of different scales.

3. Keeping your fabrics in the same color family.

4. Keeping the rest of your outfit neutral.

5. Remembering stripes can almost always be treated as a neutral ;)

I've never been one to aggressively pattern mix, which is why I love this particular look so much. It's subtle but intentional, and 100 percent memorable. The navy polka dots on this top complement the navy stripes on my headband, and my dark floral clutch gives the whole outfit a refreshing burst of color. 

And don't even get me started on these glorious face-framing earrings; they're obviously not printed, but they do play up the whole Hamptons vibe. ...They're also SUPER lightweight 👌.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: Anthropologie // jeans: J.Crew (sold out, but similar pair here) // slides: Theory (similar pair here)  // clutch: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: Anthropologie // lip color: Lancome Matte Shaker in "Berry N Clyde"]

With temps in the 80s now, it almost feels like we went from winter straight to summer with barely any spring in between. And while I love summertime, I am not ready for 1. the humidity, and 2. sweating my makeup off by noon — eek! 

Regardless, I love the above look for that (supposed to be) mild time when it's warm and sunny but not yet HOT. Ideal for Memorial Day specifically, this outfit is stylish, playful, and bold in a fun and polished way. Antonio and I will be in Washington DC for MDW and we are pumped for the change of scenery!

//SHOP//

Feline Fatale // leopard pants + necktie blouse

Take your femme fatale game to new heights with fierce cat prints that scream sexy confidence. Throw on a leather accent and, FORGET about it! Is there anything more sultry? 

Florals for spring are cute. And don't get me wrong, I adore florals, but leopard on the other hand? Leopard is bold, attention-grabbing, and ultrachic. Paired with a conservative Victorian-esque ruffle blouse, it's also unexpected. It's what I like to call, business up top, party on the bottom!

When the clothes speak for themselves, keeping accessories minimal is key. But minimal in no way has to mean boring! This Alice & Olivia face purse is a favorite of mine that's neutral yet packs major personality. I also love these dainty gold earrings. If you look too fast, you just might miss them.

 Photos by Sarah Harper 

[blouse: Ann Taylor (I also love this style) // pants: Ann Taylor (I also love this pair) // jacket: Guess (similar one here) // boots: Ann Taylor // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie // lip color: Shiseido Cle de Peau Beaute Lipstick in "Silk Thread"]

This look really jived with me. And while I truly love every outfit I showcase on my blog, this one in particular felt especially "me." I love that it's fun, wild, and super of-the-moment. Both animal print and ruffle necklines were ALL over the runways this past Fashion Month, so prepare to see a whole lot more this season and next! 

This outfit is also crazy versatile. Forget changing clothes after work or bringing a separate pair of heels for date night. This look works as is no matter the event or occasion. How refreshing is that?

// SHOP //

A Taste Of Drama // turtleneck layered under ruffle top

This holiday season, serve up a look that’s equal parts festive and stylish with a sprinkle of drama and a dash of glam. I'm getting into the spirit with a bold lip, statement earrings, and unexpected layers. 

To give my party look a serious revamp, I styled a plain black turtleneck underneath a one-shoulder ruffle top. While I despised turtlenecks when I was younger, I can't get enough of them now — especially for layering! Elevated and easy to wear, this outfit is perfect for any event on your cal. Even better, you'll stand out in the usual crowd of dresses.

I love a skirt just as much as the next girl, but there's something powerful about a sharp pair of pants — especially during party season. Introduce the ultimate straight-leg ankle pants to your holiday outfit rotation by pairing them with a top as refined as they are. Extra points for ruffles, velvet, or subtle sparkle. 

Photos by Oly Zayac

[turtleneck: Ann Taylor // top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // pants: Ann Taylor // shoes: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // earrings: Anthropologie // eyeshadow: Too Faced Chocolate Gold eyeshadow palette // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics KoKo Collection in “Gorg”]

The holidays are officially here! I don't know about you, but they kind of snuck up on me this year, so I've been looking for as much holiday outfit inspo as possible. This is one look I can see myself turning to time and time again when I'm in a pinch for something chic and easy to wear. And even though I'm doing a low-key Thanksgiving this year with friends in Denver, I know I'll be rocking this next month as Christmas outings pile up.

// SHOP //

All Ruffled Up // high-low skirt + one-shoulder top

Whether you're headed to a wedding or an afternoon soiree, add allure to your look with a ruffled high-low skirt and an elegant top. Dangle earrings and a pop of color serve as the perfect finishing touch. 

Bringing this skirt back for the second time this summer, this go-around I'm rocking it with a delicate one-shoulder blouse. I love how the top's ruffles play off the pleats in my skirt, dialing up the drama in a playful yet polished way.

This skirt is one of my favorite purchases of the summer. I've already worn it multiple times, twice now on my blog, and it's starring in two more looks I'm waiting to photograph. It's just one of those pieces that makes me smile, you know?

 Photos by Dan Harper & Sarah Harper

[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // skirt: Banana Republic (similar style here) // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (similar pair here) // earrings: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // lip color: Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Lipgloss in "Taboo"]

I wore this look in Chicago for a family brunch and then around the city for a full day of adventuring. These photos were snapped right outside the Art Institute, and I love how the yellow flowers in the background compliment my sunny clutch. I wish I could say I planned it!

I hope everyone's enjoying their week so far — can you believe it's August already? 

//SHOP//