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 //

An Apple a Day // Striped Sweater + Mini Skirt

I admit it, I was definitely the most extra person at the apple orchard. But I couldn't resist pulling out a quintessentially fall outfit that *aesthetically* (not necessarily *practically*) fit the occasion. And you know what? Zero regrets...even though it was over 80 degrees!

For the farm, I wanted a fun look that would complement my surroundings. That translated into poppy stripes, bold colors, and playful accessories. I also get major back-to-school vibes with this outfit, which perfectly fits in with the fall season as well.    

The below photo was taken right after I picked my favorite apple of the day. Isn't she a beaut? ...She tasted even better than she looked ;)

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Green

[sweater: Nordstrom // skirt: Zara (I also like this one) // boots: Steve Madden (similar pair here) // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: vintage from my mom (I also like this pair) // lip color: Fenty Gloss Bomb in "FU$$Y"] 

Pretty much as soon as it turned fall, my friends and I took a day trip to Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights, NY. We thought it'd be the perfect way to celebrate the change of seasons and get a change of scenery — and it totally was! As much as I love Manhattan, it was so refreshing to switch things up — even for just a few hours — and spend time in nature. The best part? It was a simple trip! 

We took a train from Grand Central Station and the ride only took about 45 minutes. We picked apples, snacked on apple cider donuts, enjoyed a wine tasting, and ended up hanging out in the adorable town of Peekskill before heading home. A perfect fall day in the books!

// SHOP //

The Formula // Strapless Crop + Midi Skirt

I'm all about easy outfit formulas; something reliable you can confidently reach for time and again. I recently discovered a combo that I truly can't get enough of, and you'll be seeing a WHOLE lot of it on my blog this summer. All you need are two things...

I'm not pretending I discovered the eighth Wonder of the World. My formula is simple and something you've probably worn yourself. BUT it felt like an epiphany when I realized just how versatile —  and flattering — it really is. 

I'm talking crop (or short) tops paired with anything high-waisted. It's SO easy (no tucking required) and looks SO put-together. I've quickly become obsessed and decided ALL I want to buy right now are shorter tops and super-high bottoms. In fact, I even took the long-time favorite top I'm wearing in this post and got it tailored, cutting off major inches from the bottom to make it significantly more cropped. #Dedication. 

This formula is especially convenient for summer, as you can apply it to shorts, lightweight pants, and skirts of all lengths. Whether you want to go super cropped up top with a bandeau, or opt for something that hits at your belly button, there's definitely a rendition of this combo that will work for you — that's part of the beauty! 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: J.Crew, with tailoring (I also like this one) // skirt: Tibi (I also like this one) // heels: Zara (old, but I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (similar color here) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // necklace: Uncommon James // dangle earrings: Kendra Scott // initial stud earrings: Diamonds Doing Good (I also like this pair) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in "Hudson"] 

I'm serious when I say I've become somewhat obsessed with this pairing! Virtually all of my upcoming posts will feature a version of a crop-top, high-waisted-bottom look (some more cropped than others...). 

The duo works especially well on hourglass figures, as it highlights our waist and gives our curves shape. I'm finally starting to realize that I can't waste my money on passing trends just because they're popular. It's way more satisfying and beneficial to invest your money in items that work for YOU and YOUR body. Mastering this formula and making it a signature of mine is exactly how I plan on doing that!

// SHOP //

Cardi Season // Silk Maxi Skirt + Grandpa Cardigan

Oversized cardis, or "Grandpa" cardigans, as they're adorably referred to nowadays, have made a surprising comeback in 2019. I used to think of cardigans as an "old lady" item, but I have since seen the light, realizing how stylish, effortless — and dare I say chic — cardigans can truly be.

Cardigans may be a winter staple, but I'm making mine work all the way through spring with a few refreshing tweaks. First, I ditched my shirt — who needs 'em once May rolls around anyways? I then only buttoned this deep v-neck cardi in the middle, leaving the bottom loose and free to flash some skin now and then. I also bunched the sleeves a little bit to add some lived-in flair.

To balance out my baggy sweater, I slipped into a curve-hugging, silky maxi skirt. It served as the perfect feminine companion to my grandfatherly top. Finally, stark white chunky, athletic sneakers completed my look in a comfy-cool way. Just call this my go-to outfit formula for spring 👌

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[cardigan: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // skirt: Anthropologie (sold out, but I also like this one) // sneakers: Nike // purse: Rag & Bone (super similar one here) // necklace: Dogeared (similar one here) //earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) ]

These photos were snapped during a recent trip Antonio and I took to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It was my first time there and I had gotten us tickets for their annual cherry blossom festival. Although it was super crowded, it was really cool too see so much pink in one place. 

I absolutely love cherry blossom season and every year I try to incorporate as many pink trees as I can into some shots. They never disappoint as a beautiful, whimsical backdrop!

// SHOP //

In Bloom // Floral Midi Skirt + Oversized Blazer

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and it's finally floral season! In celebration of the flowers blooming IRL, I'm rocking my new favorite skirt with one of my old favorite blazers. It's a winning combo I just can't get enough of.

As soon as I added this gem of a Tibi skirt to my cart earlier this year, I dreamed up tons of ways I could style it for both spring and summer. Now that the ice has officially thawed, it's time to let the experimenting begin! You've already seen me wearing it on my IGS twice now, but don't get tired of it yet because there's a lot more where this came from.

Midi and maxi skirts are having a major moment this year, and I couldn't be more excited. These babies are flattering, comfortable, and super versatile. Just add flowers and you've got a match made in springtime heaven.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // blazer: Elizabeth & James (I also like this one) // skirt: Tibi (I also like this style) // boots: Zara (I also like this pair) // purse: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // lip color: Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick in "Joyride"]

Spring in New York is beautiful and energizing, but springtime in Paris? THAT is really something. I'm jetting off to France and Belgium later this week and I can't wait to share my adventures here and on the 'gram. And if you're wondering if I'm packing this fabulous skirt, I have one word for you: duh ;) 

// SHOP //