Leave The Sleeves :: OTK boots + sleeveless turtleneck

Give your arms some breathing room and leave your sleeves at home this fall - your new and improved wardrobe will thank you later! 

As I've mentioned before, here, sleeveless turtlenecks have made a splash this fall season. While some may view the sleeveless turtleneck as impractical (even counterintuitive), I think of it as quite the opposite. A sweater without sleeves is free, unrestricted, and therefore has unlimited wearing potential. This versatile piece can be layered under anything (think blazers and cardigans) and can even be worn over a long sleeved tee for a different take on the trend. 

Out of all the sweaters I've picked up this fall, this one is at the top of my list. It's marled emerald color is unique, and it's a shade that I don't have too much of in my closet. But I also love how it's chunky while still giving the wearer shape. These side slits are flattering and the long hemline in the back provides coverage, which makes pairing this top with leggings a no-brainer! 

I was channeling a slight rocker vibe when I styled this outfit. My goal was to take the classic fall look of a sweater, jeans, and boots, and give it a bit of an edge. I chose gray denim and over-the-knee boots in black leather, which breathes some attitude into a staple combination, definitely making a statement.  

When choosing a necklace for this look, I knew I had to choose something that could compete with an oversized, chunky collar. This bold piece is perfect because it makes a statement of its own and doesn't get lost.

To play up the rocker attitude I was feeling, I added an oversized pair of shades because, well, that's what we celebrities do ;)

When it comes to nail polish I've always been partial to cool colors. But this shade by butter LONDON was way too perfect for autumn to pass up. It literally matches the leaves! 

I unintentionally matched my eyeshadow to my earrings. I was playing with a gray/silver theme and it snuck into my look in almost every possible way. On my lips I went with a simple, shimmery gloss by Benefit.

Photos by Dan Harper 

[sleeveless turtleneck: Banana Republic // jeans: Gap (old but similar here) // boots: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // necklace: RJ Graziano (I also like this one) // earrings: fine jewelry (similar here) // watch: Daniel Wellington // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // silver spike bracelet: Stella & Dot // peace sign bangle: Alex & Ani // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // nail polish: butter LONDON]

How beautiful is Boston College's campus? These photos were taken late last month when my family and I took a weekend trip to Boston. My younger sister (pictured above) is currently a senior in high school and it's that magical time of year when seniors across the country have college applications, visits, and decisions on the brain. Although it can be a stressful process, I've always really enjoyed visiting colleges and I especially liked tagging along when we took my sister to a few. Boston was in full fall mode and it was a beautiful sight to see. 

SHOP :: 

Made You Blush :: burgundy ankle pants + blush sweater

Soft, feminine pastel shades are not just for spring and summer. In fact, light hues (i.e. lavender, blush, and periwinkle) are having a major moment. Think of them as a refreshing alternative to the season's typical navy and black palette. 

To give these cotton candy hues longevity until New Year's and beyond, pair them with a grounded neutral (think grays and tans) and/or rich jewel tones (such as sapphire, emerald, and burgundy). 

In fashion (and in beauty), burgundy is one of Fashion Week 2015's hottest hues. Treat it as your replacement for gray and navy; trust, it truly is that versatile! These ankle pants from Ann Taylor, also featured here, are super comfortable and super polished. I've been throwing them on with pretty much everything lately. 

Blush and burgundy is a killer combination that I've been seeing everywhere lately (here, here, and here...just to name a few). It's sophisticated, sharp, and quite fresh. If you're looking to modernize your look, start with joining these key colors.

Whimsical necklace layering is a definite fashion 'do.' I love this particular piece because it's one necklace but looks like multiple - I often have people ask me how I was able to find such perfect chains to create a layered look. I love it that this piece makes it look like I put more effort into my outfit than I actually did!

I chose pearls and a glittery gold headband to play up the softness of my blush sweater. Feminine accessories truly accentuate the delicate vibe of this light hue. 

Although the rich chestnut color of this purse is gorgeous and versatile, what really drew me to this bag is its perforated leather exterior. It's such a unique piece and I knew I had the perfect crossbody on my hands when I saw how it matches my Sam Edelman booties to a T. But I have to give credit where credit is due, my mom picked this bag out for me - she has quite the eye! 

For this look I accentuated my eyelashes and lined my eyes with black eyeliner (pencil on bottom, liquid on top) to make my peepers really pop. I kept everything else soft and light. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[sweater: Ann Taylor (similar here) // pants: Ann Taylor // booties: Sam Edelman (similar here) // purse: Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn // necklace: Ann Taylor // headband: Nordstrom // earrings: fine jewelry (similar here) // watch: Fossil // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co.]

These photos were taken in Boston just a few weeks ago when my family and I took a long weekend trip there. Boston is a typical getaway spot for us and we've been just about every year for the past five years. Boston definitely has a special place in our hearts and we never leave the city without a trip to Newbury Street (aka one of the world's most premier shopping destinations). These photos were taken there! 

SHOP :: 

Concrete Jungle :: leopard print + denim moto

Leopard is a statement-making power print; that's why it's a forever favorite. When I'm craving something attention-grabbing and impactful I love to turn to this bold pattern. In the concrete jungle that is New York City, sometimes it's very refreshing to stand out a little bit and wear something unapologetically wild. 

I love how universally fierce leopard is, and lately I've been treating it like a neutral - pairing it with all colors of the rainbow, even mixing it with different patterns (stripes + leopard = match made in heaven)! A little leopard number like this is perfect for weekend adventuring, and the best part is that you can add all sorts of different accessories in order to dress it up or down. 

My number one accessory for this particular look is a super chic denim moto jacket from Ann Taylor (PS. it's on sale now). It's the modern, more sharp version of your favorite jean jacket and makes for the perfect denim/leather jacket hybrid. I love how it gives any look a casual yet polished finish. 

For this look I opted to wear my heeled black booties rather than my flat Chelsea boots (featured here). I chose them because the heel elevates (no pun intended) my outfit and instantly injects some elegance into the overall look. A bootie like this is the perfect option for transitioning from desk to dinner come winter. 

A sleek gold choker is the ultra-chic accessory that will compliment everything in your closet. It's understated yet refined. 

Can you believe these pyramid studs are only $10 right now? They bring my outfit full circle by complimenting the edgy aesthetic of my moto jacket. 

Gold accessories to complete this golden hour look. Leopard and gold is a stellar combo in anyone's style book! 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[dress: ASOS (I also like this one) // denim moto jacket: Ann Taylor // booties: Nordstrom (similar here) // necklace: Ann Taylor (similar here) // earrings: Jules Smith // watch: Kate Spade // gold knot bracelet: Kate Spade // cream bangle: Kate Spade // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lip color: Nars velvet matte lip pencil in 'Dusty Rose']

The name of this post, Concrete Jungle, is inspired by a few things. First, I live in New York City, which is definitely a concrete, metropolitan jungle, and that's where these photos were taken. Second, I'm rocking a fabulous leopard print dress, which is wild and jungle-like. And third, in these photos I'm literally surrounded by concrete. 

Isn't this such a neat spot? My roommate and I kind of lucked into it the other weekend when we were searching for a not-too-crowded area at Lincoln Center. We originally wanted to take photos by the fountain or on the steps but it just so happens that a craft fair was going on that day and those places were filled with tents, vendors, and lots of people. So we snuck around to the side of the theater and that's when we found this magical spot that makes it look like golden hour any time of day. How's that for a true concrete jungle? 

SHOP::