Keep It Light // monochrome white outfit

I love wearing black just as much as the next person (maybe even more), but NOTHING is as fresh as shades of white -- especially when done in excess. After all, springtime is the perfect time for keeping it light and relying on your brightest and whitest pieces to launch you into summer. 

A boyfriend blazer in cream is incredibly polished and sophisticated, not to mention a much-more-fun alternative to corporate black. Even better, this flattering shade is neutral enough to go with everything in your closet -- you thought only black was capable of that, didn't you?  

This season I've deemed crop tops my new staple. Their cut-off silhouette makes getting dressed super simple, and in a basic hue like white, the possibilities are ENDLESS! I also love the lacy texture that this one has, it certainly makes a monochromatic outfit that much more interesting. 

High-waisted jeans are my not-so-secret weapon for when I wear crop tops. Having a pair in white has proved time and time again to be essential to seasonless dressing; these babies can most definitely carry you through all four season with ease! 

These nude, ankle-strap heels are pretty brilliant. Not only are they sharp and subtle, but they're also -- you guessed it -- comfy! Block heels are seriously the real MVPs. 

Staying within my light, neutral color scheme, this gold and taupe crossbody was a no-brainer. I love the flash of metallic it brings to the look too. 

The only pop of color is from my watch -- it gives off such a pretty shade of pink! 

I am all ABOUT look-at-me studs. These evil eye earrings have "me" written all over them and they are so fun to wear. Bonus - they also match an evil eye ring I was given years ago. 

Wearing a monochrome look certainly makes a statement, but the amazing thing is, it's not an over-the-top statement. This is a trend that everyone and anyone can rock. It's also a surefire way to gain major style cred. And while wearing all one color is bold, in shades of white, it looks pretty darn natural. 

Photos by Antonio Owens **shot on an iPhone**

[top: MINKPINK (I also like this one) // jeans: Loft // blazer: Elizabeth & James (similar here) // heels: Ann Taylor // purse: Kate Spade (similar here) // watch: Kate Spade (similar here) // gold choker: fine jewelry (similar here) // earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot]

When in doubt, wear monochrome. And while usually that means, "Alright, all black it is," it doesn't HAVE to. All white is just as powerful but much more optimistic and youthful. I wore this look for date night and it was the perfect fit for dinner and a movie on a warm spring night. Yes, white CAN work once the sun sets! So go ahead, throw some white pieces together and call it an outfit. You're welcome ;)

//SHOP//

Spring It On // striped shirtdress + anorak + metallic heels

Pastel hues, feminine cuts, classic prints -- introducing my go-to springtime look. If you're all about a fresh take on masculine dressing and can't resist a hint of metallic, then consider this post your cheat-sheet to getting dressed. 

Don't be fooled, pinstripes are not just for menswear. A fit-and-flare shirtdress coated in the delicate print makes a powerful yet dainty statement. Even better, shirtdresses are THE dress to stock up on this season. Effortless while remaining polished, you'll never have enough of this frock -- trust me. 

Layer a utility jacket over a pretty dress for a strong urban vibe. It's a sharp contrast that's not TOO sharp. And if nothing else, a fresh military style makes breezy days look cool. 

Is anybody else weirdly attracted to metallics? I swear, sometimes I think I was a magpie in another life! But there's something so modern and refreshing about shiny pieces, they seem to add a whole new dimension to any outfit. Throw on a pair of gold or silver shoes and BAM, you instantly look like you know what you're doing! 

This clutch has always been a favorite of mine. I look for pretty much any excuse to incorporate it into my outfits. Here, it's an unexpected accessory that doesn't quite match, which makes it so wrong it's right! 

A popped collar makes all the difference (which is one of my favorite fashion tricks of the trade!) Especially when you're layering two collars on top of each other, it's best to pop one of them in order to add interest. 

My scripted "Love" necklace is delicate and dainty, which works perfectly with this ultra chic, uptown-downtown look. 

I subtly matched my earrings, watch, and clutch. Each piece has lavender in it, which is how all of these seemingly random accessories look so fierce together and flow SO well. 

A fun timepiece is a great way to add some playfulness to your ensemble. Purple, after all, speaks MUCH louder than black. 

I was THIS close to choosing a bright or bold lipstick for this look. But in the end I'm so glad I went with a pale pink. Pastels are the spirit of spring and you really can't go wrong with a delicate shade like this. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // jacket: Loft (similar here) // heels: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // clutch: Oak73 (I also like this one) // earrings: Alexis Bittar // watch: Kate Spade // necklace: Tiffany & Co. // cuff: Ted Baker // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // spike bracelet: Stella & Dot // lipstick: "Obsessed" by Urban Decay]

I can't seem to get enough of shirtdresses. They just ALWAYS work! From weekend brunching to weekday adulting, a shirtdress can be the answer to pretty much all of your fashion dilemmas. I wore this look to work and then out to a casual event afterwards. It's outfits like this that make getting dressed in the morning fun! 

//SHOP//

Ann Taylor Fall/Winter '16 Preview

I recently had the opportunity to attend Ann Taylor's 2016 press preview in NYC for their fall/winter collection. And in case you couldn't already tell from my blog, I am a HUGE fan of Ann Taylor. I've been wearing their clothes for years so getting a sneak peek of what's to come in the following months was a big treat for me! I ended up being super impressed with their new line, but I have to say, what really caught my attention were the killer accessories. 

I immediately fell in love with these shoes. It's challenging to create a flat that looks as polished as a heel, but AT has definitely accomplished that with this pair of pointed-toe shoes. I love the straps, and since they're velvet, they're TOTALLY on-point for fall/winter. I can't wait to get my hands on these babies! 

The holiday collection -- which is always a best seller -- is filled with red, shimmer, and hints of gold and orange. But of course there's also a special LBD collection like always. I love this strapless, peplum top and matching pants - it serves as a super chic alternative to a party dress. 

I also died over these leopard flats. The pointed-toe is RULING next season, and this bow-strap detail is so fabulous. 

More leopard! 

There's some definite 60s and 70s influences in this collection - LOVE!

I literally couldn't stop snapping pics of AT's gorgeous footwear. These snakeskin booties are definitely at the top of my fall wish list. 

Creating an entire outfit out of matching fabrics is SO 60s but it's also SO now! This coat & dress set is beyond modern while giving a total nod to retro fashion. I love how the print is bold yet classy. 

More python print in the form of a minimal clutch and statement bucket bag. The coral coloring is neutral yet fresh as it's a fun way to deviate from your typical browns and blacks. 

The oversized coat is back for winter! And so is candy-colored outerwear. This long, wool layer is your answer to staying chic when temps drop.

Is this not the perfect party shoe or what? With tiny pearl studs and a block heel for endless comfort, these shoes will be comfy AND ensure any ensemble is that much more festive. 

All that glitters is most definitely perfect for the holiday season. And with just a dusting of sequins on a collar, you don't have to worry about being overly gaudy. 

These timeless silhouettes coupled with flattering colors and trendy prints made this collection really stand out to me. And while many brands have stunning fall collections every year, Ann Taylor is known for its easy versatility and effortlessness. For example, many of these looks work double duty and will take you from desk to dinner with just minor alterations (think: a quick lipstick and shoes swap). 

Ann Taylor has some pretty amazing stuff up their sleeves this year, huh? And while some people consider Ann to be for more "mature" women, I am going to set the record straight once and for all. I've been loving and wearing Ann Taylor since I was 18 years old and to this day AT is the brand I own the most of. It all depends on how you style their pieces -- just like with any other brand. 

If your style can at all be categorized as feminine, timeless, polished, whimsical, classic, or elegant, then you can undoubtedly rock AT pieces in a completely unique, fresh, and yes, even edgy way. Take it from me, I've been doing it for years ;)

And I for one cannot wait to introduce some of these new items into my extensive Ann Taylor collection come fall. Especially those shoes, I mean seriously, did you SEE those hot shoes?! 

Shop my current Ann Taylor picks below: