High Impact :: fur vest + lace-up heels

If you want to make an impact, the truth is you have to make a few bold choices and color outside the lines a bit. For some that could simply mean wearing a color other than black, for others it could mean wearing multiple look-at-me pieces all at once. I identify with the latter. Introducing MY high-impact ensemble - complete with shiny leather, luscious fur, statement baubles, and of course incredibly fierce shoes. 

Sporting high impact pieces are what help you earn your fashion stripes. Like most things in life, the more of these pieces you pile on, the better! ...But let's not get tacky people. To ensure you stay chic, ground your over-the-top items with a sure-fire classic. Take this utterly simple yet utterly stylish button-up for example - it's an evergreen piece, which helps ground my trendier pieces. In short, it's the staple of my entire outfit. 

"Is it just me or do I look like a bear?" I asked myself as I tried on this glorious vest in Ann Taylor one day. The truth is, I may kind of resemble a furry animal. But you know what? I also happen to think I look like an incredibly CHIC furry animal! And THAT'S the voice I choose to listen to. Yes, a fur vest is a bold choice, but that's part of the fun of it! No one ever got anywhere without taking risks, right?

Is it weird that I've become so comfortable in leggings (specifically leather ones) that they don't even feel like a bold choice anymore? But regardless of how often you sport them, the truth is that leather leggings ARE pretty high impact! Slip on a sleek pair of these babies and you instantly look like a bada*s! [Yeah, we don't swear here...which I'm now realizing is not very bada*s of me. But it's okay because my leather leggings make up for it ;) ]

Every time I wear these heels, a fashionista gets her wings! Come on, is there ANYTHING more impactful than these? 

A structured purse with a bow adds some much appreciated femininity into the mix. I'm wearing some pretty fierce pieces so this girly bag is the perfect accessory to subtly sweeten things up! 

I'm proudly wearing not one but TWO gold chokers here! I mean, layering IS the hottest trend of ze decade and I have been taking full advantage. I love how one necklace is powerful and undoubtedly makes a statement while the other is light and delicate -- it's only noticeable when you look closely. That's what we call beautiful contrast, everyone! 

If high impact, wow-worthy, striking pieces aren't your thang? No worries! You can always start small by incorporating funky fresh jewelry into your every day rotation. I love these earrings because they're wild yet strangely beautiful, and they're definitely not too loud. 

Photos by Dan Harper

[blouse: Ann Taylor // vest: Ann Taylor // leggings: Ann Taylor // heels: Ann Taylor // purse: Kate Spade (in turquoise) // thick chocker: Ann Taylor (old, similar here) // thin chocker: fine jewelry // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // gold knot bangle: Kate Spade // cream bangle: Kate Spade // eyeshadow: Innerstellar palette by Kat Von D. // lipstick: 'Bare Pop' by Clinique]

I proudly survived Storm Jonas and I'm here to tell the tale #Blizzard2016! But before we get ahead of ourselves, no, the snow here in NYC has not ALL melted yet - these photos were taken before New York got doused. Isn't it funny though how we were barely even experiencing winter at all when out of the blue it all happened in ONE day? And now we're back to 48 degree weather - yay! Well that was fun winter, see ya next year! Hmm...I hope I'm not jinxing anything...

SHOP ::