Be Mine :: red dress + red coat + polka dot heels

Red for Valentine's Day is sooo original, right? Well, if you style it MY way it is! Don't just "wear" red, be a SHOWSTOPPER in red. How? Sport the romantic hue in twofold!

A monochrome look is fresh and vibrant. While a red dress is pretty, a red ENSEMBLE turns heads. This is the dress I layered underneath my coat. It's pretty on its own but come on, it just KILLS when paired with a red hot statement coat to match. 

Making a chic topcoat a part of your look is actually pretty brilliant. You may be thinking, "But what happens when I go inside and have to take it off? My outfit will be ruined!" No young grasshoppers, you are one WITH your coat in this instance (aka do not remove it). Here my outer layer acts as a blazer or a light jacket if you will. This trick works especially well for me because I'm always cold. See? Brilliance! 

Aren't these heels fun? There's nothing I like more than elevated basics with a creative twist, which is exactly what these are. Yes I COULD be wearing simple black pumps, but would they look as whimsical and unique? Of course not! Elevated basics always win. 

Blush and pink is a fabulous combo that has been rocking street style blogs all over NYC. So to answer your inevitable question, yes, it can most definitely be worn year round and not just for V-Day. I know I know, I was hesitant at first too, but look - it's so charming! 

To break up the monochrome effect just a tad, and to show that I actually have a shape amidst this sea of red, I added a fancy little belt. I love this piece because it requires zero effort yet instantly polishes my look. 

This necklace is such a unique piece. My mom picked it out and I just love its geometric look and totally modern aesthetic. Without being overwhelming, it makes an incredible impact. And let's be real, whoever thought to put pearls in squares is a true pioneer!

Pink is my jam so I decided to throw another dash of it into my look by swiping it on my lips in the form of Urban Decay lipstick. My shade of choice? "Obsessed," which is a completely fitting name. On my eyelids I gave myself a light smoky eye using Naked Smoky. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[dress: Ann Taylor (old but I also like this one) // coat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // heels: Ann Taylor // belt: Ann Taylor (old, similar here) // purse: Ann Taylor // necklace: Cara Couture // earrings: Kate Spade // gold knot bangle: Kate Spade // silver & rose gold cuff: Ted Baker // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co.] 

Valentine's Day is almost here and you know what? I'm pumped! I know some don't consider it a "real" holiday but who am I to say no to endless amounts of chocolates, flowers, and shades of pink?! I absolutely adore Feb. 14 and yes, partly because I get to wear as much pink as I want and no one can tell me otherwise. But seriously, I love creating romantic date night looks and getting all dolled up. And who can blame me? I mean, red is SO my color ;)

SHOP ::