Work It // joggers + short sleeved button-down

I'm here to tell you that yes, believe it or not, you CAN wear sweatpants to work! Well, maybe not actual sweatpants, but the closest thing to it in the fashion world - joggers! And trust me, once you take these babies for a spin, you'll be wearing them everywhere...even to work...multiple times a week (whoops)! 

When styling joggers for the office or a day/night out, the key, is what you pair them with - i.e. your shoes and your top. Since joggers resemble sweatpants, it's best to amp up the rest of your look and choose dressier pieces for added polish. A tucked in button-down is a no-fail option. A tucked in button-down in a fun, whimsical print? Even better! 

Ah the jogger, the more glamorous, distant cousin of the sweatpant, and the less-stuffy sister-in-law of the trouser. They're a real lifesaver at the office when you feel like wearing PJs, and they have saved me countless times when I don't feel like getting dressed but I still want to look put-together. Yes, you CAN work these at work! And once you do, you'll thank me :)

As I mentioned before, your choice of footwear is super important when styling joggers. And while I have worn these pants with my Adidas Superstars, there's nothing like a chic heel in a bright pop of color to really show off the true potential of joggers. Plus, aren't these sandals to-die-for? 

Incorporating some sparkle & shine into each of my looks is important to me. And since a necklace didn't work here, I went big with my earrings! This is a dressy pair of studs that I find myself wearing with everything from t-shirts to work dresses. 

To echo my suede teal heels, I painted on a matte fuchsia lipstick. It brightens up my look and gives it a daytime feel. As for my eyes, I kept my shadow neutral but impactful. I achieved this specific look by using three different Urban Decay shadows: Suspect, Sin, and Mushroom. 

 Full disclosure: I am BEYOND bad at styling hair. But I completely lucked out with this bun that I threw up in just one try! I don't think I could replicate it if I tried, but I love how it turned out. A curly, wispy bun is chic, playful, and effortless (well, effortless for SOME of us...)

This is definitely a look you can throw together on a work day. It's that perfect "Monday Blues" outfit you can pull out of your back pocket when you want to wear something nice but secretly wish you were still in your pajamas. It's trying hard WITHOUT trying hard, get it? 

Photos by Dan Harper

[top: Zara // pants: Zara // heels: Zara (similar here) // purse: Kate Spade // earrings: Ann Taylor // watch: Marc Jacobs (I also like this one) // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lipstick: Urban Decay's "Bittersweet"]

I've worn this exact outfit on multiple occasions. And surprisingly enough, it never gets old! I've worn this to work, out to dinner in Chelsea, and even on a casual weekend when I wanted to be cute yet comfy. 

And don't even get me started on these pants! I haven't had them for long, but they've already accompanied me on two airplane trips, been worn to the office countless times, and I've even - almost - slept in them. I'm telling ya, once you try on a pair of joggers, you'll never be the same!

 // SHOP // 

A Bolder Shoulder // high-low skirt + sweetheart neckline

Street-influenced style with a couture spin is the look of the season. So I took that trend a step further and added my own version of polish to a date night ensemble. And while it's not really a fusion of uptown/downtown, it's certainly a look that'll turn heads no matter WHERE you are. 

Although this is a date night look, you don't have to JUST reserve a dramatic skirt for after dark. This statement bottom looks fabulous with everything from t-shirts to sexy off-the-shoulder tops. But it also creates a killer evening outfit with virtually zero effort. Just look at how it drapes and flows - it's a date night no-brainer for sure! 

My secret to this flawlessly tucked-in top? It's not tucked in at all! And it's actually a bodysuit rather than a top - did I fool anyone? At this point, the wonders and magic of the bodysuit are pretty well known, and for good reason. I myself am obsessed with bodysuits as they make getting dressed a cinch. I love the special touches this one has - like the sweetheart neckline and off-the-should detailing. It's pretty & polished, and will never look sloppy.  

There are so many things about this heel that I love. It's suede - aka perfect for fall - it has a block heel, which makes it super easy to walk in, and it dresses up any outfit without trying too hard. When at a loss for what shoes to wear, just remember that you can never go wrong with a straight-forward ankle-strap heel. 

Similar to my stylish yet no-fuss footwear, a simple patent leather clutch is a closet essential for a variety of reasons. A style like this is chic, sleek, and extremely versatile. And bonus - this one fits my wallet, keys, AND more than a few lipsticks...because, you know, being prepared is important. 

When styling an eye-catching neckline like the one my bodysuit has, keeping jewelry to a minimum is your best plan of action. While I didn't want to overwhelm my look with a necklace, a look-at-me earring served as the perfect finishing touch to elegantly top off this outfit. 

Using Urban Decay's Naked 3 palette, which features rose golds and shades of purple, I gave myself a romantic smoky eye. See the flecks of pink on my lids? I wanted to subtly tie in my makeup to my skirt and give off an overall flirty feel. 

This is one of my favorite looks. Wearing it around New York City, I felt comfortable, beautiful, and confident. And while it's a bit more daring than I typically go for, I think that's what made me fall in love with it. After all, stepping OUT of your comfort zone is the best way to discover your true self. 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[skirt: Zara (old, but I also like this one) // bodysuit: Express (similar look here) // heels: Ann Taylor (super similar pair here) // clutch: Hobo (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // cuff: Ted Baker // lipstick: Bare Pop by Clinique // eyeshadow: Naked 3 palette by Urban Decay]

Of course I couldn't call this a "date night" outfit without testing it out as such first. And I am happy to report that yes, this is a *tested* and approved date night look - would I ever steer you wrong? 

I wore this beautiful number out to an Italian restaurant/wine bar on the Upper Eastside with my longtime boyfriend. And not only did his jaw drop just a little when he first saw me, but I felt like a true princess the entire night! Now if that's not proof enough of a fantastic date night look, then I don't know what is! Oh, and I did I mention that our waitress complimented my outfit? Because she did ;)

 // SHOP // 

Birds Of Paradise // printed shorts + oversized blazer

Shorts can be dressy too! Pair your favorite printed pair with a simple top and a well-tailored, oversized blazer for a fresh take on office chic. 

It may be September, but that doesn't mean you have to cut shorts out of your wardrobe rotation just YET. After all, it's still summer until the 22nd! I love this printed pair that features a "birds of paradise" pattern. The intricate design and bright, tropical colors make them that much more luxe. 

A shorts-and-blazer look is polished and modern. It provides stylish juxtaposition between weekend/work and uptown/downtown. I also love how this oversized jacket plays with proportions by hitting right above the hemline of my shorts. 

A touch of metallic is almost always a good idea. Silver was huge this past year and, good news for my fellow lovers-of-all-things-shiny, this trend is staying strong through fall! A bit of shine truly helps elevate even the most casual of looks. 

Speaking of shine, this Kate Spade crossbody compliments my silver sandals beautifully. In a neutral tone, it's also super versatile. But of course a stripe of gold gives it an added element of sophistication and pop. 

I incorporated both cream and white into this ensemble, which to some may be considered a bit daring - especially after Labor Day. But I love the look of bright whites against more yellow tones, and with a necklace to match, my entire outfit comes full circle. 

Delicate yet statement-making, these pearl-back studs are classic go-to for me. 

I love how this look is professional but not stuffy, it's laid-back and easy yet packed with polish. And that's all thanks to this gorgeous oversized blazer. A piece like this (in any color) is a definite must-have for anyone and everyone! Cropped versions are officially out of style...at least for now ;) 

Photos by Dan Harper

[v-neck tee: Ann Taylor // blazer: Elizabeth & James (I also like this one) // shorts: Ann Taylor // sandals: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Kate Spade // necklace: Loft (I also like this one)// earrings: Ann Taylor (similar here) // watch: Kate Spade // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // cream bangle: Kate Spade // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Bare Pop by Clinique] 

As summery as this look may seem - I know, I know, everyone is SO fixated on fall right now - it's actually perfect for this time of year! Because let's face it, it's still super hot outside (it was 90 degrees this past weekend in NYC). But by adding a chic jacket into your usual shorts-and-tee mix, you're putting your own autumn spin on a tried-and-true summer favorite. Pretty genius, right? 

// SHOP //