Fresh Dress // off-the-shoulder LBD + fedora

The off-the-shoulder trend just got a fresh new update - and fashion "it" girls are living for it. A hybrid of strapless & off-the-shoulder, this sexy in-between style is modern, trendy, and super intriguing. 

No LBD is complete without an adorable puppy on your arm, am I right? Say hello to my family dog, Cody! Although he LOOKS cuddly, he's barely capable of staying still long enough for a photo.

This is the type of dress that can easily be styled for pretty much any event on your calendar. Here, I paired it with summery white accessories to give it a carefree, casual vibe. I ended up wearing this look out to dinner with my family and then to a Broadway show downtown Chicago. I can so see myself wearing this to a future wedding, cocktail party, or fancy date night too.

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Ann Taylor // shoes: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // hat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // clutch: Kate Spade (similar style here) // sunglasses: Banana Republic // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co.]

Say goodbye to summer! This is my last full-on summer post of the year, which is pretty crazy. Does anyone else feel like summer just started? Next week I'll begin easing my way into autumn with jumpsuits, booties, denim, and all that cozy stuff.

// SHOP //

Maximum Advantage // orange maxi dress + metallic accents

Nothing says "August" quite like a sunset-orange maxi dress. Taking full advantage of the season, this particular style is made of linen and features spaghetti straps, which makes it all the more summery and comfortable. 

I wore this dress to a daytime wedding earlier this month. Rather than silver accessories though, I paired it with gold. Either way, this sunshiney, body-skimming dress stood out and was so fun to wear. 

This metallic pom-pom clutch brings a light-hearted youthfulness to my look. I love how the orange puff balls perfectly match my clementine dress. Sometimes all you need is one killer accessory to tie everything together. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[dress: Ann Taylor // shoes: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff  (similar style here) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lip color: Dior Addict Lip Tattoo in "Natural Berry"]

Thanks so much for reading! I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

// SHOP //

25 // Get Ready To Birthday Party

It's my 25th birthday and I'm celebrating in mesh! I decided to go with a black & silver theme for my special day this year, and of course I couldn't resist some b-day balloons - a birthday girl's best accessory ;)

Embellished heels with touches of metal drive this look home for me. While all-black is sleek, accessories are what make it pop. I especially love my strong cuff paired with modern panels of mesh - there's definitely a futuristic vibe there.

Fact of 2017: transparent clothes are in. I decided to test out the trend in my own way, and I have to say, I'm a fan. I felt sexy and powerful but at the same time, it still felt like I was covered up. And how about that see-through hemline on my skirt? LOVE. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: & Other Stories // bra: & Other Stories (similar style here) skirt: & Other Stories (sold out, but I also like this style) // heels: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // cuff: & Other Stories (I also like this one) // choker: Free People // lipstick: Urban Decay's Jean Michel Basquiat collection in "Exhibition" (similar shade is "Bittersweet")]

Thanks so much for reading, everyone. And to all my fellow Leo's out there - HBD!

// SHOP //

Old Hollywood Meets New Hollywood // gold dress + block heels

In all its shimmery, old-Hollywood glory, this glamorous look fits right in at any wedding. It's a standout choice for date night, and it effortlessly commands attention in the conference room. Need I say more? 

Cool-toned accessories keep my look fresh and modern. And I couldn't resist painting on a bold red lip to compliment my loose voluminous curls. Can you say, red-carpet ready? 

In a form-fitting yet flattering fabric, this luxe gold dress is surprisingly versatile. I can't wait to pair it with an oversized leather jacket come autumn.

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[dress: Anthropologie (I also like this style) // heels: Zara (I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // sunglasses: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // necklace: Madewell // earrings: Alexis Bittar // lip color: Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Brighton"]

// SHOP //

Always In Style // trench dress + lace-up heels

Forever classic, a trench coat is THE ultimate jacket to take you from summer to fall (and everything in between.) Adopting that same design and philosophy for a dress, the unique beauty I'm rocking here is both modern and effortlessly timeless. Ps. while I'm wearing it strapless in these pics, it actually comes with detachable straps if that's more your jam.  

I knew I had to have this dress when I first saw it. I didn't have anything like it in my closet, which is always a selling point for me. Not only that though, it's much more versatile than it may appear at first glance. I can see myself wearing jackets and coats over it in fall and layering button-downs and blouses UNDER it in spring. Even better, it buttons all the way down so you can technically wear it as a tunic - just unbutton it halfway down and wear with pants! Need a visual? Check out this genius styling by Wendy's Lookbook. 

I debated for a while about what shoes to wear with this dress - I even took votes from family members and friends! I ended up landing on these sexy lace-up heels because they make a bold statement. I also thought black looked best considering the fashion world is transitioning into fall and this khaki material reminds me of autumn. 

My leopard clutch only adds to the fierce factor of this ensemble. While a simple black bag would have done the job, animal print is much more exciting and fun. 

An earring guaranteed to make you a fashion "it" girl, this XL sized pair adds instant edge and elegance to any look. Its impact is extra powerful when I pull my hair back. No necklace needed. 

For those of you who follow me on Snapchat, you know I call this statement bracelet my "Wonder Woman" cuff. I love wearing it with strong pieces - like this dress - to accentuate its tough-luxe beauty. 

A deep red lip polished off this look perfectly. I reserve this lip color for when I want to look uber glam, and I love how chic it looks with a slick pony, sky-high lashes, and neutral eyeshadow. 

 Photos by Dan Harper

[dress: Banana Republic // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // clutch: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // cuff: & Other Stories (similar style here) // lipstick: Kylie Jenner's KoKo Kollection in "Gorg"]

Nope, it's not New York - it's Chicago! While home last month, my dad and I snapped these pics on the Chicago Riverwalk, and it turned out to be a beautiful backdrop for such a look-at-me outfit. Although I love NYC dearly, there's nothing like Chi-Town. I mean, just LOOK at how clean it is! 

 //  SHOP //