Ready to Dazzle // metallic pants + feathered top

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's party outfit ideas
Ring in 2019 with dazzling pieces designed to turn heads. While I have no problem being extra all year long, on New Year's Eve, extreme extraness is practically a requirement! This year, I'm loving statement sleeves, subtle sparkle, and wow-worthy metallics. The result? A party-ready combo that's both refined and impactful.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear pants to a party
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing gold metallic pants
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's New Year's Eve outfit ideas
These feather sleeves are so much fun, and I love how they effortlessly transform a simple black blouse into something much more elegant and festive. It just goes to show you don't have to go way over the top to make a statement.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper on New Year's Eve
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's New Year's Eve fashion
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in downtown Naperville
How about these metallic pants? They're undeniably perfect for the holidays, but I'm also looking forward to rocking them into the new year with a simple tee and leather jacket. On NYE though, these babies will definitely have you shining bright! Mission = accomplished.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's New Year's Eve makeup
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's nye outfit ideas
 Photos by Dan Harper
[top: Ann Taylor (out of stock now, but I also like this one) // pants: Ann Taylor // booties: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this one) // necklace: Madewell (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette // lip color: limited edition Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Spiced Plum (similar shade here in "Maple")]

With pieces like these in my arsenal, I'm determined to sparkle all the way through midnight. This year I'll be in Manhattan for New Year's Eve, and to be honest, I'll most likely be playing it low key. But you better believe I won't be skimping on my ensemble! After all, the only way to ring in the new year is in style ;) 

// SHOP //


Holly Jolly // red sweater + leo skirt

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday party outfit ideas
Looking for a last-minute party outfit you can easily throw on and head out the door in? Spare yourself from looking like a hot mess with a no-fail combo that's both polished and effortless.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 fashion trends
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper at Brookfield Place's Christmas tree
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a red Furla mini bag
I've had this cropped red sweater forever, and party season after party season, it's been a go-to for me when I'm in a pinch. I usually pair it with high-waisted jeans or pants teamed with a heeled bootie, but here, I'm dressing it up a bit more with a flirty skirt in a graphic leopard print. Leopard skirts have been one of the biggest trends of 2018, and they're only picking up speed heading into the new year. Shop some of my favorite styles below!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a leopard skirt
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's leopard skirt outfit ideas
You know I'm all about accessories. And while this look is simple, the extras truly complete it and help it look that much more festive. I've especially been loving layered gold necklaces lately, and this initial bauble is one of the newest pieces to hit my collection. I've pretty much been wearing it nonstop. Ps. It makes a fab stocking suffer!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a gold layered initial necklace
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit ideas
[sweater: Ann Taylor (old, but similar one here) // skirt: Ann Taylor (similar one here) // heels: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // purse: Furla // short gold necklace: Uncommon James // "K" necklace: Anthropologie // earrings: Kate Spade // eyeshadow: Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in "Kitten Karma" // lip color: Nars Limited Edition Powermatte Lip Luster in "Hardcore"]

These photos were taken this past Sunday when it was pouring down rain in New York City. Cursing myself for leaving my last Christmas-inspired post to the last minute, I knew I had to get creative. Brookfield Place immediately came to mind due to its abundant natural lighting, beautiful holiday decor, and, most importantly, indoor facilities — crisis officially averted! 

While it was too wet to wear this look out and about over the weekend, it makes a perfect outfit for any last-minute parties you may have coming up. Festive, chic, and totally on-trend, it can easily work from nine to wine!

// SHOP //


Dress, Optional // party look feat. formal track pants

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2018  holiday party outfit ideas
Dresses not your thing? Temps too frigid for bare legs? Or maybe you're a fan of comfort and free range of motion. Whatever your reasoning, you do NOT need to rock a dress to feel festive and feminine — but you didn't need me to tell you that, did you? ;)
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit ideas with pants
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday party outfit with pants
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing Nic and Zoe white boots
Switch up your party style this season with sleek trousers, formal track pants, elevated denim, or all of the above! I've been feeling more comfortable than ever lately in pants, and I love how this polished holiday look fuses sporty and traditional. To tie it all together, I weaved hints of white throughout. And I mean, how fabulous are these crisp white boots?
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's non-dress holiday party outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2018 holiday makeup
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's work outfit with pants
This is the first polo I've owned in a while, and I absolutely love it. Blair Eadie of Atlantic Pacific really nailed it, and she ended up designing a charming top that's just as versatile as it is chic. ...I've already worn it twice this week! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday office party outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear formal track pants
Photos by Antonio Owens 
[top: Atlantic-Pacific x Halogen via Nordstrom // pants: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // blazer: Zara (similar one here) // boots: Nic + Zoe (almost sold out, but I also like this pair) // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // earrings: J.Crew // lip color: Nars Manic Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set in "Spike"]

As my social calendar's been filling up with parties and events, I've had to get more creative in my outfits than simply slapping on a dress and calling it an evening. I love how this outfit is subtly festive (hello emerald green blazer and pearl buttons) and easily fits in no matter the occasion. 

This past weekend, I wore this look to a holiday wine tasting party, and not only did I feel stylish and confident, but I was as comfy as can be! Pants, you're the real holiday MVP ðŸ‘Œ

// SHOP //


A Dash of Red // off-the-shoulder + velvet pants

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfits
Coming in red hot with another festive look for the holidays. Featuring luxe velvet, refined off-the-shoulder detailing, trendy leopard, and of course statement-worthy red, this outfit pretty much has it all. But would you believe it's also deceivingly comfortable?
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a holiday jumpsuit outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing Ann Taylor leopard heels
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's red blazer outfit ideas
I actually featured these pants last December in this post, but I couldn't resist styling them again this year. Why? The softness! The stretchiness! The versatility! These babies are my secret weapon when I want to look put together (or dare I say, fancy?) but know I'll either A.) be eating a lot, or B.) be lounging/sitting a lot. Best of Both Worlds, I am here for you! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a Rebecca Minkoff gold clutch
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2018 holiday outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday outfit inspiration
I love sprinkling my holiday looks with extra special detailing of the shimmery, sparkly variety. Long, gold earrings like these are refined and light but still bring the drama. I especially love the way they frame my face!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing gold statement earrings from Club Monaco
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in front of Ralph Lauren NYC at Christmas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2018 holiday party outfit
[blazer: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // bodysuit: Express (I also like this one) // pants: J.Crew // heels: Ann Taylor // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // earrings: Club Monaco (similar pair here) // gold spike bracelet: Stella & Dot // eyeshadow: Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in "Smoky Storm" // lip color: Nars Manic Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set in "Bondage"]

Christmas in New York City is a special thing. What's amazing is that so many stores, streets, and buildings get into the holiday spirit. Almost everywhere you look, you see larger-than-life decorations and lights, and it is SO picturesque.

Antonio and I took these photos this past weekend right out front of the Ralph Lauren flagship stores on the Upper Eastside. For those who haven't seen it, check out this pic and this pic. You see what I'm saying? ALL out! Sometimes I even feel like I'm in a Hallmark movie...

// SHOP //


Well Plaid // red dress + plaid coat

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's plaid coat outfit idea
For me, holiday fashion means dressing extra bright, extra sparkly, and extra red. That means you'll see me regularly incorporating all of the above into my looks for the next month, starting with this cherry red dress and matching beret
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a red holiday dress
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing ankle-strap embellished heels
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Christmas outfit ideas
To satisfy the "extra sparkly" part of my holiday fashion definition, I'm rocking ankle-strap embellished heels that I typically only wear this time of year. I love that they're simple and demure in the front, and PARTY in the back! A metallic purse is another great way to add subtle shine to any party look, and of course I couldn't forget my go-to chandelier earrings and one of my favorite vintage-inspired necklaces.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper at the Plaza Hotel at Christmas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2018 holiday outfit
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's holiday party outfit ideas
A plaid coat is endlessly versatile, which is why I'm surprised it took me so long to own one. They can easily be dressed up or down, and here, this top layer completes my ensemble with a playful yet sophisticated twist.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a silver Rebecca Minkoff purse
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2018 holiday outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Christmas at Bergdorf Goodman
[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // coat: Sam Edelman // beret: Urban Outfitters // shoes: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // necklace: Madewell (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // lip color: Marc Jacobs Le Marc lipstick in "Oh Miley"]

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm fully embracing Christmas! If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that Antonio and I were in full-blown decorating mode this weekend. Not only did we get our tree (first fake one I've ever had, RIP), but we decked it out, along with the rest of the apartment, making our entire space feel beautiful and festive. The only problem is, now I don't want to leave the house!

We ended our Saturday night with a trip down memory lane by watching Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't inspire this shoot just a little bit. After all, we shot right outside the Plaza Hotel, which is where a bulk of the movie takes place. NYC at Christmastime is truly something special!

// SHOP //