The Great Transition // white blouse + dress shorts

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing ways to wear a white blouse
During the awkward time between summer and fall, I like to mix my outfits up, creating a hybrid look that's unique to this seasonless period. Shorts teamed with a long-sleeved blouse? Yes please! Let the transitioning begin.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's street style
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's white blouse outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper holding an Alice and Olivia face clutch
I picked this blouse up from a Theory sample sale in the beginning of summer, and I’ve gotten so much use out of it so far. I’m a big believer in the crisp, white button-down, and with a slightly cropped fit and boyfriend slouch, this one is a chic take on the classic. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer street style
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear shorts to work
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's star hoop earrings
My favorite footwear for this in-between time is the peep-toe sock bootie. With elements of both a summer and winter shoe, the heels are perfect for pairing with skirts and shorts OR jeans and maxi dresses. Not to mention, the fabric is super breathable and comfy! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to dress up shorts
 Photos by Dan Harper
[top: Theory // shorts: Banana Republic (similar style here) // shoes: Nic + Zoe // purse: Alice & Olivia // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // necklaces: Uncommon James // earrings: Jennifer Zeuner // watch: Marc Jacobs // lip color: Bite Beauty Liquified Lipstick in "Whip"]

Disregarding the wicked heatwave NYC has been experiencing this week, fall is coming! We got a small taste of it last week when temps dipped into the high 70s and humidity was at an all-time low. I can't wait for that to be the norm! I think I'm most excited about rocking blazers and jackets. Is there anything you can't wait to start styling once fall officially hits?

// SHOP //


On The Bright Side // graphic tee + windowpane blazer

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's checkered blazer outfit ideas
Although warmer temps aren't going anywhere yet, it's always bittersweet when summer begins to wrap up. It means bidding farewell to longer days, rooftop happy hours, and weekend beach trips. But on the bright side? Less sweat, more layers, and endless outfit opportunities.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's checkered blazer street style
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a blazer with shorts
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing pointed toe bow flats
Due to the sweltering NYC heat, I haven't busted out a blazer since springtime. But I knew when I finally did, I'd begin with this checkered cutie. Transforming a casual jean-shorts-and-tee look into something much more charming and versatile, I think it's the perfect piece to headline my wardrobe's transition into autumn. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's fall outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2018 fall outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper carrying a yellow Trina Turk purse
Does it get any better than optimism on a graphic tee? Not only does this shirt project positivity, but its bold lettering and cheerful message is both stylish and smile-inducing. Basically, IT’S SO MUCH FUN TO WEAR!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer outfit ideas with jeans shorts
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's graphic tee outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2018 fall street style
[blazer: Banana Republic (sold out, similar one here) // tee: J.Crew (I also like this one) // shorts: Banana Republic // slides: Nanette Lapore (I also like this pair) // purse: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // earrings: J.Crew (similar pair here) // watch: Fossil (I also like this style) // lip color: Marc Jacobs Beauty lipstick in "Oh Miley"]

Go ahead and label your favorite blazer a jacket; throw it on over anything and everything! They have the ability to make any combo look instantly polished and chic. For me, it completely revamped this off-duty summer look into something much more Fall and much less run-of-the-mill. But don't get me wrong! Summer, I love you. 

// SHOP //


Birthday Dress // metallic pleated dress + turning 26

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Jane's Carousel photo shoot
No matter if it's your birthday or you're celebrating someone else's, the perfect party dress will ensure you feel sparkly, confident, and ready for anything. My 26th birthday is just around the corner (Friday, August 17), and this year I'm shining extra bright in metallic
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a gold metallic dress
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's birthday photo shoot in Brooklyn
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Jane's Carousel pics
I'm a planner, so I had this birthday dress picked out months in advance. But the one thing I couldn't nail down was the perfect necklace to go with it. I wasn't finding anything worthy in my own collection, so I turned to Red Carpet Rocks. The company, which is essentially Rent the Runway for jewelry, reached out to me just in time, and I totally lucked out by finding this stunning fringe statement necklace to complete my b-day look. 

The renting process was way simpler than I ever would have thought too. They hand-delivered my jewels the very next day. Three days later, someone came to pick up the necklace — I didn't even have to leave the house or deal with a shipping label! You can rent this exact same piece for yourself by clicking here
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a fringe statement necklace from Red Carpet Rocks
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's birthday party outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a jewelry rental from Red Carpet Rocks
This metallic dress is just as fun to wear as it looks. It's shimmery, flattering, and totally twirlable. The fact that it looks like I'm wearing liquid metal is icing on the cake! While at first I struggled with finding a suitable shoe, a nude heel quickly became an obvious choice. After all, the last thing I wanted to do was upstage this standout frock. 
Fashion blogger Kathleen Harper doing a photo shoot with balloons in NYC
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a gold metallic dress
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Brooklyn Bridge photo shoot
[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // necklace: rented from Red Carpet Rocks (I also like this style to buy) // heels: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // earrings: Juicy Couture (identical pair here) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked Smoky palette // lip color: Bite Beauty Liquified Lipstick in "Lotus Root"]

Every year, Antonio and I shoot special photos for my birthday. This year was no different, but we decided to kick things up a notch. I planned far in advance (I literally bought this dress in December knowing I'd save it for this moment), and we woke up at 6 am the day of our shoot. 

We traveled to Brooklyn and took these pics before Brooklyn Bridge Park got crowded. I especially love our shots in front of Jane's Carousel. For me, it was the perfect way to welcome a new age. I can't wait to see where 26 will take me!

// SHOP //


Check Yourself // red gingham shorts + twist top

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer outfit ideas
Red gingham: the quintessential pattern of summer. It always seems to tag along on picnics, trips to the fair, and beach excursions. But for when I'm not living a summer paradise, I WEAR the print loudly and proudly...and it's almost the next best thing! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper with her bichon maltese puppy
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear shorts on a date
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's white weave Michael Kors purse
 Red gingham is whimsical on its own, but put it in the form of high-waisted ruffle shorts and you have yourself a charming, feminine outfit-starter. To up this look's edge factor, I paired my gingham with black and white. After that, my retro red accents were a no-brainer. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear red gingham shorts
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer date night outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear red retro sunglasses
I’ve been wearing shorts more than usual this summer and I’ve found they’re actually more versatile than I previously thought. This look for example is totally date-night appropriate. I’ve been trying to branch out in the shorts department too - they don’t all have to be denim! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a twist crop top
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer street style pics
 Photos by Dan Harper 
[top: Zara (similar one here) // shorts: Zara (identical pair here) // shoes: Express (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // lip color: Marc Jacobs lipstick in "Oh Miley"]

The adorable pup in the second photo is my family’s dog Cody. I love featuring him in my photos whenever possible. These were taken during one of my visits home to Chicago this summer, and Cody definitely stole the show! 

// SHOP //


All Ruffled Up // high-low skirt + one-shoulder top

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer date night outfit
Whether you're headed to a wedding or an afternoon soiree, add allure to your look with a ruffled high-low skirt and an elegant top. Dangle earrings and a pop of color serve as the perfect finishing touch. 
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper posing for photos at the Art Institute
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer street style 2018
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a high-low ruffle skirt from Banana Republic
Bringing this skirt back for the second time this summer, this go-around I'm rocking it with a delicate one-shoulder blouse. I love how the top's ruffles play off the pleats in my skirt, dialing up the drama in a playful yet polished way.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer street style pics
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's summer outfit ideas
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a ruffle skirt and ruffle top
This skirt is one of my favorite purchases of the summer. I've already worn it multiple times, twice now on my blog, and it's starring in two more looks I'm waiting to photograph. It's just one of those pieces that makes me smile, you know?
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an off-the-shoulder ruffle top
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's Chicago summer street style
 Photos by Dan Harper & Sarah Harper
[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // skirt: Banana Republic (similar style here) // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (similar pair here) // earrings: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // lip color: Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Lipgloss in "Taboo"]

I wore this look in Chicago for a family brunch and then around the city for a full day of adventuring. These photos were snapped right outside the Art Institute, and I love how the yellow flowers in the background compliment my sunny clutch. I wish I could say I planned it!

I hope everyone's enjoying their week so far — can you believe it's August already? 

//SHOP//