Let the Good Times Glow // Silver Top + Leather Leggings

I'm ready to ring in the new year in something that stand outs and makes me feel confident. After all, a new decade is upon us! Leather, sparkles, and polished accessories are currently reigning supreme, and for 2020, they're all you need for a modern statement look.

Sparkles on New Year's Eve aren't exactly unexpected, but it's also the only time of year when too much is just enough. So in other words, GO FOR IT! A metallic glitter top is a dazzling way to make an entrance in a way that doesn't feel overboard. 

I especially love the subtly retro puff sleeves on this Rebecca Taylor piece and the flattering ruching. It's small design details like those that take an item from ordinary to extraordinary. 

To kick this look up a notch, I added (faux) leather leggings. While a bit extra for the every day, it's perfect for a night out or a party. A rockstar-esque studded crossbody, edgy black booties, and a glitzy headband complete my ensemble. Good luck getting off the dance floor in an outfit like this ;)

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Rebecca Taylor (I also like this one) // pants: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // booties: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Rag & Bone (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: fine jewelry (similar pair here) // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

I'm so excited for 2020, and, if you ask me, the best way to start a new year is to start it in style. Put your best foot forward in something that makes you feel unstoppable! Happy new year!

// SHOP //

Instant Cheer // Puff-Sleeve Dress + Padded Headband

Sometimes the right outfit is all you need to feel all the festive feels. For me, that usually means slipping into a party dress (or jumpsuit) and adding fun accessories — like a red lip and statement hair accessory. Voila — instant holiday cheer!

How's THIS for a holiday party dress? Complete with organza puff sleeves and a flattering A-line skirt, this ultra-chic frock was MADE to make an entrance — and an impression ;) It was designed by my friend Quigley Goode of Officially Quigley, and I love how it embodies her playful style in a chic, easy-to-wear way. 

A splash of red lipstick and a green bag are all my monochrome outfit needs to feel Christmasy. Everything else can stay chic and black, making for a polished look with *just enough* holiday flavor.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Amazon's The Drop by Officially Quigley (no longer available, but I also love this style) // heels: Diane von Furstenberg (I also love this pair) // purse: Ann Taylor (sold out, but I also love this style) // headband: Anthropologie ($16 option here) // earrings: Banana Republic // lip color: Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Portofino" (similar shade here)]

This is my last 2019 holiday blog post from NYC! I'll be in Chicago for Christmas, and while I'm excited to have some down time with my family, I'll definitely miss all of the decorations in New York. No one does the holidays like The Big Apple!

These photos were taken at Lotte New York Palace, which is one of my favorite spots every holiday season. This was Antonio and mine's third shoot here with the tree, and honestly, it never gets old! 

// SHOP //

Monochrome Holiday // Winter White Suit + Glitter Heels

A power suit always makes a statement. But for the holidays — especially in a crisp shade of white — that statement goes above and beyond. Sophisticated and polished, this is your party-ready look that’ll shake things up.

Arguably just as essential as a great party dress, a sleek suit is a one-and-done outfit that’ll always impress. Not only is it a tad unexpected, it’s timeless and polished no matter the occasion. 

Ornate heels are your ticket to a standout look this holiday season. From glitter to embroidery to velvet to mesh, the perfect party shoe is ALL about being *just enough* over-the-top. 

I’ve had these sparkly pumps for four years now and, to be honest, I’ve only worn them a handful of times. What? You can’t pull out your most extra shoes for just any old occasion ;) But seriously, I love how well they work with this monochrome look. They add a festive touch that also blends right in.

Monochrome looks trended hard all year long, and heading into 2020, they’re just as popular as ever. I knew I wanted to have a tonal moment this holiday season, and it turns out all white is the freshest take out there.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: H&M (similar style here) // trousers: H&M (similar style here) // turtleneck: H&M (similar style here) // heels: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // clutch: Diane von Furstenberg (I also like this one) // necklace: Madewell (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // lip color: Tarte Cosmetics Tarteist Lip Paint in "Delish"]

Taking photos in NYC this time of year is especially challenging. You have to be extra strategic in order to capture all of the amazing holiday spots and decor while avoiding the photobombing crowds. 

For this shoot, Antonio and I got to Rockefeller Center by 8 am this past Sunday. I thought even that may be too late but we totally lucked out! Although the tourists were definitely out and about, we still managed to get loads of clear photos. As a result, this is my favorite holiday shoot to date!

// SHOP //

Holiday-Party Ready // Slip Dress + Plaid Coat

December means it’s time to party. From pearlized clips to glittery clutches and velvet boots, all things festive are not only fair game, they’re ENCOURAGED. You know what they say, the more the merrier - and this holiday season is ALL about being merry (...and bright. And sparkly.)! 

Sleek and chic, this holiday-approved look isn’t over-the-top, but it still packs a festive punch. This black slip dress has been one of my favorite pieces these past few months, and layered with a tee underneath and a printed coat on top, it’s perfect for your next soirée. 

Never underestimate the power of details - especially for a party or event. These embellished barrettes are playful yet elegant and serve as a super easy way to add a hint of glamour to any look - even jeans and a tee. 

You may have noticed that my hair looks extra fabulous in these photos ;). That’s because I had gotten a blowout earlier in the day. It’s a wonder what a good hair day can do for your mood and overall spirit! I highly recommend treating yourself to a trip to the salon before a special occasion - it’ll give you SUCH a feel-good boost of confidence. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[coat: Sam Edelman (I also like this one) // dress: Aritzia (similar style here) // tee: Aritzia (I also like this one) // boots: Ann Taylor // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // necklace: MANGO (I also like this one) // earrings: Kendra Scott (super similar pair here) // hair clips: Amazon // lip gloss: Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss in "Backtalk"]

The Christmas season is about a week shorter than usual this year, and I am FEELING it. Anyone else? Things feel more hectic than normal (which says a lot), and I just know that I won’t be able to accomplish every little thing on my list. But you know what? I’m learning to be okay with that. We can’t do it all, and this is the perfect season to practice self-care, patience, and being present. After all, I don’t just want to “get through” the holidays, I want to EMBRACE them! 

// SHOP //