Windy City Chic // Pink Coat + Silver Boots

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an outfit with metallic silver boots.
You hear it all the time in the fashion sphere — people talking about how they "can't pull off" a certain look or trend. Leather pants and metallic boots may seem like bold, risky choices, but really it's all about attitude. Henry Ford articulated it best when he said, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right.” When you feel confident, you look confident — and that, my friends, is what makes ALL the difference.
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in front of the Sears Tower.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper outside of the Art Institute of Chicago for a photo shoot.
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's winter outfit for work or date night.
Two words: OWN. IT. Leather-effect pants are having a major moment and I cannot get enough of their sleek and edgy aesthetic. My sister was making fun of me over the holidays because I brought home three pairs of leather pants (I couldn't pack just one because DUH they all have different fits!). The icing on the cake though was when I received a fourth pair as a gift! 
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's street style.
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing metallic silver boots from Zara.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a blush pink coat.
Speaking of gifts, I received this Staud bucket bag for Christmas, and I immediately fell in love with the modern design and on-trend look. Even better, it comes with a crossbody strap, making it way more practical than it may look at first glance.
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a clear and black Staud bucket bag.
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing crystal ear seeds.
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a leather pants outfit.
Chicago fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's winter outfit idea.
[coat: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one), sweater: Ann Taylor (similar one here) // pants: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // boots: Zara (I also like this pair) // purse: Staud // sunglasses: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // "K" earrings: Diamonds Doing Good (similar pair here) // earrings: gift (I also like this pair) // lip color: Saint Jane Microdose Lip Gloss in "Nectar"]

I wore this look last month in Chicago during a jam-packed day with my family. We visited the Art Institute and checked out the Andy Warhol exhibit, dined out, and then I caught up with my best friend at a wine bar. I loved how I felt in this outfit, and that confidence carried me through my entire day. 

It can be easy to feel extra when you're outside of NYC. I love how in New York, you automatically feel empowered to dress HOWEVER you want. Thigh-high snake print boots at the office on a Wednesday? YES! Oversized, crazy, fur coat at Trader Joe's just because? YES! New Yorkers cannot be fazed. 

Sometimes I forget that no other place is quite like that. As much as I love Chicago, it's not a fashion capitol by any means. But sometimes that's part of the fun — i.e. standing out and making a statement! I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't let anyone get in the way of YOU being YOU. 

If the metallic boots make you smile, go ahead and wear them...even if you're in the midwest and already wearing sparkly lip gloss, leather pants, and a pink coat...and posing wildly in the street ;) 

// SHOP //


Power Stance // Black (Faux) Leather + Sheer Tights

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing 2020 fashion trends.
A power outfit can take many forms. Sometimes it’s a killer jumpsuit that flatters every curve. Other times, it may be a monochrome suit that not only makes your eyes pop, but looks fierce in a boardroom. If you’re unsure how to find yours, something involving leather is usually a pretty good place to start. Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a peacoat and leather mini skirt in winter 2020.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's winter outfit inspo for work and date night.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's leather mini skirt outfit.
No matter the occasion, a power outfit will make you feel unstoppable, confident, and fabulous. When dreaming up new looks for myself, I have the same goals in mind, but this outfit hit the nail especially on the head. 

A leather mini skirt is inherently sexy, already making it an intriguing choice for a power outfit. Sheer black tights are a chic way to winterify the ensemble, while a classic, black mock neck sweater is just about as versatile as you can get. All in all, this look will turn heads out on the town and command any room at the office.Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a Staud black and white croc leather purse.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a leather mini skirt in 2020.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's winter outfit idea for 2020.
Sometimes an all-black, or a nearly-all-black, outfit is the perfect way to make a statement. Always elevated, polished, and alluring, black gets the job done — whatever job that may be. A moody red lip takes the aesthetic to a whole new level, creating a vibe that's ladylike and daring all at the same time.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a Tiffany & Co. silver Love necklace.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a winter date night outfit in 2020.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's work outfit idea for winter 2020.
[jacket: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // mock neck: H&M // skirt: Zara (similar one here) // boots: Naturalizer // sheer tights: HUE // purse: Staud (I also like this one) // leather cuff: Michael Dawkins (I also like this one) // Love necklace: Tiffany & Co. // earrings: John Hardy (I also like this pair) // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Gorg" (similar shade here in "Rubino")]

Sad story about this jacket: soon after taking these photos — we're talking about 3 hours and two errands later — I noticed the "leather" starting to peel around my arm cuffs. From there, everything went downhill quickly. Within minutes, I noticed another patch and another of flaking leathery pieces. I'd sit down, get up, and a pile of faux leather sprinkles would be left in my seat. I was shedding everywhere and my jacket was literally falling to pieces as I wore it. 

Unfortunately, that's sometimes the problem with faux leather items. I've had this particular coat for five years and I guess it was just it's time. BUT, I haven't tossed it just yet. I'm thinking I'll have the sleeves removed and then use it as a vest. If I'm feeling extra inspired, I could even have different sleeves put on it at some point as well. If you have any ideas, hit me up!

...
[Special hand appearance by my dad, lol]
// SHOP //


Metallic Lavender // Cropped Puffer Coat + Ankle Pants

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a white turtleneck outfit.
Introducing a combo so unexpected it might just work! As I wrote about in my last post, my 2020 style goal is to color outside the lines. I wouldn't normally think to pair my super-springy lavender pants with a silver snow puffer, but once I accepted the challenge and styled it out, I was pleasantly surprised by the look's dreamy yet sporty vibe. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a metallic cropped puffer coat.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a lavender and metallic winter outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing black and white Veja sneakers.
Pastels are sweet, charming, and playful. Meanwhile, metallics are sharp, modern, and sleek. Together, they create a refreshing aesthetic that, here, I polished off with casual sneakers and a laid-back beanie. Perfect for weekending, restaurant-going, or office-slaying, this ensemble is energizing and unique — aka just the kind of outfit your January rotation needs.    
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a lavender pants outfit.
Nyc beauty blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a pink eyeshadow and lip gloss makeup look.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a winter outfit idea.
At this point, Veja sneakers are in no way original; they're as commonplace as Adidas All Stars (NOT hating — I have All Stars myself ;)). Even so, I can't get enough of my Vejas! They've become an instant classic for a reason, and, better yet, they're made using raw materials sourced from organic farming and ecological agriculture that the founders say avoids chemicals and polluting processes (yay!). I personally love this pair and wear them ALL the dang time no matter my outfit, no matter the season.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a Levi's silver puffer coat.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a silver puffer coat outfit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a white turtleneck.
[coat: Levi's (I also like this one) // turtleneck: J.Crew // pants: J.Crew (similar pair here) // sneakers: Veja via Amour Vert // hat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // lip color: Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip in "Lotus Root"]

Playing with color is one of my favorite ways to experiment with fashion. While I have grown to wear black on a regular basis, I still adore a great pop — or two — of color. I'm all for brights, neons, pastels, metallics, etc., and sometimes it's these seemingly random combos that end up creating the most eye-catching looks. 

A few fun color pairings to test out for yourself: 
-Red + Pink
-Orange + Royal Blue
-Baby Blue + Navy
-Purple + Gold
-Mint + Silver
-Pastel Yellow + Lilac 
-Rust + Primary Yellow
-Periwinkle + Burgundy 
-Teal + Mustard  
-Hot Pink + Green

// SHOP //


Bold Beginnings // Sheer Top + Oversized Blazer

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a sheer top outfit.
 I couldn’t help but start 2020 off with a stylish & bold BANG. I’ve already decided that this year - no, this DECADE - I’m going to take more fashion risks. I want to step out of my comfort zone and explore my personal style from all angles. I’m excited to share my journey with you, and to start, I styled a statement look that’s part sexy, part sophisticated, and 100% daring. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a sheer top with a bralette.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a date night outfit with pants.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing Bella Belle sheer heels.
Sheer is here and it’s staying. But while see-through pieces can most definitely feel intimidating — I actually surprised myself when I bought this top — they truly don’t have to be. 

There’s so many ways to rock mesh and sheer items. Here, I layered my top over a stylish bralette and under an oversized blazer. In addition, I paired it with high-waisted pants, which provide added coverage. You can also layer sheer pieces with a full blown tank, cami, or even a tee or a dress. So ultimately, it’s up to you - you can go as sheer or as opaque as you want! 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2020 street style.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2020 party outfit idea.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a red leather belt bag from Barney's.
Even my Bella Belle heels have a touch of sheerness, which I thought was perfect for this look. Meanwhile, striking red accents, statement stud earrings, and a velvet scrunchie up the drama and the attitude, making for a scene-stealing look worthy of a night out on the town. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a 2020 holiday party outfit with pants.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing the biggest fashion trends of 2020.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing an oversized blazer outfit.
[top: H&M (I also like this one) // bralette: Urban Outfitters // trousers: H&M (similar pair here) // blazer: H&M (similar one here) // pumps: Bella Belle // belt bag: Barney's (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // scrunchie: Wunderkin Co. // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics liquid matte lipstick in "Kristen"]

When I dress my best, I feel my best, and in this new year, I’m ready to channel as much feel-good energy as I can. From stepping out of my comfort zone to discovering a new trend, I’m challenging myself — and YOU — to kick it up a notch and get creative for 2020!  

// SHOP //


2019 // The Best Of

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Below are some of my favorite looks from last year! Categorized by season, these are the outfits I loved the most in 2019. Hopefully there's some inspo here for your 2020 :) Enjoy!

WINTER

SPRING

SUMMER

AUTUMN

HOLIDAY

Happy New Year, everyone!