Beige is the Rage // Sweater Hoodie + Plaid Pants

Who says beige has to be boring? Neutrals are one of the year's most noteworthy trends, but they're also one of the most wearable — and fun. After all, they're a blank canvas just waiting to be accessorized!

A fancier version of your typical hoodie, this sweater is especially versatile in a muted tone like beige. I teamed it with a glitzy headband and statement zebra purse to give it some oomph. Meanwhile, plaid pants and tough combat boots provide a trendy 90s-esque edge. 

This look keeps it cozy while thinking outside the box. Elevated with work-appropriate trousers and a crossbody worthy of a Friday night, it's extremely comfortable without sacrificing style — or polish. That, my friends, is the goal! 

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[hoodie: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // pants: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // boots: Sorel // purse: KENZO (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: Elizabeth & James (I also like this pair) // necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in "Hudson"]

I actually wore this outfit on Christmas Day, which, in my family, is a casual affair consisting of playing games, eating food, and straight up relaxing. On the other hand, I've also worn this outfit to work. To be fair, my office does not have a strict dress code, but it's an unofficial rule that you show up looking polished, professional, and put-together. This ensemble is all three...with pants so stretchy they feel like leggings! In short, it's what everyday outfits are made of.

// SHOP //

Living for Leopard // Soho Photo Shoot with Gaby Deimeke

I don't care what anyone says, a leopard coat is a winter staple! It's elevated, impactful, and better yet, versatile. I throw mine on whenever my chilly-weather looks need a little more zhush — and you better believe it delivers every time ;)

Chic, modern accessories help take this outfit to the next level. Even something as simple as a pant silhouette can bring your look to new heights. The pants I'm wearing here feature an updated wide leg with a flattering ankle crop, which I love. Throw a sleek bucket bag, pointed booties, and a tortoise shell bar clip into the mix, and this outfit is instantly 2020-approved.

A super easy way to ensure you look polished, is to tuck your top into your pants. I used to HATE doing this (and kinda still do...), which is why I've started to make bodysuits a priority in my closet. You get that pulled-together affect without having to fuss over actually tucking your shirt in — and keeping it in. 

I know it can be a hassle, but trust — if you're wearing anything other than a cropped top, oversized sweater, tunic, or flowy shirt, 9 times out of 10 it looks 100 percent better tucked in. So if you're like me and don't want to deal, a bodysuit is your BFF. 

 Photos by Gaby Deimeke 

[coat: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // bodysuit: J.Crew (I also like this one) // pants: J.Crew // boots: Naturalizer // purse: Staud // necklace: Anthropologie // hair clip: Wunderkin Co. // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick in "Hudson"]

How fun (and gorgeous!) are these photos? I teamed up with NYC photographer Gaby Deimeke (IG here, website here) to capture this winter fashion moment in the streets of Soho. If you're looking for a talented photog, Gaby pretty much does it all — plus she travels for projects and is often in Cali! From weddings to engagement shoots to lifestyle pics, Gaby is SO fun to work with and we had a blast shooting these photos. 

Soho is always an inspiring place to shoot, and Gaby and I got lucky with an overcast day. The two of us just walked around talking, looking for interesting backgrounds, and getting excited when we were able to capture a cab or two in the background (if you know, you know!) I'm already looking forward to an upcoming engagement project Gaby and I have in the works for next month — it should be epic! 

// SHOP //

Feel the Love // Pink + Red Valentine's Day Dress

Pink and red are quintessential Valentine’s Day colors. Put them together, in one dress, and you’ve got a classic date night outfit worthy of VDay and beyond. It may be cliche, but it’s also one heck of a bold choice — in the best way!

Pink and red are loud enough on their own - especially in a luxe fabric like satin. To ground my look, I added the blackest of black accessories. My headband, matching heels, and cheeky crossbody ensure this look is wearable no matter where you’re heading. ...Hello wedding season!

I’ve been super into pants lately but there was just something about this dress that really caught my attention. Pink and red is a playful combo that, although slightly unexpected, has been EVERYWHERE this past year. It feels so fresh, so fun! Adding black into the mix gives it a chic, winter-approved twist.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // jacket: Rebecca Taylor (I also like this one) // heels: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this style) // headband: Anthropologie // necklace: fine jewelry courtesy of my mom (I also like this piece) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 palette // lip color: Huda Beauty Demi Matte Cream Lipstick in "Sheikha"]

I can't end this post without calling attention to the gorgeous trench coat I'm wearing in some of these pics. A Christmas gift from my mom, this unique jacket takes an essential utility piece and transforms it into something that's just as fresh as the color combo underneath it. And come on — those ruffles? Such an elevated touch.   

Enjoy the rest of your week and happy Valentine's Day!

// SHOP //

Velvet Dreams // Valentine's Day Outfit

No matter WHERE you're headed this Valentine's Day or WHAT your plans are, a stylish, low-key-festive outfit never hurt nobody ;) 

Even if you don't have mega plans on February 14, dressing the part is always fun. After all, V-Day is on a Friday this year, so go ahead and make a night out of it. Whether you're out with your girls, watching movies with your BFF, or dining with your SO, you'll need an outfit for it!

I love this outfit for Valentine's Day/date night because it's laid-back yet polished, on-trend yet classic. Both in velvet, my burgundy tank and merlot heels are a nod to the holiday, while my pearl accessories are romantic extras that dress up the entire look. Leather pants and an oversized plaid blazer add edge and easy sophistication. 

Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: J.Crew (I also like this one) // blazer: H&M (I also like this one) // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Staud (I also like this one) // hair clips: Amazon // earrings: Anthropologie (similar pair here) // necklace: Kevia (I also like this one) // lip color: Urban Decay Ultra Cushion Lipgloss in "Backtalk"] 

Valentine's Day can be a tossup for Antonio and I. Last year, HE went all out — had a massive bouquet of flowers delivered to my office, surprised me with fancy dinner plans, wrote me a tear-inducing card, etc. We dressed up, we had a blast, and it was very memorable. However, in years past, we've simply worn jeans and headed to the movies. I'm not sure where we ate dinner, but it was probably at Chipotle or something. 

Our first Valentine's Day in NYC was on a Saturday. He came over to my apartment in the morning carrying pink roses and a heart-shaped box of chocolates. He then took me to Bloomingdales and told me I could pick out anything I wanted (within a certain budget of course.) After shopping, he surprised me with a private mani/pedi complete with champagne and chocolates. Dinner was at Ted's Montana Grill — one of our favorites! 

I, on the other hand, am not as impressive on Valentine's Day. One time I even forgot a card for him so I bought one AND WROTE IN IT inside Duane Reade the day of...while he was picking up something unrelated a few aisles over. Not my finest moment. This year though, I'm taking the reins. It won't be something overly glamorous — our wedding budget will make sure of that — but we'll do SOMETHING. And it'll be sweet and special nonetheless.  

// SHOP //