WFH Chic // Monochrome White + Blazer

Comfort is key when you're at home. Working or not, you want to feel at ease, but — especially in these times — NOT sloppy. And when you've got a Zoom call or an important video chat? You want to go the extra mile without looking like you tried too hard. The solution? Just add a blazer. 

Indoors or outdoors, monochrome is a timeless trend. And on a video chat, it's best to err on the simple side rather than donning something too loud or print-heavy. A classic white tee will always look chic. For further elevation, throw on a blazer and layer a few gold necklaces.

Although your shoes aren't getting much attention right now, slipping into a stylish, comfortable pair can be refreshing — even just for walking around the house. These pink slides almost look like slippers, which makes them the perfect feel-good accessory if you're after a bright burst of color.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: LC Lauren Conrad (old, but I also like this one) // tee: J.Crew // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // slides: Tibi (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // necklaces: gifts (similar styles here, here, and here) // eyeshadow: Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow in "Sassy" // lip color: Stila Beauty Boss Lip Gloss in "Synergy"]

To be honest, I have yet to actually *dress up* for a video chat — work or otherwise. BUT the self-isolation period is still young. I have a feeling I'll be pulling out this blazer trick at some point within the next month ;)

// SHOP //

I'd Be The Man // High-Neck Blouse + Oversized Blazer

Sometimes you can't help it; you just feel like a boss. And on those days, projecting confidence comes naturally. But for times when you may need a little extra encouragement, it's amazing how much of a difference an outfit can make. In the words of Taylor Swift, this attitude-enhancing look makes me feel like THE (WO)MAN.

With help from Little Women, Victorian blouses are trending especially hard this spring. A high neck, ruffles, pleats, and bows all help differentiate this specific type of top. And with such romantic, traditionally feminine details, I prefer to toughen up the classic vibe with structured, casual pieces — i.e. a pair of skinny jeans and a long-line blazer.

A great blazer and/or a great pair of jeans can truly alter your energy. I love styling a blazer with graphic tees, denim, hoodies — even bike shorts or sweats — to provide extra polish. In short, it's the ultimate boss piece. Meanwhile, a flattering pair of jeans is ALWAYS a game-changer. You can't go wrong in either.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // blazer: Zara (similar style here) // jeans: Rag & Bone (similar pair here) // boots: Naturalizer // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this style) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar pair here) // earrings: vintage from my mom (I also like this pair) // lip color: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"] 

I'll leave you with this: dress for the person you want to be. Dress for the attitude you want. When you wake up in the morning, what message do you want to project to the world?  

// 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 //

Bold Beginnings // Sheer Top + Oversized Blazer

 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. 

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! 

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. 

Photos by Sarah Harper

[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 //

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 //