Windy City Chic // Pink Coat + 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.

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! 

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.

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[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 //

Greener Pastures // square neckline + statement earrings

Green is the color of springtime — it's refreshing, charming, and upbeat. This year especially, shades of green are abundant, as it reigned supreme during Fashion Month. In emerald, the hue is downright irresistible. Pair it with pinks, and you have got yourself a LEWK. 

Square necklines are another major trend this year. I love how flattering they are on every body, and how they instantly add a fresh and modern twist to even the simplest looks. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene

[top: J.Crew // coat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // jeans: STS Blue via Nordstrom (similar pair here) // slides: Nanette Lepore (I also like this pair) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // purse: Anthropologie (I also like this style) // lip color: Fenty Gloss Bomb in "FU$$Y"]

I spent this past weekend in LA for work, and let me tell you, the sunshine felt incredible. It reminded me just how badly us East Coasters need warmer temps. Luckily, it's been starting to feel like spring here in NYC, and I've been taking full advantage. Greener pastures are on their way! 

// SHOP //

At First Blush // Metallic Skirt + Pink Coat

As far as Valentine's Day looks go, there's decidedly two vibes: sweet or sexy. This is the former. Dressing up for a special night out is exhilarating, and it's vital for me to feel confident, stylish, and ultimately, like me; which is why I love this charming combo of blush, metallic, and ruffles.

The pleated skirt is one of this season's key pieces, and paired with light pink, this look is wintery yet completely on trend for spring. Playing off spring even more, I added this blush-tone floral bag — it pulls the entire look together.

While I surprisingly haven't been wearing nearly as many dresses or skirts lately as I used to, there's something about Valentine's Day (or even just date night for that matter) that has a tendency to bring out my ultra-feminine side. And with pleated metallic skirts trending hard, I couldn't resist styling one with an undeniably ladylike twist.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[sweater: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // skirt: Express (old, but I also like this one) // coat: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // boots: Steve Madden // purse: Coach (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // "Love" necklace: Tiffany & Co. // barrel necklace: Lia Sophia (old, but this is another pretty option) // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kit in "High Maintenance," similar shade by Urban Decay in "Double Team"]

I have to admit; I felt like a princess in this look. It also didn't hurt that this location totally looks like the balcony of a castle! But while this outfit is perfect for a date night or a date afternoon, it's also a great combo for an outing with your BFFs — any time of day! The best part? The pop of blush of course!

// SHOP //

Feel The Love // Valentine's Day

My Valentine's Day lookbook wouldn't be complete without an LBD! A little black dress is basically THE date night staple, and it's a piece you can never go wrong in. I love this one's flutter sleeves and sexy shoulder cutouts. 

For the year's most romantic night, I accessorized my black dress with pink and red accents. This chic snakeskin clutch adds texture and interest, while my sleeveless blush trench makes a dreamy and sophisticated top layer.  

Winter fashion hack: give your longer dresses and skirts a new look by pairing them with over-the-knee boots. No skin showing, no problem! And the best part? No tights needed but your legs still stay totally covered and toasty! 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // sleeveless coat: Zara (I also like this one) // boots: Steve Madden // clutch: Michael Kors // necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane (I also like this one) // earrings: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this pair) // lip color: Lancome's Matte Shaker Liquid Lipstick in "Pink Wink"]

Valentine's Day is just a week away! If you find yourself in a pinch, dust off your favorite LBD and layer on some festive accessories. But let's be real, when in doubt, a red lip is all you need! 

// SHOP //

Feeling Rosy // pink sleeveless coat + joggers

What's (literally AND figuratively) cooler than a millennial pink trench coat? A SLEEVELESS millennial pink trench coat! Coats sans sleeves are having a major moment right now, and, lucky for us, they were MADE for autumn weather! 

I find a lot of people love joggers - I mean, they ARE basically just pajama pants - but people aren't too sure how to style them in a way that doesn't look, well, like pajamas! This is an elevated joggers look that's super easy to copy. Tuck a tee (could be a plain v-neck, a graphic tee, etc.) into them, add a fun belt (depending on the look, solid brown or black may come off as too serious), and add a pair of laid-back heels (again, depending on the look, traditional pumps may look too stuffy). Extra points for tossing on a killer piece of outerwear! 

If you thought florals were strictly for spring, think again! Moody flower prints, like the one covering my clutch, are super fresh for fall. 

In case you were wondering, my shirt says "Ciao." After taking these pictures, I realized it looks like I'm just wearing a big fat "A" on my shirt, like in The Scarlet Letter - oops! 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[sleeveless coat: Zara (I also like this one) // tee: Anthropologie // joggers: Ann Taylor // booties: Vince Camuto (similar pair here) // belt: Ann Taylor (similar one here) // clutch: Anthropologie // sunglasses: The Row // watch: Daniel Wellington // lip color: Sephora matte lipgloss in Fig Luster (similar shade here, in Caramello)]

Is it just me, or does it feel like this has been the longest summer EVER? Luckily it seems like the weather is finally getting the memo that it's now October. Hopefully the leaves will start changing soon and we can finally break out our outerwear for good.

Thanks so much for reading! 

// SHOP //