Birthday Star // Turning 27 + Black Slip Dress

This week I'm celebrating another trip around the sun! My 27th birthday is Saturday, Aug. 17 and you better believe I'm escorting 26 out with a bang — stars in all. 

I wish you guys could see the subtle rainbow glitter on my dress. The sparkles take it to the next level, making it completely special-occasion approved! But whether you can see the shine or not, a slip dress like this one is the perfect blend of sexy and sophisticated. The double slits are especially flattering and fun.

I'm all for dressing up on your special day — whatever kind of day that may be. For me, a birthday outfit is an empowering way to celebrate and ensure you feel your best. After all, what's better than feeling like a star? And what better way to feel like a star than dressing like one? It's called confidence, baby...and sometimes clothing can make all the difference!

Full disclosure: I bought this dress three years ago, and although I loved it, I never felt fully comfortable in it. After wearing it once and shooting it for this post (umm can you believe how long my hair is?), I put it in the back of my closet and pretty much forgot about it. 

Now, three years later, I've developed more confidence in myself (and not going to lie, I also toned up and lost weight), and I was so excited when I put this LBD back on and felt incredible in it! What a feeling! It's THAT feeling you want to accompany you during any and all of your big days.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: & Other Stories (old, but I also like this one) // heels: Zara (old, but I also like these) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) //lip color: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in "Backtalk" // balloons: Balloon Kings]

Every year I look forward to doing a fun, personality-filled birthday photo shoot with balloons. For me, it's the perfect way to celebrate a new year and make the milestone that much more memorable. This year, Antonio and I headed to Washington Square Park and arrived by 8:30 am on a Sunday in order to capture it essentially empty. 

And how about these balloons? Last year I was all for tonal, metallic vibes, but this year I was feeling rainbow, sparkle, and pizzaz! It just goes to show that no matter how "old" you get, you're never too old for whatever makes your heart sing. JUST DO YOU :) ...and if that means buying the rainbow balloons and parading them around NYC, then do it! And do it boldly. 

// SHOP DRESS //

Dress On // sheer-sleeved LBD + velvet heels

Some may consider me brave for wearing a dress sans tights in the winter. Others may call me dumb (lol). But the truth is, no matter the season, dresses are a staple in my wardrobe, and you can bet I won't let a little snow get in my way of feeling fabulous. 

Two of my last few posts have revolved around a black dress. Well, count this as lucky number three. I guess I need to switch it up a little bit more, huh? LBD's are SO versatile though that it's hard not to want to style them with anything and everything. Here, I'm keeping it pretty simple with statement jewelry, a bold lip, colorful clutch, and trendy heels. 

I specifically love the polka-dotted sheer sleeves on this dress. They give such a sophisticated piece a fun, playful vibe, which echoes the youthfulness of my clutch.  

 Photos by Dan Harper

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // shoes: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // clutch: Alice & Olivia (I also like this one) // necklace: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // watch: Vitae London // lip color: Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in "Rhubarb"]

I know I'm not the only one who shamelessly rocks dresses in practically any weather. After all, that boss-lady feeling a dress provides can be pretty powerful -- and you can't get that confidence just anywhere! So to all of my fellow dressed-obsessed ladies, even though there's still a few weeks left of winter, DRESS ON! 

// SHOP //

Think Pink // fur collar coat + beret

Just because it's cold out, doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with your winter wardrobe. For example, adding a cheerful coat into your rotation will work wonders when you're feeling the February blues! When in doubt, incorporate a bright pop of color - for me, pink always does the trick! 

Similar to how pink is a whimsical, unexpected hue in the dead of winter, a baby blue beret is a fresh alternative to a beanie. I love how this style adds instant polish to any outfit and looks just as chic with jeans as it does with an LBD.

While the fur collar on this coat may be a bit wild for some, I absolutely love it! It's one of those things that just makes me smile. But this piece is actually super versatile too, as the collar is detachable. So if I'm ever NOT feeling this fuzzy pink goodness, I can easily toss it aside and voila -- I'm left with a sophisticated camel peacoat. 

 Photos by Sarah Harper 

[coat: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // dress: Topshop (similar style here) // boots: Steve Madden // purse: Coach (I also like this one) // beret: Anthropologie (similar style here) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // lip color: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in "Obsessed"]

Every fall I like to update my cold-weather wardrobe by purchasing one new coat. Since coats are constantly worn on rotation during the winter months, I find the investment totally worth it. After all, some days your coat is your ENTIRE outfit! A standout piece like this fur-collar one is definitely stylish enough to stand on it's own. I even recently wore it to New York Fashion Week when it was too cold to try too hard!

// 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 //

Black Magic // LBD + metallic booties + beret

There's something so chic and ladylike about a little black dress. Make it a little black SHIRTDRESS, and you've got an effortless look that requires almost zero styling! Here, I'm wearing a classic shirtdress with a twist, making my electric accessories really pop. 

I love how this dress is a bit longer in the back with long vertical pleats - this gives the entire piece major movement and ensures it stands out from your run-of-the-mill LBD. A romantic red lip and matching bag elevate the look even more. 

Silver booties may seem daring, but they're actually surprisingly versatile. I love wearing mine with jeans and a black top, but they also look quite striking when worn with a dress. 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // booties: Zara (similar style here) // beret: Anthropologie // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // watch: Fossil // lip color: Makeup For Ever Pro Sculpting Lip Pen (similar shade here, in "401, Red"]

Looks like my bare legs are getting their last taste of freedom before this fall weather kicks in full force! 

Thanks so much for reading, everyone. 

// SHOP //