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 //

Feline Fatale // leopard pants + necktie blouse

Take your femme fatale game to new heights with fierce cat prints that scream sexy confidence. Throw on a leather accent and, FORGET about it! Is there anything more sultry? 

Florals for spring are cute. And don't get me wrong, I adore florals, but leopard on the other hand? Leopard is bold, attention-grabbing, and ultrachic. Paired with a conservative Victorian-esque ruffle blouse, it's also unexpected. It's what I like to call, business up top, party on the bottom!

When the clothes speak for themselves, keeping accessories minimal is key. But minimal in no way has to mean boring! This Alice & Olivia face purse is a favorite of mine that's neutral yet packs major personality. I also love these dainty gold earrings. If you look too fast, you just might miss them.

 Photos by Sarah Harper 

[blouse: Ann Taylor (I also love this style) // pants: Ann Taylor (I also love this pair) // jacket: Guess (similar one here) // boots: Ann Taylor // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie // lip color: Shiseido Cle de Peau Beaute Lipstick in "Silk Thread"]

This look really jived with me. And while I truly love every outfit I showcase on my blog, this one in particular felt especially "me." I love that it's fun, wild, and super of-the-moment. Both animal print and ruffle necklines were ALL over the runways this past Fashion Month, so prepare to see a whole lot more this season and next! 

This outfit is also crazy versatile. Forget changing clothes after work or bringing a separate pair of heels for date night. This look works as is no matter the event or occasion. How refreshing is that?

// SHOP //

With A Side Of Style // burgundy coat + bowtie blouse

A proper Thanksgiving outfit needs to be three things: polished, flattering, and comfy. This look is all of the above sprinkled with my own edgy spin on femininity. But no matter what vibe you go for, make sure your holiday turkey is served with a side of style. Too corn-y? Sorry, Thanksgiving turns me into a real HAM. 

Pairing modern stripes with luxe vegan leather, I pulled my look together with a rich burgundy top layer and burst of yellow satin. Ideal for everything Thanksgiving has to offer — from the sit-down dinner to chatting on the couch — this look ensures both style and comfort. Paint on a berry lip and add dainty gold jewelry as a finishing touch.

This has been my go-to coat so far this fall. I can't get enough of its deep wine hue and classic, tailored fit. Would you believe me if I told you it only cost $35? I picked it up from Primark in Brooklyn (my mom and I had quite the adventure getting there and back), and it's one of those pieces that looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. In other words, scoop this baby up now before it's too late! Word of advice though — you may want to size up a considerable amount. Here I'm wearing a size 6 (for reference, I'm just under 5'2). 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[coat: Primark // blouse: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // leggings: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // booties: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Zac Posen // hair bow: J. Crew // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // lip color: Nars Velvet Lip Glide in "Unspeakable" // eyeshadow: Too Faced Gold Chocolate palette]

The leaves just started turning colors here in NYC, and it's been so refreshing and beautiful to watch. Last year, we didn't get much color due to lack of precipitation, which I didn't even know impacted the leaves changing! I especially love wearing burgundy this time of year because it really pops against the orange and yellow foliage. To me, merlot is the perfect Thanksgiving color!

// SHOP //

The Nutcracker Suite // military jacket + bow blouse

I always try to incorporate at least one jeans outfit into my holiday roundup each year. While denim isn't something you immediately think of wearing to say, a holiday party, it totally works for most occasions (even the festive ones). Here's the proof...

Interesting hardware or embellishments help make a pair of jeans fit right into any holiday situation. I love how this pair has a bunch of buttons front and center, making them standout but in a subtle way. 

A sophisticated top instantly dresses up denim as well. I chose a bow blouse in festive burgundy. Add a jacket over your whole look and you're golden. Technically my blazer is "military" style, but, especially this time of year, I like to think of it as a nutcracker jacket. You see it, right? It's pretty much exactly what nutcrackers wear, which means this is the ULTIMATE Christmas ensemble. 

Of course heels also help denim become party-appropriate. For standing/dancing on your feet all night, the shorter heel the better. But just because you're not wearing sky-high stilettos, doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. Leopard goes with everything and guarantees major polish. 

Photos by Antonio Owens

[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // jacket: Zadig & Voltaire (I also like this one) // jeans: STS Blue via Nordstrom (similar pair here) // heels: Ann Taylor // clutch: Carlo Fellini (I also like this one) // earrings: gift (I also like this pair) // dominant eyeshadow: Urban Decay's "Maui Wowie" // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in "Manic"]

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we can OFFICIALLY turn our attention to Christmas! Do you ever feel like Thanksgiving sometimes gets the short end of the stick? I mean, I personally like to celebrate each holiday one at a time. No Christmas music until AFTER Turkey Day -- who's with me?

// SHOP //

Fall Is Calling // sock booties + denim skirt

Hello? Fall? Is that you? While temps may have hit 89 degrees in NYC just this past week, believe it or not, fall weather IS just around the corner. And these key trends are exactly what your autumn wardrobe needs for a stylish season.

 Denim is always in style, but there's something extra classic about a jean mini skirt for fall. The metallic buttons on this one make it chic and modern. As for my top, bow-tie blouses have been trending for a while now and the fashion forecast says that's not changing any time soon.Together, my denim skirt and cream blouse make a crisp pair.

Sock booties may just be my favorite fall trend of all. They went mainstream LAST autumn, but this year they're back with gusto. The 2017 sock boot is taller, tighter, and sockier than ever, which is ideal for dresses and skirts. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blouse: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // skirt: Urban Outfitters // booties: Express (I also like this pair) // purse: Furla // sunglasses: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // watch: Ted Baker (similar style here) // earrings: Ann Taylor (identical pair here) // lip color: Bite Beauty Liquified Lipstick in "Whip"]

Thanks so much for reading! Stay cool out there in this unusually hot weather. Thanks goodness we have cooler temps to look forward to.

// SHOP //