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 //

Power Stance // Black (Faux) Leather + Sheer Tights

A power outfit can take many forms. Sometimes it’s a killer jumpsuit that flatters every curve. Other times, it may be a monochrome suit that not only makes your eyes pop, but looks fierce in a boardroom. If you’re unsure how to find yours, something involving leather is usually a pretty good place to start.

No matter the occasion, a power outfit will make you feel unstoppable, confident, and fabulous. When dreaming up new looks for myself, I have the same goals in mind, but this outfit hit the nail especially on the head. 

A leather mini skirt is inherently sexy, already making it an intriguing choice for a power outfit. Sheer black tights are a chic way to winterify the ensemble, while a classic, black mock neck sweater is just about as versatile as you can get. All in all, this look will turn heads out on the town and command any room at the office.

Sometimes an all-black, or a nearly-all-black, outfit is the perfect way to make a statement. Always elevated, polished, and alluring, black gets the job done — whatever job that may be. A moody red lip takes the aesthetic to a whole new level, creating a vibe that's ladylike and daring all at the same time.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[jacket: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // mock neck: H&M // skirt: Zara (similar one here) // boots: Naturalizer // sheer tights: HUE // purse: Staud (I also like this one) // leather cuff: Michael Dawkins (I also like this one) // Love necklace: Tiffany & Co. // earrings: John Hardy (I also like this pair) // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Gorg" (similar shade here in "Rubino")]

Sad story about this jacket: soon after taking these photos — we're talking about 3 hours and two errands later — I noticed the "leather" starting to peel around my arm cuffs. From there, everything went downhill quickly. Within minutes, I noticed another patch and another of flaking leathery pieces. I'd sit down, get up, and a pile of faux leather sprinkles would be left in my seat. I was shedding everywhere and my jacket was literally falling to pieces as I wore it. 

Unfortunately, that's sometimes the problem with faux leather items. I've had this particular coat for five years and I guess it was just it's time. BUT, I haven't tossed it just yet. I'm thinking I'll have the sleeves removed and then use it as a vest. If I'm feeling extra inspired, I could even have different sleeves put on it at some point as well. If you have any ideas, hit me up!

...
[Special hand appearance by my dad, lol]

// SHOP //

Metallic Lavender // Cropped Puffer Coat + Ankle Pants

Introducing a combo so unexpected it might just work! As I wrote about in my last post, my 2020 style goal is to color outside the lines. I wouldn't normally think to pair my super-springy lavender pants with a silver snow puffer, but once I accepted the challenge and styled it out, I was pleasantly surprised by the look's dreamy yet sporty vibe. 

Pastels are sweet, charming, and playful. Meanwhile, metallics are sharp, modern, and sleek. Together, they create a refreshing aesthetic that, here, I polished off with casual sneakers and a laid-back beanie. Perfect for weekending, restaurant-going, or office-slaying, this ensemble is energizing and unique — aka just the kind of outfit your January rotation needs.    

At this point, Veja sneakers are in no way original; they're as commonplace as Adidas All Stars (NOT hating — I have All Stars myself ;)). Even so, I can't get enough of my Vejas! They've become an instant classic for a reason, and, better yet, they're made using raw materials sourced from organic farming and ecological agriculture that the founders say avoids chemicals and polluting processes (yay!). I personally love this pair and wear them ALL the dang time no matter my outfit, no matter the season.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[coat: Levi's (I also like this one) // turtleneck: J.Crew // pants: J.Crew (similar pair here) // sneakers: Veja via Amour Vert // hat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // lip color: Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip in "Lotus Root"]

Playing with color is one of my favorite ways to experiment with fashion. While I have grown to wear black on a regular basis, I still adore a great pop — or two — of color. I'm all for brights, neons, pastels, metallics, etc., and sometimes it's these seemingly random combos that end up creating the most eye-catching looks. 

A few fun color pairings to test out for yourself: 

-Red + Pink

-Orange + Royal Blue

-Baby Blue + Navy

-Purple + Gold

-Mint + Silver

-Pastel Yellow + Lilac 

-Rust + Primary Yellow

-Periwinkle + Burgundy 

-Teal + Mustard  

-Hot Pink + Green

// SHOP //

It's a Match // Burgundy Coat + Windowpane Pants

Matching my turtleneck to my coat, I'm strolling into this holiday weekend in a polished look that's perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, or any day of the week.

I consider this look fairly business casual, so I couldn't resist adding a playful spin. This whimsical crossbody is quirky and fun and it totally takes some of the seriousness out of a buttoned-up outfit.

Burgundy, merlot, maroon, scarlet; no matter WHAT you call this deep red shade, it's a gorgeous fall-friendly hue that's flattering on all skin tones. I really took the theme and ran with it, even clipping in a velvet hair bow to match my coat and top. Sometimes matchy matchy hits all the right notes!

 Photos by Dan Harper

[coat: Primark (I also like this one) // turtleneck: J.Crew // pants: Banana Republic (similar pair here) // boots: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Alice & Olivia // necklace: Anthropologie // earrings: fine jewelry (similar pair here) // hair bow: Wunderkin Co. // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics matte liquid lipstick in "Khlo$"]

This was such a fun outfit to style and wear. I think the windowpane pants really add an unexpected element that keeps the other pieces current and fresh. And of course burgundy is always a winning color. While I'll be playing it more casual on Thanksgiving Day, this look would make such a killer holiday ensemble. Not to mention, it's festive without being over-the-top.

// SHOP //

Falling for Florals // Peacoat + Midi Skirt

I’m a fan of florals year round. But when it comes to fall and winter, I prefer my blooms to be darker, a bit edgier, and a whole lot moodier.

I actually styled this look earlier this year in the late winter. I wore it to an event and loved how everything came together - I feel like the entire outfit just FLOWS! At the time though, it was too late to photograph it, as I was already concentrating on spring content. So I filed it away, knowing I’d pull it out again come fall. Turns out, I like it even better for autumn ;) 

This midi skirt is one of my favorite - if not THE favorite - skirt I own. It’s by Tibi and I bought it at the beginning of the year during a major online sale (pro tip - sign up for the Tibi email list and you’ll be the first to know when they’re having 70% off...which actually happens more often than you may think). 

Because I’m just under 5’2”, I had the skirt shortened, and it was the best decision. It fits me perfectly now and it goes with SO much. See two other ways I’ve styled it here and here.  

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[coat: Primark (from last year, but I also like this one) // turtleneck: J.Crew // skirt: Tibi (I also like this one) // booties: Nic + Zoe (similar pair here) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // necklace: J.Crew (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick in "Joyride"]

My little sister came to visit me here in NYC a week and a half ago, and we shot these photos in Chelsea by The High Line. I LOVE their vibe; playful, bold, and a little flirty. 

We paused for a shoot between art gallery visits (my sister is an art history major), and later, we stopped for a snack on The High Line and then walked to The Vessel. Perfect day, perfect outfit FOR that day. 

// SHOP //