Hit the Road, Jack

It's been a while! I took a break from blogging this summer and spent lots of time relaxing with my family. I'm slowly but surely making my way back into the blogsphere. To be honest, I've been concentrating more on Instagram lately and stretching myself creatively. I'm not sure how much longer this type of blog setup will continue to serve me, but it's something I've been trying to figure out.

My sister and I shot together all summer long, and these are some photos we took in Fairbury, IL at the end of June. I wanted to tell a story with this look and I think the train tracks served as the perfect backdrop. I was trying to channel being stranded in a small town with a broken-down car and following the railroad into town to get help. It was just a fun, editorial scene to have in mind as we explored and snapped!

I've had this dress for years. I actually wore it to a summer wedding about three years ago. Since then, I almost got rid of it! These photos have officially changed my mind though. This dress is summery, flattering, and the color is so joyful and bright.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Ann Taylor // shoes: Amiana Footwear (similar pair here)// headband: J.Crew (old, I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie (old, similar pair here) // bracelets: Anthropologie // bag: Staud]

A day of shooting is never fully complete without a milkshake and a side of fries ;)

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 //

Wild Card // Leopard Midi Dress + Trench Coat

Spring is a wild card. With chilly, frosted mornings and warm, sun-soaked afternoons, dressing can be tricky to say the least. You never know what you're going to get, which means layers are key. So is an effortless look that'll take you from day to night — preferably with leather and animal print ;)

This leopard midi dress is a current favorite of mine and has been since fall. Now that it's not freezing outside, I've been able to dust it off and try my hand at styling it in new ways. Here, I've layered it over a mock neck bodysuit and under a chic trench coat. Pointed-toe booties with an angular heel complete my spring-ready ensemble. 

I've said it one hundred times and I'll say it one hundred more: playing with layers is SUCH an easy way to add interest to any outfit — not to mention warmth. Get creative! This bodysuit under this dress helps breathe new life into my look; it adds dimension and polish in an instant. 

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Banana Republic (almost sold out, but this one is similar) // turtleneck bodysuit: Express (similar one here) // coat: Ann Taylor (old, but here's a similar style) // boots: Naturalizer // clutch: Hobo (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // earrings: gift (similar pair here) // lip color: Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick in "Joyride"]

My sister and I snapped these photos this past weekend in Atlanta. Antonio and I stayed at a charming bed and breakfast in the Inman Park neighborhood, which is where these pics were taken. Spring is already busting out all over the city — so much green! So many flowers! It was refreshing all around and made me even more jazzed for warmer weather here in New York. This is the kind of outfit I can see myself wearing rain, shine, or whatever this fickle season has to offer! Bring. It. On.   

// SHOP //

Beige is the Rage // Sweater Hoodie + Plaid Pants

Who says beige has to be boring? Neutrals are one of the year's most noteworthy trends, but they're also one of the most wearable — and fun. After all, they're a blank canvas just waiting to be accessorized!

A fancier version of your typical hoodie, this sweater is especially versatile in a muted tone like beige. I teamed it with a glitzy headband and statement zebra purse to give it some oomph. Meanwhile, plaid pants and tough combat boots provide a trendy 90s-esque edge. 

This look keeps it cozy while thinking outside the box. Elevated with work-appropriate trousers and a crossbody worthy of a Friday night, it's extremely comfortable without sacrificing style — or polish. That, my friends, is the goal! 

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[hoodie: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // pants: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // boots: Sorel // purse: KENZO (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: Elizabeth & James (I also like this pair) // necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in "Hudson"]

I actually wore this outfit on Christmas Day, which, in my family, is a casual affair consisting of playing games, eating food, and straight up relaxing. On the other hand, I've also worn this outfit to work. To be fair, my office does not have a strict dress code, but it's an unofficial rule that you show up looking polished, professional, and put-together. This ensemble is all three...with pants so stretchy they feel like leggings! In short, it's what everyday outfits are made of.

// SHOP //

Living for Leopard // Soho Photo Shoot with Gaby Deimeke

I don't care what anyone says, a leopard coat is a winter staple! It's elevated, impactful, and better yet, versatile. I throw mine on whenever my chilly-weather looks need a little more zhush — and you better believe it delivers every time ;)

Chic, modern accessories help take this outfit to the next level. Even something as simple as a pant silhouette can bring your look to new heights. The pants I'm wearing here feature an updated wide leg with a flattering ankle crop, which I love. Throw a sleek bucket bag, pointed booties, and a tortoise shell bar clip into the mix, and this outfit is instantly 2020-approved.

A super easy way to ensure you look polished, is to tuck your top into your pants. I used to HATE doing this (and kinda still do...), which is why I've started to make bodysuits a priority in my closet. You get that pulled-together affect without having to fuss over actually tucking your shirt in — and keeping it in. 

I know it can be a hassle, but trust — if you're wearing anything other than a cropped top, oversized sweater, tunic, or flowy shirt, 9 times out of 10 it looks 100 percent better tucked in. So if you're like me and don't want to deal, a bodysuit is your BFF. 

 Photos by Gaby Deimeke 

[coat: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // bodysuit: J.Crew (I also like this one) // pants: J.Crew // boots: Naturalizer // purse: Staud // necklace: Anthropologie // hair clip: Wunderkin Co. // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick in "Hudson"]

How fun (and gorgeous!) are these photos? I teamed up with NYC photographer Gaby Deimeke (IG here, website here) to capture this winter fashion moment in the streets of Soho. If you're looking for a talented photog, Gaby pretty much does it all — plus she travels for projects and is often in Cali! From weddings to engagement shoots to lifestyle pics, Gaby is SO fun to work with and we had a blast shooting these photos. 

Soho is always an inspiring place to shoot, and Gaby and I got lucky with an overcast day. The two of us just walked around talking, looking for interesting backgrounds, and getting excited when we were able to capture a cab or two in the background (if you know, you know!) I'm already looking forward to an upcoming engagement project Gaby and I have in the works for next month — it should be epic! 

// SHOP //