Risky Business // Bike Shorts + Oversized Blazer

Suiting but make it sexy. On the fall runways earlier this year, business-with-sex-appeal was a standout trend, and now that fall's upon us, there's no better time to try it out for yourself (hint: it's easy and FUN)! 

A do-it-all blazer is the stylish extra layer you needed yesterday. It never fails to add tomboy edge to any look and, bonus, it's universally flattering! You can literally throw one on over anything and feel instantly put together. 

The variation I'm wearing here is one of my very favorite pieces in my entire closet. I wear it with everything from skinny jeans and a tee to a slinky slip dress. In winter, it looks ultrachic layered over a solid turtleneck.

Style tip: think of bike shorts as a modern, cooler alternative to a mini skirt. Throwing a blazer into the mix gives the look a refined feel. 

To prevent this trend from looking tacky, it's all about strategic coverage and playing with proportions. A long-sleeved blazer that covers your backside is key. So are extra high-waisted shorts that are not, under any circumstance, short shorts. Last but not least, keep your heel height modest and the design minimal. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: Elizabeth & James (I also like this one) // tube top: Aritzia // bike shorts: American Eagle // heels: Who What Wear via Target (I also like this pair) // purse: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar pair here) // necklace: Uncommon James // earrings: vintage via my mom (I also like this pair) // lip color: Tarte's Tarteist Lip Paint in "Delish"] 

I felt like a million bucks in this ensemble. I wore it over a recent weekend this month where I took a trip to the hair salon (shoutout to Mia Wagner Salon), explored Soho, got milkshakes with Antonio, and ate late-night, rooftop pizza with friends. 

Even more recently, it's been too hot for a blazer, but once it cools down just a tiny bit, I will most definitely revisit this look. I love the empowering mixture of style, confidence, sexy, and business that this outfit exudes. It's a 10 for me! 

// SHOP //

The Formula // Strapless Crop + Midi Skirt

I'm all about easy outfit formulas; something reliable you can confidently reach for time and again. I recently discovered a combo that I truly can't get enough of, and you'll be seeing a WHOLE lot of it on my blog this summer. All you need are two things...

I'm not pretending I discovered the eighth Wonder of the World. My formula is simple and something you've probably worn yourself. BUT it felt like an epiphany when I realized just how versatile —  and flattering — it really is. 

I'm talking crop (or short) tops paired with anything high-waisted. It's SO easy (no tucking required) and looks SO put-together. I've quickly become obsessed and decided ALL I want to buy right now are shorter tops and super-high bottoms. In fact, I even took the long-time favorite top I'm wearing in this post and got it tailored, cutting off major inches from the bottom to make it significantly more cropped. #Dedication. 

This formula is especially convenient for summer, as you can apply it to shorts, lightweight pants, and skirts of all lengths. Whether you want to go super cropped up top with a bandeau, or opt for something that hits at your belly button, there's definitely a rendition of this combo that will work for you — that's part of the beauty! 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: J.Crew, with tailoring (I also like this one) // skirt: Tibi (I also like this one) // heels: Zara (old, but I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (similar color here) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // necklace: Uncommon James // dangle earrings: Kendra Scott // initial stud earrings: Diamonds Doing Good (I also like this pair) // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in "Hudson"] 

I'm serious when I say I've become somewhat obsessed with this pairing! Virtually all of my upcoming posts will feature a version of a crop-top, high-waisted-bottom look (some more cropped than others...). 

The duo works especially well on hourglass figures, as it highlights our waist and gives our curves shape. I'm finally starting to realize that I can't waste my money on passing trends just because they're popular. It's way more satisfying and beneficial to invest your money in items that work for YOU and YOUR body. Mastering this formula and making it a signature of mine is exactly how I plan on doing that!

// SHOP //

Call of The Wild // leopard skirt + leather jacket

For the second week in a row, I'm posting about leopard and leather — this killer combo is just that good. And with Spring officially here, I'm particularly loving this look for easing into warmer weather. After all, when the wild calls, you answer!

Classic with a 'tude, I love how animal print gives major edge to this pencil skirt. Same goes for my leather jacket. While a black blazer may appear more office-friendly, leather adds a rebellious twist that's chic and unexpected.

Black boots would have been the easy choice. Instead, I love how refreshing and modern these white booties feel. They also project major spring vibes.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[faux leather jacket: Guess (I also like this one) // tank: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // skirt: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // boots: Nic & Zoe (similar pair here) // purse: Rag & Bone (I also like this one) // choker: Urban Outfitters (similar one here) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Luster in "Combat" (sold out, but similar shade by Anastasia Beverly Hills in "Poet")]

 I think my fingers and toes are finally starting to defrost... It's still chilly here in NYC, but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel! Spring, we see you, we feel you, and we love you. You didn't come a minute too soon! 

// SHOP //

Orange You Glad // plaid shorts + twist crop top

Let's talk orange! Arguably THE color of summer, orange is bright, bold, and full of fun. And contrary to popular opinion, anyone can rock this cheerful hue. I grounded the orangeiest of oranges with navy, white, and a dash of lavender. My advice? Don't be afraid!

Twist crop tops have been steadily creeping onto the fashion scene this summer and I am so here for it. Back in May, I immediately snatched this one up in two colors (the orange you see here and also in black because, versatility). Not only is this style made for high-waisted anything and everything, but it's a brilliant swimsuit coverup too.

I may be alone here, but plaid has a tendency to feel "too played out" for my liking. However, it's such a classic print that of course I own MORE than a few plaid things. I combat my iffy feelings about the pattern by pairing it with uber trendy pieces — like look-at-me makeup and/or modern accessories such as pointed-toe shoes and studded jewelry. Traditional, meet edgy. 

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Zara (similar style here) // shorts: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // slides: Nanette Lepore (I also like this pair) // purse: Rebecca Minkoff // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // choker: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // earrings: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this pair) // watch: Fossil // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in "Crash"]

Although I quickly threw this outfit together earlier this summer when I was home in Chicago, it's actually one of my favorite looks from the season. I especially love how my orange top, sunglasses, and lipstick really popped. But why stop there with the color? My purple crossbody adds a whole other dimension of fun!

// SHOP //

Spot On // polka dot blouse + mini skirt

The unofficial start of summer has arrived, and I am fully embracing this 85 degree heatwave with short hemlines and light-as-air tops. The result? A preppy chic combo with a touch of retro flair!

A spotted blouse is playful and eye catching. I tied mine at the bottom as a trendier alternative to tucking it in. And to contrast the business-casual vibes my button-down suggests, I paired it with a mini faux suede skirt in edgy black. 

A thick fabric headband, sharp cat eye sunglasses, and a ladylike purse are the accessories that seal the deal. This season especially, I'm turning towards small extras that make a big impact. Think bold earrings and even bolder lipstick!

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blouse: Loft (similar style here) // skirt: Zara // heels: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // choker: & Other Stories (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // watch: Daniel Wellington // lip color: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in "Dolce Vita"]

I wore this look for last week's Friday evening date night where we dined al fresco and enjoyed fresh brick oven pizza on the Upper Eastside. We walked to our dinner reservation from my midtown office and got to enjoy the weather and the sights along the way. There's nothing like almost-summertime in NYC!

// SHOP //