Springtime Blues // Cropped Chambray + Leather Pants

My world definitely doesn't look like this right now. These were taken much earlier in the month when 2020 Spring Fashion was a still a thing. Now we're all wearing a whole lot more sweat pants and a whole lot less high heels. But while this isn't the year ANYONE had in mind, it won't last forever. Until then, I'm trying to get more creative around the apartment while enjoying spring from the comfort of our home.

It's hard to resist a red-lip-denim moment. I love this combo any time of year, but I love even MORE how it came together here with leather trousers, round shades, and an artwork-esque bag. This look is chic, simple, yet majorly impactful.

When I first spotted this STAUD bag online, I fell in love with its unique shape. STAUD has some of the prettiest, most original purses I've seen, and they're true outfit game-changers. The amount of polish this bag adds to my outfit shouldn't be legal ;)

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[top: Rag & Bone (I also like this one) // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // boots: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: STAUD // sunglasses: The Row x Linda Farrow (similar pair here) // necklace 1: Uncommon James // necklace 2: Uncommon James // earrings: Kendra Scott (charms here, hoops here) // hair clip: Wunderkin Co. // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics liquid matte lip kit in "Kristen"]

These are the last of the extra photos Antonio and I took before the Earth flipped upside down. Clearly we won't be able to hit the streets of New York anytime soon for a photo shoot, which definitely hits a somber note — on more levels than one.

I'm not sure how my blog will look moving forward, but we'll take it one week, one day at a time. For now, I'm more thankful than ever for mine and my family's health. Stay well, everyone <3 

// SHOP //

Rock On // Snake Print Dress + Leather Jacket

A leather moto jacket is SUCH a rockstar piece. Not only is it a closet hero, but — I don't know about you — it effortlessly makes ME feel like an actual celebrity every time I slip it on. Add combat boots and a mini dress and you've got a winning combo that's chic, modern, and hella edgy. 

A dress with combat boots? How very 90s! Make it current by incorporating a so-now print like snakeskin, double hoop earrings, and an on-trend statement bag that's guaranteed to ring in the compliments.

You all know I'm a sucker for animal print. Throw some leather into the mix, and I've got a confidence-boosting ensemble worthy of a night out. This is the kind of weekend look I could easily spend all day and/or night in and feel completely comfortable and like myself.

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[dress: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // jacket: Topshop (similar style here) // boots: SOREL // headband: Sephora (similar style here) // purse: STAUD // earrings: vintage courtesy of my mom (similar styles here and here) // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in "Backtalk"]

Antonio and I snapped these photos in Gramercy Park two weekends ago — before the current madness began. It feels a little strange to be posting as normal, but the truth is, I love sharing my outfits on this platform and I don't want to stop doing that. I need this creative outlet, and I also need a fun distraction. I hope you do too.

I know a look like this isn't something anyone will be wearing anytime soon. But enjoying fashion again is something I'm looking forward to once things start getting back to normal. For now, we must power through and not just carry on, but ROCK on. We got this!

// 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 //

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 //