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 //

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 //

Holiday-Party Ready // Slip Dress + Plaid Coat

December means it’s time to party. From pearlized clips to glittery clutches and velvet boots, all things festive are not only fair game, they’re ENCOURAGED. You know what they say, the more the merrier - and this holiday season is ALL about being merry (...and bright. And sparkly.)! 

Sleek and chic, this holiday-approved look isn’t over-the-top, but it still packs a festive punch. This black slip dress has been one of my favorite pieces these past few months, and layered with a tee underneath and a printed coat on top, it’s perfect for your next soirée. 

Never underestimate the power of details - especially for a party or event. These embellished barrettes are playful yet elegant and serve as a super easy way to add a hint of glamour to any look - even jeans and a tee. 

You may have noticed that my hair looks extra fabulous in these photos ;). That’s because I had gotten a blowout earlier in the day. It’s a wonder what a good hair day can do for your mood and overall spirit! I highly recommend treating yourself to a trip to the salon before a special occasion - it’ll give you SUCH a feel-good boost of confidence. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[coat: Sam Edelman (I also like this one) // dress: Aritzia (similar style here) // tee: Aritzia (I also like this one) // boots: Ann Taylor // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // necklace: MANGO (I also like this one) // earrings: Kendra Scott (super similar pair here) // hair clips: Amazon // lip gloss: Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss in "Backtalk"]

The Christmas season is about a week shorter than usual this year, and I am FEELING it. Anyone else? Things feel more hectic than normal (which says a lot), and I just know that I won’t be able to accomplish every little thing on my list. But you know what? I’m learning to be okay with that. We can’t do it all, and this is the perfect season to practice self-care, patience, and being present. After all, I don’t just want to “get through” the holidays, I want to EMBRACE them! 

// SHOP //

The Bold Pursuit // Striped Sweater + Leather Jacket

Casual yet polished, this is an everyday outfit I can get behind every day. The best part? It's full of subtle personality. 

A bold sweater is a fall must in my book. I love that this option is fitted and a great weight, making it perfect for both layering and tucking into any bottoms. To top it off, I added a leather moto jacket to add some edge to its playful feel.

Leopard booties, oversize heart earrings, a dainty necklace, and moody lip color help make this look one-of-a-kind. The low-key pattern mixing is also a fun way to switch things up without being too loud or risky.

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[jacket: Topshop (similar one here) // sweater: Halogen, Nordstrom // jeans: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // boots: Karl Lagerfeld (I also like this pair) // purse: Zac Posen (I also like this one) // earrings: J.Crew // necklace: Uncommon James // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics liquid metal lipstick in "Reign" (I also like this shade)]

I've spent the past few days visiting my family in the Chicago area. Part of my trip included two days at The University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. where my sister is currently a senior. While we were there, my sister, dad, and I had fun shooting these photos around campus. I was so excited to finally capture some fall vibes since most of the leaves have changed there. 

This was a great outfit to explore in, go out to dinner in, and meet my sister's friends in. I felt comfortable and confident all day — not to mention stylish and on-trend!

// SHOP //

Prowl Around // Leopard Midi Dress + Tall Boots

For a winning fall combo, look no further than A.) Leopard print, B.) Midi dress, or C.) Under-the-knee boots. Bonus points for choosing all of the above ;) 

The dress silhouette of the season, a midi is timeless and sophisticated. But don’t confuse those adjectives for boring - or uninspired. This style is fresher than ever in a modern print and ruffle details. Even my fellow shorties can rock this trend! At under 5’2”, I bought this baby from Banana Republic in a 2 Petite. The key is for it to hit at your calf. 

It used to be all about the over-the-knee boot. Well folks, the under-the-knee boot is now back in style. I got these Frye rider boots for Christmas back in 2011. I wore them all through college but honestly haven’t touched them as much since. This season, I’ve brought them out of hiding with vengeance and I can’t wait to start styling them again! 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Banana Republic // boots: Frye (old, but I also like this pair) // belt: Something Navy via Nordstrom (I also like this one) // bag: MANGO  // sunglasses: Linda Farrow x The Row (similar pair here) // earrings: Kendra Scott // lip color: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Bondage"]

Despite the lingering summer (full disclosure: we took these photos in 82 degree heat), I’ve been diving into fall fashion head first. For example, I’m not normally a belt girl, but I decided to give them a try after seeing statement belts ALL over the Fashion Month street style scene. Experimenting is half the fun of a new season, and I’m so pumped to show you what else I have in store!  

// SHOP //