WFH Chic // Monochrome White + Blazer

Comfort is key when you're at home. Working or not, you want to feel at ease, but — especially in these times — NOT sloppy. And when you've got a Zoom call or an important video chat? You want to go the extra mile without looking like you tried too hard. The solution? Just add a blazer. 

Indoors or outdoors, monochrome is a timeless trend. And on a video chat, it's best to err on the simple side rather than donning something too loud or print-heavy. A classic white tee will always look chic. For further elevation, throw on a blazer and layer a few gold necklaces.

Although your shoes aren't getting much attention right now, slipping into a stylish, comfortable pair can be refreshing — even just for walking around the house. These pink slides almost look like slippers, which makes them the perfect feel-good accessory if you're after a bright burst of color.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: LC Lauren Conrad (old, but I also like this one) // tee: J.Crew // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // slides: Tibi (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // necklaces: gifts (similar styles here, here, and here) // eyeshadow: Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow in "Sassy" // lip color: Stila Beauty Boss Lip Gloss in "Synergy"]

To be honest, I have yet to actually *dress up* for a video chat — work or otherwise. BUT the self-isolation period is still young. I have a feeling I'll be pulling out this blazer trick at some point within the next month ;)

// 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 //

Let the Good Times Glow // Silver Top + Leather Leggings

I'm ready to ring in the new year in something that stand outs and makes me feel confident. After all, a new decade is upon us! Leather, sparkles, and polished accessories are currently reigning supreme, and for 2020, they're all you need for a modern statement look.

Sparkles on New Year's Eve aren't exactly unexpected, but it's also the only time of year when too much is just enough. So in other words, GO FOR IT! A metallic glitter top is a dazzling way to make an entrance in a way that doesn't feel overboard. 

I especially love the subtly retro puff sleeves on this Rebecca Taylor piece and the flattering ruching. It's small design details like those that take an item from ordinary to extraordinary. 

To kick this look up a notch, I added (faux) leather leggings. While a bit extra for the every day, it's perfect for a night out or a party. A rockstar-esque studded crossbody, edgy black booties, and a glitzy headband complete my ensemble. Good luck getting off the dance floor in an outfit like this ;)

 Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Rebecca Taylor (I also like this one) // pants: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // booties: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Rag & Bone (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // earrings: fine jewelry (similar pair here) // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

I'm so excited for 2020, and, if you ask me, the best way to start a new year is to start it in style. Put your best foot forward in something that makes you feel unstoppable! Happy new year!

// SHOP //

Do The Polka // Wrap Top + Levi's

If there's one thing I've learned in this industry, it's that on-trend looks don't have to cost an arm and a leg. Sometimes a single new item can completely reinvent an outfit. Take this ensemble for example. Everything I'm wearing here is AT LEAST one season old...except my top.

Let's be clear, while every piece, excluding my top, may be "old" by fashion standards, they still look relatively fresh, which means in the REAL WORLD, they may not actually be that old. I get it. But fashion does move fast, so typically, if something is a few seasons old, that can be the difference between on-trend and old-news.

I decided to add this top to my arsenal because I instantly knew it would upgrade my favorite Levi's jeans (almost a year old). I was also attracted to its retro flair, which I thought would perfectly complement the cat-eye shades (two years old) and white pumps (6 months old) I already owned. 

My fiancé and I are currently in saving mode, which means I've been creatively challenged with making some of my "old" pieces feel new and modern again. The key lies in how you style them. I've also learned that strategically purchasing a FEW new items here and there can do wonders for your entire wardrobe — no overhaul necessary.

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: Nordstrom // jeans: Levi's wedgie fit // heels: Naturalizer // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // hoop earrings: fine jewelry courtesy of my mom (similar pair here) // lip color: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Chaos"]

At the top of every season, scope out the trends and do your research. I keep my pulse on the fashion world through Instagram, people watching IRL, constantly refreshing the "New Arrivals" pages on my favorite brands' sites, and reading posts from Who What Wear and POPSUGAR.

Next, make a list of your MUST-HAVE pieces. This should consist of a few items that encompass your favorite current trends — pieces you know will completely elevate everything else you pair with them. This is the hardest part because it takes some serious thought. My first instinct every other season is to declare I need new EVERYTHING, but when you're on a budget, you have to think objectively. Be honest with yourself!

Once you know what you need to feel stylish for the season ahead, take your time scouring the internet/the world for a good deal. Patience is key here, people. For affordable, fashion-forward items, I love MANGO, TopShop, Zara, Bloomingdales' Aqua line, and Nordstrom's Halogen line.

Remember, a fantastic, on-point pair of heels or a statement-making top is oftentimes ALL YOU NEED to take your older items to the next level 👌

// SHOP //

At First Blush // Metallic Skirt + Pink Coat

As far as Valentine's Day looks go, there's decidedly two vibes: sweet or sexy. This is the former. Dressing up for a special night out is exhilarating, and it's vital for me to feel confident, stylish, and ultimately, like me; which is why I love this charming combo of blush, metallic, and ruffles.

The pleated skirt is one of this season's key pieces, and paired with light pink, this look is wintery yet completely on trend for spring. Playing off spring even more, I added this blush-tone floral bag — it pulls the entire look together.

While I surprisingly haven't been wearing nearly as many dresses or skirts lately as I used to, there's something about Valentine's Day (or even just date night for that matter) that has a tendency to bring out my ultra-feminine side. And with pleated metallic skirts trending hard, I couldn't resist styling one with an undeniably ladylike twist.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[sweater: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // skirt: Express (old, but I also like this one) // coat: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // boots: Steve Madden // purse: Coach (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // "Love" necklace: Tiffany & Co. // barrel necklace: Lia Sophia (old, but this is another pretty option) // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kit in "High Maintenance," similar shade by Urban Decay in "Double Team"]

I have to admit; I felt like a princess in this look. It also didn't hurt that this location totally looks like the balcony of a castle! But while this outfit is perfect for a date night or a date afternoon, it's also a great combo for an outing with your BFFs — any time of day! The best part? The pop of blush of course!

// SHOP //