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 //

Python Pursuit // Jumpsuit + Invisible Heels

If you’re ready to make a statement this summer, opt for a full-body print. I particularly love animal print for its chic neutrality; and lately, python has been my poison of choice.

More and more, I’ve been hearing friends and coworkers praise the ease and versatility of a jumpsuit. Jumpsuits elicit a real power moment that’s equal parts fierce and professional. When the office AC gets the best of you, add a leather jacket or sharp blazer. When winter rolls around, layer a turtleneck underneath.

 I couldn’t wait to try these heels after discovering them on Target.com. Available in both black and nude, I immediately added the nude to my shopping cart, knowing they’d make my legs look super long. I’m happy to let you all know that they have not disappointed! 

They blend into my skin so well, giving my feet that of-the-moment bare-foot look. And in return, they not only pair well with anything, but they enhance my legs, which is ultra-important for a 5′1″ shorty like myself. 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[jumpsuit: Banana Republic // heels: Who What Wear at Target (similar pair here) // purse: Furla (similar style here) // sunglasses: Linda Farrow for The Row (super similar pair here) // earrings: Club Monaco (I also like this pair) // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

I wore this look this past weekend for a day filled of NYC adventuring with Antonio. We started our day on the Lower East Side and made our way through SoHo and into the West Village - all on foot (yes, I did have to slip out of these heels and into some nude flip flops). We ended the evening at our favorite Manhattan pizza place - Emmett’s! Nothing like some Chicago-style pizza to round out an amazing Saturday!

// SHOP //

Birthday Dress // metallic pleated dress + turning 26

No matter if it's your birthday or you're celebrating someone else's, the perfect party dress will ensure you feel sparkly, confident, and ready for anything. My 26th birthday is just around the corner (Friday, August 17), and this year I'm shining extra bright in metallic! 

I'm a planner, so I had this birthday dress picked out months in advance. But the one thing I couldn't nail down was the perfect necklace to go with it. I wasn't finding anything worthy in my own collection, so I turned to Red Carpet Rocks. The company, which is essentially Rent the Runway for jewelry, reached out to me just in time, and I totally lucked out by finding this stunning fringe statement necklace to complete my b-day look. 

The renting process was way simpler than I ever would have thought too. They hand-delivered my jewels the very next day. Three days later, someone came to pick up the necklace — I didn't even have to leave the house or deal with a shipping label! You can rent this exact same piece for yourself by clicking here. 

This metallic dress is just as fun to wear as it looks. It's shimmery, flattering, and totally twirlable. The fact that it looks like I'm wearing liquid metal is icing on the cake! While at first I struggled with finding a suitable shoe, a nude heel quickly became an obvious choice. After all, the last thing I wanted to do was upstage this standout frock. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // necklace: rented from Red Carpet Rocks (I also like this style to buy) // heels: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // earrings: Juicy Couture (identical pair here) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked Smoky palette // lip color: Bite Beauty Liquified Lipstick in "Lotus Root"]

Every year, Antonio and I shoot special photos for my birthday. This year was no different, but we decided to kick things up a notch. I planned far in advance (I literally bought this dress in December knowing I'd save it for this moment), and we woke up at 6 am the day of our shoot. 

We traveled to Brooklyn and took these pics before Brooklyn Bridge Park got crowded. I especially love our shots in front of Jane's Carousel. For me, it was the perfect way to welcome a new age. I can't wait to see where 26 will take me!

// SHOP //

Best Dress // wedding guest look

With wedding season in full swing, it can be challenging to find that perfect guest dress that's versatile enough to work for any and all of the receptions on your calendar. Lucky for you, this lace number is multi-demential, seasonless, and surprisingly flattering. Prepare yourself for the compliments!

Give any wedding look an extra pop with a standout metallic purse. Coated in shiny gold, this Michael Kors clutch is elegant and dressy with major edge. Not going to lie, at my last wedding I felt like royalty carrying it around all night!

Sophisticated, dramatic, and totally glam, lace dresses are not just a passing craze. They've steadily been increasing in popularity over the years, and for the past few seasons they've been hotter than ever. In burgundy, I can still rock this piece through fall and then wear it yet again once spring rolls around. #BangForYourBuck.

 Photos by Dan Harper 

[dress: Anthropologie (another similar style here) // shoes: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // clutch: Michael Kors (I also like this style) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this style) // bangles: Tiffany & Co., Alex & Ani, David Yurman, Ann Taylor // eyeshadow: Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in "Kitten Karma" // lip color: Kat Von D Studded Creme Lipstick in "Lolita"]

I wore this exact look to a wedding I attended earlier this month. Not only was I showered in compliments, but I felt amazing AND amazingly comfortable all day/night. Better yet, my dress stood out against your typical floral prints and LBDs. If this isn't the ultimate frock for a wedding, then I don't know what is!

// SHOP //

Blazing Shorts // oversized blazer + swing shorts

Spring is a magical season where you don't have to worry about bundling up or cooling down. Instead, the just-right temperatures allow you to mix it up with proportions and combos! Enter one of my favorite outfit formulas: blazer + shorts.

Pairing high-waisted swing shorts with a boyfriend blazer will give you an effortlessly cool vibe that's casual yet polished. For an extra oomph, slip into a pair of trendy heels. I love these nude peek-a-boo booties by Vince Camuto because they're easy to wear and are way edgier than your average pump.

Let me just take a second to gush about graphic tees. I firmly believe that a graphic/slogan t-shirt creates a solid foundation for SO. MANY. OUTFITS. Pair 'em with blazers, skirts, denim, cardigans -- you name it. A graphic tee is a true hero piece that you'll never regret owning multiples of. Trust me, I get sooo much use out of the one I'm rocking here!

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: Zara (I also like this one) // tee: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // shorts: Banana Republic (super similar style here) // shoes: Vince Camuto (I also like this pair) // purse: Alice and Olivia // necklace: Free People (I also like this one) // lip color: Clinique Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour in "Cake Pop"]

Once again, I couldn't resist matching my eyeshadow to my surroundings. I love my blazer's deep forest green color, so I decided to incorporate the same shade into my beauty look! I kept my lips neutral with Clinique Pop.

 Recently I wore this outfit for Sunday brunch and then last-minute errands. Don't get me wrong though, for errands I most definitely changed into sneakers ;) I'm not superwoman!

// SHOP //