Lavender Dreamsicle // Off-the-Shoulder Crop Top + High-Waisted Pants

I've never been a midriff gal, but when done right, the trend feels fresh, current, and surprisingly elevated. As I mentioned in my last post, my new go-to combo is a crop top paired with high-waisted anything. And this look in particular is high on my list of current favorites!

To tone down my bare stomach, I opted for office-approved trousers teamed with close-toed pumps; and just like that, a crop top becomes polished and completely wearable for all sorts of occasions. 

Lavender and white is such a dreamy duo — especially in summer!

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[top: Aritzia // pants: J.Crew (I also like this pair) // pumps: Naturalizer // purse: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // earrings: fine jewelry, a gift from my mom (I also like this pair) // bangle: Alex & Ani // lip color: Fenty Gloss Bomb in "FU$$Y"]

I wore this outfit for mine and Antonio's recent engagement party. We're currently home in Naperville/Chicago area and our intimate get-together was absolutely perfect. Of course I wanted to wear the perfect outfit as well, and this seemed like the obvious choice. I ended up feeling so great in it, but of course I did manage to get red sauce on my right sleeve. Lucky for me, Antonio managed to scrub it out using bleach 👌. Am I a lucky girl or what?

// SHOP //

A Dash of Red // off-the-shoulder + velvet pants

Coming in red hot with another festive look for the holidays. Featuring luxe velvet, refined off-the-shoulder detailing, trendy leopard, and of course statement-worthy red, this outfit pretty much has it all. But would you believe it's also deceivingly comfortable?

I actually featured these pants last December in this post, but I couldn't resist styling them again this year. Why? The softness! The stretchiness! The versatility! These babies are my secret weapon when I want to look put together (or dare I say, fancy?) but know I'll either A.) be eating a lot, or B.) be lounging/sitting a lot. Best of Both Worlds, I am here for you! 

I love sprinkling my holiday looks with extra special detailing of the shimmery, sparkly variety. Long, gold earrings like these are refined and light but still bring the drama. I especially love the way they frame my face!

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[blazer: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // bodysuit: Express (I also like this one) // pants: J.Crew // heels: Ann Taylor // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // earrings: Club Monaco (similar pair here) // gold spike bracelet: Stella & Dot // eyeshadow: Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in "Smoky Storm" // lip color: Nars Manic Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set in "Bondage"]

Christmas in New York City is a special thing. What's amazing is that so many stores, streets, and buildings get into the holiday spirit. Almost everywhere you look, you see larger-than-life decorations and lights, and it is SO picturesque.

Antonio and I took these photos this past weekend right out front of the Ralph Lauren flagship stores on the Upper Eastside. For those who haven't seen it, check out this pic and this pic. You see what I'm saying? ALL out! Sometimes I even feel like I'm in a Hallmark movie...

// SHOP //

A Taste Of Drama // turtleneck layered under ruffle top

This holiday season, serve up a look that’s equal parts festive and stylish with a sprinkle of drama and a dash of glam. I'm getting into the spirit with a bold lip, statement earrings, and unexpected layers. 

To give my party look a serious revamp, I styled a plain black turtleneck underneath a one-shoulder ruffle top. While I despised turtlenecks when I was younger, I can't get enough of them now — especially for layering! Elevated and easy to wear, this outfit is perfect for any event on your cal. Even better, you'll stand out in the usual crowd of dresses.

I love a skirt just as much as the next girl, but there's something powerful about a sharp pair of pants — especially during party season. Introduce the ultimate straight-leg ankle pants to your holiday outfit rotation by pairing them with a top as refined as they are. Extra points for ruffles, velvet, or subtle sparkle. 

Photos by Oly Zayac

[turtleneck: Ann Taylor // top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // pants: Ann Taylor // shoes: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // earrings: Anthropologie // eyeshadow: Too Faced Chocolate Gold eyeshadow palette // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics KoKo Collection in “Gorg”]

The holidays are officially here! I don't know about you, but they kind of snuck up on me this year, so I've been looking for as much holiday outfit inspo as possible. This is one look I can see myself turning to time and time again when I'm in a pinch for something chic and easy to wear. And even though I'm doing a low-key Thanksgiving this year with friends in Denver, I know I'll be rocking this next month as Christmas outings pile up.

// SHOP //

All Ruffled Up // high-low skirt + one-shoulder top

Whether you're headed to a wedding or an afternoon soiree, add allure to your look with a ruffled high-low skirt and an elegant top. Dangle earrings and a pop of color serve as the perfect finishing touch. 

Bringing this skirt back for the second time this summer, this go-around I'm rocking it with a delicate one-shoulder blouse. I love how the top's ruffles play off the pleats in my skirt, dialing up the drama in a playful yet polished way.

This skirt is one of my favorite purchases of the summer. I've already worn it multiple times, twice now on my blog, and it's starring in two more looks I'm waiting to photograph. It's just one of those pieces that makes me smile, you know?

 Photos by Dan Harper & Sarah Harper

[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // skirt: Banana Republic (similar style here) // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (similar pair here) // earrings: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // lip color: Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Lipgloss in "Taboo"]

I wore this look in Chicago for a family brunch and then around the city for a full day of adventuring. These photos were snapped right outside the Art Institute, and I love how the yellow flowers in the background compliment my sunny clutch. I wish I could say I planned it!

I hope everyone's enjoying their week so far — can you believe it's August already? 

//SHOP//

Feel The Love // Valentine's Day

My Valentine's Day lookbook wouldn't be complete without an LBD! A little black dress is basically THE date night staple, and it's a piece you can never go wrong in. I love this one's flutter sleeves and sexy shoulder cutouts. 

For the year's most romantic night, I accessorized my black dress with pink and red accents. This chic snakeskin clutch adds texture and interest, while my sleeveless blush trench makes a dreamy and sophisticated top layer.  

Winter fashion hack: give your longer dresses and skirts a new look by pairing them with over-the-knee boots. No skin showing, no problem! And the best part? No tights needed but your legs still stay totally covered and toasty! 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // sleeveless coat: Zara (I also like this one) // boots: Steve Madden // clutch: Michael Kors // necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane (I also like this one) // earrings: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this pair) // lip color: Lancome's Matte Shaker Liquid Lipstick in "Pink Wink"]

Valentine's Day is just a week away! If you find yourself in a pinch, dust off your favorite LBD and layer on some festive accessories. But let's be real, when in doubt, a red lip is all you need! 

// SHOP //