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 //

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 //

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 //

Spring Fling // lace LBD + platform heels

I think it's finally safe to say that spring has OFFICIALLY sprung here in NYC. The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and sundresses are making their 2018 debut at last!

Instead of opting for a simple cotton LBD this season, dial up the drama with a lace or eyelet option. An eye-catching texture like this one gives feminine polish a captivating new edge, which basically means you can rock this piece anywhere from the office to cocktail hour and feel like a million bucks!

I livened up my black frock with pastel accessories to give it an even springier vibe. Thick, twisted headbands like this one are super trendy right now, and paired with my round shades, I was feeling uber 60s. Two words: flower. Child.

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // shoes: Nanette Lepore // purse: Rebecca Minkoff // sunglasses: Lina Farrow for The Row // headband: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this style) // necklace: & Other Stories (I also like this style) // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in "Backtalk"]

Until these last two weekends, I legit forgot what warm weather felt like. Anyone else with me? Now we're all faced with questions like, do I bring a coat? What type of jacket should I wear? And honestly, it's about darn time! Welcome spring, we've been waiting for you.

// SHOP //

Hello Yellow // spring dress + thigh-high boots

Ease into spring with sundresses that offer substantial warmth (think thicker materials and long sleeves) and high-as-the-sky boots (open toe acceptable because, well, it IS March and by gone it you've earned it). And as for your dress, go the extra mile by opting for a bright sunny hue!  

Of course a statement-making dress needs an equally bold bag to go with it. My Alice & Olivia "Time Out!" purse compliments my frock perfectly, and I love how it introduces more color into my look. In fact, it inspired me to paint my lips Fenty red and throw on seaglass-colored sunnies. 

These Guess boots are ideal for those times when you're in between seasons. They allow me to rock an open toe and sling-back heel while still providing plenty of warmth. Consider my sandal craving officially satisfied...at least for now.

 Photos by Oly Zayac 

[dress: Ann Taylor // boots: Guess // purse: Alice & Olivia (I also like this one) // sunglasses: The Row by Linda Farrow (cheaper version here) // earrings: & Other Stories (similar pair here) // watch: Fossil (I also like this one) // lip color: Fenty in "Ma'Damn"]

My friend Oly and I took these photos in Chinatown after a weekend brunch date. We were both inspired by the bold colors peppering the area -- like the above red columns. However, it's still not as warm as we'd all like it to be here in NYC. What you DON'T see pictured? My down coat...

// SHOP //