Easy Street // Khaki Shirtdress + Black Platform Sandals

I'm coming at ya with a neutral and universally flattering look. To be honest, I wore this outfit back in August,  but it definitely still holds up in early October — weather pending! Today, I'd pair it with brown (or black) lace-up combat boots and a leather crossbody. 

My sister shot all of these photos during a summer day of adventuring with our dad. We drove to Freeport, IL and explored the small towns and rural roads along the way. Part of our mission was to complete The Goodwill IG Challenge. 

The day before, I had gone to Goodwill with my mom and picked up a few random objects — Part I of the challenge complete! Part II? Execute a photo shoot incorporating those objects. This is what we came up with:

From Goodwill, I ended up buying two teacups, a framed illustration of a flower, a green vase, and a picnic basket. It was my dad's idea to hang the picture on the tree, which turned out to be my favorite part of our photos!

A khaki, button-down shirtdress like this one is so versatile. The beige color is seasonless and it can even be turned into a top (worn partly unbuttoned from the bottom with pants) or a jacket (worn all the way unbuttoned).  

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Who What Wear via Target // shoes: Nasty Gal // purse: Poolside // sunglasses: Anthropologie // earrings: Banana Republic // face mask: Anthropologie]

Just as I signed off my last post, I'm leaving you with a milkshake and fry pic. Go treat yourself!

Leopard Lady // animal print dress + biker booties

Animal print is having a major moment. Whether you rock it head-to-toe or subtly incorporate it through accessories, this is one trend you don't want to miss out on. In fact, leopard print specifically, has surpassed trend status and is officially a bonafide classic. So what are you waiting for?

For a rebellious twist, I teamed this leopard number with tough moto boots. I love the hardware on these bad boys and how they instantly add edge to any outfit. And while cowboy and hiking booties are trending hard this season, you can’t go wrong with a forever staple like this. ...Plus, they COULD pass for modern cowboy boots, right?

I try to incorporate at least some color into every outfit, and here, it took the form of this lavender crossbody. Sweet and dreamy, this purse is the perfect addition to such a trend-focused ensemble.

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor // vest: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // boots: Guess (I also like this pair) // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (similar one here) // necklace: Free People (I also like this one) // headband: Anthropologie // eyeshadow: Urban Decay "Naked on the Run" palette (no longer sold, but similar palette here) // lip color: Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in "Dusty Rose"]

I've finally brought out my booties and layers! Although it's predominately still been 80 degrees here in NYC, I haven't been able to resist incorporating at least SOME fall trends into my wardrobe. Introducing boots and light top layers into my current rotation has satisfied that cooler-weather itch, and I've had fun trying styling them despite summer temps. Hopefully it cools off soon!

// SHOP //

Black Magic // LBD + metallic booties + beret

There's something so chic and ladylike about a little black dress. Make it a little black SHIRTDRESS, and you've got an effortless look that requires almost zero styling! Here, I'm wearing a classic shirtdress with a twist, making my electric accessories really pop. 

I love how this dress is a bit longer in the back with long vertical pleats - this gives the entire piece major movement and ensures it stands out from your run-of-the-mill LBD. A romantic red lip and matching bag elevate the look even more. 

Silver booties may seem daring, but they're actually surprisingly versatile. I love wearing mine with jeans and a black top, but they also look quite striking when worn with a dress. 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // booties: Zara (similar style here) // beret: Anthropologie // purse: Michael Kors (I also like this one) // watch: Fossil // lip color: Makeup For Ever Pro Sculpting Lip Pen (similar shade here, in "401, Red"]

Looks like my bare legs are getting their last taste of freedom before this fall weather kicks in full force! 

Thanks so much for reading, everyone. 

// SHOP //

Back To Spring // my perfect warm-weather dress

I take spring dress shopping very seriously. And THIS dress? It's a keeper. 

First of all, not only does this light-weight frock have a killer back slit (so chic, right?) it's also the perfect mix of casual and glam. It may be hard to tell in these pics, but the fabric, while a sweatshirty material, is sparkly. So with an added touch of glimmer and shine, this simple shift dress instantly becomes nighttime appropriate. And did I mention how comfortable it is? Seriously, you need this dress in your life! 

I've worn this dress during the day and out at night. For day, I paired it with super minimal sandals that are extremely comfortable and almost look like I'm barefoot. I love a nude sandal like this because they literally go with everything. For night, I threw on nude booties with a metallic heel. 

While no accessories are really needed with this number (the glitter really can do all the talking,) I couldn't resist pairing it with my current favorite necklace. This beautiful layered piece from Free People is super versatile, and I love how it gives the illusion that I tried way harder than I did. Even better, it's less than $40! You didn't expect that from FP, did you?

I know, I know, THESE sunglasses again! Have I convinced you yet that they're worth it? While I love my Ray-Bans, these shades have slowly become my go-to pair. I am just SO here for these nude frames - I feel like they brighten up my face and look great with every color. 

This is just me in front of a cool car dreaming that it's mine ;) Maybe one day, right?

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: & Other Stories // sandals: Sam Edelman // purse: Rebecca Minkoff // necklace: Free People // sunglasses: Banana Republic // earrings: & Other Stories // watch: Fossil // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lipcolor: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Lovesick"]

This dress easily carried me through a full day in the city. My morning started with a workout (sorry to disappoint, but this dress isn't THAT magical...I wore leggings and a tank for that part of my day) and then I showered and changed into this beauty for brunch. 

My boyfriend and I hit up a trendy spot inside the Renwick Hotel called Bedford & Co., and it was delicious! [Side note: I highly recommend their bubbly brunch, which consists of different types of juices to add to your champagne.] After that, we did some shopping in midtown, and by nighttime, we were off to a friend's surprise b-day party. 

I literally wore this piece from 12 pm to 3 am, and I never once felt uncomfortable or out of place. Pretty darn amazing if you ask me! I told you this dress was special.  

 // SHOP //

11 Timeless Pieces That Will NEVER Go Out Of Style

Now, I love new trends just as much as the next fashionista, but there's just something about the classics. I mean, don't you always feel better about splurging a little more on pieces you know you'll have in your closet for years to come? So here are 11 forever pieces that you can always count on to stay chic. Invest now, ladies! 

BLAZER 

Black, cream, printed, WHATEVER - a blazer is the perfect alternative to a jacket when you want to step up your style game and add some major polish to any look. 

Get the look: ModCloth ($69.99); J. Crew ($139.99); Loft ($128)

WHITE BUTTON-DOWN

Tucked in, tucked out, layered, or on their own, a white button-down is the epitome of class and sophistication - you'll reach for this piece again and again! 

Get the look: Ann Taylor ($79.50); Madewell ($72); H&M ($24.99)

PENCIL SKIRT

Flattering on all body types, a pencil skirt is one of those pieces that works just as hard in the office as it does on the weekends. And while black is the classic choice, there's tons of fun prints, colors, and textures to keep you on your toes! 

Get the look: Ann Taylor ($79); Nordstrom ($36.90); ModCloth ($49.99)

STRIPED SHIRT

The most versatile pattern around, stripes are ALWAYS a good idea! 

Get the look: ASOS ($16.50); J.Crew ($39.50); Banana Republic ($36.50)

BLACK, SLIGHTLY CROPPED PANTS

The perfect work pant when paired with a blazer; the perfect weekend pant when paired with a fun top and sneakers. 

Get the look: Ann Taylor ($69); Gap ($59.95); Loft ($69.50) 

LEATHER JACKET

I wear my leather jacket religiously - there's nothing edgier than throwing on one of these bad boys to toughen up a floral dress or to add some instant badass to an all-black ensemble. 

Get the look: Urban Outfitters ($129); H&M ($49.99); ASOS ($49) 

SHIRTDRESS

Easy, breezy, and effortlessly chic. This style is completely seasonless. 

Get the look: ModCloth ($139.00); Nordstrom ($91.90); Urban Outfitters ($69) 

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

There's never a time when an LBD isn't appropriate. 

Get the look: TopShop ($75); Old Navy ($29.94); Ann Taylor ($119.99) 

CHAMBRAY TOP 

A wardrobe staple, the chambray button-down is THE perfect layering piece. There's no question, light wash, dark wash, oversized, or fitted, this top oozes effortlessness.  

Get the look: Madewell ($72); J. Crew ($88); Gap ($59.95) 

BLACK TURTLENECK  

So chic and classic, a black turtleneck can be worn with ANYTHING - just throw on and go. 

Get the look: Forever21 ($7.90); H&M ($9.99); Nordstrom ($64.90) 

WHITE OR BLACK V-NECK TEE

A white v-neck is always my go-to. Plus, in black OR white, this essential tee is always the perfect base to any fabulous look. 

Get the look: ASOS ($22); Gap ($24.95); Madwell ($25)