Stars & Stripes // denim skirt + red sunglasses

Stars, stripes, red, white, and blue -- it must be summer! 

Dressing patriotic doesn't have to be kitsch. Denim always works and so does red lipstick. I accessorized with silver and threw on a playful star-print headband for an extra pop. 

How sweet are these red sunglasses? Cat-eye frames are officially back in style, and in solid hues like red or white, they're being worn by street style 'it' girls everywhere. I love wearing mine with a matching scarlet lip -- it's a subtle way to get festive for the 4th.

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: J.Crew // skirt: Urban Outfitters // sandals: Ann Taylor // headband: J.Crew // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // purse: Rebecca Minkoff // earrings: & Other Stories (I also like this pair) // lip color: Marc Jacobs Lip Crème Lipstick in "Oh Miley"]

 While it may not look like I'm in Manhattan, these fun photos were taken in Central Park! Antonio surprised me one Monday afternoon with a trip to Victorian Gardens, this charming little amusement park smack dab in the city. And while yes, it's mostly for kids, we had SUCH a great time eating carnival food, riding the little rides, and playing Whac-A-Mole. I even won a prize!

//SHOP//

8 Ways To Wear Shorts Like A Grownup

Shorts season is just around the corner! To celebrate, I'm sharing 8 fail-proof ways to rock your favorite shorts like a fashion star this spring & summer. 

This is a super easy and quick way to create an effortlessly polished outfit. It can be achieved by either wearing a bottom and top in the same exact color (hello black and white), or by throwing on two separate pieces in the same print. It's one of my favorite summer-outfit hacks!

Ideal for work or special occasions, a blazer is the perfect way to top off a shorts look when you went to take your fashion game to the next level. Throw on nude heels to elongate your legs even further while taking your look into happy hour.

For fickle spring temps or chilly summer nights, a sweater is the way to go. Opt for bright bold colors or a preppy neutral. 

Perhaps THE simplest outfit on the planet is a pair of jeans (or jean shorts) and a bodysuit. It's a definite throw-on-and-go look that won't let you down.

While we've (hopefully) passed this point until fall, this is a great hack to keep in the back of your mind. I love wearing dressy black shorts with matching black tights when it's cold - it's a refreshing switch-up from the classic skirt & tights combo.

Shorts and heels can be a daunting combination, but it can totally work if your shorts aren't too short and your heels aren't too high. It also helps to keep the rest of your skin exposure at a minimum since all eyes will be on your legs. Wear something like this for a fun night out or a hot date.

Ah, the much-loved tee & shorts combo. This is what summer outfit dreams are made of! Even better - you can totally wear this type of outfit everywhere from the beach, to a barbecue, to a night out on the town. It all comes down to accessories and shorts style. 

And lastly, don't think for a minute shorts can't be dressed up with a nice blouse or fancy(ish) top. Have I convinced you yet? There truly aren't too many places shorts can't take you!

// SHOP MY FAVORITE SHORTS //

25 // Get Ready To Birthday Party

It's my 25th birthday and I'm celebrating in mesh! I decided to go with a black & silver theme for my special day this year, and of course I couldn't resist some b-day balloons - a birthday girl's best accessory ;)

Embellished heels with touches of metal drive this look home for me. While all-black is sleek, accessories are what make it pop. I especially love my strong cuff paired with modern panels of mesh - there's definitely a futuristic vibe there.

Fact of 2017: transparent clothes are in. I decided to test out the trend in my own way, and I have to say, I'm a fan. I felt sexy and powerful but at the same time, it still felt like I was covered up. And how about that see-through hemline on my skirt? LOVE. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: & Other Stories // bra: & Other Stories (similar style here) skirt: & Other Stories (sold out, but I also like this style) // heels: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // cuff: & Other Stories (I also like this one) // choker: Free People // lipstick: Urban Decay's Jean Michel Basquiat collection in "Exhibition" (similar shade is "Bittersweet")]

Thanks so much for reading, everyone. And to all my fellow Leo's out there - HBD!

// SHOP //

Birds Of Paradise // printed shorts + oversized blazer

Shorts can be dressy too! Pair your favorite printed pair with a simple top and a well-tailored, oversized blazer for a fresh take on office chic. 

It may be September, but that doesn't mean you have to cut shorts out of your wardrobe rotation just YET. After all, it's still summer until the 22nd! I love this printed pair that features a "birds of paradise" pattern. The intricate design and bright, tropical colors make them that much more luxe. 

A shorts-and-blazer look is polished and modern. It provides stylish juxtaposition between weekend/work and uptown/downtown. I also love how this oversized jacket plays with proportions by hitting right above the hemline of my shorts. 

A touch of metallic is almost always a good idea. Silver was huge this past year and, good news for my fellow lovers-of-all-things-shiny, this trend is staying strong through fall! A bit of shine truly helps elevate even the most casual of looks. 

Speaking of shine, this Kate Spade crossbody compliments my silver sandals beautifully. In a neutral tone, it's also super versatile. But of course a stripe of gold gives it an added element of sophistication and pop. 

I incorporated both cream and white into this ensemble, which to some may be considered a bit daring - especially after Labor Day. But I love the look of bright whites against more yellow tones, and with a necklace to match, my entire outfit comes full circle. 

Delicate yet statement-making, these pearl-back studs are classic go-to for me. 

I love how this look is professional but not stuffy, it's laid-back and easy yet packed with polish. And that's all thanks to this gorgeous oversized blazer. A piece like this (in any color) is a definite must-have for anyone and everyone! Cropped versions are officially out of style...at least for now ;) 

Photos by Dan Harper

[v-neck tee: Ann Taylor // blazer: Elizabeth & James (I also like this one) // shorts: Ann Taylor // sandals: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Kate Spade // necklace: Loft (I also like this one)// earrings: Ann Taylor (similar here) // watch: Kate Spade // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // cream bangle: Kate Spade // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Bare Pop by Clinique] 

As summery as this look may seem - I know, I know, everyone is SO fixated on fall right now - it's actually perfect for this time of year! Because let's face it, it's still super hot outside (it was 90 degrees this past weekend in NYC). But by adding a chic jacket into your usual shorts-and-tee mix, you're putting your own autumn spin on a tried-and-true summer favorite. Pretty genius, right? 

// SHOP //