Hit the Road, Jack

It's been a while! I took a break from blogging this summer and spent lots of time relaxing with my family. I'm slowly but surely making my way back into the blogsphere. To be honest, I've been concentrating more on Instagram lately and stretching myself creatively. I'm not sure how much longer this type of blog setup will continue to serve me, but it's something I've been trying to figure out.

My sister and I shot together all summer long, and these are some photos we took in Fairbury, IL at the end of June. I wanted to tell a story with this look and I think the train tracks served as the perfect backdrop. I was trying to channel being stranded in a small town with a broken-down car and following the railroad into town to get help. It was just a fun, editorial scene to have in mind as we explored and snapped!

I've had this dress for years. I actually wore it to a summer wedding about three years ago. Since then, I almost got rid of it! These photos have officially changed my mind though. This dress is summery, flattering, and the color is so joyful and bright.

Photos by Sarah Harper

[dress: Ann Taylor // shoes: Amiana Footwear (similar pair here)// headband: J.Crew (old, I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie (old, similar pair here) // bracelets: Anthropologie // bag: Staud]

A day of shooting is never fully complete without a milkshake and a side of fries ;)

2019 // The Best Of

Below are some of my favorite looks from last year! Categorized by season, these are the outfits I loved the most in 2019. Hopefully there's some inspo here for your 2020 :) Enjoy!

WINTER

SPRING

SUMMER

AUTUMN

HOLIDAY

Happy New Year, everyone! 

Third Time's a Charm // Bike Shorts + Denim Jacket

You didn't think I'd let summer end without featuring my beloved bike shorts one more time, did ya? I'm not lying when I said I've been living in these guys since July. For pre-fall, I'm styling them with oversized top-layers and thick, cozy crop tops. (check out looks 1 & 2 for more inspo).

Denim jackets have a way of adding an effortless, cool vibe to any outfit. Whether you throw 'em over your shoulder or wear 'em fully buttoned, they're ideal for this transitional time of year. 

Monochrome black with denim on top and a purple pop of pastel makes for an easy look that's casual, on-trend, and flattering. Did I mention comfortable? In high-waisted, stretchy bike shorts, you'll feel as if you're wearing sweatpants!

 Photos by Sarah Harper 

[jacket: Levi's (personalized) // top: Aritzia (I also like this one) // shorts: American Eagle (super similar pair here) // sneakers: Adidas // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // gold chocker 1: Uncommon James // gold chocker 2: Uncommon James // gold pendant necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // ear jackets: gift (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked3 palette // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

Fall may be quickly approaching, but I'm getting as much mileage as I can out of these bike shorts. Next, I plan on wearing them with an oversized sweatshirt. ...You may just have to pry them off my cold, goosebump-ridden legs once winter hits!   

// SHOP //

Snake Bite // Teal Heels + Python-Print Dress

At this point, animal print is no longer a trend. It's a classic. And this classic is more popular than ever as we head into fall. From python to leopard to zebra, the wild must-have is THE neutral to own now. ...Consider me bitten by the animal-print bug — and snake in particular is especially chic and powerful!

For a bold, unexpected twist, step into a jewel-toned pair of heels. I've had these guys for a few years now and they never fail to add a quirky burst of polish — even when paired with the most unlikely of outfits. When mixed with animal print, the result feels super fresh and modern.

While I love a crossbody — hello convenience and comfort — I've been seeing shorter purse straps lately. It seems the over-the-shoulder strap is making a comeback, and I can't say I hate it. The effortless, glam vibes are definitely there, and I predict we'll be seeing a lot more of this silhouette in the near future!

As soon as I tried this dress on back in the spring, I knew it was special. It fit like a dream and I instantly felt incredible in it. We're talking pre-proposal here, but at that point in time, I had a hunch Antonio would be popping the question at some point this year. So I bought the dress and thought, "This may just be THE dress!" 

Flash forward a month or two and it WAS the dress I wore when he proposed on May 25th :) Obviously it's now even more of a special piece and I feel a whole host of amazing feelings every time I wear it. 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Anthropologie (sold out, but I also like this one) // heels: Zara (old, but I also like this pair) // bag: Carlo Fellini (vintage, but I also like this one) // dangle earrings: Alexis Bittar (similar pair here) // stud earrings: Diamonds Doing Good (similar pair here) // gold bangle: Alex & Ani // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics Metal Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Reign" (sold out, but I also like this option)

Antonio and I snapped these photos just over a week ago, and IT WAS INCREDIBLY HOT. I don't know if you can tell from these photos, but I was practically melting in the heat. And don't get me started on the horrendous humidity — why do you think my hair is in a bun ;) ? 

But just like that, it feels like fall is coming in hot, or err cold! Who's ready for jacket season? ...and more importantly, FASHION MONTH season? 

// SHOP //

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 //