Go Get ‘Em, Tiger // Animal Print Vest + Monochrome

This fall, I’ve already rocked python and leopard (in multiple outfits) and even a hint of zebra print. Tiger, welcome to the family!

This fierce vest is actually not a vest at all! It’s a sleeveless, button-down dress that I bought in a smaller size. I purchased it from Anthropologie in August and thought I’d get more use out of it as a vest than a dress. I was right! Finding ways to layer it has been a fun style challenge. 

After all, anyone can wear the latest trends and be fashionable. Taking a piece and making it your own is what having true STYLE is all about. 

With last week being an exception, I’ve been posting mostly neutral outfits lately. I love color, but I have been particularly drawn to solid black and animal prints this season. They feel so elevated and polished, and I love how neutrals create a strong foundation for any wardrobe, allowing you to easily mix and match. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[vest (that's actually a dress): Anthropologie // bodysuit: American Apparel (similar one here) // jeans: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // booties: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Zac Posen (similar style here) // earrings: Elizabeth & James (I also like this pair) // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

This outfit works for so many occasions, which is part of the reason I love it so much. It’s work appropriate but also fun enough for drinks or dinner AFTER work. It’s great for weekend wear too, and, especially with these heels, date night. If you ask me, a splash of print makes all the difference.

// SHOP //

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 //

Made For Suede // ruffle blouse + suede vest

Autumn & suede go together like peanut butter & jelly. I've been looking for ways to style this gorgeous drapey vest for nearly a year now, and I love how it looks paired with delicate ruffles and true-blue denim. With a dash of firey orange red, this ensemble truly embodies a sophisticated vision of fall.

Throwing a touch of color into a neutral outfit is a no-fail way to give any look major style points. Extra credit for matching the statement hue to your lips, like I did here. 

This supple suede vest by Elie Tahari was one of those pieces I knew I had to have. It was also one of those pieces I bought on an impulse without actually thinking through how I could style it. Here I am, almost a year later, FINALLY getting it up on my blog! Although it took some time to come up with an ensemble worthy of such a gorgeous piece, I think this one does it justice. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[top: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // vest: Elie Tahari (I also like this one) // jeans: Gap // heels: Ann Taylor (similar pair here) // clutch: BCBG (I also like this one) // earrings: Alexis Bittar // lip color: Bite Beauty Liquified Lipstick in "Purée"]

While here in NYC we got lucky with a few 72-degree-and-below days, the past week has been just as hot (and miserably humid) as August. Once the days TRULY turn chillier though, I can't wait to pull out this suede vest more often. What pieces are YOU looking forward to wearing this season?

// SHOP //

Home Sweet Home // dress shorts + vest

Earlier this month I took a trip home, traveling from NYC to Chicago. I grew up in a suburb located outside the city called Naperville, and I love that my parents still live there so that I can come back and visit. These photos were taken in front of our city's iconic "Dandelion" fountain - isn't it beautiful? 

...Getting back to fashion, I wanted to style a summer outfit that proves shorts CAN be dressed up, and therefore appropriate for more than just beach days and weekend wear. While most people reserve their shorts for after hours (sometimes in part due to office dress code,) this look is perfect for a night out or a summertime event. 

The key to mastering the classy-shorts look is to pick a pair in a neutral color (i.e. black,) a flattering silhouette (i.e. not too short,) and a dressy material (i.e. NOT denim.) This elegant pair is made of polyester and elastane, and, bonus - they're also high-waisted. Wearing shorts has never felt more grownup! 

When going for that formal shorts vibe, accessories play a major role. Since I'm wearing a relatively simple top, I added a black blazer vest for sophistication points. The vest also ties my shorts together and makes the two separate pieces look like a set.

These mesh heels are way cool. I love the athleisure feel, which totally plays off of my casually chic shorts.

Half choker, half necklace, this piece, while purchased in Paris, is available right here! It's super unique and adds tons of flair to any ensemble. The coolest part? The flowers are made of genuine leather. 

Every woman needs a bright sunny purse in her life. This one never fails to give my outfits that extra oomph. Without it, I'd be black-and-white, which is all well and good, but come on people - it's SUMMER!

Aside from my clutch, I added some color to my outfit in the form of makeup. I painted my lips a purpley fuchsia, which made quite the statement against my white top and black accents. When in doubt, go for the bold.  

If you think my hair's getting blonder, you'd be correct ;) I owe it all to balayage highlights and the talented people at Fringe Salon NYC. 

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[shorts: Banana Republic (similar pair here) // vest: Express (I also like this one) // top: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // necklace: & Other Stories // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // watch: Fossil // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Liquid Lipstick in "ZZ"]

There's nothing quite like being home. And while my visit to Illinois was a quick one, it was incredibly memorable and only left me wanting more. 

 // SHOP //

That Fall Feeling // LBD + tuxedo vest

Ahh, fall. The greatest season of them all, right? From booties and oversized sweaters to suede and velvet textures, autumn is pretty much the fashion world's BFF. Why? Because your OOTD options are limitless thanks to layers and mild temps! 

This LBD puts most black dresses to shame. I love its metallic polka dots and sheer detailing. It's a killer nightlife piece but works for day too with the proper accessories. And as for fall, it's a great dress to throw all sorts of layers over. In fact, it's hard to make this number look bad. 

Without a doubt, many of my favorite fall combos involve a little black vest. And while I currently own three, each one is different from the last - I promise! This tuxedo style is super classic, always polished, and serves as a chic half-layer when it's not too warm yet not too cool. Throw yours on over literally anything for an instant update. 

Suede "sock" booties are THE shoe for FW16. You've been seeing them everywhere, right? And while the particular pair I'm wearing looks super luxe, I actually bought them at Express for a very reasonable price (and now they're on SALE)! There's no question, this is THE shoe to know now and the perfect boot to pair with all your fall frocks. 

Echoing the starry-night-effect of my dress, this black leather clutch looks fierce and edgy thanks to its zipper trim and tiny gold studs. It's one of those bags you can't go wrong with.

I chose black & gold earrings to drive home the classy, edgy vibe of my ensemble. I love how this pair is understated yet impactful. 

 Feel like taking your choker game to the next level? Inspired by the models-of-the-moment (i.e. Kendall Jenner & Gigi Hadid), I added an extra layer to my go-to necklace. This stylized gold chain is JUST what my look needed. 

Vests, skinny suede booties, chokers, and envelope clutches are four of fall's hottest trends. They truly come together so effortlessly too! I consider this my no-fail autumn outfit formula. When in doubt, break out one of these pieces (or all four) to give yourself a fresh fall vibe. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Madewell (old but I also like this one) // vest: Express (sold out but super similar style here) // boots: Express // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // choker: Urban Outfitters // gold necklace: gift (similar one here) // earrings: Marc Jacobs (similar pair here) // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Bare Pop by Clinique // eyeshadow: Naked Smoky palette by Urban Decay] 

To give this outfit some context, I wore this look to day three of New York Fashion Week last month. And while I wasn't so sure I could last in such high heels, I was pleasantly surprised :) But above all, this is an ensemble I feel confident and stylish in, which is the most important ingredient of ANY successful outfit - no matter the occasion! 

 // SHOP //