Love At First Print :: floral blazer + all white

What's more eye-catching than a white-hot monochromatic look? Adding a sleek flash of color, a bold look-at-me print, and a dramatic lip stain to effortlessly spice up your summertime vibe, that's what. 

Jazz up your closet basics - think solid v-necks and streamlined pencil skirts - with a pop of pattern play and statement accessories. It's an easy way to refresh your staples and add interest to an otherwise vanilla look. 

This Anthropologie boyfriend blazer is a breath of fresh air. Vivid colors, a silk finish, and a slightly slouchy fit are features that make this blazer unique and stylish. I sized up to get that oversized yet just-right feel. 

Emerald accessories, like these strappy, satin heels, give any look a luxe feel. I paired them with similar colors here but it's fun to let them stand out by combining them with complimentary hues such as blues, greens, and even warm tones.

This Alexis Bittar necklace takes statement making to the next level with glass stones and crystal. The green tone compliments the green hues in my outfit in an offbeat way.  

When placed against a white background, this blazer becomes the ultimate statement piece. Powerful accessories like this are the chicest way to liven up your summer wardrobe. 

My gray pearls are a staple for me. I gravitate towards them on a weekly basis. 

Photos by Dan Harper

[blazer: Anthropologie (I also like this one), v-neck: Ann Taylor, skirt: Ann Taylor (similar here), heels: Zara (similar here), necklace: Alexis Bittar, earrings: Havana pearls (similar look here), watch: Marc Jacobs, amethyst bangle: David Yurman, bangle: Alex & Ani, heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co., lipstick: Urban Decay in 'jilted'] 

Before making the big move to The Big Apple, my dad and I banked some photo shoots back at home in Illinois. These pictures were actually taken in our front yard! 

My New York update is that I am currently working at Ann Taylor in Manhattan until I find a job more aligned with my career path - something in the journalism industry (preferably fashion). New York is HOT right now but I'm loving it nonetheless. Hey, it's better than freezing cold! My first New York winter, now that will be something to experience.

SHOP ::

Red Dress Obsessed :: red + leopard + denim

The summer alternative to an LBD is an LRD. Whether you dress it up or down, a little red dress can take you from desk to dinner to casual (or formal) date night. Amp up your dress game with this red hot alternative. 

I've only recently purchased my first little red dress but ever since I got it, I've been wearing it with as much versatility as a little black dress. I treat it as a go-to piece and let my accessories speak to the occasion. 

My leopard Sam Edelmans, which can be purchased here, are a favorite of mine. Adding a dash of wild print to any outfit is never a bad idea and I can't get over how comfortable they are! Polished and practical - can't get much better than that. And notice how fantastic they look when worn with red? It's a standout combo.

This necklace is actually my mom's and it's one of her favorite pieces. The pendant was designed to emulate elephant skin and I think the two-tone is just gorgeous. The necklace goes so well with this look because the black, rubber "chain" compliments the black straps of my heels. 

Just like in my necklace, I'm mixing and matching gold and silver on my wrists too.

How cute are these gold bar stud earrings? My mom found them featured in Harper's Bazaar and with a special $10 price tag, she surprised me with them. They're perfect for that double piercing! Find almost identical pairs here and here. 

I love red because it looks great on everyone and in a sea of black, it's guaranteed to distinguish you from the flock. I paired my LRD with denim for this look to give myself some casual flair. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[dress: Ann Taylor (also love this one), vest: Gap, heels: Sam Edelman, sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar here for only $12), necklace: Roberto Coin, gold knot bracelet: Kate Spade, bangle: David Yurman, black onyx earrings: fine jewelry (similar here), gold bar earrings: Kevia (identical ones here), gold bangle: Alex & Ani, heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co.]

NYC update: I just moved into my temporary New York digs on Friday (after a 7am flight from Chicago - whew). It's been a busy weekend consisting of Bed Bath and Beyond runs, lots of walking, New York style pizza, more walking, a trip through Central Park, and obviously dinner at Shake Shack (the original of course) at 10:30 pm on Saturday. So far so good and my only distress is my almost-vacant bank account. New York prices are no joke!  

Thanks for reading. More to come soon :)

SHOP ::

Skirt Cascade :: Lace + asymmetrical hemlines

This skirt is a true gem. Its asymmetrical hemline makes it stand out from all the rest and the blush hue is complimentary on any skin tone. Trust, this is not your typical skirt...or summertime ensemble for that matter.

When I bought this skirt last summer in New York, I didn't know what I would wear it with. But I loved the fit, shape, and pattern so much that I bought it anyway. By the end of the summer I had paired it with a white cropped tee from American Apparel, but that was such a casual look and it just didn't do the skirt justice. It wasn't until this past spring that I finally found the kind of top I had been looking for - one that truly compliments the skirt's beauty and completes this garden-party look with elegance and grace. 

As you can probably tell, twirling in this skirt is a habit of mine; it's impossible not to! ...It's also a great way to show off the unique way the skirt moves and falls, it's a cascade of fabric! 

I kept my jewelry simple for this look - a few silver silver bracelets, my usual ring collection, and statement earrings. No necklace! 

You may remember this top from just two posts ago (here). I don't think I've ever blogged about the same item of clothing (with the exception of shoes) more than once within at least six months of each other. But since I got this top over spring break, it has been a staple for me. I've worn it multiple times in the past few weeks! I love how it seems to be the most fitting top to wear with every skirt I own.   

I experimented with slight pattern mixing when I paired these snakeskin mules with my floral skirt. However, I tend to think of animal print as a neutral. This pair of heels in particular doesn't take anything away from my look, in fact it adds a bit of interest and excitement - which is how you take an outfit from "cute" to fashionable. 

The delicate crochet detailing on this top is soft and feminine. Definitely a head-turning look for summer. Style this trend with ripped skinnies for an unexpected spin on the latest. 

Say hello to my little sister and my mom. We wore these looks to a family friend's bridal shower in mid May. You'll notice that we're matching - that was not done on purpose but I guess great minds think alike! Blush just happens to be one of my favorite hues for spring/summer. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[top: Banana Republic, skirt: Zara (old but I also like this one), heels: Sam Edelman (similar here), earrings: Ann Taylor (old but similar here), watch: Fossil (similar here), studded bangle: Ann Taylor (old but similar here), amethyst bangle: David Yurman, heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co.]

Life has been very hectic lately since I graduated college. I'm off to New York City in only a few short days and there is still lots of preparation to be done (including editing down and packing up my extensive wardrobe). I've been asked a few questions since my last post so I thought I'd answer them here: 

I am moving to NYC Friday and I'll be living in temporary, summer housing in Manhattan with good friends from school until I find a more permanent residence. I do not have a job yet but I will get one in the field of journalism. I'm especially interested in fashion journalism - print or digital publications. I'm moving out there with my boyfriend of over four years but we are not living together - he's going to St. John's for grad school and will be living on campus. Wish us luck in this new stage of our lives :) 

SHOP ::