Lightly Frosted :: winter pastels + fringe booties

Here we are, it's mid January and I'm wearing a skirt. Yes it may be painful, yes it may look slightly ridiculous (only to you non-fashiony folks of course), and yes it may not be the most practical thing for me to wear at this time. BUT love conquers all and my love for skirts is a strong one, let me tell you. ...Especially paired with an outfit like this. Pleats, v-necks, fringe, the color PINK - I can't stop gushing about this look! And the greatest thing? I'm pretending like it's not winter by wearing spring colors, totally genius! 

Look at me twirl! Are you jealous yet? I'm having so much fun in my skirt (despite the chill) and you can too! If you're in the market for a skirt (don't let January bully you), the skirt-of-the-moment is a pleated number that, bonus, makes spinning extra fun. Look for an option that hits right above the knee for your most flattering fit. 

Before I go any further, let me just stop right here and acknowledge the adorable puppy in my possession. This is my family's dog, Cody! He's been featured in a post of mine before and there will definitely be more to come. He's no professional model (check out that painfully bored face right there), but he does make for the cutest accessory. 

A sweater that you truly love can be a rare thing. Sweaters have a tendency to shed too much, make us look too fat/bulky, pull too much, or be too itchy. So when you find a keeper, buy five! Not really...but kinda. I love this cream sweater of mine because A.) it doesn't do any of the above, and B.) it's a v-neck! I have a weakness for anything with a v-neck and in the form of a sweater it's even better! Plus, it's shorter in the front and longer in the back, which makes wearing it with skirts a cinch. 

I've truthfully never been a "fringe girl," but when my mom showed me these shoes something inside of me changed [Wow, that sounds like the beginning of a song in a bad musical...]. I love the fringe detailing on these booties because it makes twirling so much fun (there's a twirling theme here, can you tell?) and the fringe also adds so much uniqueness to the shoe. Don't get too excited though, I haven't completely transformed or anything - you won't find me with a fringe purse anytime soon (just not my personal style), but I have learned that most things are good in small doses. And in fashion, never say never ;) 

Ahh it's another beanie! Am I obsessed? Maybe. I honestly believe that ANYTHING can look great with the right beanie (although my mother would beg to differ).  

To make up for my bare neck, I've got some ear candy going on here. This is one of the few pairs of dangly earrings my poor lobes can stand. They're super light yet super impactful. And they're also pink, which I love!

To bring this whole look together and make it cohesive, I threw on my silver Michael Kors crossbody. Tying in with my silver shoes, this purse makes my color blocking scheme work - thank you purse!

My outfit has a theme of lightness and etherealness, which means I needed my makeup to echo that idea. I went with a muted smoky eye and chose a very delicate pink lipgloss by Smashbox. I applied my blush, Dandelion by Benefit, with a heavy hand because in winter you can get away with that - my skin is very fair so I'm all for an extra rosy cheek. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[sweater: Ann Taylor // skirt: Ann Taylor // booties: Sam Edelman // hat: Ann Taylor (similar here) // purse: Michael Kors (super similar style here) // earrings: Anthropologie (old but I also like this pair) // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // thin bangle: Alex & Ani // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked Smoky palette // lipgloss: 'Pout' by Smashbox // blush: Dandelion by Benefit]

I could wear this outfit to work, in fact I have. But where this look truly shines is at brunch. And yes, brunch is an event. Doesn't this just look like a stellar brunch outfit for a calm, winter weekend? And if there's one thing I've learned from living in New York it's that New Yorkers take their brunch SERIOUSLY. For real, brunching is pretty much a sport here. But it's all in good fun! 

This past weekend in fact my friends hosted a homemade brunch at their place and it was quite the event. From the omelette bar to cinnamon roll waffles, and of course endless mimosas (brunch is not brunch without mimosas), we all left their apartment swearing we'd never eat again! ...Well, until brunch NEXT weekend that is! Happy brunching everyone! 

 SHOP ::

Feeling Artsy :: polka dots + Chicago

Now that it's finally starting to feel like winter (ugh), I've had to make a few adjustments to my daily wardrobe - no more skating by in a light jacket! I'm talking lots of layers, chunky knits, and something to keep my ears toasty. For this post I put together a polished outfit sprinkled with quirky twists - and it totally works for January temps!

In case you couldn't tell, I switched up the scenery a bit for these photos. I was home for a week over the holidays, which means I flew out of New York City and into the fabulous city of Chicago - isn't she a beauty? My dad and I took these lakeside photos on a brisk day when the wind was swirling and whirling. But hey, anything to properly capture that iconic skyline, am I right? 

Okay, let me apologize for lacking a bit in the creativity department. I know my last post was super similar (aka I wore the same blazer and pretty much identical pants) BUT in my defense, suits are totally my thing right now (they make me feel powerful, okay?) and I definitely styled this one differently from last time. The takeaway? Wear a suit. You can style it in so many original, fun ways! And take it from me, they never get old.  

The quirky touches and unexpected details are what makes this suit combo fun and not stiff. Take polka dots for example - très chic and très NOT boring. Imagine if this button-up was plain white, it'd be fine but fashion is not about being just fine. These polka dots take my look to a whole other dimension - they add style! 

A hat is one of winter's greatest accessories. I've more than doubled my collection in the past year (oops), but I'm not apologizing because hats are one of those fashion pieces that are necessary AND completely stylish and fun! It's that time of year when throwing on a beanie is super cool, it doesn't even matter what you're wearing (I'd sport this baby with a ballgown and you better believe I'd rock it)! 

These. Shoes. Cue my ecstatic tears of joy! Am I being dramatic? No of course not! When you encounter an amazing pair of shoes that is so overwhelmingly YOU, there's nothing to do but shout it from the rooftops while crying tears of happiness - and of course wear the living daylights out of them. 

This bracelet is a new favorite of mine. It's a Ted Baker piece that my mom picked out and I'm kind of obsessed with its minimalist appearance and sleek design. Plus, cuffs like this are all the rage now! 

 After these photos were taken, my family and I went to The Art Institute of Chicago. We're members there and my sister is obsessed with art so it's always a go-to spot for us. My dad is behind the lens like usual but pictured below is my mom, my younger sister Sarah, my older brother Danny, and my brother-from-another-mother Tony.

The Art Institute has got to be my sister's happy place. She comes to life like I've never seen before when she's surrounded by art. She's still a senior in high school but she plans to major in art history at Notre Dame in the fall. Art is her joy and her love, and I can definitely relate to having a passion like that (hello fashion blog). And similarly, Sarah has an art blog. It's called Art History Beats and you need to check it out. This girl will blow your mind with her knowledge!

Photos by Dan Harper 

[blouse: Ann Taylor // blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's // pants: Ann Taylor // hat: Loft (identical one here) // shoes: Banana Republic // earrings: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like these) // watch: Daniel Wellington // bracelet: Ted Baker (similar one here) // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Urban Decay's 'F-Bomb'] 

Family time, art time, fashion time - what a perfect day! Now that I'm no longer living at home (and no longer taking routine trips back), I've learned to appreciate every single second that I do have with the fam. Because let's be honest, as cheesy as it sounds, home really is where the heart is <3. 

SHOP ::

New Year State Of Mind :: glitter top + black suit

A new year calls for a fresh perspective, a different way of doing things, and of course an advanced version of yourself. It's a time for reevaluating, rearranging, and reinventing. The best place to start? Your closet. There's no better way to make yourself feel equipped to take on 2016 than having confidence, on the outside and on the inside. 

I'm ushering in 2016 with sparkles, layers of jewelry, a chic statement suit, and the fiercest heels around. 

A fitted black suit means business. But with subtle sparkle layered underneath, this look instantly transports you from boardroom meeting to rooftop soiree. I love this top alone or layered - the glitter affect is noticeable yet elegantly understated for a beautifully sophisticated result. 

The modern suit isn't about perfectly matching or being super formal. Today's suit is styled with you in mind. It's sleek and refined and, to some extent, can be left to your own interpretation. Example: I bought my pants and blazer separately, from two different brands, years apart. Lesson: this year make fashion your own, forget the rules, and live in pieces that make you shine. 

No matter your shoe preference - heels, flats, sneakers, etc. - one thing always remains true. Shoes elevate your outfit and bring it to new heights (literally). A sweet pair of kicks can give you all the confidence in the world. Just ask my favorite pair of heels ;) 

While I've been rocking power suits lately, my 17 year-old sister prefers a more classic, sweet look. Fit-and-flare dresses are her favorite; they're flattering and feminine, but most importantly, comfortable. For a pop of color add a vibrant cardigan, it's a no-fail way to add polish to any outfit. 

I don't discriminate when it comes to metals. I love layering gold, silver, rose gold, and even pearls on my neck or on my wrists. For an impact-worthy result, combine all sorts of styles and textures. 

To match the rose gold tones in my shirt, I incorporated rosy-hued jewelry and even nails into my outfit. These dainty Alexis Bittar earrings are the perfect compliment to such an extraordinary top. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[top: Ann Taylor (old but I also like this one) // blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's // ankle pants: Ann Taylor // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // necklace: Ann Taylor (similar here) // earrings: Alexis Bittar // watch: Fossil // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // silver bangle: Alex & Ani // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Urban Decay's 'Shame' // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked Smoky palette]

Happy 2016 everyone! I spent my first NYE in NYC at a friend's apartment in Hell's Kitchen. I met new friends and shared laughs with old ones while surrounded by food and an endless supply of champagne. We had a rooftop view of the ball drop in Times Square but had the benefit of avoiding the insane crowds on the street. It was nothing short of spectacular.

Here's to a shiny new year and living every moment to its fullest! 

SHOP ::