The Birthday Girl // fit & flare dress + jeweled heels

Yep, it's my b-day! And birthdays call for a fabulous birthday photoshoot. Getting dressed up for your special day (mine's August 17th) and walking around with balloons is SUCH a fun way to celebrate - it's definitely one of my MY favorites :) And I don't think ANYONE can resist a bouquet of balloons! 

This is a party dress if I've ever seen one. The bright color, flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, and endless versatility has definitely earned it a top spot in my closet. It's just so FUN to wear, and in a bold orange-red hue, it almost guarantees you'll be the center of attention at any fete! 

Keeping the party-spirit theme alive, these heels are literally a party on my feet! I spotted them and not only knew I had to have them, but thought debuting them for my birthday would be the PERFECT way to showcase them. I love that they're completely one-of-a-kind yet not too flashy. What a prime example of fun shoes that are neutral AND make a statement! 

Can't decide between gold and silver? How about both? I love that these chokers come as a set but can be worn individually too. And you all know how hard I've been vibing on chokers lately - so these were a perfect addition to my jewelry box! 

With gold nails, I decided to stick to a silver arm candy theme. It's hard NOT to layer these bad boys. 

I'm all about earrings that pop, and this fan-favorite pair of Kate Spade studs is a stellar choice when you want your earrings to stand out, but you also crave something classic. 

How about this makeup? Pretty amazing, right? I have to confess though, I did not create this magic. I actually got a full makeover from Sephora and had the pleasure of working with Ariela from Ariela Artistry. She definitely brought me out of my comfort zone with this look, but it turned out super cool! Do you notice the killer ombre effect? I mean seriously, the girl has skills! 

It's not your birthday without balloons! And for my birthday this year, I decided to go for a rainbow effect. So I chose a bright, solid-colored dress and paired it with balloons in every color - except the color of my dress. I love how it turned out! And you better believe I carried these balloons around with me for the rest of the night! 

Oh and I threw confetti around like a three-year-old too! You're never too old for confetti! 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // heels: Banana Republic (sold out, but this is the flats version) // chokers: Kenneth Jay Lane (similar here) // earrings: Kate Spade // cuff: Ted Baker // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lipstick: Dolce Vita by Nars // eyeshadow: Too Faced chocolate palette] 

Birthdays are a pretty big deal to me. And I know not everyone is big on them, but to me, birthdays signify new beginnings - almost like New Year's Eve/Day. They're ultimately a celebration of life, a celebration of making it through another successful year, and a celebration of, well, YOU! 

And while birthdays are also a sometimes painful reminder of getting older, I choose to view them in a more optimistic light. Not everyone gets to celebrate a birthday each year, so for every one I'm granted, I am incredibly grateful! 

// SHOP //

Midnight Brights // pleated leather skirt + v-neck

Midnight-inspired neutrals with a pop of sunshine is the ULTIMATE city-cool combo for late summer. Plus, you can never go wrong with urban-friendly sneaks and a subtle red lip! 

This navy, pleated skirt is reminiscent of school girl days, but in faux leather, it instantly becomes "adult" and oh so chic. Mix it with black for an even more grownup vibe. 

Not sure what top to pair with those bottoms? I can assure you a black or white v-neck will do the trick - I reach for mine time and time again. And don't be fooled, black and navy totally DO go together - don't let anyone tell you differently!

 Black chokers - they've been EVERYWHERE lately. And I am definitely getting tons of use out of mine. I can't get enough of the way they transform any look into something totally modern and sexy. 

Playing with primary colors (blue skirt, red lips, yellow bag), I thought adding a bold pop of canary in the form of an envelope clutch was a super fun choice - especially for summer. Yellow truly is a neutral, and in a shade this bright, who can resist incorporating it into an everyday/all day look?

This is an easy yet stylish look that I've actually repeated more than once this summer. I love how it's mostly black, but not ALL black as the navy skirt adds an unexpected twist. And while these Adidas sneakers have become my best friend, I've also become quite dependent on staples such as red lipstick and v-neck tees. Sometimes going back to the basics is quite refreshing! 

 Photos by Megan Foard 

[tee: Ann Taylor // skirt: Ann Taylor (super similar option here) // sneakers: Adidas // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // choker: Urban Outfitters // leather cuff: Michael Dawkins (I also like this one) // bangles: Alex & Ani // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: 'Temper' by Urban Decay]

Guess what? I finally invested in my very own DSLR camera! About time, right? Up until now I always relied on my various photographers' cameras but I thought it was definitely time to make the investment for myself - this way I have more independence and I can take even more pics for all of you, yay! 

This is my very first shoot with my new camera and I have to say, I'm pretty much obsessed! My friend and I had a great time shooting around my NYC neighborhood this weekend and I can't wait to experiment with it more! 

 // SHOP //

11 Timeless Pieces That Will NEVER Go Out Of Style

Now, I love new trends just as much as the next fashionista, but there's just something about the classics. I mean, don't you always feel better about splurging a little more on pieces you know you'll have in your closet for years to come? So here are 11 forever pieces that you can always count on to stay chic. Invest now, ladies! 

BLAZER 

Black, cream, printed, WHATEVER - a blazer is the perfect alternative to a jacket when you want to step up your style game and add some major polish to any look. 

Get the look: ModCloth ($69.99); J. Crew ($139.99); Loft ($128)

WHITE BUTTON-DOWN

Tucked in, tucked out, layered, or on their own, a white button-down is the epitome of class and sophistication - you'll reach for this piece again and again! 

Get the look: Ann Taylor ($79.50); Madewell ($72); H&M ($24.99)

PENCIL SKIRT

Flattering on all body types, a pencil skirt is one of those pieces that works just as hard in the office as it does on the weekends. And while black is the classic choice, there's tons of fun prints, colors, and textures to keep you on your toes! 

Get the look: Ann Taylor ($79); Nordstrom ($36.90); ModCloth ($49.99)

STRIPED SHIRT

The most versatile pattern around, stripes are ALWAYS a good idea! 

Get the look: ASOS ($16.50); J.Crew ($39.50); Banana Republic ($36.50)

BLACK, SLIGHTLY CROPPED PANTS

The perfect work pant when paired with a blazer; the perfect weekend pant when paired with a fun top and sneakers. 

Get the look: Ann Taylor ($69); Gap ($59.95); Loft ($69.50) 

LEATHER JACKET

I wear my leather jacket religiously - there's nothing edgier than throwing on one of these bad boys to toughen up a floral dress or to add some instant badass to an all-black ensemble. 

Get the look: Urban Outfitters ($129); H&M ($49.99); ASOS ($49) 

SHIRTDRESS

Easy, breezy, and effortlessly chic. This style is completely seasonless. 

Get the look: ModCloth ($139.00); Nordstrom ($91.90); Urban Outfitters ($69) 

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

There's never a time when an LBD isn't appropriate. 

Get the look: TopShop ($75); Old Navy ($29.94); Ann Taylor ($119.99) 

CHAMBRAY TOP 

A wardrobe staple, the chambray button-down is THE perfect layering piece. There's no question, light wash, dark wash, oversized, or fitted, this top oozes effortlessness.  

Get the look: Madewell ($72); J. Crew ($88); Gap ($59.95) 

BLACK TURTLENECK  

So chic and classic, a black turtleneck can be worn with ANYTHING - just throw on and go. 

Get the look: Forever21 ($7.90); H&M ($9.99); Nordstrom ($64.90) 

WHITE OR BLACK V-NECK TEE

A white v-neck is always my go-to. Plus, in black OR white, this essential tee is always the perfect base to any fabulous look. 

Get the look: ASOS ($22); Gap ($24.95); Madwell ($25)