Birds Of Paradise // printed shorts + oversized blazer

Shorts can be dressy too! Pair your favorite printed pair with a simple top and a well-tailored, oversized blazer for a fresh take on office chic. 

It may be September, but that doesn't mean you have to cut shorts out of your wardrobe rotation just YET. After all, it's still summer until the 22nd! I love this printed pair that features a "birds of paradise" pattern. The intricate design and bright, tropical colors make them that much more luxe. 

A shorts-and-blazer look is polished and modern. It provides stylish juxtaposition between weekend/work and uptown/downtown. I also love how this oversized jacket plays with proportions by hitting right above the hemline of my shorts. 

A touch of metallic is almost always a good idea. Silver was huge this past year and, good news for my fellow lovers-of-all-things-shiny, this trend is staying strong through fall! A bit of shine truly helps elevate even the most casual of looks. 

Speaking of shine, this Kate Spade crossbody compliments my silver sandals beautifully. In a neutral tone, it's also super versatile. But of course a stripe of gold gives it an added element of sophistication and pop. 

I incorporated both cream and white into this ensemble, which to some may be considered a bit daring - especially after Labor Day. But I love the look of bright whites against more yellow tones, and with a necklace to match, my entire outfit comes full circle. 

Delicate yet statement-making, these pearl-back studs are classic go-to for me. 

I love how this look is professional but not stuffy, it's laid-back and easy yet packed with polish. And that's all thanks to this gorgeous oversized blazer. A piece like this (in any color) is a definite must-have for anyone and everyone! Cropped versions are officially out of style...at least for now ;) 

Photos by Dan Harper

[v-neck tee: Ann Taylor // blazer: Elizabeth & James (I also like this one) // shorts: Ann Taylor // sandals: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: Kate Spade // necklace: Loft (I also like this one)// earrings: Ann Taylor (similar here) // watch: Kate Spade // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // cream bangle: Kate Spade // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Bare Pop by Clinique] 

As summery as this look may seem - I know, I know, everyone is SO fixated on fall right now - it's actually perfect for this time of year! Because let's face it, it's still super hot outside (it was 90 degrees this past weekend in NYC). But by adding a chic jacket into your usual shorts-and-tee mix, you're putting your own autumn spin on a tried-and-true summer favorite. Pretty genius, right? 

// SHOP //

Hot Tropic // leaf-print sundress + floppy hat

A dark, printed midi dress is the perfect transitional piece to effortlessly carry you from summer to fall. I can wear now with caged sandals and a sunhat, and later with a denim jacket and booties. 

When I first spotted this dress in early summer, it was one of those "I have to have it" pieces. I love its ladylike silhouette, and don't even get me started on the beautiful colors - it looks like I'm wearing a painting! After all, leaf-print was super big this season and I definitely see this pattern continuing its popularity streak into fall.

This is my very first floppy hat! I'm not a HUGE hat person, but in the past year or so I've seen the light. Hats truly are a great way to "top off" your look. And this dress is what inspired me to purchase my first beachy hat, but it did take a while to find the right one. My boyfriend and I were on the hunt for this beauty all summer long, and when we finally found it at Bloomingdales, he surprised me by buying it for me. I love that he gets just as excited about finding the perfect hat as I do!

I call these heels, sandals, but technically they can also be categorized as "booties," which makes them the perfect shoe for - you guessed it - transitional weather. And their earth-tone hue pairs well with absolutely anything - even an LBD for a casual night out. 

I can't get enough of carrying this clutch around. It seriously looks amazing with so many different outfits. I've found that there's nothing a bright yellow clutch doesn't compliment.  

These statement earrings are so fun to wear! They truly stand out, especially against dark hair, and the best part is that they're super lightweight. I also love how they give off a sophisticated boho vibe. Even better, they're available in black and silver as well as white. 

A red lip added the perfect punch to this bold look. I just love how red, blue, and yellow look together. 

This is late summer's perfect formula: muted-tone midi dress + floppy hat + open-toed sandal booties + bright clutch. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (I also like this one)// hat: August Hat Company via Bloomingdales // sandals: Sam Edelman (similar here) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // earrings: Alexis Bittar // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // lipstick: Mally in "Crush" // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked palette]

These photos were taken on the Lower Westside of Manhattan after I enjoyed a belated birthday brunch with my friends. It was so fun wandering around this part of the city afterwards and shooting with my boyfriend, Antonio. Since Antonio started taking my photos, we've become urban explorers together, scouting out the perfect spots to capture specific looks. I love how my dress blends into the foliage in some of these shots. 

 // SHOP //

Modern Romance // lavender peplum dress + metallic heels

Summer may be drawing to a close, but it's not over yet! And until it's officially chilly outside, you can bet I'll be rocking bright-colored sundresses and pretty sandals all day, (almost) every day! I can't help it, it's the romantic in me ;)

I'm pretty much obsessed with this lavender, eyelet dress. It is THE perfect spring dress but it makes a pretty gorgeous summer dress too, don't you think? And the sweet peplum detailing ensures a super flattering fit.  

I couldn't resist pulling out these babies again. I'm pretty much obsessed with this charming pair of princess shoes. The metallic heel and double nude strap add an unexpected, oh-so-chic element. Plus, they go with absolutely everything, giving any look a polished whimsical vibe. 

 Blush and lavender make quite a power pairing. I love the look of different pastels worn together and these two hues are so soft and delicate.

To add more of a modern flair to this classic dress, I chose a geometrical statement necklace for a current, eye-catching switch-up. 

Another piece of modern jewelry to give this look a so-now feel. And today you can't get much trendier than ear climbers! 

A purple watch for a purple dress. Enough said. 

Inspired by spring's soft candy tones and summer's standout glamour, this sweet, polished outfit is one of my favorite daytime ensembles. It's feminine, delicate, and sweet...but not TOO sweet. I love it for brunch or a family gathering. But you really can't go wrong wearing it to the grocery store either! 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[dress: Banana Republic (similar eyelet style here) // heels: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // purse: Ann Taylor (similar here) // necklace: RJ Graziano (I also like this one) // watch: Kate Spade (different color here) // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bracelet: David Yurman // earrings: gift (similar pair here) // silver bangles: Alex & Ani // lipgloss: Bare Minerals in "Spark Plug"]

These photos were taken in rural Michigan during a quick family trip to move my sister into her first college dorm at Notre Dame. Living in New York City it's not too often I get to take photos in such lush, quiet places. I thought this romantic sundress was the perfect piece to wear in front of a green, flower-filled backdrop. 

// SHOP //