Uptown Girl // pink peacoat + gray OTK boots

Channeling Blair Waldorf a la Gossip Girl, I took to the steps of the MET in a stylish power pairing that demanded attention. What do you get when you team a modest LBD with a standout coat and sexy suede boots? This season's spin on classic sophistication and modern femininity...and a whole lot of compliments of course! 

The perfect little black dress fits like a dream and provides endless styling opportunities. I love this one because it is SUCH a chameleon. I can wear it in the summer with strappy sandals, pair it with a leather jacket and sneaks for an edgy vibe, or go full on glam with heels and sparkly jewelry. Here I'm letting it be the base of my look - the mock turtleneck makes it special without taking attention away from my coat and boots.  

When winter rolls around, you can never have too many coats! And while classic black is a must, owning a coverup in a softer hue provides a much-needed escape from a never-ending sea of dark neutrals. I recommend blush because it compliments every skin tone and is super versatile. A coat like this always leaves a lasting impression!

Over-the-knee (OTK) suede boots are everywhere right now. And let's be real, the tighter the better. There's no better trick for creating the illusion of long legs while simultaneously commanding the attention of a room. If you don't already own a pair, what are you waiting for? 

Every outfit needs a pop of sunshine (especially during the dreary days of winter). This bright purse is what I like to call my personal burst of happiness! Its bold, cheerful color is attention-grabbing and oh-so fun; it literally brightens up any ensemble. 

My outfit would not be complete without this chic, feminine pair of sunglasses. I throw these babies on when I want to feel like a star!  

No necklace means extra big earrings. This angelic pair by Kendra Scott is soft and pretty yet makes a major statement. I especially love how they pick up on the light pink tones throughout my look. 

Bold lips would have been overkill while nude lips wouldn't have done this outfit justice. A light pink pout was my happy medium and it truly gave my look a polished romantic finish. I'm a huge sucker for delicate pink lipstick - it will almost never do you wrong.  

Give your favorite LBD personality with fierce accessories that make you standout in the best way possible. Take your cue from this season's hottest shoes, hues, and sweet silhouettes. Being the most stylish woman in the room has NEVER been easier. 

Oh, and did I mention my crossbody can magically transform into a clutch too? How practical! 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Topshop (old, similar here) // coat: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // boots: Wendy Williams via HSN (similar pair here) // purse: Trina Turk (similar here) // sunglasses: Ann Taylor (I also like this style) // earrings: Kendra Scott (I also like this pair) // lipstick: Urban Decay in "Obsessed" (similar shade here) // blush: Nars in "Orgasm"]

This outfit gives me superhuman confidence - if you couldn't already tell from these pics. The formula (dress, boots, coat) is foolproof yet impressive, which makes it an easy go-to when you need to dress to impress. I wore this ensemble to a Sunday brunch date with my beau/photographer/BFF and people - not to brag - literally stopped to take my picture. Now THAT'S the kind of traffic-stopping attention I'm talking about! 

// SHOP //

The Cherry On Top // ruffle blouse + red blazer

Cool-weather dressing is all about that last layer, or as I like to call it, the cherry on top! And when that last layer's red? All the better! 

Choose a statement blazer in a bold, look-at-me color. Not only is this cherry red option universally flattering, it also demands attention in the best, most confident way possible. Oh, and it's perfect for the holiday season of course! 

High necklines, ruffles for days, and romantic detailing are what makes the new "it" shirt a closet staple for 2016 and beyond. Worn alone or as a layer, these Hamilton-inspired tops are both sophisticated and elegant. And while perfect for the office, team with a mini skirt after hours for an unexpected twist on your favorite "going out" ensemble.

To juxtapose the polished vibes of my streamlined blouse, I opted for light-wash, slightly distressed girlfriend jeans. They're just casual enough without looking sloppy, and they instantly upgrade this top & blazer combo from "stuffy" to "street-style-cool." 

Showing a little ankle is so overrated! ...JK I still love a good crop pant and low bootie, but the truth is, eliminating the skin between your shoes and your pants/skirts is having a major moment. So go ahead, wear those extra tall boots and cover up your ankles - it's trendy! 

Adding a punch of print helped jazz up this color-blocked look. When in doubt, throw a leopard ANYTHING into the mix. I always treat my leopard pieces as a neutral. 

These earrings are edgy and modern, aka the perfect choice to wear with such an old-school top. And while I could have opted for classic pearls, these evil eye spike earrings are SO much more fun - and memorable! 

Of course I couldn't resist matching my lips to my blazer - that's half the fun of wearing red in the first place! 

Equal parts classy and stylish, this modern take on romanticism is your throw-on-and-go update. Take your cue from street style extraordinaires, pop culture, and celebrity style icons to channel a fresh take on fall dressing. And never - ever - underestimate the power of a great last layer!  

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: Ann Taylor (similar here) // blouse: Ann Taylor // jeans: Gap // booties: Express // clutch: Michael Kors // watch: Kate Spade (similar style here) // lipstick: Urban Decay in "F-Bomb"] 

Although it may not look like it, these photos were taken just a week ago on Oct. 30. I know, right? There's still SO much green here in NYC! I've been told our drought is to blame for the lack of brilliant leaves in addition to the unseasonably warm temps. But things have truly cooled down lately and I've even had to pull out my winter coat - yikes! But hey, at least the holiday season has begun :)

// SHOP //

Temp Drop // fit-and-flare dress + turtleneck

Yes, chilly weather is OFFICIALLY here. With a few 70 degree days sprinkled throughout October, it's safe to say that with the arrival of November, mild fall days are now a thing of the past. To help ease your way into dropping temps, try one of my favorite layering techniques - all you need is a light-weight turtleneck! 

Starting with a dress, I chose a colorfully printed fit-and-flare style to layer over a turtleneck. The colors here are vibrant, exciting, and just fun enough to bring some sunshine to any dreary fall day. Even better, on top of all black everything, this dress truly pops, making a super bold statement - and you know how I love my bold statements! 

But while dresses are fun and all - and definitely the focal point of this look - it's the hardworking turtleneck that's actually the most important piece to this puzzle. A thin wool turtleneck like this one makes tons of warm-weather outfits possible during the cold season, meaning no wardrobe should be without! 

Never failing to provide fashionable edge, my trusty lace-up heels were a no-brainer for this look. With my dress featuring such a feminine silhouette, I knew I needed something a little more tough to pull off this dramatic street style. These babies totally did the trick!  

Offering a dose of sweetness, this bow bag by Kate Spade effortlessly compliments my girly frock. And I couldn't resist adding a fur pom pom keychain by Michael Kors just for fun! 

These oversized, round sunglasses help me pull off a retro vibe, a trend that I, along with the rest of the fashion world, have been totally digging lately! All it takes is one accessory to enter the vintage world of haute 70s style. 

 My gold detailed earrings make a statement all on their own, which is why I love them so much. No necklace needed when these lovely guys are around! 

 Turtlenecks have helped me think outside the box when it comes to fashion by providing me with endless opportunities to layer and experiment. Throwing a sleek sweater underneath a summer dress is guaranteed to make your wardrobe choices feel fresh again!  

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Kate Spade Saturday (I also like this one) // turtleneck: Ann Taylor // heels: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // purse: Kate Spade (similar style here) // sunglasses: The Row // earrings: Ann Taylor // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bracelet: David Yurman // lipgloss: Bare Minerals moxie]

These photos were taken on a day when I thought a photoshoot wouldn't be possible. Antonio - aka my BF, BFF, and photographer - and I were all pumped for this weekend shoot...until we stepped outside of my apartment and realized it was raining. Hard. 

After wandering around in the rain for about 25 minutes and totally losing hope in the process, the sky cleared just long enough for us to snap these fabulous photos you see here! Sometimes persistence truly does pay off! 

Later on, we ate dinner at SoHo's Black Tap and ate THESE! Yes, it was an amazing day :)

 // SHOP //