Holiday Denim Part 3 :: black + stripes

For the last installment of my holiday denim series, I'm straying from the typical blue jean staple and featuring ultra-flattering coated denim in the blackest of blacks. With dramatic stripes, a structured blazer, and fierce heels, this party ensemble is a chic showstopper fit for any setting.

Coated denim is sleek and edgy. It's the perfect alternative for those not ready to take on leather yet want something more special than run-of-the-mill denim. I love the tough satiny finish - it gives these jeans perfect polish. 

A smart blouse can make you feel put together in an instant, bonus that this one comes with a cute bow! Plus these vertical stripes are surprisingly flattering and are much more fun than a solid hue. 

When in doubt, throw on a tailored blazer. It pulls your look together and acts as a brilliantly refined third piece; it's the jacket that will effortlessly elevate any ensemble. 

Up your off-duty game with minimal effort by swapping classic pumps for killer lace-up booties. Wear these heels with anything and everything - they're a 2016 must-have. 

Finish with dazzling drop earrings that pack enough punch to be your solo piece of jewelry. 

Instead of a cherry red lip, I opted for a 

ruby gloss with a subtle sheen and the staying power of a stain. Choose a muted gloss like this for a holiday look that's not so blatant.  

Suiting doesn't have to be so serious. Think of this combo as a trendy modern-day two-piece. With some sparkling accessories and a red lip, it's downright festive. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

blouse: Ann Taylor // blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's // coated jeans: Gap (similar here) // lace-up booties: Ann Taylor // earrings: Ann Taylor (old but I also like this pair) // watch: David Wellington]

It's been fun finding Christmas-themed places to shoot around the city because NYC does such a great job of getting dressed up for the holidays. These photos were taken at the Union Square Christmas Market, which is highly festive and filled with unique gifts and treats. It's a great spot to find that perfect present for the friend who has it all. Cheers to Christmas shopping and looking stylish while doing it! 

SHOP ::

Holiday Denim Part 2 :: sparkles

I couldn't host a holiday fashion series without styling a look featuring a little (or a lot) of, you guessed it, sparkles. Nailing holiday sequins with elegance is not as challenging as it may seem. The key to looking refined as opposed to tacky lies in your choice of apparel and complimenting accessories. My tips will help you take your favorite festive, sparkling pieces to the next level of glam. 

'Tis the season to twinkle, sparkle, and shine. With the help of a sequin jacket you can do all three and be the most stylish in the room. Glitter blazers like the one I'm wearing here were made for this magical time of year. The best way to pull one off? Keep the rest of your outfit simple and within the same color family. Let the statement topper be the star of your ensemble. 

Don't forget that sequins can be tasteful, just stick to refined shapes and subdued shades. And what you pair these sparkles with matters too. A neutral chambray blouse like this one offsets the glitz with a relaxed, casual vibe, making it an ideal complimentary piece.  

My second Holiday Denim post features another pair of dark wash skinnies, although this pair is lighter than my last. These are more of my "everyday" jeans, which is why I wanted to try dressing them up for a holiday soiree. I love their stretchy feel and they're the perfect wash for just about any look. 

These burgundy beauties add bold color and rich texture to my ensemble. Burgundy is the color of the moment and I can't help but notice how easy it is to incorporate into my looks - especially during the holidays. I'm not always a flats girl, but with a polished pointed toe, this pair is a sophisticated option. 

This stunning statement necklace is the icing on the cake for my look - as any good statement necklace is. During party season, the bigger the better. I love this necklace because it's dramatic yet not overwhelming. It's a great way to complete a plain outfit or to add something extra to an already special look. 

I went bold with my earrings but in a different way from my necklace. I didn't want my jewelry to compete so instead of opting for sparkles, I chose a pearl-back stud; impactful yet elegant. 

Wine-stained lips can be a refreshing alternative to the classic cherry red lipstick. I find this hue universally flattering...plus it matches my shoes ;)

This sequin jacket is a favorite of mine yet every time I pull it out I always say I never wear it enough. It can be hard to style such an attention-grabbing statement piece for regular wear, but during the holidays this jacket fits right in! There's truly no better time to finally shake the cobwebs off your barely-used party pieces. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[sparkle jacket: Ann Taylor (old but I also like this one) // chambray blouse: Loft (similar here) // jeans: Gap // flats: Ann Taylor (identical pair here) // necklace: Ann Taylor // earrings: AnnTaylor (similar here) // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Urban Decay's 'Shame']

These photos were taken just a block away from my apartment at a Christmas tree stand. For those of you who don't know, New York City is crawling with them this time of year and it's pretty magical! It's my first time celebrating Christmas here and I was delighted to see them spring up after Halloween. My roommate grabbed a mini one for our apartment and we decorated it this weekend with lights and ornaments. Picking out a live tree is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. It has to be a real tree though because nothing beats the fresh scent of pine for the holidays! 

SHOP :: 

Holiday Denim Part 1 :: statement red

When it comes to holiday dressing, flirty skirts and glamorous frocks rule the party scene. But hey, denim can be just as festive and special! Since jeans typically get ignored during the Christmas season, I thought it'd be fun to share the spotlight and get creative with a few new ways to dress for your next fete. Introducing my Holiday Denim trilogy, a series where I show off three holiday ensembles so fabulous they'll make all the dresses in your closet jealous ;) 

The first look in my series is centered around the most festive color of them all -red! 

Incorporating a splash of red into an outfit is hands down the easiest way to show your holiday spirit. You can participate minimally with just a swipe of red lipstick or you can mix in a red accessory or two...or three! 

Super dark wash skinny jeans are a modern classic staple that are 100% party approved. I like mine perfectly tailored to hit right at my ankle so that I can easily showcase my footwear. A good rule of thumb for denim: the darker the jean, the dressier. 

I love the look of a red coat. A red coat is bold, timeless, and effortlessly stylish. I throw on this statement piece and I'm instantly dressed up. 

I was so excited when I found this beanie to match my coat. Playing matchy matchy with solid colors is a quirky way to add personality and style to your holiday looks. And the best part? This beanie's cashmere so it keeps my head extra toasty! 

Underneath my coat and hat, I kept my outfit clean, crisp, and classic. A white button-down is completely polished and suits any occasion. A tucked-in blouse is a bit dressy so I chose a relaxed, oversized version that I could leave untucked to compliment my form-fitting denim.

How's this for party-perfect pumps? I love how these velvet polka dots are so fun and girly. They add subtle personality to any outfit, which makes them ideal for both the office and the after party. 

A minimal choker makes a bold statement when worn underneath a blouse. Just a peek of gold is all you need.

 I paired my bangles with exposed white sleeves for a layered look.

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene

[coat: Ann Taylor (similar here) // button-down: Ann Taylor // jeans: Gap // pumps: Ann Taylor // hat: Ann Taylor // necklace: Ann Taylor (identical one here) // watch: Daniel Wellington // earrings: Kate Spade // gold bangle: Kate Spade // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Urban Decay's F-Bomb] 

I'm kicking off my Holiday Denim trilogy in Grand Central Station for my first ever indoor photoshoot. So much traveling happens here this time of year and I just love the energy in these shots. This is the kind off look that'll help you stylishly stand out amongst the hustle & bustle of the season. 

SHOP ::