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 //

All That Glitters // LBD + snakeskin boots

"Nightwear" doesn't just have to be worn after dark. From glittery slip dresses, edgy accessories, and python-printed footwear, I'm rocking the hottest, most desirable trends ALL day, every day! Take a page out of my book and get inspired. 

Slinky slip dresses ruled the 90s - think Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell - and guess what? Just like chokers and velvet, they're baaaack! Put a modern spin on this evening (ahem, daytime) staple by choosing a print with a little attitude. Mine, for example, is dusted with rainbow sparkles, making it trendy, unique - and with TWO plunging slits - daring.  

A black leather jacket is timeless. Throw one over your shoulders for an effortless nonchalant vibe. NOT wearing your jacket is actually the new, cool thing...weird, huh? But trust me, it's fabulous (as long as it's not actually cold out)! 

Snake prints are guaranteed to take your go-to outfits up a notch - or two. And while python-printed booties may seem like a daring option, they're actually just as versatile as a neutral - except for the fact that they pack a MAJOR punch!

Sunglasses are alluring. Enough said. And these Ray Bans are just way too cool to keep stashed in the bottom of my tote bag! 

You most likely already own a choker. But do you have a metallic silver choker? This trendy version of a much-loved favorite feels so fresh with everything - and I mean EVERYTHING (hello t-shirt and jeans). 

Pointed earrings add just the right amount of sharpness to my ensemble; they're subtle yet super fierce. 

To polish off this daytime-fierce outfit, I gave myself a metallic eye teamed with an electric lip - a lip that actually looks more purple than pink IRL. Oh, and you may have noticed I straightened my hair! Who knew it was THIS long, amirite? I thought sleek strands vibed with this look much better than curls ever could. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[dress: & Other Stories (similar here) // jacket: Guess // boots: Steve Madden // clutch: Hobo (similar style here) // choker: Kenneth Jay Lane (similar style here)// earrings: Rebecca Minkoff // sunglasses: Ray Ban // leather bracelet: Michael Dawkins // amethyst bracelet: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Urban Decay in "Bittersweet"]

Traipsing around SoHo, I felt pretty rocker chic in this outfit. And that made me realize that fun pieces - like glittery dresses - shouldn't just be reserved for evening. When worn with confidence, such standout items add total star appeal to your entire demeanor. Hmm, what's that phrase they always say? Life's too short...eat dessert first? Yep, I couldn't agree more! 

 // SHOP //