Stripes and Such

Outfit details: Pink Slate Boutique All That Jazz Dress Striped Dress & Around the Campfire Vest (c/o), Express lace tights, Michael Kors Boots (also love this suede tassel pair), JORD Wood Watch in Maple & Rose Gold, Zara Handbag (similar), Sheinside Sunglasses

This is going to be my fifth winter in New York City and I'm still trying to figure out how to conquer staying warm and looking somewhat stylish. Luckily, the weather has been extremely mild so there has been no need for hundreds of layers. However, January is around the corner and just thinking about the frosty temps sends chills down my spine! We need to enjoy this weather while we can, but in the meantime I want to provide a few layering tips to help prep you for the long winter months ahead.

Layering is all about pairing different patterns and textures together to create an overall cozy, yet fashionable look. Take this striped dress for example, when worn alone in the winter you would freeze your little bum off. To keep warm layer on a sweater vest and lace tights to add texture to the outfit. Now of course you can't walk out of your house like this when the temps drop below 30. You'll need a big, comfy puffer coat for that!

Just remember that layering doesn't have to be boring. Play with stripes, animal prints, faux fur, sequins, or even plaid to truly elevate your look. Can't wait to see how you mix things up this winter.

xx,

LBD Holiday Upgrade

Outfit Details: Pink Slate Boutique Shape Shifter Dress (c/o), Jeffrey Campbell Heels (similar), Gucci Soho Disco Bag, JCrew Drop Earrings (also love this pair on sale)

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I'm taking a new approach to gift giving this year...one for me and one for you! Kidding, but I must admit every time I go to the mall to purchase an item on my list I get so distracted in stores that I am not meant to be in. Does this happen to you too? It's impossible for me to make a trip to the mall without stopping in Anthropologie. From the sparkly accessories to the super chic dresses, skirts, and cozy cardigans, I can't seem to control myself!! Now you know why most of my family members receive Anthro gifts. Shhh. Don't tell them.

Since December is jam-packed with holiday parties and work events, I figured I would dedicate a post specifically for little back holiday dresses (LBHDs). How gorgeous is this shape shifter dress from Pink Slate? I'm mostly in love with the gorgeous pleat details on the back and silver zippers along the shoulders. Talk about a LBD update just in time for the holidays! I paired this dress with red accessories, drop earrings, and a bold lip to create an old hollywood look. It just feels so festive to me!

Keep in mind that shift dresses are appropriate for all body types. If you need a gift for a lady friend in your life... this dress wouldn't disappoint them! To see more glam LBHDs scroll through the below widget and click directly to shop.

Photography by Lexy Monaco

 xx,

Holiday Statement Jewels

Outfit Details: Pink Slate Boutique Plaid Top (c/o), Jane Stone Luxury Emerald Vintage Rope Necklace  (c/o), Surlia Over The Knee Boots, Zara Handbag (very similar)

The holiday season is the perfect time of the year to add some extra va-va voom to your wardrobe. From oversized rings to super chic statement necklaces, there's several ways to elevate your look for holiday bashes and celebrations. Take this Jane Stone vintage necklace for example, the bold rich emerald hue combined with chunky jewels instantly grabs attention and screams glam. My love for statement necklaces is not seasonal, as I tend to wear them year-round, but if you are not as daring with your accessories this is the perfect time to experiment with a new look to transform an otherwise minimal outfit.

I'm a sucker for flannels and patterned shirts throughout the winter months and this Pink Slate plaid top certainly ranks high on my weekly wardrobe rotation. I love how versatile these tops can be- you can pair them along with a statement necklace (as pictured above), or throw a sweater on top for a more polished and preppy look. For this outfit I wanted to illustrate how easy it is to get more milage out of a standard ensemble by incorporating in statement accessories. Don't be afraid to play around with bold pieces!

To shop more holiday statement pieces with Jane Stone simply click here. Don't forget to give them a follow on instagram to learn about special discounts and holiday promotions.

Happy shopping!

xx,

Aisle Style: How I Asked My Bridesmaids

As the saying goes, "time flies when you're having fun." Considering how quickly the wedding planning process is going, I can relate to this statement now more than ever. I can't believe nearly six months ago I popped the question to my bridesmaids and in less than a year, I'll be married to Rob.  I honestly teared up writing that, I am a total sap. If anyone has advice on how to keep yourself emotionally together on your wedding day- please share the tips!! 

I had so much fun planning a special fiesta-inspired lunch themed Margs and Maids for my bridesmaids. The entire event was a surprise. I was fortunate enough to trick most of the girls into thinking we were all getting together to go shopping. Leading up to the weekend of the lunch, I was so giddy I could barely have a phone conversation with any of the girls. I knew if I did I might accidentally slip and say something to spoil the surprise. 

As you may have seen from previous aisle style posts (here and here), I've been working with Style Me Pretty to take you along on my wedding journey in hopes to inspire brides throughout their planning process. Today I am sharing every little detail from the Margs and Maids surprise lunch so be sure to head over to SMP to get all the juicy details! Thank you for following along and allowing me to open up to share this very special and personal journey.   

Photography by Love & Light Photographs

Calligraphy & Tote Bags: Parris Chic Boutique 

Eat, Drink, & Be My Bridesmaid Sign: MLShaughnessy Designs

Keep Calm & Drink Margaritas Sign: MLShaughnessy Designs

Mini Piñatas by You Wanna Pinata

Dress & Heart Cookies: Hudson Cakery

Ghost Chairs: A Party Center

Flowers: Sickles Market

Invites: MaryKateMoon

Goodie Bags: Custom Tote bags by Parris Chic Boutique, 

Essie Nail Polish (hubby for dessert), Lip Balm, Mini bottle of champagne

Location: Private Residence (Mother of the Groom's House)

Outfit Details: H&M Dress, JCrew Shoes

*Huge thank you to my mom and future mother-in-law, without you the day wouldn't have been possible!

See more pictures over on Style Me Pretty! xx

Black And White

Outfit Details: Adrianna Papell Jacquard Asymmetric Coat (c/o), Faux Leather Trim Leggings, JCrew Ameila Flats, Emma Sunglasses, Floral Lace Top (similar)

I could not be happier about this super short week we have ahead of us. I have been running around the past few weekends for events and wedding related errands. I can't wait to just kick back, relax, and eat a delicious home cooked meal (I'm way too guilty of abusing seamless lately). Before I fall off the grid for the next few days to spend much needed time with my family, I wanted to share a cold-weather related post to inspire you to think about warmer layers as we near the end of November.

Lately, I've been reaching for this stunning Jacquard Adrianna Papell coat that features beautiful black and white floral design all throughout. I own what feels like a trillion traditional peacoats, so once I laid eyes on this stunning statement jacket, I quickly knew it would become one of my outerwear staple pieces...and it has. I love the elegant a-line silhouette and chic asymmetrical zip-front. This jacket is lightly lined and serves as a cozy and stylish layering piece for the cooler months.

Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

xx,