Author: Jessica Blanton

  • A Date in Central Park

    A Date in Central Park

    Day date in Central Park! Surrounded by cherry blossoms and inspired by the colors of spring.

    To be honest with you, Colin and I don’t do day dates as much anymore. Not because we don’t want to, but because Mondays are our only days off so we tend to spend it doing errands. Once a month though, we make it a priority to spend the day outside enjoying the sun. For this day date, it’s Central Park. Surrounded by cherry blossoms and the colors of spring, Colin and I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend our day.

    Matching the cherry blossoms, I paired my pink cut-out dress with a rose colored bag and sandals. Colin, inspired by the whimsical nature of spring, gravitated towards an embroidered bear sweater and classic trousers.

    When I think of spring, I picture this dress! It’s comfortable, flowy, full of life and personality. I’m a huge fan of AJE. They make beautiful voluminous dresses. When their orange minidress came out, I immediately pre-ordered it. Since I don’t have six pack abs, I love that it covers the front but shows off the back! I do have six pack backs. From the imprint of my computer chair.

    Couples that style together, stay together. Is that how the saying goes?! =) It was so nice to get out and take a stroll through Central Park. Next time, we’re going to rent a row boat!

    I hope you enjoy this post and thank you for being with us! As always, thank you so much for reading.

    – OUTFIT –
    DRESS | AJE pink cut-out dress
    BAG | Yuzefi pink chain-link bag
    COLIN’S SWEATER | Ralph Lauren Purple Label bear sweater
    COLIN’S PANTS | Ralph Lauren Purple Label trousers

    Thank you so much for reading!

  • Always Timeless – The Little Black Dress

    Always Timeless – The Little Black Dress

    Always timeless, forever a classic – the LBD.

    The Little Black Dress is a case of more is better. Short, midi, long. Tailored, draped, flowy. All combinations are welcomed! LBDs make dressing so easy. I find that most are transeasonal. The same favorite mini length in spring and summer can also work in fall and winter by trading out sandals for boots.

    To be honest with you, if my closet was full of black dresses in different textures and lengths, I’d be so happy. Colors pop vibrantly against LBDs, which serves as a great canvas for statement bags and shoes. I love pairing black dresses with lime colored sandals for summer and with crimson bags and tall boots for colder weather. Because LBDs are simple in nature, I appreciate ones with extra details. Below are a few of my favorite LBDs. Beautiful draping, delicate ruffles, tiered volume… Each one of them have something unique to their design.

    Same black tiered minidress, different styling. When the temperature drops, I love pairing it with tall boots. When the sun comes out again, I love coupling it with statement summer sandals.

    I hope you enjoy this post and thank you so much for reading!

    – OUTFIT –
    DRESS | Merlette tiered minidress
    SHOES | Fendi tall boots & Elleme pumps
    BAG | Chanel flap bag
    ACCESSORIES | Sunglasses

    Thank you so much for reading!

  • Great Classics – High Rise Corset Jeans

    Great Classics – High Rise Corset Jeans

    Classics with a twist! Straight leg jeans just got an updated touch! A flattering cut with a light wash perfect for spring/summer and a corset detail.

    I love a great pair of denim! For some reason, I haven’t had much success finding comfortable flattering straight leg jeans. That changed when I found these Ann Taylor corset jeans! First, they are very comfortable and have a slight stretch to them. Second, the design is unique and very flattering. They are high-waisted with a corset detail that really elongates the legs. The light wash is perfect for spring/summer, and the cut is a straight leg with a lean fit through the hip and thigh. They hug at the right places while creating a tall profile. I can’t say enough about them! They’re just so chic!

    Corset jeans + romantic blouses = a match made in heaven! A romantic top is a beautiful way to complement these jeans. Unfortunately, I bought this blouse awhile back so it’s currently unavailable. Below are a few pieces that capture the essence of romance and will pair seamlessly with jeans, skirts, and bottoms.

    I love this outfit so much, I’ve worn it on repeat multiple times. It’s easy, casual yet charming, and made for spring. I hope you enjoy the look as much as I do. As always, thank you so much for reading!

    – OUTFIT –
    JEANS | Ann Taylor corset jeans, under $100
    TOP | old, see a list of similar options here
    SHOES | Manolo Blahnik chain pumps
    BAG | Elleme bag

    Thank you so much for reading!

  • A Casual Winter Look in Lavender and Chestnut

    A Casual Winter Look in Lavender and Chestnut

    And we’re back with this coat! Last time, it was with a mint pairing. This time, it’s the hero piece of this casual winter look.

    I do love the versatility of this lavender coat (as seen here with a mint sweater and skirt), and moreover, I love the lavender + chestnut color pairing. It’s quite unexpected, strikes a beautiful balance of softness with rich earth tones, and a gentle color story to combat the winter blues. For this casual look, I really wanted to connect the purple color of the coat to another detail. The perfect companion – this colorblock sweater!

    The chestnut color of this look really anchors the outfit. I’ve had these tan coated jeans for a long time now and usually wear them with all black. Now, I appreciate that they also work well with soft light colors.

    As you know, this chestnut color bag is one of my favorites. I have a lot of beige/tan/brown coats, so this particular color pairs well with so many outfits and looks. The bag itself is quite roomy (I can fit my compact notebook, small makeup pouch, phone, wallet, hand sanitizer and lotion, and face mask with ease).

    I hope you enjoy this restyling and casual look. Stay warm, and as always, thank you so much for reading!

    – OUTFIT –
    Coat | Ann Taylor lavender cocoon coat
    Sweater | Izzue colorblock sweater
    Jeans | L’AGENCE coated jeans
    Bag | Senreve Mini Maestra bag
    Sneakers | Common Projects shearling sneakers

  • Sheer Goodness, Summer Day & Night Dress

    Sheer Goodness, Summer Day & Night Dress

    Yes! It’s here! Finally, summer weather!

    The much anticipated and long awaited… summer in the city. Now, we can complain about how hot and humid it is. I count myself very lucky. My hair doesn’t get fizzy when it’s humid and my skin takes well to the moisture. This is my forth summer here and I’ll take hot humid summers over freezing winters any day.

    This summer dress is such a great versatile piece, and the best part, it’s on sale! There are so many styling options:

    1.) It comes with a detachable slip and can be worn as a maxi dress
    2.) The sheer piece itself can be styled over jeans or summer shorts
    3.) Vacation mode by wearing the sheer piece as a cover-up
    4.) Autumn restyling by pairing a chunky sweater over the slip with boots
    5.) Wear it open and as a summer duster over high-waisted jeans and flats

    From the crystal pendant necklaces to the embellished belt, I hope you enjoy the styling! Thank you so much for reading and have a great week!

    – OUTFIT –
    Dress | Rotate Birger Christensen dress
    Shoes | Jimmy Choo embellished mules
    Bag | Mark Cross ‘Grace’ bag
    Accessories | Black & Brown crystal belt & Amica Jewels on Etsy pendant necklaces

  • Pretty Summer Floral Dresses

    Pretty Summer Floral Dresses

    If there is ever a dress that stops you in your tracks, this is it. Romantic, dreamy, and insanely gorgeous.

    I’m usually a flowy, fluttering dress type of person. But, this dress (fluttering but not flowy) wins. And it wins big time. From the fitted corset to the midi length, the organza and lace accents to the flute-like silhouette – photos do not do it justice. In real life, it’s stunning. And it’s super comfy! While at Central Park, Colin and I decided to go rowing at the last minute. I changed out my heels for flats, walked around Central Park for an hour, went rowing, and then to dinner. This dress was like second skin! Soft and super comfortable!

    Styling this beautiful piece with a bag with chain, double gold headbands, and stud sandals. Just in case you’re hunting for floral summer dresses, below are a few of my favorites! From shades of green to mini floral prints, they’re beautiful for day and night.

    I hope you enjoy this post and thank you so much for reading!

    – OUTFIT –
    DRESS | V. Chapman dress
    SHOES | Alaia stud sandals
    BAG | DeMellier bag with chain
    HAIR | Jennifer Behr headbands

    Thank you so much for reading!

  • New York Nights – Emerald Summer Dress

    New York Nights – Emerald Summer Dress

    Warm nights, dinner with close friends, a New York moment.

    One of my favorite restaurants in the West Village is Petite Boucherie. Located on the corner of Christopher and Gay Street, this place is a Parisian-style cafe mixed with West Village charm – cozy, comforting, and magical. Matching my outfit with this lush location in an emerald dress and blue accents. From the braided-trim waist to the pleated details, this incredible piece is light and ethereal. It makes a beautiful entrance and unforgettable exit.

    Just in case you’re in the mood for emerald pieces, below are some of my favorites! Some are flowy, some are frame-hugging (that sweater dress is perfect for fall!), and all are beautiful shades of green.

    I hope you enjoy this post and have a wonderful weekend! Thank you so much for reading!

    – OUTFIT –
    DRESS | Alice + Olivia green dress
    SHOES | Aquazzura embellished sandals
    BAG | Demellier clutch

    Thank you so much for reading!

  • Magenta and Plaid – Statement Colors for Fall

    Magenta and Plaid – Statement Colors for Fall

    Magenta and plaid for fall! A sweater dress that is beautiful for autumn and beyond.

    Maternity fit or not, this Express sweetheart sweater dress is amazing! It’s form fitting yet has a comfortable stretch, a statement color that’s perfect for both day and night, and is budget-friendly. I love this dress and outfit so much that I ended up wearing it straight for a few days in a row. I actually have an in-person conference coming up and guess what? Yup, this outfit again!

    I can’t wait for full fall foliage and Central Park to be lit up with marigold and red colors! Happy autumn and talk soon!

    – OUTFIT –
    SWEATER DRESS | Express magenta sweater dress
    COAT | Balenciaga hourglass coat (old, similar Ann Taylor magenta checked coat)
    BAG | Walmart bag with chain
    SHOES | Rag & Bones (old, similar Jeffrey Campbell white boots)
    ACCESSORIES | Gentle Monster sunglasses (similar ASOS clear glasses), Stone and Strand earring (love, love!)

    Thank you so much for reading!

  • Military Floral for Summer

    Military Floral for Summer

    Long time, no talk! I know it’s been forever, but I’m so happy to be back!

    With Artemis fully up and running, I haven’t had time to shoot as much as I would like. I do miss it though – the styling, photography, and editing aspects of it. What I miss most is the excuse to go out, and explore and see more of New York. I do share my work outfits on IG Stories though, just in case you’re interested.

    I’m back today with one of my favorites! Floral + Military! A mix of soft and tough, delicate pleats and structured canvas with spots of pink throughout.

    My happy place! NYC! Thank you so much for reading, and as always, thank you so much for your love and support!

    – OUTFIT –
    Top | Zimmermann top
    Bottom | Marissa Webb canvas skirt
    Shoes | Manolo Blahnik pumps
    Beauty | Surratt Beauty cream eyeshadow
    Accessories | BaubleBar & Jennie Kwon rings

  • Summer Uniform – From Work to Weekend

    Summer Uniform – From Work to Weekend

    The perfect summer uniform! From work to weekend, it’s a great mix of volume and color.

    I’m very fortunate to have jobs (both at WLB and Artemis) that give me freedom to dress in whatever I want. I remembered my old Wells Fargo banking days when this was not an option. I wore this copper set to work and then dinner afterwards, and was stopped multiple times by curious minds all complimenting the style and design.

    I switched out my suede pumps and work bag for leather sandals and a PVC bag for the weekends. This outfit works so well with casual elements as well. To be honest with you, I love sets. They make dressing so easy and they’re great worn as separates.

    I’m working on a few fun things and this PVC bag with leather pouch is actually part of our signature kits at Artemis (we’re on 87 Christopher Street in New York). The bag + pouch is free as part of the kit . I promise to share more about Artemis soon.

    Have a great week, and as always, thank you so much for reading!

    – OUTFIT –
    Top | Marissa Webb blouse
    Bottom | Marissa Webb shorts
    Shoes | Manolo Blahnik ‘BB’ pumps & Tkees wrap sandals
    Bag | vintage Hermes HAC bag & Artemis PVC bag
    Accessories | Carolina Lemke sunglasses, Sophie Buhai necklace