love is in the air

Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Whether you're celebrating with a significant other or riding out the day solo, looking your best will help you feel your best -- and who doesn't want that? What I think makes Valentine's Day so great is that it's such a fun holiday to dress for. Naturally, I'm drawn to ultra girly hues of pink, red, and fuchsia. For this look, I wanted to mix that classically feminine palette with unexpected elements of masculinity and edginess. This slightly flared, pleated skirt features a vibrant floral print that immediately steals the spotlight with its rich colors and playful cut. To offset this attention-grabbing piece, I incorporated a white and gray striped T-shirt. I love the pattern mixing happening between this causal, plain cotton tee and the dressier, trendy skirt.

Black accessories -- a blazer with sleeves slightly rolled up, tights, and oxford peeptoe pumps -- give this look a hint of professionalism without overdoing it. Last but not least, this gah-geous Spiked Chain Bib Necklace from Lydell NYC adds a touch of modern elegance to this V-Day ensemble. The best part? This necklace is oh-so versatile; I can see it with a graphic tee just as easily as I can see it with a chic, all-white suit -- expect to see a lot more of this piece in future posts!