Two Crush-Worthy Valentine's Day Looks to Wear Year-Round

by Laura Perkins

Sweater: Madewell  ||  Chambray Shirt: Madewell (old, similar) ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Wedge Boots: J.Crew

Love is in the air. And if you're in New York, so is the snow! :) From sweet and playful to romantic and glam, here are two Valentine's inspired looks to get you in the spirit. So whether you're going on a hot date or spending time with your besties these day and night looks are perfect for whatever you have planned. And the best part is, you can easily wear these styles long after Valentine's Day.

I found this adorable heart sweater at Madewell 2 years ago and find myself wearing it year round. It doesn't just have to be for Valentine's Day! I love the double graphic print with red and blue stripes inside the hearts. It's too cute. I recently started wearing it with a buttoned up chambray shirt and ripped jeans for an updated look. I've also rocked this outfit with my navy floppy hat.

Dress: Anthropologie  || Black Tights  || Heels: DSW - Madden Girl (old, similar)  ||  Clutch: Vince Camuto (old, but a fav gift from a dear friend). Similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  ||  Earrings: Anzie Lilac Amethyst Earrings

This velvet dress was love at first sight. When I spotted it a few weeks ago in the Anthropologie sales rack, I immediately had a huge crush and could not believe how discounted it was from the original price. I almost fell over. (Sadly that's probably why it's no longer online otherwise I'd be eager to share!) The details in the design are absolutely exquisite. I felt like a Greek Goddess in the dressing room. I also found a new love for baby doll dresses because they are so loose and comfortable. This is another dress you could wear year round which I'm SO excited about! To do this beautiful neckline justice, I think you have to wear your hair up. I opted for a braided up-do to go with the Greek vibe I was feeling.

Hair Styling Tip: Believe it or not, this braided hair style is so easy! Anyone can do it! And it takes less than 5 minutes! All you do is part your hair (either on the side or down the middle) and just braid (regular braid, not french) each side starting by your ear all the way down. Then just lift one braid at a time up on top of your head and bobby pin it down at the ends. Then do the same with the other side. And, voila! You're done! It's my chic dirty hair trick! :) Now you're in on my secret! :)

Mad for Plaid (One Plaid Shirt Three Ways!)

by Laura Perkins

Plaid Shirt: Zara  ||  Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar  ||  Shoes: Zara (old, similar)  || Crossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  ||  Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar || Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

Plaid is a fall wardrobe staple. Whether it's a plaid shirt, dress, pants, scarf, jacket, purse or heels, I can't get enough of it this season! Most of us have a plaid shirt in our closet but finding new ways to wear it keeps your style fresh. This first look is probably my favorite. I love pairing plaid with a leather skirt (or pants). As you know, I'm a big fan of a dressy/casual ensemble. The leather dresses up the plaid or the plaid dresses down the leather (however you want to look at it!). I usually wear cute flats with this skirt (unless I have tights underneath) otherwise it's a little short since I'm 5'8" (it's all about balance, ladies!).

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

For a more casual chic look, try a plaid shirt with ripped skinny jeans. I cut these black skinnies myself (see my DIY Distressed Jeans post for ideas). I paired this outfit with suede ankle boots. Styling Tip: To update your look, try rolling or cuffing the bottom of your skinny jeans with ankle boots, showing just a sliver of skin.

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters) 

For colder weather (let's face it, winter's coming!), opt for a crewneck sweater over your plaid shirt. The key is you want the plaid to still show at the bottom. So either find a shirt that runs longer (like this Zara one) or wear a shorter sweater over it. You can also try a cropped sweater which would be super cute! And don't be afraid of a sweater that has texture like this J.Crew one. To dress up this look, you can add a statement bib necklace or fun heels. Or for a little funk, you could pair this with a sleek, floppy hat.