Fall Boot Guide 2017

I know fall is already here so I'm a little behind, but each year I do a guide on how to wear boot trends and styles. What I am loving this season? The boho, high-heeled boot that is slightly slouchy, and the rich, velvet fabrics to add some glam to a basic boot.I picked above my favorite styles this year from different price points and I will share how best to wear them!

The Stacked Heel Ankle Bootie: (Styles #1 through #5)

These booties are probably the most popular and widely worn because they can be worn so many different ways. Remember it's all about proportion when styling short boots so they don't seem to "cut off" your legs.These boots look best with skirts (mini to midi), dresses, and skinny denim or leather leggings.

The Rugged Boot (with a feminine twist)

If Timberland's just aren't your style (raises hand) but you still want a boot to romp around the pumpkin patch in and look chic, look no further. The stacked wooden heel gives you some feminine height while still looking perfectly rugged for outdoor fall activities. Wear these with cuffed denim (straight, boyfriend or skinny) and some layered flannel and vest action up top.

The Flat Bootie

This particular style (plus the laser cut bootie) has been popular for a couple years now because it is cute for one, but an easy and chic shoe to throw on in the summer and fall months. These look cute with about any casual outfit (shorts, leggings, jeans, etc) and even with short dresses. This is more of an everyday bootie and a great transition shoe into colder weather.

The Dress Bootie (styles #8 and #9)

Oh my heart with these booties! Give me a sharp toed, black patent bootie anytime and I'll dress like I mean business! I call these the "New York City" boots as when I think of styling them, I think all black layers like capes, leather pants and a bad-ass attitude. In normal day to day living, these would be especially cute with holiday mini-dresses layered with a sharp coat and tights.

The Over the Knee Boots

These two particular boots I have been lusting over all season (also can we talk about the amazing color of the Zara slouch boots?!). Over the knee boots can be worn many different ways, such as over skinny denim and leggings, with dresses, etc. but as a nod to my love for throwback 70's style, I would style these babes with dresses of all lengths, long duster sweaters and faux-fur vests. For a more casual look, over leggings with a chic tunic and cape to top it off. 

What is your go-to style of boot for fall, and how do you like to style it?

xo

My Favorite Denim Picks for Petites!

 

 

 

True story: When I started my freshman year at college I owned exactly 2 pairs of jeans. I hated them (I hated pants in general) but fast forward to now, and I have countless pairs, but only a few beloved ones. 

I felt like I never stop searching for that perfect fit, that skin-tight pair that hits right at the ankle and is crazy flattering; well I found them. Through trial and error, I have found what brands and styles work best for my figure (I'm 5'2) and I'm sharing my absolute favorites below.

 DITTO'S

 

 Ditto's can be found at Nordstrom and other online retailers. These are skinny's with ankle side-zipper's, and hit right at my ankle. I have a couple pairs of Ditto's since they have trendy styles at great price points.

TREASURE & BOND 

 

 T&B is another label found at Nordstrom. I love the way their denim fits and feels on; it isn't stiff or uncomfortable, and keeps it's shape while giving a little bit of stretch in the waist. I have a deconstructed black pair of T&B and am obsessed with them. Also, check out their other products like casual and chic tees and shoes.

ZARA

 

 Most. Comfy. Jeans. Ever. (period) Oh, and if I had a dollar for every time an old person asked, "where is the rest of your pants?" or "did you pay full price for pants that ruined??" I'd be a rich bitch.

BANANA REPUBLIC

 

No secret I love Banana, but their denim selection is great. These skinny's are actually from their petite section, and fit amazing. Just enough stretch, but no one near a jegging. When going with petite's at BR, I went with my regular size.

 LEVI'S

 

This is my only pair of this brand, but I was so excited at all the choices in length for their styles. these are skinny ankle cropped jeggings with a high waist. The best part is you can get these anywhere in any color and are super affordable.

So I am happy to say that all these years later, I am finally content with my jean closet. I can't imagine spending $200 on a pair of jeans when all these brands I love are much more affordable, especially if they are more of a "trendy" style. If you're a shorty, and need a few suggestions, try my picks, I'm sure you'll love them.

xo

Metallics, Faux Fur, Leather, Ruffles and Fringe, Oh My!

 

 

Look 1: Nasty Gal // Look 2: Top: Chicwish, Pants: Nordstrom // Look 3: Faux Fur: Forever 21, Jumpsuit, Nordstrom // Look 4: Banana Republic, Shoes: Asos // Look 5: Zara

I love sequins. I love them so much, I usually try to find ways to incorporate them into looks all year round for a subtle glam. For New Years, however, I feel it is a perfect night to hit refresh.

Above, I posted a couple non-sequin party looks for New Years Eve, no matter how you celebrate. Don't be afraid to rock fringe, feathers, metallic, lace, faux leather and fur and bedazzled accessories. This winter (if you can call it that, I am loving this California winter in Cleveland!) I'm really feeling the moody, dark, romantic glamour with lace midi dresses with ribbon chokers; luxurious, royal baroque fabrics in a current fashion-forward cut (any Reign watcher's out there? Nasty Gal is rocking the royal dress and crown look), estate-sale looking vintage earrings, and party shoes that are embellished with furry poufs and gems (Asos has a great collection).

 

This NYE, I plan on rocking a second-skin lace slip dress with a faux-fur jacket and killer heels. Hopefully these looks have inspired some other party appropriate inspirations for choosing your NYE outfit. Start 2016 with a fresh look- mini, skin-tight sequin dresses are tired : )

 

xo

My Fall Haul!

Each fall I get in the "back to school" shopping mode and need a closet refresher. I am definitely one of those people that invests more in fall fashion than in spring or summer clothing. The layers, the textures, the feeling of warm comfort, chic accessories, hoarding boots for every outfit; what's not to love? And let's be real, as a female, it is easier to get dressed up for dinner in fall than it is in summer- short/barely there outfits, pale ,need-to-tan skin, manicures/pedicures, etc. Summer dressing is actually a lot of work when you think about it! That's not to say dressing in the colder months means laziness, I think it means more ease with endless chic options. Below are some new styles I added to my closet this fall that can be styled so many ways!

A new twist on the military vest + olive trend with a cinched waist and large lapels is perfect for layering. A fitted moto jacket in Pantone's color of the year, Marsala, adds extra spice to an outfit in place of a black one.  

Vest: Forever 21 (sold out) // Moto Jacket: Nordstrom 

The ideal lightweight long cardigan is perfect for a woman of any height, I'm only 5'3 and it does not overwhelm my frame at all. A sweater-jacket with overlapping lapels literally looks good with everything (this was a steal during the Nordstrom sale and I've worn it a hundred times already)

Cardigan: Target // Sweater Jacket: Nordstrom 

A swingy 3/4 sleeve dress in olive green is limitless with scarves, vests and jackets. A cozy flannel shirt dress with a cinched waist for a more feminine look is a staple. 

Dresses: Nordstrom (sold out) Similar here and here

The two pieces of denim I added to my collection this fall was a chic mid-rise, straight leg style with light distressing to wear with pumps and an over-sized button-down, and high-waist flares with stretch to conquer my inner 70's child. 

Straight Jeans (called boyfriend online, but are not) Nordstrom // Flares: Gap (obsessed)  

A beautiful twist on the classic white button down shirt from Banana Republic features a soft, silky material and layers of chiffon pleats. This top is long so it is perfect for wearing over leggings. 

 Top: Banana Republic (no longer available) 

A floaty bohemian top with over-sized bell sleeves for a chic peasant vibe

Top: Zara

These Fushia suede pumps are "ahhhhh!"  

Pumps: Sam Edleman

Hat: Nordstrom similar

And of course, the wear with everything hat. Hat styles can be tricky, but this one can be boho, city chic, street chic, etc. 

As I get older,I take on a "less is more" approach with my accessories. I mentioned in my previous post about the factors I use to pull the trigger on a designer bag, but even if it is something as inexpensive as this hat, I still want a chic style that can be re-mixed often. I own tons of jewelry and other accessories, but if you notice in most of my outfit pictures, I wear only minimal jewelry and add-on's these days. In fact, I usually wear the same couple pieces with every outfit, no matter the style or event I wear it for (and I realized I just said "I" like 20 times and I hate doing that, apologies). 

What are your must-have's for fall shopping? Do you tend to go all out with clothing, or are you more excited for beauty buys or accessories? I'd love to hear your favorites so I can check them out! 

xo

Summer to Fall Transition

We experienced a taste of fall-like weather here for the first time this weekend, but apparently this week is supposed to be back in the 80's! Very confusing to the fashion brain who wants to start rocking the 70's flares and furs.

That means however that I can be creative with how to blend my summer wardrobe into fall. Every piece of this outfit is hands-down one of my favorites in my whole wardrobe. As soon as I saw this tissue-thin long cardigan, I knew immediately it would pair well with my roughed-up denim and a sexy but low key top. This outfit will definitely be on repeat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cardigan: Target // Surplice Top: Nordstrom  (so beautiful, I got it in black too) // Jeans: Zara // Heels: BCBG // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Also, stop back on Wednesday morning for my first annual Fall Trend Report 2015 to see an in-depth look at the runways along with what's great for fall and how to wear it in real life. Seriously, I am pretty excited and proud of it, so you'll want to check it out : )

Currently Craving: Vests and Drapey Jackets

I'm a sucker for jackets, not the weather related though, I'm talking about statement toppers. I have a rolling rack color coordinated just of blazers, cropped moto jackets, tailored blazers, collarless ones, embellished, you name it. I guess everyone collects something right? Well that's mine! Ok shoes too. Ok just clothes in general geesh. When I saw the fresh take on lightweight jackets this season with draped lapels, waist cinching rope and a flattering cut, I was obsessed. Add the comeback of the tailored long vest to add some layer and dressiness to an outfit, and I fell in love. Trend alert: my new favorite color combo? Blush pink and olive green. All of these great choices are from: Lulu's, Banana Republic, Shein, Zara, Forever 21, and Dailylook.

Ps: Stop by Friday for when I show 3 ways to style the vests above!

xo

Currently Craving: White Blouses

Even with summer dwindling, I am more obsessed with all white, especially the new and updated blouses for fall. Below, I have three style categories that I am loving (and may have purchased one or two from each! oops) all from Zara, Banana Republic, and Forever 21.

 

 

THE FLOATY ROMANTIC

 

THE TAILORED BASIC WITH A TWIST

 



THE VICTORIAN FEMME

Shop all the new looks now for fall in the new arrivals section of Zara.com, Banana Republic, and Forever 21 Contemporary Collection. (I will be doing a product review on the new and revamped F21 next week, so stay tuned! you will be pleasantly surprised)

xo

Look for Less: Fall Designer 2015

 

 

After perusing the September issues for hours marking with little post-its certain pages for my Fall Trend Guide (soon to be posted), I couldn't get certain looks and pieces out of my mind. That's what I do though, I obsess, and obsess some more until I buy it. This really is a problem lol. So I made it my mission to find some inspired looks from a couple of my favorite Fall 2015 Ready To Wear runway shows. Here is what I am loving now:

 

 

Splurge 1// Save 1     Splurge 2 // Save 2    Splurge 3 // Save 3

 

 

Every blogger on the earth owns a Celine, and just about a Chloe too. I love both shapes of these bags, especially the lighter saddlebag for fall (the equestrian look is always fall approved). My love of lace-ups cycles seamlessly into a new season with a chic, grown-up Maryjane, laced to perfection.

 

 

Style.com is my first stop when browsing the runway collections, and even though I loved too many, here are a couple of my ultimate favorite shows. Dolce & Gabbana is just always so good nailing down the feminine lady in sumptuous lace and details. When I saw this Topshop dress, the D&G show was running like a movie projector through my mind, and it was love at first sight. Chloe is the cool girl/slightly bohemian mixture of feminine tailoring and tomboy flair. Their signature piece this year added to coats, vests and floaty dresses is the skinny neck tie, which I found an outfit completely inspired by the runway for next to nothing. Finally, the luxurious gowns that are Valentino. Leave it up to Valentino to always produce a show-stopping embroidered gown made with mixed fabrics, and always a demure, almost medieval cut. This Nasty Gal dress is the modern party equivalent to the splendor on the left. A lot less serious, same amount of glam. 

                         Splurge 1: Dolce & Gabbana                         

Save 1

 

Splurge 2: Chloe

Save 2

 

Splurge 3: Valentino

Save 3

 

 

Thanks for reading, as always.

xo