Fall wardrobe wish list

Fall is my favorite season, so it's only natural that my wish list this season is much, much longer than it has been in a while. At the top of my list are a girly bow-detailed coat and a (faux) leather skirt. I already purchased one at Zara, but I have a feeling I'm going to be filling my closet with more before the season's end.

coats: pencil // wrapped // ladylike

skirts: pencil // wrapped // ladylike

Here, you can shop more wrapped leather skirts

Nordstrom Skirts · Asos Mini Skirts · Donna Karan Skirts

and more gorgeous coats

Wallis Coats · Moschino Coats · Thakoon Coats

on trend: denim vests

I'm excited to start a new series, on trend, to talk about recent trends and how to do them right.

Lately, I've noticed a frightening number of jean vests available in various stores, and that frightens me a little bit. 

When I think jean vest I think back to the 1980s' love of denim paired with neon patterns that carried into the early 1990s. Please, ladies, do the world a favor and stay away from this combo of big hair and neon patterns so you don't end up looking like something out of an episode of Saved by the Bell (or, in Kim Cattrall's case, the "before" from SATC).

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Here are a few ladies who have done the denim thing right recently.

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Khloe Kardashian Odom wore a maxi, casual sandals, and relaxed hair with aviators and a pop of pattern.

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Kendi layered a tee, jean vest, and statement necklace. The necklace softens the vest, and the pastel skirt gives the outfit an extra girly flair.

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(similar dress)

Scalloped hem, neutrals, ponytail, and vest = fab casual look.

dress // scarf (similar at a budget price) // denim vest // mint bag // wedges

dressing for a fall wedding

Option 1: dress // necklace // faux fur wrap // black heels

Option 2: dress // necklace // bow ring // nude heels

We have two weddings this Fall, both in mid-November. All of the weddings I have been to thus far have been in the summer, so I've been seeking out appropriate outfits for these two Saturdays. 

With option 1 I'd wear opaque black tights and a classic bun. With option 2 I'd go for a sassy teased ponytail to offset the ladylike details of the bow ring and pearls.

cleaning out for a new season

Out with the old, and in with the new! While you're cleaning out your closet and getting ready for another Fall season of fabulous fashion, check out these two new sites which allow you to sell your clothing. They both make it super easy - tell them what it is you have, get a quote, and send it to them (and they pay the shipping). Klury accepts mostly luxury brands, and you can find items on there like this vintage beaded top and BCBG fringe top for around $50 each. They allow you to get a quote before you send them your items. Twice, on the other hand, accepts other brands, like Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, and The Limited (just to name a few), and you send them your items before they tell you what they're going to pay you. There, you can find dresses by laundry for around $30 (a steal!). I've sold to Klury, and I'm planning to also sell to Twice. So far, so good!

Fall prep: not a cardigan

I wear as many cardigans as the next girl, but there are some days that a cardigan just doesn't feel right. To prep for the Fall season, get a few key pieces that can be dressed up for a day at the office or can be worn over something as simple as a white tee for a more casual feel.

Cardigan coat // Navy-accented blazer // Four-pocket jacket // Military jacket

back to school necessities

Because I'm a part-time MBA student, I feel totally okay saying I have to go back to school shopping and putting a budget towards that. Here are some items that are on my list this year as I'm getting ready to head back to the classroom.

Clockwise:  I need to get a little more organized with mail and keys, so a wall-mounted mail organizer would be perfect to add next to the door. // Pretty toiletry bags can be used to carry pens, highlighters, etc., or lipsticks, glosses, and bobby pins. // Umbrellas are much more fun when they have dog silhouettes on them! // These twig pencils caught my eye - not exactly practical, but they're seasonal and would be cute in your living room. // A practical (yet fashionable) tote - this one from Foley and Corinna - can easily go from the office to the classroom. // Even if you don't use pencils on a regular basis, these "Things We Love" pencils from Design Darling are too cute to pass up. // Colorful notebooks are much easier to spot and grab on your way to class - and this one, from Three Hip Chicks, can be monogrammed.

August covet list

Continuing my obsession of Fall apparel and accessories, here are some things I'm loving right now. The covet list:

sassy heels: heels found on Pinterest but brand unknown - similar by Nine West, black heels by Lanvin
something leather: Warehouse leather dress, Cacharel leather skirt, Foley & Corinna blue leather bag
monogram necklace from BaubleBar, plates on sale at West Elm

rocking the red, white, and blue

I'm really looking forward to the Olympics opening ceremonies tonight! It seems like just last week I was in London (and it was absolutely pouring every day). Good luck to all of the athletes, but especially to those from the US!

Bought my first pair of Hunter wellies this year! I finally see why everyone has been raving about them - they're so comfortable. Love this patriotic (and sparkly) bracelet from Dannijo. And I have this scarf, courtesy of my mom and the '80s, which I might have to rock this week.

shop smart: end of season deals

It's tempting to get excited about the upcoming season and spend your budget on the new style of boots that you can't wait to get your hands on... But don't forget that the majority of stores are clearing their inventory to get ready for the new season too- shop their sale sections, and you'll save quite a bit of cash.

Here are some items I found on the current J.Crew sale. All of them are at least half off, and they're items we'll probably see again next summer. Tank tops, t-shirts, and scarves rarely change from one summer season to the next, so pick up some solid colored items that you wear frequently to replace items that should be donated or thrown out (think pilled sweaters, stained tees, pants that are a smidgen too tight). I wear tank tops under pretty much everything (I blame my school uniforms for this), so I am constantly rotating those in and out of my wardrobe.

And brides- see what dresses are on sale and do your 'maids a favor by picking something that is budget-friendly. This teal chiffon number from J.Crew is a mere $89 compared to the $250 original price tag. If all of your girls' sizes are available and the color and style fit your vision, why not go for the discounted version? (They'll love you for it.)

Items available at J.Crew