Shoppin' in September

 As we say good-bye to summer (and sweating through one tank top after being outside for five minutes), we embrace different items to accommodate the chill and need for layers and heavier textures. The items that I'm wearing or looking to purchase in the coming months are bohemian, girly, and even a bit cheeky!

Charm Pendant Necklaces
With the idea of layering comes the natural inclination to do so with necklaces. These long necklaces are perfect to add on with another few shorter chain necklaces. Or, since all the detail is at the bottom and there's more than one type of metal, you can still wear your favorite chandelier or hoop earrings in gold, silver, or rose gold!

Silver Charms, Wooden Bead, Mixed Metal

Patterned Jeans

While the bright and pastel colored jeans will still take you through this season, consider adding some patterned ones to add additional texture to your wool, chambray, fur and tweed toppers. The subdued hues of these options are also perfectly on trend with falls hot colors - burgundy, hunter green, mustard, and peach.

Floral, Blush Floral, Camo, Snakeskin

Boucle Jackets
My black blazer, jean, and utility jackets won't be retired or worn any less, but a lil boucle number will be a great way to infuse some interest and texture into a pencil skirt and blouse for the work day. Even consider wearing it with skinny jeans, camisole, and ankle strap sandals for a night out or to top that maxi skirt, chambray shirt, and flat ankle boots for the weekend.

Mango, Sanctuary, TopShop

Burgundy Accessories
The color of the season is burgundy. Please consider this a neutral that can make all the spring/summer brights and pastels autumn appropriate, such as mint, royal blue, lavender, orange, neon yellow, and fuchsia. Despite wearing pants, blazers, or overcoats in this hue, I'll also be picking up a few accessories to keep it a part of my every day.

Heels, Purse, Hat

Statement Sweater
 If there's one look that had me wishing for fall this spring, it was this one from Burberry. What a Zooey Deschanel as Jess on "New Girl" way to make your work day attire more playful! I love the idea of layering a plaid shirt under these sweaters as well. Just think of how many, "Oh, how cute is that?!" statements you'll receive from co-workers and passersby to make you smile through the 9-5 grind.

Lion, Fox, Tres Cool

If you need more fall inspiration, check out my Pinterest page devoted to my favorite season.

Just Keep Swimming

"Hey there, Mr. Grumpy Gills. When life gets you down do you wanna know what you've gotta do?"
Just keep swimming. 

Ark & Co trousers, Francesca's fish print tank, Silence & Noise blazer, Akira belt, Stella & Dot La Coco Cupchain and La Coco Curb Chain necklaces, Target stackable rings, Enzo Anglioni pumps

Laced Up

To continue my journey through my favorite shoes for this time of year, (see wedge high tops here, flat ankle boots here, and ankle strap heels here), I give you the oxford! With my own interpretation to make 'em Jenny friendly and colorful, of course.

Worthington jacket, Timing blouse, XXI skirt, Old Navy oxfords, shoelaceexpress.com neon laces, Francesca's triangle necklace, bracelets from Charming Charlie, Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads, Pandora, and Etsy

Air Jordan

In wearing these kicks, I feel like I'm back in 1993 when Michael Jordan ruled the court and all of Chicago wanted to "Be Like Mike." While my brother may have retired his three peat t-shirt, I still appreciate a good pair of high tops. But don't worry, this doesn't mean that I'll break out some stone washed jeans or wear my sweatshirt inside out.

Need more inspiration on how to wear wedge high tops? Check out this post! 

 

 

Converse for Target dress, Steve Madden sneakers, Benetton purse, Stella & Dot necklace, Charming Charlie, Stella & Dot, and Etsy bracelets, China Glaze Magical nail polish, and Nars Schiap lipstick

Brass Monkey

Whilst conducting one of the bi-weekly reorganizations of my closet and accessories, I realized the large amount of antique gold that my jewelry armoire contains. And who can blame me?! The brassy pieces are easy to wear and exude a more casual and vintage vibe than shiny silver or bright gold. Plus, I've barely ever experienced (except with rings) that they fade when bought cheaply, whereas the shiny metallics always show wear and tear and turn into that "rose gold" hue fairly quickly. What about your jewelry - are you a brass monkey?

Francesca's dress, Loft trench (sleeves removed), Target heels & necklace, Crossroads & Francesca's bracelets, Revlon Blackberry lipstick

Mumford

I went camping this weekend in Dixon, IL. That's right. This girl, who doesn't go a day without applying eye cream, highlighter, and lipstick, went two days without running water or a blow dryer in the name of Mumford & Sons. I had minimal doubts and it turned out to be a very worthy cause...maybe even worth seeing a few quarter sized spiders? It might have been...and I'm a self-described arachnophobic! That's love...for the band, hot dogs and s'mores over the campfire, and great friends.

Gap henley, XXI maxi skirt, Steve Madden booties, Target belt & sunnier, Tokyo Bay watch, Charming Charlie earrings and bracelet, Old Navy jean jacket

Collared

No S&M references here, the collars I'm talking about are simply decorative (not functional) and freakin' adorable!

Find your own here, here, here, and here

Charming Charlie collar necklace, Zara linen tee, Anthropologie sequin jacket, Francesca's skirt, Bacio 6 sandals

Monochromatic

There has to be a reason that I'm wearing all black. And there is. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled colorfully patterned programming tomorrow.

H&M blouse, MNG blazer, XXI lace skirt, Nine West sandals, BCBG sunnies, vintage earrings, Stella & Dot ring, and XXI bracelets

Red Wine

 It's no secret that I love fall, mostly because of the colors. In particular, seeing burgundy on the sales racks brings a tear to my eye. I start thinking about fireplaces, pumpkin spiced lattes, layering, chili, and sleeper socks. But most importantly, it means the return of red wine! During the summer, give me Corona's and sauvignon blancs, but once the Weather Channel indicates the high will be under 70, I  can confidently reach for the bottle of pinot noir or burgundy and know that my palette will thank me.*

Worthington blazer, Target tank, XXI trousers, Calvin Klein heels, Stella & Dot  chain necklace and bracelet, Charming Charlie rhinestone necklace, BCBG sunnies

*Please note that the subject of "fall/autumn" will be a common theme on this blog through the month of November. You have been warned, unless you're a fan of that season and in that case, you're welcome.

My Kind of Army

If I was required to be in army fatigues, they must definitely be bejeweled and worn with tweed & heels.

Zara utility jacket, J.Crew skirt, NY & Co blouse, Jessica Simpson pumps, Target sunnies, Charming Charlie  bracelets, XXI earrings, Francesca's necklace, Marinette monogram necklace

Spotted

Spotted: J strolling down Cleveland Ave channeling her best S outfit. 

Are you a "Gossip Girl" fan? Because I certainly am. Even though the plot has been sketchy at times, I always tune in to see what my style hero, Serena Van Der Woodsen aka S, is wearing. Also, I am still hoping, waiting, and wishing that Chuck & Blair will end up together. They're like Derek & Miranda in "Grey's Anatomy." The scene with the tea lights in the yard brought me to tears! Although once those two got together, I stopped watching, so maybe we can hold off on Chuck & Blair's reconciliation until after I see the fall fashions that S brings this season. Will it be enough to get Dan back from Rome and stop fighting her demons? We'll have to tune in October 8. 

Xoxo, Gossip Girl.

Zara tee, NY & Co skirt, Steve Madden sandals, Stella & Dot necklace, Tokyo Bay watch, Crossroads ring, Halogen purse

Opulent Spaces

If you follow me on Pinterest, then you know that I am constantly creating my dream home in a theme of opulence with color, patterns, and textures galore!  I approach interior decorating much like I approach creating outfits - put your favorite things together at the same time and it'll all work out. A "Keep Calm and Mix On" mentality. With this home, I will will require a 24/7 maid to ensure that all the spaces are always dust free (to combat an OCD freak out) and a techie genius to hide all cords, speakers, and other eye sores (essentially, anything that's strictly functional and not beautiful). In these amazing bedrooms, office spaces, and living rooms that I have been coveting, you will notice a few trends: chandeliers, mismatched frames, throw pillows, blankets, & rugs, acrylic pieces, pattern mixing, and pops of jewel tones with a gold or silver foundation. Still interested? Then get ready to storm a West Elm, Pier 1, or World Market store near you!

Images via Pinterest