Fully Transitioned

While not doing it on purpose, my outfits transitioned from summer into fall through this month. 

From bright colors and florals, rompers and chevron, crop tops and ankle booties, leopard and cognac, and finally, leather - fall's most ubiquitous material. 

Outfit details here

From Where I Sat & Stood

Oh, August. Fickle, fickle August. You were chilly, you were sweltering, but it was sure fun to dress for you.

Follow along on Instagram

Fall Cravings (Episode 1)

These are some of my favorite things for fall...at least for this week.

1. Drop-waist flare skirt in any color, but an amazing coppery green will be your new neutral.

2. Jacquard cropped pants in any number of metallic prints will be perfect against casual chambray.

3. Open-toe ankle booties, especially in the of-the-moment colors of black with navy and paired with tights. 

4. Atypical plaid shirt in anything but cotton and especially mixed with floral - so, 90s throwback.

5. Leather baseball cap to cover up your bed head for weekend brunch and to add edge to literally everything.

Clockwise from top left: Club Monaco Felicia Skirt, ASOS Abstract Jacquard Pant, Louise et Cie Olivia bootie, ZARA crossover shirt, Urban Outfitters Leather Baseball Cap 

How I Wear... Wedge Sneakers

Despite the fact that I had only been wearing my wedge sneakers with flowy, short dresses or skinny jeans, it felt fresh and sexy to pair them with a leather pencil skirt. This one, with its high-waist and longer length still hugged my curves while the graphic tee and gold chain added some edge. This ensemble would be great for a "standing room only" concert or a night out at a crowded bar - comfy shoes are a must when you can't find a barstool!

Recreate my look:

Vintage leather skirt (similar), XXI tee, Steve Madden sneakers (similar), vintage clutch (similar), lion ring, gold chain necklace

Pale Pout

Well, it's coming up on fall and that means put away your brights and pastels and trade them in for darker hues, specially in the lipstick department, right? Wrong! You can highlight the last days of your bronzed skin with a pale lipstick in any number of pink or coral varieties that compliment your skin tone. Find your best shade by consulting a beauty expert at your local Sephora!

Clockwise from top left: Urban Decay Revolution in Bright Baby Pink, Givenchy Le Rouge in Rose Taffetas, NARS in Niagra, NARS in Roman Holiday, YSL Rouge Volupt in Peach Passion, MUFE Rouge Artist in #38

Showered with Love

To say that our wedding shower this past weekend was a success would be a drastic understatement -- everything was perfect, including the weather. My matron of honor hosted the luncheon (that lasted way past lunch) at her home. We rented a tent and chairs and added decor of gold, mint, blush, and vintage chic details. She had a few surprises up her sleeve, like Rumchata flavored sprinkle cupcakes, recipes, floral centerpieces, as well as cookie and coozie favors for the guests. We snacked on tuna, chicken, and pasta salads, shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, waffle cones of fruit, veggie trays and drank our adult beverages, including the St. Germain Cocktail, out of mason jars and ribbon straws. Overall, all our family and friends were incredibly generous and we cannot wait until November 9. Thank you all for sharing in our love and having fun with us!

Ark & Co dress and Forever 21 floral headband

My matron of honor and best friend since the age of 8, Serena

Clockwise from top: My best of friends for 20 years, Kristin and Serena; work buddies, Callie and Laurie, being photo-bombed; my mother, Linda and future mother in law, Martha 

Our flower girl, Ffion is Serena's daughter, and the cutest thing ever; Dan with his brother, Mike

Jazz Age

Drop waist? Check. Long necklace? Check. Chin length, wavy bob? Check. Beading and pleats? Check. Statement lip? Check. I've got all the fashion elements of being a heroine in a remake of The Great Gatsby or The Sun Also Rises, except my love life is much more stable. 

Recreate my look:

Beaded tank (similar here and here), MNG blazer (similar), metallic skirt, gold pumps, gold cuff, Stella & Dot charm necklace, bejeweled button earrings, Stella & Dot clutch, Nars Schiap lipstick

All Natural Style

When I think of "all natural style," I immediately think of neutral tones, simple accessories, and clean lines. While I usually am adding on the layers and accessories with my clothes, my skin care routine is simple and natural, so when Lucky Community offered up the a free sample of boost serum for a challenge, I was all in! Seventh Generation Skin Serum is plant based and free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. After a brief survey, I was matched with the hydrating option that uses jojoba oil. It's a common misconception that oil begets an oily face -- an oily face actually means that your skin is dry. They recommend using the serum in conjunction with your daily moisturizer and so far I have noticed a significant difference - less oil, and more luminosity  As a freebie newbie, I sure hope that any product I'm asked to review is this awesome!

Recreate my look:
Zara trousers (similar), Equipment blouse, H&M blazer (similar), Sam Edelman pumps (similar), snakeskin wallet

Grungy

During the reign of grunge, I wanted nothing to do with it. I was shopping at the Limited Too and listening (and dancing) to hip-hop. However, the current resurgence of this trend, including blackberry lips, flannels tied around the waist, baby doll dresses, and beat up booties has me swooning.

Recreate my look:

XXI romper (similar), Zara utility jacket (similar), Steve Madden booties, round sunnies, Revlon Raspberry Bite lipstick, Stella & Dot necklace (it's on sale), fringe purse

Beautiful Ruins

Although I haven't started it (need to finish Inferno first), Beautiful Ruins partly takes place on the Italian coast of the Liguarian Sea in 1962. Taking inspiration from a young Sophia Loren and the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 collection, I dressed as if I could be walking along that same shore line at sunset with my love's hand in mine.

Recreate my look: 

Old Navy skirt (similar), H&M blouse (similar), Tahari pumps, Bauble Bar necklace

A Vintage Dress

I'm a vintage/thrifting/antiquing machine lately. Dan and I are featuring brass candlesticks (among other vintage glam) accessories at our wedding and unless we want to pay a pretty penny for each, antique and resale shops are the best places to find 'em. Therefore, we've been spending a lot of time among treasures of the yesteryear. I have found, along with this drop waist dress, scarves, rings, and decor for our home at incredible prices at places like Brown Elephant in Andersonville, the Volo Antique Malls, and Randolph Street Market. 

P.S. When it comes to wearing vintage clothing, here's a "how to" to keep in mind for your next adventure! 

Vintage dress, XXI jean jacket, Adrienne Vittadini sandals (similar), Charming Charlie purse (similar), Bauble Bar necklace, vintage bracelets, MUFE #38 lipstick