My fall list (so far) contains the following items:

Two pairs of jeans: one in black and one in dark denim

A pair of pants, preferably navy

Three dresses that can I can wear both day and night

A new lightweight blazer or jacket

A pair of comfortable wedges or booties

Two silk button downs

This past weekend I was able to check the  first item off  my list.  I found the perfect lightweight blazer.   My Gap purchase hasn’t come in, so I am not sure if I can check the jeans off yet.

 

This J. Crew jacket is fantastic.  The fit is lovely and since I live in a warm climate , I love that it isn’t lined.  If you live in a cooler climate, you might not appreciate that it is unlined.  While the grey color is pretty, this navy is stunning.  I foresee myself wearing this all season long.

Have you made your first fall purchase?

 

 

The Start of my Fall Wish List

I think I have come up with a number for my fall budget.  Think.   What I do know is that there are several pieces I need.  On the top of the list are two new pairs of jeans: one black skinny, preferably cropped at the ankle, and  one dark denim skinny.  Since Grechen spoke so highly of them, I have ordered Gap’s ankle zip legging jeans in black.   I am hoping they work out since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper than many of the other pairs that top my wishlist.  I’ll keep you posted.

 

Seeking a Bridesmaid Dress

My youngest sister is getting married this October and she has so kindly allowed each bridesmaid to pick their own dress. The only rules: it must not be shiny and it must be navy (but not dark navy).  Since I get pick my own dress, I want to invest in something that I would wear again.  My last bridesmaid dress that I was allowed to pick myself remained unworn past the wedding.  I liked it, but it felt too bridesmaid-y for me to want to wear to any other event.   This time I want to make sure I pick something both appropriate to be in a wedding and appropriate for post-wedding events.  It needs to be close to knee-length, not too sexy, but not too boring that I won’t want to wear it again.  That shouldn’t be too hard, right?

Here are a few currently in the running.

I am really liking this one by Topshop.  I really like the fitted bodice and looser skirt; my only concern is that it might be too short on me.

This lace Joie one is definitely one I would wear again.  The reviews aren’t the greatest;  however, I have loved every Joie piece I have ever bought. 

This strapless J. Crew one is gorgeous too, but I am starting to think I look a mannish in strapless dresses.  It may be time to retire them.

This Allie dress, also from J. Crew, is topping my list, too.  It looks like something that can easily we worn both day and night.

If I don’t find anything I love, I may rent one from Rent the Runway.  This Tracey Reese Grand Opera Sheath would be a perfect bridesmaid dress. It scares me a bit to rent a dress for an event, so I would probably end up with a backup dress that I could return if this one didn’t work out.

Which do you like best?

 

Contemplating a Fall Budget

I have never sat down at the start of the season and designated a specific amount of money to be spent on pieces for that season, but I am tempted to do that this fall.  I want to write out a specific plan of pieces I need, pick a monetary amount allowed to be spent, and stick to it.  This, of course, does not mean that I spend freely each season, I have just never actually set a budget and stuck to it.  Yet the thought of doing it is quite intriguing. I don’t track what I spend each month on clothes ( I know this is terrible), but I have an idea of what I spend each month.  Setting a seasonal budget is different than setting a monthly budget though.  Trying to determine what one needs for the whole season seems a bit hard, but I am going to try it.  Have you ever set a seasonal budget? Any tips?

Banana Republic Statement Necklace

This Banana Republic necklace is gorgeous and perfect for fall.  I spotted it this weekend in a magazine (although I can’t remember which one!).  And since Banana is always having some kind of promo, you can definitely score it cheaper than its 90 dollar price tag.

My Favorite White Shirt

This white top from 81 Poppies is currently my favorite white shirt.  It is perfection.  It is sheer, lightweight, and interesting.  I wear it a lot.  A whole lot.  Everyone needs a top like this.  One that you can throw on and feel pulled together.  I wear it so much, that I am tempted to get it in the mint green.  A girl can never have too many perfect shirts, right?

These Ann Taylor shorts have been in heavy rotation as well.  The finish  makes them a bit dressier than your average short.  Plus, the pockets are sewn shut, making them more flattering.  I don’t know about you, but I do not need any bulk added to my hips. Thankyouverymuch.

Obviously this outfit is simple, but that is how I dress in the summer.  The heat and humidity calls for simple outfits.  Are you relying on simple outfits right now?

81 Poppies top, Ann Taylor shorts, Dolce Vita sandals, Anthropologie earrings, and hair that is STILL a mess (but I’ve made an appointment!).

BOGO- Nine West

Nine West is having a BOGO sale right now, and I might have to take advantage.  I find their shoes to be comfortable and their price point is great. I have several nude heels from Nine West, and since I am pretty hard on my shoes, I am thinking about getting another pair  to replace them when I wear them out.  Which I will.

I love this nude shoe.  I wore them all last fall and winter because they are comfortable and go with everything.

I also love this heel for days when I don’t want to wear a super high heel.

This polka dot heel would be a great addition to any wardrobe.

Will you be taking advantage?

Errands Outfit

This is what I wore today to run errands.  Exciting.  I know.

I would recommend these Old Navy shorts.  They stretch out a bit and (obviously) wrinkle, but they are comfortable and perfect for summer.  And, they are now on sale for under 20 dollars.  Win!

Lafayette 148 button down (thrifted), Old Navy shorts, Dolce Vita sandals.

Rhinestone Necklace

Sometimes all an outfit needs is a little sparkle.  This necklace will do just that without breaking the bank.

New Favorite

This Joie dress is my new favorite.  I have had it less than a month and have probably worn it about 10 times.  Yes, 10 times.  Luckily, I see different people every day, so only a select few have seen me in this dress more than once.  I can’t get enough of it.

The other day a client asked me what my style was.  I think I replied with classic, easy, and a bit trendy.  This dress sums up my summer style.  Loose, easy, comfortable, yet pulled together.  Minus my hair.  My hair is not pulled together.  My stylist moved away and I have been too lazy to find a new one.  Ombre hair is in, right? At least that what I am telling myself.

Joie dress, Nickles shoes, Anthropologie earrings, and out of control roots ombre hair.