Windy Midi

Yes, I had to do a twirl. And yes, I looked ridiculous. 

Wearing //

Express twill moto jacket (comes in other colors)

Express cami (also in many colors)

Asos midi skirt (petite) (gorgeous in pink)

Vince Camuto Pumps, Similar

J.Crew Factory clutch, Similar

S&D necklace

Express stretch bracelet

Beauty //

Essie nails (Size Matters)

Dior Addict Lipstick (Diablotine)

Windy Autumn days call for swaths of pleated chiffon. Just make sure the skirt is long enough, as to avoid any embarrassing "accidents". My midi skirt curiosity continues, so I decided to order one from the petite line off of the Asos website. I figured it would be the perfect length, but it's actually quite a bit longer than I had anticipated. I've had it in my closet for over a month, contemplating daily whether I should take it to the tailor's shop for a hem. I decided against it, although I'm still unsure. What do you ladies think? Too long? I love the berry color and the movement it creates when I walk (or even when I'm standing still). The air hits it just right! So it's a keeper, despite some slight reservations. I think it works well year-round here in California.

If you haven't yet entered the giveaway I last blogged about, well what are you waiting for?! I hope you all are doing well today. It's raining here, so wish me luck driving around for work :)

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One of the boys

Wearing //

Loft plaid shirt and moto jeans

J.Crew pumps, love these

MK bag

Essie polish

I know plaid shirts, coats, and scarves are a huge trend right now, but I've actually been a bit leery of trying them on myself. Plaid is such a classic print, so I don't know where my reservation comes from. I do own a beautiful plaid coat that I am determined to wear again this year, but other than that, my wardrobe is comprised of mostly solids. I was thinking about why I don't gravitate towards it, and I think I found the reason. Every single guy I know, my husband included, wears plaid button-downs. I feel like a boy in plaid! There, I said it. Even looking at these pictures, I feel very "boyish". The heels help of course, and maybe the lipstick too. Nate loved it! In fact, he's never complimented me so honestly as he did when I wore this shirt over the weekend. Go figure.

Before I wish you all a happy Wednesday, I'd like you to check out a survey I participated in on Gina's blog regarding trends in my area. Other ladies from across the country did the same, and it's really fun to read. Link here!

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Leaves and Leggings

Wearing // 

Mostly Express (Cami, Leggings, cover-up)

Sole Society booties, last year

MK bag

Essie "smokin hot" nails

This is the "undocumented" outfit that I mentioned wearing during our road trip. It finally felt chilly enough this weekend for booties and sweater leggings, so I decided to create the exact look that my husband and I forgot to take pictures of when we were up in Paso Robles. I love the comfort and ease of it, while still feeling on-trend. Not to mention that it's basically a walking billboard for Express! I can hear Gina chuckling as I type this. Note the fallen leaves around my cognac booties too. It's officially Autumn in California my friends ;)

Linking up with both Gina and Carylee today. Happy Monday!

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Emerald Envy

Wearing //

Express portofino in green

Loft moto jeans

Zara kitten heels (old) but similar here

House of Harlow necklace, also in silver

J.Crew pave link bracelet, similar here for less

French Connection bag, similar

Ever since last Fall, I've been searching for an emerald or hunter green blouse. Searching what seems like everywhere, to no avail. I had given up already this year, when I walked into Express and spotted my favorite portofino in the color I've been wanting. God I love Express. I've said it before but I'll say it again - it never fails me! One look at the deep, rich color and it was mine, didn't even have to try it on. I think this makes portofino number 7? I've lost count. 

It's feeling like Fall here in California. Halloween usually marks the drop in temperature, but I would say this year was more dramatic than in the past. Windy falling leaves, that certain chill in the air, bad photo lighting now that it gets dark so early...I'll take whatever I can get. 

How was your weekend?

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Denim on Denim

Wearing //

Loft softened chambray shirt, love this wash too

Loft moto jeans

Zara pumps (old) but super similar

Michael Kors bag

Fossil gold watch, similar

J.Crew pave bracelet, exact look for less

Gorjana gold cuff

The whole denim on denim trend has always intimidated me. It has reminded me of my high school years, where it just wasn't "cool" to wear mixed denim. Not that I really cared about being cool since I was quite the expert at owning my wallflower identity. However, a lot has changed since those days and I am now convinced that a simple chambray shirt can look crisp and clean over a pair of dark jeans. Pinterest showed me the way. My one caveat is that although I adore my softened chambray shirt from Loft, it is 100 percent cotton. Good for keeping me nice and cool, but what a serious wrinkled mess it turns into after just a few minutes of wear. I promise you guys that I did iron this shirt before I wore it, and yet a five minute car ride was just enough time to create creases and lines. Oh well, what can you do? Go with it I say.

 Oh, and look who came out of hiding? I decided to give my blue Kate Spade bag a rest and bring out my selma satchel for Fall. 

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October State of Mind

Wearing//

Nordstrom blouse (old) but similar here

Loft moto jeans

Steve Madden flats

Kate Spade bag

Baublebar earrings, similar

I thought once October hit, life around here would slow down. Not so! I'm still finding time slipping away, with no shortage of parties, birthdays, work, and appointments. But one thing that is slowing down is the heat, and I couldn't be happier to slip on a pair of jeans rather than the old skirt and top combo you guys are so used to seeing. Finally, some pants! This is absolutely my "Fall" uniform. A pair of flats, a long loose blouse, and crisp new denim to kick-start the season. Now, I just need to catch up on your blogs because Nettie is taking up what little time I have before and after work. I plan on doing some heavy reading this weekend.

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Dark Floral

Wearing //

Loft waterfall cardigan

Loft skirt, love this one

Express cami

Zara kitten heels, similar

Chanel bag, similar here and the look for less

Nordstrom necklace, recent (check stores)

Essie polish in "Urban Jungle"

I originally wore this floral skirt during Summer. Floral print will always bring me back to warmer months, but the great thing about this darker print is that it works just as well in the Fall and Winter. This is what I wore to my friend's wedding rehearsal on Friday. We quickly ran through the ceremony and then celebrated at a casual Mexican restaurant. Her wedding the next day was beautiful! It was near a lake, surrounded by greenery and flowers. It was such an honor to be her bridesmaid. As an only child, my girlfriends have become the sisters I've always wanted and seeing each of them get married over the last few years has been one of the greatest joys of my adult life. There's nothing quite like it.

I hope you ladies had a beautiful weekend!

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Early Autumn Updates

Happy October everyone! This is probably everybody's favorite month. Am I right? At least that's what I keep seeing on Pinterest and Instagram. I am in complete agreement. The promise of cooler weather is always a welcomed one!

Here are some random odds and ends on my beginning to Fall so far...


1. Shoes. I've gone a little crazy with them! I keep adding more to my closet, and I keep wanting more. Case in point:

J.Crew metallic valentina pumps

Steve Madden Flats

These two are next on my list, but I can't decide which I like better. Thoughts?

2. Wearing basic items again and again. I'm sure you ladies have noticed these! As hard as I try to rotate all of the pieces in my wardrobe, I can't help but come back to what's easy, flattering, and obviously that I love.

White Topshop skirt, Blue bag, Metallic pumps. 

I can't stop, and probably won't stop wearing them through Fall. 

Express Barcelona camisoles in white and black. 

Great basic! They are made Fall-worthy by wearing a blazer or jacket on top. I can't recommend them enough. 

3. I wanted to report back on some recent beauty purchases, as seen here:

* The Maybelline palette is good, but I wouldn't say it's anything too special. The colors are neutral, which makes them extremely easy to work with. The color payoff on most of them is decent, with the exception of the lighter shades. They come across as a bit chalky. Overall, if you already own plenty of similar shades from other brands, you don't need this. Common sense alerted me to that before buying it, but I wanted to try it for myself.

* The NARS dual intensity eyeshadow in Dione is gorgeous! I'm very happy with it and have been wearing it on the weekends. It glimmers and shines like no other. I like it so much that I want more, which is always a good sign (or bad for my wallet).

* The NARS illuminator is also really beautiful. I've been mixing it with my lotion on rubbing it on my arms and legs for a subtle sheen. I also dab a tiny bit on my cheekbones, then top with a powder highlight to set it. Again, a stunning product that's definitely worth treating yourself.


4. Nettie is keeping me on my toes, but I love her so much!

How has the beginning of Fall been for you? 

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