My Fall Shopping List & Packing For NYC

It's finally beginning to feel ever so slightly like Fall around here, although it's supposed to be over 80 today! We go back and forth a lot, but even if the weather isn't cooperative, I'm slowly putting away my Summer accessories and shoes in favor of more seasonally appropriate options just to get myself in the mood. My friend pointed out that just because California doesn't experience four seasons doesn't mean you can't create your own version of them. All the more reason to actually. And she's totally right.

I like a very casual bohemian style in Summer, but come Fall, I'm all about classic pieces. Think dark denim, chic flats, long cardigans, cable knit sweaters, and plenty of texture. I have most of these basics in my wardrobe already, but there are a few things I'd like to buy not only for Fall at home but also before I head to New York City in just a couple weeks. It's fast approaching and I really need to get on top of it! usually I have more time to prepare for a trip since Nate and I aren't exactly world travelers, but I can't express enough how excited I am to just go without overthinking it.

These are the things on my current wish list. I'm unsure if they'll all work for me, but I'm going shopping next week to try some on in person. I'll report back after my trip so I can explain in detail everything I packed and wore.

Pictured:
// Long sleeve dress // Cognac ankle boots // Leopard t-shirt // Black jeans // Satin midi // Slip-on sneakers



Thankfully, my shopping list is fairly small because as I said before, I already own some great essentials. I do worry about getting cold in New York so I plan on bringing some layering pieces like a scarf and some tights. I know layering is the key! Our trip is less then a week long so rotating between 7 or 8 pieces total will be easy. It's all about comfort, practicality, and obviously feeling as put-together as I can because it's NYC after all.

The items (or similar) below are all coming with me, and they're all perfect basics that I think you will love for Fall and beyond. I've worn them all in various posts, especially the Sezane bag that I still can't get enough of!

Pictured:
// Olive utility jacket // Similar Sezane bag // Blush cardigan // Spanx faux leather leggings // Gorjana necklace // Leopard mules


Have you been to New York City in the Fall? I'd still love to hear any recommendations you may have!

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style.

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The Monthly Edit // September

"A fallen leaf is nothing more than a Summer's wave goodbye."

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Happy October ladies! As usual, I have no idea where the year went but I'm just plugging along. Sometimes I think we focus too much on seasons and it all begins to feel contrived, but who am I to judge? This world feels like it's gone mad some days, so if pumpkin patches and football games give people joy then more of that please! I've actually been feeling a little blue about Summer ending, but I know I'll snap out of it soon.
It does feel like Fall here in the early mornings and at night, and I'm realizing that there are plenty of holes in my wardrobe that need to be filled before Nate and I go to New York City in a few weeks. I made a small list of things I need, and I'll share that in my next post. I cannot wait to experience Fall on the east coast!

In the meantime, here are some highlights from September.

Exploring local boutiques has become a recent hobby of mine. I went to a San Diego based shop called Pigment, and it was a bohemian dream. Tons of plants, home decor, accessories, books, fun and unique gifts. I picked up a baby shower present but I plan on going back and getting this coffee table book.  They have three locations but I went to One Paseo in Del Mar. If you're ever in the San Diego area, you must go.

Shopping at Sephora for a new perfume. My sweet friends Gina and Caryl gave me a gift card for my birthday and I wanted to use it to get something special. You guys know I love my Kai perfume oil and have worn it for years as a signature scent, but ever since trying Ouai products on my hair I have been obsessed with how amazing the products all smell. Brilliant to create corresponding perfumes. I had a hard time choosing between Melrose Place and North Bondi, but ultimately went with North Bondi. Both are floral, with North Bondi having notes of Italian lemon, bergamot, jasmine, and white musk. Melrose Place is well...heavy on the rose. Which I do really love, but North Bondi just dried down and settled better on my skin.

Who am I kidding, I could have bought both! I literally walked out of the store, thought about it, walked back in and still had trouble deciding. Anyway, Kai will always be my signature fragrance, but it's fun trying something new.

Eating all the Italian food. The bruschetta from Robert Renzoni Winery in Temecula is drool-worthy with pesto, prosciutto, sweet tomato, spicy pepper, and oil. Divine. I had a similar bruschetta at Isola in Little Italy just a couple weeks later while visiting Katie, so clearly I'm on a kick.

Drinking Irish whiskey on the rocks! I'm not sure how or why I decided that I like whiskey after years of thinking it tastes like gasoline, but Nate is very proud of me since it's his drink of choice. Instead of having a glass of wine while watching some of our favorite shows at night, I now enjoy a double pour of Jameson and drink it s l o w l y. The mural below is coincidentally located at One Paseo so I had to snap a picture after leaving Pigment!

Watching Succession on HBO was our Sunday night ritual in September, and there are only two episodes left of the season. It was a slow burn in season one, and it took awhile to get going but now I'm hooked. I also watched Unbelievable on Netflix that broke my heart, but the acting was outstanding and the ending leaves you feeling hopeful.

Overall, I loved September and I'm sorry that it's over but here's to looking forward to making the most of the last months of 2019!

How was your month? Any big plans in October?

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Ann Taylor Dress & Floral Kimono

Nate and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary on September 21st, and we kept it pretty low-key. I wasn't sure what the plans were because it wasn't my year to plan...we rotate! One year I'm in charge of what we do to celebrate, the next year Nate does. It was still pretty warm out so I went with my favorite Ann Taylor dress (last seen here) and added a floral kimono to bring in an extra layer since nights are getting much cooler now. I can't stress enough how much I love re-wearing things but switching up the styling to make it feel more current. I typically wear kimonos with a tank or t-shirt and jeans, but they also look great over dresses.

Aside from cardigans, I think kimonos are great transition pieces for Fall. Most people associate them with Summer, but if you live in a warmer climate they are perfect for those in-between days.

Wearing // Ann Taylor dress, similar here, Sole Society kimono, similar here, Target sandals, AUrate necklace, Similar clutch

So after dinner, Nate actually surprised me with a gift - not something we do - with two plane tickets to visit New York City next month! If you've followed me from the beginning, then you know we went to NYC in 2010 after my college graduation. It was a very short trip though, we were only there for 3 days total, so going back now for almost an entire week is such a treat and one that nearly brought me to tears. 

We have friends across the bridge in New Jersey that we will be staying with, and I'm so excited to see them too! I honestly have so much outfit planning to do right?! But more on that later. and please feel free to give me any tips or recommendations in the meantime! 

How was your weekend? Linking up with Pink Sole today. 

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The In-between

90 degrees and sunny, but make it Fall. Um, okay...

I wish I were better at transitional style, especially from Summer to Fall. The whole concept is sort of baffling if you live in a warmer climate and the truth is, Fall isn't really a season here in southern California. We get some relief from the heat now and then but by the time I get to enjoy it, Christmas is right around the corner.

The in-between can feel so frustrating when you can't decide what to wear! I spent a good amount of time yesterday trying on different outfits, feeling a bit defeated. But instead of throwing my hands up and complaining, I'm trying my best to embrace this predicament. I lived in dresses all Summer long, and just because my social media feeds are filled with lovely Autumnal outfits doesn't mean I can't wear my own version of Fall.

Dress, Cardigan, Booties

Dress, Colorblock cardigan, Sandals, Bag

Moto Jacket, Leopard Flats

Here are some tips I use: 

1) Switch out your Summer accessories. Instead of carrying your favorite woven beach tote or straw bag, pull out a nice leather (or vegan leather) shoulder bag. I typically reach for black or jewel-toned, but the blush Madewell tote I bought during Summer still works! More structured bags work very well in Fall and always look chic.

2) I also begin wearing flats again this time of year instead of sandals. They instantly read Fall to me. Ankle boots are naturally a good option as well. I love wearing mine with mini dresses for a more leg lengthening look.

3) When in doubt, the use of color will transition your wardrobe. Think orange, rust, mustard, olive, navy. Prints such as leopard, cheetah, and snakeskin are all big this year so incorporating them into your outfit is the easiest way to feel more seasonally appropriate regardless of your particular climate.

4) Layer, layer, layer. None of the outfits I created above are groundbreaking, I just added a jacket or cardigan to the dresses I've lived in this Summer. It really is that simple! Mornings and evenings are starting to get chilly, so having the option to add or remove a layer is practical and stylish.

5) If it's too warm for long sleeves, a kimono is a lightweight layering piece that still adds some visual interest to shorts, t-shirts, camisoles, and jeans. Even better if it's in a traditional Fall color.


I know retail calendars want us all to rush through each season, but that doesn't mean we have to! Changing a few details is all it takes to make the shift.

How do you navigate the in-between? By the way, do you like these type of indoor photos? Please let me know and have a great weekend!

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