Early Fall Outfit With Closet Essentials

As October moves along, I'm (finally) beginning to embrace Fall dressing. I've come to the strange conclusion that my reluctance towards cooler weather really comes down to the fact that I just feel more attractive in the Summer. I hate admitting that because it sounds so vain but if I'm being honest, breezy colorful dresses, air-dried hair, and sun kissed skin makes me feel happiest and just more...well, me. 

That doesn't mean that I can't enjoy Fall fashion though because there's definitely a lot to love. During a cool spell last week, I pulled out some closet essentials I'd been saving, along with a brand new t-shirt I ordered during the most recent Shopbop sale. 

Wearing // LOFT belted wrap (sold out but similar style), LOFT jeans, Rails leopard tee, Target sandals (I also have them in the lower block heel)

Beauty // Lips in Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk

This belted camel wrap is unfortunately sold out. It's such a shame because it's the perfect transitional piece to throw on over basic tanks and t-shirts. I wore it open and closed, and I really can't decide which way I prefer. Both options are great! I live in floral kimonos during the Summer, and this knit wrap is similar while still providing a layer of warmth. Plus camel is so chic, isn't it? Pair any pair of jeans with a camel sweater or coat and you instantly look polished.

Speaking of jeans, I'm realizing that this is my first post wearing pants since June 17th! I've worn them a few times off the blog, but that just falls in line with my whole Summer of dresses thing. These crisp, dark wash skinny jeans are a new favorite even though I bought them months ago. They are the curvy skinny jeans from Loft's petite line, and they are true to size. They lay flat against my tummy, are roomy in the hips and thighs, and have the right amount of stretch. I highly recommend them if you're looking for an affordable, comfortable pair of classic skinnies.

Now, I can't really justify the leopard print tee even though I love the fit, fabric, and design. Rails is one of my favorite brands for luxuriously soft shirts, but the prices are honestly kind of outrageous and I'm actually embarrassed I paid as much as I did on this t-shirt. (Macklemore's thrift shop song comes to mind). However, it was on sale and I've already worn it a couple times. Quality over quantity wins again.

Some variation of this outfit is bound to become my Fall uniform. What will be yours?

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

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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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