Keeping it Simple

Wearing //

Loft top

Loft jeans

MK bag

J.Crew pumps

Olive & Piper necklace

Beauty//

YSL lipstick "Le Orange"

Chanel "Black Pearl" nails

For me, it doesn't get any easier than throwing on a fitted top, tailored jeans, a pair of my favorite pumps, and a structured bag. It's honestly pretty mindless, but that's just what I like on days when I don't have the time (or energy) to really think through an outfit. This uniform works in practically any setting or situation, whether it's out with my husband, meeting a friend, or running around town. As long as the pumps are fairly low, I can manage. I'm starting to reach for basic pieces more often lately, and that extends to jewelry too. I like to wear a watch and just one other jewel to look put-together but not overdone. In fact, I just ordered this little gem from the Shopbop Friends & Family Sale:

Gorjana necklace

Take 25% off with code "Family25"

How cute is the sunburst/chevron design!? What is your current uniform?

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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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Transitional

Wearing //

Express twill moto jacket

Express cami

J.Crew Factory skirt, love this one!

J.Crew pumps

Nordstrom necklace, recent (check savvy section in stores)

I keep seeing your photos of beautiful Fall outfits and I can't help but feel envious. As grateful as I am for an extra month or two of Summer each year, the heat does begin to wear on me by the end of September. It was cool enough over the weekend to finally bring a touch of my Fall wardrobe out of hibernation, and I was as giddy as could be. We also got an eight week old fur baby on Friday night, so maybe it was the puppy love more so than the cooler weather. If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen our new little girl (her name is Nettie). She's adorable, but Lord am I tired! I've barely slept, I have bags under my eyes the size of golf balls, and every blouse I put on yesterday morning eventually got stained with...well I'll spare you the details. I changed about four times before leaving for work at 7:00 A.M. I'll keep you all posted on Nettie's progress, but in the meantime, expect me to look a little disheveled, frazzled, maybe slightly confused. The pup is the real transition!

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