All In: Falling for Fall

Happy All In day lovebugs. That's right, it's the first Monday in October, which means we're building an entire outfit for under $100. Today's look is quintessential fall to me. It's great for a warmer morning brunch with girlfriends or dragging The Bf apple picking.

Midi dress/Scarf/Booties/Bag

Be fabulous today!

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Culotte-It-Out

It's mid-September. It's time to layer your sleeveless dresses with denim jackets but its not quite time to break out the wool slacks. It's that weird in between time that can stress out anyone looking to look great. This is why I love the culotte trend. It's a wide leg capri pant that it a great transition piece for this weather. You can wear it with a simple tee and a delicate pendant or you can dress it up for work with a button down and sweater vest.

Nordstrom, 1.State Highe Waist Culotte, $99

I mean, hello. Look at this merlot goodness. So chic with heels or boots once it gets cooler.

Asos, Wide Leg Culotte in Graphic Print, $69

A gorgeous print that goes along with the retro color palette that's so hot right now.

Bluefly, RD Style Wide Leg Culotte, $70

This is a classic style and cut that's going to work for work or play. And pockets.

Forever 21, Wide Leg Culottes, $24

Even F21 is getting in on this trend. I love the crisp single pleat on each leg.

This style is going to work for the 9-5 and the weekend. The fit is relaxed and look is casual cool. A fantastic base layer to build an outfit that is perfectly you.

Be fabulous today!

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Bombs Away

Happy Monday lovebugs,
There is a chill in the air here on the East Coast. Do you feel it? It's fall kids, and I love it. It's time for layers, boots, and light jackets. We've discussed vests which are a great option for fall. And last week we looked at blanket scarves . Today we're talking bomber jackets, and boy do we have some options.

Piperlime, Tulle Embroidered Bomber Jacket, $74

Didn't see that coming, did you? I know. I'm in love.

Zappos, Converse Quilted Bomber Jacket, $65

This jacket looks so cozy and casual. Want to have some fun with it? How about adding a sassy pin? 

Nordstrom, Olive & Oak Floral Print Bomber Jacket, $58

A beautiful fall floral hue. Oh that navy.

Loft, Lou & Grey Draper Bomber Jacket, $89

Worn in, relaxed, soft, casual, I can keep going...

The bomber jacket isn't just for the boys. These patterns, quilted details, and colors are perfect for us and perfect for right now.

Be fabulous today!

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Tights!

Hey there lovebugs. Happy Tuesday! Thank goodness for a short week. How was your long weekend? Mine was full of sweat, packaging tape, and hangers. It was the big move in with the BF. The move itself went as smoothly as possible, with a HUGE shoutout to Bookstore Movers. Awesome guys. Now I must unpack which is probably my least favorite thing to do. I've discovered even after donating 8 trash bags full of clothing I still have enough to clothe a small orchestra. But the good news is the BF is letting me be a "closet hog" and now that it's written on the blog, it must be true.

Now, onto today. Forgive me, my mind is going at the pace of a dump truck in a school zone with its flashers on and going over speed bumps. Today I'd like to discuss tights. Fall is apparently upon us and while the temperature may not feel like it yet, it soon will, and it will soon require tights. Now I'm not going to get into the pantyhose debate because to each her own with that one- BUT I know fashion tights are something we can all appreciate.

Singer 22, Plush Full Foot Fleece Lined Tights, $35

These are my FAVORITE black tights ever. They are lined with fleece and they are not chunky. I love them for winter and fall. So cozy!

Target, Spaced Dot Tight, $7

I'm loving dotted tights this season, a great alternative to plain black

Old Navy, Basic Tights $6.50

Just what it says, basic tights. Perfect gray tone to pair with a corduroy skirt.

Fig Leafs, Argyle Tights, $7.35

Ok, wear these as your bold accessory. Nothing else chunky, bright or sparkly. Pick one bold item like these preppy tights and stay calm with the rest of the outfit.

Old Navy, Chevron Patterned Tights, $7

LOVE these! Put them with boots and its elongated leg central.

A little chilly

It's Thursday, which means tomorrow is Friday Foodday! Send me your recipes via comment, email or tweet please!

Today it's a little chilly but not quite jacket or fleece weather so today I want to feature some scarves. They are a great accessory for Fall and they can be very versatile from outfit to outfit. Here are some of my favorites:

Old Navy, Multi-color mohair scarf, $16.50
I love this with denim or a blazer

Nordstrom, Bindya geometric jersey scarf, $38
The jersey material makes this great for mild temps

Modcloth, Haiku scarf, $24.99
This one is so sweet and feminine, almost vintage looking

Macy's, Echo scarf chiffon zebra, $18.99
With jeans OR a little black dress!

Transitioning to Fall

I was talking with my friend this morning about how to move from sundresses to sweaters. It's a difficult change especially when the weather doesn't seem to be cooperating. Last week I posted about what it is just TOO early to wear right now; so what's the happy medium? Let's make some outfits that are fit for fall.

Sometimes I just have to start with a beautiful shoe:
Look #1

Fred Flare, Lucie Larkspur, $69.99

Banana Republic, Wool Herringbone Knife Pleat Skirt, $34.99

Gap, Favorite Cami, $10

Gap, embellished vintage cardigan, $49.99

Look #2

Old Navy, Boot cut cords, $34.50

Victoria's Secret, Silk & Cashmere Cowl Neck Sweater, $39

Steve Madden, Tuxxed Oxford, $69.95

Look #3

Gap, Always Skinny Jean $69.50

Ann Taylor Loft, Dolman Sleeve Cowl neck, $59.50

Jessica Simpson, Cedary, $44.99

Too Soon.

Happy Monday everyone!

It was a whirlwind weekend for me. I went up to Connecticut for some fabulous BF's family birthday activities. Weather and party was so much fun, but I'm happy to be back in DC. Too much suburbia weirds me out after a while. I'm a concrete and sirens kind of girl.

If you missed it, you can read my guest post over at Makeunder My Life for my September Dos and Donts list. Thanks Jess for letting me be a part of MML!

Today's post is about what it is too soon for. Believe me, I'm just as excited as everyone else for fall. I'm over the twice a day showers from heat induced sweat walks to and from work. I hate humidity as much as the next person, especially when it comes to limiting my clothing options to bare minimums. BUT, here are some of the piece of fall apparel that I frown upon seeing this soon in September. It's not that cold people.

REI, Mountain Hardware Monkey Fleece Jacket, $99

Zappos, Rocket Dog Fuzzy Clog, $42*
* these are NEVER ok.

Newport News, Stretch Velvet Pants, $44

Halogen, Novel Wool pencil skirt, $51

Trust me, you will have MORE than enough time to break out the sweaters, houndstooth, herringbone, corduroys, and whatever else winter wear you love. High 60s does not equal fleece, try a trench or cotton safari coat. Be strong, cold is coming sooner than you know it.

How to Make a Summer Sale Work Now

We've all gotten the emails: Extra 30% off sale, free shipping with orders over $100! I know you've clicked them because I have too. But then you are taken to a sale page with linen pants and heeled sandals. Let's be honest, the prices are great, but how many of us actually buy a bathing suit right now? Right. So let's take one of my favorite sale shops: J Crew and make the summer sale section work for Fall.

Why J Crew? Well because 1. I worked there for 18 months and always got a great discount which I still pine for. and 2. because their regular clothing has gotten so ridiculously expensive (a jacket for $1200? ) So I am forced to only shop the sale section in order to satisfy my craving.

Let's begin:

J Crew, Falling Ruffles Tank, $12.99
You may see a great cotton tank for summer but pair it with these items to make it work through October!

a great denim jacket:

J Crew, Nolita denim jacket, $49.99

And a skimmer chino to complete the look

J Crew, Skimmer pant, $19.99

Wonderful! Next a lightweight cardigan:

J Crew, Sailor Stripe Always Cardigan, $24.99

Let's pair this gem with a matching white shirt and khaki bottom:

J Crew, Drawstring Tee, $9.99


J Crew, Chino Bubble Skirt, $29.99

It's like a nautical sale! I love it.


Ok one more: a gorgeous dress in a fall transition color or neutral (i.e. no pastels)

J Crew, Cotton Cady Caroline Dress, $69.99
The darting on this dress will make ANY figure look amazing, it's perfect for work or play

Pair with a bold cardi and belt it!

J Crew, Featherweight cashmere cardigan, $59.99

J Crew, Double Studded Belt, $39.50
Toughen up this sweet dress and pink cardi with a studded belt!

See, that wasn't so hard. Just start with one piece that you love and make the rest work for you.

Sales not for the weak of heart

Can we please talk about the Summer Sale situation right now? It's probably the worst best thing of all time. Every one of my favorite stores is having a blow out sale right now- and don't even get me started on the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, my Visa is still burning. But seriously. Let's talk. For me, my essential work/play clothes come from a few staple stores which I will focus on today. Congrats to all of you who brave specialty boutiques and second hand shops, I just don't have the patience or the wallet for it. So, for me, it's Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J Crew, and Talbots.

Talbots?! Talbots you say? Yes!!! What used to be a 100% mom-tastic store is now supplying some adorable work appropriate pieces that won't make you look like you drive a minivan! Take for instance this cardigan on sale for...........$33!

Talbots Ruffled Cardigan, $33.99

Next we move on to the always dangerous J Crew sale section made even more threatening with the option of FREE SHIPPING today. Brace yourself.

J Crew, Super 120s Andre dress, $69.99

Some people think Summer Sales mean only Summer clothes. No, my friends, look harder...oh hey there wool trouser for under $60, how are you today?

J Crew, Favorite-fit wool crepe trouser, $59.99

On to Ann Taylor, this skirt is a little short for me to wear bear legged so I'm pairing it with black wool tights all winter long.

Ann Taylor Loft, Lace Skirt, $29.99

Banana I saved for last because, yes it has great basics, but sometimes it can be a little overpriced- like their "monogram" collection? Come BR who is buying that obscenely priced silk dress? Know your client. But I did find some great Fall pants on sale:

Banana Republic, 323 Martin flare-leg striped pant, $34.99

So that's my Summer Sale wrap. Hopefully the automatic emails in my inbox touting free shipping and promo codes will stop soon; otherwise, the bf will probably cut my credit cards into pieces.

Happy Shopping!