Steel Cut

Let's talk oatmeal. It is such a wonderful shade for fall because it's cozy, neutral, and pairs so well with any combo of colored plaid scarves. I love oatmeal because I can spill a little bit of lunch on it and it's NBD because it blends in. Not like a stark white blouse that you;re screwed for the rest of the day. It's a low maintenance and wonderful shade that is great in a sweater, dress, or accessory.

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Target, Cable Sweater Dress, $29

Under 30 bucks. You cannot beat this deal. Pair it with a scarf, booties, tights, you name it. Make it your own.

Nordstrom, Halogen Slouchy Cashmere Beanie, $33

You know those girls in the winter who look so cool they don't even look cold? Be that girl in this hat.

Shoptiques, L'astiste Oatmeal Trousers, $53

Simple. Classic. Effortless.

Loft, Ribbed Sweater Vest, $69

Drapey and cool. I love this vest on it's own or belted.

Oatmeal isn't boring. In fact it's versatile AF. It is the best base for anyone this fall.

Be fabulous today!

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Stay in Your Lane

Let's play with stripes. Particularly black and white stripes because they stand out. They make a statement that no other color or pattern can. People tend to fear horizontal stripes because it exaggerates width, but I'm here to tell you that in monochrome in the right cut and fit, it accentuates every awesome part about you*.

Shoptiques, BB Dakota Portia Stripe Skirt, $73

Well this is quite the number. Wear this skirt when asking for a raise and work it.

Shabby Apple, Steamboat Skirt, $62

These stripes have a beautiful fall to them. It creates a very subtle chevron side.

Simply Be, Closet Striped Skirt, $87

Check out this waistband. It's going to nip in in just the right place to make you look incredible.

Nordstrom, Halogen Stripe Tie Waist Tiered Front Skirt, $69

Like I said earlier, let it hug your curves and if you don't have curves, this skirt loves you too. The way the stripes contrast in direction will create the perfect illusion.

Embrace the stripes. Thick, thin, horizontal, chevon, just have fun with it!

Be fabulous today!

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*that's all of the parts, you are 100% awesome.

Makes Wide Turns

It's Tuesday and I don't know about you, but I need some motivation. Some inspiration, and an outfit with an exclamation...point. It's ridiculously cold out right now so I've put the tights away and I'm all about pants, but snooze not, I'm loving this season's wide leg trousers that are high fashion but not high in price.

Nordstrom, Halogen Flat Front Wide Leg Pants, $88

A beautiful, leg lengthening pant that is sure to turn some heads.

JCPenny, Liz Claiborne Sophie Secretly Slender Houndstooth Trousers, $27

This charcoal houndstooth is going to go with every sweater in your closet.

Everlane, Slouchy Wide Leg Pant, $88

I love that they've styled these pants with flats. So often wide leg pants require heels but this pair is great with loafers.

Macy's, Free People Oxanna Velvet Flared Pant, $89

So chic. High waisted and perfect with a sweater, blazer, or silk blouse.

A wide leg pant is great for the middle of winter. Don't bother shaving your legs, and look runway ready in these trousers.

Be fabulous today!

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Seeing Spots

Sometimes a post is inspired by one item. You come across one item and you go, 'dang, that is amazing, I need to build a post around this.' Today that post begins with this stunning leopard heel. It is perfect. Now leopard is nothing new, but I needed to do a post with these heels so I am building  a post around unexpected leopard shoes. Something that adds a little extra.

Nordstrom, Halogen Marci Pointy Toe Pump, $59

Now 40% off. Mary Jane, leopard, just yes.

Asos, Pixie Pointed High Heel, $54

A suede trim put the perfect exclamation point on these heels.

Amazon, Wild Pair Leopard Boots, $24

A simple pop of pattern brings the chic to these otherwise neutral booties.

Lord and Taylor, Tonia Leopard Print Calf Hair Heeled Pumps, $47

What did I tell you? A little something different with leopard. 

A great leopard shoe is going to be a workhorse for your wardrobe. I promise you will not regret this purchase. So why not make it something unexpected? Play with leopard and you will always win.

Be fabulous today!

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Denim: A Do

Happy Monday lovebugs,
If you are an east coaster you noticed a distinct fall breeze this weekend. It took me a bit by surprise and I was searching for my jean jacket to layer on top of my outfit. This search was not a good one, not because my closet is a mess (it is) it's because I don't have a jean jacket. I know. So today, let's go shopping.

Levi's, Classic Trucker Jacket, $59

We've got to start with the classic. Levi's. You can't go wrong with this beauty.

Nordstrom, Halogen Denim Jacket, $29

Looking for a faded option? This one is on major sale.

Forever 21, Quilted Denim Boxy Jacket, $39

How about something totally different. Denim and quilted, so unexpected.

JCPenny, Joe Fresh Long Sleeve Denim Jacket, $35

A very chic dark wash that you can wear with a jumpsuit on the weekends or a corduroy skirt.

I really love denim jackets for fall. They are easy, you can throw them in the wash, and they are great for layering. Have fun with a thin fringed scarf or grab some pins and add a quirky twist to your jacket.

Be fabulous today!

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Crack A Window

Sometimes a great print is all you to take your outfit to the next level. I love a great windowpane print because it's monochrome, simple and awesome. Geometric, mod, and modern it just works.

Bloomingdale's, AQUA Window Pane Swing Dress, $88

I'm starting with my favorite. I love the combination of the large print and the swing dress style.

White House Black Market, Sleeveless Windowpane Blouson Dress, $69

A relaxed fit on its own or add on with a metallic belt, denim jacket, or a colored sandal.

Urban Outfitters, Lucca Couture Windowpane Shift Dress, $39

Wear this now with a long tassel necklace, and later with black booties and a denim jacket.

Nordstrom, Halogen Check Shift Dress, $98

A great work option. The collar is detachable so you can add your own oxford underneath for a long sleeve option.

The windowpane print is simple and eye catching. I love it for its versatility.

Be fabulous today!

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Sharpening the Knives

A very professional and ladylike trend that style that I just love in skirts is the knife pleat. Sharp and sleek pleats that lengthen the length and have a ton of movement.

Nordstrom, Chelsea28 Colorblock Pleated Skirt, $78

An airy midi skirt that is so simple and yet so dramatic.

Asos, Pleated Midi Skirt, $67

This sunshiny skirt isn't just for the warmer months. Pair it with a darker floral blouse for fall and a girly sweater set when it gets cooler. 

Shop Ruche, Sweetheart Pleated Skirt by Sugarhill, $64

Adorable, party of one?

Nordstrom, Halogen Pleated Skirt, $78

Originally $120 this looks like stripes skirt is actually a pink lips print that I just adore.

Knife pleat skirts hug the waist and legs so you don't have to worry about bulk. Pick soft fabrics that have movement and prints and colors that pop.

Be fabulous today!

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Not So Slub Fest

Hey lovebugs,
You know what's on sale right now? Linen. It's the end of summer. It's time to clear off the racks. So let's stock up on some lightweight, super comfy, make them chic linen pants.

Reiss, Gabriella Peppermint Stick Pants, $51

Originally retailing for almost $200, these gorgeous cuffed trousers must be in your closet.

Mango, Cotton Linen Trousers, $44

Linen doesn't alway have to look club. Blend it with a bit of cotton and hello streamline.

Nordstrom, Halogen Taylor Linen Blend Crop Pants, $27

Originally $70, this brightly hued pant is perfect for now and next spring.

Ann Taylor, Paisley Linen Blend Lounge Pant, $49

Originally $90 (!!) these are a perfect mix of color and print!

Scoop up your linen now ladies. It's sale time.

Be fabulous today!

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.