(faux) leather skater skirt

faux leather skater skirt / cropped sweater (old, similar here and here — also love this one!) / black tights / black booties (old, similar here and here) / chain clutch / Versona sunglasses (similar here) / NARS lipstick in "Scarlet Empress" 

I'm usually a jeans-and-sweater type girl when it comes to the colder months, but lately I've been trying to break out of that sartorial box and challenge myself to create some looks that involve a little more effort. Because let's be honest: jeans and a sweater is pretty much the go-to for those freezing days in January. That's why I donned the tights and a chic faux leather skirt to add some spice to this cropped sweater.

With regular jeans, this cropped sweater tends to look a little blah, with the shorter hem getting lost in all the denim. With the sweater, I think it plays dual roles as both the statement piece and the blank canvas. The leather skirt draws the eye, so the plain sweater doesn't draw too much attention from it, yet the shorter cut makes it really pop (if that makes sense!). I love how the all-black from my skirt to my boots allows the dark wine color of the sweater to stand out, but it still keeps a sophisticated look perfect for a date night. I got this leather skirt last year, and let me tell you: If you don't have a leather skirt in your closet, head to the nearest mall because you need one! It is so versatile and easy to dress up and down.

What's your substitute for the jeans-and-sweater monotony of fall/winter? I could use more ideas! ;)

P.S. A wine-inspired wish list, my fall wish list and my favorite cardigan

Pumpkin picking + my fall uniform

On Saturday, Adam and I finally visited my uncle’s pumpkin patch and picked out a few pumpkins for our apartments! This fall has been exceptionally busy with my full-time job, part-time work and blogging, which is why we had to wait until the week before Halloween to get our pumpkins. But better late than never, right! 

We went to the farm around 11 a.m., and it was SO COLD. The sky was filled with clouds and the wind was a step away from tornado level! My hair could not be contained. Here’s how most of my pictures turned out, if you need a good laugh:

BP flannel shirt / cardigan / Express jeans / crossbody bag / wedge booties / fishhook collar / Maybelline lipstick in "Blushing Bud" 

Needless to say, we didn’t spend a lot of time there. By the time I found my pumpkins and took a few photos, my hands were numb. I don’t think I’m ready for this whole winter thing that’s coming… But we still had a fun time picking through the pumpkins. We’re planning to paint them tomorrow night — any ideas for how I should paint mine??

As for my outfit, I wore one of my new fall uniforms this year. I’ve already bought two new flannel shirts, and I wear them probably at least once a week (although we both know I’d wear them every day if I could!). I love layering this flannel shirt under sweaters and cardigans like this one for a slightly preppier look. I paired it with my newest booties (the wedge heel makes them great for all-day walking!) and this crossbody bag I got for my birthday, which is so cute and convenient.

Have you been pumpkin picking this year? Do you like to carve or decorate pumpkins? I’d love to know!

P.S. Last year’s trip to the pumpkin patch, the perfect fallcardigan and my favorite flannel shirt

A guy's take on... 5 fall trends

If you're a fashion girl, I'm sure you've had at least one conversation about dressing for men vs. dressing for women. I think most women (at least the women I know) would agree that we dress up more for the sake of other women than we do for men, and that's because we typically appreciate trendy clothes and inspired outfits more than men do. So I thought it would be fun to get a guy's (specifically, my boyfriend's) perspective on five current fall trends.

I learned a lot about Adam's thoughts toward women's fashion, and I was actually surprised by some of his answers. He's not one to think too much about fashion or trends (his closet is 80% T-shirts from college), but he does have a good sense of style, so it was fun to have a conversation about it. If you've never talked to your boyfriend about fashion, I highly suggest it — both for the insight and the laughs! The following responses are all straight from Adam, so read on to find out what he thought about these five fall trends...

Ponchos. When would you wear that? I don't even — I guess, no. No to all ponchos. I'm not convinced that's even a trend. I feel like it's a wannabe cape that's sold at an outlet store because they made it too long.
Verdict: (laughing) LOLOLOL pass.
(Side note: We were at an arena for a show last night and it was freezing. Adam said the poncho was starting to sound better and better, so not all hope is lost ;)

Flared jeans. I think my mom has those in her closet...from the 70s. It's like a bad Halloween costume. I guess you could wear those to a disco theme party though. So not all bad. And why is the waist so high (in the product photo linked)?
Verdict: (laughing) No.

Blanket scarves. I like them. I like scarves generally. I like it a lot more than an infinity scarf, which I feel it would be somewhat comparable to. Do they make those in gray? Is it big enough to be a blanket? It does somewhat look like you are tucking a napkin into your shirt.
Verdict: I like it.

Fringed skirts. Pass. That's all I have to say. Is it just in that color? I don't really like tan clothing. And I don't really like fray (aka, fringe ;). The length is also terrible — like what is it trying to be?
Verdict: Pass.

Metallic loafers. What would you wear them with? Casual wear? I like it with that outfit because the colors of the rest of her clothing are very plain and neutral, which allows the shoes to stand out. The shoes are such a loud color that I think they look really cool as long as you don't have too much going on.
Verdict: Good in the right context.

What do you think about these trends? Do you agree with some of Adam's votes, or disagree completely? What other trends would you like a guy's perspective on? I'd love to hear...

P.S. The perfect fall cardigan, my fall wish list and currently inspired by

[Images via The Sweetest Thing, Murphy's Law and True Lane]

The perfect fall cardigan

oversized cardigan / similar tee / Express jeans / similar booties / purse (on sale for less than $20!) / Rimmel lipstick in "bordeaux" / Revlon lip liner in "plum"

There's nothing better than cozying up in an oversized sweater when the cool weather hits. I love the versatility of cardigans, and the chunky knit of this one adds the perfect amount of texture to any ensemble. I paired it with a simple graphic tee here and added a dark oxblood lipstick for a fully "autumn" look. But honestly, you can wear this cardigan with so many different things. I've already worn it multiple ways, including over my favorite flannel.

The forecast is supposed to dip down into the 60s the rest of this week, so I'm excited to bring out even more sweaters and layers. I can't believe October is almost half over already... I guess it's time to start thinking about Halloween costumes, but I've never really been into dressing up for it so I have no clue what I'm going to do! Adam wants to do a couples costume, though, so that narrows it down. Any ideas for a great costume for two?! I need advice!

P.S. Fall for flannel, cobalt and cutouts, and polka dot maxi skirt

Holiday dresses for every occasion

Now that Halloween is over and the holiday season is upon us (I think we can thank all the department stores for filling our minds with Christmas thoughts before we've even had time to plan the Thanksgiving menu...), it's time to start thinking about holiday parties — which means holiday dresses. Here are some of my favorites for every occasion, from cooking the turkey to opening presents with your S.O.'s family to ringing in the new year.

Family pumpkin patch!

Last weekend Adam and I visited my favorite place in the world: my uncle's farm and pumpkin patch. The farm has been in my family for longer than I even know, and I grew up visiting during harvest season and picking pumpkins. I always make at least one trip back every fall to get some pumpkins and see the family. Get ready for lots of photos.

Dad and Grandma had a great time taking rides on the ancient golf cart... Until it broke down.

But the guys took a loot and got it working again. Hooray for manly men ;)



My grandma was happy to see my grandpa's old tractor looking as beautiful as the day he bought it. The best part about visiting the farm is all the family memories there.

And making new memories.

And taking a million pictures.

And a little outfit of the day action. Did I mention fall is my favorite?

Vests are having a moment

First, let me say I have a terrible fear of vests thanks to my tragic middle school years when one of my favorite outfits was a T-shirt under a red fleece vest. (Pause for cringing and laugh-induced choking.) I know, I've had some regrettable fashion choices in my time.

Needless to say, I've stayed far, far away from vests in the years since. But they are back in a big way. I saw girls on campus wearing them daily, and this blog post is dedicated to them.

Some of them look so great — but I'm just not sure I can pull it off myself. Especially with the Red Vest Incident of 2004 still haunting me...

What do you think? Would you (or have you already) tried the vest trend? Or do you have your own bad vest stories? I'd love to hear...

(Image via all things katie marie)

New scarves

I have a slight obsession with scarves, and I've been looking all over for new styles and prints to add to my collection. Neutral colors are a big part of my personal stylebook this year. Adam likes to make fun of the fact that every time I buy something new it's usually black, white or gray. But they just look so classic! And they go with everything, so I can add statement earrings, bold lipstick or fun shoes for a pop of color.

But for scarves, I want more neutral blacks and whites to wear with my green military jacket and lipsticks. I can't help it — winter just seems like a time for neutral color palettes. So I did a little online browsing the other day and found a few beautiful options.

From Express: black glitter | geometric coral | black and white aztec

From Forever 21: green plaid | blue paisley | gray stripes

Even though I chose regular long scarves here, I should also say that infinity scarves are my absolute favorite because of their convenience and effortless wearability. I have this snake print scarf from Express in a tan and gold print and love it, and this coral scarf with gold flakes from Francesca's is also pretty.

Where do you shop for scarves?

Wish List: Fall accessories

As you already know, I love fall — especially the chilly weather fashions (I've got a whole Pinterest board dedicated to exactly that). So I thought I'd share some of the accessories on my wish list this season.

1. Statement necklace: Style this up or down with an elegant dress or a graphic tee for multiple looks  2. Headphones  3. Statement ring  4. Knit scarf  5. Oxblood lipstick: I love the deep red color of this NARS Audacious lipstick in Jeanne for the holiday season...very festive and sexy  6. Stacking rings  7. Sunglasses  8. Tiered necklace: This one from Gucci is WAY out of my budget, but I still love it  9. Black ankle boots: The gold detail and the open design on this style are so versatile  10. Purple infinity scarf  11. Layered necklace  12. Nail polish: These navy blue, dark cherry and nude colors are absolutely gorgeous for fall  13. Tan booties  14. Berry lipstick  15. Clutch: The soft leather and shape make this a perfect accessory for any outfit, from cozy sweaters to date-night dresses

What's on your wish list this season? Anything like mine? :)

Fall nail polish

I've been looking for some new dark colors for fall and winter, and when I saw this green I couldn't resist. It's called Stylenomics from the 2012 fall collection, and I can't wait to try it. 

Also... I'm dying to try out a navy blue if I can find a good one. I really like this one.