what to wear: trail blazer...

I'm a huge fan of blazers... I just love how you can dress them up or dress them down and they instantly add interest to any outfit.  They are totally my outfit "cheat".  In my opinion... the best way to wear them is dressed down - it's the perfect juxtaposition.  Here are some super cute selections that I am just LOVING right now... tweed, gold, red, lined with fun fabric, etc, etc, - It's impossible to choose a favorite!

Blazers: 1. tweed, 2. funky lined, 3. gold, 4. red, 5. brown, 6. grey

Scarf, nail polish, striped top, moccasins, glasses, wellies, bag

Also... drum roll!  The winner of the Luxe Lotto is... Vittoria!

Linda and I just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that left comments and tweeted and even found us for the first time!  We are so blessed with amazing readers. We are planning on making the Luxe Lotto a monthly event, so keep reading for more amazing giveaways in the future!

fall crushes...

Now that fall is in full swing there are a few more things here and there that keep catching my eyes... I crave comfy, cozy, chic and relaxed.  I'm still completely obsessed with pink, but I'm loving pairing it with warm seasonally appropriate hues.  In addition, this gorgeous mustard-y color keeps catching my eyes, a cape is on my ever growing wish list, dark green is back with a vengeance (90's anyone!?!?) but I'm actually really getting into it again and I'm so completely hooked on Warby Parkers - I wear my glasses all the time now and really want another pair!

(mustard swing dress, essie green nail polish, striped sweater, lip gloss, pink tote, 

moccasins, "legend" necklace, sweater cape, glasses)   

knits galore!

What is more fun this time of year than picking out some new and super cozy sweaters for fall and winter... um, not that much!  Mmmmmmm... I just love a new sweater!

Here are some of my top picks for knits, knits, knits...

Go for bold sweaters paired with classic neutrals (think grey and creamy camel) 

for a winning look this fall! (above)

1. yellow

2. pink

3. red

4. blue

5. orange

Get super cozy with these nice and thick knit sweaters... pair them with your favorite skinny jeans and knee high boots and you are set to go! (above)

1. green

2. taupe

3. white

4. mustard

5. grey

Get this season's hottest trends with poncho styles, stripes, 

leopard and boyfriend-style pullovers! (above)

1. poncho sweater

2. bold stripes

3. leopard

4. stripes

5. v-neck boyfriend sweater

What style sweaters are you loving the most this season!?!? I personally can't wait to get my hands on a new super cozy one (or two)!

i (heart) fall... topshop!

Now that Labor Day is behind us... there is no shame in welcoming fall with open arms.  Even the temps in the mid-west have taken a dive as a reminder that summer is on it's way out.  Today's fall preview is from Topshop... reigning from across the pond, this London based retailer is becoming a quick favorite with Americans.  There is a huge flagship store in NYC and a new store slated for Chicago - but beyond that they pretty much only are available via internet to use North Americans.

I don't personally own anything from Topshop, however I will say that I am looking forward to a trip to the Chicago store someday soon!  I love the British sensibility with a strong dash of trend.  Here's a few of my favorite pieces from their fall line...

1. I am in love with this cozy wool toggle coat... it's so classic and crisp and looks to be very warm on a cool day!

2. This is a bracelet... not a scarf - isn't it so cute!?!?

3. Branch earrings are quintessentially fall, no?

4. Velvet flats - need I say more. SO.IN.LOVE.

5. These flowy asymmetrical tops seems to be popping up on celebs quite a bit lately.  

I think I'm liking this laid back feel.

6. This fold over clutch/cross body bag is right on par this fall.

7. A big and cozy navajo print sweater is very on trend right now and looks super cozy as well!

8. A big bold ring is a fun accessory for a new season.

9. How Audrey Hepburn are these driving gloves? Love them!

10. I'm obsessed with flats this season.  Any and all.

11. You can never have enough oversized sweaters this time of year!

12. Topshop carries denim in all colors of the rainbow.  My favorite is the red!

I (heart) fall... Old Navy!

Old Navy always delivers on standard basics and a couple trendy pieces each season... the price points are always budget friendly as well!

1. Trench coats of any style are all right in my book... how cute is this denim one?

2. Polka dots are right on trend right now... want to try the trend out? This top is under $20 for a noncommittal approach!

3. Pleated trousers are on their way back in too... again - a great way to try the trend without breaking the bank!

4. I can never have enough skinny belts... love this one!

5. Ankle boots are a fun and feminine look for fall!

6. Braided bangle... layer these guys up!

7. How cute would this Barbie tee look with a blazer and skinny jeans!?!

8. Mmmmm.... cozy sweaters!

9. Stripes aren't going any where - how fun is this crop top sweater?

10. Boots! I'm obsessed with finding the perfect pair of brown boots this fall and I don't want to spend bank on it.  Love the buckles on these...

summer to fall: boots with shorts!?!?

I was brainstorming more ideas on how to take our summer items into fall... or just plain old mix the two seasons of clothing.  My mind works in crazy ways that I sure that you don't want a glimpse at, but somewhere along the lines I asked my self... Self: would you wear boots with shorts?  Self replied: I'd need some talking into on that one.

You know when you like the vague idea of something... but you really need to see it in action first to decide!?!? My self is like that a lot.  Yours?

Well I think I sufficiently talked myself into it. Here are two ways that I WOULD wear boots with shorts...

Adorable wellies and moccasin booties seem perfectly paired with shorts. So tell me... would you swap your flip flops or sandals and wear boots with shorts!?!?

(above: scarf, shorts, top, blazer, ring, wellies)

(above: sunglasses, bracelet, shorts, top, vest, moccasin booties)

i heart fall: j.crew!

Oh, J.Crew... let us count the ways we love you. Adore you. Fall all over you.

It was easy... and at the same time, incredibly difficult to choose only a FEW favorites from J.Crew's fall line.  In a nutshell, I'll take one of everything here and one of everything in the catalog as well. That should be easy enough... right!?!?

1. This leopard print sweater is the cat's meow. I went the extra mile with the budget on this one. But it was so perfect. I can see me still wearing this in 10 years from now.  

2. The 'Betsey' sweater is just a great classic hands down. I never mind investing in sweaters because I know I will wear them a ton. I love this style!

3. These socks make me want to turn on my fireplace and brew some hot cider!

4. It's a sweater, and a jacket.  It's gorgeous!  The Merino Bomber Jacket is another total classic. How could you go wrong!?!?

5. Hello Resin Jeweled bracelet. Let's be friends!

6. This is a t-shirt blouse... how cute!?!? And simple. And flattering. And gorgeous.  Plus, this piece has a great price point!

7. Again with the sweaters.  A turtleneck wool sweater is a godsend in the middle of winter.  And pretty much any other time as well. This pink color is amazing! (great price point/value on this as well)

8. Rubber wellies... I'm infatuated with these boots.  They have a ZIPPER up the back ladies! Cute!  They come in really cute colors too!

9. I tried this color - Poppy King - on at the store and was a little hesitant... but now I can't get it out of my head.  I've gotta go back and get it!

10. A great pair of skinny jeans. Enough said. I love these.  These are high-waisted, a cut that is quickly growing on me!

So what are your favorites!?!?

i heart fall: gap!

My sister-in-law works at the Gap and I stopped in there last weekend to shop with her so she could show me what's good there this fall!  She had me try on a few things that I wouldn't have tried myself... and of course, I ended up loving them!  Plus, I have a few favorites of my own...  check out my picks!

1. Military Style Button Up - so cute in person!

2. Red Pointy Flats - I am in love with pointy flats AND red flats this fall. Perfect combo!

3. Ponte Leggings - these are SUPER comfortable and universally flattering, go try them on!

4. Coral Scarf - the perfect fall hue!

5. Long Sleeved Black Dress - this fits AMAZING and is really flattering, I'm watching for this little lady to go on sale!

6. Tie Neck Top - I love this style and this color!

7. Cropped Skinny Jeans - I just bought these... cropped is the perfect length for my short legs! And perfect for wearing with boots... no extra fabric.

reader question: fall handbags?

A reader email me recently wanting advice on a fall handbag.  She was up for making an investment on a handbag up to $400 (I always think an investment on a handbag is a good one... they look and feel better and last infinitely longer) and wanted to know if I had any suggestions.

Here are my tips on trends for fall bags... and take note, while some of the bags are in the pricey range ($200 - $400) not all of them are!

The messenger-style handbag... these are totally classic and ultra refined.  They can be worn on a shoulder or cross-body and can carry anything from the basics to an extra sweater or pair of flats and a laptop. I love this simple silhouette and the roominess!

(above: black, navy, mauve, grey, nude)

The tasseled or drawstring handbag... anything with a tassle or a drawstring on it seems to be right on trend this season.  They are very classic looking without being boring.

(above: cognac, black, navy, black with nude, pink)

The tote or animal print... I'm all for a tote.  Maybe that's just the mom in me, but I love having something that my camera, laptop, sweatshirts, snacks or whatever can easily fit into.  Sure it may make looking for your keys a hassle, but for me I love to have everything with me.  

(above: grey, leopard, cognac, natural with cognac)

Don't forget to check out what's going on at my other blogs today!

• Emma Watson sports a back to school ready outfit... perfect for a casual fall day! I love this!
• Speaking of back to school... see how I outfit my kiddos for the season!
• Also, you may not have noticed... but I have a new comment system!  If you were having trouble commenting before you should be good to go now! It's super easy and user friendly!

what to wear: summer to fall!

I've felt a few crisp moments of air lately... this past weekend didn't pack it's usual punch of heat and the evenings and mornings are starting to feel more and more like fall.  I just love fall; so while I'll be sad to say good bye to the abundant sunshine and heat of summer... I'm more than excited for cooler, crisper days and apples and cider and holidays.

Fashionably speaking... I love new fall clothes too!  And while I've done a bit of fall shopping (with maybe a bit more to be done).  I am still hoping to carry over some of my favorite summer pieces into the beginning of fall... are you!?!?  Or are you asking yourself what to wear summer to fall?

Here are my three favorite styles from summer transformed into fall looks. They are my white jeans, my denim shorts and bright pink!

White jeans can be brought into fall with boots, layers and darker colors.  I'm totally going to try white jeans for fall... I love this!

(above: clutch, jeans, top, blazer, ring, boots)

Denim shorts are perfect for those warm fall afternoons...
This is my tip on how to wear boots and shorts for fall:  layer up on long sleeves and sweaters or vests on top for the cool mornings and evenings!

(above: bracelet, shorts, striped top, sweater, sunglasses, flats)

Bright pink was one of my most favorite colors this past spring and summer... to bring it into fall layer it with neutrals like leopard print and fall appropriate colors like this red jacket or a camel jacket.

(above: scarf, jeans, top, jacket, shoes, watch)

Are there any items you are going to work on taking into fall!?! If so... how??

i heart fall... LOFT!

I'm continuing the fall previews with LOFT today... they are a great store for business attire if you work outside of the home - but they also have amazing refined classics that are a perfectly casual for weekends or you fellow stay-at-home moms.  This past weekend I was at the mall and casually walked by their store and about 20 pieces just *screamed* to me from their windows!  I love the lace details and cool and calming colors of their fall line.  It's almost like their pieces are visually relaxing, does that make sense? Can clothing be zen-like?

Here are a few of my favorites from their fall line.

1. leather bangles, this is so cute and I have been seeing these everywhere!

2. leopard print blouse, need I say more!?!?

3. flare leg trouser, I just love this silhouette!

4. classic wedges are perfect for fall!

5. lace applique sweatshirt, my favorite piece in the bunch!

6. chunky necklace, a simple but bold statement!

7. classic blazer, this is such a versatile color!

8. flare trouser jeans, so chic and perfect for casual Fridays!

i love fall: forever 21

I love to comb all the stores this time of year for fall goodies for my wardrobe... I'm assuming you do to!?!? Right... or you just want me to do the work for you... which I am totally down with.  So, here we go... first up: Forever 21.

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8. / 9. / 10. / 11. / 12. / 13. 

fall sneaks...

 What's better than fall fashion? Not much... well, relatively speaking, that is.  I can't wait to get my hands on whatever is new and hot for fall - as always.  And from the sounds of it... neither can you! I've already gotten multiple requests for the fall looks:book...  and I'm on it folks! I promise!  Plan on mid-August...

In the meantime, here are a few fall pieces I've seen popping up at retailers.  So far for the fall I am forecasting bright colors toned down with seasonal neutrals and a touch of prep and menswear to sneak in as well.

("&" sweater, gingham top, blazer, tasseled loafers, stacked bracelets, red satchel, vest)

(maxi dress, nail polish, leopard scarf, sweater, polka dot top, red flats, bracelet)