Fall Floral and Dapper Dan

Simple Sophistication

“After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.”

— Christian Dior

I never tire of floral prints throughout the entire year. I love any kind of girly detail and this outfit symbolizes just that. I'm carrying my new purse with the bow detail and this LC Lauren Conrad dress from two years ago. Shopping my own closet lets me re-wear some of my old favorites with new accessories such as the purse, jewelry, or shoes. Speaking of, the shoes, from Modcloth, have a very retro feel to them with their velvet texture and cute little kitten heel.

I shot these photos up at Cinemark theaters before Justin and I saw a movie. The gorgeous weather and beautiful sunset, along with the colorful leaves, gave such a lovely glow that made it feel amazing to be alive. There was a pleasant little breeze as well that lent a nice movement to my hair and dress.

I had to get a photo of Justin and I with the pretty leaves behind us. Let's also take a look at his outfit, which I think is a nice date night outfit for any casual guy. Dark denim jeans, a button down, and brown shoes. Simple and well put together.

Ready, Set, Relax

Easy Breezy Chiffon

Oh the golden days of Fall. I look forward to these days all year long and cherish every second of them that I possibly can. A slight chill in the air, yet still warm enough in the afternoons to not wear a jacket. When I want to feel relaxed while working around the house an outfit I like to wear is a chiffon top, leggins, and embellished flats, these being sparkle. Its an easy breezy type of outfit that simply has no fuss to it. This is a great look for still looking chic while doing chores and what not. You'll see me in this until the weather truly turns on the frightful side, but until then, when I want to feel relaxed, this is a go to. If you are not one to wear leggings, then I would wear jeans. Normally, jeans would be my choice, but I like to break up the monotonous pattern of wearing jeans constantly. Variety is the spice of life as they say.

Breezy Top: Similar Match

Printed Leggins: Similar Match

Sparkle Flats: Similar Match

Coat Check

Fall Coat Guide 2014

Why don't you get out of that wet coat and into a dry martini?

“This is the garment that has kept the original function of clothes—to keep you warm. Coats can either be fitted or loose, whichever is your personal choice. But above everything they must be practical. Practical in color and practical in style. ”

— Christian Dior

An absolute favorite of mine, the Pendleton '49er jacket. This jacket truly never goes out of style with its retro-chic plaid pattern and roomy patch pockets. Made of 100% virgin wool.

The Pendleton 49er Jacket: Similar Match

Another staple I keep seeing is the military look. While that's not necessarily my style, I can't deny my love for this coat in an olive brown shade. The length and tie accentuate my figure while keeping me warm.

Olive Jacket: Similar Match

The famous trench coat. A classic style that will be forever chic. All I need is a fedora and Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca come to mind. Well here's looking at a beautiful coat for Fall.

Tan Trench Coat: Similar Match

While pink was the essential color for coats last year, this year I'm forecasting that light blue will be it. What's not to love from this Pendleton design? Made from merino wool, this lightweight jacket has the perfect pop of color to keep you feeling fresh.

Light Blue Pendleton Jacket: Exact Match

For all of you lovelies that live in a warmer climate this light weight lace bomber jacket is for you. Add some feminine flair to your style while keeping the chill off of your skin. The delicate blush color fits right in with my taste of keeping some pastel colors alive in the Fall.

LC Lauren Conrad Lace Bomber Jacket: Exact Match

Last but not least, the outfit I wore during this photo shoot. A nautical sweater from Banana Republic. Skinny dark wash jeans from LC Lauren Conrad. Lastly, candy apple red pointed toe flats from Modcloth. Just because the weather is changing does not mean my nautical flair must as well. Simply update the look with heavier fabrics and richer materials.

Anchor Sweater: Similar Match

Candy Apple FLats: Exact Match

Dark Wash Skinny Jeans: Similar Match

Lace and Leopard Oh My

Day to Night with Simple Swaps

As noted before, my love for leopard prints only intensifies once the fall and winter months start to approach. This outfit comprises of simple, classic, and timeless pieces that when put together look effortless. The base is a lovely cream sweater and leopard print skirt. For daytime I chose a lace bomber jacket and flats for running around town doing errands. Once night approaches, swap out the lace bomber for a black blazer and heels. I stuck with leopard heels and really fancied this hi-low blazer (higher cut in the back, longer in the front) since it balances out my petite frame. The jewelry, a tortoise shell watch, long diamond pendant, and crystal stone earrings stayed the same for both outfits. It just goes to show how a simple swap, here being the jacket and shoes, updates a classic outfit from day to night.

• Lace bomber jacket: LC Lauren Conrad
• Cream sweater: Kohls
• Leopard print skirt: Banana Republic
• Leopard flats: LC Lauren Conrad
• Leopard heels: DSW
• Hi-low blazer: LC Lauren Conrad
• Watch: Carolton's Rehoboth Beach
• Necklace: Joan River's collection from my mom
• Earrings: hand made

All You Need is Love

Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary

“Love is the emblem of eternity, it confounds all notion of time, effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end”

— Germaine De Stael

When I awoke on the morning of our anniversary, I was greeted by a lovely bag on our dinning room table. Now, the 3rd anniversaries symbol is leather and Justin did quite good if you ask me. His gift to me was two leather handbags wrapped in the cutest polka dot paper with a card nestled on top.

I'm quite in love with these purses because of the great detailing they have. I'm a sucker for a structured top handle bag and the little gold bow accent gives the purse the perfect finishing touch.

When Justin arrived home he gave me these beautiful roses and told me the meaning he thought of behind the three colors. Going from white, to pink, and finally red, the colors represent the deepening of our love over the years. How romantic! I was also surprised by the little snack he got for me. Cinnamon sugar covered almonds. An absolute favorite of mine to snack on.

I really could not have asked for a better anniversary. Between our time in the Finger Lakes to our little celebration at home, everything was perfect and I feel completely lucky to have someone so special and loving as my husband.

Chelsea always likes to get in on the action!

A Feather in Your Cap

Hat's Off to You

If there's one thing I love it's vintage, especially a good vintage hat. As you've seen with Summer, I had some various hats to choose from. Now that Fall has arrived, it's time to switch from straw to velvet, and let's take a moment to look at that fantastic feather! This dress from Modcloth has an amazing beaded bib neckline, quite glamorous, and the prettiest shade of green to compliment the Fall and Winter months. The sparkly purple shoes from DSW keep the glamor going; a great color to pair with green, wine, yellow, and orange. The vintage clutch also has some exquisite bead work on it with a pattern reminding me of a peacock. The egg shaped bracelet I'm wearing is a replica of Jackie Kennedy's. The colors on it remind me so much of Fall. I must say, this outfit made me feel as if I were in the 1940s and I loved every single moment of it.

A look at the back of the hat reveals a lovely little bow.

Hues of Harvest

Color Course

I've been snuggling up in some cozy sweaters lately and this cropped one fits perfectly into the new season. It should be mentioned that it tucks quite nicely into any skirt. No extra fabric to bunch up and look messy. The wine colored faux leather skirt adds some nice texture to any outfit and brings a sense of fun and youthfulness. As mentioned before, the leopard shoes blend in perfectly to match the color pallet of cream, wine, pink, red, and mustard yellow. The idea here is to add some texture and color into your Fall wardrobe. I love a simple black dress or outfit, but try to incorporate other rich colors once the weather turns cooler.  The shoes, skirt, and sweater are from LC Lauren Conrad.

This purse, from Carolton's in Rehoboth Beach, is the quint essential Fall hand bag. Perfect with its mustard yellow color, brown and black trim, and medium size so as not to over whelm, but big enough to carry necessary items in.

Pointelle Polish

Lovely Leopard

As the crisp cooler air arrives its imperative to start dressing appropriately. Fall usually has some cooler days mixed in with some warmed ones. To keep warm and cool try picking out an outfit that is made from pointelle fabric. Its a little heavier to provide some warmth, but also the open stitching allows for air flow. Another Fall must and one of my favorites, leopard anything. This luxurious neutral animal print pairs well with so many various color combinations and looks lovely to boot. The dress and pointed flats are from LC Lauren Conrad, the clutch from Target, pearl necklace and earrings from my mom. 

Alternatively, for a different look with the same dress, keep your hair down in waves, add leopard heels instead of flats, and trade out the pearls for some diamonds. A new look with some simple swaps of accessories.

Fancy Floral

Dark Floral for Fall

This elegant outfit lets you bring fresh floral into Fall by darkening them up a bit. Add on a lace blazer, belted to keep your figure from hiding, some snazzy gold shoes, and you're set for a night out or a polished work friendly ensemble. The dress is from modcloth and the blazer from LC Lauren Conrad.

Comfortably Cozy

Fabulous faux fur and cognac boots

This outfit combines so many of my favorite Fall fashions. A light weight creamy white sweater, jeans, tall cognac boots, and a fabulous faux fur vest. Every part of this outfit has essential Fall items to keep you stylish, chic, and comfortably cozy. I wear these boots all the time throughout the Fall and Winter months. Nothing better to keep those tootsies warm while looking well put together. The cognac color compliments all other colors and goes with basically anything your heart desires. The faux fur vest, which I recently purchased on my vacation to Rehoboth Beach, keeps you feeling snug as a bug when those temperatures start to dip.

Pretty in Polka Dots

1950s chic

Can anyone say I Love Lucy?? As soon as I saw this dress it reminded me of the lovable red head who always seemed to get her zany self into a sneaky scheme. That by the way is my favorite show. I watch it constantly, almost every day. The classic fit and flare design with pretty polka dots looks straight out of the 1950s. The cream belt cinches in the waist, perfect for creating a nice figure. To complete the outfit are cream colored heels. The dress comes from Modcloth, an essential store for anyone looking for classic designs or vintage flair.

The baubles for this outfit include a pearl and multi-color stone necklace, a purple stone ring and pearl earrings accented in gold all belonging to my mother. My usual tennis bracelet and and rings round out the bunch.

Wine Tasting

Summer to Fall

This was such a fun photo shoot to do. My idea came from the old saying of never wearing white after Labor Day. It's one of those rules that some stick to religiously and others say rules are meant to be broken. I never liked the rule per say. Yes, bright whites do look best in the summer sun, but who says you cannot take your bright summer whites and transform them into Fall appropriate pieces? There came there inspiration to take my LC Lauren Conrad white lace dress and carry it from a Summer style into a Fall. A few key accessory changes and the look was updated. As for that old rule about Labor Day, I saw wear your whites year round. A creamier winter white looks absolutely divine during the colder months and ever so chic.

1. The first look is the bright Summer white with red shoes, a gold bag, and a pink stone necklace.
2. My update for Fall look one incorporates an LC Lauren Conrad wine colored blazer. Next, a brown bow bag, a red rhine stone necklace and purple sparkly heels.
3. The update for Fall look two incorporates the same wine colored blazer, only this time I added leopard heels from LC's line and a leopard purse from Mark. Leopard is one of those neutral prints I adore. My favorite of all the animal prints. 

Here we have some of the accessories used from the photo shoot.

A close up of the two necklaces worn. The pink summer style is a replica of Jackie Kennedy's and the red rhine stone heart is from my mother's collection. The pearl earrings in the title photo were used in all the shots. They are also from my mom.

One of the Boys

Menswear inspired fashion is everywhere and quite a classic at that. Kathrine Hepburn started the idea of women being able to wear what men wear and gasp, back in the 1930s that simply meant wearing pants or trousers. While my style is feminine and romantic, a great way to add some menswear inspiration is through accessories, or adding one detail like the blue button down shirt I have on. For this outfit I wanted to keep the proportions at 50/50. My buckle stacked heels, briefcase style bag, and blue button down shirt are inspired by the boys while my pleated floral skirt, pearl necklace, and pearl earrings are quint essentially feminine. I like the balance between the two styles and think it makes a refreshing outfit with lovely classic pieces.

Twirling Tulle

Fabulous Fabric

One fabric I love year round is tulle. I could simply wear this fabric forever and never tire of it. In essence, tulle has a whimsical and romantic quality to it. Its what ballerina skirts are made of and the choice fabric for wedding dresses and princess ball gowns everywhere. This LC Lauren Conrad dress not only combines tulle and lace together, but comes in the prettiest shade of blue there is. Not quite green enough for mint and not quite powdery enough for baby blue, this falls somewhere in between the two creating a wonderfully beautiful palette. Notice the collar too, this dress has always been one of my favorites from LC's line and continues to be one of my choice dresses to wear for any event. I wore my mint green metallic cap toe heels from Zara to complete the look.

The jewelery for this outfit consisted of an aqua marine and gold bracelet of my mother's, along with a sapphire and gold necklace also belonging to her.  I've been wearing this necklace almost every day since my everyday necklace, the gold heart Justin gave me, broke along the chain. It's currently being fixed, but I needed another one to wear in the mean time. The earrings, not visible here, are also from my mother; gold hearts with pink enamel along the one edge.

Chelsea likes to watch me take my photos. While photographing the dress, Chelsea watched from the front porch of which I was standing right in front of. How cute does my baby look?! I couldn't help buy snap a quick picture of her as she gazed out of the door.

Transitioning Your Wardrobe

Summer to Fall

Before you know it Autumn is going to be here. While I'm a little more than sad to see Summer leave, I do have a special soft spot in my heart for Fall. I love the idea of the cool crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice latte's, warm sunshine filled afternoons, apple cider donuts, warm cozy sweaters, the list goes on. Possibly another reason I love Fall so much is because of the feeling of new beginnings it conjures up. Spring is the season of rebirth, but Autumn is when the new school year begins, and with that means new school supplies, new clothes, new friends mingling with the old, new classes, basically a fresh new start for the academic year ahead. Whatever the reason may be, Fall will inevitably arrive and with that means a wardrobe change from breezy effortless styles to a more cozier bundled up one. The in between faze can be tricky seeing as how the weather is still warm, but has those crisp moments in the mornings and evenings. With the weather still being warm, the simple change I like to make is to incorporate darker shades into your clothing for the transition period. The dress I choose from Modcloth still feels summery with its large floral print, but also has a toned down feeling with the darker blue background.

This photo is a fun one. I like incorporating movement into some of my images whether it be twirling my skirt or dress, jumping in the air, or simply swishing my hair around. It's important not to have a static feel of just standing there. What is funny about this jump is I did not know what to do with my hands at the time. Looks like I am about to catch a football!

Seaworthy

Sail Away

My nautical love has been going strong all Summer long and has no end in sight. As August heads into September, and we are all reminded that Autumn is approaching with the cool night air (it's been as low as 50 in the Northeast!) transitioning your clothing is now becoming required. Something as simple as a light blazer will do the trick. A cardigan will work as well, but blazers have a polished feel to them that a cardigan cannot match. This blue and white stripped dress, with gold accented jewelry, feels fresh and breezy for Summer. To combat the cooler night air, simply slip into a similarly styled blazer, this one from Banana Republic with subtle blue and white stripes, to keep you warm and perfectly polished as you make those Summer nights to remember.

Jewelry completes an outfit and can either make you feel dressed to the nines or subtly shimmering with key pieces placed here and there. Whatever your jewelry style may be, it goes without saying that these gems have an impact. I always use jewelry that is personal to me. Rarely do I ever wear something that was bought just because I thought it was pretty. There is always a story or a memory attached to mine. Here, the pin on the blazer belonged to my mom along with the anchor earrings, which I've been wearing all summer long. The necklace I received as a gift because of the nautical feel to it.

Lace Details

Simple Weekend Outfit

This is the kind of summery weekend outfit that I love. It's simply, chic, and effortless. The basic peach tee is spruced up with a lace sleeve from Charming Charlies. The adorable green skirt from Modcloth comes with pink and blue Hydrangea details and feels feminine. The color blocked heels from DSW, still a trend going strong, mix perfectly into the outfit with colors of purple, yellow, and pink. This outfit is great in either Spring or Summer and has that flirty fun feeling to it.

The Top 20 Stylish Movies of all Time

Let's be honest, when it comes to clothing style, its the silver screen that we collectively look to for inspiration. I myself have been heavily influenced by the greats revealing their style genius for all of the world to see while glittering upon the movie screen. Both of my prom dresses were influenced by Grace Kelly in two of her three Hitchcock films, "Rear Window" and "To Catch a Thief." I was so inspired by Faye Dunaway's character in "The Thomas Crown Affair," that I started to wear plum eye shadow for a good period of time, including my senior pictures. As a whole, my own style evolved from the screen goddesses of yester-year. Do you own a little black dress in your closet, because if you do,  (if not then you absolutely need to go get one!) you can thank Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast At Tiffany's" for that. For all of you gents out there, how about the ever popular grey suit? That goes to Cary Grant in North By Northwest. Styles and trends were born with the fabulous actors gracing the silver screen and will continue to do so for as long as fashion and movies are around. Below is a list I created of the top stylish movies of all time. Note, not fashion, but style. The two are different beyond measure. Yves Saint Laurent said it best, "fashion fades, style is eternal."

Listed are number 20 all the way through number 1, which is a movie that not only has great style, but also some of the best actors that have ever lived, not to mention the best director. Be inspired and enjoy!

20. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Yes, there were three Godfather movies, but this one shines above the rest with the stunning three piece suits and ascots worn by Al Pacino.

19. Designing Woman (1957)

Lauren Bacall really delights in this comedy as a high society clothing designer with her chic 1950s clothing and her dreamy feminine apartment with white trimmings in gold and splashes of pastel color throughout. Helen Rose created the costumes for the movie with Lauren going through 30 clothing changes, all perfectly coordinated of course.

18. A Single Man (2009)

Tom Ford, famous menswear designer, directed this stylish movie and created looks for the characters with the help of Arianne Phillips. Quint essential 1960s silhouettes, and that pink cigarette, take the audience back to the swinging decade.

18. American Gigalo (1980)

Two words, Giorgio Armani. He was just starting out at the time and was chosen to do the wardrobe for the movie. Trench coats and the chic business casual attire set the pace for the 1980s mens look.

16. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The film, filled with the likes of Chanel, Calvin Klein, and Yigal Azrouel, splashed onto the big screen showing the audience the inner workings of a high fashion magazine while dazzling the eye with contemporary and classic styles all the employees wore. Mostly Chanel by the way, which, needs no further reasoning.

15. Clueless (1995)

No film had a bigger impact on 90s teen styles more than Clueless. Knee socks, simple spaghetti strapped dresses, and white collarless shirts became the cool style to have.

14. Casablanca (1942)

Orry Kelly created the costumes for the film. Let's just say white jackets come to mind when thinking of this movie. Humphrey in his white dinner jacket and Ingrid Bergman in her white skirt suit.

13. The Awful Truth (1937)

As soon as Irene Dunne enters through the door with her white fur coat engulfing her petite frame, you simply cannot take your eyes off of her. Robert Kollach created the perfect picture of 1930s glamour style from silky evening gowns with nipped in waists to topcoats and tux's.

12. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Adrian Adolph Greenberg created the glamour and goddess, independence and self-possession style themes throughout the movie. The highlight is a floor-length white silk gown with Art Deco inspired gold sequin beading across the sleeves and bodice. The embellishment recalls Greek key motifs, a visual reference to the untouchable goddess theme that underpins Tracy’s character. The sleek silhouette draws from popular 30’s styles, with a nipped-in waist and tapered sleeves with extended, fitted cuffs. Understated and sophisticated, the dress exudes aristocratic old money and modern independence.

11. Dr. No (1962)

The first Bond film to launch the franchise, Sean Connery's James Bond embraced his signature brand of sportswear in a palette of pale blues and navy, as well as his black tuxedo. Costume designer Tessa Welborn created the look which still is carried out today.

10. North by Northwest (1959)

An interesting note to this movie is the input both stars, Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint, had in picking out their wardrobe. Hitch disliked the costumes MGM picked out for Saint, so he took her to Bergdorf Goodmans for a shopping spree. Grant had direct input  with Kilgour in London, to specially create the silver-gray, slim-cut, ventless suit he is seen to wear mostly in the film. The suit which GQ rated as the best suit in film history.

9. Sex and the City (2008)

Patricia Field, who also worked on the tv show, mixed high fashion with low in creative ways, instructed us that an outfit starts with the shoes, and that flower pins are really cool. Two labels that lead the pack in the movie, none other than Manolo Blahnik and Chanel.

8. Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)

Audrey Hepburn wore the little black dress and the rest, as they say, is history.

7. Skyfall (2012)

Tom Ford's suits were front and center in the 50th anniversary movie of the Bond franchise. Jany Temime wanted to create a slightly different feel for Bond in the cut of the suit and the way they fit Daniel Craigs body, but also have the same look since it is such an iconic character.

6. The Great Gatsby (2013)

Catherine Martin worked along side the likes of Prada and Brooks Brothers and put the Great in Gatsby. She won the 2014 Academy Award for her work in the film. 1920s glitz and glamour, vibrant and full of energy, feathers and diamonds, tailored suits and tuxes, all make up the feel of excess for the style. Tiffany & Co supplied the never ending jewels.

5. The Women (1939)

A movie about men and fashion, with no men in sight. Adrian Adolph Greenberg created the look for each woman in the film, even going as far as to have a fashion show sequence in color apart from the rest of the black and white film. Smart tailored suits, country chic, frills and bows, and gaudy gowns make up the look for this classic.

4. Funny Face (1957)

Audrey Hepburn. Need I say more? Costume designers Edith Head and Hubert de Givenchy were Academy Award nominated for their work which featured monochromatic ensembles paired with striking Parisian gowns.

3. Vertigo (1958)

Edith Head created one of her most talked about looks for this movie, the white full length coat Kim Novak wears. The clothes represent each characters identity, specifically Judy/Madeleine. Judy wears the sophisticated frocks, while Madeleine, her "other half" wears unflattering pieces. Scottie's obsession in recreating Judy, makes Madeleine change her entire look and wardrobe to appear as Judy. The famous gray suit, though Kim was against it, represents modesty and Hitchcock was insistent about having it in the movie.

2. The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)

Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway shine on celluloid with debonair 3 piece Gatsby-esque suits and sexy skirt suit outfits, mini dresses, and incredible hats. Why do we not wear hats anymore?? Theadora Van Runkle created more than 29 costume changes for the leads, giving them each a distinct look they would carry with them for the rest of their lives.

1. Rear Window (1954)

Costume designer Edith Head and Grace Kelly make for one dynamic duo in this masterpiece of suspense and style. Grace's elegant 1950s wardrobe is timeless and effortlessly chic inspiring countless numbers of celebrities today. With her pearl necklaces, and "straight off the Paris plane," her style is of class and wealth. The black, deep v neck dress, with white frothy chiffon, is arguably one of the most famous of the 50s decade. Her other looks of a black chiffon dress, celery green skirt suit with a silky halter top, exquisite silk negligee, printed day dress with a nipped waist, and her final mens wear inspired watermelon colored shirt, jeans, and Gene Kelly type loafers, complete one of the most perfect and elegant wardrobes in film history.

Photo credit: IMDB.com

Shop Your Own Closet

Budget Babe

I think it would be safe to say most women love to go shopping. There's something about getting a new item that gives a little thrill. While I'm all for that and enjoy it to no end, I want to challenge you to do something that most probably have never thought of, shop your own closet. With the economy the way it is, all of us could benefit from saving an extra penny here and there for the future. As you can see from the picture to the left, my closet is pretty jam packed as it it. Mind you, this is just my Spring and Summer wardrobe. I have to admit, when I took the challenge myself to peruse through my own closet, I found some items I had forgotten even existed. Finding these "new items" was pretty exciting and felt good, just like a shopping trip would. So for the next week challenge yourself to shop your own closet and be amazed at what you might find.

Brooching the subject

Hair Brooch

This star burst brooch is a replica of one Jackie Kennedy had. I got the idea of using it after seeing some of her own pictures with a brooch in her hair at some of the famous Kennedy White House state dinners. It's a unique idea to try and why not??

Here, Jackie wears a sun burst brooch in her coiffed hair. Image source:  https://onlyjewels.wordpress.com/tag/jackie-kennedy/.