Go-To Fall Looks: Outfit Ideas

Photography by Art Petrosemelo

Outfit Details: Charlotte Russe High Waisted Skater Skirt (c/o), H&M Knit Sweater, Pink Slate Boutique Blanket Scarf-Study Date (c/o), Nine West Flats (similar), Forever21 Handbag (similar), Ray Ban Aviators 

After spending a frustrating fifteen minutes every morning for the past two weeks staring at my closet trying to decide what to wear, I realized I have a love-hate relationship with the fall. I enjoy the beautiful foliage and crisp cool air, but I often feel like I don't have anything to wear (worst feeling ever). That is, until... I came up with a fall outfit formula. Yes, a formula. Each season I get in the habit of rotating a few key pieces in my wardrobe to make outfit choosing easy. All summer long I wear a variation of maxi skirts, A-line dresses, midi skirts, a structured blouse, statement piece, and sandals. But when it comes time for the fall, I often feel stumped because one second it's hot and the next it's bone-chilling cold. As the temperatures begin to shift I've slowly restocked my closet with all the essentials- cashmere, knit sweaters, ankle booties, faux fur vests, long sleeved dresses, and chunky scarves. 

Once I gathered the foundation, I started building quick and easy "wear-anywhere" outfits. This high-waisted skater skirt ensemble is number one on my go-to list and it can be worn straight into November if you layer wisely. Simply add a chunky knit sweater and scarf. I recommend updating your wardrobe with a few oversized scarves, like this "Study Date" one by Pink Slate Boutique. It's always good to have a few of these on hand when you want to wrap up in something cozy and still look polished. Since the temps are currently in the 50s/60s, I was able to get away sans jacket and stockings, but you can layer those items on as needed.

Here are a few more fabulous fall outfit ideas that will help solve your "nothing to wear" problems:

-Faux leather leggings + an oversized sweater- check out this fun post by Lana Jayne for inspiration

-A cropped trench coat + an A-line skirt

-An oversized blazer + a faux leather skirt 

-Skinny jeans + a printed blazer

What's your favorite go-to outfit for fall?

 XX,

Yellow Shirt Dress

Photography By Art Petrosemolo

Outfit Details: H&M Shirt Dress and Oxfords, Express Belt (similar style here), Forever21 Handbag (similar), My Monogram Necklace, Nasty Gal Pearl Bracelets

I am a total sucker for shirt dresses. If you look through my closet you'll see this style in every shade and print. I treat my shirt dresses like a blank canvas and add accessories that fit my mood. They can be feminine, causal, professional and chic. For a relaxed weekend outfit I paired this yellow shirt dress with a belt and oxfords. I'm totally digging how this color blends with the cognac oxfords. 

If you are looking for a style that will take you from office hours to cocktails with the BFFs, this style is a fantastic choice. There are many work days when I need to quickly transition from conservative to night-time glam. During the day I typically pair the shirt dress with a structured blazer or knit cardi. At night, I let the loose waves down, throw on a pair of heels, a bold lip and viola. Instant babe. 

For more fun outfit options try pairing with an oversized choker necklace, or over-the-knee boots. Investing in a structured shirt dress for this fall will also help you effortlessly transition into the winter months. Pair with a faux fur vest, stockings, and boots. You'll thank me later in the season!

If you love this style as much as I do, check out some of my current favorites by clicking on the Mavatar button below. Happy Shopping!

XX,

Style On The Fly With East & Lo

Outfit Details: East & Lo Tie Front Pants (c/o), East & Lo Knot Front Top (c/o), BCBGeneration Heels (similar), Italian Leather Bag (similar here), Urban Outfitters Sunglasses (similar)

The trick to assembling a well put together outfit before quickly heading out the door? Meet the miracle: structured tie-front trouser pants. Not only are these pants super comfortable and lightweight, but they are 100% appropriate for a business-chic look. Straight leg trousers work well with just about any body type, and for just $16 you'll want to order every printed pair from eastandlo.com. 

I enjoy mixing prints with neutrals, and these chevron-printed trousers certainly draw attention in all the right ways. I actually brought this outfit on my recent trip to Paris and re-used the knot front top with a pair of boyfriend jeans and a black cape. It was simple, effortless, and truly a polished ensemble.

To snag this entire look, head on over to East & Lo's online shop. You'll also find tons of comfy sweaters to stock up on for fall. Don't forget to give them a follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Happy Shopping!

XX,

How To Wear Windowpane Prints

After a week long break from the blog, I am finally back! I spent six days in Paris with my then boyfriend-now fiance. We are engaged! It was one of the most unexpected, happiest moments of my life. It was so nice to get away with each other, explore France, and enjoy the beginning of the rest of our lives together. Thank you all for the sweet messages and well wishes. Each one has warmed my heart. We are excited for this new chapter together.

One of my favorite adventures on our trip was the tour of Notre Dame. We hiked up near 400 stairs to see the sweeping views of the city. Despite having extreme leg pain the next day, the tour was worth it. It was so incredible to set foot in a building over 800 years old. Not to mention, this is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. 

When packing for Paris I knew I had to bring lots of layers. The climate is similar to here in New York and there is always a crisp breeze coming off the river. Some of the key items for fall travels include a short-brim floppy hat, faux fur vest, flats for walking, boyfriend jeans, skinny black pants, and a mix of printed tops. I enjoy black and white for fall, so when I discovered this white window-paned top from Zara, I knew I had to have it for my trip. This design is so refreshing and it can be easily layered with a vest or oversized blazer. For more windowpane style inspiration you can click on the below Mavatar button. Happy Shopping!

Outfit Details: Zara Printed Top With Belt, Aqua Bottoms, Urban Outfitters Short-Brim Hat, BCBGeneration Faux Fur Vest, Nine West Flats (exact pair here), Madewell Tote

xx Jess

Why You Should Wear Maxi Dresses For Fall

Photography By Garry LaFranco

Outfit Details: Pink Slate Boutique Maxi Dress In "I Just Amour You"(c/o), Madewell Handbag, Pink Slate Boutique Necklace (coming soon- similar here c/o), JCrew Slides

October is easily one of my favorite months of the year. Pumpkin picking, apple picking, haunted houses, sunflower fields, cool crisp weather, and don't get me started on all the delicious pumpkin pies. It's no basic month! Although the temperatures are winding down and you are slowly retiring your sandals for ankle booties and flats, there's no reason to pack away your maxi dresses. In fact, these dresses should stick around until the winter months. Why? Because...layering of course! This may sound obvious, but the simplest way to convert your summer maxis into a chic fall ensemble is to add a fun oversized sweater or cardigan. For example, you can take this long sleeved maxi, as pictured above from Pink Slate Boutique, and add a big chunky cardi in a neutral tone. It would even look adorable with a cropped sweater or fitted blazer. The opportunities are endless. Get creative with your wardrobe!

Long sleeve maxi dresses give off a cool and chic vibe. One of the reasons I fell in love with this dress in particular is because of the vibrant pattern from head-to-toe. While of course I adore all printed maxi dresses equally, this one holds a special place in my heart because it was named after my upcoming trip to Paris. The owners of Pink Slate Boutique, Susan and Amber, asked if I would like to help give them a name for this new arrival. I love maxi dresses for fall so I decided to give it a playful twist. Hence the Parisian-inspired name, "I Just Amour You." :) Thank you Susan and Amber for letting me be a part of this!

I hope you will slip into a few maxis of your own this fall! Since I will be traveling over the next week, my posts on here will be limited. So come follow along on Instagram!

XO,

NJFABB Charity Shopping Event Recap

This past weekend, on October 4th, I co-hosted the NJFABB for charity shopping event in Jersey City with Rachel, Dhurvi, Rochelle and Patty. It was a beautiful afternoon filled with shopping, champagne, delectable donuts by Broad St. Donuts, mini makeovers, and giveaways. Before I get into more details, can we please talk about these mouth-watering donuts? They tasted as good as they look. Huge thank you to Broad St. Donuts for providing these delicious treats.

The event was filled with so many goodies, including designer handbags discounted to $45! Several lucky attendees walked away with Coach bags under $50. I'd say that's a steal. I am so thankful to have been a part of this experience.Together we helped raise over $1,000, and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the NJ Battered Women's Service. It truly warms my heart to know that all of our hard work paid off, and now we can help in a small way to better the lives of other women. That's what it's all about...loving each other. All you need is love (and a glass of good champagne)!

I want to give a very special thank you to all who came out to support this event. We had a great turn out, and it was exciting to meet everyone. Stay tuned for the next NJFABB event and be sure to give them a follow on Instagram and Twitter

A big thank you to our sponsors who helped this event come to life: Galian Handbags, Aaraa Accessories, Color My Bubble, Boy Meets Girl, Kings of Cole, Now Zen PR, Broad Street Donut, Touches by Ella

Photography credit to The Bloggerella

XO,