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,

Fall Finds Under $50

Photography by AnyaFoto

Outfit Details: Charlotte Russe Crop Tee & Skater Skirt (similar here) c/o, BCBGeneration Hat & Heels (similar style here), Michael Kors Clutch, H&M Moto Jacket, Pink Slate Boutique Bracelet

You don't need to be a millionaire to look chic this fall. The key is to mix pieces to create a dimensional look. You need to put together designer + affordable + vintage clothes. The search for pieces of real value requires plenty of time and a good eye. Since I love to deal hunt, I decided to put together a fun collection with Mavatar to help save you time...and money! 

Early fall transitional pieces include a sleek moto jacket, cupcake skirts, cozy accessories, cropped tees and sweaters. Mixing edgy pieces, like the moto jacket, with soft basics feels super fresh for fall. The pieces you will find in the below collection have been inspired by this outfit. I just can't get enough of this Charlotte Russe skater skirt and fitted jersey jacket from H&M! It's a style thats suitable for every body type and budget.

Click on the below Mavatar button to shop fall finds for under $50!

What To Wear With A Little White Dress

Outfit Details:

Dress: Charlotte Russe (c/o)- Shop more LWD's here

Bracelet: Aqua (shop more fun cuffs on my Mavatar collection by clicking here)

Shoes: Aldo

Clutch: Aldo Accessories (similar here and here)

Necklace: Regatta Boutique (inspired by this Chain Bib)

Even though I am excited for fall fashion, I'm not ready to give up my strappy sandals and chic white ensembles just yet. In fact, I'm not looking to retire my white wardrobe at all! Yes, you can wear white after Labor Day. This is a fashion rule that I urge you to break ;). Just be careful how you style the look. An all-white ensemble is always easier to pull off in the summer. Let's take this dress for example. For the cooler months I recommend mixing in some edgier pieces, such as a printer blazer with leather detailing. I probably have about a hundred little white dresses in my closet, but I was especially drawn to the silhouette on this dress.

To make this simple look more interesting, I decided to add a pop of color with these lace-up blue high heels. I saw these shoes on display in the Aldo store window on 5th avenue and every time I walked past the storefront it was as if they were calling my name. So naturally I had to bring them home with me! To complete the outfit, I added a multi-layer gold chain necklace. I love how elegant gold looks when paired against white. It truly brightens everything up!

I hope this inspires you to take your little white dresses for a spin in the fall. There's no reason to push them to the back of your closet just yet. There's always an occasion for dresses and moto jackets! 

Photography by AnyaFoto

XO,

First Date Essentials

You only have one chance to make that first impression, so make sure it's a good one!  I'll never forget my first date with my boyfriend, Rob. I was so nervous to meet him because I heard so much about him through friends. He was essentially a Greek God. He took his fraternity life serious (in a competitive way) and everyone around campus knew him. His fraternity brothers even had a t-shirt with his face on the back of it that they would wear...I couldn't decide at the time if that was super cheesy or super cool, but I was into it. I went shopping the day before and spent hours trying to find the perfect dress. This was 5 years ago, there was no such thing as social sharing fashion apps. I had to do it the old fashion way, buy 5 dresses and hope one of them was approved by the fashion committee, aka my roommates and best friends. I finally decided to wear a little black dress with ruffle details down the sides. It was so comfortable and so, me.

The countless hours spent at the mall paid off, but looking back I still remember how frantic I was shopping for the perfect dress. I wished there was a way to bring all my friends along, but not everyone has time to schlep over to the mall. Thankfully, now there is a fun way to share outfit choices with friends online. To help you get glam for your first date in the most speedy way possible, I put together a collection on Mavatar featuring my must-have beauty and style essentials. 

First date check list:

1. Dress to impress. Make sure you are physically and emotionally comfortable with your outfit. Sky high heels might seem like a cute idea, but if you decide to go for a walk after your meal you'll be fidgeting the whole time.

2. Don't over accessorize or overdo your makeup. 

3. Emphasize your features. Do you have nice shoulders, long legs, or a killer waistline? Now is your time to highlight them! The key is to conceal your chest and show off another part of your body that you feel confident about. Your outfit should be sophisticated and fun like this adorable strappy heart cut-out peplum dress from Charlotte Russe. The peplum details at the center are super flirty and the open back is so unusual. It's perfect for a romantic date night. 

4. Don't wear something with a plunging neckline. Give him something to wander about. Plus, you can always save the sultry dresses for the third date ;). 

5. Add a hint of self tanner if you are in need of a glow. It will help brighten up your look. 

Must-have first date essentials:

-Travel brush. I always say this, don't be caught in a frizz!

-Roll on perfume. It's especially important to pack a mini perfume bottle in the summer time. You need to keep it fresh and fierce in front of your new man or girl friend!

-Gum or mints. Enough said.

-Lip gloss, not lipstick. When eating is involved, you run the risk of smudges and getting it on your teeth. Not a cute look. Reach for a light lipgloss instead. It will help keep your lips smooth and the tint will fade before you begin to eat.

To view all of my first date essentials and to shop the look, click on any of the products in the below product map or hit the Mavatar button.

What I'm Wearing: Strappy Heart Cut-Out Peplum Dress- Charlotte Russe ℅, Shoes- Aldo (similar look here), Necklace- Lough Jewelry (similar look here), Handbag- Zara

What He's Wearing: Express Top, Kenneth Cole Jeans, Burberry Watch, Nike Stefan Janoski Shoes, Firenze Tie

You can view more first date inspiration by heading over to Mavatar and typing "first date" in the search bar. There are tons of cute collections curated by other featured editors! 

XO,

The Ultimate Girls' Weekend

One of my favorite summer outings with my girlfriends is visiting the local wineries. We love taking the ride out to the countryside to bask in the sun, stroll through the lush green vineyards, and most importantly, toast to a beautiful day filled with a delicious glass of wine. I recently took a trip down to Old York Winery in Ringoes, NJ to celebrate a very special occasion with my two amazing best friends, Samantha and Lauren. The celebration you ask? Samantha's birthday of course! We tend to focus our get-togethers around relaxing events such as beach trips, mani/pedis, shopping, and of course... wine tasting. 

Whether you're heading to the rolling hills of central New Jersey or to the sprawling vineyards of Napa Valley, the style expectations remain the same. It's a time to dress lightweight, carefree, and girly! A trip to the winery never disappoints, so your style shouldn't either. To help you spend your next wine tour in style, I put together some simple style tips.

What To Wear To A Winery:

 Jessica's Style:

Loose flowing skirts paired with a sleeveless blouse creates an effortless look that screams simple and chic. Reach for colored skirts with feminine details like floral prints.  How adorable is this daisy-printed skirt I'm wearing from Charlotte Russe? The deep navy off-set by the light pink florals add interest to the outfit and help to highlight the lower half. These colors work well with any skin tone and let's face it, who has a bad day in floral print? No one! Browse more fun floral skirts here. 

For the extra glamorous factor, add big soft curls to your hair and simple jewelry. Don't forget to grab your favorite fedora or posh straw hat. It will dress up your outfit, and protect your skin from the sun.

Jessica's Outfit Details: Top: BCBG, Skirt: Charlotte Russe (c/o), Sandals: Steve Madden, Hat: Mark, Necklace: H&M, Cuff Bracelet: Aqua

Lauren's Style:

Comfortable and casual maxi dresses/skirts will help keep you cool even when the weather is scorching hot! Maxi skirts are classic investment pieces and they can be reinvented all summer long. I love the bold prints of this Maxi skirt from Charlotte Russe as featured here on Lauren!

Lauren's Outfit Details: Top: Forever 21, Maxi Skirt: Charlotte Russe, Necklace: Van Husen

Samantha's Style:

Wineries call for fun and flirty dresses. It's best to choose a dress that's a couple of inches above the knee, and not too form-fitting. Remember, it's hot out in the vineyards. Tight dresses will make for an uncomfortable and unhappy experience. So reach for your favorite little white dress, just like Samantha did here!

Samantha's Outfit Details: Dress: Target (Xhilaration), Shoes: Audrey Brooke, Hat: St. Lucia

An excellent way to remain comfortable throughout your entire wine-touring experience is to wear flat sandals. Chances are you will be walking through the vineyards and fields. There's no time for wobbly stiletto heels, especially after a few glasses of wine ;).

XO,

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