Color Me Cobalt

As much as I love wearing black and neutrals for fall, I always love a pop of color.  Cobalt is such a hot color right now, and I love incorporating it into an otherwise simple ensemble.  Below is my idea of the perfect pop of cobalt for a chic, fall outfit:

House of Harlow 1960 earrings via Piperlime {here}
Alice + Olivia pumps {here}
3.1 Phillip Lim x Target jacket {here}
Diane von Furstenberg dress {here}
Karen London ring {here}
Proenza Schouler PS1 bag {here}

Fashion + Philanthropy Friday

Happy Friday! This week's edition of Fashion + Philanthropy Friday is a fall-friendly accessory that makes me so excited for cooler weather.  The purchase of this knit beanie by Jedidiah USA {here} provides support to Not For Sale, a non-profit that fights modern-day slavery around the world.  This hat is not only chic and affordable, it helps fight against human trafficking and provides resources to survivors.  I love the idea of shopping for fall fashion items while giving back!

Designer Spotlight: Rebecca Taylor

Rebecca Taylor has been one of my favorite designers for a long time, particularly when it comes to fall clothing.  Her pieces are made beautifully, and are timeless with just a little bit of edge.  I literally want every single piece from this season, but below are my absolute favorites that I would love to invest in:

Black Tweed Moto Vest {here}
Grey Mesh Stitch Cowl Sweater {here}
Rose Leather Sleeved Coat {here}
Grey Tux Vest {here}
Sherling Luxe Cardigan {here}
Black Quilted Leather Jacket {here}
Blocked Cigarette Pants {here}

Pumpkin Season

Fall is without a doubt the best time of year for various reasons, but one of the main reasons is because of PUMPKIN.  I get so excited for all of the pumpkin-flavored items on menus everywhere, and I love decorating my home with them, big and small.  I try not to buy anything pumpkin before it's officially October, but I could not resist buying Southern Tier's Pumking Beer when I spotted it at the grocery store.  Enjoying seasonal pumpkin beer while checking out Vogue, and deciding on a fall-inspired nail polish color and gold earrings was not a bad way to spend a recent Saturday afternoon :)

nail polish: Sephora by OPI's "Can U Keep a Secret?", OPI's "Out of this World", Sephora by OPI's "Neutral Beauty"; earrings: Gorjana {studs via Shopbop here}

Thread on Grandview

About one month ago, I did a photo shoot for Thread on Grandview and was featured on their blog {here} to show how to style a skirt 4 different ways.  It was such a fun day, and Thread's boutique in Grandview is AMAZING! They have a beautiful store with the most incredible variety of designers and clothing/accessories, and the staff is not only knowledgeable, but so friendly and kind.  I felt right at home the moment I walked into their store, and cannot wait to go back for some much needed fall shopping!  Below are some photos from my feature on their blog {be sure to check out and 'like' their Facebook page here}:

Label and Thread sweater, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt, Lele Sadoughi earrings and necklace

Equipment blouse, Rebecca Minkoff leather vest, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt, Lele Sadoughi necklace and bracelet, CC Skye bracelet

Equipment blouse, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt, Lele Sadoughi necklace, CC Skye bracelet

Maison Scotch shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt, Lele Sadoughi earrings and necklace, Giles & Brother bracelet

Zoe Karssen top, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt, Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C., Lele Sadoughi earrings and bracelets, CC Skye bracelet

#ManiMonday

I first heard of the concept of "Mani Monday" via The Zoe Report {check out here}, and love the idea of women sharing their stylish nails with the hashtag #ManiMonday on Twitter and Instagram.  Being that I am a nail polish addict, I wanted to participate in the celebration of fabulous, fresh painted nails that set the mood for my style for the week.  No matter what time of year it is, I always love neutral nails, and these are my current favorite nude shades:

OPI's "Coney Island Cotton Candy", Philosophy's "Grateful Pink", and OPI's "Malaysian Mist"

Fashion + Philanthropy Friday

Happy Friday! This week's edition of Fashion + Philanthropy Friday is the chic and edgy spike bracelet by Liberty United {here}.  Liberty United is brand whose mission is to eliminate gun violence by taking illegal guns off the street and turning them into beautiful and fashionable jewelry.  With the purchase of one their pieces, 25% of profits will be donated to programs that work to end gun violence in the U.S.    I've been eyeing this bracelet for a while, and the fact that its proceeds go towards a good cause makes it even more tempting!

Early Fall Ensemble

As I mentioned earlier this week {here}, it is still a little too warm for a jacket in the middle of the day, but I'm okay with getting away with cute, sleeveless dresses like this while I still can.  Below is my dream outfit for the current temperatures, and once it gets cooler I would totally add tights and a chic coat!

Topshop sunglasses {here}, Anine Bing ankle boots {here}, Madewell dress {here}, Wanderluster New York earrings {here}, Bellebas bag via Boticca {here}

Tory Burch via TJ Maxx

Bargain shopping is probably my greatest talent - no joke.  My Mom is an expert at it, and taught me well so naturally TJ Maxx is one of my favorite stores.  TJ Maxx is the epitome of bargain shopping, and although I have been shopping there for years, often times I still cannot believe what I can find.  Recently, I discovered a Tory Burch dress on sale for $39 - with an original price tag of $600! It was not only a steal, it is gorgeous and I cannot wait to wear it this coming weekend.  Happy bargain shopping, and might I suggest a trip to your nearest TJ Maxx!?

Almost Jacket Weather

The weather has been so back and forth in Ohio lately, and although I can't wait to wear fall jackets it is not quite cool enough yet.  I try to take advantage of wearing sandals for as long as I can though, because I know I will be complaining come winter.  Below is pretty much my standard uniform for this time of year:

Ann Taylor peplum top, 7 for All Mankind jeans {similar here}, Nine West sandals, Foley + Corinna Mid City tote {here}, Giles & Brother x Jewelmint necklace {here}, Gorjana ring {on sale here}, nail polish: Essie's "Turquoise and Caicos", toe nail polish: Essie's "Blanc"

New York Fashion Week: Part II

It was just too difficult to have only 1 post about New York Fashion Week for Spring 2014 {first post here}, so today's post is Part II with more of my favorite runway looks.  I love the variety of trends happening for Spring 14' and was, once again, so impressed with the collections shown at NYFW:

Fashion + Philanthropy Friday

There are many reasons why Tory Burch is a household name: great quality, fashion-forward yet wearable pieces, and the creator of the PERFECT flats known to woman.  Another reason why I personally love the Tory Burch brand is because of the philanthropy and pay-it-forward culture they project.  My love for Tory Burch flats and philanthropy is combined in this week's edition of Fashion + Philanthropy Friday: with the purchase of these shoes {here}, 100% of the proceeds go to the Tory Burch Foundation which provides support for U.S. women entrepreneurs and their families.  What a fashionable way to give back! 

New York Fashion Week: Part I

There are few things I love more than checking out the looks from the shows of New York Fashion Week.  It is so exciting to see what is in store for the next fashion season, and to see the hard work of so many brilliant and creative fashion designers come to life.  I loved essentially everything I saw and what is to be expected for Spring 2014: androgynous ensembles, 90s minimalism, crop tops, and plenty of chic white.  It was so difficult to narrow down my favorite looks, but here are a few that stood out:

 {photos via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week}

Current Necessities

I go through phases of my everyday, go-to accessories and beauty items; I used to be strictly silver when it came to jewelry, and wore pink nail polish on my fingers religiously.  Currently, I am obsessed with gold jewelry and white + turquoise nails even through summer is technically over {I love seasonal nail polish, but I also like to break the rules!} Below is my current favorites {including The Candle Lab's "Wasabi" candle - always a necessity!} 

Essie's "Blanc" and "Turquoise and Caicos" nail polish, Gorjana paperclip necklace, heirloom gold + diamond hoops earrings, Gorjana ring {here}, heirloom gold + sapphire ring

Colonel Mustard

Although in yesterday's post {here} I mentioned that I can't wait to wear fall clothes, the reality is it's still too warm outside for sweaters and boots.  I'm trying to take advantage of wearing the last of my summer clothes before fall temperatures hit, and that includes sandals, skirts, and this mustard-color sleeveless blouse from StyleMint.  I adore this color, and although the shirt is more of a summer material, I plan on wearing this through the fall with blazers and boots.  Sign up for StyleMint {here} for the best deals on blouses like this!

StyleMint blouse {similar here}, H&M skirt, Nine West sandals, Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. {here}, RayBan aviators, David Yurman bracelet, John Hardy bracelet, a_line watch, Gorjana ring {here}, heirloom ring, OPI's "Lucky Lucky Lavender" nail polish, MAC's "Viva Glam Cyndi Lauper" lipstick

Autumn Fashion: Neutral + Neon

There is nothing better than fall fashion, and I cannot wait to start wearing cooler-weather items and interesting color combinations. Below is my idea of the perfect beginning-of-fall outfit;  I love the concept of a neutral outfit with a pop of neon, and plan on wearing this color scheme all throughout the autumn months!

 1. 3.1 Phillip Lim sweater via Net-A-Porter {here}
2. Rock & Republic for Kohl's pumps {on sale here}
3. Jason Wu pants via The Outnet {on sale here}
4. Kooba 'Leroy' bag via Nordstrom {here}
5. BaubleBar statement necklace {here}

Fashion + Philanthropy Friday

I am one who keeps my hair routine quite simple; I typically wear it down, either straight or large curls, and I am usually too intimidated to try a fun up-do.  However, when I discovered Emi-Jay's beautiful and colorful hair ties, my views about everyday hair styles began to evolve.  Emi-Jay was founded by two teenage girls who wanted to create quality {American made!} hair ties that are both fashion-forward and affordable.  Emi-Jay gives back by encouraging young women to be confident and career-oriented through their partnership with Step Up Women's Network Young Luminaries program, and by giving back 20% of all proceeds to charity.  Below are my favorite packs, Brown Ombre for the perfect neutrals, and Snow Bunny for gorgeous jewel tones.  Check out Emi-Jay's amazing products and philanthropy {here}! 

Jewelmint

Jewelry is arguably my favorite way to accessorize, so naturally I am OBSESSED with Jewelmint.  Jewelmint offers such a great variety of jewelry; whether you are looking for a great statement necklace, stacking rings, or a classic pair of stud earrings.  Recently, I purchased two statement necklaces that I absolutely LOVE and can wear with so many different ensembles.  The first one is a Jewelmint Collective collaboration with one of my favorite jewelry brands, Giles & Brother, that has the perfect shade of bronze and goes with EVERYTHING {buy here}.  The other necklace I purchased is from the Sugar Pop Jewels collection that has the most beautiful combination of bright colors and adds the perfect amount of glam to any ensemble {on sale here}.  Be sure to sign up for Jewelmint {here} to shop for the best jewelry at the best prices! 

September

As I mentioned in yesterday's post {here}, I am stoked for fall fashion, and even though it's still warm outside, there are a few fall-inspired pieces that I can start wearing.  Nail polish is one of my favorite ways to represent fall colors, and I recently found the perfect leopard scarf and oxblood sunglasses that I can't wait to wear all season.  Happy September! 

H&M scarf {here}, House of Harlow sunglasses via TJ Maxx, nail polish: OPI's "Manicurist of Seville", Essie's "Velvet Voyeur", and Sephora by OPI's "Metro Chic"

Post-Labor Day Style

Happy Tuesday! I hope you had a great Labor Day Weekend! I am SO excited for the official beginning of fall, but it doesn't quite feel like it yet because it's still so warm outside.  It's always an awkward transition when I am dying to wear boots and scarves, but it still feels like the dead of summer; this summer I purchased this dress from Anthropologie that is the perfect way to fade from summer fashion to fall.  The material of the dress is sturdy enough that it doesn't feel too summer-y, but still has the bright colors that are still okay for the currently warm temperatures.  How do you transition your style from summer to fall?

Anthropologie dress, Coach bag, David Yurman bracelet, John Hardy bracelet, Gorjana ring {on sale here}, a_line watch {similar here}