Leaving Trails

This photo of Mary Kate Olsen appeared in a fashion magazine a few years ago, and every once in a while I think about it. Here's the thing: I used to hate faux leather/lamé leggings, but she makes them look so chic! I tried on a pair once and I couldn't decide if they were for me or not. But I think I've decided that this is a look I need to try this fall. What I like about Mary Kate's look here is that she mixes the edgy leggings with a casual top and interesting shoes:

So here is my pick for a cute, easy outfit using faux leather leggings, a la Forever 21. Each one of these pieces has a nice price point and could be easily incorporated into your fall wardrobe, as well as make this style wearable.

Suedette Cutout Heels - $26.80

Thermal Knit Tunic - $15.80

Relaxed Waterfall Vest in Olive - $24.80

Edgy Sparkle Leggings - $14.80

I like the idea of pairing these leggings with some really amazing heels and either a knit tunic or a knit vest. The contrast between the two fabrics helps keep the leggings from looking like "too much". Wearing a tight fitting top layer would take the look from cutting-edge to trashy realllllly fast. So play with your proportions - tight on the bottom, big on top, and add some statement shoes. I'm going to go to the store and see if I can grab these. I'll post pics when I get some :)

All Summer In A Day

At least, that's what it feels like to me. This is my last full week of summer - EVER. I'll be a Senior next Wednesday, and then after graduation, it's off to the real world of marriage and 9-5 jobs. Kind of exciting though:)

This week was unexpectedly full of fun surprises. The best was discovering a pair of authentic Seven For All Mankind A-Pocket flares at Goodwill. I almost peed myself :P The jeans are not in my size and a bit big on me (no need to unzip to get these guys off, haha). But honestly, it doesn't matter what size they could have been, I still would have bought them. I mean you seriously can't pass up $189 jeans for $3.39. Basically made my day. I assured my fiance, who was with me, that I was amazing for finding them. Clearly the importance was lost on him, but I told him if he were a girl he'd want to be my bff :) So yeah, good day for sure.

Jeans, Seven For All Mankind; Tank top, Old Navy; Black Bow Heels, Red Camel; Tie-Dye tee, from Forever 21, tie-dyed by me

Last week I got this adorable handkerchief tank from TJ Maxx for $7. I've only worn it once, but I think it's comfy and has a lot of possibilities (none of which I made use of for this picture, haha)

Cheers!

Fall Shopping on a Budget

Fall is almost here! Well, in a few weeks anyways. But now is the time to start to ready your wardrobe to transition to cooler temperatures. Now I love a pretty sundress as much as anyone, but I'm SO ready for my fall clothes! They're always so cozy and fun. So, in the spirit of fall, here are some tips to help you maximize your wardrobe, look chic, and NOT break the bank. Enjoy!

Layer, Layer, LAYER

This is an old trick that's gained popularity through several seasons now, but it's one of the best. Get more mileage out of your spring and summer pieces by creating layers with your fall pieces. So put your tanks under long-sleeved tops, wear tunics over sweaters and vice versa. Don't forget that some of your summer dresses can work great for fall just by adding leggings, boots, and a cute cardigan. Take this autumn printed skirt by Boden ($78, www.bodenusa.com): Combined with black leggings, brown boots, a tee and a cardigan, it's a whole new wintry look to love :)

Denim Leggings 101

Although this trend might sound intimidating, it doesn't have to be. Denim leggings (or jeggings) are nearly everywhere right now, but the key is finding the right brand for your body. I highly recommend investing in a pair for fall - follow these tips:

1. Don't buy cheap jeggings, tempting as it may be. Keep in mind that jeggings without back pockets will emphasize larger bums in a bad way, and they tend to look unfinished and cheap on everybody (unless of course you're wearing long tunics that cover the back regardless). So opt for a pair with either faux or functional back pockets.

2. DO try to find ones with faux front pockets, as they keep you from having fabric bulges on the front of your thighs. Try to find dark to medium-dark rinses as they are the most slimming and versatile.

3. Pay attention to the way the fabric feels: is is too thin? Does it look cheap? Will it hold up through more than one season? Is it comfortable on your body?

4. Make sure you're 100% comfortable with the way you look and feel before your purchase; with denim leggings everywhere, there IS a pair for you - so no need to rush! Take your time to find your jegging soulmate.

Some good picks...

Ann Taylor Loft Denim Leggings in Rinse (www.anntaylorloft.com) $69.50

AE Jeggings in Dark Indigo (www.ae.com) $34.50

Neutrals Will Never Fail You

Spending your money on neutral pieces will help you get more use out of them. Buying neutral cardigans, leggings, boots, and jackets will enable greater mixing and matching and provide wearability for many years to come. So instead of splurging on trend-of-the-moment, colored pieces only, invest in some quality neutrals first. Buying a big neutral cardigan will save your life through fall and winter - you can throw it over a cute dress and boots for a date, or wear it with jeans and flats for running errands. Here's one I love from Forever 21 - a steal at just $13.50, available in black, gray, white, and heather gray - all excellent neutrals!

www.forever21.com

Accessorize!

The cheapest way to update your fall wardrobe is to add accessories. Maybe you already have plenty of fall pieces, or maybe you're just not interested in spending tons of money right now, but either way, buying some new accessories can really add a lot to your look. Stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe stock lots of luxe accessories for $4-$10. With just $32 (excluding tax), you could purchase 8 pairs of earrings from Forever 21! So next time you're low on cash, buy some funky hoops, an interesting bangle, or a cocktail ring. You're guaranteed t get noticed for only a little pocket change.

Hippie Hoop Earrings (www.forever21.com) $3.80

Shop Your Closet

Perhaps the best thing to do before fall is to shop your own closet. Often you will find old pieces tucked away from a few seasons ago that have come back in style, or could be altered to create a whole new look! Just last week I discovered a souvenir from the Galapagos Islands that my Aunt brought me years ago - now I see it as a cool woven tote that NO one else will have! Also look for old pieces you could cut up to make scarves or belts. And an added bonus: if you find things you no longer want or need, you can donate them to a thrift store and help provide support for those in need while simultaneously cleaning your closet! That's something everyone should try to do.

I hope everyone (whoever you are!) is looking forward to fall as much as I am. Now back to the reality of a heat index of 105 today...:(