Transition into Fall

Well, the weather is starting to signal that fall is near.  Its usually hot as hell this time of year but right now we are seeing the 70s which feels to me like fall.  Although I am sad to see summer go, one of the best things about the fall (besides football!) is fashion!  I just got all my September magazines this week and they are huge.  By far the best issues of the year.  I can't wait to see all the outfit inspirations in them.  But to start with, I thought I would share a great outfit for this pre-fall cool down in the weather.  I love that its all white but the shades and textures are all a little different.  The layering here is perfect for this time of year too.

Sweaters are always tough for me.  I don't like wool fabrics because they itch unless you always wear long sleeves underneath.  But I find that the good quality sweaters are always very expensive.  I really like the one I bought at the J.Crew Outlet.  It was only $20 and its J.Crew so the quality is great.  Its a great store for good sweaters at good prices.  Jessica's sweater is extra cool because of the leather elbow patches.  But those are very hard to find!  I found a really nice one from Banana Republic for $60.  Its not cream like this picture but its more of a tan.  

The white button up underneath is easy.  You can find those anywhere right now because they are perfect for fall.  I wear mine under blazers and sweaters, or alone with jeans for that classic look.  My new favorite is to do the half tuck in the front.  It takes it from preppy to cool so easily.  The Gap is a great place for basics like these.  This button down shirt is $50.  

And these khakis also from the Gap are $32 in off-white.  

I found this hat on Piperlime by Brixton Capistrano for $50.  Hats are kinda tricky to buy online.  Make sure the return policy is easy if you do buy online.  Otherwise, Aldo Accessories and Target are good places to shop for hats.  

I found a great scarf on Amazon for only $30...and its cashmere!  Its by Charter Club.  Considering that you wrap it around your neck, the softness of cashmere is perfect.  It also adds a luxurious touch to your outfit.  And you will wear this with so many other outfits.

And how perfect are these Guess pumps?  They are on Endless by Amazon for $38, and they offer free shipping and free returns so its risk free.  If you don't love these, first you are nuts!  But this site has a lot of options for cream pumps. 

One last note..I definitely do not follow the 'no white after labor day' rule.  If you wear it like this, with multiple textures and shades, you can wear it all year!

Skin Care

The last month of my life has been one filled with skin care frustrations.  I tried to switch things up and go the all out organic route.  My skin said...NO WAY!  And ever since then its been all uphill.  So after many new products and money spent, I am back to the tried and true Arbonne products I was using before.  Plus a few helpers added in.  Arbonne is very close to organic and many of the ingredients are 100% natural.  And it seems to really work the best for my skin.  But ladies, seriously, how frustrating it is to figure out skin care?  I thought I was doing the right thing by going all organic, and what do I get for that?  Not looking good that's for sure!  There are so many products out there and so much information about what works best for what skin type.  But really, its all relative to your skin.  I really just need to stay off the internet cause its nothing but trouble!  Today I went to get a facial from my lady Ivetta  and begged her to help me fix my face.  She scolded me for "experimenting" with new products.  "Skin care is what I do" she told me.  And she's right!  No more experimenting for me!  She told me that from now on I should consult her before trying something new.  Yes ma'am!!!  I highly recommend everyone get a facial lady like my Ivetta.  She has been my go to for eyebrows and facials for 4 years now and she really knows my skin.  Having a professional who knows your skin is priceless...albeit kinda expensive for the wallet.  But totally worth it in my book!

Now what I use may not be the best choice for you all, but I will share what I have used and liked the best.  I have super sensitive skin and clearly new products do not go well!  And I also have some breakout issues. My go to is Arbonne because its not made with harsh chemicals that are bad for you.  I like the FC5 Purifying Cleanser + Toner.  It really helps with oiliness.  I also like the Oil Absorbing Day Lotion SPF20.  It seems a lot of lotions clog my pores and this doesn't.  And the best shine control product ever is the Mattifying Powder.  Sue and I swear by this...especially when we go out.

Another product I really love is by SkinCeuticals.  Its called Phyto Corrective Gel.  Its a small green liquid that you apply with a dropper.  Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and helps calm and soothe ittitated skin.  It also helps reduce discoloration. Its like a miracle in a little bottle!  It seems a little expensive at $60 but it lasts for months.  I found it at SkinStore.com and they always have 20% off offers if you sign up for emails so you can get a good price.

I found that with all my skin issues, sometimes I have leftover discolorations that take forever to go away.  I found this peel by skyn ICELAND on that same SkinStore.com website. Its gentle enough to use everyday and really does speed up the fading process.  Its $45 but I always buy it with the 20% off.

And when things are bad, such as now, I use concealer!  It is my beauty savior.  Another makeup trick I use...really play up the eye makeup and no one will notice anything but your eyes :-)

Jeans and Booties...The Perfect Match

So, I have a new fashion obsession and girl crush.  Its on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.  She is a british (I think these brit women really know whats up in fashion) super model and she is so stylish.  I have never seen her looking anything but amazing!  So now I have set out to make myself a clone...sadly without the accent...or the whole model thing.  But, I can start using her as fashion inspiration!  My favorite looks are always the ones with jeans.  She really found a way to make jeans sexy and simple, classic and rock, all at the same time.  Here is one example I love.

I have seen so many pictures of her in these boots that I decided to start there because that must be the key. Therefore, these are a must buy for the fall.  I found a great pair on Piperlime by Sabine Jenillo for only $40! And there are actually a lot of sizes left.  I think I am gonna buy some right now!

The other key ingredient to this look is her skinny jeans.  The most important part of this is where the jeans hit you on your ankle, especially with a pair of booties.  I would even recommend bringing the boots with you to the tailor and getting them hemmed to just above the top of the boots.  Skinny jeans are everywhere and for everyone.  They come in a variety of prices and fit all types of bodies.  I have been spoiled by a few pairs of designer jeans, but they really do fit the best, as long as it fits your budget tho.  My secret advice is to go to Nordstrom and try on a few pairs and find the best ones for you...then go on ebay and try to find them for much less.  If that makes you too nervous, try Nordstrom Rack.  They have a great selection of designer jeans for half the price.  I found these J Brand jeans on ebay this week and I am so excited!  They will go perfect with my new 'Rosie Super Model' look :-)

If designer jeans are not your thing, try Guess or Gap.  I love my skinny jeans from Guess.  They fit perfect, but they aren't skin tight so they are really comfortable.  Another option is the department stores.  I like Lord and Taylor for jeans because they carry a ton of brands, which allow you to try on different fits.  They also always have sales and coupons so you can get a really good price.  These are by Guess for $89 but with the extra 15% off right now you can get them for $75.

White tees are easy to find.  I like t-shirts from the Gap and Ann Taylor Loft.  They are usually under $20 and super soft.  This one from the Gap is perfect for only $14.95.

The belt was actually pretty hard to find at a decent price.  I found an awesome one from What Goes Around Comes Around Vintage but it was almost $100 so I kept looking.  I found this one on Overstock.com for only $30.  The other option is just getting a black leather belt without the studs.  My biggest issue with belts and accessories is matching the metals.  So if you get a gold necklace and gold aviators like Rosie, make sure the belt matches.  Or if you start with the belt and it ends up being silver, get a silver necklace and aviators.

The rest of the accessories are super easy.  I just got a great pair of aviators from Norstrom for only $10!  I also always have good luck at Marshals and TJ Maxx for sunglasses.  I think any drop necklace would work with this outfit, but make sure it is simple and not bulky.  I love chunky necklaces but it would change the whole vibe of this look.  I like Target and little resale shops for fun, random jewelry at a good price.


If you like this look, but wanted to make it more dressy, replace the plain white tee with a silky top and replace the booties with some sexy high heels (pointy toe works best with skinnies).  If you go with the dressy look, you could definitely change the jewelry for something big and chunky.  It is also perfect for transitioning into fall.  Just add a blazer or jacket and scarf to the skinnies and boots and viola like this picture of Rosie below.  Fabulous!!!