Fall Style: Cowl Neck Sweater & Animal Print Clutch

Today I'm styling a simple and comfy, yet fashionable fall outfit.

I love long tunic sweaters for the fall and winter! I recently got this gray cowl neck sweater from Marshalls. It is so soft and the perfect fit! I like cowl necklines because they are loose and drape nicely. This cowl neck is just the right size, too.

Marshalls has a good sweater selection right now! I love how affordable the prices are.
I've linked two similar versions below!

I am SO excited about this animal print clutch! I recently discovered it at South Moon Under. What is so exciting about it is that it's a WAY MORE AFFORDABLE version of this popular Clare V. Calfhair Clutch. The Clare V. clutch is gorgeous and I've been seeing it online everywhere. Realistically though, I just can't spend $275 on a clutch right now. Problem solved! This South Moon Under clutch is the perfect alternative. It's roomy inside and also comes with a gold chain to wear as a shoulder bag. 

By the way, South Moon Under is having an additional 25% off all sale items this weekend!

Men's Fall Fashion- Guest Post

Today I'm taking a break from women's fashion to feature affordable fall fashion for men. 

My friend, Brendan, put together this business casual look that is perfect for the office or a night out. 

These Kenneth Cole Reaction Chukka Boots are available at DSW and are a "must have" fall shoe! Brendan describes them as "comfortable and stylish". This shoe is classic and pairs well with denim and khakis. 

Flare Jeans

Hello friends!

Remember flare jeans?? Well, they are back. Skinny jeans still prevail, but the flares are trending, too. 

Honestly, I am loving the return of flares. They are SO flattering! Flares pair well with so many tops and look amazing with pumps or heeled booties. 

Plaid Blanket Scarf

Happy Thursday!

So, what do you all think of the blanket scarf?? 

I'm personally loving the trend, especially in plaid patterns. Blanket scarves can be a bit overwhelming though...for example, before shooting these pictures, I pulled out this scarf and my sister and mom said things like, "what do you do with that?" and "that looks like a blanket I would use on the couch". LOL.

There is no need to be intimidated by the blanket scarf. Once you learn how to tie it, it becomes a great accessory to any outfit (and warm!). 

Here's how...

1. Fold the squared blanket scarf in a triangle (bring the diagonal corners together)

2. Grab the ends of the folded triangle and bring them around your neck like a bib

3. Cross the ends behind your neck

4. Pull the ends around to the front 

5. Tuck the ends under the bib-like fabric in front or let them hang on the side

Viola! That's it. Super easy. Here is a helpful picture tutorial on my Pinterest page. 

Some blanket scarves are way too thick. I'll admit, some days I wish I could walk around in a blanket, but too much fabric around the neck is heavy and annoying. I've found the PERFECT lightweight blanket scarf at an amazing price. This SheIn Red Classic Plaid Fringe Scarf is beautiful and I love the plaid print and multi-colors. The fabric is light and it's the perfect size. Did I mention it's on sale for $14.50?! 

I've been scouting blanket scarves recently, and this is an excellent price.

Here's how I styled my blanket scarf... 

Pattern Mixing {plaid & stripes}

A popular fall fashion trend this year is pattern mixing. This trend is somewhat "out of my comfort zone" but I'm starting to like it more and more. I'll admit, I can be matchy-matchy at times!

 I'm loving the look of mixing plaid and stripes. This fringed plaid scarf is so comfy (perfect for fall and winter) and only $10.90 at Forever 21 right now! My color isn't available online anymore, but the navy/grey is (check the stores if you like this color). I may have mixed patterns with this look, but I matched the burgundy and navy colors (baby steps!). My burgundy blazer is from the Lauren Conrad collection at Kohl's. I LOVE her blazers and this one is no exception. You can shop a very similar one here. By the way, never go to Kohl's without a coupon! :)  

This LOFT striped tee is perfect for layering under the blazer. I've been wearing it so much lately because of how soft and flattering it is! If you're looking for a great layering tee, this one is it. It's regular price right now, but keep checking the LOFT site for sales. 

I bought these red Bandolino ankle boots at Boscov's last winter. I absolutely love them and was thrilled to discover they are available on Amazon! They are the perfect dressy bootie for fall and winter and look great with skinny jeans (ankle length or cuffed) or leggings. 

What do you think about pattern mixing?

Outfit Details

Blazer: Kohl's, similar (in Port Royale) // Striped Tee: LOFT // Plaid Scarf: Forever 21 // Jeans: H&M // Sunglasses: LOFT // Ankle Boots: Bandolino, Amazon // Bracelets: Kendra Scott and Alex and Ani

Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." 

Adding Fringe to Your Fall Wardrobe

Happy Thursday! 

Today's post is ALL ABOUT FRINGE. I've teamed up with 13 other bloggers to give fashion tips for adding fringe to your fall wardrobe! Fringe is a big trend this fall and is EVERYWHERE from shoes to purses to clothing to jewelry. 

This Open Fringe Cardigan was a great find at Target and a "steal of a deal" at only $11.18 (yes, you read it right!)!! I love the geometric pattern and of course, the fringe. It's super comfy and drapes nicely over a short sleeve shirt or long sleeve shirt like I've styled here. This sweater is the perfect fringe item to add to your wardrobe and the price makes it that much better! It pairs well with skinny jeans and would look cute with black jeans or leggings. I've never been one to spend a lot on jeans, but lately I have realized that the wardrobe items I get the most wear out of are jeans, so why not invest in a better pair?! I finally found these AG skinny jeans at Nordstrom Rack at an amazing price and they are SO SOFT. If you're looking for a similar pair, check out Nordstrom Rack for major discounts (no need to pay full price!).

I added a little more fringe to the look with these Jessica Simpson taupe fringe ankle boots. They are my new favorite booties for this fall and winter! I found them at Marshall's so they aren't online, but there are two very similar versions at Nordstrom (splurge) and Sears (save). 

By the way, my red sunglasses are 50% off with code FALL50, my Alex and Ani Dog Bangle (looks just like Jax!) is 50% off, and a similar necklace, the Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in Turquoise is 25% off on Amazon!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Outfit Details

Fringe Cardigan: Target // Jeans: Nordstrom Rack (AG Jeans), similar, budget option // Fringe Booties: Jessica Simpson, similar here and here // Crossbody Bag: Nordstrom // Sunglasses: LOFT // Tassel Necklace: Boutique Shop, similar // Teal Buckle Bracelet: Baublebar // Bangle: Alex and Ani // Watch: Fossil

Be sure to check out (and get inspired!) how these ladies styled fringe, too! 

Jo-Lynne Shane // Valarie at Charmed Valarie // Julie at Mom Fabulous // Ashley at Messy Beautiful Blog // Carylee at More Pieces of Me // Andrea at Momma in Flip Flops // Carly at Thirty Something Fashion // Kristin and Megan at BonBon Rose Girls // Gladys at The Mother Overload // Ellen at That Chic Mom // Maria at Very Busy Mama // Cyndi at Grace & Beauty // The Simple Moms 

Plaid Skirt {styled 2 ways}

 Today I'm styling this burgundy/plum & black plaid skirt two different ways and I'm loving both looks. This black top, plaid pencil skirt, and utility jacket are recent finds from White House Black Market Outlet. My mother-in-law and I took a shopping trip a few weeks back to the Philadelphia Premier Outlets and found some amazing sales at WHBM! I wish they had an online store so I could link each piece for you, but they do not. If you have an outlet near you and want one or ALL of these items, HURRY there! You can also shop similar options below. 

I fell in love with this dressy utility jacket the moment I saw it. The color is so unique; I'm not even sure what to call it! It's sort of a bright plum shade. I styled the plaid skirt with this jacket and open toe booties for a more laid back, yet chic look. I found two similar jackets online at J.Crew Factory and Rue21 that I really like, too!

I also adore this second look...the tights, wedge booties, and long silver necklace make for a more classy, dressed up outfit (and more appropriate for winter). I switched out the crossbody bag for a silver/gray clutch (similar at Target), This outfit is dark colored alone, so adding silver jewelry and a shiny, metallic clutch makes the look "pop"! 

Of all the fashion items above, I'd have to say that my favorite is the utility jacket. It's so versatile and will get plenty of wear this fall and next spring! I'm sure you'll see it on the blog again...

Which look do you like best?

OUTFIT DETAILS

Jacket: WHBM Outlet, similar here and here // Black Shirt: WHBM Outlet, similar // Plaid Skirt: WHBM Outlet, similar here and here (longer) // Open Toe Booties: Nine West, similar // Black Wedge Booties: Aerosoles, similar // Black Crossbody Bag: Nordstrom // Gray Snakeskin Clutch: Target, similar here and here // Watch: Fossil

Psalm 5:11, "But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may rejoice in You."

Autumn Fashion for an "Evening Out"

Happy Thursday! 

I'm excited to share this dressy "evening out" look with you all! This wine colored Express top is the perfect choice this fall for a dinner party, social or work event, date night out, and much more. 

It looks great worn alone, but would also look nice with a blazer or jacket for cooler weather days. This sleeveless shirt comes in several colors, but the "berry" is by far my favorite! The rich wine color is perfect for autumn and I love how the faux pockets and zipper accent add a dressy flare to the shirt. I went with a matching lip to add extra glam to this look. Deep purple and red lip colors are perfect for fall and winter. My lipstick is bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor in "witty". Check out this beauty post where I share why I love this product. 

OK, how cute is this calf hair LOFT belt? I saw it in stores a few weeks ago and fell. in. love. Last weekend I went shopping with my sister and aunt in VA Beach, and I snagged it during the LOFT 40% off sale! It's back at full price now, but keep an eye out- it will go back on sale! Have you signed up for LOFT e-mails? If not, you definitely should to receive updates on sales. This belt can be worn so many ways. I love how it looks with these black skinny jeans, but I can't wait to style it with a dress, too! I also found a similar version at Target for a lesser price.

Thanks for stopping by!

Oh, and a special thanks to my sister for letting me borrow this adorable shirt for today's post! 

Outfit Details

Shirt: Express // Jeans: Kohl's, similar // Haircalf Belt: LOFT // Leopard Shoes: Sam Edelman // Watch: Fossil // Lips: bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor (witty)