Fall Fashion Wishlist

By the time August rolls around, summer fashion is already in my rearview mirror and I'm fully focused on selecting what pieces I need to add to my wardrobe for fall. By Labor Day, I'm craving the rich textures of leather and velvet and deep jewel tones and black (if you saw my wardrobe, you'd get it.) I could spend hours flipping through look books and selecting my new seasonal staples, but I always try to be mindful when creating my wish list. My goal is to only select items that are currently missing or need replacing, are timeless and can be worn year over year, and versatile enough to wear with nearly everything in my closet. This year my fall fashion wishlist includes:

A structured statement handbag (Pictured: Givenchy); the perfect pair of lived-in denim (Pictured: GRLFRND); a day-to-night leather mini (Pictured: BB Dakota); timeless velvet pumps to elevate any outfit (Pictured: Gianvito Rossi); Bordeaux kissed lips (Pictured: Charlotte Tilbury); and fishnet hosiery for layering under ripped jeans and transitioning your seasonal mini skirts (Pictured: Vero Monte).

What are some of the items on your fall fashion wish list?

Tuesday Shoesday 4.5.16

Guys, how gorgeous and feminine are these Giambattista Valli floral pumps? Between the cherry blossoms blooming in D.C. and the onset of spring weather, I'm totally swooning over these delicate shoes.

Black and Tan

Coat: Forever 21 (older but similar here) // Turtleneck: American Apparel // Denim: Gap // Bag: H&M // Shoes: Zara

fall favorites: leather & layers

Wrap: BB Dakota // Pants: J Crew Factory // Boots: 14th & Union //Bag: Calvin Klein // Ring, Sunnies, Hat: lou lou // Nails: Essie Macks

#BloggerScene

Happy Monday, all! Recently I went to a fantastic event called Blogger Scene in D.C. It was awesome - I got to meet so many members of the D.C fashion and blogging community. Here are a couple of my fave pics from the evening. But let me take a selfie first...

White Tuxedo Sleeveless Blazer: BCBG Clark Vest // Jumpsuit: Asos Oh My Love Cami Strap Jumpsuit // Bag: Blair Ritchey c/o Haven Style House // Necklace: Gorjana Mika Pendant Set  // Bracelet: Bauble Bar Leigh ID Bracelet

Piped Stripes

Happy Thursday, all! Hope everyone has been having a great summer so far. Hard to believe it's almost over! Most of my summer weekends have been spent traveling to bachelorette parties, weddings and baby showers. So, with most my weekends spent traveling from event to event, my go-to weekend wear for summer has been ready-to-wear, easy cotton dresses. The kind of dress that I know no matter how long I have to be in it, I'll be comfortable the entire time. The photos above are from a 3-event day where I was in the dress for almost 14 hours - marathon!

Dress: C. Wonder (similar here) // Handbag: Kate Spade (similar here) // Necklace: J. Crew // Sunnies: A.J. Morgan //Shoes: Aldo (similar here) //Belt: Express (similar here)

Vintage Silk Special

Happy Tuesday, all! Today's post is a special one. The dress in today's post is a 20 year old silk dress purchased in the alley markets in Beijing that was gifted to me. With a few very minor alterations and some fun accessories, I have a brand new, one-of-a-kind LBD that I absolutely love. The quality of the silk is amazing and the draping and pleats of it make this an effortless dress.

Dress: Vintage// Belt: Aldo// Bag: Primark//Shoes: Zara//Watch: Fossil// Bangles: C. Wonder & John Hardy//Sunnies: Lou Lou's

Not-So-Basic Black

Happy Saturday, all! I love this black pencil skirt from Zara because it is so versatile. I can pair it with a crop top and booties for date night or a button up and nude pumps for 9-5; not to mention it zips all the way up the back for a bit of added detail making it your not-so-basic black skirt.

Sunnies: Lou Lou Boutique// Necklace: J. Crew//Jacket: Free People//Crop Top: Mimi Chica//Skirt: Zara//Bag: Calvin Klein//Shoes: Topshop

The Must-Have: Office Edition

As someone who spends at least 8 hours a day/ 5 days a week and their desk, I know how important it is to keep it stocked with life's little essentials. So here it is, my must-have: office edition.

1. Travel size hairspray, bobby pins, brush and hair ties. Those who take public transportation into work know that how your hair left the house isn't exactly how it will arrive at the office. I keep these on hand to tame any hair day I'm having.

2. A classic, black ready-to-wear heel. I'm currently rocking this shoe from Sole Society, which I love. It has a modest heel and adds texture to any outfit since it is suede.

3. Oral hygiene on the go. I always keep floss, toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash tucked away in my desk. Because you never know when that last minute meeting could pop up or when that salad you had for lunch could decide to stick around. In your teeth.

4. Lipgloss and Mascara. Whether you wear a full face of makeup or dare to go bare every day, I'm a big believer in always carrying mascara and lipgloss on you. Those two items take seconds to apply and instantly brighten up your look. For more wintery months I like Nars Stella and in warmer climates Dior's 576 Bed of Roses.  For mascara on the cheap I love Maybelline Falsies paired with Buxom Lash.

5. Everyday essentials. I always try and have these items stocked in every cube I've ever occupied: lint brush, travel size signature scent (Michael Kors Gold shown above), Aveda hand lotion and Burt's Bees.

6. If you're anything like me, your mani is nearly always chipped. That's why during the week I try to opt for more nude or glossy nails that are less likely to show imperfections. One of my faves: Dior Nail Glow. It provides the daintiest hint of pink and a nice lacquer shine. Top it off with Essie all in one, and you're good to go.

So there you have it! My office must-haves. Anything I left off the list?

Black//White//Orange

Shoes: Zara//Jumpsuit: Asos//Tuxedo Blazer: Zara//Neck Plate: Topshop