Free FALL-in' :: camel cape + chambray

As the temperatures drop even further (however it was actually in the 70s here this past week...) I've found myself getting more and more adventurous and creative with ways to keep myself warm. There's no denying that outerwear rules the autumn season and it's been so fun for me to experiment with styling new and old outer pieces to create fresh looks that epitomize fall. 

First let's talk about this cape. I've never owned a cape before, which now makes me question, why the heck NOT?! There are so many endless possibilities with a piece like this, and it's definitely an item that keeps me cozy and warm. Similar to my poncho, it's like wearing a socially acceptable (and very chic) Snuggie in public. And how gorgeous is this neutral camel color? It's so easy to style and a great thing to throw on over anything. PS. This cape is now on sale and also comes in gray! 

Like I talked about in my last post, using a sleeveless top for layering purposes is a little trick of mine, and I'm doing it again here. I thought chambray would be perfect for this look because it has some Western flair to it (which is played up by my hat) and it adds texture and color into the mix as well. A denim shirt is a great investment because it's something that will stay in your style rotation forever.

I love topping off my outfits with a great hat, and this one from H&M serves as a stylish way to tackle the drop in temperatures. 

These refined ankle pants have a slightly slouchy, almost boyfriend-style, look. I fell in love with them because they're easy and relaxed yet polished enough for the office. I can see myself wearing these with a crisp white blouse and nude pumps for a business casual vibe. 

I wanted a half-tuck for this outfit, which, at least for me, is easier said than done. I've found that the key is to unbutton at least one button at the bottom of your blouse and then obviously tuck in one side. Mastering the half-tuck look can be slightly tricky to achieve but I love the cool, carefree mood it evokes. 

For my eyeshadow I experimented with the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. I don't normally gravitate towards pinks and purples when it comes to my eye makeup, but I thought these colors looked especially wonderful for fall - and I love them paired with the berry lip I've got going on. On my lips I have Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in 'Wardrobe.' This lip color stays for days!  

My earrings are modern and eye-catching. This type of abstract style is so on trend at the moment! 

The final touch to this outfit is a bold, bright pop of red. This BCBG clutch is very fun to style and wear because it brings so much energy to the table. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[cape: Ann Taylor // chambray blouse: Forever21 (identical one here) // pants: Ann Taylor // hat: H&M (similar here) // booties: Sam Edelman // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like these) // clutch: BCBG (I also like this one) // watch: Daniel Wellington // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 palette // lip color: Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in 'Wardrobe']

Ryan and I took these photos in Central Park two weeks ago and it was the perfect fall day. I had enough layers on to be warm yet I didn't have to be weighted down by a heavy coat. I hope fall sticks around a while longer because I don't know about you, but I am not ready to break out my winter beanie and gloves yet. I love falling in love with fall every year! 

SHOP ::

The Layering Trick :: sweater + blouse + fedora

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that the trick to staying warm when the temperatures drop is layering. When it gets cold enough, I layer everything; camis/tanks under shirts and sweaters, vests over everything, even tights underneath my jeans. But although practical, layering doesn't always look so cute. Think awkward bulges, unflattering excess fabric, and major pulling. To combat a common issue that arises when layering, I follow this trick of the trade...

A lot of my sweaters have narrow sleeves. For example, the sweater I'm wearing here has thin arms and is constructed of slightly thinner material (it's a summer sweater). But I've made this sweater work for fall/winter by layering a chiffon short-sleeved blouse underneath. Those are the keys - chiffon (or a similar light, thin material) and sleeveless. Using a short-sleeve or sleeveless top as your first layer eliminates bulging fabric and creates a clean, flattering line as if your two layers were really one, and this is why: Chiffon is a thin yet sturdy material that's virtually undetectable underneath clothing. And having no sleeves means any type of sweater can easily be layered on top - narrow sleeves and all! During the summer months I always make sure to stock up on sleeveless tops so that when layering season comes around, I'm covered - literally!  

Is it obvious yet that I can't get enough of my boyfriend jeans? My favorite after-hours pant is perfect for fickle fall weather as well as showing off your favorite pair of shoes. In this look, I'm loving how they tone down the preppiness of what's going on up top. 

Topping off your look with a trendy fedora is stylish and smart. You get to keep your head warm and ears covered while rocking an iconic piece that never fails to add major personality to any outfit. 

Since there's no color in my clothing, I decided to pack a punch with my lipstick instead. I love color and I think it's fun to find innovative ways of unexpectedly bringing it into my outfits. The shade I'm wearing here is vibrant and impactful. It's called "Anarchy" by Urban Decay. 

It's definitely getting to the point where I can no longer wear open-toed shoes anymore due to the weather, but I just loved how these looked with my outfit. A sandal with a stacked heel in black suede is timeless and elegant. 

I'm a huge jewelry person but if you notice, I'm not wearing any bling with this outfit except for my earrings and usual array of rings. Because of my bare neck and wrists, I knew I wanted my earrings to make a statement. This pair does just that and I love their antiquey vibe. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[blouse: Loft  (old but this one is super similar) // sweater: Gap (old but similar here) // jeans: Gap // heels: Vince Camuto Signature Collection (I also like this pair)// fedora: Urban Outfitters (similar here) // earrings: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // lipstick: 'Anarchy' by Urban Decay]

Now that you all know one of my favorite layering tricks, I wish you the best in your future layering endeavors and in trying to stay warm this upcoming winter. According to the Farmers Almanac, it's going to be another very rough season with frigid temperatures and above average snowfall. In short, you'll definitely be seeing more layering from me! 

SHOP ::

Poncho Perfect :: red dress, OTK boots, & black poncho

This season's mod-inspired pieces are perfect for creating a mix and match wardrobe with infinite options. These are the star pieces that will take your look from retro to modern (with the accessories that add just the right amount of polish)...

The poncho is back! I don't know about you, but I remember being the very excited owner of a poncho when I was in third grade. After third grade, I made fun of ponchos. But look at me now, rocking them once again! The difference between the 90s version and the 2015 one? Today's ponchos are much more sleek, tailored, and flattering. This one from Ann Taylor is surprisingly warm and makes me feel like I have my own personal blanket wrapped around me because, well, I do! 

While my poncho adds depth, interest, and movement to the look, my boots bring the edge with a side of luxe. Over-the-knee boots (aka the boots to know now) are your modern update to the riding boot. Ps. they look just as hot with jeans as they do with bare legs. 

This super unique necklace by R.J. Graziano was a no-brainer when putting together this outfit. I wanted something extra long and extra dramatic. But I also love how this piece stays true to the modern theme of this entire look. It almost looks like something out of a sci fi film. 

Metal is grand, but when you're looking to up your style game in that glam-rocker-chic kind of way, leather is the only answer. Leather accessories speak volumes. 

A bold look-at-me lip compliments the attitude of any modern outfit. For this look I chose a deep berry color, which plays nicely off the sour cherry hue of my dress. 

A slight twist on the classic makes these earrings a fun option and I love how they can be worn vertical or horizontal. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[dress: Ann Taylor (old but I also like this one) // poncho: Ann Taylor // boots: Ann Taylor (similar here) // necklace: R.J. Graziano (I also like this one) // earrings: Saks Fifth Avenue (super similar here) // watch: Coach (updated version here) // leather bracelet: Michael Dawkins (similar here) // amethyst bracelet: David Yurman // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: 'Shame' by Urban Decay]

Black and red is a killer combo and OTK boots really bring the look home. This is one of my favorite fall outfits to date and I had a lot of fun shooting these photos at our local park. Wearing this poncho in general is a lot of fun! I highly recommend purchasing one this season. If nothing else, you'll get to wear a socially acceptable Snuggie all day, and it doesn't get much better than that! 

SHOP ::