Make it Merlot :: trousers + sleeveless turtleneck

The chic, versatile, easy glamour of autumn experiences a modern update for 2015. This means wild prints, tassels on everything, cuffed trousers, sleeveless anything, daytime smoky eyes, and lots of merlot (and I'm not talking about the wine). Merlot (aka burgundy, oxblood, maroon, chianti, marsala) is not only the Pantone color of the year but also the perfect color for fall. I dare you not to fall in love. 

I'm starting my favorite season off with a bang by exploring some of the latest fall trends here in NYC. I love this look for many reasons A.) it's super comfy - like sweats and T-shirt comfy and B.) its versatility takes you from desk to dinner in a snap - just add a blazer for the office. 

This is the season of the pant and these pants are an absolute must-have. I kid you not, they literally feel like yoga pants and I could probably sleep in them. I couldn't resist picking up a second pair in black but they're also available in navy, gray, and camel. They're effortlessly polished and fit like a dream, which means I'll basically never take them off! 

Sleeveless turtlenecks, like this one here, are having a moment. I personally love them because they're fantastic for layering and the cowel(ish) neck on this one is insanely flattering - I feel like my neck grew three inches! I have plans to layer this baby under dresses, sweaters, and blazers when the air turns colder; the possibilities are endless. 

Leopard is and always will be a fashion "do." I've incorporated a flash of the print into an otherwise pattern-free look through a headband, which also works to hide my messy hair days. That's what we call a style win-win. 

Compliment your daytime/nighttime look with a sleek gold-detailed clutch. I bring this one out the most during the fall season because of its velvety feel and luxe gold coloring. I think it compliments the warm tones of fall exceptionally well. 

Bring on the 70's inspired tassels baby! Typically when I think of tassels I picture leather, suede, and fringe; but that doesn't always have to be the case. Being the jewelry lovers that we are, my mom and I fell head-over-heels for this unique piece by Lucky Brand. I think it's such an elegant and timeless way to incorporate the tassel trend into your wardrobe - now and 20 plus years down the road. 

Gold and silver jewelry worn together is one of my favorite fashion "rules" to break. And take a look at my marble bangle - it echoes the leopard print headband I have on.  

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[top: Ann Taylor // trousers: Ann Taylor // booties: Nordstrom (similar here) // necklace: Lucky Brand // headband: J.Crew // earrings: Kevia (identical ones here) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (this season's version here) // leopard bangle: Ann Taylor // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co.]

With fall comes pumpkin-flavored everything (I found pumpkin pop-tarts at Trader Joe's last week and kind of geeked out...does that make me basic?), Halloween, colorful leaves, crisp afternoons, and endless fashion opportunities. This season you'll see me giving extra love to outerwear (you guys, I bought a cape!) and taking advantage of every opportunity to dress for the season in style! Let's make this our most fashionable fall yet.   

SHOP ::

The Cat Lady :: sheath dress + caged heels

I'm celebrating the first day of fall with my last summery outfit post! This is my farewell to summer look, but of course I had to incorporate autumn hues (aka burgundy and camel) into the mix too. And yes, those are cats ;)

I love this look for transitioning into colder temps because my caged sandals almost look like peep-toe booties and the colors I'm wearing scream autumn. It's definitely a summer outfit but with a strong nod to fall.

These sandals have done a great job seeing me through the summer in style. They're crazy comfy and look fantastic with everything from eyelet midi skirts to chic date-night dresses. 

Due to their lackluster shape, sheath dresses aren't always the most flattering, but sometimes you luck out, which is what happened here. I ordered this little number online years ago and lo and behold, it's still a quirky favorite of mine to this day. It hangs just so and hugs in all the right places. However if you're not quite as successful when searching for your perfect sheath, add a waist-defining belt or jacket for a more favorable fit.   

I love my Colorstay Ultimate Suede lipstick by Revlon so much that I bought it in three shades! It's seriously the best and it costs a fraction of what you'll pay for a fancy lipstick at a place like Sephora. The color stays put all day and there's over 20 hues to choose from. But my favorite thing is the soft suede, almost matte, finish that packs a punch of aloe-infused moisture. Here I'm wearing "Preview," I also have it in "Wardrobe" and "Ready to Wear."

I chose a modern necklace to contrast the playful cat print on my dress. The goal was to find an impactful piece that's not overwhelming because, after all, the cats are the center of attention here! 

These lighthearted, slightly whimsical cats put me in a cheerful mood, which made shooting these photos next to a playground even more enjoyable. I love how you can't quite make out the images on my dress until you get close. Whenever I wear this dress people say to me, "...Wait! Those are cats?!" Gotta love that element of surprise! 

Going with the modern jewelry theme, I chose my silver Marc Jacobs watch to add a flash of sophistication to my look. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[dress: Loft (old but I also like this one) // sandals: Vince Camuto // necklace: Ann Taylor (I also like this one) // earrings: Juicy Couture // watch: Marc Jacobs // bangles: Alex & Ani // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lip color: Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick] 

Here we are, the end of another season. Is it just me or does time seem to pass more quickly the older we get? I remember when I was younger I thought Christmas, summer vacation, the end of the school day, etc. couldn't come fast enough. And now I look forward to taking my time and enjoying every moment. Here's to fall - a new season, a new beginning, and a new adventure!  

SHOP :: 

Fall Closet Prep :: key autumn pieces

Summer is a glorious season, and I've never been one to prematurely embrace fall or wish summer away, but at the same time I'm a firm believer in preparedness, and guys, the fact of the matter is, autumn is gaining up on us (was anyone else shocked when they looked at their calendar this morning?). Although it saddens me that summer is quickly fading, summer and I had a good run and I'm definitely looking forward to styling some killer fall looks. So today I'm sharing my 2015 fall essentials to help YOU prepare for the season in the chicest, most practical way possible. 

The shirtdress: It's a winner. And how can it not be? With endless versatility and a remarkably flattering shape, this dress is my go-to. I love how I can keep my sleeves rolled down during those chilly morning commutes and easily roll them up when the sun comes out to play later. Another fabulous trait of the shirtdress? It explores both feminine and masculine properties, making this selection polished, timeless, and quintessentially effortless. 

The fuzzy keychain (aka my pet hamster): Don't laugh. I swear it's a thing. Fuzzy keychains have taken the fashion world by storm this season... Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit, but fuzzy keychains really are THE accessory to know now. They can be spotted in bunches, alone, and in a variety of fun colors. They add a playfulness to any look and give me warm and fuzzy feelings, which will help me make it through the approaching winter season. What's even more amusing is that now your handbag has its own accessory - it's like giving your dog a pet dog of its own! 

The berry lipstick: Finding that perfect shade can be a challenge, but once you find it, your makeup game is forever changed. A berry lip is universally flattering and a no-brainer for fall. 

The compact bag: Purses are having a mini moment. Smaller versions of classic silhouettes are the trend to try this fall for three reasons, these adorable bags are light, unobtrusive, and carefree! 

The peep-toe bootie: One word - ventilation. Don't underestimate the power of a cool toe breeze during a sunny afternoon. Peep-toe booties are my footwear of choice for fall because they're a unique hybrid of sandal meets boot, which fits the fickle autumn mood to a Tee. 

Normally this would be the time I'd talk about my fave nail color for autumn. But, as you can see in this photo, I am not wearing any polish. I've decided to go all natural with my nails for a while because I can't remember the last time I haven't worn polish and I thought it'd be healthy to give my poor nails a break. But FYI: my go-to fall nail colors are gray, navy, and eggplant ;)

The wide-brimmed hat: Hats are an easy accessory to forget. But truth be told they're the icing on the cake of almost any look and can really take your outfit to the next level. I love a wool one, like this, for fall. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[dress: Ann Taylor // booties: Old Navy (similar here) // hat: H&M (similar here) // purse: Michael Kors (super similar here) // fuzzy keychain: Michael Kors // earrings: Ann Taylor (old but similar here) // watch: Fossil // bangle: Alex & Ani // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Bite Beauty] 

These photos were taken on Monday and let me tell you, fall was most definitely in the air. It felt wonderful! However since then, temps have risen again and we're back to July status. But it is comforting to know that fall is drawing near. 

Work these must-have items into your wardrobe and you'll be golden for this exciting season change! 

 SHOP ::