The Tall Illusion

Photos by Erin Valentine 

[top: Nordstrom (Rubbish), skirt: Nordstrom (Frenchi), wedges: Michael Kors, dangle earrings: boutique, bow stud earrings: Juicy Couture, pendant: boutique, bangles: Alex & Ani]

The colder weather that the majority of the country has been experiencing as of late has finally crawled its way down to North Carolina. However, it's still not consistent, and this weekend we were fortunate enough to get sunny skies accompanied with temperatures of over 70 degrees! It was refreshing to run around again in summertime clothing, but although today is another beautiful 72 degree day, I have a feeling that this warmth won't last for very long. 

What I love most about this particular outfit is the way it makes my legs look. This flowey skirt paired with these gorgeous nude wedges create the illusion that my legs extend for miles - when in reality I'm only a mere 5'2! I'm tellin ya, nude shoes are the key to appearing tall! If you're petite like me, you don't want anything to cut you off at the wrong place (like ankle straps on certain shoes or even capris can sometimes do). You want a long, lean solid line from hip to toe! 

Re-find

 [dress: Forever21, cardigan: White House Black Market, heels: Nordstrom BP, necklace: boutique, headband: Forever21, earrings: Francesca's]

I found this cardigan in the back of my closet after having ignored it for 5 years (I guess it was too sophisticated for my 15 year old self). When I rediscovered it, I couldn't believe that I had ever let it drift out of my working wardrobe in the first place. I mean, this is an adorable cardigan! Finding this got me very excited and I immediately began to imagine pairing it with other, more recent additions in my wardrobe - it was like a spontaneous gift to myself that was free! What I really love about this sweater is that it's not your simple black cardigan. It's very different yet still completely chic and classy and even versatile. I love the white satin bow and the matching pearly buttons - it's that idea of those little details that I'm always gushing about. This will look fabulous with jeans for class or errands, but also with dress pants or a skirt for those fancier occassions. 

What a lucky re-find! 

Layering On Fall

[dress: Ann Taylor, cardigan: Nordstrom BP, belt: Ann Taylor, boots: Joman, headband: Ulta, earrings: Africa, layered necklaces: Africa, watch: Guess, gold bangles: Alex & Ani]

This sheathe dress I'm wearing is actually a summer dress. However, by simply adding a few key pieces (cardigan, boots, fall belt), it has instantly become a successful and beautiful fall ensemble. I love taking summery pieces (especially sundresses) and transforming them into fall pieces. It's as simple as layering, and the possibilities are endless! Blazers, chunky sweaters, cardigans, jackets, tights, knee socks, booties, riding boots, thigh-highs, pumps, etc all look fabulously fall when layered over a sundress. Autumn means layers, and with layers comes wardrobe opportunities galore! What's not to love? Start including your summer pieces in your fall & winter wardrobe too and you will see that your closet will instantly grow and so will your creativity! 

Enjoy! 

Ps. This is how I styled this same dress over the summer. See what a difference different accessories make? .....