Fall Essentials

*Click images for details on specific items

Outfit Ideas

Casual and comfy – incorporating desert style wedge boots, a collar necklace, and wine-colored lips for some fall spice

Two ways to wear leopard (or any animal print – python is also big for fall) – Note pop of Yves Klein blue.

Sweater dress day (with a wide-brimmed hat) to night (with Miu Miu glitter heels—I DIY-ed a pair!)

]]> http://atauds.wordpress.com/2011/09/16/fall-2011-wardrobe-planner/feed/ 0 atauds Fall 2011 wardrobe Autumn outfit ideas Outfit Ideas #2 Outfit Ideas #3 http://atauds.wordpress.com/2011/09/10/fall-inspiration/ http://atauds.wordpress.com/2011/09/10/fall-inspiration/#comments Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:22:44 +0000 atauds http://atauds.wordpress.com/?p=2138 ]]> It’s feeling more like fall every second…I hope it stays this way.

full, statement-making brows are a must

simple and graphic

i love dark eyes and messy hair for a night out (also- this reminds me of Effie from Skins)

Just finished reading this for the first time ( I dunno how that happened) – but it’s a perfect fall read.

these boots are amazing

i love anything with horses

can’t have too much leopard print!

shorts and tights are a perfect season transition combo

sheer. lovely.

I know it’s supposed to be all about 70′s this season, but I love this 90′s grunge look

two of my favorite things: loafers and brown + black

Beanies say fall to me.

Wine colored lips – Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Thursday: Richard Chai at 11 am

Friday: Rebecca Taylor at 2 pm

Saturday: Monique Lhuillier at 1 am, Jill Stuart at 11 am

Sunday: Derek Lam at Noon, Tracy Reese at 2 pm, Diane von Furstenberg at 4 pm

Monday: Rebecca Minkoff at 1 pm

Tuesday: Tibi at 7 pm

Wednesday: J. Mendel at 1 pm, Anna Sui at 6 pm

You can see the full line-up of the shows you can watch from home here.

*Also be sure to check out the official Twitter of New York Fashion Week: @NYFW.

So I just finished watching the season finale of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and while most of my focus was on the frequently used tissue box by my side, I was momentarily distracted when Khloe was shown wearing these stunning red skinny jeans (and those killer booties!). As I’m sure you know, colored pants are a fall must have, and Khloe’s red, leopard, and denim combo is one of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to pull them off.

1. The Rockstar Jeggings in Saucy Red are the perfect foundation for this trendy outfit. I’ve never found a more comfortable pair of pants. Just make sure to size up with this pair – you want to avoid any fit faux pas (Khloe’s are just a bit too tight!).

2. What makes Khloe’s booties so fab is the cut – a v-shaped ankle cut is a super flattering, leg-lengthening style, and would look equally great with a dress or skirt. These Leopard Print Peep Toe Platforms  are a cheap alternative to Khloe’s Louboutins.

3. Normally I would say leopard shoes and a leopard belt is too matchy-matchy, but in this case, the red pants really balance things out.

4. Tuck a dark denim or chambray shirt into your jeans for a polished look. I would opt for a looser fit, or maybe even a men’s shirt (which are usually cheaper!)…just make sure to leave a few buttons open to imitate Khloe’s sexy look.

5. A glam gold tribal necklace adds just a bit of edge.

6. Throw on your go-to stack of bangles, or go for a classic black and gold watch like this Small Buckle Watch from Nine West.

I know a lot of people have negative opinions about the Kardashians but I really love the whole family (especially Bruce!). Even though they are outofcontrolridiculous, I think they’re really great business people (they get their name on everything…nail polish, clothing, weight loss supplements??!? ) and they are really interesting people to watch. What about you guys? Do you watch KUWTK? I thought the finale was really cheesy, but I still cried the whole time…but I cry at everything so that’s not really saying much. I can’t wait to see Kim’s wedding special!

Marc Jacobs S/S 2011 from Kalvin Lazarte on Vimeo.

Video and info found via a lovely being

This Kmart sold cosmetics…I don’t know if they all do or not, but since it was in the front I decided to have a look around. They didn’t have very many brands, but they did have one that I don’t normally see: Jordana. I don’t know where Jordana is usually sold, but I’ve never seen it before. These summer- perfect nail polish colors caught my eye immediately, especially the coral-orange one in the center:

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I think these were under $3 each

I actually ended up getting two Jordana products to try, and I’m already in love with both of them. I got an Easyshine Glossy Lip Color in Watermelon Juice, and a Blush Powder in 18 Touch of Pink. The lip product is similar in concept and packaging to the Covergirl Lipslicks, but I really like this better. It definitely has more of a tint than the Lipslicks, but it still feels light, almost like a tinted lip balm. Also, it smells like watermelon…I don’t know if this is just because of the name of this particular color, but I love it.

The blush is what I really love because I have a hard time finding a natural looking blush for my skin tone. Darker corals look out of place (especially if they have gold shimmer), and very light pinks (which are normally perfect for pale ladies like me) don’t match my natural flush.  This one happens to be perfect, and it is actually pretty pigmented for how cheap it was. I am thinking about going back and buying it in more colors.

Next up, I stopped by the accessories area. They still had the army green watch that I featured in my last Kmart post for $9.99 (which I considered, again). But what I really wanted were these cat-eye (ish? kind of a blend between a wayfarer look and a cat eye look?) sunglasses:

These were $12.99…also note that Kmart carries some rather questionable merchandise (see NASCAR sunglasses label in the lower right corner. hehe)

This studded tank top was on the sale rack..and wasn’t in my size. To bad, because I would have snatched it up in an instant. Wouldn’t it look gorgeous with army green/olive high-waisted shorts and some rich brown and bronze accessories? I’m thinking yes.

Not exactly sure on the price, but 100% sure it was under $10

This next thing may not be of interest to everyone (especially if you live in Cleveland—er, sorry?) but I had to include it. My family and boyfriend are big Red’s fans, so I thought this would be cute to wear to a game instead of the typical over-sized shirt. I would wear it with black scalloped short-shorts to girl-it-up a bit.

Around $17 dollars. As a side note, I would like to say that I wish Victoria’s Secret PINK would have the Reds as part of their PINK loves MLB collection. That would be helpful to me.

Also dug this perfectly draped crop top. It would make the perfect bikini cover-up.

I did not look at the price on this. It was part of the Joe Boxer brand. Which is a weird name, I might add.

I’m always drawn to basic Ked-like tennies, especially these chambray ones, which would look awesome with a short floral dress and a fedora.

$7.99

Last but not least, I found these really adorable sandals. Perfect for walking around campus in the heat.

You can find these online here and here.

I also checked out Kmart’s website ( you should too – they have a special Kmart Fashion section) and found a bunch of really cool and inexpensive things and decided to make an outfit. The point of these “Window Shopping” posts is to reinforce the idea that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have nice things, so I figured a full look from Kmart would prove that. That doesn’t mean, though, that you shouldn’t mix and match from different places, this is just to prove a point (and show off some more awesome Kmart merch).

Click the picture to go directly to my Polyvore

1. This maxi dress has moved to the very top of my summer wish list. The pattern is so amazing…I really can’t believe that it’s from Kmart (and only $18!!). The print is very chic and summery – perfect for an evening dinner or for a cover-up at the beach.

2. A double looped and long chain necklace in gold gives a breezy bohemian effect, while still adding an element of glam.

3. This bikini is adorb. It’s a  UK Style by French Connection.

 Also, did you know that Sophia Vergara (from Modern Family) has a clothing line coming to Kmart this fall? I will definitely be checking it out –I have a feeling there will be lots of curve-friendly items.Moral of the story? Stop by Kmart the next time you pass!

Photo

Just a little something I’m dreaming about.

1. This is my ideal summer dress. It can be dressed up or down, and it’s under $50.

2. Fringe earrings look all boho-lady awesome next to a messy fishtail braid.

3. Orange lips for a trendy punch – a current obsession. Try NARS Heatwave, or Revlon Siren.

4. Chunky neutral platforms are numero uno on my wishlist for summer.

I could spend all day looking at these. Check out The Burning House for more.

This would be mine, if my dorm were burning:

Clockwise from upper left:

• my two favorite shirts which can’t be replaced
• all and every pair of contacts I can grab + glasses
• my purse (which would hopefully have my wallet, keys, and cell phone in it)
• the ring Nic got me for Christmas (in blue box)
• Mexican blanket…I just bought this but I’m already planning on it being around forever and traveling with me to every new place I live
• horse bust, which is stupid and has no sentimental value but I love it, and could never leave it behind
• my watch and two bracelets that I made and wear almost everyday
• Passport
• whatever I am currently reading: if the dorm caught on fire today it would be Anna Karenina
• A vintage collar necklace that was a gift from a friend
• my laptop
• also, not pictured: a box of cards, photos, notes, ticket stubs, and other mementos from Nic, and a file folder full of important papers

Yeah.

1. Loyalty

Loyalty is generally considered a desirable quality, but when it comes to shopping, this isn’t always the case. Whether it’s a brand or a specific store, loyalty can sometimes hinder your ability to find the best stuff! If you haven’t figured it out already, I’m always down for a deal, so wherever I go (literally, wherever…I guarantee I could find something to wear at Home Depot) I am on the lookout for something cheap and chic.

Dress from Walmart. Pic via Penny Chic

When people ask me where I get things I’m wearing, they are often surprised to hear Walmart, Kmart, or Goodwill. I’ve even gotten a few “eww”s over the years. This is the kind of mistake that leads to missed opportunities.

Today’s #1 lesson: step outside your shopping comfort zone. Don’t shun cheaper stores or different brands (or even different departments…men’s dept. anyone?). If you normally stick to Forever 21, step in Walmart and see what you can find. If you are all about thrifting and American Apparel, try stopping in an American Eagle. You never know what you’ll find – the fun is in the hunt. How it’s done (man, that sounds arrogant):

A nice mix of brands…proving you don’t have to spend tons (under $60 for the outfit) to get an awesome look: Marc by Marc Jacobs tote – BookMarc store (a gift), Tuxedo Jacket – Goodwill, Floral Blouse – Carole Little, Chain necklaces – Target, Jeggings – American Eagle, Flats – Fred Flare (also a gift), Nail polish – Hard Candy in Sky from Walmart

I’m going to be honest here and say that I mostly just posted this picture to show off my fancy horse head/bust thing ^^. Oh, and the booties in this pic are from Payless

And one more thing. Whether you’re shopping at Target or Tibi, it’s all about how you mix it. Wearing one brand/designer isn’t creative and it doesn’t represent your personal style. Anyone can pull clothing off a mannequin. One of my favorite quotes to get you thinking: “Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year. Style is what you pick out of that fashion…” - Lauren Hutton.

2. Always Shopping Alone

I used to think I did all my best shopping alone, but now I know that’s not true. The key is the perfect shopping partner. You want someone who knows your style, isn’t afraid to be honest, and balances out your typical shopping style.

My brother is my go-to shopping partner (as long as it’s a quick trip…he’s not into hanging out at H&M for 3 hours). I normally stick to basics and neutrals, but when he comes with me he suggests things I would never try on my own. Sometimes this results in horrible pictures outside the Goodwill dressing room, but other times it results in the perfect ensemble. If you generally scoop up crazy pieces that don’t go with anything in your closet, bring a more conservative friend along.

She should have shopped with a friend. This is only partially a joke.

3. Size Denial

Everyone knows you should try on before you buy. Right? But I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is not trying on more than one size. Sizes vary from brand to brand, so you may wear a size 8 in one store and a size 12 in another. Especially if you are someone who jumps from juniors to women’s clothing.

Size denial is the word I’m using to describe people (mostly girls/women in my experience) who refuse to try on another size because they don’t like the number. For example, they can’t stand the thought of being a size 10, so they continue to wear 8s even though they have obvious muffin top. News flash: NUMBERS DON’T MATTER. Going up a size may actually make you look thinner if the size you are wearing is too tight. I rarely go in the dressing room with less than two of one item, because my size depends on the cut/brand/fabric of that specific item (it may even be different for the same brand).

Just a note to prove my point: I currently have items in my closet (that I wear) ranging from a women’s small to a men’s xl….and I like to think they’re all pretty darn flattering :)

So that’s my two cents on shopping mistakes. I chose these three because they are mistakes I have made (or am still making!) Do you consider these mistakes or not?