I had the best pair of moto boots in college — just the right balance of height and “toughness,” without being overly embellished. And I haven’t found a good pair since. I just bought some for my daughter and decided it was time to start looking for a pair myself. And I love this Rag + Bone pair — I want them now!
So we’ve had an unofficial “Ask AFL” request. A friend of mine in need of a new fall bag asked when we were going to put up our favorite fall everyday bags (like we did for summer). And even though it didn’t come through official “Ask AFL” channels, I happened to be in the mood for virtual shopping and love my friend C’s sense of style, so I pulled together my favorites (shocking I’m so willing to flaunt the rules, I know). I’m in love with rich colors and jewel tones, and a few black + white bags as well (particularly the animal-inspired polka dots — I really, really want to figure out a way to work that print into Cam’s big girl room — jungle spot wallpaper perhaps?). Have a favorite?!
As I happily reported yesterday, my loves are back to school and we are all better for it. I love this particular change of seasons and have usually been ready for cooler weather for a while now. It’s not here quite yet, but that doesn’t stop me for shopping for it. I definitely do not buy a whole new wardrobe every fall, but over the years, I’ve honed down my weekday clothes to three basic categories. My back to school uniforms. I wear some (OK, one) more (OK, much more) than the others and one hardly at all anymore, but they’re all still there. And I like to change a few pieces in each every fall.
My “I’m Going to Workout Sometime Today” Uniform — realistically this is my “I worked out this morning, but will remain in this all day” Uniform. You might have noticed that I like to eat and drink. Thus, I also like to run and strength train and try to get it in as much as I can. For me, workout clothes are far more function than fashion. And I have a good idea of what works best for me for actually working out. (Yes, I still pull the yoga pants sans yogaing move. Who doesn’t?!)
My “I Took a Shower Today” Uniform — This is my most everyday look outside of the first uniform. I might occasionally dress this look up with a nicer top and put some makeup on, but for the most part I keep it simple.
My “I Have a Meeting Today” Uniform— and will be out of this outfit promptly after. No surprise that I rock this look the least. Most of my “meetings” are now with DIY creative types and a nicer version of the uniform above works just fine. But I occasionally have something that requires me to dip back into the law firm wardrobe pieces I kept, which I pared down to the classics. My feet generally hurt after an hour of this, which amazes me that I used to wear it all day long.
By now, my marble obsession is no secret. I’ve been coveting a Balenciaga marble printed top that is out of stock and it’s driving me a bit nuts. I think this Niel top would be a different, but good (and certainly less pricey) substitute. And I Want It Now!
My body type does not always lend itself to stripes — it can be hard to find a good stripe that doesn’t accentuate the wrong things. BUT I happen to be so, so in love with black + white stripes right now and I’d love to work them into my end of summer wardrobe. It makes so much sense to me as a print right now — still fresh and clean, but transitional to fall (whereas navy stripes always screams spring/summer to me). Perhaps paired with leather, mixed with camo, or even some leopard print. And I think I’ve rounded up pieces that will work for me. Here’s what’s topping my list ….
About 6 years ago, J.Crew put out a few seasons of gold bobbi pins with colored enamel tips. They were AWESOME. Perfect little touch to twist back bangs, a side braid, etc. My sister and I bought our local store out every time they restocked, but I’ve finally run through them. And I haven’t been able to find any other suitable replacements (not even the metallic ones currently in J.Crew). But these Ban.do ones just might do the trick. They’re a little thicker than the ones I had before, but they are gold sparkle + super cute colors. I’m thinking I’ll try the cantaloupe ones first and I Want It Now!
I have a pair of gold Tory Burch gladiator sandals that I’ve absolutely loved to death. They’ve been the perfect summer sandal for me — shiny gold, but a little industrial. A strap around the ankle, but not all the way up the calf. They can be dressed down, but they have a little mirrored heel that allows them to get dressed up as well. But they are beat and it’s time to say goodbye. Naturally I can’t find the perfect pair to replace them, but these are the final contenders. What say you?
When the weather starts to get warm, I start looking for new maxi dresses. I think they’re the perfect summer date night outfit. And I LOVE this Mara Hoffman — the shape is perfect for my body type and the graphic black + white pattern mixed with summer tones is such a nice combo. Yes, please.
I’m not a huge pastels girl. They just don’t particularly suit my personality. BUT I happen to love a good mint accessory or wardrobe piece and Pantone’s Hemlock is one of my favorite 2014 colors. I still take them with a little edge, though. These are the pieces I’m eyeing up for spring. How about you!? Are you a pastels person?
1. These skinny mint green jeans would work perfectly with a white tee and a pair of nude flats (good thing I’ve got my eye on several of those, too).
2. I love this super inexpensive mint and gold silicone watch — a great pop of color without commitment.
3. Because obviously I don’t have enough flats, these would be great to pair with netural colors or even a pattern.
4. I’m a big fan of J.Crew jewelry and this darker mint bracelet gives you the color with some (still glam) punk.
5. These mint and gold foil earrings square up perfectly with our love for all things geometric (remember this and this?)
6. Heavens to Betsey, this studded mint crossbody bag is fabulous.
Having grown up in Chicago, and spent a good chunk of time on the west coast as well, I kind of feel like we get a bum deal for winter in Washington, DC. We get the cold, the wind, the dry air, but not good snow. And if we do get ANY snow at all, like even a dusting, god help you. No one can handle it. The grocery stores get raided, the government (and thus most everything else) closes down, and the city’s one snow plow inevitably gets jammed up. So, I feel like the least I should get out of the season is a good set of accessories. Right?
And given that the utility of some of these items is more questionable than others (how warm can a fedora keep your head?), I thought it would be wise to collect both a steal and a splurge in each category. Here’s to a good-looking winter — wherever you are!
1. Aztec Print Scarf — I still love this print and because these two are pretty neutral in color, they should work with most winter coats. The steal from ASOS is a good way to use a print without making an investment, but the splurge from Shopbop is fleece lined and should keep you warm for years to come.
2. Winter Fedora — As I mentioned above, it’s probably slightly ridiculous for me to buy a winter fedora. But, I promise, ridiculousness very rarely stops me from doing something. I think if you’re going to do this piece, you do it right with the splurge from Shopbop, but the Topshop steal is still a nice pop of color.
3. Smart Touch Gloves — How I don’t yet have a pair of these smart babies is beyond me. I should probably go with a basic grey pair, but I feel like labeling these Marc by Marc Jacobs set as a splurge is misleading. If they double as a manicure, aren’t I actually saving money by wearing them? See, my smart gloves are already dropping logic all over the place.
4. Knit Headband — I happen to love a knit headband. It keeps your ears warm while not completely destroying your ‘do for the day. Plus, I have the hardest time finding a winter knit hat that fits my head. I’m sort of somewhere in between a beanie and a stocking cap. This Missoni splurge is metallic, on sale, and, well, Missoni. Enough said. I also love oversize bow headbands (I have one in purple) and think this platinum grey one would get the job done at a fraction of the price.
5. All-Weather Boot — Yes, technically these are rain boots, but I wear mine all winter long and find them perfect to clean the car off or shuttle my kids into school. I have the glossy pair of grey {shocking, I know} Hunter’s below, but if you don’t want to spend the coin, these Spy Love wellies are pretty great looking, too.
6. Boot Socks/Cuffs — Make those all-weather boots even better by adding a pair of warm and comfy boot socks, like these fabulous Hunter ones. If you just want the look, but don’t really need the added warmth, try a pair of slightly less expensive (and just as cute) cuffs.
7. Embellished Leather Gloves — Add a little badass to your everyday handwear. Splurge on Kate Spade for a slightly more polite embellishment, or grab this great moto-pair from H&M, which are still 100% leather.
8. Headphone Ear Muffs — Perhaps even more unnecessary than a winter fedora, I’m looping in headphone ear muffs to my must have list. Personally, I think they’re the perfect random gift, because what gal would really buy them for herself? Kate Spade keeps it chic and cheeky, while these just keep it real.
A Feteful Life 