Fall’s Fiercest Boots

Boots are as quintessentially autumn as apple cider and falling leaves. There is simply no cooler choice in footwear when the weather turns cold, something retailers know all too well – the sheer number of boots in stores this time of year can make it difficult to choose the perfect pair. To help you sort the spectacular from the sub-par, here are some of our picks for the chicest boots this season:

Over the knee boots continued to dominate the runways this season. Paired with jeans or a minidress, these boots look chic, not sleazy.

Tuck skinny jeans into these Minnetonka moccasins as you run out the door to class for a look that is both cool and comfortable.

Brighten up a rainy day with this pair of pink Hunter rain boots (and a cute umbrella to match!).

All manner of lace up booties marched down runways this season. Flouncy mini skirts instantly gain cool girl street cred when paired with this camel (another huge fall trend) option from 7 For All Mankind.

Dear Diary

Not all journals are of the blushing fifth grade variety. These witty, pretty notebooks from J. Crew are all grown up and perfect for anyone who has ever needed a place to doodle, jot down ideas or list, as one journal’s title requests, “Hipsters I Met and Liked”. Best of all, each journal is only $10 so it won’t break the bank when you can’t live without one in every color!

The Good Kind of Baggage

For me, with handbags, I say the bigger the better. However, sometimes that fabulous over-sized slouchy tote that fits everything from your make-up bag to your spare tire is not always the best statement for all outfits. Here are a few different ways to keep your baggage on board, as more than just a carry on, as a final touch to whichever outfit you choose.

This small clutch is an easy way to add color to any plain outfit and is great for a night out on the town whether it be a formal occasion or a more casual one without having to lug something around over your shoulder all night only to be set aside for pictures. Also, these colors can be worn all year round, daytime or evening, and match a wide variety of colors and patterns as well.

Image Source: hobointernational.com

This darling little cross body bag is super cute on a more casual day. Don’t feel like dressing up? Jeans and a v-neck never looked so hot. This is perfect for every day and looks great with leggings, jeans, a mini skirt, and almost any top. It’s perfect for wearing to class with just a tee and boots or can be dressier with some heels and a silk camisole

Image Source: polyvore.com

Of course we can’t leave out the over-sized tote that just seems to make life so much easier… except when your phone is ringing in the bottom of it, or when it takes 20 minutes to find your chapstick, or… well, it’s cute right? Not only do these huge slouchy totes look fabulous dangling from anyone’s arm–it is a must-have if you are like myself and are always on the go. Not only can you fit all your daily necessities in it, but it glams up any outfit and never gets old. Metallics are perfect for any season and can take an outfit to a whole new level.

Image Source: jcrew.com

Now that you know how to take your outfits up a notch and into the next season with your baggage, remember these tips on your next hunt for the perfect handbag. Whether you are using a small clutch or a large tote, keep in mind that it will never go out of style so long as you keep it near the front of your closet and also making sure to give each one its turn going out with you when the time is right.

The signature IT necklace

To add flavor to that simple t-shirt, jeans and boots, add a chunky statement necklace to make your outfit pop.  These bold necklaces transform boring outfits and immediately catch peoples’ eye.  According to ShopBop.com, these necklaces are known as Bib Necklaces.  Shaped similarly to a bib (but of course much cuter and smaller), these necklaces are an accessory must have!  For additional flare, the sparkly statement necklaces look amazing, especially with that perfect LBD!   In addition, colorful floral necklaces are a must for this spring! For a more mature look, try a statement necklace that layers.  I have found, either a chunky statement necklace or layered necklaces make any outfit that much better!

Source: Anthropologie.com

Source: TheLimited.com

Source: Anthropologie.com

Flash Your (Bra) Color on Facebook

Image Source: shutterstock.com

A few nights ago, I flashed the entire internet world. Now, now. Before you assume that I leaked a peek-a-boo picture a la Vanessa Hudgens – don’t be so foolish! I revealed the color of my bra to the entire internet world. But again, before you assume I did so as a routine game with my boyfriend, think again. It was in the name of a good cause.

It started with a girl friend’s status as “Turquoise,” followed soon after with “pink” and a few beiges and blacks. Over the hours, the statuses kept pouring in and my curiousity and confusion only grew larger until a friend of a friend asked WHY girls were posting colors as their statuses. Was there a game TV show on that I was missing? Even males participated with writing “nothing.”

The point of the meme activity? To raise awareness of breast cancer. Though I’m sure it did more than just that. It started with a mass Facebook message that was sent to women, asking them to virtually flash the world to support medical research. The end of the e-mail message even read, “It will be fun to see how long it takes before the men will wonder why all the girls have a color on their status!”

I did it to have fun and go along with the cause, like every other girl out there. But perhaps instead of e-flashing the internet, a few dollars can be spent on Pink products or a few minutes can be spent AWAY from Facebook and on medical research websites to educate ourselves about risks of breast cancer. Go Pink! Or Beige, or Black.

Live Your Fairytale with New Disney Princess Designer Gowns, Rings

Why leave behind notions of a Disney happily-ever-after as an adult when you can continue to dream as a Disney princess? It may be a small world after all, but every little girl can now continue growing up as a princess!

Images from disneyconsumerproducts.com

Kirstie Kelly, a renowned couture designer, teamed up with Disney Consumer Product to launch a line of princess-inspired wedding rings and gowns. The Tiana gown, named for the latest African-American addition to the Disney princesses, will be the signature piece among the collection that includes the Snow White Diamond Edition gown, “Maidens” for bridesmaids, “Blossoms” for flower girls.

The jewelry collection, Kirstie Kelly for Disney by Mouawad, includes a showcase of diamond and platinum engagement rings and weddings bands. The collection evokes the spirit of each princess without being unnecessarily tacky (a red diamond or ruby for Snow White would be a little much!). Rather than highlight the princess through the ring with obvious and tacky details, subtle references of each princess can be seen throughout. For Cinderella’s ring, it evokes grace and charm with its pave and millgrain borders. For Ariel’s ring, there is more of a boldness and artsiness.

Are the rings and dresses cute or tacky? Let us know!

Accessory Must Have: Leather!

 

Urban Outfitters Faux Leather Back-Zip Skirt paired with a satin blouse and tights

S.W.O.R.D Norvara leather jacket paired with jeans

Flashback to the 80’s… Leather is back in! Throw on a motorcycle leather jacket, with a pair of jeans and boots, to add an edge to your look.  The leather skirt, matched with black opaque tights, and a silky blouse, looks fabulous.  Not to mention, leather boots have never gone out of style.  A must have accessory for this season is something leather.

 

Add a little stud to your wardrobe

I love anything studded; it complements any outfit – especially the more feminine styles.  A studded peice of jewelry can add spark to any dull attire and liven up the florals that you will be seeing everywhere this fall.  So take a risk and walk on the wild side with studded jewelry – I promise you won’t look like a biker chick!

flutter by Jill Golden

Bop Bijoux

flutter by Jill Golden

flutter by Jill Golden

Must have accessory: a timepiece

As Heidi Klum says, in fashion, one day you’re in and the next day you’re out.  However, one piece that never goes out of style is a classy time piece. This season, Michael Kors introduced  a fabulous collection of fashionable watches that are reasonably priced.  A classic timepiece is something that never goes out of style!

Watch deal: La Mer Square Wrap Watch

Watch steal: Hermes KellyComes in a variety of colors!

Michael Kors Watch

The Must Have Accessory: Cut-Out Heels

What’s better to go with the perfect “LBD” than a pair of fabulous heels?! High-end designers, such as Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Prada have all incorporated the “cut-out” style heel into the fall collection.  The must-have accessory can be found almost anywhere! Department stores, such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, and independent stores, such as Steve Madden and Aldo, have great selections!

Christian Louboutin Cut Out Booties

Aldo Mickolick Heel

Steve Madden: Cheryl Black Suede