Fall Series: Part 2 - Must Haves

For the second part of the Fall style series (see part one here), I am sharing what I consider "must-haves". You know, the pieces you'll be seeing frequently around here. Every Fall, my outfits tend to revolve around a simple formula: camisole + blazer + denim + pumps. Sometimes I'll vary by switching my shoes and bag but otherwise, I adhere to this style because it's classic, polished, and easy. It works for almost any occasion, casual or dressy. Of course if you're in an office, a pair of tailored pants or a pencil skirt can replace the denim. I swear this is what I go for every year! I don't care what is considered trendy at the moment, when I think of Fall, I immediately grab the classics.

Let's dissect this a little bit:

1. Cami - Every one has a camisole or tank in their wardrobe right? I love layering one underneath a little blazer, cardigan, or jacket. It's a great canvas for pretty necklaces, and you aren't sacrificing style for comfort. It's been chilly in the mornings, but then gets really warm during the afternoon so it's a nice in-between piece for this fickle time of year that a lot of us face.

2. Blazer - I recently bought this ruched sleeve blazer at H&M and I'm really happy with the fit and light color. A blazer always looks good, no matter your shape or size and no matter the occasion. It adds a lot of polish to an outfit.

3. Denim - This is a no-brainer. Dark skinny jeans are flattering and can be dressed up or down. I wear mine constantly year-round, but especially in Fall. 

4. Pumps - Nothing looks as polished as a great pair of pointy pumps. They elongate your legs and depending on the color or print, they can really take a simple outfit from boring to fun. I have a few pairs of these in different colors, and I love the way they make my legs look when I'm wearing jeans. Perfect for a night out! 

Wearing //

H&M blazer, check stores

Bella Luxx cami

Loft jeans

J.Crew pumps, similar for less!

BR bag

Kendra Scott necklace and bracelet

Stella & Dot nomad bracelets

Other must-haves for me this year:

Mixed metals - I used to be OCD about my jewelry choices, and I never imagined I would be into mixing my metals. But ever since becoming a Stella & Dot stylist, I actually have really been enjoying wearing both silver AND gold! It's chic and a little less expected than wearing all one metal. Plus with so many options, it's hard to choose so why not wear it all?

Suede shoulder bag - This bag is a total must-have for me. I bought it while on vacation over the Summer, but the pretty lilac color seems appropriate now as well. 

An InLinkz Link-up

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Managing Eczema

I have a (not so secret) confession to make: I have been dealing with dry, itchy, bumpy skin otherwise known as eczema. I've struggled with problematic skin for years, but it has gotten to the point where I'm actually embarrassed to show my arms sometimes due to the red scaly patches underneath my elbows. I even went to my doctor because the irritation was getting to the point where I was scratching so severely. I was breaking the skin, not exactly an attractive look. He prescribed me a cream that definitely has helped, and told me to stop clawing at myself because it just makes the problem worse. Okay doc, easy for you to say! I know it's a vicious cycle. The itch causes the scratching, but the scratching just makes the itching more intense.

Anyway, aside from the topical medicated cream, I have been using two products in conjunction that have soothed a great deal, and the eczema isn't nearly as bothersome as it was just a few weeks ago. If any of you suffer from eczema (which apparently is pretty common) or if you just have sensitive dry skin, read on!

 Loccitane almond shower oil...I have used different body washes in hopes of treating my eczema, but the one I find to be the most effective is this. The lather is minimal, and I don't feel it strips my skin of moisture. It's gentle enough to use every day.

 Skinfix soothing lotion...This is tremendous and if you have any form of dryness then you need to try it! I got mine at Target, but you can also find Skinfix products at Ulta and CVS. In doing some research on eczema, I found out that colloidal oatmeal is the main ingredient that helps alleviate the irritation, and I can feel the difference as soon as I put this on my body.


Here are some more tips for eczema-prone skin:

1. Don't take long hot showers. It promotes dryness. Instead try taking short, luke-warm showers.

2. As soon as bathing is done, pat your skin dry (don't rub) and immediately slather on lotion while skin is still damp. It provides a moisture barrier.

3. Apply lotion a couple times per day.

4. An epsom salt bath can also provide some relief if the itching is especially bad.

5. See your doctor or dermatologist if symptoms persist.

And now I sound like a brochure, so I am done here. I hope this helps! I'm worried my skin will freak out again once the weather really changes, because my skin always gets insanely dry in Winter. I'll update you if anything changes in my routine.

Do you suffer from dry skin or eczema? I'd love to hear your experience! Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

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Fall Series: Part 1 - Maximize Your Wardrobe

I am so excited to bring you a new three part series with nine of my fellow bloggers and friends. Over the next three weeks, I will be showing you my take on Fall clothing, must-haves, and trends. Everyone of course will have their own thoughts on their respective blogs, so be sure to stop by to do some comparisons! Keep in mind that I live in southern California, and we really don't experience much of your traditional Fall weather. It does cool down some especially at night, but there isn't a need for coats, boots, or heavy jackets on most days. My portion of the series will reflect that, but I do think anyone can heed some of my suggestions. I hope you enjoy!




Today I'm showing you how to maximize a key piece that I think was a huge trend this Summer. It definitely works for Fall too, and I think anyone can benefit from having one in their wardrobe. If you don't own one yet, put it on your list!

The Utility Vest:

Summer:
Here is how I chose to style my olive utility vest in Summer. Although layering is completely impractical during the hot months, I was able to incorporate it on top of a girly white dress. I remained cool, but the extra addition revved up the fashion factor and created a more interesting look. It took a frilly frock in a different direction. I wore my vest a ton as a topper to my favorite little dresses, as well as with tees and denim shorts.


For Fall:
It's super easy to make this key piece work in cooler weather. I plan on wearing mine with dark denim and classic accessories to keep the look sleek and polished for Fall. You can mix it up with practically anything already hanging in your closet. You could even layer it over a long sleeve dress, booties, and tights. Take your pick! This staple is fool-proof, which is why I think the transition works from Summer into Fall.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Attention to Details

Wearing//

BP peplum top, super similar for less

Topshop jeans, love these & these

Marc Fisher pumps on sale

Leopard clutch, similar

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry rings & cuff

Stella & Dot covet necklace & jolie necklace

Just a few random notes and thoughts today ladies!

1) To my fellow bloggers, laugh while your photographer is taking your pictures. It makes for a much more relaxing experience. And the whole thing really is funny, especially if you live in the suburbs. Passerby can't figure out what the hell you're doing. And sometimes I can't either.

2) It's been ridiculously hot. I know it's Fall somewhere, but definitely not where I live. It's been over 100 degrees, and although I'm a beach/Summer girl at heart, even this heatwave is too much to bear when it's almost October.

3) I am absolutely LOVING every single piece of jewelry I am wearing in this outfit. Emerald and black is one of my favorite combinations, as I think it looks so regal. Elizabeth knows how to do it right. I also love my layered Stella & Dot necklaces, especially my diamond initial. I haven't taken it off, not even to sleep or shower. Not sure if that's the best idea, but it's so delicate that I barely notice it's around my neck.

4) Pumpkin spice lattes are overrated. I had one the other day and nearly spit it up. I just don't understand the obsession. I'll stick to my sparkling water.

5) Speaking of sparkling water, my sister-in-law thinks there is legit crack in Perrier and La Croix. She may be right, because since discovering them (and yes I'm late to the show), I cannot be without one firmly grasped in my hand. It says it's all natural. Can I get a La Croix sponsorship? Cuz I'd prefer that deal over anything right now. Contact me if interested La Croix PR. Let's make this happen.

6) I'm really into styling my outfits paying close attention to the details. I'm more and more drawn to very simple clothing, and then adding interest with accessories. It's the easiest way to update your wardrobe without spending a fortune each season, and it truly shows your own personal style in a way that is unique to you. You may have the same pieces that I do, or the next person, but how you wear them creates a decidedly personal touch. Nobody can wear something exactly the way you do!

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