Howdy y'all! I am so excited to be sharing this post on le blog today! I distinctly remember dreading the transition to fall last year. You see, my wardrobe, with it's flouncy floral kimonos and brightly colored statement dresses, is not exactly what I'd call fall friendly. Of course, this is all in my head, but isn't everything? This year, I am being proactive and kick starting my fall with a major haul from Forever 21 (lol, where else?).
A bit of background on all the events leading up to this (I guess we can count this as a life update). In Mid-August, Mitch moved in and plans to stay until he heads to Vancouver for what I'm calling "work abroad." Long story short, big guy didn't win the H1B lottery and thus needs to have an adventure at the Vancouver office for about a year and a halfish before he can return on an L1 transfer visa. Even though he's only staying (and cutting my rent in half!) for a handful of months, I wanted to make sure he had room for all of his things. I did a MAJOR closet cleanout which included 50+ pairs of shoes and two giant suitcases worth of clothes and hauled it all down to the U-district to try my luck at Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading Co. Lady luck was on my side that day because I went home with $200 cash! Shoutout to my friend Claire for helping me lug everything around and being patient during our 3 hour ordeal.
I decided to take the monies and reinvest in a refresh of my fall wardrobe. Niky and I headed to the mall after work one day and basically had a field day. I am so grateful for the walking/breathing style inspo that Niky brings to my life every day. Being in her super early twenties, she is always up to date on trends and her personal taste always adds an easy sophistication to the outfits that she puts together for herself. Basically, my creativity is crazy fueled by being around her. It's definitely one of the things I miss most about living with her so I am so happy that we now work together!
I had very specific motivations behind picking out pieces for Fall:
Feel Awesome: Not gonna lie. I didn't feel great about most of what I wore on campuses last fall. I'm just not a jeans + t shirt kind of gal. I want everything I put on this fall to make me feel too legit to quit. You know, that feeling of hell YAS I know you lookin' at me *smirk emojii*
Comfortable: I'll be travelling for most of September and October. When I'm out on my campuses, there's a lot of movement, long hours on my feet, etc. Y'all know I love to dress up, but the absolute last thing I want on the road are structured ensembles and sky high heels. Cotton and Jersey are my best friends, y'all.
Modest: Yea, I'm into myself and I have little problem wearing things that show myself off. One life to live, y'all! I've been kind of pushing the envelope at work but real talk, I get self conscious when I'm working on college campuses if I have cleavage showing or if my skirts are on the shorter side. At home, I know people know what I'm about. But presenting myself to strangers as a professional... my common sense encourages me to go conservative. I view modesty as a sliding scale where folks choose where they land based on their own comfort. My modest might not be your modest, but it is something that I think about :)
Grab & Go: Last thing I want to think about in the crazy of fall is what to wear. So, things need to be easy to mix and match and shit needs to be super easy to care for.
The following is a summary of my haul with Niky. All the items are under $30, with most things being under $20. I hope you find this useful as you think about picking up things for fall. I should give you a heads up and say this haul doesn't include any outerwear, shoes or accessories. I'm pretty much good to go on those things from previous buys. Can't wait to share outfit photos with y'all!
A bit of background on all the events leading up to this (I guess we can count this as a life update). In Mid-August, Mitch moved in and plans to stay until he heads to Vancouver for what I'm calling "work abroad." Long story short, big guy didn't win the H1B lottery and thus needs to have an adventure at the Vancouver office for about a year and a halfish before he can return on an L1 transfer visa. Even though he's only staying (and cutting my rent in half!) for a handful of months, I wanted to make sure he had room for all of his things. I did a MAJOR closet cleanout which included 50+ pairs of shoes and two giant suitcases worth of clothes and hauled it all down to the U-district to try my luck at Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading Co. Lady luck was on my side that day because I went home with $200 cash! Shoutout to my friend Claire for helping me lug everything around and being patient during our 3 hour ordeal.
I decided to take the monies and reinvest in a refresh of my fall wardrobe. Niky and I headed to the mall after work one day and basically had a field day. I am so grateful for the walking/breathing style inspo that Niky brings to my life every day. Being in her super early twenties, she is always up to date on trends and her personal taste always adds an easy sophistication to the outfits that she puts together for herself. Basically, my creativity is crazy fueled by being around her. It's definitely one of the things I miss most about living with her so I am so happy that we now work together!
I had very specific motivations behind picking out pieces for Fall:
Feel Awesome: Not gonna lie. I didn't feel great about most of what I wore on campuses last fall. I'm just not a jeans + t shirt kind of gal. I want everything I put on this fall to make me feel too legit to quit. You know, that feeling of hell YAS I know you lookin' at me *smirk emojii*
Comfortable: I'll be travelling for most of September and October. When I'm out on my campuses, there's a lot of movement, long hours on my feet, etc. Y'all know I love to dress up, but the absolute last thing I want on the road are structured ensembles and sky high heels. Cotton and Jersey are my best friends, y'all.
Modest: Yea, I'm into myself and I have little problem wearing things that show myself off. One life to live, y'all! I've been kind of pushing the envelope at work but real talk, I get self conscious when I'm working on college campuses if I have cleavage showing or if my skirts are on the shorter side. At home, I know people know what I'm about. But presenting myself to strangers as a professional... my common sense encourages me to go conservative. I view modesty as a sliding scale where folks choose where they land based on their own comfort. My modest might not be your modest, but it is something that I think about :)
Grab & Go: Last thing I want to think about in the crazy of fall is what to wear. So, things need to be easy to mix and match and shit needs to be super easy to care for.
The following is a summary of my haul with Niky. All the items are under $30, with most things being under $20. I hope you find this useful as you think about picking up things for fall. I should give you a heads up and say this haul doesn't include any outerwear, shoes or accessories. I'm pretty much good to go on those things from previous buys. Can't wait to share outfit photos with y'all!
Longline Vest: The perfect top layer
All credit for finding this trend goes to Niky! One of my legit strategies for this shopping trip was, oh, Niky is getting that? I'm getting that too! I've noticed that longline vests are ALL OVER the instafashion world.These are an amazing summer to fall transition piece and they go with EVERYTHING. Seriously. The exact vest we bought isn't available online yet, but here are a couple examples. We opted for one that was a bit more flowly like the one on the left, but I'll probably pick up one that's basically a sleeveless blazer before the season is over.
All credit for finding this trend goes to Niky! One of my legit strategies for this shopping trip was, oh, Niky is getting that? I'm getting that too! I've noticed that longline vests are ALL OVER the instafashion world.These are an amazing summer to fall transition piece and they go with EVERYTHING. Seriously. The exact vest we bought isn't available online yet, but here are a couple examples. We opted for one that was a bit more flowly like the one on the left, but I'll probably pick up one that's basically a sleeveless blazer before the season is over.
Back To School Dresses: Casual & Cool
You're going to see a lot of dresses in this post. Y'all know it's what I'm all about. I'm really into this "loose, but fitted" trend. It gives you those chic without trying vibes. I am obsessed with BOTH of these purchases, but the micro-striped t shirt dress especially. It is SO EASY to wear. I picked it up in two colors.
You're going to see a lot of dresses in this post. Y'all know it's what I'm all about. I'm really into this "loose, but fitted" trend. It gives you those chic without trying vibes. I am obsessed with BOTH of these purchases, but the micro-striped t shirt dress especially. It is SO EASY to wear. I picked it up in two colors.
Classics with a Twist: Updated Fall Hues
Weirdly enough, I was never really into neutrals and darks. I'd ALWAYS go for bright and color. Katrina has been a huge influence on my style, so I've come around :) Especially after I realized that fall color trends look kind of awesome on me. Burnt orange, burgundy, olive, emerald green, sage green... give me ALL those warm and rich hues, y'all! I am excited to take these two dresses out this fall. I bought the fit and flare dress in an xlarge for the "loose, but fitted" effect. The dolman dress is cool and relaxed, more on that "elevated basic" vibe.
Weirdly enough, I was never really into neutrals and darks. I'd ALWAYS go for bright and color. Katrina has been a huge influence on my style, so I've come around :) Especially after I realized that fall color trends look kind of awesome on me. Burnt orange, burgundy, olive, emerald green, sage green... give me ALL those warm and rich hues, y'all! I am excited to take these two dresses out this fall. I bought the fit and flare dress in an xlarge for the "loose, but fitted" effect. The dolman dress is cool and relaxed, more on that "elevated basic" vibe.
Longer Bodycon: aka Work Appropriate
Oh, these dresses, y'all. I think these dresses perfectly hit all 4 of my main motivations. I feel fucking AMAZING in both of these. The fits are ON POINT. Hugs all of my curves, but doesn't squeeze. Seriously magical. The thick, stretchy fabrics are super comfortable. I love the longer lengths and they make perfect bases for building interesting outfits. Most likely will collect every color available.
Oh, these dresses, y'all. I think these dresses perfectly hit all 4 of my main motivations. I feel fucking AMAZING in both of these. The fits are ON POINT. Hugs all of my curves, but doesn't squeeze. Seriously magical. The thick, stretchy fabrics are super comfortable. I love the longer lengths and they make perfect bases for building interesting outfits. Most likely will collect every color available.
Top Refresh: for the couple times I want to put on pants
This drapey blouse is perfect for jeans and a pretty necklace. I have found the fit to be very flattering. Actually, I'd say that's my main motivation for when I purchase tops. Since I don't wear them often, I want the ones I own to flatter my body/style/mind/ego(lol). Another trend I'm super digging is the side slit. Again, surprisingly very flattering! There's some sort of voodoo magic built into these oversized tanks that manage to show off your waist (kind of?). Actually, I think it happens when the slit comes up to your natural waist. You may need to try a couple on to find one that works for your height, but they're worth it!
This drapey blouse is perfect for jeans and a pretty necklace. I have found the fit to be very flattering. Actually, I'd say that's my main motivation for when I purchase tops. Since I don't wear them often, I want the ones I own to flatter my body/style/mind/ego(lol). Another trend I'm super digging is the side slit. Again, surprisingly very flattering! There's some sort of voodoo magic built into these oversized tanks that manage to show off your waist (kind of?). Actually, I think it happens when the slit comes up to your natural waist. You may need to try a couple on to find one that works for your height, but they're worth it!
Striped Set: because summer will never really be over
Last but not least, I couldn't help but pick up these matching set. I think it will transition into fall beautifully with some cognac booties and an oversized cardigan. Isn't it the prettiest? Well, that's all I got for you guys! Let me know which pieces you like best and if you end up giving them a go yourself, I'd love to know!
Last but not least, I couldn't help but pick up these matching set. I think it will transition into fall beautifully with some cognac booties and an oversized cardigan. Isn't it the prettiest? Well, that's all I got for you guys! Let me know which pieces you like best and if you end up giving them a go yourself, I'd love to know!
