Fashion

Sure.

It’s going to get back up to the high 90s and possibly even the 100s again by next week, but I’m choosing to look at the bright side. Or the cool side. Or whatever. I’m also believing that Tropical Storm Nate is going to make it’s way to the Texas coast and drop a gazillion inches of rain on us sometime next week. Because it’s our turn.

Maybe I’m feeling optimistic because I’m not hot all the time. Or maybe it’s because The Rachel Zoe Project is back on and life is worth living again. There aren’t too many places, besides this blog, where you can listen to someone create huge drama out of absolutely nothing.

Did I mention I got my bangs cut and I might die if they don’t figure out how to get themselves all over to one side instead of parting in the middle because of an unfortunate cowlick? It’s HORRIBLE.

But let’s talk about fashion. Because otherwise I might start talking about college football again and I think we all know that won’t turn out well. In the words of those famous lyricists, The Beach Boys, everyone has to be true to their school.

1. tinley road justyn wedges

Love ’em or hate ’em, animal print shoes are in. And I personally am a fan. These are cute and affordable. And also give you a great excuse to continue to get pedicures throughout the winter months.

2. sunny stripes tunic

I bought a similar top at Zara the other day. I love stuff that I can throw on with jeans and boots and still look like I put some effort into it. This is one of those things.

3. mia xiomara boots

It probably comes as no surprise that I love these boots.

4. double layer trim cardigan

I couldn’t get the picture of this to upload for reasons I don’t understand but will blame solely on the Ann Taylor Loft website. But this is a really great cardigan if you’re a cardigan kind of person.

Personally, I am not. But it’s not for lack of trying. I love the idea of it, but it never seems to work out for me.

But this one comes in a multitude of colors and is on sale for only 29.50. That’s a steal.

5. an entire outfit

It’s true. I like this entire outfit. I like the gray striped top with the orange scarf and the jeans and the boots. The whole thing just works.

And here’s the great thing. This is easy to duplicate at any price because I bet you already have some of this stuff in your closet.

6. jolt cape

I’m still not sure how I feel about the whole cape thing, but this one is pretty cute and a great price at Nordstrom.

7. belted military-style jacket

I really like this military style jacket from Old Navy. It’s the perfect weight for a Texas fall. Assuming it actually cools off for good at some point.

8. bow-tie top

Bow-tie tops are a big trend for fall. It’s true. Even if wearing one may make you feel like you’re channeling Jane Fonda in Nine to Five.

This one from Old Navy is a great price. It looks good by itself but would be easy to layer under a blazer OR a cardigan in cooler weather.

9. vintage opaque ring

About a week ago I was in Forever 21 and they had the cutest rings. This one wasn’t necessarily one of them, but I couldn’t find the ones on the website that I loved in the store.

And, sure, it will turn your finger green after about a month of wear, but they’re only five dollars. It’s best to have low expectations. And no allergies to synthetic materials.

10. Texas forever t-shirt

Because it’s Friday. Because it’s football season. Because I miss Coach and Tami Taylor. And Tim Riggins.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

Y’all have a great Friday.

Well I’m sitting here with college football on, specifically the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and the high temperature was merely 99 degrees today. It’s hard to not feel optimistic that fall really is on the way.

Did you detect the sarcasm? Because it is thick, my friends, THICK.

But I mentioned yesterday that I received the fall Sundance catalog and as I browsed through it I decided that I am going to look forward to wearing sweaters and boots with an enthusiasm that actually makes it appear that I believe that day will ever come.

Also, make sure you read through to the end of this post because THERE IS A GIVEAWAY TODAY. A GIVEAWAY. THAT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS.

But first let me show you what I love this week.

1. fair isle belted cardigan

As I browsed through the Sundance catalog I realized that it pretty much captures my ideal style. I love the sweaters and the lacy tunics and the cowboy boots. I told P that I would like to live in that world.

And, while I was looking through Sundance, P was reading his new copy of Off Road Adventures (yes, that’s a real thing) and showed me a picture of a vintage 1966 Bronco and said he’d love to have one.

So basically I’d like to dress straight from the Sundance catalog and P would like to drive a 1966 Bronco. In other words, we would like to be the Ralph Lauren family.

2. countryside corduroy jacket

I’d like to tell you I just like this jacket, but really I like this whole look. The scarf, the top, the jacket. It all works in a quirky kind of way. I bet Mrs. Lauren has something that looks like this. And probably a cool turquoise bracelet to tie it all together.

3. ava jewel ring

Have I already shown y’all this? I can’t remember. But let’s pretend like I haven’t.

4. tulle short vintage wool jacket

I really like these short wool jackets. They come in a multitude of colors but I’m really loving the orange in spite of the fact that I rarely wear orange during college football season.

Of course now that the Aggies are moving to the SEC and DeLoss Dodds is threatening to never play us again it may not be an issue by next year. Maybe by 2013 I just won’t be able to wear purple and gold in the fall, which won’t be hard at all since I have issues with purple to begin with.

Also, to show my Longhorn sistren (the female equivalent of brethren) that there are no hard feelings I will share that you need to head to your local Charming Charlie’s TOOT SUITE if you’re in the market for some burnt orange. They have some really cute stuff.

5. tinley road statement knot pendant necklace

I took Caroline to Forever 21 yesterday because she is obsessed with owning this owl necklace with a clock in its stomach and she finally wore me down. But then we got there and they had approximately 8,000,064 necklaces on display but were fresh out of the owl clock version. Which led to Caroline wanting to look at EVERY SINGLE NECKLACE in the entire store.

None of this has anything to do with this particular necklace, but it just brought up some fresh wounds.

6. ruffle trim classic trench

New York and Company (formerly known as Lerner’s before they got FANCY) has a new line of clothes out that are inspired by Kate Middleton. Or the Duchess as she is now known since, much like Lerner’s, she has upgraded her status.

All of the pieces are cute but I especially love this ruffle trim trench coat. You may look at it and say “I can’t spend $89.99 on a coat! I’m not a duchess!” To which I will tell you to please note that you get 40% off at checkout. 40% off. I’m no math whiz but that’s almost half.

7. colorblock knit sweater cape

And while we’re talking about the 40% off at New York and Company, I thought you might also want to see this sweater cape. I’m a fan.

8. mia page boots

I’m always on the lookout for cute, affordable boots. I think these fit the bill.

9. big buddha kim bag

I love Big Buddha bags because they’re usually so cute and virtually indestructible. I mean, don’t bounce on them like that gorilla used to do in those old Samsonite commercials or anything, but they hold up to normal wear and tear.

This is my favorite of the season. And I’m partial to the berry. Although the green kind of turns my head.

10. zarape tall boots by old gringo

These fall solely (Get it? Solely? And they’re boots?) in the category of total extravagance and money to burn. But I had to share them with y’all because they were in the Sundance catalog and, therefore, I adore them.

I bet Mrs. Lauren has a pair. In both colors.

As soon as P gets his multi-kajillion dollar clothing business off the ground I’m totally going to buy a pair for myself.

***Okay, now for the giveaway. I’m giving away one $50 gift card to Ruche on my giveaway page. Click here to leave a comment over there for a chance to win.***

Y’all have a great Friday.

So remember two weeks ago when I wrote about fall trends and then last week when I dropped the ball and didn’t continue the discussion? Yes, me too. But I’ve recovered and had time to assess the fall fashions and consult the experts and I’m now ready to discuss the last five trends for fall.

In case you missed the first five trends you can go check it out right here.

6. capes and ponchos

No, I’m not kidding. Please don’t shoot the messenger on this one. Capes and ponchos. Batman is obviously thrilled by this news.

And honestly, I can get on board the poncho train. Maybe not the cape train, but definitely the poncho express.

I don’t know what that means.

However, I really like this snow nymph cape. Yes, that’s its real name. The snow nymph cape.

“Honey, I’ll be there just as soon as I throw on my snow nymph cape.”

Sometimes its hard to take the fashion world seriously.

If you’re wanting more of a Sherlock Holmes look, there is the calhoun cape.

Side effects may include walking around and saying “Elementary, my dear Watson”.

But I’m more of a fan of this cabled cocoon poncho or this stripe oversize poncho. They just seem a little more practical than a cape for every day use. But, then again, that’s why I’m not a super hero. Well, that and my inability to fly or leap tall buildings in a single bound.

And then in the category of not really a poncho or a cape is this darling cairngaan point cardigan that I bought on sale at Anthropologie yesterday.

It’s beautiful in person and a steal as far as Anthropologie and sweater coats go.

7. faux fur

Yes, faux fur continues to be a big trend. And I will refrain from telling the sad story about the awesome faux fur leopard print coat I had back in 2001 that was stolen out of my car in a parking garage in downtown Austin.

Oops. Too late. I told the story. You’d think after ten years I’d be over it, but you’d be wrong.

I think this leopard faux fur jacket is really cute if you’re a fan of animal prints. I believe they add a little zip to any wardrobe.

Or you could go with something like this coyote faux fur vest. I wonder if Rick Perry made one of these for his wife after he shot that coyote while jogging? Also, I’m not sure why we need to resort to faux coyote fur. It’s not like coyotes are endangered. As a matter of fact, we have so many of them living in the woods by our house that our neighborhood has experienced a substantial decline in pet cats.

And if you don’t want to commit to a lot of faux fur, you can always find a great jacket with a faux fur collar. It’s subtle and understated. Like Caroline’s ALL ABOUT ME poster.

That’s probably enough about fur. We all know what it looks like by now.

8. stacked heels

Whether it’s on a bootie or a tall boot or a loafer, stacked heels are totally in. The stacked loafer totally reminds me of some shoes I wore constantly during my first job after college. They were black loafers with a really high heel and, between those and my fancy suit from Casual Corner, I don’t know that I’ve ever felt more sophisticated.

These braden boots are to die for.

But if you’re looking for a bargain, look no further than your local Target. These keeley booties are really cute and so are these kainda slouchy heeled boots.

I’m also excited that they have the knock-off version of Frye Harness boots again this year.

9. pendant necklaces

I enjoy the pendant necklaces because they’re a clean, simple look to add to an outfit.

I’ve been eyeing this round wheel pendant necklace for a few weeks now.

I also like this embellished cross necklace.

And you can’t go wrong with either this reflections pendant necklace or this new penny clock pendant necklace.

10. midi skirts and dresses

I’ll just go ahead and state for the record that I am not a fan of this length. I think skirts and dresses should either hit above the knee, at the knee or head on down to your ankles. I believe the midi length can take you to Frumpy Town faster than you can blink. And don’t confuse Frumpy Town with Funky Town. Two totally different things.

But it’s a legitimate trend and I feel like I need to mention it.

There’s this plaid high low mid skirt.

And I can kind of get on board with this ella moss liberty dress.

This nanette lepore gemini dress is really gorgeous.

You may be asking, where are the affordable midi length options? These things are all way too expensive.

And to that I will tell you to count that as a blessing. It’s God’s way of keeping you from visiting Frumpy Town. Because apparently Frumpy Town can be expensive.

There you have it. The trends for fall.

Y’all have a great Friday.

I know. I said I’d discuss the remaining five trends for fall this week and now here I am not discussing them. In my defense I have been very busy reading SEC and A&M message boards to find out the latest on the athletic conference situation. In addition, I’ve also had to spend a lot of time helping Caroline figure out what she’s going to wear for the first day of school on Monday.

May heaven help me.

At dinner last night she actually said to me, “Honey, I’m wearing my Nike shorts and whatever shirt I think looks good.” No. I don’t know why she called me Honey as if she’s suddenly channeling Flo from the show Alice.

The sad thing is I think I may let her wear her Nike shorts because the temperatures are completely insane at this point. INSANE. Like I wore denim shorts the other day and had to take them off as soon as I got home because they made me angry INSANE.

All I know is it seems like back when I was in school I always wore some new outfit on the first day. Specifically I remember a yellow and hot pink Esprit ensemble that I wore the first day of ninth grade that even had a matching cardigan. And I kept it on all day. Which makes me wonder if it used to be cooler back then? Is there a chance that global warming is real? Or was I just much more heat tolerant back then? Or maybe just more willing to suffer for the sake of impressing cute boys in my Pre-Algebra class with my fancy Esprit cardigan?

Because everyone knows that ninth grade boys love a cardigan.

Anyway, I haven’t really spent much time on the internet looking for fashion this week. However, I did notice that Ruche has some darling things in right now and so I will list them here in case you want to check them out.

1. island escapade cardigan

I’m a little afraid of anything with mohair in it, but I’m willing to take a chance because I love the way this looks.

2. abbey road tweed blazer

Remember, a blazer is one of the top trends for fall. Don’t you wish someone wasn’t so lazy and you knew what the rest of them were?

3. acrostic poetry striped cardigan

I didn’t know what the word “acrostic” meant until Beth Moore used it in a Bible study.

4. striped revolution wedges

Well, these are darling.

5. jane’s darling dress

Now this is what Betty Draper would wear when she cooks breakfast. It also comes in curvy sizes. And in black.

6. open wind striped curvy plus top

I love the whole 70s thing this top has going on.

7. library afternoons maxi skirt

I’m pretty sure this is the skirt that Sophie told me she bought a while back and said it’s like wearing your pajamas. I can get on board with that.

8. lepidoptera paisley tunic

Yeah. I don’t know what lepidoptera is either. But I do like this tunic and think it would be cute layered under a loose cardigan or a black blazer if it ever cools down to maybe 94 degrees or something.

9. leilani embroidered cardigan

Love this with jeans.

10. aventurine ring

I’m a sucker for anything this color.

Hope y’all have a lovely Friday.

Yes, Virginia. There really is such a thing as fall. I keep reminding myself of that because otherwise I will fall (no pun intended) into a pit of depression from the likes of which I may not recover until the temps dip back down to a cool, refreshing 95 degrees.

I long for the day that I can pull out my favorite boots and a lightweight sweater and wear my hair down without fear of the havoc created by heat indexes above 110 degrees and humidity levels normally found only in the ocean.

Not to mention that fall is my favorite time of year because, HELLO, college football. And the Aggies are starting the season ranked in the top ten with rumors flying about our possible SECession to the best conference in college football along with a potential Aggie presidential candidate. It’s a good time to be a graduate of Texas A&M.

But enough about that. Let’s talk about fall trends. I’ll list five this week and five next week. Unless I get distracted between now and then and it doesn’t happen.

1. Bordeaux

Otherwise known as Aggie Maroon. See what I did there? I said I was done talking about the Aggies, but I wasn’t. It’s as if the fashion world knew that all roads would lead to A&M this fall.

Whatever the case, bordeaux is a big color for fall. And that’s a good thing because it’s a flattering color for almost everyone.

I love this Tinley Road cowl neck top.

And this winter kate top that says it’s a dress but that has to be wrong.

How much would I love this darling maroon jacket? Sure, they call it Cordovan. But I know it’s maroon.

Or maybe you need a nice pair of wine-colored heels to give an outfit a little unexpected color.

And this scarf would be perfect for game day.

Or you could just go with my personal favorite.

2. blazers

Y’all. I love a blazer. It’s true. There was a time in college that I even owned a tweed blazer complete with suede elbow patches. I felt like it made me look intellectual and sophisticated. Of course the fact that I wore it while playing a game of Quarters probably counterbalanced that effect.

But still, a blazer is brilliant. And so easy to throw over a simple t-shirt and look pulled together.

If I were you, which I’m not so feel free to ignore me, I would start with a simple black blazer. You can find them in a wide range of prices depending on how much you want to spend.

This one below by Elizabeth and James is pricey, but I love the way it’s styled with the longer shirt underneath and that gold pendant necklace.

I like the velvet schoolboy blazer from J.Crew and, naturally, I love a good tweed blazer.

For some super affordable versions, check out this black Mossimo blazer and this one from Forever 21.

3. tiered necklaces

I want to say something clever about tiered necklaces, but P is sitting beside me watching The Book of Eli and I’m kind of paying attention to it in spite of myself. I’m finding it equal parts fascinating and disturbing. And it has made no mention of tiered necklaces. Apocalyptic movies are funny that way.

But I do like the tiered necklace. It’s a great piece to add to your fall wardrobe because accessories are an inexpensive way to spice up an outfit.

Here are a few that caught my eye.

This double layer pendant necklace.

The siren necklace in turquoise.

And this chain-link bib necklace.

4. the feminine blouse

The feminine blouse is a great piece because you can wear it with jeans on the weekend or dress it up during the work week. Of course I write a blog from home so not even the feminine blouse can make my faded plaid pajama bottoms look better.

But it’s nice to have something versatile in your closet that looks pretty.

I love this poet blouse.

And I adore this wingfall blouse from Anthropologie. Maybe it will go on sale.

This loosened shelby blouse would be perfect for a Texas fall and so would this pruned and flourishing blouse.

Old Navy has a great sheer ruffle-front top and I like this flutter sleeve top.

5. jeans with flare

Please tell me you’re picturing me wearing jeans with a bunch of buttons with random slogans pinned all over them right now. And then I could tell you I don’t like to talk about my flare.

On one hand, I am sad to report this is referring to a different kind of flare. But, on the other hand, I am thrilled that the flared jean has made a comeback. Or you might say don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years. And I’ll say Mama said knock you out.

Now it’s just late and I’m delirious.

The bottom line is the flare has made a resurgence and I think this is good news for all women who weigh more than 100 pounds. It’s a flattering cut and you can choose how flared you want to go. And if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, a good pair of jeans is a game changer.

Personally, I’m a fan of Sevens, but there are so many options. You just have to go out and try them on. Nordstrom Rack is a great place to find designer jeans for less. I’d also look at your local TJ Maxx or Steinmart.

I also know several people who’ve had a lot of luck with Gap’s long and lean jeans which happen to be on sale right now.

That’s it for me for today. If you need me I’ll be perusing all the A&M message boards to find out more about this whole SEC business.

Y’all have a great Friday.

I think we all know by now that we are in the midst of some turbulent economic times. Perhaps the worst financial times this country has ever seen. Maybe the Great Depression was worse. I don’t really know because I didn’t really pay attention in my American History class.

And I’m certainly no economic genius, as evidenced by the solid D I received in Personal Finance 201, but I’ve always thought the key to getting out of debt involved not spending any more money. Which is why I tend to think we ought to just clear everyone out of Washington D.C. and start over from scratch, maybe hire some of those accountants from Price Waterhouse that tabulate the results of the Academy Awards every year.

But that’s just me.

I don’t know about you, but when the economic times get tough I like to shop for cute, inexpensive accessories. It’s because I’m a true patriot and feel like I should do my part to stimulate the economy. Actually, that’s not true. I really just don’t have much to write about tonight and spent a great portion of my day yesterday looking at accessories for a friend so I thought I’d share some of the great stuff I found along the way.

1. pyramid drop earrings

2. bold medallion leather bracelet

3. african turquoise on leather wrap bracelet

4. dangle earrings

For some reason I can’t post the picture of these, but they’re cute. And are only $6.50. SIX AMERICAN DOLLARS.

Which, by the way, isn’t worth as much as it used to be.

5. boho locket pendant necklace

6. turquoise and pearls ring

7. confetti pendant necklace

8. crater lake ring

9. ethereal necklace

10. iznik scarf

Have you found any great accessories lately? I’d love to know about what and where and when. After all, this economic crisis isn’t going to solve itself.

Y’all have a great day.