CLASSICS FOR FALL

While San Francisco is pretty chilly, it's not often that I need a heavy winter coat. I've been adding more and more light jackets to my wardrobe, and I love the Choies option below. The draped shape and 3/4 sleeves are pretty ideal for the Fall.

Hat, The Iconic $34 - Shirt, Uniqlo $15 - Jacket, Choies $35
Jeans, H&M $21 - Flats, B.P. $50
Bag, Black Five $42 - Bangle, Jeweliq $25

STRIPED BIKINI

PSA: Buy yourself a pair of black and white stripe bikini bottoms. 

I have several pairs of boring, black bikini bottoms and I hate them. Yes, they are versatile, but they don't make for making a statement on the beach. Instead, I prefer a thin striped pair in black and white. You can mix stripes with nearly any print, and obviously mix in a bright solid or a fun black top as well. Plus, when you are packing for vacation you can pack bikinis to mix and match and save some space in your suitcase. 

Bottoms: American Eagle $12

Top Row: River Island $32 - Wolf and Badger $52 - Matalan $10
Middle Row: Reiss $50 - Vero Moda $34
Bottom Row: J. Crew $44 - Mara Hoffman $33 - Patagonia $20

CROP TOPS

You know what? I really just want to wear crop tops and skirts all spring and summer. I have serious problems with keeping my shirt tucked in or having the hem of the shirt showing through my skirt. I know I'm a bit late to the crop top game, I just never saw one in a store and thought "Yeah, I would wear that". Cause I seriously despise high waisted shorts and crop tops. The one below shows a little more skin, but the stripes with the cut are so cute.

Crop Top, River Island $44

Skirt, Dorothy Perkins $49

Sandals, Topshop $45

Bag, Target $40

Earrings, Banana Republic $45 (40% off with code BRHEAT)

Sunglasses, A.J. Morgan $24

WINE TASTING

On Friday I'm headed up to Napa for some wine tasting, Whoop Whoop! I am in serious need of a getaway, and this little trip is all kinds of perfect. Now I just need to find a cute outfit.

Hats: J. Crew $35 - H&M $13
Earrings: Bauble Bar $32- House of Harlow $21 - Kendra Scott $50 - Lucky $45
Sunglasses: River Island $22 - Minkpink $40 - Sole Society $30
Bags: Asos $37 - DSW (sold out in white) $30 - Lulu's $36 - Aldo $40 - Swell $45
Dresses: H&M $34 - Modcloth $45 - Asos $47 - Shop Ruche $43 - L is for Lover $49 - American Eagle $45

POSTGRAD LOVES: PINEAPPLES

My seventh grade yearbook photo is an embarrassing one. I have braces and couldn't quite figure out how to do my hair yet. To top it off, I was wearing a red, cotton sleeveless shirt that had a cartoon pineapple and said "delicious!" under it. It was my favorite shirt and I wore it all the time. I still look back and laugh, but I still adore those damn pineapples. 

Dress, Delias $15 - Shorts, Topshop $28 - Turban, See You Monday $11 - Bikini Bottoms, River Island $9

Socks, TopShop $6 - Slip-on Sneakers, DV8 by Dolce Vita, $35 - Statement Necklace, Topshop $30

Charm Necklace, Nasty Gal $18 - Earrings, Aeropostale $6 - Belt, Scotch and Soda $49

Phone Case, River Island $17 - Earbuds, Newlook $10 - Men's Button Down, Forever21 $20

Pillow, Etsy $38 - Print, Society6 $35 - Candle, Illume $34

Pineapple Corer, Sur La Table $15 - T Shirt, Dazzle and Jolt $30

GRIDLOCKED

Dress, New Look $17 - Sweater, J. Crew $228 - Floral Top, New Look $25
Top, Vero Moda $69 - Skirt, Carven $598 - Pants, River Island $58
Heels, Schutz $126 - Clutch, Elie Saab $1,164 - Earrings, Nicole Romano $110 -Necklace, Adina by Adina Reyter $118
Ring, Nasty Gal $15 - Scarf, Express $35 - Tights, Kate Spade $22

MAD FOR PLAID

Someone says fall you think: Leaves Changing, Pumpkin Flavored Everything, and Plaid.

You don't need me to tell you that plaids are huge for fall, and this year they are bigger than ever. The "new neutral", make sure you layer this festive pattern all season long. For plaid beginners, I put together a few looks to get you started on great ways to layer with dresses.

Plaid Shirtdress, UNIQLO $40 - Oxblood Sweater Dress, H&M $24
Boots, Unisa $70 - Bag, Mango $35
Ring, Damsel x Gorjana $40 - Necklace, Bauble Bar $38
Lipstick, MAC $15 - Bronzer and Brush, Sonia Kashuk $13
---
Grey Dress, Newlook.com $29 - Plaid Shirt, L.L. Bean $40
Bow, Ike Behar $33 - Flats, Kurt Geiger $62 - Bag, Topshop $40
Double Ring, River Island $4 - Spike Ring, Forever 21 $3
Eyeshadow Palette, Nars $45

Or, pair plaid and polka dots.

Black Jacket, Maurices.com $49 - Polka Dot Blouse, J. Crew Factory $35 - Pants, Asos $62
Loafers, Ollio $17 - Clutch, BCBG $88 - Eyeliner, Stila $22
Black Bangle, Aqua $28 - White Bracelet, Humble Chic $34
---
Chambray, J. Crew Factory $35 - Vest, J. Crew $120 - Skirt, Ruche $33
Booties, Therapy $47 - Tote, Old Navy $37
Necklace, Leopard and Latte $30 - Rings, Topshop $11 (set of 3)



Some bonus plaid that I also love:

Top Row: Crossbody, Sperry Top Sider $45 - Backpack, Aldo $30 - Infinity Scarf, Tildon $38 - Cream Scarf, With Love from CA $17
Center Row: Sunglasses, Ray Ban $165 - Hair Bow, Forever 21 $2 (set of 2) - Belt, Sperry Top Sider $38 - Bracelet, Forever 21 $7
Bottom Row: Boots, Legend $45 - Heels, Asos $45 - Flats, Report $17


Now don't you just want to go pick apples and jump in a pile of leaves?

HOW TO TRANSITION A SUNDRESS

Even though this weekend technically marks the end of summer, I'm not quite ready to let go of my summer wardrobe. Transitioning a sundress is one of the best ways to keep your summer vibe going through fall. The best and easiest way is adding a cardigan and tights. I prefer a chunkier knit and patterned or textured tights to really give my outfit that fall feeling. From there toss on a pair of boots, or flats, and a structured handbag. Top it off with dainty jewelry that will balance out all of the layers and you are ready for fall!

Dress, French Connection $30 - Sweater, River Island $39 
Booties, Modcloth $50 - Bag, H&M $30 - Tights, Merona $12
Necklace, Hearts.com $20 - Ring, Brandy Melville $3

FOR HIM.

If you are lucky in love, give your man a little pampering this Valentine's Day. Yeah, okay it is a Hallmark holiday for girls, but I look at it as another day to show my wonderful boyfriend how incredible he is. If like you are on a tight budget (like me!), do something thoughtful like packing a picnic and going on a hike, a DIY project, or try out some personalized and affordable gifts from websites like Etsy. Usually girls get treated the other 364 days a year, so return the favor! If you do have some cash to spare, a gift that he will really enjoy is a great option. He loves sports? Get him a jersey and tickets. Manly Man? Classic shave kit. Easy Peezy Lemon Squeezy!

This Guy Loves Bacon Sweatshirt, Etsy $28
Sunglasses, Persol $360
Grey Sweatshirt, Patagonia $99
Shaving Kit, Art of Shaving $60
Bow Tie, JCrew $55
Iphone Case, Vans $20
Scarf, Seth Roberts $18
Beanie, River Island $13
Cologne, Hermes $107
Pint Glasses, Etsy $35
Nike Fuel Band, Nike $149
NFL Jersey, NFL Shop $100

COLLARS AND LAYERING

I have been seeing so many sweaters over collared shirts, with a bib or statement necklace peeking out, and this is a look I absolutely love. A fun twist on the classic button down and sweater combo, it fits in any wardrobe. Best part? You probably already have the items in your closet! Tip: Sleeveless buttondowns are much more comfortable when layered under sweaters.

I recently bought the sweater above at Forever 21(not a store I usually frequent), and paired it with black skinny jeans and boots for work. I love taking florals and giving them a hard edge by pairing them with black, or masculine pieces. And I love the contrast of the geometric shapes in the clutch vs. the soft lines in the floral pattern.

Like always, top it off with a bun and bright lips!


Sweater, Forever 21 $7.99 - Skinnies, Topshop $42 - Collared Tank, Windsor $30
Booties, H&M $48 - Necklace, Forever 21 $13 - Clutch, $32 River Island
Lipstick, Tarte $26 - Nail Polish, Topshop $10

TERRIFIC TOPPERS

Hats are a fantastic way to accessorize your outfit. Unfortunately for us Californians, It's been a constant 80 degrees since the summer ended so cold weather hats aren't a very practical purchase. However, for you ladies that live in a colder climate, boost your hat collections with my picks below!

Girly Girl: Sequin Bow Hat, $26 Asos - Pearl Beanie, $21 River Island - Maroon Knit Bow, $21 Asos
Hippie Girl: Multicolor Hat, $30 Swell - Ombre Beanie, $10 Monki - Fur Trapper Hat, $48 French Connection

City Girl: Fuscia Turban Hat, $48 Piper Lime - Beret, $35 Chicnova.com - Cream Beanie, $24 Top Shop  

Sporty Girl: Grey Knit Cap, $18 Asos - Black Skull Cap, $20 Nike - Fleece Headband, Scala $6

POST GRAD GUIDE TO WEARING MAXI SKIRTS IN WINTER MONTHS

Maxi skirts got huge for spring and summer. For Postgrads like me who aren't ready to retire them for winter yet, here are a few tips to transition them into your winter wardrobe.

1. Pair them with an oversized sweater
2. Make sure to add a belt to define your waist and create a flattering shape!
3. Utility jackets are great to add as another layer because they have structural elements, but are still oversized and comfy.
4. Booties, Booties, Booties, Booties! With chunky heels!
5. Grab a structured bag to balance out the long skirt and sweater

And lipstick, like always, in a pretty dark winter red.
,

 

Sweater, Chicnova.com $23 - Utility Jacket, Topshop $116 - Skirt, River Island $35

Booties, Aldo $42 - Bag, Boohoo.com $50 - Iphone Case, Forever 21 $18

Heart Ring, Etsy $24 - Diamond Ring, Bcbg $18 

Belt, Wet Seal $11 - Headband, Pier1 $15 - Lipstick, NARS $25

WORKDAY WEDNESDAY: JACKETS

The first edition of Workday Wednesday! Any postgrad who has spent time in an office can tell you that dressing for work can get boring very fast. One way to bring more style into your work wardrobe is with Chanel inspired jackets. The iconic label has absolutely perfected the tweed suit, but since it is preeeetty far out of my price range, I will settle for a few of these jackets instead. For casual Fridays, pair the look with skinny dark jeans, ballet flats, and a nice top. Or pair these with a pencil skirt or slacks and heels for a dressier look. When buying, look for a tweed or boucle fabric with contrasting trims. These fabrics look sophisticated and balance out chain detailing, animal print, or bold colors!



1. Blazer, Vila Irica $48 - 2. Navy Jacket, SheInside.com $40
3. Leopard Print Jacket, River Island $40
4. Teal Boucle Jacket, TopShop - $130  5. Cream Boucle jacket, River Island $48
6. Chain Trim Jacket, Mango $40

 Dressy Look: Top, River Island $40 - Skirt, Mango $30 - Slingbacks, Yesstyle.com $50
Bag, Aldo $50 - Earrings, Kate Spade $38 - Watch, Style&Co. $30 - Bracelet, C. Wonder $38

Casual Look: Top, Dorothy Perkins $49 - Skinnies, H&M $16 - Flats, Asos $43
Bag, Vans $41 - Bracelet, Kenneth Jay Lane $49 - Earrings, Nordstrom $48

Now you can see the Mango jacket both casual and dressy, with a similar type look going on. If I hadn't already bought a tweed jacket this weekend, I would buy this one!

MEOW.

Word around town is that leopard is being declared as the new neutral... seeing as I have been rocking leopard as a neutral for quite some time now, I'm feeling pretty good about being ahead of the curve. Leopard is so fascinating because it tiptoes that line of chic and cheap with as much precision as a tightrope walker. The best way to handle the print is in small doses, a skinny belt here, leopard flats with a chic dress there... as long as you stay away from dressing in the print head to toe. I am dying for the Zara heels below, omg.

Long Sleeve Top, Romwe.com $56 - Peplum Top, River Island $40 -

Slingbacks, Zara $80 - Booties, Bqueen $79 - Smoking Loafers, Liz Claireborne $60

Clutch, Topshop $45 - Tote, Dorothy Perkins $73

Earrings, Juicy Couture $30 - Ring, Nelly Accesories $10

Watch, River Island $29 - Scarf, Chicnova.com $15 - Belt, Banana Republic $50

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS STYLE - ARIA

On PLL, Aria always seems to be way too overdressed for school, but well put together in her gothy-eclectic way. I think only she could rock galaxy print, feather earrings, and a mustache ring all in the same look. Steal her style with the outfit below!

Dress, Te Amo $40 - Blazer, SheInside.com $47 - Boots, Neway $36
Bag, Urban Expressions $49 - Iphone Case - MJ by Marc Jacobs $34 - Sunglasses, River Island $21
Earrings, Romwe.com $13 - Mustache Ring, Windsor $11 
Circle Ring, Gorjana $80 - Knot Ring, KG Kurt Geiger, $32