Fall Fashion Essentials

I've (sadly) been down with a cold for the past couple of days, so I've had some time (not a lot, but still) to spare. And free time means books, sleep, tumblr, and blogging.

Since the first official day of fall wasn't so long ago, I decided to put together a collage with my 10 fall fashion essentials. Hope you enjoy!

oversized flannel

Something about a big oversized flannel and leggings makes me feel so cozy; like I want to light the fireplace, pour myself some coffee and curl up with a book. I love wearing my big flannel (which looks like a lumberjack's shirt, by the way) more as a jacket or a sweater with a tank top, leggings, and riding boots.

khaki skirt

I am on a hunt for the perfect khaki skirt and I think I found it. It's the perfect must-have preppy piece for fall that can be worn with anything or anyhow - boots, flats, loafers, t-shirts, blouses, you name it. This one from Madewell is perfect for me, so I may or may not have added it to my online cart...

equestrian boots

Everyone knows about my love for horses, brown leather, and boots (which, all together, equals riding boots), so I won't go on and on about these babies. If it's not raining - or worse - snowing outside, you bet I'll be wearing riding boots. Yep. Must-have. Totally worth the money, so invest in a nice ol' pair of leather boots.

peacoat

This one is a no-brainer, especially if you live somewhere where fall weather isn't all 70 degrees and sunny (ekhem Moscow ekhem). They come in all kinds of different colors, so it's the perfect way to add some color if your wardrobe is all black-and-white.

rain boots

If you don't live in a rainy climate, then I guess this won't really be an essential for you, but they certainly are for me! I get a ton of use out of my Hunter wellies, even in the winter - you can wear them with special warm socks that come in a bunch of different colors and patterns. Red and navy are always classic color choices, but I got mine in teal and I still wear them with everything!

black tote

This is an essential for every season (for me, at least), but I still felt like I had to include a black tote in this list. Black is one of the "it" colors for fall, and a cute tote like the one in the collage (from YSL, by the way) is a good thing to have in your collection any time of the year.

moto jacket

I talked about my recent obsession with motorcycle/leahter-style jackets in my last blog post and I think it's safe to say that I will (hopefully. soon. maybe?) be getting one of these sooner or later. When your outfit looks to grandma-ish (don't know about you, but it happens to me quite often) you just add a jacket like this one and POOF! your outfit is glamorous and not grandma-ous.

leopard heels

Something about leopard-print screams "fall" to me. I'm not a big fan of animal print (zebra. ugh), but I absolutely love leopard. It's so chic and sophisticated I just can't help myself. And what better way to add some sophistication into your outfit than with shoes?   

pixie pants

If you're not yet familiar with the J.Crew "pixie pants" I have two simple things to say to you. One: they are like leggings, but thicker (so your butt and/or underwear isn't on-show) and two: boy, are you missing out. I wear mine all the time, especially since they're perfect for any outfit - no matter how dressy or casual. Hoodie and Uggs? Why not.

sweater

And last, but definitely not least, a sweater - the ultimate fall must-have. Sweaters are cozy, soft, and essential. Can't say much more, except that this one from J.Crew is adorable (and sold out almost everywhere!).

What are your fall must-haves? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,
Liz

Prepped for School

I am very very guilty of adding all of these items to my shopping cart...and almost checking out. My birthday is in the beginning of October by the way, just in case you run out of ideas ;)

I haven't had much free time lately, but one thing I've had plenty of is homework. And - news flash - since I watch Gossip Girl even when I'm taking a shower (true story) I watch it when I'm doing homework as well. There's just something about knowing all of the lines and outfits that makes me feel accomplished.

As are 90% of my outfits, this one is also inspired by characters from this TV show. And, for once, it's not Blair Waldorf (gasp). I put together two outfits - one is a bit edgier than usual, and another is more laid-back. The edgier one is inspired by something I think that Jenny Humphrey would wear (in her better, preppier days) and the more casual one is inspired by the bombshell Serena van der Woodsen. 

:: Marc Jacobs flats :: Isabel Marant skirt :: Rag & Bone jacket :: J. Crew blouse ::

:: Chloé flats :: Ralph Lauren skirt :: River Island blazer :: Rag & Bone blouse ::

I've really been into giving a little edgy twist to my outfits lately, but I pretty much fail all the time - only because I own no street style/edgy clothes. I've seen a few classier twists on the moto jacket (of course, the J.Crew one is my favorite) and I think black tones the "edgyness" down a notch. I can definitely see myself wearing this - it's so cute and totally fall-appropriate!

Of course, the "Serena" outfit is more casual and, frankly, more in my comfort zone. The blazer/cardigan still makes the outfit nice and put-together, but doesn't look too dressy or old-grandma-ish. Scallops were a huge thing this summer, so I thought that these Chloé flats are a perfect transition into fall (I love brown leather flats!).

Which outfit would you wear?

xoxo,

Liz

Dress + Boots

Fall is already here where I live, but I know it's still pretty warm in other parts of the U.S. (and the world). However, the cold and rainy weather doesn't stop me from wearing dresses and boots almost every day. Yes, I said it (actually, wrote it). Dresses and boots. 

I decided to make a blog post about this topic because, believe it or not, it's a pretty touchy subject. Certain dresses won't ever match up with some boots and vice versa. The only pair of equestrian-looking boots (that aren't actually used for horseback riding) are these Tory Burch leather boots. I've talked about them many times before, and honestly, I don't even think of getting new ones anytime soon - these are more than enough!

Moving on to the actual outfits, when I put these together I had different temperature/weather situations in mind. As you can probably guess by just glancing at the first outfit, it's meant for colder weather. A forest green cashmere dress has been on my shopping list for weeks now (still can't find the perfect one) and, I mean, who doesn't like walking around in a big fuzzy blanket that keeps you warm (and that actually looks good!)? Another thing worth mentioning - if you're wearing a certain shade of black/brown/any color, be sure to match everything else in that color (in your outfit) to that exact shade. As you can see, the bag (so cute!) perfectly matches the color of the boots and vice versa. 

:: boots :: dress :: bag :: earrings ::

This one (obviously) is meant for warmer weather, but you can make it work on a colder day by adding a cardigan/sweater/jacket, etc. The vintage Chanel bag looks gorgeous with this any outfit and the maroon accessories help transform this outfit from summer to fall. The Frye boots don't scream HORSES as much as the Tory Burch ones (above) do, so it makes the whole outfit a little more laid back and casual.

:: earrings :: bracelet :: bag :: boots :: dress ::

So, what is the perfect formula for wearing dresses and boots together (and actually looking acceptable)? Well, there really is no perfect formula, but this is what I try to do (of course, it's different for everyone, just my opinion and what works for me):

1. don't wear boots that look too equestrian people always ask me where my horse is when I wear boots + leggings
2. make sure the hem of the dress is above the knee to avoid looking like a 40-year old mom (no offense, mom)
3. always coordinate shades of black/brown to any other accessory so you don't look like a 50 shades of brown color swatch

What do you guys think about boots and dresses? Yay or nay?

xoxo,
Liz

Cat Obsessed

Yesterday I got a kitten and he is the most adorable, fluffy, loving thing ever. I think it's safe to say that I am now officially a cat lady. 

I named him Topkek (don't ask why...long story) and since I'm so obsessed with cats now, I decided to put together a little collage of some cat-themed things that are just begging to be mine.

Cat-eye sunglasses fit my face shape best (it's fate) and tortoise is my favorite thing in the world, so these sunglasses are perfect! Too bad the sun hardly ever comes out now - today is the first time I've seen it in a week. As for the Charlotte Olympia slippers, I have wanted these for years now! Must get them soon or I will not feel accomplished. Plus, I'm officially a cat lady now, so I can kind of justify the splurge ;) 

:: mug sunglasses shoes ::

xoxo,
Liz

How To: Get Rid Of Mascara Clumps

Recently I've been noticing that my everyday mascara (this one) has been getting pretty clumpy. Don't get me wrong, I still love it and use it everyday - I just...found a way to make my mascara better. For some reason, yesterday, I decided to just very lightly swipe the mascara on my lashes instead of working it in with the mascara wand. I prefer the more natural eyelash look as opposed to the stuck-together-clumpy-lashes look, and boy does this do the trick.

So if you, like me, don't like to look like a hot mess with huge, really fake-looking eyelashes (sorry I'm not sorry), then lightly brush your mascara wand against your lashes. I've been doing this for the past few days with different mascaras and this really helps.

Hope you found this little tip/how-to thingie helpful!

Let me know if you have any questions or comments!

xoxo,
Liz

Quick Tip: Water Before/After/During a Meal

We all know drinking water is healthy, you should drink at least 8 glasses of water every single day, it's good for your skin, it flushes out the toxins, blah blah blah. I, too, knew all of these things and drank at least 70 ounces of water a day, but I never knew when to drink it.

My grandma always told me not to drink water while I'm eating, but she never really explained why, so I just kept doing what I always did - drink water 24/7. Recently, though, I've been doing some research and I found a couple of very interesting facts.

Because the "plug" in the bottom of your stomach isn't a valve, it can't be pushed open, so when you drink while you're eating the food can push into your intestines (gross, I know!). Therefore, you should follow the 15/30 rule - drink 15 minutes prior to eating and 30 minutes after, but not during. This will also help free up space in your stomach so you don't get as hungry/don't eat as much.

Sorry for no blogging lately, I've really been busy! Let me know if you have any requests below!

xoxo,
Liz