Checks, braids and hats...

Tried it tucked in for one photo - tidier but too much black... Didn't wear it this way, guess that's good?

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Volunteer ministry

Sweater: LOFT, thrifted (similar)
Tee: H&M (similar)
Skirt: thrifted (similar)
Shoes: Madewell via ebay (similar)
Hat: from Ecuador vacation (similar)
Earrings: sterling hoops (similar)
Watch: Apple watch, gift (exact), leather band via eBay
Scarf: thrifted (similar)
Bag: Kelsi Dagger, thrifted (similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT (exact - on sale!)
Lip: NYX lip cream in soft matte in Sao Paulo (exact)

What is it about approaching fall that puts me in the mood to wear black and white outfit combinations?  Am I the only one here?  Looking back on my summer outfits, it was a pretty neutral season for me, but mostly ivory, olive, brown, blue, black, etc.  Now I suddenly crave the crisp combination of black and white, especially with a touch of cognac.   

I'm not gonna lie, this was my favorite outfit to wear of any outfit over the past several months.  The funny part is, it was all based on this scarf, which I had completely forgotten about until I was rummaging around in my (giant) scarf collection for a separate reason the night before.  Finding that one piece made my next day's outfit an easy choice (love that!).  Adding the cognac accessories gave the outfit a little more interest.  And can I mention that I'm happy fall is here so I remember to wear my oxfords again?  So comfortable!

What's your favorite part of dressing for fall fashion?

Here are some options for you:

SCARF:

BAG:

SHOES:

HAT:

SHIRT/SKIRT:

Trending (again): paper bag waist

Oh, I see you, tripod....

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Meeting for worship, lots of errands afterward (Does ANYONE sell 9 volt batteries when your smoke detector starts chirping?)

Tee: Merona, thrifted, old (similar)
Skirt: Banana Republic, thrifted (similar)
Shoes: Mossimo via ebay (similar)
Bag: Ann Taylor, thifted (similar)
Necklaces: Sterling silver collar, thrifted (similar), chunky bead necklace, made by me (similar)
Bracelet: Vintage - my grandmother's! (similar)
Earrings: Diamond stud, gift (similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT (exact)

I recently read that paper bag waists were coming back.  I am old enough to remember the original paper bag waist trend of the 90's (perhaps there was a trend before that, but that one I wouldn't remember....).  I did not partake in the 90's, although I always admired the look.  I just didn't feel I had the body type to carry it off, plus my style was much more baggy, so it wouldn't have paired well with this look. 

I didn't really plan on trying this trend, but having that trend forecast in mind, I thought I would at least try on this beautiful silk skirt at my new favorite Goodwill location (Just too many good things to choose from!).  I've also heard purple will be big this fall, so bonus, right?  But, in reality, I did really just like the skirt, and thought it would be a risk-free proposition at only $5.  I don't think the pictures are that flattering.  And, honestly, perhaps it wasn't that flattering in real life, although I felt like it looked nicer than the pictures show.  But either way, I'm glad I tried a new look, especially a departure from my beloved pencil skirt.  

To be fair, I must mention that the unsung hero of trying new fashion silhouettes is the plain, fitted tee in a neutral color (my go-to is this black one in a slightly dressier fabric than just a plain cotton tee).  Without that blank canvas, you really couldn't assemble a new look - at least without the dreaded "shopping to find something to match an item you already own".  That rarely works!  So I do try to have one of these around for those occasions, even if it isn't so exciting by itself.  It would be good to have a short-sleeve version and a long-sleeve version, to be even more versatile.

What new looks have you tried (or wanted to)?

Monochromatic

To make it more casual, just change shoes! 

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Errands, housework, school drop off (in the slip on sneakers)

Top: Gap (similar)
Jeans: LOFT, cropped and frayed by me (similar)
Bag: LOFT, thrifted (similar)
Earrings: gift (similar)
Bracelet: ebay (similar)
Lip: Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Pepper via Sephora (exact)
Sandals: Pour la Victoire via DSW (similar)
Sneakers: Dolce Vita via ebay (similar)

Two casual looks in a row!  Must be a record. I wear casual outfits pretty often, as most of us do, I just rarely get outfit photos of them.  

This monochromatic look is difficult to photograph, but it looked cuter in person (at least I thought so).  I decided to try the block-heeled sandal with it for some of the photos because I had thought this look might work for a simple casual date night look, with just a shoe change, and I wanted to scout it out.  That would make this look very versatile to take traveling, since it could be worn for a casual day look with comfortable slip-on sneakers for walking, and simple sandals (which are also quite comfortable) to throw on before heading out to dinner.  Plus obviously each of these pieces could be worn with pretty much any other item in your suitcase, making it extremely flexible.

I also felt very "San Francisco" in this outfit.  I often call SF the New York City of the West Coast, its fashion sense is much more akin to NYC than LA, in my opinion.  And there is a LOT of black.  And a lot of monochromatic black looks.  I am rarely drawn to that look, but I really liked this outfit and plan to bring it, or a similar variation of it, on my upcoming Midwest trip.  Though, I might choose a non-sandal version of the dressed up shoe, depending on the weather forecast!

How do you feel about monochromatic outfits? Yay or nay?

Updated fall color palette

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: School pickup run

Top: LOFT  (exact - color is called "opulent ruby")
Jeans: LOFT, old (similar)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole via Nordstrom Rack online, purchased a couple of weeks ago (exact style in available colors)
Earrings: gift (similar)
Watch: Apple, gift (exact), with cognac leather band purchased on eBay
Bag: Gigi NYC via ebay (similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT, last week (similar)
Lip: Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Pepper via Sephora (exact)

What's in my fall color palette? Basically, the color of this top, whatever you call it - LOFT calls it "opulent ruby",  but ruby, opulent or not, is not how I would describe it.  I also found sunglasses in a similar tone (these, also from LOFT), and I can't wait to find ways to pair this color with blush.  Turns out I'm not very original, as I've seen this color combination mentioned by others recently, but in all honesty, it was just a color I was instantly drawn to, especially for this fall.  I love how the faded tone works with my faded black skinny jeans, and I'm looking forward to trying it with a soft, faded gray jean also.  For a person who owns 3 non-neutral colored tee shirts, none of which see much wear, I'm amazed how much I'm wearing this tee.

Can I also give a shout out to these slip-on sneakers?  My black slip-on sneakers, worn in so many posts (seen here, here, here, here) as well as for so many non-posted outfits over the last year, are showing major signs of wear.  It's rare I actually wear out a shoe before I get tired of it, but that's how much I've loved my first pair of slip-on sneakers!  I started looking for some replacement options recently, and came across this shoe on major sale in my seriously favorite color, mushroom taupe.  They have a bit more of a platform than my previous pair, but I love the twist knot detail, and they are seriously comfortable.  A thrifted basket bag was my summer 2017 signature wardrobe item, I think these shoes will be my signature fall wardrobe item for this year. 

What colors and styles are you planning for this fall?

More items in this color scheme, in case you like it, too!

More twist knot shoes for your shopping convenience: