happy. halloween.

Happy Halloween! Hope it's spooky 👻 // Shown here: Cornelia Parker's PsychoBarn meets the New York skyline.

 

xo,
A

0

24. hours. in. virginia. beach.

Sometimes you find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. I did just that during a recent trip to Virginia Beach that lasted slightly less than 24 hours. Though the architecture may have been unsightly, I found solace in all the eclectic colored walls and coastal-hued buildings that lined the boardwalk. While I’m admittedly not a fan of the beach (self-proclaimed city girl right here), it was certainly a change in scenery for me.
 
Because I was in town right after Hurricane Matthew had hit the area, the temps were definitely not cooperating (I’m not kidding when I say it felt like late November!). Thankfully, I decided to swap out my open-toed sandals for ankle boots and a field jacket just in case it wasn’t warm. Let it be known: That wind chill was brutal. Had it not been for how cold it was, I would’ve gotten an ice cream cone (or two) from one of the many Dairy Queens and local parlors that lined the boardwalk. Spoiler: I snagged a box of salt water taffy instead.
 
For some visual inspo, I’ve put together a Steller story documenting a few of my favorite snapshots. Take a look below (click to open) and let me know about your latest travels in the comments below!
 

xo,
A

0

chunky. block. heels. of. the. moment.

New season, new shoes — or so the mantra goes. If summer was dominated by my obsession with pom-pom embellished sandals, then fall might as well be synonymous with chunky block heels. Personally, I'm more of a ballet flats kind of girl, but don't be mistaken, that doesn't stop me from still yearning after a pair of these stylish stompers. The chunkier the heel, the more fun that can be had. Right? 

Main image via College Prepster

Just a little back story: My infatuation with chunky block heels actually goes way back to circa 2013 when Carly Heitlinger of the College Prepster owned a pair of J.Crew's Etta cap-toe pumps (check 'em out here if you need a refresher and see this outfit for reference.) As fate would have it, J.Crew brought back a very similar version of their iconic cap-toe pumps this season. *Praise hands emoji.* Because I loved Carly’s Summer Fridays-inspired #OOTD so much (more like borderline obsessed), I decided to fall-ify the look a bit with a more season-appropriate dress. Just how French girl-chic is this silk windowpane ruffle-hem dress from Madewell? Throw a suede moto jacket into the equation (and maybe this felt fedora) and you’re all set for a day at the office or a low-key weekend spent brunching and doing autumnal things. Count me in, please. :)

1. Silk Ruffle-Hem Dress in Windowpane (Madewell)
2. Leonard Street Letty (Kate Spade)
3. Lena Leather Pumps With Patent Cap Toe (J.Crew)

More chunky block heels to shop this season:  

 

Are you craving a pair of chunky block heels this fall? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

3

october. the. list.

Today, I’m returning with an installment of “the list.” Not only is it officially #sweaterweather, but October just so happens to be my birthday month (any other fellow Libras out there?!). With that in mind, I’ve compiled the ultimate bday/treat yo’self wish list for fall. *Adds everything to cart.*

1. Stacey Print Card Holder (Alice + Olivia) // How cute is this charming card holder inspired by Alice + Olivia designer, Stacey Bendet? It’s a way chic alternative to your everyday wallet, especially when you’re heading out for a night on the town. With three card slots, it’ll hold a credit card, your driver’s licence, a student id — you name it.  
2. Swing Time Pendant (Kate Spade) // A glam tassel necklace that can double for day and night… Count me in, please! Dress it up for the upcoming holiday season with a drop waist dress and chunky block heels or dial it down with a crisp button-down and high-waisted skinnies.  
3. Uptown Mini Satchel (Henri Bendel) // Calling all self-proclaimed #girlbosses! This ladylike mini satchel is just the thing for running errands across town. AND it’s in millennial pink. I digress. 
4. Polka-Dot Tulle-Trimmed Striped Jersey Top (J.Crew) // ICYMI: Net-a-Porter just released a capsule collection with J.Crew and I’m kind of obsessed. This Breton striped top with a playful polka dot tulle hem is nothing short of perfection.  
5. Barbour Classic Olive Beadnell Wax Jacket (Tuckernuck) // A classic Barbour Beadnell jacket is at the top of my fall wish list, and for good reason. It’s versatile enough to toss on with jeans, a t-shirt dress or even an A-line mini skirt (accompanied by riding boots, natch).  
6. Button-Front Skirt (Madewell) // Another button-front skirt from Madewell that I’m yearning for. ~ Shocker ~  
7. The Original Hobe (Hobes) // Rest assured that this will not be the last time I profess my love for Hobes. As the days get nippy, I foresee these navy suede ankle boots (also available in tan) being paired with a plaid blanket scarf and your best denim.  
8. Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneakers (Shopbop) // Not sure how I’m so late to the game, but I feel like it’s time I invest in some Chuck Taylors. These metallic gold ones are actually pretty fly.  
9. Enamel Ring (J.Crew) // Step aside dainty finger jewels — cocktail rings are officially on my radar again thanks to J.Crew. This pretty bauble — totally reminiscent of something from your granny’s jewelry box — will give you an excuse to play dress up. 
10. Baneera Heels (Kate Spade) // Any birthday babes out there? These sparkly heels deserve to be worn beyond the dance floor. Like when a case of the mundane Mondays hits or when a plain ol’ t-shirt just isn’t cutting it. Ya know? 

What are your must-haves for October? Leave a comment below!

xo, 
A

0

reader poll: gray jeans or indigo?

Decisions, decisions: The Emmanuelle on the left and the The Margot on the right 

Hello, lovely blog readers! In lieu of regularly scheduled content, I need your feedback. With my birthday coming up, I want to invest in a new pair of jeans, but I can’t decide between Industry Standard’s new gray wash (the Emmanuelle) or their classic indigo wash (the Margot). Tough call, right? (FYI: If you’re new to the blog, I swear by Industry Standard jeans — I already own the Simones in both black and ink blue, and the fit is impeccable.) Scroll down to the comments and let me know which pair I should pick! Thanks in advance!!

Industry Standard The Emmanuelle Highrise in Gray: Meet the perfect gray wash. These bad boys were just released a week ago, and I’m kind of loving their off-duty appeal. Pair ‘em with a white t-shirt and a field jacket for a considerably edgy look, or toss on a cropped knit sweater for instant boho appeal.

Industry Standard The Margot Highrise in Indigo // I may or may not be a sucker for dark-wash jeans. Can you imagine how ah-mazing these would look with a cream-colored fisherman sweater and streamlined d’Orsay flats? I digress. 

Which pair do you think would be most versatile this fall (and beyond)? Let me know in the comments below! 

xo,
A

4