What I’m Wearing … My Favorite Fall Pieces

It’s been 85 degrees in LA which I take issue with and find offensive, but my body/closet was desperate for fall wardrobe so fall wardrobe I will wear. I made a big run to the Americana (a mall here in LA), bought some pieces online and spent a day mixing all of it with my current closet to find some new outfits that I love (despite returning some of them because I’m not grown up enough to handle their care). So here are my favorite new (and old) fall wardrobe pieces that I want to talk about. 

Striped Sweater – As a bustier gal a turtleneck is not normally my sweater-du-body, but this boxy lady with skinny/fitted arms is so soft, flattering and easy to wear. I made everyone in the office vote if I should keep this, knowing that it’s cashmere and that we live in LA and they gave a unanimous YES. They bullied me into buying this, but I will simply recommend this one to you (no office full of pressure).

Corduroy Pants – Otherwise known as the most forgiving pants on the planet. The waist does not cut in (in fact by the end of an active day they loose enough to fit your dinner) but the legs are always fitted, and people always call them super flattering.

Nude Mules – They are my favorite shoes that I’ve ever owned. In fact I went to Canada for two days with only these shoes – I wore them to the airport, all day at a design fair, that night at my speaking engagement, all night out and then the next day to the airport/on the plane. To travel internationally with a passport and only one pair of shoes says a lot. If you get them in another color they are equally as comfortable and flattering, although the nude (moon, I think) makes your legs like 5 inches longer.

Striped Blouse (similar) – I bought that blouse a couple of years ago from Anthro, I think and it’s still going strong.

Green Jacket – A new one that I’ve already worn 3 times because it’s pretty easy to layer over anything due to its boxy nature (you know me well enough at this point – I like boxy on top, skinny on bottom due to my body type)

Skinny Jeans – Pre-Elliot jeans which are wonderful, that I’ve finally fit into (CUE LARGE EMOTIONAL APPLAUSE). Enough elastic at the waist to be forgiving (I’ll never lose that round of love around my waist) but fitted enough to not stretch out and keep legs looking long.

Booties (similar) – I bought these last year (in spring, even) because I loved them so much but sadly I don’t know where to find them online.

Striped Sweater With Faux Button Down Bottom – I love this lady a lot. But here is how this story ends: One of my two children will crush their raspberry covered hands into its shoulders while embracing me after I come home from work. I won’t stop it (because you never stop that) and then I’ll haphazardly throw it in the hamper where somebody, most likely myself, will wash it on high/hot speed. Then I’ll be disappointed in myself, again, for pretending to be able to handle such fabrics as silk and cashmere for casual clothes. A special silk dress is doable for night time occasions, but if something is supposed to be daytime and casual then cashmere it can’t be. But I bought it and loved it and wanted to endorse for those of you who are more apt at adulting than I am. It’s like tasting a burger as a vegetarian – it’s DELICIOUS, but not for me.

Flared Jeans – Oh these ladies brought me back to my college years. I love them and get compliments every time I wear them (on the jeans and flattery). These are Brian’s current favorites.

Gold Mules – I can’t own the nude and the gold, but I figured I’d buy the gold and show you how great they are. They are ALMOST as good as the nude ones above, (and still available). And yes, Rachel Comey shoes are very expensive. It’s become a stupid splurge of mine and I’ve only regretted one pair (the mary jane clogs are unwearable). If you love the look but don’t want to spend the money ASOS and Madewell have VERY similar (sure, I’ll use the word ‘eerily’) to Comeys. Every now and again Sara will walk in wearing what I think must be Rachel Comey’s and she’s like ‘nah, these were $80 from ASOS. But yes, that brand is one that made my little shoe heart go pitter patter because they are simple, yet special (my new motto in design).

Chambray Button Down – Last year from Madewell but a great one. And I’m embracing the ‘button to the throat’ trend like I never knew I would.

Navy Duster (similar) – I bought this one last year (which is no longer available) and am shocked at how great it looks with everything (including shorts and mini-skirts).

Skinny Black Jeans – A solid pair of jeans that fit me on both good days and bad. Thank god for jeans like these.

Nude Mules – Oh geez. New ones that I can’t bring myself to return even though that was my intent. They are patent leather nude mules and they work officially with every outfit. I wish they were cheaper, I do, but I love them so much. If you don’t want to pay the price tag wait for the knock-offs that are surely coming (not that i’m supporting knock-offs, in fact I don’t, just speaking freely about the reality of the fashion industry – good or bad).

Cropped Box Top (similar) – She is an oldie but easy to layer and simple.

Cardigan – I take issue with a lot of cardigans because they are so fitted that it makes impossible to layer. In LA I don’t want a big warm wool cardigan all the time, I want something medium weight, that won’t stretch out too fast, that is easy to layer over blouses/shirts and won’t add bulk. This may not look that flattering in these shots, but it is so easy to wear and detailed enough to be stylish and not boring.

Skinny Jeans – Enough elastic that I felt contained, but forgiving enough that I feel safe.

Healed Oxfords – As I was searching for nude shoes that could possibly rival my comey’s I found these and LOVE THEM. They have a bit more going on, but they are super comfortable, flattering and far more affordable. Your leg looks longer and yet your wallet doesn’t get that much smaller.

Striped Turtle Neck (similar) – Vintage from Express via Good Will. Super fitted and the only turtleneck that I layer with.

Wool Peacoat – UGH. Another one that I’m grappling with whether to return or not. I live in LA and therefore I don’t need this, but it’s so cute. If you live where it gets cold I highly recommend this coat. Its super flattering and easy to layer/wear. It’s such a good alternative to a dark long coat. I have three trips to New York in the next month so I may rationalize that I OBVIOUSLY need it.

Flare Jeans – Frame is my favorite brand. Ever. Not because they pay me or even know I exist but because their jeans are good for my self esteem. (please read the hyperbolic comedy in that phrase – I know that clothes can’t actually create/diminish personal worth). 

Heeled Oxfords – See above. They are good.

Striped Boxy Top – My new go-to. It looks like I care, while wearing a HUGE pajama top, basically. You have to style it up with skinnys and heels but when I do i’m psyched that I turned comfort into fashion. This is from a new company Accompany (a b-corp that is part of the Mercantile!!). I’ve bought so much of their jewelry and a few pieces of clothes and shoes that I LOVE.

Skinny Jeans – Again, good ones.

Silver Heels – You can’t see in the photos but they have such a cute block heel and are so comfortable. They are that perfect in between height. And in case you haven’t heard ….silver is the new gold …. (the blog internet just imploded). 

I always like to see what people I follow are actually purchasing and wearing (not being gifted or sponsored) so if you are into these fashion posts, let me know. It’s such a great excuse for me to see what is happening in fashion, go through my closet and you know, CARE about what happens on my body.