Wearing White for Fall

Dress || Jacket || Heels || Clutch || Belt || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch || Sunglasses

It’s Labor Day. The unofficial start of Fall is here and so is my obligatory ‘white after Labor Day’ post. It’s an opinion that has been highly debated for generations, but has been losing its momentum in recent years. As someone who rarely wears an all-white outfit anyways, I still say it’s okay to throw out the rules and wear what you want. Maybe it’s the Floridian in me, but Labor Day just seems way too early to trade in for sweaters and plaids.

If you’re going to bring your favorite white pieces into the next season, you need to have some strategy. Your white jeans or classic button-down shirt are a good place to start. They will work for any season and with any occasion. What about your summer dresses? Yep, those can definitely work too. I originally wore this midi dress, borrowed from Rent the Runway, a few weeks ago at my company’s anniversary party. I loved the boho vibe so much I decided to borrow it for a second time and style for cooler weather.

Dressing white sundresses for the fall really comes down to your accessories. On a warm summer day, I would add a pair of laidback sandals and a rattan clutch to the look. For the fall, I’m adding a casual jean jacket to help me stay warm in the crisper air. Although this entire look makes me feel like I’m channeling some bohemian inspiration, these nude pointed-toe heels and tortoise clutch give it a more polished touch.

Honestly, there is just something about this outfit that I simply love! I wasn’t quite sure if it was really my style, and needed some reassurance from David, but I think it perfectly rounds out my personality. I originally blogged about Prim and Proper Boho in July. This is another example of how two seemingly different worlds can come together to create a unique look.

So, what side of the ‘white after Labor Day’ debate are you on? If you haven’t tried it before, I say live a little and wear your favorite white dress in August, November, February, or any time of the year. Who knows, you may just love it!

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Welcome Back College Football

Jumpsuit (also) || Heels || Crossbody Bag || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet

Welcome back college football! Okay, I know that technically the season started last weekend, but my Seminoles weren’t playing and it doesn’t matter. Tomorrow we’re opening the season with a friendly match against Boise State. The game was originally scheduled to be in Jacksonville, but Hurricane Dorian is expected to hit the Atlantic coast of Florida this weekend. It’s a last minute change, but better safe than sorry!

Back in the day, when I still called Florida home, I was the proud owner of FSU season tickets. Nearly every weekend in the fall was spent in Tallahassee to cheer on my team. In fact, they were so important to me that home games took huge precedent over my first date with David. I had to keep pushing it back until there was an away game. A few years of dating and a year of marriage later, he still won’t let me live this down. In that time, I’ve also converted him into a FSU fan too. He has always been a keeper!

Apart from going to the local FSU bar, I can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve met another FSU alum in NYC. It takes a little bit more effort to watch my team play if I want to go to out. I always call beforehand to make sure that they get the channel I need and if putting on the game is an option. Simply forget about watching with sound. Because all of that hassle, I typically opt to just watch the game at home and save the FSU bar for the big match ups.

Since the Tallahassee airport is teeny-tiny, going to see a home game in person is practically out of the question. It’s doable, but would call for connecting flights and lot of chaos to make the game. David and I have talked about it, but he jokes it won’t happen until we have our own private jet to make the trip. Like that’s going to happen anytime soon! As a compromise, I’m hoping to head over to Boston for the FSU vs Boston College game. It’s been known to be a pretty critical matchup in past seasons, but I’m just as excited to explore Boston, a city I’ve never been to. I have until November to plan.

One Saturday ritual I just won’t give up on is wearing a healthy dose of garnet and gold. I absolutely adore our team colors. The fact that they are perfect for fall and compliment my skin tone is an added bonus. Now that I’m 28, you won’t see me running around in the college tee and jean shorts combo. In fact, I don’t think I even wore that when I was a student at FSU! Here in NYC, I want to say college game day, but make it chic. That’s where this jumpsuit from Gal Meets Glam comes in! The color for an FSU fan is spot on and my “gold” accessory is actually my straw crossbody bag from H&M. Too bad I wasn’t this stylish in Tallahassee!

No matter what team you cheer for, I know I’m not alone in being so happy that college football is back! Although being a fan in New York looks very different than in the South, I’m ready for a great (better than last year) season. Go Noles!

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Chanel Inspired on a Budget

Moto Jacket || Tank Top || Jeans || Flats || Earrings

When I walk down Madison Avenue, I always linger in front of the Chanel boutique. The classic pieces, tweed fabrics, and pearl details really speak to me. Sadly, I have no where near the budget to go on a Chanel shopping spree, but I’m always on the look out for inspired pieces. No matter your budget, you can find style a la Coco at any price point.

Tweed Jacket

Last year, I added quite a few tweed jackets to my wardrobe and I intend on doing the same this year. They are a great layering piece and have a lot of impact on a classic outfit, especially during the fall months. You can find a tweed jacket at almost any price point and in any shade of color. To keep in touch with Coco Chanel’s style, I would recommend starting with a neutral color like black or grey. The two I’ve been eyeing for the past few days are from H&M of all places. This first one is a black blazer with gold buttons. The second is a grey collarless jacket, but also comes in black too. Both are below $70 and simply classic. To add even more Chanel style, add a chunky pearl necklace or a whimsical, eye-catching brooch.

Cap-Toe Heels

These cap-toe heels from Sam Edelman are the best pair of Chanel-inspired shoes for the fall! When I first bought them, at the time they seemed like a little splurge, but I have worn them countless times over the past two years. I say it was money very well spent. Although they clearly are appropriate for work, I also like to wear them on a more casual day too. You can also find a similar pair at Tuckernuck by French Sole. Either way, you really can’t go wrong!

Ballet Flats

Buying a pair of Chanel flats from the original store in Paris was definitely a bucket list item that I got to cross off, but it’s not something that will become a habit. If I had to pick the next best thing, I would have to put the Demi Flat by Margaux into the ring. Made from Italian leather in Spain, it has a lot of the same qualities that make Chanel flats so special. Buttery smooth leather, a dainty bow, and a subtle heel make these a pair of flats that will become a regular part of your rotation.

Statement Pearl Earrings

I don’t need any occasion to wear oversized pearl earrings. In fact the more I own, the better! Recently, it has become very popular to turn Chanel buttons, from her iconic tweed jackets, into oversized statement earrings. You can find them on Etsy, eBay, and consignment shops all over. The best Chanel earrings, in my opinion, are the pearl pieces. Pearls will always be classic and finding a pair with extra details can make them feel just right for special occasions. These pearl earrings from Talbots have the gold chained accent that you can find on many Chanel designs. They are a great alternative at a fraction of the price.

Quilted Handbag

A quilted Chanel handbag is an item that millions covet around the world, but it comes with quite a price tag. Even if you find one second hand, it could still cost thousands of dollars. When it comes to buying an everyday handbag, I believe a little splurge is required so you get the quality. If it’s going to be a daily driver, you need to be sure there are great materials to help the item last. My favorite Chanel inspired handbag probably is this black shoulder bag from Tory Burch. At a quick glance, it’s identical to the Chanel flap blag, but a tenth of the price.

Maybe someday I’ll be able to afford Chanel left and right, but until then I’m more than happy to find inspired pieces. Coco Chanel is arguable one of the most influential designers in history. Her influence reaches so many different brands and across several industries. To find the Chanel inspired look, it just requires a keen eye and your own twist.

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.