A Not so Abandoned Road

My friend, Wynne, is a great photographer and offered to take some pictures for this blog. She found a beautiful, "abandoned" road to use as the setting. Well, it ended up that the road wasn't so abandoned, and we had to run out of the middle of the street multiple times to dodge cars, but we still managed to get some great shots due to her amazing skills, the gorgeous autumn background, and a little inspiration from my favorite blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere.

The reason I was excited about taking these pictures is to share my affinity for sweater dresses with you. I think that they are the absolute perfect item of clothing for the days of apple cider and raking leaves. I love dresses, and hate how the cold weather can detract from being able to wear them. Sweater dresses are a great substitution and autumn/winter version of flowy sundresses. They go so well with boots, tights, and leggings and can be dressed up or accessorized with scarves, long necklaces, and belts. And as is the case with any dress, they are often affordable if you consider the cost to be for an entire outfit instead of just one piece, since they can be worn alone or with common staples that you already have.

Look here and here for some affordable sweater dresses!

Victoria's Secret sweater dress, Macy's scarf and tights, DSW Me too Shoes, guess purse, aerie ring and bracelet, Lia Sophia bracelet, anthropologie earrings

I keep on Fallin'

Even though it's 73 degrees in Connecticut right now and may not exactly feel like fall, it definitely looks like it. The leaves are covering the ground in a carpet of vibrant burnt reds, oranges, and yellows. My college sometimes has a reputation of not being the best looking, especially with all of the construction that is always going on, but despite popular belief, I think our campus is quite fashionable. There is nothing more striking than New England in the fall, and the campus portrays it perfectly. In fact, on an unseasonably warm day like today, there are students bustling all around, and it looks exactly how my younger self pictured college to be. It is days like today that I am glad I stayed in my home state for college. The vibe and appearance of campus is just so beautiful that I had to take some pictures (plus, I just got a new camera, since I broke my last one, and I really wanted to try it out.)

Have a great Halloween weekend!



 I completely creeped on this adorable and unknowing couple...



Dark and Sparkled

Now more than ever is the time to be noticed according to this year's fall and winter fashion. Almost every store is selling sequined and glittered goods. At first I was skeptical about these shiny ensembles, but now I see them as the ideal way to add some glam to the upcoming dreary months. Plus, it can't be denied that sequins are the quintessential holiday accessory, as they channel the bright spirit of the season.

All of these items below may seem better fit for the summer but are brought out with the cold for some logical reasons. The dark colors are much too dim for summer, yet perfect for going out and getting dressed up in the winter. Sequined shorts and skirts look great with a pair of black tights underneath, and the flats can jazz up jeans and a sweater.

Here are some inexpensive, sparkly items.

This Forever 21 top is 15.80.



These AE shorts are 49.50.



Not a fan of shorts? Try this AE skirt for an even better price of 34.50.



These AE flats are 29.50 and also come in black.

 

Boot-ed

Boots are an undeniable staple in New England from approximately September to March. They're also undeniably expensive, but worth the price tag due to their long lasting quality and versatility. The variety of options are endless, so boots are perfect for everyone, regardless of personal style. My current favorites are brown leather slouchy boots with a small heal, but so many more are available.  I can't wait for the weather to be consistently brisk, so I can wear my boots with everything from dresses to jeans.

TIP: If you're going to purchase booties, make sure they are high enough that they will cover the bottom of your pants!

Here are some affordable boots...

These Colin Stuart boots are on sale for 59 dollars.

 



These ruffle back booties are on sale for 69 dollars.





These Steve Madden boots (below) are on sale for 69.95 from 100 dollars and also come in black.


 

These Steve Madden boots are on sale for 47.95 from 100 dollars and also come in black.



From Legs to Toe

Despite the fact that before last year I hadn't worn tights since the third grade, I'm currently captivated by the perfectly affordable accessory. One of the biggest reasons I dislike the end of the year is because I can no longer wear skirts and dresses without looking and feeling a little unprepared for the cold. But now, there's no reason to fret. Since tights have made their comeback, we can wear our minis all year round.


Tights especially look great when paired with boots, which works out well since not many people can pull off bare legs and boots during the sunless winter.  From flower and paisley designs to fishnets, the new and improved tights come in all different patterns that can provide variety in your ensembles. Tights are the accessory must-have for this fall and winter.

These GAP tights are 14.50 (or 11 if you buy two or more.) They come in 2 colors.

These Forever 21 tights are only 5.80 and come in four colors.

These Urban Outfitters tights are on sale for 7.99

These American Eagle white tights are 12.50, or buy one, get one for 50% from their entire selection.

Save it For a Rainy Day

Forecast for this week: rain. Even though I knew the beautiful and unseasonnable weather couldn't last forever, I was hoping for a simple temperature drop, not a temperature drop AND rain. Rain equals drenched clothing, spots of splattered mud on our pants, frizzy, uncontrollable hair, and increased laziness. But, since the weather is inevitable, it is best to make the most of it by staying stylish (especially to make up for that frizzy hair.) Rainboots seem to be a matter of controversy in the college fashion world. Some see the rubber, colorful boots as a tacky faux pas. I happen to think they're great.Though they are not the most fashionable boots one could possibly own, I love that there are so many different styles, patterns, and colors to choose from. The rainboot you pick displays your personality, and they definitely add quirky flare to an outfit. Of course, they are also really practical. I feel invincible trudging across campus in my rainboots, as I can splash through any tsunami sized puddle, without even getting my toes wet. They keep my paints dry, they keep me warm, and they keep me sane on a miserable, rainy day.

Target has a large variety of different rainboots. Here are some of my favorite, all of which are only 24.99 dollars each and are also buy one, get one 50% off.

Wrap it Up

One of the reasons I'm anxiously waiting for the fall weather to kick in is so I can wear scarves. Scarves are the quintessential cold weather accessory for many reasons. Aside from the obvious notion that scarves keep you warm on brisk days, I love how they come in so many different forms. They can be plain, patterned, wool, cotton, silk, long, short...I could go on forever. Plus, there are a million ways to rock a scarf, whether it simply hangs free, is wrapped around your neck multiple times, or is a product of your own unique creation. Scarves can be worn any which way you choose, making them perfect for everyone, regardless of style preference. While all of these characteristics make scarves great, the best part is that they can quickly alter a shirt, dress, or sweater for the better. A plain white tee can seem ordinary but transforms into a chic outfit when paired with a colorful or uniquely patterned scarf. You could wear that same white shirt everyday with a different scarf and each time your outfit would look fresh, fashionable, and new. Trust me, I've done it plenty of times throughout the laziness and stress of college.

Since some scarves can cost as much as 50 or even 100 dollars, here are some affordable, adorable options...

AE Long Ombre Crinkle Scarf 19.50



This 24 dollar Urban Outfitter scarf has a beautiful, intricate floral pattern.



This 28 dollar Urban Outfitters scarf comes in three colors, which you MUST check out. I love every single one.

This woven scarf from Forever 21 is only 6.80. They have many other options too.

She Nailed It

Even though the beautiful and unseasonable weather we've been having makes it hard to focus on fall fashion, it's still the last official day of summer, and it is inevitable that the crisp autumn breeze will quickly approach. While this sounds like a negative outlook, it is certainly not meant to be, as I love the cool fall weather and all of the colors and clothing that comes along with it.

A couple of months ago, I wrote here about the bright, funky nail polish colors that were popular over the summer. While I still love this trend, it is important to adjust your nail color to fit the season. So, save those luminous shades for May through August because, along with the fall, comes a whole new pallet for stylish, but still funky, nails.

What I love about nail polish is that it's an affordable way to accessorize. It can supplement your outfit just as well as any piece of jewelry or scarf because it always ads POP, especially when the color matches what you're wearing. It's also an expression of your personality. There are definitely expensive brands of nail polish available, but it is really not necessary to waste away your savings on them. I have splurged on 10 dollar bottles of "ruby red" and "kiss me pink" before, and it simply wasn't worth it, as the quality does not tend to be any better. When I wrote about nail polish over the summer, I referenced my favorite, good quality, affordable brand: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color, which costs about 2.79-3 dollars a bottle, depending on where you get it (they're buy one, get one 50% off at Walgreens online). Well, luckily, the brand also carries dark, burnt shades that are perfect for the upcoming season!

Here are some of my favorite colors that remind me of autumn fashion...


"Plum Powder"
The subtle shimmer in this shade can dress up an outfit.

"Purple Pizzaz"
This color is a great way to incorporate the bright, funky style of summer nail shades into a darker, fall/winter shade.

"Celeb City"
This slate, shimmery shade is a great neutral tone that matches many outfits.

"Black Out"
Black nail polish has, of course, become popular recently, and fall and winter are the perfect times to rock
the shade. Try pairing it with a white ensemble to provide contrast.

"Red Carpet"
Dark red nail polish is a classic choice, especially
in the colder months.

"Emerald City"
I picture this shade with chunky sweaters and burnt orange and red shirts.

Blazin' Hot

When the weather starts changing from warm summer days to the briskness of autumn, it can take a fortune teller to know the perfect amount of layers to wear. It may be cold while walking to class and work in the morning, but by mid-day, the sun is often glowing, leaving anyone who dressed for a cool day feeling embarrassed and much too hot. Light coats, such as blazers, are a perfect way to keep warm during the Fall months, without sweltering in overly heavy winter gear. Plus, they are extremely chic. Depending on the exact style of the jacket, they add sophistication, spunk, and sometimes color to an outfit. They look great with dresses, jeans, boots, scarves, and even over light sweaters. One of the best parts about owning such a versatile piece is that they can be thrown on to spice up a plain outfit on a lazy day (they look great with jeans and a plain white tee shirt, for example.) And we all know lazy days are common, especially in college.

Any type of outwear is generally on the pricey side. Here are some coats I found (blazers and otherwise) that are light, stylish, and affordable.



This Old Navy blazer is 39.50 and comes in 4 colors.



This Old Navy jacket comes in two colors and is only 34.50.

 

                        This Urban Outfitters Vintage Wool Blazer (below) is only 48 dollars and comes in 3 other (neutral) colors.

This pink Forever 21 biker jacket is only 34.80.



Falling for Flannels

There's nothing better than a brisk, fall day in New England. Not just because of the weather and the beautiful foliage, but also because of the great clothes that accompany all of the fun fall activities like apple picking and...well, that's really all I can think of for fun fall activities...
But, anyway, one of my favorite shirts to wear in the cool, early autumn days is a cozy flannel. Whether it's a classic red, button up flannel, a black and white long flannel paired with a belt, or a funky, brightly colored flannel, there's nothing better to keep you warm and looking great in September and October. In fact, my roommate has been waiting for the cold to come just so that she can break out her favorite flannels. It's no surprise to me, since flannels go great with jeans, leggings, or tights and a pair of boots, if you're feeling extra confident.
Even though I could rave on and on about the comfort and nostalgia of wearing a cute flannel on a chilly day, I can certainly say the best part is that they are affordable.

This classic Forever 21 flannel is a steal at 12.50

This Forever 21 flannel is 19.80 and also comes in blue and green.

This American Eagle plaid boyfriend shirt also comes in purple.

It's slightly more expensive than Forever 21's flannels at 39.50, but the thicker fabric makes the quality a little better and will keep you extra warm.

American Eagle, 39.50. Also comes in green and red.