Happy first week of fall!!

What better way to welcome my favorite season – full of Pumpkin Spice Lattes and crisp sunny weather – than with a little fashion inspiration around one of my favorite fall trends…

The Cape!

I LOVE the classic east coast feel of the cape… so essentially “Ralph Lauren”.  Totally fabulous and equestrian, right?? It looks like you just hopped off your horse, and are running inside for a steaming cup of apple cider.

Aside from being a chic little layer, they are possibly the easiest way to look pulled together on a cool day. Pull on a pair of jeans and riding boots and you’re ready to go!

And of course, plaid is just a classic… this hunter green is just AMAZING!

And of course, you can never go wrong with classic black… this heavy wool version is perfect for late fall when it’s REALLY chilly.

With capes on the mind, I’ve pulled together a few favorites…

The first row – the classic neutral cape…

The second row – the slouchier, lighter cape for layering…

The third row – the statement cape…

This weekend Kris and I are headed to Carmel by the Sea – a sweet town on the central coast of California.  I am looking forward to foggy mornings and the salty ocean air… unwinding outside of the city, cozying up by a big fireplace, and falling asleep to the sounds of crashing waves.

I’m all packed up, and while these outfits aren’t an exact replica of what I’ve packed, they are darn close, and good inspirations for any cool weather fall getaways you might have planned!

Fireside Drinks at the Moss Beach Distillery:
This is our first stop on our ride down tomorrow.  We’ll be driving along the coast, and stopping at the Moss Beach Distillery in Half Moon Bay for sunset drinks by the firepits, and an early dinner.  This place is supposed to be haunted, and with the cloudy weather we’ve had, I’m looking forward to a great sunset.

Sea Kayaking:
One of the things that I’m most excited for is sea kayaking on Saturday.  I have a feeling that we are going to get a little wet (even just getting in the Kayak you drip water) so I plan on wearing clothes that will dry quickly, but that will still keep me warm.  I am loving the down vest – I compare it to sleeping with one leg out of the blankets.  You are still warm, but feel refreshed.  Tell me I’m not the only person who does this!

Beach Bonfire:
Unlike summers at the cape, bonfires on the central coast are cold – very cold – and I can pretty much think of nothing worse than cold sand in your toes when it’s about 50 degrees out.  Tall boots are a must for keeping my feet dry and warm, and my leather jacket really is one of the warmest things I own.  A cozy infinity scarf will help keep me toasty and a beanie will help keep my hair under control.  Since we’ll be having dinner beforehand, a slouchy sweater and fun necklace dress up dark jeans a bit.

Touring the Aquarium:
Kris turns into a 10 year old boy at the mention of the aquarium – probably his obsession with surfing (and sharks), but there is no way we are going to Monterey without hitting up the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  If it were up to me, we’d be going on a hike to the thermal springs, but he is pretty dead set on the aquarium.  This means a cozy sweater (belted, so I don’t look like a slob) comfy flats, and a big tote to carry all our “tourist for the day” stuff.

  

Red pants… are you brave enough to wear a pair??    I am LOVING the look of these looser fitting trousers with a sheer white blouse.  A great red pant is a “nice to have” not a “need to have” in terms of wardrobe essentials, but wouldn’t they be fun to wear??

In middle school, one of my FAVORITE things to wear was a pair of blood red, bell bottom corduroys.  I was thirteen years old and stick thin (seriously… I was fully grown at 5’8″ and but weighed around 96 lbs).  Regardless, I felt awesome in my bright red pants.  As an homage to the 13 year old in me that was brave enough to wear red pants all through the 7th and 8th grade, I put together a few options with how to wear guidelines… take a peek!

From left – you better be a brave woman to wear this pair of Theory Stretch Leather Leggings, but if done right with these Valentino laser cut booties, they would be absolutely fabulous.

Red skinny jeans feel really urban and edgy – pair with some motorcycle boots and funky accessories – I especially love this cuff.

In the middle, these mens wear trousers from Mango are the most affordable, and the most similar to the pants in the inspiration.  I just love them for work with a big bag, and neutral shoes.

A cropped version presents the perfect opportunity to show off fun pair of suede peep toe pumps (with bow!)  The cornflower blue in the bangles and the deep sapphire blue of the earrings make the color combo feel more like winter to me.

Finally, leopard print is the perfect compliment to red – a fun pair of peep toe pumps and a chunky statement necklace are amazing for prowling around the town or a swanky dinner on the weekend.

Damn you Jcrew and your awesome emails!  I got totally sucked in this morning when I innocently opened an email from them, and their Fall collection is amazing.

I LOOOOVED their Schoolboy blazer in velvet – especially in the bright Yellow, and the Mallard Green – it looks so luscious and rich…

The color block Shearling Trench was another favorite, but at over $1000 for a coat, I think I’ll just admire this one from afar

I am all about the crisp look of cropped trousers and these wild prints stood out from the rest.  I think I’ll likely stick to a solid (but bright) color since I don’t need to see honey comb streched across my thighs, but for the size zeros out there, please wear these so I can live vicariously through you!!