Category Archives: fall fashion
Fall Capes
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…
Weekend Trip: Monterey & Carmel
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.
Lady in Red

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.
Transitioning Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall
I’ve been trying to dress for the seasons (even though San Francisco has little distinction between the seasons), and I saw this cute little outfit on Pinterest (where else?!)
Source
I love the idea of layering a chunky winter sweater over a light floaty skirt. The juxtaposition makes it interesting, and it’s the PERFECT way to get a few more wears out of your floaty summer dresses and skirts!
I’m going to brunch on Sunday with the girls, so I’ll test this look out then! All week has been hot and sunny, but we woke up this morning to a layer of fog that just won’t go away. I am looking forward to diving in to a cozy sweater, and feeling like it’s fall again.
I’m also loving the neutral monotone in this photo – for a similar look, try something like this…
Making Fall Trends Wearable
Finally! The stores have updated their merchandise with all the fun new fall trends, but to be honest, some of these trends look hard to wear, severe, and unflattering. For the non-model types like myself, there are definitely easy ways to incorporate some of these trends into your fall wardrobe… take a look at some of my favorites…
Modern Romance:
This look is all about modest necklines, embellished details, and feminine touches. Lace, ruffles, and bows are everywhere, but in non-girlish, sophisticated silhouettes of course. The peter pan collar was made popular on little girls’ party dresses (god knows I had plenty growing up) but when they are touched up with rhinestone details or intricate black embroidery, they are nothing but “adult”. Go monochromatic with navy suede booties and a navy trench dress, or nude strappy sandals with a nude lace dress for a fancy dinner out. With so many grown-up ways to wear bows, lace, and sweet collars again, who can resist?!
Ox Blood:
Isn’t that just a horrific name for such an awesome, rich color? Call it what you will – ox blood… burgundy… tomato, to-mah-toe. This color is everywhere this fall, and I’m sold. From deep red handbags, to stacks of bangles, dark shiny lips, and faux ruby cocktail rings. I am seriously loving it all. Especially both of these skirts – one is full and feminine with super flattering inverted pleats (that means you’ll get a full skirt without the bunching), and I’m somewhat obsessed with the peplum pencil skirt, since it’s one of the most flattering trends in ages… both skirts would be so perfect with some textured tights, and cute booties…
Baroque Chic:
Let me preface this by saying, this is DEFINITELY an evening look, so unless you work in a super avant garde industry, save these pieces for after-work activities only. Let’s be honest, the pants are going to be VERY hard to pull off, but if you’ve got the body (and attitude) for them, dive right in. I’m loving the embellished tops, and accessories most of all since they are obviously the easiest way to incorporate the ornate over the top baroque pieces into your fall wardrobe. The white a-line skirt is also another great alternative if you want to dip your toe into this trend, since the creme is clean and simple, despite the busy pattern inlay.
What are some of your favorite trends this fall?
Fall Fashion: Jcrew Collection
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!!
Fall Wishlist


Fall Fashion: Burgundy
