fall fashion wish list

Although I'm a little sad to move my summer dresses to the deep dark sides of the closet, I have to admit, I'm kinnnnda getting excited about fall fashion. Quite honestly, fall fashion, sometimes, is the only thing that keeps me from being completely destroyed about the dropping temps. I love digging out my warm coats and scarves and all the winter accessories I'd somehow completely forgotten about. Drinking delicious hot coffees and cocoas while cozying up in chunky knits... my favorite jeans... knee-high boots... layers of tops in jewel-tones ... the list goes on.

This fall my wish list is all about quality leather items in various chocolate shades, the softest knits I can get my hands on and delicate gold jewelry. Luckily, our annual Mall of America trip is right around the corner, so I'm hoping to cross a lot of these off my wish list very soon. :)

• watches (thanks to Casey for opening my eyes to these beauties) And I can't decide! I want both!

• classic riding boots from ALDO (TOP of the list)

• tote (I want the real leather but this Target one is a great inexpensive substitute)

• thigh highs (I want a pair in every color)

• locket

• ring 1 • ring 2

• coffee girl inspiration • fireside inspiration

Victoria's Secret Sugar Scrub

My newest favorite purchase is completely a result of cabin fever and the insanely long winter we've had. Victoria's Secret has walls of intoxicating fragrances and lotions and their Lemon Sugar & Coconut Body Scrub is a perfect mix of sweet lemon and perfectly subtle coconut.  And how freakin' pretty is that packaging?!?  I bought the scrub, the lotion and will probably go back for the body spray - if that's any indication of how much I like it. :)

VS lotion (scrub in stores) • collage • destinations

red necklace sequence

I just purchased the best red beaded necklace from Denise Jewelry Designs on Etsy. I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek at what usually happens in my head when I get excited about a new purchase. Let's just say... I won't deny being a big dreamer. ;)

necklace  •  fashion set  • paris pics 1 2 3

fashion52: photo challenge (5/52)

For as long as I can remember, I've collected, collaged, sketched and listed all my fashion wants and inspirations. I now have numerous binders and sketchbooks filled – creating my own personal fashion library of sorts. When I'm in a fashion rut, I dig them out, flip through and soak up the styles. :) 

grey boot search

Sometimes there's something that just needs to be in your closet. Right now, for me, that item is knee-high, grey riding boots.  The grey would go well with so many outfits I've dreamt up. Especially my navy Paige Denim skinnies (similar here but I found mine at Nordstrom Rack on super sale :). It would be a great way to tie so many things together when black or brown boots just don't get the job done. And to be perfectly honest, having that low heel means much more wear when it comes to the average Wisconsin weather. 

Unfortunately, I'm having a really hard time finding them (within budget and in my size). There's a lot of greys that have a lot of yellow tones and aren't a true grey. Or they have gold hardware when I'm leaning on silver, etc..etc...  Either way, the search continues! Until then, here's a watercolor and pencil sketch of mine and a few other inspirations.

Here are two that are SO close but not in my size. :(

1. Kelsey     2. Lundunn

And here are two Polyvore ensembles that I would love to recreate if I got my hands on some knee high grey boots. They may seem a bit plain and monochromatic to some but I definitely have a thing for matching and keeping things simple, so for me, they are perfect. :)

Casual ensemble with a pop of beautiful coral - my creation from Polyvore

A classic combination - very Kate Middleton I think - my creation from Polyvore

leather handbag love

I'd been searching for the perfect leather handbag since...since forever it feels. A sophisticated, quality, rich brown, leather handbag. And then I started a new job and wanted a new handbag even MORE. 

Here's a bunch that I'd been lovvvving - but unfortunately - most were WAY out of my range *tear* ... so I kept on searchin'.

Lotuff Leather Working Tote • $750

Fossil Vintage Revival Satchel • $298 

Chloe Bag  •  (no longer available)

Stuart Weitzman Flaptote • (no longer available) • $595 

Prada Handbag • (no longer available)

omg, I drool over that last one every time I look at it. *sigh* 

I also did a little pencil/watercolor sketch, modeled after the Fossil Satchel:

Happy ending to my little handbag story. I recently found an amazing bag on eBay for a mere $55. It's that perfect worn-in, soft, brown leather. It's a convertible (both short straps and adjustable cross-body strap) and has tons of pockets and fits my work binder. It's a little more on the masculine side but I still adore it. The color is somewhere in between the shots I've taken - which was is so nice because I think it's really hard to find a darker brown leather that's not too cognac or chestnut. And the smell - UGH - you can't beat that awesome leather smell. :)