fall haul

I’ve been all over the map for this season. I typically stick to one or two stores, but this time I found myself all over creation looking for the perfect pieces to add to my wardrobe.
Everything is well worth it.

Starting, of course, with this classic staple from the men’s section of American Eagle–an extra-small I purchased for $12 on Labor Day. Right now I live in this thing. It would be hard to dress up and wear to work, so for now it is living in my casual life and desperate to go to the mountains.

I am very, very into pencil skirts right now. This was an excellent find at Old Navy for less than $15. So far I have kept it simple and paired it with a solid sweater on top and nude flats for work.

Speaking of simple, solid sweaters, these are exactly what I am talking about. They are light enough for the beginning of autumn, classy enough for work, and loose fitting enough to satisfy my current distain for form-fitting tops. You can tuck the front in or just leave it loose with some skinny jeans or work pants. You can also pair it with a pencil skirt. So far I have tucked it in with the skirt and haven’t left it loose.

I got this piece from… you guessed it, Forever 21. I keep trying to stay away but dang it, their trendy, well-priced walls are a trap hard to escape. I am excited for this (small) plaid that I can wear to work if I want to.

My favorite, and so far well Instagramed item, is this rimmed felt hat I picked up on sale form Kohl’s. I can see it, with my plaid, skinny jeans, and boots in the mountains. Every adventurer needs a good hat.

These Fossil sunglasses were 70% off on Labor Day. A good deal on some quality items is what braving the crowds of big sale days is all about. I barely paid more than I would have at Forever 21. I’d say that’s a pretty big win.

God bless you, Bath and Body Works, for your scents, your candles, and your appreciation of seasons. I worked at Bath and Body Works years ago, and while I wasn’t too keen on it (sorry, ladies, it just wasn’t for me), I have never looked at any other candles the same way. They’re the kind of quality that you jump on immediately, especially when they’re on sale.
The lotions are from their aromatherapy line. Essential oils are all the rage these days. I haven’t completely jumped on board, but I thought I would give these lotions a try. So far so good!

Here’s to hoping you all have had as much success as I have in filling out your autumn wardrobe this season. I’m still looking for the perfect puffy vest that won’t cost me an arm and a leg (aka, North Face).

Until next time,
❤
Jamie

summer haul // XXI

Sometimes getting emails from your favorite stores isn’t the best idea, especially when you’re trying to grow up and buy from more adult stores than Forever 21. Despite that, when I got an email about a 50% off deal which included clothing items already on sale, I pounced and got some of my favorite items of the year.
This piece is an oversized boyfriend style shirt that is perfect for a cold office. I’m still toying with how to make the size medium work with my small frame. Rolling up the sleeves and tucking it in, or just tucking in the front is a good business casual look.

This shirt has been a favorite of those in my office. It is a tunic style that wrinkles pretty easily but will transition well into colder months. For now I can wear it over leggings and skinny pants, sometimes layered under a sweater or blazer if I am finding the office particularly cold.

This is easily my favorite piece lately. It is super classy and trendy. I typically pair it with a black midi-pencil skirt to channel a little bit of Audrey Hepburn. Out of the office I would wear it with some pre-distressed jeans.

Okay I’ll be honest, I haven’t worn this one yet. It’s still a little too warm out, even for in the office. It will be really nice and versatile for later in September, though. I can imagine pairing it with dresses and skirts before boot season and later on with pants or leggings and boots.

I adore this dress. It is appropriate for all kinds of occasions, from work to lunch dates, to even a nice dinner out. I don’t think it will transition into cooler weather very well, but we’ll see.

I am having the most trouble styling this piece, probably because it stands out so much. It’s hard to wear a unique piece a lot, especially if you can only find one or two ways to wear it. It is very fifties and a bit much for an item for work, but I will keep experimenting.

Until next time,
❤
Jamie

My Fall Haul || Forever 21 and Lauren Conrad 2014

This piece is from Forever 21. The photo makes it look a little ordinary. It is a very light fabric that will probably need ironing after every wash, but as I don’t own an ironing board at the moment, the old coffee table hasn’t done the best job. Oh well! I bought a size small and the hem comes to just below my crotch so I may be able to wear this one with leggings. I like that the buttons are hidden. It is a loose fitting menswear style, which I like, and the collar will make the piece very versatile. I bought this (size small) recently, so it might still be available in store if you hurry!

The one Lauren Conrad piece of this haul is the amazing cable knit sweater. It’s almost a crop top, so it will go nicely with my new jeans (see below). Its hem comes just about to the top of my mid-rise skinny jeans featured in my last Forever 21 haul. The sweater is a great weight and will work through the winter. I think pairing it with a pencil skirt could also be really nice. I got a size small. How would you all style this piece?

The sweater that is kind of like a boyfriend sweater but is really all yours. It’s cozy, classic fall colors, and very versatile. I can see this with t-shirts, jeans, leggings, scarves, beanies–the works! Since when do large knit sweaters not scream fall? I am all about this look! The hem lands below my butt which means leggings for days! I bought a size small.

My new Forever 21 jeggings probably aren’t for everyone. First of all, they are acid washed (hello, 90’s!) and high waisted. Husband called them mom jeans, which are technically in style right now so thanks, babe! Like I said, these will look great with the Lauren Conrad sweater, or any other casual look for that matter. You can’t exactly dress them up, but then again, San Diego is incredibly laid back. Combat boots and sweaters, here I come! I got mine in a size 27.

Which piece is your favorite?

❤
Jamie