Outfit Tuesdays: Transitions.

Transitions. by justagirlandherstuff featuring body con skirts

Is it starting to get cooler everywhere else or just Chicago?  I'm really sad to see summer go this year and am going to white knuckle it straight into fall, but I figured a few transitional outfits never hurt anyone.

In random thoughts: I hate when I want to choose something white.  Can you even really see what that blouse looks like?  It's the perfect slouch juxtaposed with the bodycon skirt.  If you can't see it you'll just have to believe me.   

Outfit Tuesdays: Neon Lights.

Neon Lights. by justagirlandherstuff featuring striped handbags 

Who has jumped on the neon train?  I haven't yet, but I might if I had enough bones for this bag.  Chevron and neon?  Well, well, well!  Color me intrigued.  

Outfit Tuesdays: Summer in the City.

Summer in the City. by justagirlandherstuff featuring strappy sandals

It's been SWELTERING in the city this summer.  If the story box (tv for those who aren't ridiculous) is to be believed it's been hot everywhere.  The world is ending and I stand by the fact that I called this beyond balmy summer way back when everyone was rejoicing over the mild winter.  Extreme weather, folks; it's real.  Al Gore ain't lying.  

I'd be way more upset if I didn't recently move into a place with a pool.  That pool is riiiillllll nice.  

While not lounging at the pool I'd be running around in a breezy dress with fabulous patterns and a pop or two of color.  Is everyone else dying over that Marc Jacobs watch??  I can't stop scrolling up and staring like it's my long-lost love.  

Rose met Jack.  

I met Marc('s watch).

Outfit Tuesdays...on Wednesday: To the Beach.

To the Beach I Go. by justagirlandherstuff featuring ankle wrap sandals

This is what I shall be wearing in three days, folks.  Three days!  

[I couldn't help but add the blended drink.]

Who's That Lady?

Helllllllooooooooo, girl crush!  How does she do it?  I am DYING over all of her outfits and you should, too.

Go check out Kendi Everyday because it'll cure what ails ya.

I am aware I am late to this ballgame by her over 12,000 readers, but a new blog to me might be a new blog to you, and this girl likes to shhhare. 

I wonder if that girl (^) would like to share that top up there in the first picture because, seriously, I can't stop scrolling up to look at it.

I may have just found my soulmate*.

*The shirt, fools.  No need to be so scurred, Kendi.

A Beauty in the Streets.

I am smitten with the black and brown combination.  This lady pulls it off so well because there are different variations of the same color, nothing is too matchy matchy.  Ya know, to use a technical term.

And the berry lips are just icing on the cake.

You know what else would look great with this outfit?  Those boots from yesterday! 

pinterest via the shiny squirrel

The Lady and the Tiger.

Without the tiger. 

Sorry.  I was really reaching with that title.  That's what happens when you pretend to be an adult and exercise, do laundry, and dishes all before trying to blog.  Woe is me, right? 

Anyway.   

What a pretty lady in a perfect fall outfit.  Thank you, Refinery29, for showing me her ways. 

Now.  Where do you think she got this coat?

The Cold War.

Why yoos gosta be so 'spensive, beautiful coat?  A toggle coat in wool-cashmere with thinsulate makes my heart go pitter patter, but the price tag leaves me cold.

Guess I will look elsewhere. 

Oh, yeah.  Happy Halloween!  Hope you had fun this weekend and rocked your socks off costume-wise.  I bet you did. 

Reader Request: Fall Accessories.

A friend of mine -- Blair from the wonderful blog, Closing Notice, where you can read most recently all about her AMAZING and green-with-jealousy-inducing posts trip west -- got in touch (a LONG time ago, sorry!) to ask about fall accessories.  As in, what fall accessories should I look for?  

Easy enough, right?  Except I'm a procrastinator and I'm just getting around to it.  Soooo, without more ridiculous talk from me, let's get this ball rolling!

First and foremost, ankle boots are EVERYWHERE.  They give any outfit a bit of an edge and can ground a summer dress better than anything else.  Add tights, a long-sleeved shirt under the dress, and ankle boots and you've transitioned your summery dress into fall!  (Better than the outfit posted on Monday, yes?  I hear ya.  People did not like.)

I prefer an ankle boot with a thicker heel; I feel it's more casual and better suited to day AND/OR nighttime.  Plus, it's easier to run and catch the bus. 

Second!  Capes!  There is nothing more chic than throwing a cape over your outfit as you head out the door.  Seriously.  Your friends will all be jealous.

Some people are scared of the cape due to the lack of definition and bulky fabrics.  Do. Not. Be. Afraid.  It's meant to have volume and is part of a silhouette.  But, if you run on the petite side, like lovely Blair, you can get one with arm holes (for lack of a better term!).  They will instantly make you feel more in control. 

And.  If you live in blustery Chicago you can get away with arm holes with long gloves.  Long gloves will make you feel gorgeous and like Grace Kelly.  Everyone wants to feel like Grace Kelly, yes? 

Scarves.  Yes, I know.  I talk about scarves ALL THE TIME.  But, for reals, scarves are the best accessories out there, especially when it's actually cold outside.  You can change it up with different colors, patterns, and textures and they will always be your friends.  Plus, they run at every price point!  Get yoself some scarves.  STAT. 

My personal credo: The bigger, the better. 

Another one: Go big, or go home.

Buy. Scarves.

Big. Ones. 

Brass and copper and gold are fall's best friends.  Wear it all.  And lot's of it.  Or little... if you're into that sort of thing.  I'm partial to chains and metal before it gets too cold to transmit the bitterness to your skin. 

Last, but not least, the camel/tobacco/tan bag.  You can never go wrong with it.  Period.  The end.  [Especially if you have the cash for the famous Ps1 -- I die.] 

PLUS, leather!  Suede!  Knit!  Fur (faux, of course)!  Texture, texture, texture, ladies.  This is the season where you can't have enough of it.  Pair the ribbed tights with the corduroy skirt and the fair isle knit sweater. 

Do it. 

I dare you. 

Basically this is the best dressing season.  There.  I said it.  Layers are begging to be created, textures are screaming to be touched, and cozy CAN be sexy.  I promise, girls.  I promise. 

An Unusual Combination.

How very interesting!  The Sartorialist is touting this as "a great strategy to begin transitioning your favorite summer dress into a new favorite autumn look."

I am very, very intrigued.

If someone told me about this look I would have balked, but she's pulling it off.  Don't you think?  Even if we only see a part of her. 

And it's all about the shoes, ladies.  An amazing pair of shoes can make any clothes an outfit.  Well, maybe not any clothes, but you see she managed it here.  

Or do you think I am crazy?

Cozy Cardigans.

I know it's ridiculous and I'll probably hate myself for saying it in a couple of months, but I'm ready for cooler weather.  I'm ready for sweaters -- especially cardigans.  I'm a sucker for a good cardigan and Anthroplogie always seems to have some super cozy, dreamy ones.

Sweaters and scarves are my absolute favorite simply because they make layering so easy peasy.  There is no easier way to add an extra dynamic to your outfit and it'll make you look like a pro!  I know that I'll blink and it'll be freezing, but part of me is totally okay with that.  Bring it, Mother Nature.

What are your favorite pieces of clothing?  Is there something that you always look forward to wearing?

Come Again Another Day.

Is it terrible that I wish it would rain, so I'd have a reason to purchase this beautiful and swingy rain coat?  I'm sure everyone in the path of Irene does not feel the same way, and I surely do not mean any disrespect by posting it. 

Sorry I was MIA on Friday.  I waited too long and didn't have anything for you guys, my bad. 

found via pinterest

Beauty at its best.

This is still one of my all-time favorite looks.  Girl has never looked better.  Well, maybe that mustard dress she wore at the Oscars with Heath Ledger.  Remember how beautiful and glowing she was that night?  

We all forget the daisy dress, Michelle.  We all forget!

Socks and Boots.

Damn, girl.  Lookin' good!  Who knew that a sweater thrown casually over a dress could look so good?  Plus, socks with boots!  (Mental note: buy light, breezy sweaters for layering this fall.)

I adore this outfit.  And it really makes me wish this mega-heat would chill out.  Literally.  You can purchase the above items from ShopBop, but, so you know, the sweater alone costs $300.  Yeah, I know. 

In other news, I decided to bleach my own eyebrows the other night.  Eeep!  It was really bothering me that my eyebrows were so distinctly a different color from my hair, so I decided to take it into mah own hands.  Like a boss. 

Uh.  The results are... interesting.  I knew I was being a greedy girl when I went in for the double bleach, but I thought "just a little longer can't hurt."  Nooow, they aren't blonde or anything -- they're just, um, light. 

I must tell you that I am happier with them this way than I was with the real deal (I am!) and with a lil' ginger-oriented eyebrow pencil it's like I'm an AU NATUREL redhead*. 

I swear.

*If an au naturel redhead has obviously dyed hair, of course.   

The Sartorialist.

The Sartorialist has been rocking it out recently, yes?  These ladies remain perfectly styled through the heat wave, color me impressed. 

I basically just curse and spit in the heat.  Well, not really spit, but there sure is a lot of cursing. 

And I don't look nearly as cute as these laydays while doing it.     

The Perfect Pair.

Gah.  This is perfection!  What a surprising twist on a classic outfit.  I can't decide if I like the sweater or bag best.  What do you think?

Tommy Ton knows what's what from Sydney Fashion Week.  That's for sure.

image: Tommy Ton via Everything Fabulous 

Lace and Leather.

If only Spring would really come around because I would love to wear this outfit.  Lace and leather.  Yes, please!

ps There was snow on the ground this morning.  Snow!

Edit: Does anyone else feel like it's weird I said "Lace and Leather" instead of "Leather and Lace"?  Twice!  It struck me today as strange.  Just sayin'.    

EmersonMade.

Are we all aware of EmersonMade? 

Emerson makes some of the most incredible clothes and accessories I've ever seen.  They're not on the cheapest of sides, but I always find myself going back just to look at them.  I mean, that white tuxedo jacket with the black lapels?  COME ON!  Not to mention the amazing reversible tote she has in the first picture.  Me loves. 

If you've been watching Secrets From a Stylist then you will recognize the jacket in the second picture.  It goes with anything! 

And, of course, her classic flowers.  Where it all started. 

Seriously, ladies, you won't be disappointed: pieces like these last a lifetime.

Bonus!  Go here to see her fantastic house.  I am seething with jealousy. 

Spring, where are you?

Remember when spring was supposed to have arrived?  Well, that hasn't happened yet in Chicago.  But if it had, I would totally be down with this fella.  I have done a post like this SO many times already, but I still haven't purchased an inbetweener coat.

I'm really digging this poncho because it has the cinched waist with the tie.  Ponchos can be kinda unflattering -- especially if you're leaning towards the busty side -- but whenever you cinch the waist it automatically makes you look more polished and thinner.

Hopefully spring will actually arrive soon and I can justify making this guy my own!

Oscars.

WTH.  I am sadly disappointed with this year's Academy Awards.  There were so many thing that I felt were either too boring or disappointing that I don't even know what to say.

First off, the fashion was HORRENDOUSLY disappointing.  I seriously am hard-pressed to find a favorite.  In fact, I find all of the fashion so lacking that I will only include one picture and it is not one that I thought I would include at the beginning of the night...

 

I know, I know.  Some people called it a Baywatch replica, but I loved this dress and I loved Jennifer Lawrence in it.  She was so fantastic in Winter's Bone and managed to hit it out of the park on this one as well.  Yes, it is simple.  But she is banging and manages to look both youthful and sexy all at the same time.  There are other dresses that I liked, but no one else managed to do the trifecta of hair, make-up, and dress all right except Jennifer Lawrence.  Her make-up is FLAWLESS and the hair is a perfect compliment to the dress.  Well done, Jennifer.  I don't care what anyone else has to say.  

I liked Natalie Portman, but I hated her earrings, or earring.  And her hair: terrible. 

Reese Witherspoon looked like Oscar Barbie in a pale comparison of the winning Julia Roberts' dress.

Jennifer Hudson's boobs were a train wreck that I COULD NOT LOOK AWAY FROM.

Melissa Leo tried too hard, just like she tried too hard with her "for your consideration" photos.

Michelle Williams looked like a human icicle. 

Amy Adams rocked a great dress, but bad hair and a TERRIBLE necklace choice. 

I liked Gywneth.  I did.  She was dripping in metal, but there was something about the waistline that was discomforting.

And I want nothing to do with so many more.  

Let's also discuss how stoned James Franco was and how he seemed like he didn't care AT ALL about what was happening.  And how Anne Hathaway tried so hard to compensate for that; it's like she was a thirteen year old girl who had never seen a celebrity before, not to mention read a cue card.  Her fake laughs (maybe real??) were grating by the end of the telecast.

Like I said on Facebook, the most surprising moment of the night was Billy Crystal's face lift.  I will never be the same now that I know a male comedian who was never known for his looks has, too, fallen to the Hollywood regime.  

With that said, I love Colin Firth and the boy with the afro who won for Live Action Short Film.

What did you guys think?  Do you agree or disagree with my gruffness?