Fall Home Decor from Etsy

Happy Monday everyone! Since Labor Day is kind of like the official end of summer vacation and endless beach days, I figured I’d get a jump start on all the fun fall decorating. Growing up, my mom always made our home so beautiful for autumn. We had a “fall tree” in our dining room all decorated with pretty leaves and twinkly lights. The front steps would always have pumpkins, chrysanthemums, and dried corn stalks arranged nicely for a warm, welcoming entrance. Best of all, a cinnamon-pumpkin candle would always be burning in the kitchen when you walked in. These are the things memories are made of! In my own home/apartment, I want to make the same lovely memories!

I love browsing Etsy for unique decorative items. Some of my favorite things are instant download printable artwork. I buy several frames at Michael’s and then download pretty seasonal art to put in them and then switch out for the next season. This is probably the least expensive decorating tip I have! Anyway, for fall Etsy didn’t disappoint. Between adorable pumpkin spice latte mugs and “hocus pocus” tees, I think everyone can find something to suit their fancy here! See something you like in the picture above? See below for a direct link to the Etsy shop and product!

1. “Pumpkin Spice Y’all Campfire Mug” – Lexington Lettering
2. “Hello Pumpkin Mug” – Pretty Collected
3. “Morning Pumpkin Mug” – Leya’s Vinyl Words
4. “Pumpkin Spice Mug” – Do Take It Personally
5. “Pumpkin Spice Everything Nice Mug” – Logan and June
6. “Pumpkin Spice Mug For Fall” – Let Love Flourish
7. “Fall Essentials Mug” – Scribble Studio
8. Pumpkin Spice Latte Travel Mug” – Sweet Water Decor
9. “Let’s Stay In and Watch Hocus Pocus Tee” – Moss and Crown
10. “Fall Glitter Monogram Shirt” – Dream Thread
11. “Pumpkin Spice Fall Sweatshirt” – The Lavish LEO
12. “Happy Fall Y’all Banner” – A Party in a Bag
13. “Gold Autumn Leaves” – Autumn Weddings
14. “Fall Burlap Banner” – Sunshine at Heart
15. “PSL Season” – Kara Ashley Shreeve
16. “Pumpkin Spice Printable” – Pretty Plus Paper
17. “Coffee Break Watercolor” – Make Things Co.

I always do my best to support small businesses like these and they have such cute things anyway! Definitely browse their shops for more if you get a chance! Happy September!

-Liz

Fall Colors and Must-Haves

Happy last day of August! This month really flew by, didn’t it? If we’re being honest, the whole summer went by way too fast. I didn’t even get to the beach! My donut floatie and I sat by the pool all summer wishing there were some waves to splash in and boardwalk fries to munch on. Oh well, Texas can’t have everything can it? I AM really excited about the fall season unofficially starting tomorrow though! Pumpkin spice latte everything, right? Before the first day of every basic girl’s favorite season, let’s chat about some fall wish list items and great color palettes for the season!

In the above collage, you’ll notice a stark difference in colors between the first few items and the last few, yet it blends beautifully. We tend to think of fall colors as being red, navy blue, tan, dark green etc. If you have a warm skin tone, then those colors are made for you! However, other skin tones don’t look as hot in them. Shades of gray, turquoise, and plum fit the bill for people who can’t sport Texas Longhorns orange. Best of all, those colors are really popular this fall!

The next thing we should chat about is what you might want to include in your fall wardrobe. There are a few classics I’ll never get rid of, such as the J. Crew quilted vest and a warm, plaid blanket scarf. I’m also really excited about adding a cape top like the plum one above (it comes in 3 colors too!) and the tan peep toe booties to my closet! Seriously, that cape top is so cute! Pairing it with that Kate Spade plaid satchel bag would make for a great outfit. Last, but definitely not least, I’d love to have those tortoiseshell Kate Spade earrings! They’re a great neutral piece of jewelry that looks nice with pretty much anything. Who doesn’t love that?

I’m leaving a link to everything so you can scroll through and find your favorites (plus there’s a few other surprises in there!)//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2257c63309e7055a5f30f21b7e%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid3025-28872695-82%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D-Liz

4 Preppy Pieces for Fall Under $50

Hello lovelies! Fall is just around the corner *yay for pumpkin spice everything* and here in Dallas I’m beginning to get a little taste of those lower temps every so often. If you follow my blog then you know I’m a preppy dresser at heart, but it’s imperative that I also incorporate some trendy elements in order to mix things up a bit. Fortunately, preppy can also be trendy, and I’m here to show you how.

1. Bomber Jackets

Maybe you recall borrowing your boyfriend’s letterman jacket a time or two in high school, or perhaps you’ve seen those heavy leather versions originally created for pilots. Well, no longer do you have to wear the man’s version of this really beautiful, really grown-up outerwear piece. According to Fashionista’s style writers, the letterman, aka the bomber jacket, is back in a big way. The version shown above from River Island is gorgeous, totally wearable, and only $26 (on sale). Whether for work with a pencil skirt or for play with a pair of skinny jeans, this is a jacket you’ll want to wear all autumn long.

2. Pretty in Pleats

Think school-girl prep with a sophisticated twist, because pleats have been popping up all over the runways for Fall 2016. I’m a big fan of the midi length because it’s a universally flattering cut, and I’m especially enjoying this cheerful floral print from TOPSHOP for $46. Perfect for a smooth summer-to-fall transition, pair this piece with a nice cami and top it with a boyfriend cardigan for the ultimate preppy outfit that’s perfect for work. Heading out for the weekend? Then pair this with your favorite flats, a fitted tee, and a cozy little sweater.

3. Here Kitty, Kitty

 

According to Lyst’s fashion editors, great pair of heels is a must-have in every wardrobe, but because I’m on the taller side, I tend to hone in on the kitten-heeled variety. Fortunately, these are universally flattering and they’re great for long stretches at work or on a fun night out. As you can see from the pair I’ve chosen here from Franco Sarto, which by the way are only $50 (on sale), the pointed-toe shape is a trending detail, but the supple suede and sweet bow are naturally very preppy. I also love that these are neutral, because neutral colors mean more wear and more bang for your buck.

4. Clad in Plaid

One pattern that’s a prepster’s dream is classic plaid, and according to the trend spotters at Harper’s Bazaar, it shouldn’t be too hard to find this season considering it was a big part in several runway shows for fall. This pattern is excellent when incorporated through accessories, like scarves, or even in the main pieces, like trousers or tops. You know I’m a big fan of classic button-down blouses, so you can imagine my delight when I came across this window pane shirt from Dex for just $38. It would look so adorable with blue jeans, knee-high boots, a quilted vest, and your favorite purse.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my fashion finds for $50 or less! Preppy can be trendy and trendy can be affordable. Now you can stock your closets for fall and still have some cash left for that latte!

-Liz

Thanks to Caroline Davis for collaborating with me on this post!

Falling into Style (feat. J Crew)

It’s Fri-yay! After a long week of job interviews and running errands, I’m so ready for a Friday night. Not that I do much else during the week, but the job hunt really can drain the energy right out of you. Dallas has also been under heavy cloud cover for the last week and not only did it bring the rain, but it also brought gloominess with it. Along with the sunshine went my good mood! However, the air has been hinting at cooler temperatures (read: no more 3-digit heat) and my mind has gone right to fall!

Here in Dallas, I’ve been told that it doesn’t really cool down until November. Perfect. There goes my blanket scarves, quilted vests, and riding boots. How basic, right? I’m realizing very quickly that the typical clothing I wore during autumn back in my home state, won’t be enjoyed here until later this year. Even so, blanket scarves aren’t really needed anywhere until October. So let’s talk about clothes that work in the awkward transition months between the heat of summer and the chill of fall!

Dress for the Season and the Temperature

My favorite tops for fall are chambray and gingham long sleeves. Texas isn’t the place for long sleeves and pants until winter (seriously). Instead, choose one or the other. Pair long sleeves with shorts or short sleeves with pants. Comfort is everything to me and I’m not going to be comfy if I’m sweating to death.

Since fall is all about rich oranges, reds, and deep blues, buy t-shirts, shorts, and accessories in traditional fall colors. For example, the adorable red skirt pictured above is the perfect fall piece that fits into that unpredictable seasonal transition. It looks like fall and feels like summer! Another example of fall colors working in summer pieces are the multi-colored shorts.

Finally, utilize accessories! It may be 80 degrees in the middle of September but wear those tan booties you love so much. That warm scarf you can’t wear yet? Tie it to the handles on your bag for a fall statement piece. Check out the other great transition pieces I linked for you below!//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%2257b67ba361d1dd5cd5a4563f%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid3025-28872695-82%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D-Liz

 

Pumpkin Spice Candle Season!

As a Monday morning pick me up, I thought I’d start you off with something we all look forward to every year- fall candles! Seriously, I get so excited over these delicious smelling things. Marketing emails I get have been featuring more and more fall-themed items lately. I’ve been trying to ignore them because my summer is not yet over but it’s a little hard to when everyone else is getting excited too! The other day, Bath & Body Works sent me an email featuring their fall candles and fragrances. I tried to “keep calm and carry on” but I couldn’t. Later that day, I found myself wandering into one of their stores sniffing every candle I could get my hands on.

The candles are the same fragrances as last year but the packaging has been upgraded I think. I remember a few people commenting on their Facebook page saying that the candles looked like something that would be sold in Walmart as opposed to B&B Works. Yikes! Not what the marketers were going for I’m sure. I did a post (link here) last year on the candles so you can see which is better!

I love the sugary, pumpkin scents because they remind me of home. My mom always decorates for Autumn with pumpkins and chrysanthemums on the front steps and a cinnamon candle burning on the kitchen counter. It’s easily one of my favorite memories from growing up! Some of the newer fall-ish scents have sparked my interest though, like the “Crisp Morning Air” and “Sweater Weather” scents. They are a little more masculine and much less sugary!

I love the aesthetic appeal of all the candles together. It really sells me on the product. As we all know, packaging and presentation are everything in the world of marketing! Let me know what your favorite candle is in the comments below!

–Liz