Tops for Fall

As we are now fully into fall, it may be a good time to take a moment and review our wardrobe. Is your closet a culmination of pieces that you’ve collected over the years? Do these pieces even make sense for your current wardrobe needs? If you feel that perhaps your closet seems “outdated” one way to update your options is to start with your tops. Let’s take one piece at a time to feel less overwhelmed by our choices. The tops in your wardrobe tend to be the most used and most in need of an update. These pieces can be the most versatile options in your closet if you know how to wear them.

Make the most of your fall tops by creating a collection of pieces that flatter your style and work well with multiple bottoms. Each of the options below answers a wardrobe dilemma with a versatile option. Invest in pieces that can work for more than one occasion. Feel “fall” in your wardrobe choices, whether that means inviting in that which is cozy and soft or the perfect color trend for the season. Find what speaks to you and build from there. This will ensure that the wardrobe you create is one that you love.

 
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This classic crewneck sweater could come from almost any retailer. This happens to be my one of my favorite fall pieces because of it’s versatility and timeless style. See a couple of similar sweater suggestions below.

Boden Antonia Sweater

Boden Antonia Sweater

This printed fall sweater comes in a perfect fall color palette. Neutral so it can still be easily paired but not boring. It’s a neutral that stands out on it’s own.

Boden Long Sleeve Breton Top

Boden Long Sleeve Breton Top

This top is just a hint of trendy on a classic tee. In the spring, we tend to see the horizontal stripe trend take off. This slight twist brings a little bling to your otherwise classic wardrobe staple.

Boden Marina Blouse

Boden Marina Blouse

This blouse fits the in between needs of your wardrobe. You have casual wear or athleisure on one end. You have the dressier outfit that you need for an event or evening out. But what do you wear in between? Lunch with friends or a date to the movies, for example would fall in this category. When you need something to wear that it nicer than your leggings and sweatshirt but not your LBD, here is an option to consider.

J. Crew Tippi Sweater

J. Crew Tippi Sweater

This classic crewneck sweater is a must have in your fall wardrobe. The versatility of this piece answers all your wardrobe worries. Its lightweight fabric keeps you warm without overheating. Its classic style pairs well with any bottom.

J. Crew Ruffle Front Top

J. Crew Ruffle Front Top

This blouse is perfect for when you need to step it up a little this fall. Whether it’s a business event or an evening out, this blouse gives your outfit the added stylish boost that it needs. Depending on the event you may opt for this lovely pop of pink or prefer a black or white option for a more subtle choice.

J. Crew Puff sleeve Fuzzy Crewneck

J. Crew Puff sleeve Fuzzy Crewneck

This sweater is a perfect example of what a perfect fall sweater should be. It’s cozy, classic and neutral with a texture that gives character to this universal style. This simple crewneck sweater is inviting and flattering. It’s simplicity makes for a versatile piece that can be worn at the office or on the weekend.

 

May you have a Merry Merry

The holidays are here…. specifically Christmas…

I was convinced that it’s too early for Christmas. I’m pretty sure that I still have loads of Halloween candy in my house. Yet, everywhere I go, every department store, supermarket, even every retail website I visit is exploding Christmas. Even my coffee cup is wishing me a Merry Holiday!

So now that I’m full aware of what season we’re in, it’s time to get ready for those holiday parties. They come fast and furious and I’m willing to bet that your calendar is already filling up with parties and get-togethers with friends and loved ones. So have you thought about what you’ll wear? Too early for that? You’ll pick something an hour before? And then be a complete wreck when you can’t find anything to wear in that closet full of clothes? Sound familiar?? You’re not alone!

Enter me! This is why I’m here. To remind you that you have time to find something great to wear this holiday season to all those events and that your planning should start now. Oh , and I’ll have a few suggestions here too. You’re welcome.

So where to start? Chances are that you’ll have more than one event over the next few holidays to attend. And chances are also that the dress code for all these events won’t be the same. You might have a work Christmas party, a family dinner and a cocktail party to attend… does this mean you have to plan three separate outfits and break your bank account before you’ve even started Christmas shopping? Not necessarily!

There are plenty of options that could be versatile choices for your holiday wardrobe that could be dressed up or down for the occasion. To get the most out of your wardrobe try to find pieces that you love… that you’ll want to wear again. That’s key to maximizing your wardrobe!

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This off white blouse with black ribbon detail was a piece that I picked up at Zara a couple years back. I love the versatility and timelessness of this piece. It’s perfect for dressing up a pair of jeans or complementing a flirty back skirt. This is a great option for the upcoming holiday season, and lucky for you, a similar version is not available at the Loft!

These velvet pants from J. Crew might be the answer to your holiday closet concerns. These pants are not only velvety soft but feature an elastic waist. Thanksgiving here we come! Dress these up with fancy heels and a blouse or dress them down with mules and a sweater. Versatility can be comfy and cozy! (Oh… AND if you didn’t know.. J. Crew is currently having a Friends and Family sale that you might want to check out!

These Holiday plaid tops also from J. Crew are another way to make your festive wardrobe a little more versatile. Pair these with a pair of statement earrings and a sequins skirt (yes, you read that right) for a dressed up option. Pair with pumps and jeans for a house party. Either of these blouses would pair well with gray or gold bottoms for a neutral option. Pick a pop of color bottom to shine a little brighter!

This sequin skirt is more versatile than you might think. The dress up options are obvious. But what about dressing down? A tee shirt comes to mind. A very casual one. A sweater could work too with flats. Pair this skirt with a subtle neutral or a bright pop of color… whatever complements your personal style best!

Finally the classic LBD is a timeless favorite. Chances are you have at least one if not two hanging in your closet already. The key to the perfect LBD is finding the fit that flatters you most. Whether you look best in a shift, sheath, wrap or fit & flare style, there is certainly an option available to suit your style. This wrap dress pictured above is a simple and fit flattering option from Banana Republic. The one that fits you best will go the furthest in your wardrobe. And when it comes to versatility, the options are endless.

I hope this gives you some ideas for your next shopping trip. It’s always good to think about what you might need in advance so you’re not scrambling for an outfit at the last minute and settling to purchase something that you may never wear again. I want you to make the most out of your wardrobe choices and that means being thoughtful about your purchases.

The only thing missing now are your accessories…. but one thing at a time, we’ll get to those a little later.

All the Shoes you need for Fall

Fall is here. Whether I like it or not. No surprise I’m slow to get into fall but seeing that Halloween is around the corner and my front walkway if FULL of leaves, I have no choice but to jump on board. One of the hardest things for me is to transition into fall footwear. I love my sandals and flip flops immensely. So I need to have some fancy footwear in my closet to make my transition to my fall wardrobe a little more inviting.

This season’s trends in footwear are showcasing animal prints front and center. Prints and textures are on trend and available in a wide variety of styles from heels to flats, booties and mules. There is an array of options available for your evening out, day at work or errand run. The beauty of these animal prints is that they are all considered neutrals and therefore easily coordinated with any print/color combination.

If you’re looking for an easy way to update your fall wardrobe this season, start with a new pair of trendy and versatile footwear! Whether you’re most comfortable in wedge heels, flats or sneakers… there is absolutely something for you in the latest trends! Find a few inspirational options taken from Nordstrom below… Happy Shopping!!

 
Tony Bianco Lotus Pointy Toe Pump

Tony Bianco Lotus Pointy Toe Pump

Franco Sarto Bellini Pump

Franco Sarto Bellini Pump

Imagine Vince Camuto Orre Half d’Orsay Pointed Toe Pump

Imagine Vince Camuto Orre Half d’Orsay Pointed Toe Pump

Etienne Aigner Simone Peep Toe Bootie

Etienne Aigner Simone Peep Toe Bootie

MICHAEL Michael Kors Blaze Peep Toe Buckle Bootie

MICHAEL Michael Kors Blaze Peep Toe Buckle Bootie

Cole Haan Ednah Skimmer Flat

Cole Haan Ednah Skimmer Flat

Linea Paolo Anna Wedge Sneaker

Linea Paolo Anna Wedge Sneaker

Sperry Saltwater Waterproof Rain Boot

Sperry Saltwater Waterproof Rain Boot