We are hosting a little Halloween party tomorrow and after that… It’s holiday season. I’ll be decorating the house for Christmas and shopping for Christmas gifts while I listen to my favorite holiday music. And with the hustle and bustle of the season come lots of holiday parties. I fell in love with the bright blue color of this dress; the gorgeous lace, the flattering bell sleeves. I think it will be perfect for all those holiday parties to come.
Fit Details:Dress runs true to size; fit is a bit on the loose side, so size down if you’d like a more fitted look. These booties are my favorite… I love the classic style and they go with absolutely everything.
As style icons like Jackie Onassis Kennedy and the Duchess of Cambridge prove, classic style never goes out of style. (Which is great because if you’re curating your closet around a few staple investment pieces, you want them to stand the test of time!) As you can probably tell, classic style is my favorite. In order to keep it fresh, I employ an 80/20 rule I explain in this blog post.
“But isn’t this style for basic bitches?” you might ask. Not hardly. Ensuring your closet is stocked with a few key pieces means that you’ll have go-to items to reach for when you aren’t feeling quite so creative in the fashion department or when trends aren’t as appropriate. When you see a woman who appears effortlessly stylish, it’s probably because she has built her look around a few staple pieces that fit her well and are made from great fabrics. Below, I’m sharing all the items I think make for a well-styled fall wardrobe and why you should add them to your closet. Let me know down in the comments which items you reach for again and again in the fall months!
A timeless watch is an integral part of building a classic core fall wardrobe. A classic watch doesn’t have to be expensive to look good (take a look at this option under $100) but if you’re going to invest in something, this is a good place to start. You’ll have a timeless watch forever and classic styles like this only improve with time; minor scratches and distressed leather add character and make the watch look like an heirloom that has been passed down.
This Hermès Heure MM watch is the one I wear daily. I love the sleek design and the tan leather strap is beautiful; you can’t beat the quality of Hermès leather. The watch is fairly easy to maintain as it runs on a watch battery vs self-winding; my battery lasted for about two years and I just recently took it in to a local jeweler’s for a new battery and internal cleaning. This would make an exquisite holiday gift for someone!
When it comes to classic jewelry, the beautiful simplicity of small gold ball earrings can’t be matched. Less showy than diamond studs and less prim than pearl earrings, this style is the timeless, understated sister. But don’t let the word “understated” fool you – when these shiny gold babies catch a hint of light they definitely make a statement.
I love the textured style of these 18K gold plated earrings. They come in rose gold and silver as well. These are the “go with everything” earrings you’ll find yourself wearing again and again.
This cozy wool sweater with a hint of downy-soft cashmere conjures images of fireside conversations in log cabins and walks through the leaf-strewn woods on brisk November mornings. An oversized cable knit sweater like this is a key piece in any woman’s wardrobe; it looks beautiful layered under scarves, vests, and jackets. On the bottom? Pair it withslimming faux leather leggings or sleek, dark denim.
A sweater in a beautiful blend of materials is an investment, but you’ll notice that if you spend a little money on one it will breathe better, hang better on your body, and will stand the test of time. Noticing those annoying little pills on top of the knit? Every woman also needs this sweater shaver in their life – I use mine all the time and it has saved many a sweater from hitting the Goodwill pile
I love a great fedora hat because it looks equally chic on the streets of Manhattan as it does at a hunting lodge. A classic hat like this one just polishes off your look and adds a timeless touch. Whenever I feel an outfit is lacking or I’m just not feeling great, I add a hat and it instantly injects a bit of style into my outfit.
The hat I included in the collage above is by one of my favorite hat designers, Janessa Leone. I own a few Janessa Leone hats and I wear them year after year, always receiving compliments on them when I do. This one is in a gorgeous wool, making it perfect for fall and winter. I love the gorgeous navy color as it’s one that will flatter nearly every skin tone and won’t go out of style.
When your skin warms, any fragrance you’re wearing is magnified. In the summer, it’s best to wear light, crisp fragrances since warm temps are at an all-time high and our skin may be sweating. But… Come fall and winter, we get to bring out all the intense, sexy fragrances since cool temps will ensure our fragrance doesn’t knock anyone over! A warm, classic fragrance is a essential addition to your fall wardrobe.
It’s no secret I love Chanel fragrances – you can read about some of my favorite fragrances in this blog post. And their latest perfume, Gabrielle, is no exception. It’s classic femininity mixed with a hint of sexy in a beautiful crystal bottle, bursting with sophisticated floral notes like jasmine, orange blossom, Grasse tuberose, and ylang-ylang. Think feminine with a hint of spice!
Quilted down vests are made for layering and layering gives a rich, complex look to any outfit. I have quilted vests in neutral colors like navy and black and find myself wearing them all the time. They look great with sweaters, turtlenecks, and even plaid flannel shirts for a more casual look.
I chose to include a vest from J.Crew because I find their vests to be the most flattering on the body and I love the hardware snaps on the front pockets. This navy quilted vest will be one you reach for again and again during the chilly months to come!
As a child, I used to despise wearing gloves for some odd reason. I would allow my poor hands to become dry and chapped as the winds whipped them day after day but I refused toput on gloves!
While most of us are no longer that weird neglectful, gloves are a necessary accessory that is often overlooked. But it’s undeniable that a great pair of leather gloves adds a polished quality to fall and winter looks. Made of shearling and soft leather, this pair of gloves is beautifully made and will protect your pretty little paws season after season.
It doesn’t get much more classic than a waxed cotton jacket. This gorgeous olive green version is lined with plaid fabric and is the British classic brand Barbour’s most popular style. Fending off misty mornings, rainy afternoons, and snowy days, these jackets are an investment piece you will have for years to come. You can even send them in to Barbour to be re-coated if the wax begins to wear off years down the road.
Order yours with a bit of room because these jackets are wonderful to layer. I pile on a thick sweater, a cozy scarf, and I can’t even feel the wind. This will become your favorite jacket!
Would Breakfast at Tiffany’s be the same without Audrey Hepburn wearing her iconic trench coat? I don’t think so. There’s a reason these classic coats have withstood the test of time; they’re effortless, flattering, and instantly bring a touch of sophistication to any outfit. This one is about as classic as they come.
Whether you’re wearing your trench belted over a chic black cocktail dress or hanging over your shoulders as you travel, you’ll realize how quickly it will become an integral part of your wardrobe.
Neutral tones elevate your look and make it appear uniform and luxe. A beautiful scarf in neutral tones like this one is an essential accessory for fall looks. It will look incredibly chic wrapped around and tucked into a trench coat.
Need some idea on how to tie yours? Take a peek at my favorite scarf-tying video here.
I love the soothing continuity of a traditional houndstooth print. It looks even better on a cozy thick fabric in a classic style like a blazer or a pencil skirt like this one. I find myself reaching for a pencil skirt over and over again in the fall. They are perfect pieces for when you’re unsure of the dress code or for when you need something that’s a bit more polished than casual. I pair mine with sweaters, turtlenecks, tights when the weather cools, and even riding boots.
Riding boots might be my most-worn classic wardrobe item. I wear my riding boots with everything – sweaters and jeans and even paired with dresses and skirts over opaque tights. This pair is a classic riding boot but the subtly distressed details make the boots seem like something that’s been passed down from a relative.
I chose to include this pair of boots because they are from my favorite boot brand. Their boots have classic inspiration, but little details that keep them fresh and up to date. My boots from them have lasted for years and they are neither too dressy or too casual; they are the most wearable boots you’ll ever own. This style also comes in a wide calf version.
If riding boots are my most-worn classic wardrobe item, then wellies are my second most-worn classic wardrobe item. I remember falling in love with the classic green and navy wellies I saw all over London as a little girl. They repel rain and snow, but let’s be honest… We love them because they make us feel like a countryside version of Duchess Catherine.
While I can’t resist a pair of tall wellies in green or navy, I’ve found I wear this short black pair much more in a city. They look great with a pair of cozy socks just peeking above the top and they are so comfortable.
Last but not least, every woman should have a classic leather tote bag. They look beautiful in the fall against cozy fabrics like tweed, plaid, and houndstooth.
I’ve been eyeing this version for months – I love the simplistic styling and the vintage vibe. It’s perfect for toting around a laptop, a book or two, and maybe even a tumbler of your favorite pumpkin-flavored drink.
The idea for this outfit popped into my head once upon a sleep-deprived night. I’ve long been a fan of midi-length skirts with their flattering, ladylike silhouette and the latest crop of metallic midi skirts up the glam factor just a bit. Another trend I’m loving is actually a classic I often see popping up, season after season – the army jacket. And I thought, why not combine the two? The masculine army jacket toughens up this metallic lace skirt and a belted waist keeps the feminine silhouette defined. And all the texture – my favorite aspect of fall fashion. Velvet, leather, lace, distressed cotton, and metal hardware combine to create an updated take on fairytale princess inspo.
The jacket I’m wearing is one I’ve been wearing constantly lately; it’s roomy enough to layer over sweaters as well. It’s currently only available in two sizes but if your size is sold out, bookmark the page and keep checking back; they seem to restock this jacket consistently. I also like this similar version.
Fit Details:Jacket runs true to size and is roomy enough to wear over sweaters. Cami runs true to size but is designed to be fitted; order one size up if you’d like yours a bit more roomy. Skirt runs small; order one size up. I love these velvet shoes and have worn them for over a year now. I found multicolored ones in black/tan, red/blue, and green/black. I really love this solid burgundy pair as well.
Switzerland, 2010. I stared at my father blankly as he laid a tiny hard-sided suitcase at my feet. “What am I supposed to do with that?” I asked, taking a second glance at a weekend’s worth of clothes, shoes, accessories, and beauty products piled on my bed. “Make it work!” he said with a smile and more than a hint of sarcasm. (There is a rather large difference between the way a businessman and a blogger pack for a weekend away.) Twelve hours later, we were on a small plane to London with his minuscule suitcases tucked under the seats in front of us. But despite my initial irritation, I look back at this as one of my best travel lessons.
It was easier and more efficient to travel with a small carryon. Check-in was a breeze and there were no lost bags. We easily brought our suitcases into the cab and I had no excuses for too much shopping. (Looking back, the shopping factor may have been Dad’s idea all along. Brilliant, he is.) I learned how to use a hotel hairdryer and minimal makeup to achieve a still-chic beauty look. And I realized that at least 75% of my travel annoyances come from lugging around and dealing with massive suitcases. While I can’t always travel with a carryon, I’ve implemented many lessons from those trips with my parents when I pack now.
Whether you’re packing in a carryon only or you’re just trying to reduce the weight of your suitcase (for more shopping, duh) a great place to start is with your cosmetics. Today I’m sharing what I keep in my chic little cosmetic bag when I really want to pare down my beauty essentials. If you like this post, you might also like my previous post on the best travel makeup here.
Finally someone designed individually packaged cleansing cloths, perfect for tucking into your gym bag or suitcase. Since moving to dry Denver, my skin has become really sensitive to many cosmetic products and Biossance is one of the only brands I know won’t cause me to break out. The cloths are alcohol-free and biodegradable, plus they contain squalane; a super-moisturizing ingredient that moisturizes and hydrates. They gently remove makeup and cleanse the skin while conditioning brows and lashes. Need a bit more makeup-removing power? Add one drop of the Extraordinary Oil to a cloth and gently remove long-lasting lipstick or stubborn eyeliner.
A girlfriend told me about this lovely little tinted moisturizer and it didn’t take me long to realize why she raved about it so often. This creamy moisturizer-meets-sunscreen is hydrating but not greasy and can even be layered for a bit more coverage. It blends flawlessly for a smooth coverage unlike I’ve ever seen from a tinted moisturizer or sunscreen. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, but is easily removed with a cleansing cloth. Best of all, it contains technology that protects cells and DNA and helps inhibit enzyme activity – the causes of wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Talk about a miracle cream.
This three-in-one palette contains blush, bronzer, and highlighter. The products have such a pretty peachy-pink tone to them; they can create a beautifully natural makeup look or accent a hint of tan perfectly. When I travel, I like taking this palette along with me because it’s just so versatile. I can use it for blush, eyeshadow, bronzer, highlight, contour… And it’s all in one small package.
When someone very close to me was diagnosed with melanoma last year, it forever changed the way I thought about protecting my skin. My family is fair-skinned (Welsh, Swiss) but we tan easily and rarely burn (French, Native American). I always thought that this ability to tan protected us from developing skin cancer. It doesn’t. Now I prefer to keep myself pale as a ghost and get spray tans from Glamour Bar Denver. On top of that, I utilize every SPF I can get my hands on. This Brush-On Sunscreen Powder has become a favorite of mine because it’s easy to work into my routine and allows me to do touch-ups on the go. I dust this on over my makeup, on my ears, and down onto my neck and chest; I know someone who keeps an extra in her car and dusts it onto her hands while she’s driving. I’m currently using the SPF 30 Matte in Medium, but there is also an SPF 50 version available. Between my Tinted SPF Moisturizer and this Brush-On Sunscreen Powder I have a nice layer of protection against the sun.
If you haven’t discovered the magic that is Charlotte Tilbury, prepare yourself. You are about to become an addict. On my list of essential travel cosmetics is her shimmering metallic cream eyeshadow in “Marie Antoinette”. It’s easy to apply with your finger – no brush necessary – and can be layered to create a more dramatic evening look. Dab a little on for a shimmer of warm taupe in the daytime and blend layers for a rich, slightly smoky nighttime look. Product tends to move around on my eyelids, but this cream eyeshadow stays better than any other I’ve tried. If you happen to notice any creasing, just use your finger to blend it out and refresh.
I currently am addicted to have lash extensions from Glamour Bar Denver (mention my blog for $50 off yours) so I usually only apply a little mascara on my bottom lashes. But… I had to mention this incredible mascara because it is my all-time favorite. It thickens and lengthens lashes, creating a glamorous look with lots of volume. I don’t even need to use eyeliner when I use this mascara because it makes my lashes look gorgeous. If you like a more natural lash look, you can brush the mascara out with a small lash brush and it will separate lashes nicely; I like to pack a few of these disposable lash/brow brushes in my cosmetic bag when I travel.
This pretty little lip balm makes for a lovely gift, but it’s also always in my cosmetic bag. It gives just a hint of rosy-pink color to lips while hydrating and softening with shea butter, aloe, and beeswax. (It also smells beautiful with notes of blood orange, rose, and white vetiver.) It’s on my essential list for travel because there is nothing worse than traveling to a different climate and ending up with cracked, dry lips. This tinted lip balm is gentle enough to apply before bed and wear during the day.
A beautiful rosy-pink lip crayon that gives a gorgeous kiss of color to lips. It glides on creamy and smooth and has a satin texture with plenty of color without being so pigmented that I need a lip pencil; it’s incredibly easy to touch up on the go. I like applying this in the evening with just a touch of the tinted lip balm in the center of my bottom lip to create the illusion of plumper lips, but the color doesn’t look out of place during the day if you want a bit of color.
The most does-it-all product on my list. A nourishing and gently fragrant blend of sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, sunflower seed, and evening primrose. French women have realized the importance of beauty oils for ages, but I’m grateful I discovered this one a year ago. When I travel, I use this product for so many things I had to make a list for you to keep track of them. It’s one of the main reasons I’ve been able to pare down my travel products to this small cosmetic bag.
Shave Oil: Blend a few drops of oil with a bit of hotel body wash to create a silky shave oil.
Hair Oil: Rub a few drops of oil between your hands to warm and glide over the ends of damp hair (dry works too) to moisturize dry ends.
Under-Eye Oil: Pat a drop of oil into the under-eye area to take the place of eye cream.
Moisturizer: Skin feeling dry or chapped? Rub a couple drops of oil between your hands to warm and massage all over your face for an extra dose of moisture. (This is great to do at night!)
Creamy Body Lotion: Blend a few drops of oil into hotel body lotion to boost the hydration factor.
Makeup Remover: Stubborn makeup? Gently massage a couple drops of oil onto eye makeup or lip makeup, let sit for a minute, then use a warm face cloth or cleansing cloth to remove.
Night Cream: Before bed, rub several drops of oil into dry cuticles, hands, elbows, and feet. Allow the moisture to soak in overnight and wake up with nourished, soft skin.
I’m addicted to this one; a subtly sexy combination of black tea and exotic florals like orange blossom, cassis, and hibiscus. I’ve never smelled any fragrance quite like this and I always receive compliments when I wear it. It’s long-lasting, but the easy roll-on formula is easy to take on the go if you want a touch up throughout the day. And if you love it as much as I do, there’s a candle and a room spray in the same fragrance that have been my go-to gifts to give.
I’m often asked about professional looks and office wear. As most of you know, I work from home (most often in leggings or jeans) and reside in Denver, Colorado – a place where yoga pants at lunch meetings are commonplace and heels on the street are a bit of a rarity. However, when I did work in an office I still loved fashion and applied the same guidelines to styling my office attire that I do to my personal style now. That guideline is the 80/20 rule and I’m going to share how it helps me choose my looks and decide what pieces to purchase.
I love classic style; whenever I invest in a piece of clothing or a designer accessory I ask myself if I will be able to wear it in five or ten years. Yes? Then the item is likely a classic that will aid me in curating a collection of investment pieces. No? Then the item is a trend that will soon fade and I’m better off choosing a less expensive version I won’t feel guilty about donating or consigning in a year or two. At the same time, I don’t want to dress all in classics with no updates (my style would never change throughout my life) and I don’t want to dress like a walking billboard for this season’s trends (bring on the cringeworthy photos years from now). So I apply the 80/20 rule to help infuse a hint of trend into my overall classic style.
When I’m styling a look, I go for about 75-80% classic pieces or styles and about 20-25% trendy pieces or accessories and this method is what I suggest for styling office wear that doesn’t feel dull or stagnant. For example, the overall feel of this look is classic; cream lace, a plaid skirt, doctor’s bag, and loafer pumps. But I’ve incorporated a small amount of trends; the ruffle blouse, the asymmetrical skirt hem, and the pearl details on the loafer pumps. These fresh and more fashion-forward details keep the look from feeling boring while still allowing it to remain office appropriate. If you feel your office is too traditional for 20% start with one item; eyeglasses in a bright color, a graphic print scarf around your neck, or suede pumps instead of your usual leather ones.
Since the pieces have these trendy details, I kept both the blouse and skirt under $100. The suede loafer pump is quite classic and reminds me of a shoe from the 1960’s but the pearl detail and similarity to the popular Gucci Marmont loafer pumps make me think this is a style that won’t last for years; the version I’m wearing is a steal at $148 compared to the $900 Guccis. The doctor’s bag I’m carrying is one I’ve had for seven years now. It was an investment, but it goes to show that classic pieces like this will never look dated. You can still find this bag on consignment sites like Luxury Garage Sale or Trendlee. Pair it with a simple tweed dress and your whole look will appear elevated and rich.
Fit Details:Blouse runs true to size. Not into lace? Try this affordable blouse for a more sleek look. Skirt runs true to size measurements; go down a size if you’re in between measurements. Shoes run true to size; go up one size if you’re in between sizes.
This beautiful blouse incorporates two of my favorite trends for Fall 2017… Victorian and velvet. Together, they create sumptuous texture and an incredibly feminine silhouette that makes a statement. To keep the look slimming and appropriate for evening, I added a pair of stretchy black jeans and a velvet loafer. A pop of saddle brown (I love the idea of a rich metallic too) add interest to an otherwise all-black look.
Fit Details:Top runs true to size; it is designed to be worn loose and flowy and is quite comfortable. Jeans run true to size as well. They will appear small when they arrive – don’t worry! I didn’t believe everyone when they talked about how flattering, stretchy, and comfortable this denim brand is, but as soon as I put this pair of jeans on I completely understood. The jeans feel more like leggings in terms of comfort, but they slim the leg like a great pair of denim.
The blue lace is amazing!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Black and blue always work out very well. A great combination. Thanks for sharing, Brittany.