The Camel Sweater | Fall Inspiration

Sweater - H&M, Jeans - Stradivarius, Boots - BCBG (similar here and here), Bag - Roots, Hat - Zara 

In case you haven’t pinned enough “fall inspired” fashion outfits, here’s another one for you! Featuring my favorite piece of clothing everrr: the camel sweater.  I can’t tell you how many YEARS…thats right, YEARS I’ve been wanting a camel sweater but in the past I’ve always forgotten to look for ones (I get distracted easily) or the ones I wanted were waaay out of my budget (Anthropologie I’m looking at you!) and so I’ve been missing out on this classical piece of autumnal perfection.  Paired with boots, a hat and the perfect satchel, and you look like you literally might have just stepped out of someone's fall fashion Pinterest board--which is totally fine with me.

After we took these pics, my husband and I strolled into this cute little cafe where I had the most delicious chai tea latte and we sat down to enjoy the afternoon and as we joked and laughed, I thought: what more could I ask for? They say women are complicated creatures and while I agree, I also think we want very simple things: a cute boy who makes you laugh, a delicious chai tea latte and a damn near perfect sweater and you got yourself a happy girl.  

xx,

Grace

Grey Slacks

Grey Slacks - Victoria's Secret, Black Sweater - Mango, Heels - Lulu's, Bag - Michael Kors 

Shopping for work appropriate outfits isn't something I particularly enjoy, partly because the style of clothing can look uncomfortable and to be honest, boring.  I'm lucky to work in an office that is "business casual," however sometimes for meetings and things like that, it is nice to dress up a bit.  Usually I always go for a pencil skirt with a silk blouse because you can't go wrong but it is really useful to have a couple of good pairs of slacks that you can wear for work.  That is where these Victoria Secret slacks come in.  They offer structure, a great fit, comfortable material and the slits at the ankles gives a little touch of "unexpected-ness" that keeps the whole outfit from seeming too corporate and boring.  I swoon over little details like that because it is the small things that make all the difference. Also, another tip for work wear is to add a burst of color, either with your handbag or a bright scarf or nice piece of jewelry, to keep everything looking young and fresh. To find your perfect pair of slacks, check out Zara--they have some amazing cuts and styles (per usual).
xoxo,
Grace

Wardrobe Staple: A Loose Blazer

Blazer - Zara AW14 (really love this one) / Black Tank - Old / Ripped Jeans - Express (available here) / Bag - Roots / Heels - Mango (old) similar here 

Sorry for the lack of posts last week-- things got a little crazy.  The long hours at the office and doing school at the same time is really wearing me down.  Plus all the in between stuff that needs to get done, like laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, errands...it NEVER ends.  WTF haha.  I'm kinda over being an adult and I really want to know who decided that we should work 5 days a week and only "rest" for two.  All I gotta say is its messed up, you know what I'm saying?

Ok now that I've had my little venting session, I hope you guys enjoy this post! I was really excied when I found this blazer at Zara.  We all know a structured black blazer is a key wardrobe staple but equally as important is the loose blazer.  I was never a fan until I actually tried one on and saw how it can really add that finishing touch to your outfit, especially in this gorgeous, rich brown color that is perfect for the fall season.  Also, I haven't worn ripped jeans like this since high school but I gotta admit I'm kinda really into them.  Hope you all have a lovely week!

xoxo,

Grace

Nudes for Fall

Beige Cable Knit Sweater - Mango (similar HERE), Ripped Jeans - Vero Moda (similar HERE for only $50!), Brown Strappy Heels - Daily Look ,  Bag - Marc Jacobs, Sunglasses - Kate Spade

I LOVE anything nude. Wait, that sounds wrong. I mean I love neutral, flesh toned colors that are almost pink but leaning towards more of a beigy rose color...you follow? I think these colors are just so perfect for any time of year but especially for fall.  Not that California weather is even close to being fall-like but as I sit here typing away, I'm dreaming of hot, frothy pumpkin lattes, comfy riding boots, and the coziest of cozy beige/nude sweaters.  BUT since it isn't fall yet, I can't get away with walking around in boots just yet--but these brown ankle-strapped heels may hold me over me until I can slip on my boots.  Oh and may I just say that ripped jeans are the shizzzz.  They really spruce up an outfit which is so weird given that they're in fact ripped.  

xoxo,

Grace

LA Lady

 

Blouse - Mango, Denim Shorts - Victoria's Secret, Heels - Lulu's, Bag - Roots 

I have a love/hate relationship with LA.  I absolutely love it because it is and always will be my home and there are SO many amazing restaurants and things to do but lately I've just been kind of over it.  The traffic is awful, drivers are even worse and there's this materialistic mindset everywhere. Urth Cafe does kind of make up for all of that though as it is probably one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in LA.  It was freaking hot this weekend so I tried to stay cool with these denim shorts and this breezy top I found at Mango.  This week is going by so quickly and I feel like I'm drowning with all the stuff I have yet to do before the weekend.  Seriously someone needs to write a book on how to be an adult cuz I like really struggle...can't I just be a kid and go play outside? Those were some great times. xoxo,

Grace

P.S. Sorry for rambling.  It is 6 in the morning and I think my brain is still half asleep. :p

 

Unexpected

Blouse - Lulu's (available here), Striped Skirt - H&M (similar here), Ankle Strap Heels - Lulu's (only $24 bucks! Get 'em HERE), Bag - Mango SS14

I had some reservations about pairing this navy striped skirt with a burgundy blouse because I didn't know if it would work--especially with the black heels. But I ended up loving this outfit.  Kind of an unexpected combination but sometimes the best outfits are created when we're literally rushing out the door and don't have time to over analyze and have that internal debate on whether the outfit works or not.  I like the idea of just going for it--not just when it comes to pairing outfits but with anything in life.  Some of my best decisions were a direct result of me not over thinking and analyzing and just going with what I felt was right in that moment. Over analyzing just confuses me and at the end of going around in circles you're back to square one.  Don't wanna get all deep up in here but you know what I mean.  Sometimes you really do need to just go with your gut!  Now I think I must leave as my gut is telling me that I must eat that delicious home made chocolate chip cookie on the kitchen counter.  Who cares if its my 5th cookie of the night? I must go with my gut.
xoxo,
Grace

My Fall Wishlist

 

Striped Shirt - LL Bean,  Faux Leather Pencil Skirt - H&M, Black Suede Heels - Asos, Black Clutch - Clare V.  Gold Watch - Michael Kors, Cat Eye Sunglasses - Asos 

I'll admit my fall wish list is a lot longer than just these few items but this is a good place to start I think.  Living in California, actual fall weather doesn't really begin until about October or so. So it gets kinda hard to shop for actual fall clothing but a leather pencil skirt has been on my wish list for a long time now. It is the perfect piece for this awkward summer to fall transition period as it can be worn with plain t-shirts & loose blouses or chunky cable knit sweaters.  Also, who knew it was so hard to find the perfect black clutch? I've been looking and still no luck--at least with finding one under $50 bucks.  What are you guys shopping for this fall?
xoxo,
Grace

Stripes & Jeans

Jacket - Forever 21 (similar style here and here), Striped Blouse - American Eagle, Nude Heels - Lulu's, Bag - Roots Small School Bag 

In my opinion, there is nothing better than some skinny jeans and a striped blouse. I always gravitate towards stripes and am constantly in search of my next striped item.  I wear this kind of outfit to work a lot because it is casual but still put together.   Most of the time I'll opt for flats or some sandals/wedges because I'm not exactly the most graceful person in heels.  Like for reals I have some balance issues and if I fell at work I would never hear the end of it from my co-workers (we like to poke fun at each other--makes the day go faster, you know what I'm sayin? so they would seriously laugh their heads off if I fell in front of them--haha I would too so I can't really blame them). But I absolutely love high heeled shoes so I'm trying to get better about wearing them and I've made some improvements.  Do any of you have issues with walking in heels or am I the only clutz around here? 

xoxo,
Grace

Nautical Stripes

Dress - Pac Sun (Similar styles here and  I LOVE this one here), Shoes - Stradivarius (Similar here) and (here), Bag - Roots Small School Bag (available here) 

Nautical stripes for summer--groundbreaking... (does this line ring a bell?)  What is my excuse for wearing a blue and white striped dress in the summer? Um, I kinda don't need one. I know its not up there with the most creative outfit compilations but it is such a timeless look that I had to give in and share it. Plus I'm all about comfortable, classic pieces--the kind that don't require a ton of fussing with and can just be thrown on so you're out the door.  I'm kinda lazy to be honest and as much as I love clothes and fashion I always go for comfort and "whatever is easiest."  I just have to be selective when I shop to make sure I don't purchase something that needs a million different accessories to look good. The less accessories the better in my opinion. So here's my take on the classic striped dress--albeit a little shorter and girlier but still a good solid piece for many summers to come. 

xoxo, Grace

Summer Wish List

Shirt - American Vintage Store (similar here), White Lace Skirt - Lipsy London ($22 version here!), Strappy Nude Heels, Beige Clutch - Bottica (similar style here), Cat Eye Sunglasses  (these by Guess are a steal!)

This outfit embodies all of my favorite aspects of summer.  Crisp white skirt, strappy nude heels that look amazing against a glowing tan, a flowy blouse in a vibrant green hue and minimal accessories to top the look. With a limited budget,  I am very particular about the kinds of clothes I buy. I ask myself, do they fit right? Can I wear it with other pieces in my closet? Will it still look good in a couple years?  If the answer is yes and the price fits--then I go for it!  There is no need to spend a fortune to look your best--you just gotta keep your eye out for the good stuff. Do you have any shopping tips? I'd love to know :)

xoxo, Grace