Last Day of Summer

I'm a fall baby all the way, but it still breaks my heart a little bit to see summer go. Once again, I find myself daydreaming about all the summery fun I wanted to partake in (lazy beach days, amusement park and county fair visits, late night stargazing) but didn't because I was simply too busy. I did manage to squeeze in a couple of mini-breaks here and there, but haven't taken a proper vacation in YEARS. So, next year, it's my goal to visit someplace entirely new to me... and squeeze in more beach time, too.

As much as I'll miss summer, I can't mope for long; I'm really looking forward to cooler temps so I can layer again! It was nice to get to wear tights one day last week. Though autumn officially started last night, it's still in the seventies and eighties in the Boston area, so I'm just going to embrace it while it lasts! Guess I'll order my pumpkin spice latte iced for a few more days...



This ensemble is one of my summer work favorites. It came about because I wanted to be cool and comfortable, but of course still stylish... and this brushstroke-printed chiffon skirt gives off that seventies vibe that I love. Pairing it with my favorite white tee is just a comfy no-brainer. These gladiator sandals are cool, but not too comfortable... the stiletto heel doesn't exactly distribute weight evenly. But since I have a desk job, I'm pretty okay with that. The only major problem occurs when you're sinking in the grass! Oops...

Another slight problem... this white tee is hard to photograph! I guess that's why you don't see a lot of white on television; I've heard that it's difficult to film. I leaned against this red trailer just to get some contrast! Look at what happens in direct sunlight...



Whoa! Baby, your future's so bright, you need... a really high SPF? ;)

So I decided to try black and white to see if I could create enough contrast and darken that bright white a little bit. Well, not so much. But I like how everything else turned out...





Then I gave up on black and white entirely and tried blue! Because why not? Blue is a great shade for fall, right?



The blue still follows my seventies theme... my parents' yearbook photos from back then were tinted blue. I wonder why that is? No matter the reason, I always thought it looked groovy. Okay, so that's more of a sixties term. Whatever. :P

With that, I bid summer au revoir!

So, I interrupted my runway reviews for this outfit post. Fashion Week coverage will resume next time! So do check back for more. :)

A perfect fall

It's a gorgeous sunshiny day, but like many of you, I'm already daydreaming about fall. Naturally, I took to Polyvore to design my dream cool-weather ensembles. Today's set includes the perfect dark floral dress (from Rebecca Taylor, no less), an Anthropologie cardigan (practically a fall staple in its own right), Miu Miu Mary Janes for a hint of Italian chic and, while we're at it, a Valentino bag... because, hey, if you're gonna dream, might as well dream big!

Who's that lady? by erincathleen featuring beret hat

I hope this fall's throwback to seventies, ladylike-chic is here to stay. I'm loving the return of some Victorian, romantic favorites, too: lace, ruffles, riding boots and structured handbags. A dark floral-patterned dress could easily go from summer to winter (with the right opaque tights), while a slouchy cardigan in a deep crimson is perfect for the crisp Autumn air. The same cardigan could easily pair with a leopard-print mini to create a fun play on proportion. And for the topper? The season's quintessential add-ons: ruffles and lace. Pair with Miu Miu's prim Oxford-Mary Jane pumps, and the look could go from apple picking to apple martinis in no time flat. An animal print scarf ties in all the colors, and would perk up any neutral ensemble, like a few brightly-colored leaves against a gray sky. This scarf, from Mulberry, is only vaguely leopard; I like the subtlety and warm tones. Layering a lace shrug or adding a cute crocheted cap? Totally cute options. To toughen up the look (but only slightly), swap the sweet pumps for studded or lace-up riding boots. And don't forget your must-have autumnal accessory: a sumptuous tote, in a fall-colored pattern or neutral hue, ideal for the lady who lunches and the one who runs the office.

So, it's still a little early, but... What excites you the most about fall?