fall trendy sweaters

transitioning into fall.

talking about some trendy sweaters as we transition into fall with @bananarepublic today! this post gets me excited for the last few months of the year cause boy oh boy i cannot wait for fall to hit. i'm a total fall/winter gal, who's with me? while you can always add things to sweaters to make them pop or stand out, it's also a good option to get some that already have a little trendy element to them -- lace, a fun hem, bows, colorblocking, different textures etc.. the ones featured in this post consist of a long sleeve sweater with a ruffle cuff, the other is a cardigan with a lace up detail on the arms and sides. 

look 1: cardigans are such a staple in my closet, from all lengths and sizes. but i was missing a fun trendy one like this! cardigans are full proof. add a cardi to anything and you're pretty much good to go. i decided on the usual cami & skinny jeans combo. added some lace-up sandals (nothing like some lace-up on lace-up) for a casual night out. 

look 2: i love this denim pencil skirt because it is appropriate enough for work! it is not your usual denim skirts that are all frayed or faded. it is also stretchy and has pockets. i choose to pair the ruffle cuff sweater with this number for some trendy meets #workwear inspo!

side ramblings: the exciting news i mentioned last week is that.. I BOUGHT A HOUSE! the two-year search was long, stressful, and a complete beatdown. kinda like online dating. HRMM. i did bet (myself) that i would find a house before i found a good man. BAM. i win (so i guess i should get myself that Restoration Hardware adler bedframe i've been eyeing now!! haha. i digress). this is a huge milestone for me, i think of it as the last piece of the puzzle in my life. it was one of those events that gave me even more affirmation that even though you are ready for something, the world is working in ways to bring you to the right place at the right time for the right thing. and when you're there, you'll understand why nothing else worked out -- applies to all aspects of life; this was an excellent reminder. i stand in this new place and i keep pinching myself. it's a dream come true -- life has been too good to me and i feel so blessed #happytears. special thanks to my parents for being there every step of the way; i love you & so grateful for everything you've done for me. alright, i'm out with this sappy post but you will probably see more lifestyle posts as this blog is also a documentation of my life as well. can't wait! cheers to new beginnings and #HOMEOWNERSHIP! #memyselfandi xx

currently on my playlist: independent women by Destiny's Child

look 1: featuring a lace up cardigan

look 2: featuring a ruffle cuff 

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LOOK 1 // casual night out

sweater c/o | Banana Republic cotton blend lace up long cardigan -- similar with a chevron stitch!
top | LOFT strappy cami in whisper white (wearing petite small) -- similar by Topshop and on sale // similar w a pleated hem
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) -- similar in the bright eyes wash // similar in high rise by Topshop $65
bag c/o | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted small love crossbody in blush -- avail in white, light blue, and black, tons of options and sizes on RebeccaMinkoff.com
shoes | Vince Camuto tartia cut-out lace-up sandal in beige -- similar
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- similar
earrings | BaubleBar champagne ear jackets
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell -- similar in gold 
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

LOOK 2 // workwear

sweater c/o | Banana Republic italian superloft ruffle cuff crew in cocoon (avail in 13 other colors!) -- similar but a regular crew
skirt | Banana Republic bi-stretch denim pencil skirt (sold out) -- similar with a button front 
bag | Henri Bendel west 57th lizard block carryall satchel in light beige (old) & twilly -- newer version
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (avail in three colors and such a staple, the perfect height too!!) // same but with a higher heel
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- similar
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell -- similar in gold 

 

photo credit: Steven Gunter 
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
tops provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

the chambray skirt

crisp white + chambray.

chambray is one of the softest pieces of clothing! it's like denim, but way more toned down in terms of texture and feel. that's why it's acceptable to wear denim and chambray together. but i digress. this chambray skirt comes from a boutique in NYC @LILLAP -- specializing in casual, effortless style. as much as i love to dress up, i do love to mix in some good casual styles. this chambray skirt is in a crosshatch texture making it a tad more unique than others i've seen. it's also a PULL ON STYLE! haha. yes, please. and it has pockets. it pairs perfectly with any tucked in or knotted summery top. one of my current favorite LILLA P pieces is this white one with a lil peplum hem, so pretty, perfect for some beach vacay.

and lastly, if you don't already know, i'm a HUGE @henribendel fan. i think i own about five Henri Bendel bags at this point... yikes. thanks (i think) to my blogger babe Michele, @classicandgray who made me jump on this bandwagon. high quality bags at great price points. this is my first hobo bag, it's got this huge statement tassel on it which i've come to love, its very roomy, and i love the neutral color (also comes in black) and the soft pebbled leather! my current picks for HB if you're looking into the brand: the warren street chain shoulder bag (i actually own it in white..) and the west 57th carryall. 

PSSTT... i have some pretty exciting news to share but more next week!! thanks again for stopping by!! xx

currently on my playlist: no promises by cheat codes ft. demi lovato

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i. cannot. laugh. gracefully. 

when Steven tells me to do my thing. :D

the striped short bell sleeve dress

workwear with a little bit of flare.

sometimes it's hard to incorporate trendy fashion into workwear. but when it's subtle and it works... i go for it! this one is a pretty good example of a regular shift dress with a short bell sleeve flare to it #nopunintended. ha. while bell sleeves have been "in" for the past year, the long bell sleeve isn't really that practical for work, i can only imagine typing with them, that would drive me nuts. anyways, this was a good option! yes, sorry it is sold out but i've linked some similar options below. #bloggerproblems

these block heels are definitely one of my favorite ones i own. while they are a tad high for my taste but the strap across the toes is pretty soft -- i have debated other colors. not sure if i've mentioned this -- but i feel like Ann Taylor makes some pretty comfortable quality shoes for the price? they do. debating these pretty lace up ones in blush! 

side ramblings: last week, the @kendrascott fall 2017 collection released that is inspired by Kendra's travels to Italy -- the lookbook for this collection is stunning and yet again i make mental notes about how old i'm getting and how i need to get out there one day! i digress. see all the pieces here. i cannot wait to style the lucielle y necklace & the blithe cocktail ring! other stand out pieces from the collection: the iris statement bracelet & the daria statement earrings. my blogger babe, Ela @theelaedition makes a comeback to the blogging world! she opens up about what bloggers struggle with, including some thoughts that have crossed my mind. Kimberly, @littlebittyinthecity talks about rejection which i can absolutely relate to, we all can. lastly, i saw Girl's Trip this past weekend... HILARIOUS!! i couldn't stop laughing!! #muchneeded. 

currently on my playlist: i got you by Bebe Rexha

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dress | LOFT striped short bell sleeve dress (sold out) -- similar from Banana Republic // similar from Target // similar but embroidered
shoes | Ann Taylor leda block heel sandal in navy suede -- similar from Target // similar but lower heel // similar but lace up
bag | Louis Vuitton medium neverfull in monogram canvas
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black
earrings | Kendra Scott tima stud earrings in gold (favorite work earrings) -- similar // another good work stud option
necklace | Kendra Scott ginger statement necklace in black (old) -- similar
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar

rock the short bell sleeve,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

the gingham off the shoulder top

white denim + black gingham.

i LOVE gingham. it's probably one of my favorite spring/summer prints right up there with stripes. but black gingham was a piece i hadn't owned yet. this one is a super breezy top with some subtle cinched bell sleeves. style tip: always pair black gingham with white. oh and the tassel earrings are pretty dang light, i own them in yellow styled here. #thatsallfolks.

side happenings: what was supposed to be a pretty quiet weekend ended up BUSY! in a really good way. i totally needed it. Friday evening was one of those "i am too old for this" kinda nights.. -- @bobschophouse & @greenlightsocial the VIP hidden bar (aka: Benny's room) with the one sided mirror is pretty dang cool. i can't remember the last time i stayed out/up until 3AM but my girl Michelle @stylebeacon was in town so what the hell! Saturday continued with my monthly facial at @hiatusspa (Hillary Robinson is my girl!) then checked out the 2nd Street White Linen Night downtown all to wake up at 6AM on Sunday for a "photoshoot" & brunch at my fave @countercafeatx -- the joe's special holds a special place in my heart. ha! here's to a productive week ahead! xx 

currently on my playlist: slow hands by Niall Horan

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the flutter sleeve polo dress

polo dress gone dressy. ha!  

i'm pretty sure this is my first polo dress! i think most polo dresses are casual pieces that are usually made of the typical polo material and can be worn with some comfy sneaks, but it was a whole nother case when this one arrived from @BananaRepublic. a dressy polo -- red with a lace overlay, scalloped hem, AND flutter sleeves (not to mention the subtle satin collar & buttons and the pockets!). gosh, you can't make it more feminine than that! my immediate styling thoughts; gold accessories. for a more fitted look, i cinched this with a gold belt that i had been eyeing #perfectopportunity. gold earrings, gold hardframe clutch and nude stiletto heels to complete this entire chic polo dress look. you should give it a try!

side BEAUTY ramblings: y'all know i'm a skincare nerd. i love talking about skincare & taking care of my skin as much as i love eating #whichisalot. i ran out of my SK-II facial treatment essence recently and started using @TATCHA's the essence. way better packaging and dispensing system than SK-II. their most recent product is the Violet-C Radiance Mask which i am super excited to try! also, @hourglass came out with a slim & refillable lipstick that looks like a stiletto heel.. which means i'll have to check out ASAP!

currently on my playlist: girl on fire by Alicia Keys (takin' it back old school)

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i always love a good artsy shot, thanks Katie!

dress c/o | Banana Republic flutter sleeve lace polo dress in red (wearing size small, also avail in light blue and navy) -- similar with scalloped details // similar in floral print // similar but solid // similar but striped // similar from J.Crew Factory
belt | ASOS metal waist belt in gold
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // similar with lower heel // chunky heel version
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar in a hexagon shape // similar // a cool marble one
earrings | Kendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold -- smaller version
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise -- similar 
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock the polo dress,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography.
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
dress provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

the striped off the shoulder dress

stripes + ots.

something about stripes and ruffles. i can't explain. if you remember this post with the ruffle one shoulder top & white denim -- it was probably one of my favorite ones this past spring. well i guess i had to have something similar in dress form, because we all know that summer dresses are my go-to (besides my v-neck white tee and running shorts combo haha!). although the off the shoulder on this isn't the best design, i couldn't resist because of the tiered ruffle and the length. #yestolongerlengths! it also has straps that you can tie in a bow on your shoulder as well. 

side happenings: one of my favorite jewelry brands @gorjana is having their summer sale! check it out, i am a fan of their dainty designs. especially their rings and necklaces -- DEEP discounts! i've been working on some exciting things with @bananarepublic & @henribendel. can't wait to share!! ps -- i'm still recovering from that soul cycle class. from. last. wednesday. #sendhelp.

currently on my playlist: wish i knew you by The Revivalists

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dress | LOFT meadow dress (sold out) -- current version w button detail // similar at $23 // similar at $48 // similar but midi length // similar by topshop
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) -- similar
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (avail in three colors and such a staple, the perfect height too!!) // same but with a higher heel
earrings | Kendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold -- smaller version
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise -- similar 
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Kate Spade // similar off Etsy

photo credit: Brandon Hill

the lace off the shoulder top

olive + cream.

the off the shoulder top #OTS is such a fun summer one! a little skin never hurt anyone. i've talked about this before but most of the ones i own are not practical. you cannot move your arms around freely without your top riding up to your shoulders. if you're laughing you know exactly what i'm talking about. forget fixing your hair or giving someone a high five (insert sad face emoji). it wasn't until recently that i discovered the disconnected arm/sleeve OTS tops! now these are way way more comfortable!! it makes me want to get rid of the ones i currently own. anyways, this has set a new bar for OTS tops. 

this top comes from the cutest San Fran boutique called @morninglavender, owned by fashion blogger @laceandlocks. the boutique is filled with fresh, very feminine finds at affordable price points. it's also tax-free to Texas, FYI. 

side happenings: i tried my VERY FIRST spin class yesterday @soulcycle. holy hell. i knew it was going to be brutal, and it was. every. second. the good thing was that i survived (i mean i had to somehow, my feet were strapped to a bike. pedaling. no where). my instructor hit it pretty hard right off the bat and i was certain i wasn't going to make it five minutes in. needless to say i couldn't unclip myself from the bike, made a complete fool of myself, wobbled my way to Sprinkles Cupcakes, almost fell down some stairs, but i had the most energy afterwards and CANNOT wait to go back. it was such a great experience. loved the music, motivation and overall vibe!

currently on my playlist: the cure by Lady Gaga

well, i probably shouldn't iron at 6:30AM because clearly i need help or an eye exam. 

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