BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Shopping Guide | Black Ankle Boots

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[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]F[/dropcap]inding the perfect pair of black ankle boots for fall is taking a ridiculously long time and my wish list isn’t even that lofty. I just want a black pair with a substantial heel for navigating slippery sidewalks that doesn’t look dowdy. I’d also like to stay away from suede so I don’t have to contend with as many salt stains. And, I hate silver hardware with black leather. It looks a little too biker babe for me. I spent the morning scrolling through hundreds of options to come up with nine that meet my expectations.

Pictured top to bottom, left to right.

Under $100: Express, $70 | H&M, $50 | ASOS, $57

Under $250: Elliott Lucca, $179 | Topshop, $150 | Michael by Michael Kors, $245

Under $500: Tory Burch, $385 | Kate Spade, $425 | Cole Haan, $328

 

Currently Coveting

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ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE

 

Normally I’m not a fan of Victoria’s Secret’s pajama designs, but this cami and short set is surprisingly sophisticated with muted colors and thoughtful color blocking. I ordered it this morning in shell pink because cool weather pretty much demands a new set of PJs to curl up in.

I’m also obsessing over the Cole Haan “Vestry” clutch pictured above. Not only is it beautiful, it’s affordable (just $148) and practical with plenty of pockets and a removable mini pouch. I just can’t decide between navy or grey. There’s also a fuchsia version here. If you’ve got your eye on the clutch–or any other items at Cole Haan–buy ’em this weekend. There’s a customer appreciation event that will save you $50 on a purchase of $150 or more through Sept. 22.

Wardrobe Planning | Fall and Winter

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[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]S[/dropcap]ix months have passed since I did my last wardrobe planning post. Even though I put a lot of thought into the basics my wardrobe needed, the pieces that caught my attention, and the color scheme I was gaga for, I strayed from my plan almost immediately. I’m not sure why, but I suspect it was because a rigid checklist took a lot of the fun out of shopping, especially when I was trying it in conjunction with The French Wardrobe Challenge.

I’m taking a different approach this season with a seasonal budget of $1,500 and plenty of flexibility to buy more statement pieces than basics, if that’s what my heart desires. However, I’m still incorporating two important principles of The French Wardrobe Challenge: purchase quality over quantity and make sure my wardrobe has a solid foundation of well-made basics. In an effort to keep my purchases somewhat reasonable, I did put together some thoughts on the colors, silhouettes and individual items I’d love to add this season.

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THE BUDGET

I’ve started with a seasonal budget of $1,500. I consider blog revenue and eBay sales to be “fun money” and may add a portion of that additional income to my overall seasonal budget. I’ll record any budget increases or expenditures each month. (There will also be my annual “Tax Refund Splurge,” but I’ll devote a post to that in January.)

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THE COLORS

 

I’m looking forward to a fall color palette of saturated colors like burgundy, navy, and emerald, with a jolt of fuchsia. I hadn’t really considered bright pink to be a fall favorite until I came across this pair of shoes. It’s such a classic pump that the shocking color doesn’t look garish on them. I’d also like a pink coat to combat the dreariest winter days.

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THE SILHOUETTES

I  spent some time looking through my Pinterest boards for fall style inspiration and these four picks sum up the silhouettes I’m looking for rather nicely. They’re all classic shapes and styles, but attention to detail and crisp, refined styling keep them interesting.

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THE WISH LIST 

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I keep a secret Pinterest board of all of my potential purchases. Once I add an item to this board, it sits for a few weeks while I consider whether or not it’s worth it–and many times I fall out of love with the item before I’ve actually taken the plunge. It’s basically a cooling off period. I’ve found that I’m much happier with my new items after I’ve given them plenty of thought. (If you’re curious about any of the items, click away: shoes, top, sunglasses, earrings, skirt, bag, clutch.)

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THE MUST HAVES

And now we’re on to the fun part: the items I’m anxious to check off my must-have list! You can view all of the items I add to my wardrobe over the next six months here.

  • black ankle boots (Perhaps this pair from Cole Haan? I like the slightly pointed toe and a heel that’s substantial enough for slippery sidewalks.)
  • black opaque tights
  • navy opaque tights
  • statement coat or cape
  • dark floral skirt (Check!)
  • chunky knit sweater
  • ladylike quilted purse
  • gold stud earrings
  • navy a-line skirt (Check!)
  • oversize cat eye sunglasses
  • wallet (mine is on its last legs)

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YOUR TURN

Have you started thinking about your fall wardrobe? What are your must-have items?

 

THE THINGS WE DO FOR BLOGGING

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Last night, I was trying to get the perfect photo for Instagram to show that my new Ferragamos match the painting I created for our bedroom when I heard a laugh behind me. Dave was poised with his phone taking photos of me taking photos of my shoes. I scoffed, “ain’t no shame” and when about my business. Until he threatened to share it via Shapchat with one of our friends. I pleaded with him to keep it private and send it only to me. I promptly made it public on Instagram. I look ridiculous, but this is what blogging is, folks, and I suspect we’ve all had an awkward photo moment once or twice.

Here’s to a weekend filled with awkward poses and situations to get the perfect shot for your blogs next week! Around here, the week will bring some of our trip photos (finally), an interview with the woman behind Kira Kira and a giveaway, my thoughts on Birkenstocks and a French Wardrobe update.

P.S. You should check out Margaret Elizabeth’s weekend sample sale for incredible deals on gemstone jewelry. I bought these in black onyx and moonstone. Sign up for the mailing list for another 15% off. Shipping is just $5.