seasoning the wardrobe for a bland climate

this time of year, i have such a hard time flavoring my wardrobe with the new fall trends~ a dash of bubble skirt, a pinch of tights {ugh. i can't imagine pulling a pair of tights on right now} suede booties to taste, simmered in tall riding boots, layers, scarves...{god, i'm sweating all over the place~ can't breathe, can't breathe} it all makes me want to take off running~ flapping down the street in my havianas and board shorts {and of course, a shirt of some sort}

alas, none of this keeps me from wanting.

photos courtesy fashionista.com

the balenciaga knock off jacket. WHY didn't i pick this up at jcrew last spring {on sale $99.00} why? because i was moving on to cottony, flowy beach wear. couldn't fathom the idea of being covered by wool any longer. now is my time. i'm scanning ebay furiously.

i know, a little boring in the photo. but i love a great vintage, cotton plaid shirt ~ can't do the thrift store thing {smell} so this is perfect for me. the detailing of this one makes it {elizabeth and james} great men's wear vest. throw it over my daily esemble of tshirt and jeans, and i look like i maybe thought about what i'm wearing~in that effortless sort of way {urban}

oh..... and it's boot season my friends. something i pull off {or on} as soon as possible. i'm buckling this year. i've purchased these in all of their 'forever 21' glory for a mere $24.95. a trend should never be an investment.

hats. i do hats. not everyone does hats or likes a hat. maybe too contrived for some. my lid donning started way back in high school when, my hair got out of control, medusa like, and i had to tuck it into a baseball cap. in college, too lazy to use the multiple products required to tame the beast, i parlayed the cap into a great little army surplus find, the black beret.

not for everyone and certainly not of the 'raspberry' persuasion~it must have a utilitarian feel and can never be worn 'cocked'~ just pull it on. that beret went with me through college and beyond, then got tucked away.

this year, i think i'm bringing it back. own it people.

wow. i love a great rip-off and i can't believe anthropologie has knocked off MY FAVORITE boot of all time. the elements are certainly all there {color is a bit frye boot-ish for me} but if i were you~go for the real deal.

i'd never wear this, unless i become a chinese emperor of yore. or a himalyan villager. but it's beautiful.

you know, how do you make something this simple appeal on the rack. but i'm telling you? this is it. this is my 'if i am to buy one thing' staple. the high waisted 'tulip' skirt. 1. miu miu has a great one 2.and i fell instantly in j'adore-at-first-sight when i saw this one at anthro a few months ago. 3. HM has a little longer, more pronounced vers. slap a wide belt 'round the middle and you're suddenly caught up to speed.

this is when i start to feel old. remember when sophia coppola styled the young girl, in 'new york stories'? and she started this fashion trend of pairing, trashed jeans with chanel?

ya. you're old too. guess what, it's back. and jcrew is owning it. i'm so glad that i kept that, now, vintage chanel suit. and if, i ever need a little jacket this fall/winter this will work....

until i need air and have to open the collar revealing this design mistake {snap on snap off} : smythe funnel neck jacket

and then i'd have to have a pair of these shoes to finish off the look

kurt geiger, eden shoe

the trouble is, in the end. in my reality, it's all about the work out clothes and hoping i can get a shower in by noon.

opening photo credit: flickr member abchoa