{five for fall}

Over the past few years, I've come to realize that I love living in the Midwest because you get to experience the changes of all the seasons.  That being said, fall is probably my favorite season, not because of pumpkin everything (which I get so excited about that I have a tendency to over-do it...therefor I'm so over pumpkin before the season is even halfway through) but also because of the cute (not so scary but sparkly) Halloween décor.  So, aside from the majority of America's favorite thing about fall (pumpkin, in case you didn't catch on there and that creepy Zombie kick that I never really caught on to), here's a list of my five fall favorites.

1. OPI Russian Navy.  Ohhhh, beautiful Russian Navy.  I get so pumped EVERY year to bust this sucker out.  I love the dark goth look it gives without being overly dark and gothy.  I almost shed a tear last spring when I had to pack my bottle away (but insisted on using it as an accent nail color well in to spring).

 

2.  Candy Corn.  Yes, I said it.  Let out an "eww" if you must.  I know not everyone are candy corn fans and I can barely get through one bag a season.  Also, I'm not able to eat a bunch without getting a stomach ache which sorta makes it in to one of those love-hate kind of relationships...but yep,  I look forward to candy corn every year...and it looks oh-so-cute at fall festivities and holiday parties.

SEE what I MEAN?  Check out this Halloween Party Mix.

Candy corn, peanuts and chocolate covered pretzels, if you wish. 

So easy and totes cute for the season (even if it doesn't get eaten)

3.  Sweater Weather.  Given.  Throwing on a baggy sweater with skinny jeans or leggings (or shorts when the temps require), my favorite go to look.

Oversized Sweaters by missallierae featuring an aztec cardigan

 

 

4.  Fur Vests.  Oh, my beloved fur vest (which actually resembles my dog.  A lot...but don't worry, it's faux),  I love wearing it with everything.  Tank tops and maxis when it's still "fall" here but too warm to wear long sleeves and normal fall attire, layering it over sweaters or flannel during the day, at night it just gives that fun oomph, glam and classy look AND they keep you warm.  WIN-WIN situation right there.  I seriously don't know what I did before it...The possibilities of how to wear a fur vest are actually quite endless and easier to pull off than you might think.  Don't already have a fur vest?  Well, go get you one, girl.  You can thank me later.

Fur Vest:  BB Dakota from Women's Closet Exchange

Sweater:  Parfait (another WCE find)

Boots: Frye (also WCE)

Denim:  Jolt

Far left bracelet and ring: Vintage/Thrifted

Other three bracelets: Stella and Dot

Nails:  OPI Suzi Takes the Wheel and Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous

 

 

Fur vest by missallierae featuring a statement necklace

5.  Fall Colors.  Leaves Changing.  I presume this is pretty self-explanatory.

Tower Grove Park

Photo Credits:  Nasty Gal, Obaz, Nordstrom

Halloween Costume DIY: Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's

Holly Golightly: Breakfast at Tiffany's by missallierae featuring Tiffany & Co.

DIY: Flag Shorts

The inspiration:  Cute festive 4th of July Americana shorts to wear all summer (with full intention of wearing with tights and sweaters in cooler weather).

The supplies:
Denim shorts or a pair of jeans to cut in to shorts
(I used a 90's style Old Navy pair that I thrifted for a whopping $3)
Masking tape
Star stencils
Acrylic paint (red and white)
Paint sponges and a thin paint brush for bloopers

Step one:  Tape off your stripes and paint red

Step two:  Lay the stencil as flat as possible and gently sponge the white paint in on the stencil.  This can be a little tricky because the smallest move can make a star look like a blob.  We taped our stencil, allowed for some drying time, and wiped the stencil off before moving to the next.  I would recommend having a fine tip paint brush on hand to touch up if there happen to be any bloopers.

Step three:  Once the front is dry, flip them over and do the same on the back pockets. (optional)

Step four: When completely dry (we waited until the next day), wash them in cold water and VIOLA!  You have your custom flag shorts fashioned and ready to be rocked.

Modeling my 4th of July party look.                  

Oh, Hey!  There's me just jaunting around Coronado Island in my flag shorts, sipping on a Red Bull, cheesing in front of the Dragon Tree from Some Like it Hot.

Photo Credits:  Free People, We Heart It



If Holly Golightly Lived in the Modern Day.

 

We all know the iconic photographs of Audrey Hepburn gazing in to the NYC Tiffany’s window with her coffee and croissant in hand. This classic lush of a socialite has been one of my idols for years and so often, I try to imagine what her life would be like in present day. Most of us probably know the story line of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Struggling writer, Paul Varjak, moves in to a new NYC apartment and becomes fascinated with his stunning, quirky, of the glitterati neighbor, Ms. Holly Golightly, and her lifestyle. Holly is capable of lighting up a room with her New York early sixties energy, ridiculous charm, and sexy, sophisticated aura. All that being said, beyond the cat-eye sunglasses, long cigarette holder, free-spirit beauty is a regular woman, who can easily turn in to a sweetly vulnerable mess, never knowing exactly what she wants.

Modern Day Holly Golightly by missallierae featuring oliver goldsmith sunglasses  

"Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!"

 

 

 

Holly: I'll tell you one thing, Fred, darling... I'd marry you for your money in a minute. Would you marry me for my money? Paul: In a minute. Holly: I guess it's pretty lucky neither of us is rich, huh? Paul: Yeah.
 

Holly Golightly by missallierae featuring wedding jewelry

 

Holly: Thursday! It can't be! It's too gruesome!

Paul: What's so gruesome about Thursday?

Holly: Nothing, except I can never remember when it's coming up.
 

 

"I've got to do something about the way I look. I mean a girl just can't go to Sing Sing with a green face."
 

 

"Promise me one thing: don't take me home until I'm drunk - very drunk indeed."

 

Modern Day Holly Golightly by missallierae featuring a fragrance

 

Although her apartment was very bare, it had many peculiar qualities. I imagine today, it would be an eclectic mix of new glamour and vintage accessories here and there.

One day, I truthfully believe that I will own my own clawfoot bathtub sofa.  Want one also?  Here's a great DIY tutorial I stumbled upon.

Since I'm obsessed with the movie, I realized I had never seen a Holly Golightly Halloween costume in person...so that is precisely what I was for Halloween 2012.  My friends and I attended the Hallow-bash at the Lemp Mansion, and I'm proud to say that I was the only Holly Golightly present, Cat and all.

 

 

"I'm like cat here, a no-name slob. We belong to nobody, and nobody belongs to us. We don't even belong to each other."

 

 

 

 

DIY: Scalloped Shorts

SCALLOPED SHORTS!  So cute, so versatile, so obsessed.  Wear them with chunky wedges, a sparkly tank and blazer...Vans, loose fitting tee, and layer on arm candy...or throw them on with a button down shirt and some cute flats.

 

The supplies:

Shorts or pants (I used some Bermuda shorts I found hidden at the back of my closet)

Fabric scissors

A pencil, ink pen, OR washable fabric marker

Cup or circular object

Fray check

Step one: Trim the length of the shorts to a comfortable length BUT remember: The scallops are going to shorten the length a bit, so be sure to leave them about an inch longer than your comfortable with.

Step two: Trace the scallops. I suggest using a pencil, but if the fabric is too dark, lightly trace out the scallops with an ink pen. (I used a blue pen on mine). Do the same on the front and the back.

Step three: Start with one leg. Carefully cut the semi-circles and it's best to do the front and back separately. After you finish the first, try them on to check the length. Happy with it?

Step four: Repeat the first part of step three on the second short leg.

{Step five}: There were still a few spots where you could see my pen mark tracings, so I used a tide pen to lighten those marks right up.

Step six: Apply the fray check and simply snip off any unwanted strings.

AND HERE YOU HAVE IT!

My scalloped shorts paired with a vintage Levi's shirt and grey tights.
 





Summery Scalloped Shorts DIY
No-Sew Scalloped Shorts DIY

Concert Style

I love, love music and have high hopes of attending Coachella within the next few years.  If I were going to Coachella this year, my wardrobe would appear something like these...but these outfits would be absolutely perfect for any concert or festival for that matter.

Music Festival Style by missallierae featuring a woven shirt

Music Festival by missallierae featuring real leather purses

Music Festival Style by missallierae featuring black tops

Neon Shock- It’s electrifying!

Hot color trend alert: NEON. Ever since I spotted this highlighter, acidic, neon yellow-green MONTHHHHS back from an editorial Italian Vogue tweeted (@vogue_italia), I immediately wanted everything in that color.  Neons are a fun way to immediately update a wardrobe, whether it is a new top or something simple, such as a handbag or shoes.  It may be a little scary at first, but after this post, you’ll all immediately be running to jump on the bright train.

This look from Obaz is what truly inspired my to do this blog post.  The pop of the neon with the teal is something unexpected, fun and makes the shabby-chic room look so modern.  I love the little details they have everywhere, and it goes to show that just because the pillows are bright, not everything else has to be or has to match.  What a difference a little update can make!

 

 This stool would make for a fun DIY project...Like the pillows, just a pop of color can be so much fun!  The dining room in this bright yellow is perfect for those wanting ALOT of color.

Just some cheery and inviting entrances.  I wouldn't mind walking through these doors every day. Now on to some WOW FACTOR fashion styles and color combinations.  Neons for cocktail hours, fancy events, date nights, or just every-day errand running:

 

 

Here's my take on my favorite neon-peplum top...with my precious cousin, Miranda, at Christmas...

Don't mind the lights on my tail...I look like a lightning bug straight out of Disney's "A Bug's Life".

 

Top:  Forever 21

Black pants:  Joe's Jeans

 

And I couldn't resist throwing this one up there.  Our "Annual Cousin Christmas Photo".

Neon Bright by missallierae featuring peplum tops

 

 

Photo Credits:  atlantic-pacific blog, befrassy.com, Christian Siriano, Hatch Collection, glamthings.com, House and Home, longhairstyleshowto.com, obaz, nastygal.com, Obaz, thedecorista.com, weheartit.com, sincerelyjules.com, seamsfordesire.com, theberry.com