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Fall Staples: 9 Pieces Your Wardrobe Needs

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Fall Staples: 9 Pieces Your Wardrobe Needs
Fall Staples: 9 Pieces Your Wardrobe Needs

Hello, hello! This week as been a little weird so I haven’t gotten around to shooting a full look on the blog (I’ll try for tomorrow), but I wanted to share a quick post inspired by the outfit I shared the other day on Instagram. While you know I’m all about trying new trends and sharing them with you guys, I will say there are certain wardrobe staples that you shouldn’t neglect. Here are my top 9 wardrobe staples for fall:

Button Down Top

Whether you go for a military style like I’m wearing above, a denim button down, a flannel, or a classic white, button down tops are so easy to style for fall. Tuck it into a skirt or jeans, leave it open over a tee or cami, tie it around your waist—the possibilities are endless!

Denim Skirt

If you’ve followed my blog for awhile then you know my obsession with denim skirts. I seriously wear them year round. I love a classic denim skirt like the one I’m wearing above, but a button down one is also so cute! Just think of the fall outfits you can pull together with a denim skirt.

High Quality Jeans

A good quality pair of jeans is an absolute necessity for fall. When you have jeans that are well designed and flattering it makes putting the rest of your outfit together so much easier. I recently bought a pair of Madewell jeans and have never worn a better fitting pair. I actually have two pairs of Levi’s and they just don’t compare! While it can be daunting to spend a little more on jeans just think, you’re going to get so much use out of them—the cost per wear is unbeatable! (see my fall denim guide for more)

Neutral Booties

Whether your go-to neutral is black, brown, tan, or, dare I say, snakeskin, a neutral bootie is one that will go with pretty much everything in your fall wardrobe. My tip is to look for a medium height, block heel bootie. You’ll be able to dress them up or down and still walk long distances without the blisters!

Neutral Boots

Basically everything I said about neutral booties applies here! My suggestion is a pair of boots that hits right at the knee for the most flattering look.

Long Sleeve White Top

A layering top is another necessity for fall. I think a long sleeve white top is the perfect piece because it’s basically a blank canvas. With all of the other wardrobe staples you can complete soooo many different fall outfits. Off the top of my head: the white long sleeve top tucked into a denim skirt and paired with knee high boots and a cozy scarf!

Neutral Sweater

A black, gray, or tan colored sweater takes you a long way with outfit choices. Much like the long sleeve top, it’s perfect for mixing and matching different outfits. Make sure you pick something well-made and cozy!

Neutral Cardigan

A cardigan is the perfect piece to own when it’s not quite jacket weather, but your top isn’t cutting it. Just like with the boots, make sure the color you pick is one that goes with what you already have in your wardrobe to get the most use out of it.

Cozy Scarf

It wouldn’t be a complete fall wardrobe without the ultimate fall accessory: a cozy scarf! Whether you want the classic plaid blanket scarf or a neutral option that will go with literally everything, a scarf can instantly transform any outfit from basic to stylish. Bonus: if you go with a blanket scarf you have the option of wearing it like a shawl/ruana (which would look so cute over your long sleeve white top!).

I think that just about covers all of your necessary fall staples. What else do you think could be added to this list? Let me know in the comments!

xo,

Carey

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Top: American Eagle // Skirt: Topshop // Booties: Marc Fisher // Bag: Gucci, more affordable option // Watch: Michael Kors // Bracelets: Kendra Scott first and second // Lipstick: NYX in Satin Ribbon
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The Ultimate Fall Denim Guide

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on The Ultimate Fall Denim Guide
The Ultimate Fall Denim Guide

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Hello friends, happy Friday! To start your weekend off right, I thought I’d share another look I shot this week. And while I want to talk about the whole outfit, what I really want to talk about is denim. Specifically, the denim style you need to buy ASAP. So, before we get into that, let’s talk outfit details.

Since I saw it last year, I’ve been obsessed with the wayf lace top but didn’t want to spend $90 on it. So, when I saw that Vici came out with a very similar version, you can bet that I snapped it up really quick! I love the lace detailing, the puffy shoulders, and the high neck—basically everything about it! I will say, I like that the wayf version comes with a tan cami underneath, but I might just switch out the white one that came with mine to get the same look. Because the top is such a statement piece, I kept the rest of the look simple with a pair of jeans and black booties.

Fall Denim Guide

So, now onto all things denim this season! If there is one pair of jeans you are going to buy this season, 100% make it a straight leg pair. Skinny jeans are slowly getting pushed out by this similar style that is slightly more interesting. While straight legs are still pretty slim up top, there’s more room at the ankle. What I love about straight leg jeans (aside from how flattering they look on) is that they work so well with booties. Instead of trying to shove your pant leg into your booties and constantly fixing it (or having to give up and roll the jeans), straight leg denim rests over the bootie, but not so much that you can’t appreciate the cute shoe you’re wearing!

While straight leg jeans are stealing the show, they definitely aren’t the only denim trend to watch out for this fall. I’ve also seen a ton of cropped flare and wide leg jeans—and I’m loving them both! I love that the cropped flare isn’t as dramatic as a regular flare jean and it’s also more practical for me and all of my petite gals. And wide leg jeans are such a fun 70s-esque throwback! They’re also very flattering.  And now that I’ve shared the fall denim trends you should try, check out some of my picks for each trend!

Straight Leg Jeans

Cropped Flare Jeans

 

Wide Leg Jeans

 

Which of these denim trends do you like the most? I think you can guess my favorite! But, I’d love to hear your opinions, so leave a comment below!

xo,

Carey

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Top: Vici Collection, similar here // Denim: Madewell // Booties: Steve Madden // Bag: Gucci, more affordable option // Watch: Michael Kors // Bracelet: Kendra Scott // Earrings: Similar // Lipstick: Kylie Jenner Lip Kit
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The Four Boot Styles You Need This Fall

by Carey Spence1 Comment on The Four Boot Styles You Need This Fall
The Four Boot Styles You Need This Fall

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I think it’s a safe bet to make that boots will always be in style when fall comes around. There’s nothing more quintessentially autumnal than a boot and sweater combo. But, while the type of footwear stays consistent, there are variations in style each year. Don’t worry! I’m here to help you navigate which boot styles you should add to your cart ASAP and which you should pass over. This year, I’ve identified four key boot styles that will have you looking trendy and stylish in a pinch!

Snakeskin Booties

Move over leopard print because snakeskin is the new go-to neutral! Snakeskin booties (and boots if you’re feeling more adventurous) are truly the it-boot this season. I recently bought this pair and can’t get over how cute they are! I like the lighter snakeskin for a more neutral look, but definitely want a darker pair to add to my closet. And of course, a pair of snakeskin knee-high boots are on my list! I love that snakeskin booties can be worn so many different way. I obviously paired mine with a skirt and sweater, but also recently wore them in a more casual look this past weekend.

White Booties

White booties started making an appearance about two years ago, but this year they’re really picking up! From a classic bootie style to a western edge, there are so many different types of white booties. And I get that this style may be intimidating—some people still feel like wearing white shoes after Labor Day is a hard no—take my word for it, you can’t go wrong! I recently bought this pair of white booties and the first time I wore them out multiple people came up to me and complimented them. The sales associate at Madewell even said she was going over to Nordstrom after her shift to purchase them! (Check them out in this blog post)

Square Toe Boots

Square toe styles started popping up this past spring and summer in sandals and clearly the trend isn’t going anywhere as it’s moved into boots. Whether you go with booties or regular boots, a square toe is sure to make your outfit infinitely more chic, but in the subtlest way. Because this is a newer trend, you’re sure to stand out if you buy a square toe boot. This is an easy way to be ahead of the game without going to the extreme. Another great thing about the square toe trend is that you can mix it with other trends—I’m thinking square toe, snakeskin boots or square toe, white booties!

Knee-High Boots

And now, for the last boot style you need this fall: knee-high boots. While I don’t think over-the-knee boots are leaving anytime soon, lately knee-high boots have been taking the stage. As a petite girl, I’m loving this because OTK boots are either 1. too long on me, or 2. don’t stay up. Knee-high boots give you a similar look without any of the discomfort of OTK boots (am I the only one who finds them itchy?). Personally, I’m ready to give my OTK boots a break and fully embrace the knee-high trend! And just like with square toe boots, you can easily incorporate other trends.

So there you have it—the four boot styles you need to try this season! As you can tell, I’m already loving the snakeskin bootie trend. Let me know in the comments which style you love the most!

xo,

Carey

P.S. For those interested I’m drinking a Starbucks iced chai latte with 1 pump of the pumpkin sauce and it’s delish! Although, it was so cold out I should’ve opted for a pumpkin spice latte!

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Cardigan: Topshop // Camisole: BP. // Skirt: H&M (sold out in brown but available in more colors) // Booties: Marc Fisher // Bag: Gucci (more affordable here and here) // Earrings: Similar // Watch: Michael Kors // Bracelet: Kendra Scott // Lipstick: Kylie Jenner lip kit in Exposed
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A Versatile Dress for Fall

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on A Versatile Dress for Fall
A Versatile Dress for Fall

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Happy Thursday everyone! As you’re reading this I’m probably on my way to or already in New York City today. Unfortunately, I’ll only be there for a few hours, but hey, that’s something right? Anyway, for today’s post I had to rearrange my blog content because I just had to share this dress I recently bought. As soon as I saw it in the store I had to try it on. Not only did it look so cute on, I knew that this dress would be such a good staple for fall.

If there’s one thing I love in a piece of clothing it’s versatility. A dress or shirt or skirt—anything—that can be worn for multiple occasions and in different ways is a win for me. So when I tried on this dress, I knew that I would get so much use out of it this fall. For today’s post, I went with a more casual vibe. I actually recently spoke to a friend about how much I love my cowboy boots, but never wear them, so I guess that sparked the idea to pair them with this dress. This look would be so cute for any outdoor fall activity—I’m thinking apple picking or an outdoor concert.

Another occasion to wear this dress is to work. I think it would look so cute with a pair of black or nude pumps. I also imagine buttoning it all the way up the collar and pairing it with loafers for a preppy office vibe.

You could also make the dress a lot more casual by adding a cardigan and a pair of cute sneakers. There are honestly so many possibilities for this dress, making it the perfect versatile piece in your closet!

I want to know: how would you style this dress? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

xo,

Carey

P.S. This dress (in my opinion) runs pretty big. I’m wearing an XXS petite and it’s still a little longer than I prefer my dresses.

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Dress: Loft // Boots: from Nashville, similar here // Bag: Gucci, more affordable option // Bracelet: Kendra Scott // Watch: Michael Kors // Earrings: similar here // Lipstick: Anastasia Beverly Hills (Hollywood)
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Friday Finds: Nordstrom Rack

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Friday Finds: Nordstrom Rack
Friday Finds: Nordstrom Rack

Since last week’s post about my Amazon Fall Finds went so well, I thought I would share some other great deals/finds this week. Recently, my friend was telling me how much she has started to love Nordstrom Rack, so I thought I would start going back to it more myself. This week I found some really great finds that I think you’ll love! Let me know which is your favorite in the comments below!

 

That’s it for this week. I have a lot more fun content planned for next!

xo,

Carey

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Short Suits: The Perfect Mix of Work and Play

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Short Suits: The Perfect Mix of Work and Play
Short Suits: The Perfect Mix of Work and Play

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If there’s one thing I love, it’s a matching set. When I saw that short suit sets were gradually coming back in style it was love at first sight. There’s nothing better than a blazer and matching shorts—it’s a sophisticated yet fun look. Or, as the title of this post suggest, the perfect mixture of work and play.

But, by now you’re probably thinking where the heck I am going to wear a short suit? Believe me, that crossed my mind as well. Although it comes across as an intimidating outfit to pull off, it’s much easier than you think. Now, unless you work in a really cool office, this is not me suggesting you show up to your 9 am wearing shorts (but if your office is pretty relaxed then I say go for it!). Instead, I would wear this outfit for a fun night out look. It would be so cute to wear for dinner or drinks with booties like I’m wearing above or even a strappy pair of heels.

If you are still feeling unsure though, then the suit set I’m wearing for this post is a must as it’s only $20! This is also the perfect outfit for the in-between weather a lot of us are still dealing with—you’ll have the fall look while still dealing with summer temps. Not only are blazers a fall staple, plaid is an absolute must right now. I know I’ll be wearing this blazer later with a pair of jeans and booties.

So, have I convinced you yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts on a short suit set in the comments below! And, if you want more content be sure to follow me on Instagram!

xo,

Carey

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Short Suit c/o | Cami | Booties | Similar Bag | Watch | Lipstick in “First Base”