Emerald City

I tend to gravitate toward warmer colors, and the deep hues of fall are some of my favorites. My skin tone has some hints of olive (I've been asked on numerous occasions what nationality I am...) and shades of green typically accentuate that olive shade in the worst way, meaning I start looking like I skipped the Dramamine and decided to take a scenic drive off the side of cliff. Lately though, a shade of emerald has caught my eye, and, almost magically, I don't look the least bit nauseated when I wear it. 

It all started when I wore this dress in Miami & the rave reviews from my faithful Facebook friends (which really just means a few select members of my immediate family... thanks mom) made me feel like a Kardashian... In a good way (if that's possible)

Spotted on Pinterest, and loved. 

And liking the idea of pants...

I usually play it safe with olive skinnies, but a pop of this amped up hue could be just the thing to beat the winter blues...

And if there's ever any doubt, Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere... perfection.

Oddly enough, a recent J. Crew catalog included a 6 page spread on the color... J. Crew, I'm onto you...

fall swaps

It's not quite fall yet. In fact, I very much fell in love with late summer this same time last year. The mild days, empty beaches... I don't hate it. But, as we do with anything, I find myself constantly looking forward whatever is next, the sweet season lingering just beyond the horizon (only a few more days!) 

On Thursday I'm off to Florida, visiting my BFF and working in the office a few days, but I think the timing of the Autumnal Equinox couldn't be more perfect! I'm considering this trip my last hurrah of summer... short dresses and bold colors, and then when I get back I can fully embrace the new season. These are the swaps I fully intend to make, as the air gets a little cooler, crisper and the leaves begin to change. 

I'll trade...

Coral for Cranberry. My go-to color for summer will be replaced by a warmer, richer, yet equally vibrant hue. I have big plans for this top by Cynthia Rowley. Big plans, I tell you.  

Sandals for Moccasins. I love my gold, strappy sandals, but moccasins are made for jumping in leaves. Minnetonka is the only way to go. 

A True Ab-Original for Skinny Dip'n in Lake Michigan. My nail polish all summer long is bright and punchy, and though I'm not quite ready for the dark, moody shades of winter, I'm ready to embrace shimmery, muted neutrals. 

Tanks for Undone Oxfords. To quote my brother (directly) "When the sun's out, the guns are out." I'm not going to comment on his affinity for the tank mank top, but I will say I've exercised my right to bare arms all summer. Now I'm ready to ease into cooler weather with classic oxfords, buttoned up just enough with sleeves haphazardly rolled.

(via)

Leather for Suede: I love leather year-round. (Sorry PETA people) But now that suede is finally seasonally appropriate, I can't wait to incorporate it into some of my favorite looks. 

(I'm lookin at you, MacAlister Wedges!)

Iced Lattes for Chai Lattes: I've never been much of a Chai girl (I swear espresso runs through my veins,) but the spicy aroma is hard to resist this time of year. 

So tell me, how do you plan on embracing autumn?

Fuchsia

I wear a lot of earthy neutrals, but when I want to mix it up with bright colors I most often gravitate toward orangey shades of coral. As far as vibrant colors go, I typically prefer (and look better in) warm tones, which seem so much more appropriate in the summer. But lately, a cool fuchsia has caught my eye...

It all started last week when I spotted this Kate Spade bag at... wait for it... TJ MAXX. I couldn't justify purchasing it, but I haven't been able to get it off my mind since. It is such a chic alternative to a bulky briefcase or otherwise sensible carryall.

Dying over this Pim + Larkin top. The peter pan collar gives a soft touch to an otherwise bold blouse. 

And for a more casual look, you can never go wrong with gingham. 

This post from {a glamorous little side project} combined my current color of choice with my longstanding, perennial favorite, gold. I'd say it's a match made in heaven. (links to these adorable valentines can be found in the original post)


I must admit, I do this every season. Come autumn, I'm head over heels for shades of cranberry, burnt orange, and mustard. And Christmas? I'm all about punchy reds and loads of sparkle. What colors have you been eyeing lately? I'd love to hear!


[p.s. for more bright inspiration to get you through the winter blues, check out this pretty post from Eliza's blog!]