ON MY RADAR: FALL + HOLIDAY SHOES

I’m a shoe girl year round.. but fall and holiday shoes reallyyy take the cake for me. Suede, velvet, croc, metallic, embellished.. you name it and I want to be walking in it this time of year. I picked up a few new fun pairs for our honeymoon (all of which also happen to be deceptively comfortable) and I’ve got my eye on at least 1 or 2 pairs for the holidays. Tis the season, no? Below – what’s on my radar this season.

Above: Franco Sarto Knee High Leather Boots

RED + BALLET FLATS:

Both are huge trends for the season (although in my humble opinion, neither ever goes out of style) – this pair that I’m wearing are buttery soft and required zero break-in. I’m eyeing these red t-strap heels for holiday though too.

LOAFERS:

I’ve always loved a loafer but they’re really getting their moment in the spotlight lately. And while a great, simple leather pair is a timeless style to own, why not try a patent, two-tone or bejeweled version too this season?

METALLIC + MARY-JANES:

Again, two huge trends, again – I say.. to me they’re always in style. Either way – it’s my season to shine. I love a metallic shoe – all the better if it’s in a sweet little mary-jane silhouette that makes me feel like a modern day flapper like this pair I wore a few times in Paris and can’t wait to wear again.

Above: Inez Paz Ankle Boot (code: thesteelemaiden15 gets you 15% off your order)

SUMMER TO FALL: TRANSITIONAL STYLE

Fashion wise, I really love the window between late August and early October. That magic time of year where weather allows summer pieces to still be worn, fall pieces to be introduced and layers to be mixed and matched is just bliss. Bury me in a sweater, mini skirt, bare legs and socks/loafers, will you? Below, 13 items that I’ve got lingering in online carts as we speak.

SHOP THE POST:

BEST OF: FALL AND WINTER BOOTS

It’s officially the season for boots. A no brainer with a pair of jeans and just as easy with a dress – I love the versatility of a great pair of boots this time of year. I’ve been wearing the two black pairs in row 2 (lug sole and patent pointy toe) for several years now and I just got the middle pair in the top row and am SO excited to break them out.

While some of these are a bigger investment – I really believe in putting a bit of money into a great pair of boots or two that you know you’ll wear constantly and will hold up for years to come. I own about half of the pairs shown here and can personally vouch for the quality and comfort – and the others are all from brands that I really trust and love.

Row 1, Boot 3: Code: Steele15 gets you 15% off your first order with Inez.

Row 3, Boot 2: Code: SARAHFLINT-BASTEELE gets you $50 off your first order with Sarah Flint.

SHOP THE STORY:

BROWN CROC ACCESSORIES FOR FALL

There’s something infinitely chic to me about brown croc print accessories – and I’m seeing them pop up everywhere this fall. I sadly don’t think I’m going to have all that many occasions to get dressed up this season, but even a bag like this one (a bit of a higher price point but I love it and know that I’ll be carrying it for years to come) dresses up a simple pair of jeans and sweater in a way that feels sophisticated and effortless. Below – my favorites that I’ve spotted around the internet.

10 Brown Croc Accessories for Fall:

AN EARLY FALL WISHLIST

I’m never one to wish away summer, but every year around mid-August I start to get the craving for Fall styles. Something about the promise of a new season, no? Below, the styles I have my eye on, that can be worn now and right on into fall.

SHOP MY EARLY FALL PICKS:

  • This ‘Pretty Woman’-esque dress is calling my name and is on major sale right now (just $50!). No further explanation necessary.
  • I don’t have much occasion lately for statement earrings but these classic gold link earrings are perfect for instantly adding a touch of polish to your look. They’d be great for Zoom calls.
  • A timely vote t-shirt – all proceeds go to the ACLU.
  • I’ve been swooning over domed and signet rings lately to offset my daintier everyday pieces. This one is super affordable and can be engraved while this one is a bit pricier (around $200) but feels like a forever piece. And don’t get me started on this ‘croissant’ ring!
  • This plaid tie front blouse feels a little bit 1970s cool, a little bit British schoolgirl. Aka – my sweet spot.
  • I don’t see the need for face masks going away any time soon. I desperately need a couple more in my rotation and like these transitional floral prints.
  • The silk slip skirt is a trend that I didn’t immediately think was for me – but last year I picked up a black version and loved how versatile it was. I’d style this rust-hued one with a simple tee shirt now or a chunky sweater later.
  • I’ll be honest, my heels haven’t seen the light of day in quite some time. And I don’t know if fall is going to change that. Instead – I’m looking for cute flats for walking around town. These leopard sneakers are fun and these pretty gold ballet flats feel like they’re just begging to be taken to Paris someday.
  • Blame it on Taylor Swift’s ‘Cardigan‘ but all I want is a cozy knit sweater with a vintage feel. I think I’d wear this navy anchor version for years to come.
  • I, for one, am still not over headbands. This plaid one would look just as cute with a bathing suit as it would with a fall blazer.
  • If you’re in the market for a new purse this fall – might I suggest this classic option, in an impossibly chic ‘cappuccino‘ hue. I have a few bags from this brand and the quality and wearability far exceeds the cost.
  • If you’re not in the market for a new purse, one of my favorite ways to dress up an existing bag is by tying a fun scarf to the handle. The print on this one looks convincingly vintage and adds a nice pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit.