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.

WINTER TO SPRING STYLE

Winter to Spring Transition Pieces

It’s no secret at this point – I’m really craving Spring. But if I’m going to justify a new purchase at this point, it needs to feel like it can work for right now as well as 3 months from now when the temperatures are safely in the Seventies. Here – my top picks for pieces that will take you seamlessly from Winter to Spring:

The Striped Twinset: I love the rich brown and ivory stripes on this cardigan twinset and the fact that it manages to be retro and also completely modern all at once. I’d wear it now with a crisp pleated midi skirt to the office and later with cut-off jean shorts and metallic loafers for a sort of Brigitte Bardot of 2016 vibe.

The Bold Trouser: Cropped trousers are the shape of the season, and I love the ocean blue hue on this slightly slouchy pair. For the last days of winter I’d toss them on with a classic camel overcoat, but once it warms up I’d match them with an off the shoulder top and a bright pop of pink lipstick.

The Pink Ankle Boot: Sneakers, Flats, and now even pink ankle boots. Subtle enough to match with nearly everything in your wardrobe, but bold enough to put a little Spring in your step – I’m making a serious case for blush pink shoes this season. These go great with a beat up pair of boyfriend jeans, but they’d be just as cool with a floral dress, bare legs and oversized sunglasses once the weather warms.

The Printed Tunic: A definite Spring staple, if you want to pick this up early (and since it’s 20% off right now you probably should), you can layer it with a turtleneck sweater and denim jacket. Then later, shed layers and accessorize with heeled suede sandals and a long pendant necklace.

The Nautical Extras: I never get tired of adding a nautical touch when Spring rolls around. Oversized white shades and a navy, paisley clutch are perfect now with a trench coat and denim flares or later with a striped tee and faux leather mini.

TURTLENECK SWEATER AND METALLIC FLATS

Between seasons - neutrals and metallic flats

I swear this has been the weirdest ‘winter’ I can remember (and that includes the 2 we spent living in Los Angeles – because at least that weather was consistent). Sunday was warm enough for bare legs again, but because it’s still in that iffy in between seasons grey area, I’ve been sticking to mainly neutrals.

SHOP THE STORY

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WEAR NOW AND LATER: TRENCH COAT AND BLUSH SWEATER

Classic trench coat and boyfriend jeans

Anyone else excited about the prospect of an early Spring? Groundhog day predictions aside, I’ll take any excuse to ditch a heavy coat and scarf a few days of week in the winter and this look (worn for a brunch date a couple of weekends ago) is one that will be just as at home on a rainy April afternoon as it was on a mild January morning.

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SUMMER TO FALL STYLE

How to Style: Summer to Fall transition pieces

I’m in that tricky timeframe where I’m craving Fall items – but don’t want to buy anything that I’ll have to wait 2 months to wear (which is the adult version of wanting to go back to school shopping but not wanting to have to start classes again). To help combat this conundrum, I’m only investing in pieces right now that can be worn right away with lightweight Summer pieces and then re-styled later once the weather starts to turn. Here – a breakdown of the top items on my list:

The Frill Hem Top – I love the swingy-ness and easy khaki color of this one. I’d wear it now with cut-off jean shorts and later with skinny denim and a killer pair of over the knee boots.

The Button Front Skirt – the official skirt of the season pairs nicely with a printed off the shoulder top for Summer and a slim knit turtleneck for Fall vibes.

The Suede Ankle Boot – I’ve never met a stacked heel I didn’t love – this pair toughens up a girly little white dress for August date nights and in September works with boyfriend jeans and a cashmere scarf on weekends.

The Floral Midi Dress – This one is lightweight enough to wear even on a hot day with flat lace-ups, and will look effortless in a few months paired with a leather jacket and wide brim wool hat.

The 70s Inspired Accessories – These round, tortoise sunglasses and quilted, burgundy bag are easy additions to a simple striped t-shirt dress and will still make sense months from now with a cropped sweater, maxi skirt and chelsea boots. (p.s. I just tried my first pair of Illesteva sunglasses through Ditto – an online boutique that offers endless designer glasses for just $19 – meaning you can try out a cool new shape/brand or trade in for a different pair before you commit to buying! Use code STEELEMAIDEN to get your first month free)