blogger buds

This past weekend, I got to meet up with Brittany of B. in the Know, a blog I have been reading for months! Her daily updates of whatever is on her mind (fashion or music or this or that) are always inspiring and lovely to read. We met up for some ice cream on a chilly fall day...yes, you read that right.

MINKPINK blouse c/o Bollare, vintage Coach bag, Levis jeans, Me Too boots c/o VPR NYC

First things first--the ice cream was tooo ddiieee ffooorrr. I got one small scoop of pumpkin and one small scoop of sea salt caramel praline. Drooling as I write this...eep. Brittany and I had so much to chat about, and it was ssooo good to be able to connect with someone who gets fashion like I do over here in Minneapolis! 

These boots by Me Too might be my favorite thing for fall. I love layering them up with thick ivory socks for a super cozy look. The tassels are adorable, and the creamy dove grey color...gah. Love these babies! Soon, I'm sure you'll get a chance to see them in daylight ;)

We're having another gorgeous fall day here. I can't believe tomorrow is October!

what you need this fall...

...and why you need it.

Rag & Bone, 3.1 Phillip Lim, See by Chloe

Whether you go for brights like this electric blue or colorblocking autumn tones, I have been seeing these geosweaters everywhere this fall and all it's making me do is want one. It adds so much visual interest to a basic pair of pants or skirt without sacrificing comfort--sweaters are the best!

Proenza Schouler, Current/Elliot, J Brand, Current/Elliot

Over the years, I've had a love/hate relationship with cords...right now, we are quite obviously on good terms. I do own a pair in a neutral sand tone, but am totally in love with these saturated hues. They add so much texture to a look.

Ash, Minnetonka, Belle by Sigerson Morrison

Back in high school, fringed moccasins were a staple for almost every girl. The classics by Minnetonka are still around, but I love the rough look of these killer Ash boots and these sweet heeled loafers. The fringe adds a tough look that you can't get from anywhere else.

Finish off with your favorite stand-out nail polish look featured on the Birchbox blog!

pink power

I don't know what it is about the color fuchsia lately, but my favorite shirt in my closet now is a hot pink blouse a la Equipment. Thankfully, there was about a $200 difference in price (thank you, Forever 21!). Pretty sure I would wear this color in any way shape or form.

J Brand, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Pencey, Antik Batik

I love the mixed fabrics and textures of the bag--it definitely inspired me to pair this bold color with a fall-toned printed piece, like this smart Rag & Bone skirt.

Topshop blouse & socks, Marni cuff, Chocolat Blu bag, Rag & bone skirt, Lucky Brand boots

Continuing with the "I don't know what it is about..." saying, I'm not sure why I keep pairing this bright pink with toned down fall colors--but I'm lllooovvviiinnggg this burgundy for fall bags. Must get my hands on one. Now.

Gah. Fashion is always such an I-need-this-right-now emergency!

zz photography

Back in April, Cozbi Hultz of zz photography contacted me about styling and modeling in a fun, gorgeous photo shoot at the ACE Hotel in Seattle. Some of you may remember the weekend I did it :) So excited to finally show the results, I love ze pretty photos!

Jumpsuit by Radenroro

Skirt by 3.1 Phillip Lim 

Cami by Radenroro

Dress by Radenroro

Vintage jacket and skirt

Dress by Radenroro

So, very honestly, tell me what you think and then pop over to zee zee blog and tell Cozbi what an iiinnnccreeddibbllleee job she did.

And have a lovely weekend!

chunky heels

Heels are (most) bloggers' best friends. This season's chunky heel looks perfectly appropriate whether it's on display over a pair of socks with a dress or underneath a sweet pair of flares. And everyone can appreciate how much more sturdy they are to walk in.

Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Enzo Angiolini Alessi, Joe's Jeans

You guys know flares are my recent favorite--fall is the perfect time to start piling on layers in rich, muted colors and letting statement jewelry and accessories take the lead! Unless you're wearing this super-statement blazer--I can't even talk about it. Way too perfect.

Twenty8Twelve by S. Miller jeans, Givenchy knit blazer, Miss Selfridge top, Frye oxford heels, Arielle de Pinto necklace

How would you style your chunky heels?

dress days

MINKPINK dress c/o Bollare, Kensie sandals, vintage Coach bag, sweater borrowed from mom

This is another pre-Minneapolis outfit, when it was just starting to get cooler. I had the best birthday weekend! My sister made me an amazing yogurt tart and took me shopping, and then my friends surprised me with a trip to the adorable town of Stillwater which is just across the river from Wisconsin. Stargazing plans got cancelled because it was cloudy! Boooo!

Just as I started to catch a glimpse of autumn weather, the sun came back out today and it is hot! I am not off to exchange my long sleeves and scarf for a tank top and then go for a walk around the lake. I even got free coffee this morning--such a perfect Monday! 

turning 20 today!

DKNY blouse, trouser shorts c/o Kensie Clothing, wedges c/o Blowfish, Fossil watch, Forever 21 ring 

My birthday is today--I'm not a teenager anymore. Feels totally weird, yet nothing's changed. I'm spending tonight night at my sister's house and she plans to take me out for a surprise outing. The only thing I asked of my friends was to take me stargazing, so it's up to them to decide when and where!

Guess who else's birthday it is today! Nick Jonas, Ian Harding, and KATHLEEEEEEEN of INSPIRAFASHION! This girl is definitely my blogger bestie and we have had so much fun discovering everything we have in common with each other. I love her so much! Happy birthday girlie!

These shorts are my favorite. They are perfect for a chic summer day, but I already can't wait to layer them with tights for winter! Plus, they are such a great length--so many summer shorts are way too itty bitty. Kensie is one of my favorite brands, and there are ssoooo many cute pieces for fall on their site right now.

Off to celebrate! Wheeeeeeee, I'm 20! Thanks for everything, you guys :)

fun with fall

Jewel tones, intense platforms, thick furs and deep neutrals--with all the seriousness of this year's fall trends, I am all for some excitement!

Eugenia Kim hat, Sonia Rykiel sweater, Miu Miu iPhone sleeve, YSL blush, Carole earrings, Kate Spade 'Twirl' fragrance

The air in Minneapolis now has a crisp autumn feel--I totally bundled up this morning in a huge cozy shawl. Color stories may vary by season, but it's always fun to add unexpected accents here and there.

Any of these would perfectly complement the fall staple piece: a gorgeous cape. I was totally in love with this trend for fall 2010, but never found my perfect one.

Rachel Zoe, Gryphon

I am so inspired by clean lines, statement neutrals, and the perfect flare. These two literally fit all of my style requirements. What's on your must-have list this fall?

monday hairday

Today's post is something a little different than usual, so I hope you enjoy this hair tutorial!

*Ahem on 4, bobby pins are your friend.

To finish up, curl any bits and pieces you've left out for a tousle-y, loose look. To curl with a straightener, simply rotate the flat iron after you've clamped your hair down and run it through at an angle.

This Hana flat-iron is perfect for this style (I love the adjustable heat dial!). Misikko sent me this product to review, but they have zillions of other items to browse through such as the ever popular CHI straightener and Moroccan oil (currently on my beauty wishlist). Be sure to check out their store! I've been using this amazing flat-iron every day.

So voila, you are finished. If you're like me, this is the perfect look for scarf-wearing come fall and winter, as my superlong hair tend to hide the pretty patterns :)

getting settled

Borrowed-from-sister top, LNA skirt

I'm now (kind of) settled in Minneapolis, although missing my Starbucks and Seattle. However, in true fashion blogger form I packed so many clothes there wasn't enough room for my hangers...classic. They are currently en route to Minneapolis via UPS (thanks Mom!).

I wore this hairstyle several days during the summer; I love the sweet, romantic feel and how simple the steps are for a relatively detailed look. If you guys are interested, I shot a tutorial on how to style your hair this way--so please share if you want to see it. Like I said, simple steps!

Cannot thank you all enough for the support surrounding my move. You all are amazing! Looking forward to this weekend even more than usual. Have an aaaweeessoommmee one!

fashion's night out

Fashion's Night Out 2011 is finally heeeeere! As everyone prepares for the big night, many are  taking on the hardest task tonight--finding the perfect outfit for tomorrow's events. Here are a few ideas of what would inspire my outfit, if tomorrow night I somehow end up in a fashion capital of the world...

Alexander Wang blouse, Chloé ankle trousers, Prada pumps, Iosselliani necklace, R.J. Graziano cuff

I would love to do something sleek like a daytime trouser with deeper accents, like these berry toned pumps (seriously what dreams are made of) and a rich silk blouse; perfectly accessorized with some strong accent pieces.

One site I consistently turn to for inspiration is Net-A-Porter. Their designer selection is unmatchable, and they literally have a look for every occasion. Exhibit A:

What will serve as your inspiration for your Fashion's Night Out 2011 look?

Even if you don't live in NYC, check the Fashion's Night Out web page to find events in your area (such as Neiman Marcus's FNO event in downtown Minneapolis)!

berry tones

One trend I am totally getting into this fall is berry tones. Whenever I go shopping (not often lately, wah budget) I always talk myself out of buying something that doesn't fit in with my recent go-to color palette.

Whether you're into blueberries, raspberries, marionberries, huckleberries, strawberries...there is a shade out there for you!

Click for details

Zac Posen dress, Laura Geller blush, Givenchy pouch, Topshop skirt, Topman snood, Dolce Vita pumps, Butter London nail color

I love the variety of tones that can be found in this trend. Each color is so rich--they look amazing piled on top of each other or as a feature among neutrals.

Burberry Prorsum, Miu Miu, Elie Saab

Dare I say I want to see how this trend plays out? I'm already envisioning berry blouses paired with floaty, light floral skirts for spring... ;)

feeling floral

MINKPINK dress c/o Bollare, jacket c/o APART Style, Kinies bag, Steve Madden boots, Forever 21 cuff

Tomorrow is moving day.

I spent all yesterday crying and saying goodbyes--to be honest, sometimes a hug makes things worse! I am so excited to explore Minneapolis but it's so weird to think about everything I'm leaving behind. Like my kitty. And my guitar. And my Space Needle.

On Wednesday, I discovered the lovely fashion blog of Kitty Cotten, and the next day I checked her blog and saw yours truly featured in a style inspiration post! You should totally check it out (and then spend hours going through all her old posts like I did) because I am sooooo honored! This girl is so inspiring, and even shares my love for Cut n' Paste bags.

Airport tweets are my favorite kind of tweets, so you can follow mine here tomorrow or check the blog Monday when, hopefully, I'll be all settled in and unpacked. 

Oh. My. Gosh. I have to pack. Oops. Um...be right back.