A Controlled Experiment: Color Me Pink

Even though it felt like we leapt over September and stepped into October with the cold weekend weather, I managed to squeeze in a day for shorts last week.

Outfit:

Kimono Cardigan - won via ShopSosie.com (similar style here)

Crewneck top - Gap

Pink shorts - Forever 21

Dany platform shoes - Jessica Simpson Collection

Leather satchel - Zara

Pyramid stud bracelets - Forever 21

Sparkling Sage Necklace - Ideeli.com, courtesy of my Lucky FABB credit!

Just like anyone else, I have my own style preferences. But entering fall, I'm trying to step outside my comfort zone in terms of color and pairing outfits that I might otherwise think wouldn't appeal to me. And this means experimenting with everything - from accessories to even my makeup. 

For example, wearing pink. I used to hate the color pink up until a couple years ago. I remember one Christmas, my mother bought me a pink turtleneck sweater. And you know when receive a gift you don't fancy, and you don't want to hurt their feelings so you attempt to fake an appreciative grin? That's what I tried to do, but instead, burst into tears at the thought of a.) a wearing turtleneck and b.) a pink one. (Keep in mind, I was 10.) Lucky for me, my mom is from the school of "if you don't like it, bring it back." 

Yet as I've grown older, I turn toward the cotton candy shade more frequently. Even the top I'm wearing, a dark wine, is becoming my favorite hue for Fall. And the kimono cardigan, I won through a contest on ShopSosie.com! I may not win the lottery, but I have luck when it comes to winning clothes for some reason. Let's hope my karma stays that way!

Going The Distance: Seasonal Transition Shopping Tips

The weather and fashion go hand in hand. Every year, they change. And on a daily basis, they both influence each other.

As summer comes to a close, the weather is starting to become cooler. While Fall isn't my favorite season, I do enjoy shopping for clothes and accessories to make my style transition into long sleeves, knits and pants. This summer, I was a dress/skirt gal. But since Hurricane Irene hit NJ, I've been wearing my jeans again.

But what about all your summer clothes? How do you get your monies worth for Fall, without leaving your summer duds behind? 

Here are some tips for investing in seasonal pieces, summer through Fall:

All of these items from H&M can be worn in the summer. But with right right fall wardrobe alternatives, they make the transition effortlessly into cooler weather. 

1. While skirts and dresses can always be donned in colder weather, you won't see many people wearing shorts. Yes, some ladies like to wear tights under em, but I stop buying shorts in August. UNLESS they are on sale and dirt cheap, I say save your pennies for skirts that you can wear year-round.

2. Tanks and tees can always be worn under cardigans, blazers and sweaters. This season, expect to see a lot of chunky, open knit sweaters... Basic tees, camisoles and tanks come in handy here. 

Which leads me to cardigans....

Flirty Cascading Cardigan, available at ShopSosie.com

3. Cardigans (like the one I found on shopsosie.com) and button-front shirts are universal weather-wearers. Not only can you throw em on when the summer wind picks up, but you'll be ahead of the game in fall when the weather turns cold.

4. Try not to fall into the summer trend trap too late in the game. If you haven't caught on by July, then wait till next season. I've seen an over abundance of knit short sleeve sweaters this year - even in June and July. Think about it: When it's 90 degrees out, are you really gunna wear layers? Doubt it. Make smart fashion choices that benefit your wallet.

5. Opt for shoes that can be worn throughout multiple seasons. Closed toe shoes, that show a little skin will keep your tootsies warm in the Fall, but keep you looking stylish in the summer. I personally love the Makeelo platform by Sabine... Totally investing in these. Plus, they look sorta like the Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony ones, at half the price!

Available at Piperlime

Happy shopping!