Friday Fancies : Outfit Crush

I've decided.

If I could raid any one single person's closet, it would definitely be Olivia Palermo's. 

This is the second time I've chosen one of her look's as my outfit crush. 

Between her and Gwyneth, they get me almost every time.

I tried to replicate the look using all  lower-priced items (minus the handbag) including the above $20 faux leather leggings from Top Shop. I dropped the cardigan and opted for a military style jacket with leather sleeves. 

Dare I say I might like this outfit even better?

Yes. Yes, I dare.

Linking this post up here.

Friday Fancies : Road Trippin'

The last road trip we took was B.C. {before children} and it still remains one of my all-time favorite vacations.

My husband and I were a year or so into our relationship and he was itching to take me to California. He had been once before and never quite got it out of his system.

We flew to Los Angeles, rented a car and drove. And then we drove some more.

All the way up highway 1 to San Francisco and then back down to San Diego. Through the desert into Las Vegas {my favorite part} and then on to Arizona. 

I remember wearing a little floral dress. And jumping out of the car to snap a pic in front of every "welcome to..." sign we encountered.

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I would love to go back to that time just for a day. 
Except wearing these boots. And carrying this bag. 

Linking up here and here. 

The Essentials

So, here is my "fashion strategy".
 It has worked for me for (I'm not telling how) many years and has always made me feel on trend without being too trendy. 
It allows me to splurge on a few key items that can make an outfit while spending relatively little on the rest.

I rely on 3 staples:

1. High quality jeans

My favorites are by Paige, Hudson and Rock and Republic.

All in styles that can be dressed up or down. Some skinny, some full leg. Some hemmed for flats, others for a 4" heel.

For the fall, I will be on the hunt for two pairs -

A wide trouser-like pair. (these are by Derek Lam. love.)

And new J Brand skinnies. (apparently, fabulous - albeit they look so basic)

Worn perfectly by Heidi Klum.

2. Designer Sunglasses

I have shared my love before.
My current go-to's this summer have been my Ray Ban aviators. On hot days, they are the only shades that don't make your face sweat. (oh I know you know what I mean)
I am contemplating a gold pair for the fall. 

And 3. Designer Handbags
I have built up quite the little collection. And each and every one gets it's equal share of love.
And because I don't like to mix metals (OCD I know it) all the more reason to switch them up. 
My most recent addition was a steal and my current favorite when I'm not carrying a diaper bag. 
If I could only have one new (dream) bag for fall this one by Prada might be it.

But since the accompanying price tag is not so dreamy... 
I think this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is a great option.

Both would look equally (well, maybe almost equally) good with all the muted colors I am planning on wearing this fall.
Good jeans. Good glasses. And a good handbag.
Allows everything else, even when it's just a simple denim shift, to look better than before.

Happy Friday Fashionistas!

Linking up with Blonde Episodes here for Fashion Friday -