Hi Everyone!

As summer winds down and we look ahead to fall and winter I figured this was the perfect time to give what seems to be a quarterly life update, as well as some suggestions for things to buy now that will transition your wardrobe into the coming cooler seasons.

Ahhhh life. Well my divorce was finalized in May, and while it didn’t really change a whole lot, it did make it so we could wrap up some loose ends and provided a little closure I suppose. It is bittersweet. I know it is for the best in the long run, but still has some sadness attached. My cousin said it will probably always be a little sad and I think that’s true.

I mentioned back in April a relationship I was hopeful about, but we ended things in June – maybe I had a feeling that was going to happen and why I was so cautious about putting it out there. It is what it is. I was upset and it was hurtful, but I deserve to feel like I am a priority in someone’s life and I like to think I learned a thing or two about not trying to make a relationship work with someone who can’t or isn’t investing as much. And actions speak louder than words.

So I’ve been working really hard on keeping busy doing stuff that makes me happy. I’m very extroverted and being alone is hard for me. I get bored and restless easily on my own and that’s something I’m trying to work on. Truthfully other than the first year I moved to Seattle after college (in which I was very depressed), this is the first time I’ve ever lived by myself. Kinda crazy to think about!

Not that I’m sitting at home much though! I spent some fun weekends over the summer in Montauk, it was nice to get away to the beach. I turned 34 July 2nd and some of my besties took me to a Mets game with fireworks to celebrate. There was a beautiful weekend in Chicago with 2 friends exploring the city, and then I just got back from one of my good friend’s birthday weekend in a lake house by the Hudson Valley – 11 awesome ladies, lots of wine, games, and even some horseback riding!

And things aren’t slowing down either – this weekend I’m headed with my dinner/wine club ladies to Sag Harbor and we have a fun day of wine tasting planned. Then my sorority big sis who we call “Bunzie” is coming for a visit the following weekend. Might even be getting away for a last weekend trip somewhere the weekend of the 8th, and then I’m off to Ireland and Scotland for 10 days with my XO alumnae little sis, Dana! So many adventures and I’m just trying to appreciate and enjoy all of it. The holidays will be here before we know it, and we all know how those seem to fly by.

So that bring us to the important things – what in the world to wear for all of this? haha

Fall in NYC is my favorite season here – people are back in the city instead of trying to escape it, the weather isn’t too hot, but not freezing yet, and there is just a wonderful energy about it all. When I’m shopping now I’m thinking what can I wear in the next month or two, but also when the temps drop and we are bundling up to survive. Unless we have another winter like last year when it is 70 degrees Christmas Day!

My first tip is dresses – I love dresses. Ones that have black in them, or go well with black, that are short or 3/4 length sleeved. These are perfect for end of summer and fall, but then transition easily by adding some black tights, boots, and you can often even layer the dress over a turtleneck or button down, or add a faux fur vest. Dress them up or down with footwear and accessory choices. (I find dresses with some kind of sleeve are better because you don’t feel like they need a layer as much as you do for sleeveless. They just look better with boots and stuff on their own.)

Here are some current faves:

Dress – Maggy London (Less than $50!) (I’m wearing a 6)

Shoes – Ann Taylor  (obsessed!)

I’m a big fan of black and white stripes although this dress comes in just black and other prints too. Wear this with bare legs and a peep toe bootie now, later with black tights and a white faux fur vest. Old Navy is having 40% off with the code COZY until September 21st so get this for a bargain!

Dress – Old Navy (I have the animal print in a medium)

I’m a huge fan of Old Navy’s t-shirt dresses as well, but I recommend going up one or two sizes from normal, I’m wearing a large here. Also love the colors in this scarf and the necklace is from my Rocksbox this month. Can wear with flat sandals for casual, pumps for work, and throw on tights, booties and a vest when the temps drop.

Dress – Old Navy

Scarf – Ann Taylor

Necklace – Kendra Scott

Next up, you need a great pair of black skinny pants – these will help transition some of your more summery tops to the cooler temps now and then you can layer on the sweaters and boots when the time comes. Highly recommend these – they suck you in but have the perfect amount of stretch, a mid-rise, comfy, and affordable! Unfortunately this adorable top is sold out.

Pants – American Eagle

I love my Old Navy ankle pixie pants and all of the fun colors they come in. Really loving this berry hue that is perfect for cooler temps.

Pants – Old Navy (I wear a 4 typically)

Hmm, what to wear with those pants. I’m partial to a great tunic blouse. You can wear them with skinny jeans and a pump or open toed bootie now, and later add tall boots and a faux fur vest, or pair with your  leather leggings for a night on the town like this look. And these Hue leggings are definitely a must have! Wearing a small in these.

Here are some great tunics I recommend

Tunic – Lush (Less than $30 and comes in all kinds of colors! Wearing a small)

Tunic – Loft (This year’s version of the red one I’m wearing above, highly recommend)

Sleeveless Tunic – Loft (Sleeveless are great for warmer climates and easy to layer a cardigan or blazer over)

Now you need some shoes that we’ve talked about obviously. I used to think open-toe bootie was an oxymoron, but I swear they are the perfect transition shoe! I love these from Sole Society, the lace on the side is so cute! This is also a great neutral color to go with everything.

Bootie – Sole Society 

Last but not least, I think a suede pump, especially in a red or berry shade is another item that you will get lots of use out of in the fall and winter. My red pumps get use now with navy dresses, or jeans and white blouses, and then I put them on over black tights in the winter for a much needed pop of color without bare foot exposure.

Suede Pumps – Sole Society

Anything I missed? What are your suggestion? Happy shopping and thanks so much for stopping by!

Posted by amyreh in Informational Blogs - Fashion, What I Wore Tags: ann taylor, fall to winter style, loft, Old Navy, sole society, what i wore, what to wear in new york city