Category:

Fall Fashion

Mango Coat 30% off

Mango Sale Faves

by Shalice Noel

camel sweater coat worn here in S/M (Note: it is an oversize fit) //similar pants sz 4// similar balloon sleeve sweater // sandals in golden suede // Derek lam sunglasses // small Fendi bag

Have you heard? Mango is having 30% off their entire collection! Use code COLUMBUS19 only until October 14.

I shopped around the site for my favorite neutrals:

Of course you already know I love their unstructured camel coat. I literally can’t stop wearing it, so if you haven’t bit the bullet, a 30% off promo code is your sign to “ADD TO CART” asap.

Here below are some of my favorites worth buying from the sale and my personal commentary.

Let me know what you got!

As always, my shop page is open 24/7 to peek at what I’m eying and shopping for.

Cloudscape jacket in sz 8 in sunset orange // Align pants in polar shift emboss sz 6// Run times bra // Boyfriend tee in sz 4// Water bottle (this really keeps beverages cold and hot!)

Anyone else (I’m looking at you mamas) love the ease of stylish activewear? I for one, am obsessed. And who does activewear better than lululemon? My outfit here is all lululemon – from the jacket down to my bra. All the materials they use are amazing, so when they launched their Cloudscape Jacket, I knew it would be amazing! It’s the perfect puffer for fall layering but is also warm enough to carry you into winter. Because I’m so obsessed (with everything lululemon, to be honest), here are three reasons why I love the new jacket and think it would be a great addition to your activewear!

  1. I couldn’t believe something so warm could be so lightweight! The jacket is perfect for travel and hiking and is under $250. I had a similar jacket last winter that was 4x the price, which is great quality, but this one is just as good!
  2. I love how lululemon nails the details. For example, the two interior pockets and soft stretchy material at the wrist seam. It’s things like this that take a purchase from good to great, in my opinion. If we go skiing this winter, I’ll be sure to pack it – no snow is getting up my sleeves this time! 
  3. It’s FLATTERING. From a styling point of view, the large scale of the Cloudscape Jacket worn with leggings makes the legs look skinny – I’m a fan!

Have you checked out the summer/fall essentials at lululemon!? These leggings are a fave because of the texture, and the tee I’m wearing here is also a go-to of mine. I even found some gems like cute shorts for my girls on lululemon’s “We Made too Much” page. They were under $20, and I love quality clothes that can be worn over and over again. My girls beg to wear them every day, which is another problem, and a future blog post. But in the meantime, I’m wearing these leggings over and over again – this time with a tank and camel coat. And I’m definitely packing my Cloudscape Jacket for a long weekend in Lake Arrowhead.

How would you wear your cloudscape jacket? Now, I can’t wait to wear mine with a hoodie.

Thank you lululemon for sponsoring this post!

Uniqlo jeans // J crew camel coat use code GOBIG for 40% off // similar coat // turtleneck // Fendi bag // Chanel belt similar // Combat Boots

This is my go-to outfit lately: camel tissue turtleneck, camel overcoat, jeans and boots. I couldn’t wait to style these combat boots. I love the feminine touch with the sand color and pink velvet laces. Perfect for many fall looks. They would also look great with jeans and a sweater.

More Turtlenecks:

Reid and I found a piece of Italy in South Pasadena for these pictures. I loved the wall and wisteria growing over the sides. So dreamy it makes me miss Italy. Someone once said, you have to leave to come back.

More Camel Cardigans

Fendi Strap

Stylehack: buy a Fendi strap to put on another bag. It’s a fraction of the price of buying my foldover bag. Which is still a great purchase imo!

As always, my shop page is open 24/7.

Sweater dress // Similar ring  // OTK Boots  // Faux leather skirt // Cape I’m wearing in small and Similar Cape // Fendi Bag // Tissue turtleneck //

We were all set to go to New York Fashion Week, but a work thing came up and we ended up canceling our trip.  As a creative, NYFW totally inspires me and I was disappointed missed it.  It’s funny how things turn on you though.  NYFW came and I had major FOMO, but then a couple friends suggested I go to Fashion Week in Milan.  I had thought about going last year but was 8 month pregnant with Levi, so that wasn’t going to happen.  Reid and I discussed the possibility and we decided to go for it.

I’ll post about the shows and presentations I attended during Milan Fashion Week, but for this post I’m sharing international travel tips.  Yes we took Levi.  Yes we booked with little planning.  Yes we had a great time!

We found direct flights from LAX to MXP on Air Italia.  We found the price to be the best and the direct flight made the journey a little less stressful.  Flying with an 11 month old is hard.  I wish I had advice to make it better, but honestly, it’s hard.  Grin and bear it.  Nurse like crazy.  He actually did great!  Resolving the sleep schedule was another issue.

We researched shortly where to stay and eventually landed at a really cool apartment in a great location.  The place we rented was called Brera Apartments. Here’s the exact link. We stayed in the San Fermo Apartment that slept 4 adults. We slept in the master, and Atalie slept in the pullout bed in the living room area. It was perfect! Here are Reid’s three tips on finding a great place to stay.

  1.  Look on a map for the sites you really want to see.  From that center point, search the surrounding area that is about a 15-20 minute walk.  The places near the center of the action were pricey and we found places further out yet still walkable to be half the price.  So while it may be more expensive than places even further out, what we saved in cab fare more than made up for the cost.
  2. When traveling with kids a kitchen is a huge benefit, therefore we always pick something more like a home, than a hotel.  We brought oatmeal packets for breakfast and ate small meals from the grocery store for lunch.  The best lunch was when we discovered the San Marco Farmer’s Market right around the corner.  We bought fresh mozzarella, prosciutto and olives.  Seriously the best meal for only 7 euro’s and fed all of us.  We saved our big meals for dinner as the Italian’s typically do.
  3. When booking a place make sure the neighborhood has the three basics.  Café, Gelato and Market.  We could not get enough of the Fioraio Bianchi Caffe ,on the corner of our street.  We felt part of the community as we drank our cappuccino’s every morning among our neighbors.  Truly a great local experience.

We decided to leave Milan for the day and take the train to Florence.  We caught the 10:25am train to Florence that arrived at 11:50am.  The train ride was fast and we were able to do some great shopping (Fendi!….check my post!!!) We also saw all the beautiful cathedrals and walked an amazing amount of steps before we caught the train back to Milan at 6:25pm.  It was well worth the effort.  Florence is beautiful, we suggest you find a day when it is not as crowded.

Traveling with a babe:

Traveling with a baby isn’t easy. It is important to stay flexible, lower your expectations, and bring snacks. I found some organic baby biscuits at a small Milan grocery store that literally SAVED us. He loved gnawing on them. A good travel stroller is worth is weight in gold! Levi loved the cozy Colugo stroller and we liked how lightweight and easy it was to pack.

Long story short, the 12 hour flight was long, the trip was AMAZING. I would do it again and yes we are already looking to bring the family back for a couple of months.

How about you, where in Italy is your favorite place? Do share! As always, my SHOP PAGE is open 24/7. Happy weekend!

Karl Tee // Red Bag // Levi’s Jeans similar I also like these // Booties (shown in taupe) // Blazer

Tee shirt // Jeans // Trench coat // Red bag // Ankle Sandals

Red bag // Sweatshirt // Leather Jacket // Boots // Jeans

Walking around Milan was so much fun last week, but cappuccino’s for breakfast was probably the highlight. While hanging out at our nearby caffe, I styled 3 looks with shoes I ordered from Walmart! I found two booties and a slinky ankle strap sandals. The first pair of booties I wore exploring the Brera Neighborhood and found this cool news stand. The booties are tope with punch out detail. I paired these with ripped denim, sleek blazer and designer tee. I love this red mini purse too! Perfect when traveling light.

The second pair are chelsea boots in cognac. I paired these with my black denim with raw edge hem. I love the cognac and black together. Sipping coffee at this place was a dream by the way.

Lastly, I styled the ankle strap heal with my skinny jeans, classic trench and designer tee. I love mixing the formal heal with jeans and a trench. Totally gives your casual look an upgrade and somehow heals just make me feel stronger. The only downside, is the heel occasionally gets stuck in the traffic grates. City problems. But no reason to shy away. This one packs a lot of bang for the buck.

Walmart has this awesome option of next day delivery. I’m pretty much intrigued by the whole idea. I can order a pair of jeans or this bag, for instance, select next day shipping and boom, it arrives at my house the next day. How do they do that? While I’m not sure how its done, I know I love it. I’m 10 orders in and loving it still. Whatever hasn’t fit or worked for me, I easily printed a return label online for a seamless return. I love how efficient Walmart is with next day shipping and having a variety of items to choose from.

1, 2, 3, Which is your favorite look?

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!

Sweater dress (under $100) // SW Boots // Bag // Oversize Blazer // Sunglasses

His t- shirt // rag+bone sweater cardigan (medium) // Jeans (fit TTS) // Belt his own, similar // Ray-ban sunglasses

Gray Blazer (wearing 38R) // Henley Tee // Chelsea Boot // Jeans // Passport wallet Belt his own, similar // Ray-ban sunglasses

My camel coat (40% off!) // White blouse (I went up a size) // Jeans // Heels // TB Bag // Sunglasses //

Levi’s sweater // Levi’s jeans


Last week we were in Milan for Milan Fashion Week, so I picked up some essentials like I usually do before a trip from Nordstrom. Honestly, one of my favorite things to do this time of year is update mine and the hubs’ closet with all the fall essentials. If he reacts with sticker shock, I remind him of the item’s cost per wear and he usually agrees with me in the end.

Shopping for the kids is obviously fun too, but there’s something about shopping for Reid that takes me back to when we were dating. Does that sound crazy? Ha! Anyway, I think he appreciates it just as much as I like doing it for him. And where’s the best place for men’s fall fashion you ask? Nordstrom!
You know Nordstrom is my go-to place for everything, so of course I shop there for my husband too! If I’m not sure on size, I’ll buy both sizes because their customer service is unparalleled and returns are a breeze. Here are the essentials I stocked up on for him this year:


Henleys

Is there anything sexier than your man wearing a good henley? It just feels kind of rugged but still stylish at the same time. Plus Reid loves them because they’re super comfortable and he can wear them with pretty much anything.


Layers

Layer a good sweater or jacket over that henley and your guy will be looking very sharp. It’s a great casual weekend look or easy to throw on when you’re traveling too!


A good Chelsea boot

Chelsea boots are just as much of a must for men as they are for women if you ask me! I recommend picking up a neutral pair that he’ll be able to wear with any shade of denim.

Which is your favorite? Look 1 or 2? I like both but this gray blazer fit so well on him, I tend to lean to the blazer. Both layers were great for the weather in Milan. It was around 60 degrees and perfect for jeans, tee’s and sweaters or blazers. Once you have the basics down, you can easily build a chic wardrobe for the man in your life. And it’s all found at Nordstrom.

Shot on location at Brera Apartments, Milan, Italy.

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

camel wrap coat // jeans // tank (I have it in black too!) // leopard wrap headband // nude sandals // small Fendi Bag

Today I’m sharing 4 fall essentials on heavy rotation: tank, good denim, wrap coat (worth every penny), and lastly, a scarf headband.

I love styling a street style look – especially while in Europe. Milan was an amazing place to gather inspiration. I saw lots of edgy looks, but also elevated basics. It got me thinking about my own basics and what my necessities are during this transitional time of year. Which is why I put together this quick list to give you guys some ideas if you’re working on building out your fall wardrobe!


Camel wrap coat

This coat has seen a lot of mileage in the past few days and I know it will continue to at home once the temps cool down. Every year I have to make sure I have a good camel coat and this wrap style is definitely it this year. If you don’t have one, I can’t recommend this one enough.


Layering tees and tanks

Easy tanks and tees are a huge must for me year-round but especially in the fall for easy layering. I could walk out the door in the morning and it’s cool, but then by the afternoon it’s hot, so having great tees and tanks under my sweaters is always a lifesaver. This tank is my absolute favorite and it’s only $20. I own it in three colors.


Denim

A good pair of jeans is key for a successful fall. You know I love a good pair of flairs but also loving a straight style right now with raw hems. Or, I’m always a fan of skinnies with lots of distress.


Accessories

My number one fall accessory right now is the scarf headband. They’re so cute and are perfect for second (or third) day hair. And because I love a good statement earring, I have to include them as a must-have too. I really love to wear a pair with a headband when my hair is more pulled back and the earrings can be on full display.

As always, my shop page is open 24/7. Happy Wednesday!

sweater dress // boots similar // scarf // hat // bag in medium //

Fall Must-Have: the Sweater Dress


If there is one outfit I want to share with you guys this fall, it’s this sweater dress. This dress is everything!! It works for mom-on-the-go style, date night, weekend brunch – you name it, you can wear this sweater dress. If I were to make a fall capsule, this would be the only article of clothing in it and I’d fill the rest with accessories you can use to make it work for any occasion.
One of my favorite ways to wear it is with OTK boots and a felt hat. If this doesn’t give you fall vibes, I don’t know what will! Such a cute brunch or date night look, right?
I also love to wear it with sneakers and even put leggings on underneath and style it more as a tunic. This option is definitely school pick up appropriate or for running weekend errands with the kids.
If you buy one new thing this fall, let this sweater dress be it! You won’t regret it, trust me!!

Cable Varsity Cardigan Sweater // Stretch Twill Pants // Knit Blazer in Scarlet // Also like these Chino Shorts

Versatile Workwear I Love

One thing I’m trying to do more of lately is give you all more workwear inspiration. I know a lot of you are corporate women who need some ideas for all kinds of outfits! Because I don’t head into a formal office every day, I like to try and put together both fashionable and versatile looks that can work for the office, but also for any other event on your calendar. Today, I am showing you one of my favorite brands for this kind of style – Tommy Hilfiger! Tommy Hilfiger is a classic brand in my opinion and I know whatever I pick from them will be perfect for any occasion. I went for these straight, cropped trousers and a preppy cardigan I’m wearing as a top (one of the fall trends to watch!). From flowy blouses to a silk cami with a blazer – the options for what to wear on the bottom are endless! I also had to top it off with a little animal print clutch and a white mule because they’ve become a wardrobe staple for this mama. Do you guys want more office looks? Let me know and I’ll put some together! This whole look can be found at Nordstrom, one of my favorite places to shop. I can’t wait to style this again!

Thank you Tommy Hilfiger for sponsoring this post!

knit poncho // similar black tank underneath // jeans // heels and similar

leopard skirt (under $20!) / similar tank / heels

In the words of one of my readers, “Walmart has stepped it up!”

So many good picks for fall on their site. I’ll admit the site can be overwhelming, so I’ll narrowed down some fall looks for you from knits to denim. Here I styled this turtleneck poncho with black jeans and a tank underneath. I love a good turtleck sweater poncho! Perfect for weekends at Lake Arrowhead. I styled the leopard skirt with a black tank and simple sandals. I can’t believe this skirt is under $20!

I’m loving the “Next Day Delivery” option from Walmart with qualifying orders as well as easy returns. I’ve done both! If I’ve been between sizes, I buy both and return one. All you have to do is print out a return label on their website. Also, I make sure almost every purchase qualifies for Next Day Delivery.

Many of you have already made these $13 sandals sell out more than once!

Whether I’m shopping for fall layers, a sweater, a tank to go underneath, or a pair of sandals, Walmart has surprised me with their convenience, free shipping and wide array of premium brands. Have you checked it out? I even found some things the kids have loved but more on that later!

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!