fall 2016 Archives - So About What I Said

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Family Photos: Cousins and Apple Orchard Fun!

By now, you know how much I absolutely LOVE life in the Midwest! Well, add some cousins and apple orchard fun into the mix and I get downright giddy!

Last month, we enjoyed visits from two of my cousins on two separate weekends. First, my cousin Jennifer flew in from Washington D.C. And spent a couple days at our house. We hadn’t seen each other in almost 10 years, so there was a lot to catch up on! I loved hearing all sorts of stories about Jennifer’s life in D.C. and what it’s like being an art history/architecture professor. And of course we had Portillo’s for lunch on the last day — I mean, it IS a classic Midwest staple, after all…

Ms. Bear also made her famous almond cookies and added a special touch…candy corn to mark the season!

The following weekend, my other cousin Mona came for a visit. I hadn’t seen her since 2012 and I’ve always been envious of her glitzy, jet-setting NYC lifestyle (case in point: she just spent the last four days in Dubai and is now headed to Thailand!) — she’s so glamorous!

We headed to Honey Hill Orchard on a beautifully sunny afternoon — remember when we went there years ago? It was high time that we return! And true to her stylish ways, Mona came prepared with a selfie stick; it was an amazing little gadget and I’m probably way more obsessed with it than I should be! But…the photo possibilities!

Anyway, have I mentioned how delicious their donuts and apples are? It’s like a big burst of fall goodness in your mouth, trust me!

It was SO nice to spend time with Jennifer and Mona, especially since I don’t get to see my mom’s side of the family as much as I’d like — we’re all spread out all over the country! Thanks, cousins, for the wonderful time and for making me smile.

How has the last few months of 2016 been for you, friends? Hope you’re able to spend it with the people who mean the most to you! xoxo

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Do or Don’t: Romantic Victorian Fashion

So far, we’ve talked about autumnal attire, J.Crew’s chill vibe, rose gold hair, velvety velvet and leaf-inspired jewelry for fall, but what about…the romantic Victorian fashion trend?

As ELLE says, “Romance continues to fill the air even as mercury levels drop. Spring’s ethereal Victorian-inspired looks have spilled onto fall’s runways, looking more romantic and sultry than ever. Clearly, tiers, ruffles and lace are still having a mega moment.”

On the one hand, there’s such a whimsical nature to the trend and it just oozes that classic Renaissance-era vibe, full of feasts and art and dancing and merriment. There’s a distinct element of natural beauty that I love!

But on the other hand? I’m not sure if I can picture anyone actually going out for a night on the town wearing a full-on Victorian outfit from head to toe, you know? I mean, unless you were going to spend the day frolicking around the Renaissance Fair — that, I suppose, would be an entirely different story altogether. In that case, I’d say “go ahead…Victorian-up that outfit and make a really spectacular fashion statement!”

Well, what’s the verdict, friends? Is the romantic Victorian trend a fashion do or don’t? Have you seen many people sporting the look this fall? What’s your favorite look from the trend? Would you wear it? I’d love to hear your awesome thoughts… xoxo

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Fall Favorite #5: Leaf-Inspired Jewelry

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about fall fashion over the years, it’s that it doesn’t lend itself to bright, flashy colors. Gone are the loud statements of summer, quickly being replaced by the subdued tones of autumn.

And with the shift in style comes a more delicate, gentle feel, especially where jewelry is concerned. Obviously, I’m a big fan of this trend! Here’s what I’m talking about, in six Etsy picks I’m fall-ing for (get it??)…starting with these gold Grecian leaf earrings, $45…

Leaf bangle, $14.95

Maple leaves brooch, $16

Gold leaf ring, $48

Tiny rose gold leaf necklace, $29

Rustic ring, $28

Aren’t they beautiful, friends? Which one is your favorite? xoxo

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Fall Favorite #4: Voila, Velvet…

What’s the first thing that pops in your head when you hear the word ‘velvet‘? Something smooth? Silky? Even buttery, perhaps? OK, maybe that last one’s just me — I mean, it is almost lunch time, right?

I also think of that song called “Blue Velvet” — the oldie by Bobby Vinton, not the newer version by Lana Del Rey. You know, the one from 1963 that goes…

She wore blue velvet
Bluer than velvet was the night
Softer than satin was the light
From the stars

Now that I have romantic visions of starry nights dancing in your head, what do you think of the velvet trend for fall? Editors in the know from InStyle to Fashionista are throwing around phrases like “hottest textile” and “fabric of our lives” with wild abandon, and after scouting out some classic street style photos, I’m starting to think they’ve got a point here! The colors are just dark, rich and moody enough to set the perfect tone. I don’t know about you, but I’m sold!

What’s the verdict on velvet, friends? Is it a thumbs up or thumbs down? A fashion DO or DON’T?? Anything it should definitely not be worn with? xoxo

[Photos via StyleCaster and WhoWhatWear]

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Fall Favorite #3: Rose Gold Hair

Have you heard about the newest hair trend for fall? I had to do a double-take when I first saw it because it seemed pretty wild and crazy.

Rose gold.

We’ve seen the trend on jewelry and it’s become one of my favorites in recent years, but…on hair? What would that even look like? I was imagining freakishly glowing locks that blind you like the sun’s rays or maybe some kind of platinum knock-off. I wasn’t all too sure, but I knew one thing: I was intrigued. Very.

Refinery29 even made predictions on its longevity, saying…

“Now, the concept may not seem new, as Emma Roberts debuted a Coachella-ready “desert rose” back in March and Ashley Tisdale tried the color in May. But actresses aside, we’re predicting the trend will have very long legs. Why? The hue — which most closely matches the light that’s cast at the start of a Malibu sunset — looks good on everyone, and is as easygoing as it appears.”

Don’t believe me?? Here are some of my favorite incarnations of the rosy-hued trend…

Gorgeous, right? I like to think I was sort of, kind of, maybe ahead of this trend — you know, with my naturally darker rose gold hair color. Or, as Janelle says, my copper hair.

Would you try this trend, friends? Do you like it? It’s definitely an original look, that’s for sure…something that would certainly turn a few heads as you walk down the street like one of those models in the shampoo commercials! xoxo

P.S. Pretty ponytails, fall hair accessories and how I learned to love my red hair! 🙂

[Top photo via New Beauty]