Fall Favorite #1: Autumnal Attire

Welcome to Fall Favorites Week 2016, friends! For five years now, you’ve seen me explore my growing love of fashion and beauty by highlighting some of the best fall fashion trends, tips and styles. We’ve looked at everything from scarves to emerald nails to flare jeans to bucket bags, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

So that’s why this year, I thought it would be fun to kick off this most fashionable of weeks by taking an overall look at, well, the classic fall look. If I’ve learned anything about fashion over the years, it’s that there are certain colors, textures and prints that just set the mood and scream pumpkin spice latte and apple cider donuts! Take a walk with me down the metaphorical runway — or a frolic through the pumpkin patch — as we check out some great autumnal attire…

Flannel shirt, $29 | Cozy animal socks, $9.99 | Burgundy handbag, $39.99 | Dusky blue nail polish, $10 | Scarf, $25.20 | Pumpkin necklace, $10.80

Which is your favorite, friends? Are you excited for lots of fall fashions? What look do you like the best? Let’s celebrate the season, shall we??? Also, is there anything in particular you’d like to see in this week’s Fall Favorites posts? xoxo

P.S. Catch up on all the Fall Favorites through the years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

[Top photo from Madewell’s Fall Collection 2016]

Fall Favorite #3: Very Berry Lips and Tips

Nothing says fall quite like dark nails and lips. I’m not talking about going full-on goth here, but fall does lend itself to a more moody, subdued look. In fact, this sort of fall beauty look is easy to create, according to ELLE: “This season, we saw a sea of lip color that would definitely get Angela Chase’s stamp of approval.”

With that nod to ’90s nostalgia, I’m looking forward to seeing how people put their own unique twist on the trend. I’ve loved CoverGirl’s Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Berry Twist for awhile now — it gives your lips a nice wash of color without being overpowering. A few more of my favorite lip picks: Berry Smoothie, Berry Bomb, Brazen Berry and Vivacious.

Want of match your nails accordingly? Of course you do! I could pin pretty nails for hours, and every brand from Essie to Sally Hansen is bursting at the seams with berry-hued shades. Actually, they’ve got nail polish in every shade of fall. Here are six nailed-it colors (pun intended): Purr-Fact Plum, Bahama Mama, Fluid, Bewitching, Leading Lady and Always Autumn.

What lip and nail combo will you be rocking this season, friends? Any shades you’ve already got in your arsenal? Anything that you’ve been using for awhile and would recommend? I’d love to hear! xoxo

[Lipstick photo via Brit + Co and Glamour; Nail photos via Pinterest]

Holographic nails

How pretty are these holographic nails for summer? The secret, apparently, is embedding pieces of holographic tape or glitter particles into a gel manicure. Imagine how they’d sparkle and shine on a sunny day! xoxo

P.S. An Open Letter of sorts is coming up shortly! 🙂

Watercolor nails for spring

How pretty are these watercolor nails for spring? It’s a pretty simple look to achieve: After applying the base coat, you just use a sponge to dab the colorful polishes on your nails. The little bling adds an extra pop, don’t you think? xoxo

P.S. Holiday nails, emerald nails and creamsicle nails.

[Photos by Small Good Things]

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Because nothing says Happy St. Patrick’s Day like a little almost-spring craftiness. Two of my favorites this year: The DIY shamrock floral crown, above, which would be a cute accessory for a garden party (random fact about me: I’ve always wanted to go to a chic garden party). And…

This DIY gold leaf manicure, because, honestly, gold makes everything better, doesn’t it? Happy day, friends! How are you celebrating? xoxo

P.S. Looks like Chicago isn’t the only city to celebrate the day by dyeing rivers or fountains green!