The First of Fall

Finally, the last couple of days have dropped to the low 60's and sweaters are slowly making their way toward the front of my closet. We even had the first rain fall of the season yesterday which kept me inside, curled up, watching "The Breakfast Club" and sipping on a warm chai. There's just nothing quite better than finding refuge indoors when it's cold and gloomy outside.

Better yet, this morning I was able to throw on a sweater and boots without breaking into sweat on my long walk to class. It's the simple things in life.

Sweater: T by Alexander Wang / Feather-Drop Earrings: Isabel Marant / Watch: Michael Kors / Booties: Isabel Marant

I picked up this sweater in San Francisco earlier this year and have found myself wearing it through the seasons... with shorts and skirts in the summer, with boots and pants in the fall. Anyway, it's the perfect take on the crop sweater with nice, long sleeves and a quality fabric that doesn't stretch. The earrings I picked up in Paris this Summer at a delightful little concept store called Merci in the Marais which I plan to tell you more about soon. I thought I wasn't in to the whole "feather-trend" until Isabel Marant kindly informed me otherwise. And the boots... what is there to say about the boots. Probably my favorite pair in my closet at the moment. They're casual enough that I can throw them on with anything, yet the combination of the heel and suede instantly heighten any look from boring, to chic. I just couldn't really ask for anything better!

Thursday, I'm off to Portland to enjoy some real Fall weather; visiting friends and family, baking some seasonal treats, and taking my Mom shopping for some new clothes. Can't wait!

À bientôt!

PFW: Carven and Isabel Marant

While the beginning of Fall may be the highlight of my week over here on the West Coast, life across the pond just won't quit raining on my parade. It's simple math really... On one side, we have the return of the pumpkin spice latte and "The Lion King" to select theaters in 3D, and on the other, we have the once-annual nuit blanche and the much anticipated Fashion Week showcasing the Spring/Summer styles of the future.

Like I said... simple math: San Jose < Paris.

Oh la la, what I would give to be in Paris right now. With Paris Fashion Week now in full swing, it has become entirely clear that our closets are in for a fabulous surprise come Spring. And while there are so many great designers turning out some serious eye candy, I just have to share with you two of my Parisian favorites.

CARVEN

First up, we have Carven, one of my absolute favorite French lines that keeps on giving. Genius designer Guillaume Henry has mastered the art of Parisian elegance with a few little surprises of his own... Think cut-outs above the bust, big bows on the chest, short skirts, and luxurious fabrics. For Spring/Summer 2012, I was excited to see Carven get even more playful with some great mismatched prints, bright colors, fun layers, and lots of leather while still holding true to it's coveted reputation as a go-to classic with clean cuts, and feminine shapes.

All photos via Style.com

ISABEL MARANT

And of course, what would a Paris Fashion Week post be without a large dose of Isabel Marant. Seriously, could this line get any stinkin' cooler or what? In an interview backstage with Style.com, Mme. Marant said "she was thinking about what a girl traveling around the world for her summer holidays would pack in her ideal suitcase." I simply couldn't have put it any better myself. Once again, Isabel Marant capitalizes the E in 'Effortless fashion' with messy knits, playful patterns, stylish tie-dye, and even some colorful expressionism à la Jackson Pollock.

All photos via Style.com

Such wondrous creations raise the question: where oh where would we be without the French? Well, one thing's for sure: our lives would seriously be lacking in style and delicious macarons.

I may be missing out on all the fun right now, but I must keep reminding myself... just 6.5 more weeks and I'll be off to Paris with Lily and Francesca to enjoy all of the magnificent splendors Paris has to offer! Until then... let the countdown begin.

À bientôt!

Autumn in the Air: Boots!

Although Fall officially begins at the end of September, I never really get the feeling that the season has started until October hits. Maybe it's because there are so many things going on in September, what with back to school and the end of Summer, or maybe it's the fact that every September for the past three years, I've been leaving beautiful, chilly Oregon for California where the hot weather lingers through the seasons. All the signs of Autumn are here: the pumpkin spice latte has returned to Starbucks, the mornings are a little bit chillier, Halloween superstores are popping up all over the city, and scary movies are starting to come out in the theaters... but regardless, California weather has refused to succumb to the holiday season and the past few weeks have been filled with 85-degree days. However, today is the 1st of October, and it might just be that Portland clock in me, but it's finally starting to feel like Fall. And I couldn't be more pleased.

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. I love the holidays, the decorations, the smells, the excitement that fills the air, and of course the clothes. Finally, I can put my exhausted shorts and tank tops aside and pull out the chunky knits, dark denim, scarves, oversized coats, and best of all, boots. There's just nothing better than stepping out into that crisp, cool, fresh air, all bundled up in your Fall favorites. Unless, that is, you're stepping out in Paris... well then, my friend, you've got it made.

If there's one thing my friends have all been discussing lately, it's what kind of boots to invest in for Fall. I wear boots all throughout the year and believe that the key to finding the perfect pair is to think practically. As a shoe that tends to be more on the expensive side, it's important that you can see yourself wearing them a lot, that they will stand up to the weather, and most importantly, that they are made well. Here are some of my picks for Fall:

Short Boots

Fiorentini + Baker Eli Boot / Madewell Biker Boot / Frye Billy Short Boot

1) Fiorentini + Baker simply make the best boots. I have this exact style and wear them with absolutely everything. They are so well made, break in beautifully, and add a cool, biker edge to any outfit.

2) My friend, Francesca, just bought these Madewell boots in black and loves them. Madewell actually has a ton of great styles this season, and at a great price point to boot (pun intended).

3) Frye is another great quality shoe label that my sister swears by. With so many great styles and colors to choose from, it's hard to pick, but I love these short, distressed cowboy boots thrown on with jeans and an oversized sweater this season.

Heeled Boots

Acne Pistol Short Boots / Alexander Wang Ashley Smooth Leather Boot / Madewell The Suede Zipcode Boot

1) I had my eye on these Acne boots when I was in Paris this summer. Printemps only offered them in black though, and I much prefer this great terracotta color.

2) The Alexander Wang boots I saw at Bergdorf's in NYC a month ago and I pretty much started drooling. They are so beautiful and are the perfect finish to any polished and clean look. Unfortunately, they were all out of my size.

3) Madewell strikes again with these taupe suede booties. They look a lot like the Isabel Marant Dicker boots, but for about half the price. Don't get me wrong, the Isabel Marant's are to die for but they are nearly impossible to find... I had to hunt them down at about 4 different stores in Paris before I got lucky. The sales lady thought I was nuts when I shrieked with excitement as she brought them out in my size.

Tall Boots

Belstaff Jordan Leather Knee Boots / Sendra Equestrian Boot / Aigle Ecuyer Rain Boot

1) These Belstaff boots are an investment for sure, but I just had to include them. The brown leather is gorgeous and I love their sort of distressed quality... just the perfect amount of give and scrunch throughout the calf.

2) What is there to say about the Sendra boots other than the fact that they are magnifique. It can be so hard to find a simple equestrian boot these days, but these ones are great: beautiful shape, an easy zip up the back, and super well-made.

3) Finally, the Aigle boots are pure genius. While they look just like a fabulous leather equestrian boot, they are actually PVC rain boots with great insulation guaranteed to keep your feet warm and dry... in style.

Well that's about all I've got up my sleeve for now. I hope you're all enjoying the Autumn weather, wherever you may be. Happy boot shopping and...

À bientôt!

A Few Things

Denim and colorful bracelets

Stripes and booties

Some more of Emmanuelle Alt looking fantastic

A pop of color on the lips

Gorgeous and healthy hair

All photos via Streetfsn