Life is worth dressing up for.
I thought it might be fun to put together a wish list of some of the recent fall items I've had my eyes on and would definitely buy if money wasn't a factor. I mean, hey...a girl can dream right?! Or maybe I can just live vicariously through some of you all if you purchase any of these adorable pieces!? :) From pretty plaid and colorful coats to long sleeve dresses, trouser pants, and felt hats: here are just a handful of my favorite fall finds!
Skirt: Madewell || Shirt: Old Navy || Hat: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) || Heels: Jessica Simpson (DSW)
Skirt: Madewell || Shirt: Old Navy || Hat: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) || Heels: Jessica Simpson (DSW) || Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar)
When I'm dressing for fall, I like to add a few ladylike details. One of the biggest trends we're seeing this season is a floppy felt hat. The flowly structure gives you that girly look while still keeping your head warm during the inevitable cool weather. It's effortlessly chic plus it's perfect for a dirty hair day! (ie more time sleeping in!)
Layering is key for autumn and can add a feminine touch to any outfit. I like wearing a jean jacket over my shoulders because I think it's a really fun way to update your wardrobe and give you that classic, 1950's style. Of course when it's really cold, you do need to actually wear it! :)
Some of the other ladylike details I adore from this look are the perforated holes in a stripe pattern on my midi skirt and the cute words that read "Live, Love, Laugh" on my top. (Note: This shirt actually has navy stripes...don't be afraid to pair black with navy or plum and navy. And while mixing colors, textures and patterns might seem risky, it really can have a big payoff! My advice is keep it subtle; you can't go wrong.)
This ensemble was inspired by Bayleigh Bingham, a sweet girl I met while hosting my New York Fashion Week video for Loehmann's. Her street style was definitely one of my favorites and I seriously wanted to steal her hat! (see her full look in my Top 30 List). It made me want to take my summer midi skirt and transition it for fall with the right accessories. Fashion tip: Try wearing a sweater with your midi skirt to get even more wear out of it this season!
Laura Perkins and Kiki Kapral Dress: Madewell || Heels: Aldo
MacKenzie Mauzy and Laura Perkins
Laura and Matthew Perkins (Writer/Director of The Little Tin Man)
Catherine Quinn O'Neill, Angela Francine Popplewell and Laura Perkins Crop Top: American Apparel || Skirt: Urban Outfitters || Heels: Aldo || Earrings: Alexis Bitar
Carly Creighton and Laura Perkins
My husband's first feature film, The Little Tin Man, recently opened on October 3rd!! I don't think words can express how extremely proud I am of him. He has been working on this passion project for 10 years and now the world can finally see it (it's available nation-wide On Demand)! This has been a long journey with a lot of blood, sweat and tears so I can't even begin to tell you how incredibly grateful we were for the amazing review from the New York Times! It was definitely an example to us of God's faithfulness.
The Little Tin Man is an indie darling about not giving up on your dreams. One of my favorite lines from the film is what Lead Actor Kay Cannon (Writer of 30 Rock, New Girl and Pitch Perfect) says to Star Aaron Beelner, "If you're going to have one regret, please don't let it be that you never tried." That is such a good reminder for me, especially in this season that I'm in.
But, okay - let's talk fashion! I'm not gonna lie, I had the hardest time figuring out what to wear for Opening Weekend. I'll admit it was one of those moments where I tried on like 50 things in my closet! I don't know about you but when something is really important, I like to wear something new. But since I was on a bit of a budget, I was determined to find something in my closet that appeared to be new! So after much thought, on the first night I decided to wear a black fitted pencil skirt with a black crop top and statement earrings. (I seriously almost put a flannel shirt around my waist because we were in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (just kidding! Although maybe that would have been cool!?). The second night I decided to wear this burgundy fit and flare dress with leather trim around the neck. I realized I had worn this to the Napa Film Festival, Austin Film Festival and Naples International Film Festival so I figured it was only fitting to wear it in New York for the theatrical release!
And I have to thank all my sweet friends who made it out to the Opening Weekend screenings to celebrate with us! We are so appreciative of your support! It really meant so much to us! Love you guys!!
Jeans: Abercrombie (old) || T-shirt: Old Navy || Shoes: Madewell
When I see DIY, I usually think to myself, that's really cool but I don't think I have time for this "Do It Yourself" craft. Well if you can relate, don't be scared by this post! You can do it! And if you're on a budget, like me, you sometimes have to choose a DIY version to get the trend on a dime! In 2004 I used to absolutely love these ripped Abercrombie jeans (yes, in college I wore all Abercrombie all the time!). So I decided to hold onto them...for 10 years! Recently, I wanted to figure out a way I could wear them again as the ever-so-trendy distressed boyfriend jean. But the outdated sown in capri length was holding me back. My only option was to cut out the cuffed hem. I'll admit I was nervous at first but once I made the cut, I was so happy! I had the length I wanted to then roll them up "boyfriend jean style."
T-shirt: J.Crew || Jeans: Abercrombie (old) || Heels: Guess (DSW) || Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique
My next DIY creation was turning an old pair of skinny jeans into an edgier ripped style (specifically with a hole in the knee) that we're seeing in all the stores. I took these black skinny jeans that are maybe 4 years old and decided to cut about half an inch (it widens once it's on) at the top of my knee. I'll admit I google imaged "ripped black skinny jeans" and "skinny jeans with hole in the knee" before I got started! I was debating between a hole on one knee or two (I've seen it done both ways) but decided for now to just do one hole/one knee. Who knows, maybe I'll do the other side!? Note: Make sure to try them on first and make a slit so you know exactly where to cut. My advice is to start out smaller, try them on again and then see if you'd rather make the hole bigger. The good news is you can't really mess it up. All distressed jeans are unique. Plus it takes about 2 seconds and now you've completely updated your denim look!
T-shirt: J.Crew || Jeans: Urban Outfitters || Heels: Old Navy || Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique
