Get Dressed (See Jane Borrow)

Zara top (similar) + shoes, J Brand boyfriend jeans, borrowed Givenchy bag

I was thrilled when the gorgeous Samantha of Could I Have That approached me to be a part of a project that involved a certain Givenchy bag.  Dressed Boutique of Santa Barbara allowed some of us bloggers to style this gorgeous bag and I jumped at the chance.  I wouldn't dare try to compete with this bag--it's a look all in itself; rather, I kept it simple with a fitted peplum top and boyfriend jeans.  Check out how the other ladies below styled it--I think you'll be quite impressed!

Alicia Cheetah is the New Black

Krystal This Time Tomorrow

Jacey of Damsel in Dior

Tara of The Wonder Girl

Audrey of Casual Glamorous

Kiara of Tobruck Ave

Lynzy of Sparkling Footsteps 

Christine of My Style Pill

Enjoy the (long) weekend, everyone!

Better with Leather (See Jane Lust)

Dorothy Perkins Leather Look Dress

Reiss Susanna Leather Skirt

L'Agence Boucle Leather Trim Jacket

Helmut Lang Leather Leggings

Alexander Wang Leather-Sleeved Coat

Phillip Lim Patent Leather Collar

I've been mulling over leather leggings longer than I'd care to admit.  They are the number one item on my list of fall essentials and that's just the tip of the leather iceberg for me.  Ever since I bought this leather-sleeved coat last spring, I can't stop thinking about leather details.  Even the kid's (ahem) jacket I wore earlier this week had a touch of leather piping.  Have you caught the leather bug, too?

Secret (See Jane Wear)

Zara (kids) jacket, UO shorts (old but similar here), F21 tank, Ann Taylor flats (sold out but loving these), Mulberry bag, Karen Walker sunglasses

It's true...I found this jacket in the kid's section.  I won't apologize--it was more than half the price of the women's jackets and I like it's cropped fit.  If I see a little girl wearing this jacket at the same time as me sometime soon, I won't be embarrassed; instead, I'll be impressed that she likes tweed jackets with leather piping as much as this girl.

Score (See Jane Wear)

Zara top (old), J Brand jeans, Carven flats, Spike the Punch necklace (c/o), Chloe bag (cheaper version), Karen Walker sunglasses

These Carven flats are the sole (get it) thing I purchased from the Barney's infamous warehouse sale online.  I usually have terrible luck at online flash sales so I have no idea how I scored these.  Well, yes I do, as they arrived with a couple of downfalls; they're a smidgen big and sort of uncomfortable (and they're flats--that can't be good). Nevertheless, I love them and it's nothing a sole insert and a couple of band-aids can't remedy!

Fattoush (See Jane Make Her Own Version)

I needed fresh veggies in a bad way this week.  It seems like I've been eating and drinking my way through summer (see: anything fried); while it's been a blast (you see, I love anything fried), it started to take a toll on me.  When I returned to my hometown this past weekend for a friend's (gorgeous) wedding, I was also was able to visit with my family.  I reaped the bounty of my sister's glorious garden; as soon as I had a cucumber and tomato in hand, I knew I'd be making fattoush--a family favorite of mine growing up.  I simply cut up the veggies (see below), added crispy pita, the juice of a whole lemon, about a half cup of EVOO, garlic and salted and peppered liberally (if this was an authentic recipe, I would have used sumac, which I didn't have on hand).  It's not quite as good as the Lebanese food my family would eat growing up at our favorite restaurant, but it definitely hit the spot.

Shirtdress (See Jane Wear)

Parker dress (on sale!), thrifted Gap jacket, Zara heels, Rebecca Minkoff clutch (c/o), Super sunglasses, Giles & Brother nail bracelet

Boy, do I love a good shirtdress.  Its demure silhouette is completely appropriate for the office while at the same time its totally sassy (yes, I went there) enough to wear out at night with a pair of heels and bright clutch.  I added the denim jacket as it's been unusually cool, but in all honesty, I'll take any excuse to bust out the jean jacket as of late.

Extra Pep (See Jane Wear)

Zara jacket (and top underneath), Gap chinos (old), Pour la Victoire wedges, Karen Walker sunglasses, Giles & Brother bracelet

I doubled up on the peplum tops today, even if you can't see the one underneath.  I totally thought it was 'light jacket' weather this morning when I went to work but as the day progressed, I silently scoffed for subjecting myself to additional layers.  With the little cold front we've experienced the past few days, I guess I forgot it was mid-August.  What can I say?  Live and learn.

Dynasty (See Jane Wear)

Joe Fresh top, Madewell leather skirt (sold out but similar), Banana Republic necklace (old), Pour la Victoire wedges,

There's something about turquoise, leather and a slightly feathered 'do that makes me feel all Dynasty-like.  I have a slight obsession with the 80s, but perhaps, this time I've taken it too far.

On an unrelated note, here's a gratuitous picture of my little hambone, Jerome.  He doesn't move much and avoids walking but he does love parking it and people-watching, which can only mean one thing--he IS my son.

Summer Pasta (See Jane Cook)

When the temperatures rise and the grill seems too hot, I always turn to a cold pasta.  I whisked together about half a cup of extra virgin olive oil and the juice of two lemons (and a bit of their zest), added a bit of salt, pepper and mixed it with angel hair pasta.  Then, I added some haphazardly chopped basil and parmesan cheese and in about the time it took for the pasta to boil, dinner was ready (of course, I had it chill in the refrigerator for a bit first).

What do you love to cook during the summer?

Apex (See Jane Wear)

Equipment top, J Crew outlet necklace, Zara pants (last worn here), Karen Walker sunglasses, Chloe bag (similar), Prada wedges

These pieces are a rather obvious combination that I hadn't tried until now.  I must've reached the apex of common sense when I put this top and bottom together.  Well, it's about time; I thought I peaked in high school!

Insta-event (See Jane Document)

I've never been good at remembering to take photos at important events.  I've never had a camera handy and usually miss out on opportune moments.  However, instagram really changed my perspective on this conundrum.  I don't think I've been this excited about pictures since the days of disposable cameras (see: high school).

Here are a few snaps of my weekend celebrating a dear friend/co-worker's wedding in Michigan (which was perfect and so much fun).  You can follow my journey on instagram here.

Quickie (See Jane Wear)

sgdsg

Theory top (old), J Brand Aiden jeans, Pour La Victoire wedges, Chloe bag, Karen Walker sunglasses

Here's some quick snapshots before my weekend starts tomorrow.  I'm off to Michigan for a wedding while most of my Chicago counterparts will be at Lollapalooza.  To all those heading to Chicago for the music festival, welcome to my fair city!  I'll start your tour off right; behind me, you can make out the famed Sears (sorry, I can't call it Willis) Tower, which is one of the many skyscrapers you'll see while watching bands at Grant Park.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Falling Fast (See Jane Get Ahead of Herself)

I should be scouring the ridiculous summer sales (fine, I am) but rather, I'm already making lists of fall trends I can't wait to try.  I blame it on my day job (we think a season ahead), but the truth is, I have a soft spot for autumn.  I love the crisp leaves, the cool air and the fact that it isn't yet winter.  Someone snap me out of it, because who am I kidding--I love warm weather, too.

1 - Metallica // DVF Pauletta Dress (on sale!)

2 - Red-Orange Revolution // Tory Burch Peplum Sweater

3 - Drop Me Off // Camilla and Marc Drop Waist Dress (also love this Joe Fresh version for those in Canada + NYC)

4 - Pattern Play // Rag & Bone Bailey Jacket

5 - To The Point // J. Crew Everly Cap Toe Pumps

6 - Textured Tweed // Topshop Blue Boucle Shorts

What trends are you looking forward to this fall?