Blown Away (See Jane Wear)

UO dress, Zara jacket, Banana Republic necklace (old), Chanel flats

I told you I was into drop waist dresses.  I've already worn this baby twice since Saturday (different audiences--that's my trick of the trade).  Once winter comes, I will definitely be pairing it with tights while layering a turtleneck underneath; it's just one of those all season dresses (and it's a smidgen short when the wind blows, so it's probably best that way).  Speaking of wind, contrary to what these pictures portray, I don't have a combover.  Just another fall day in the Windy City!

Sweater Weather (See Jane Wear)

J Crew sweater (sold out but heart version here), Old Navy chambray shirt, H&M jeans (old but similar), Pour la Victoire wedges, F21 necklace, Chloe bag (cheaper version), Karen Walker sunglasses

Time to bust out the sweaters--it's below 60 degrees!  Fall is such an enticing time of year; the aromas, chunky knits and cozy meals are downright glamorous.  The whirlwind romance goes well into the holiday season when we're swept away by twinkling lights, snow and winter festivities.  Once January rolls around, the honeymoon is over and you're begging for warm weather again.  I guess what I'm getting at is to treasure these blustery, cool days now; remember how excited you were to bust out the cold-weather clothing when you're scraping ice off your windshield in April.

Big Plans (See Jane Wear)

H&M blazer (old but love this similar one), Club Monaco blouse, Patterson J. Kincaid skirt, Gap boots, LV neverfull

So, I bit the bullet yesterday and finally ordered some leather pants that I've been wanting for the past year or so (Theory friends and family is going on!).  I'm leathered out this year and this navy skirt is the recent addition to my arsenal.  I had a gift card to Cusp and wanted to buy something a little different--a statement piece, if you will.  However, I have a feeling this skirt is going to get a lot of use this winter; I'm already envisioning pairing it with black tights and a roaring fireplace.

The Drop Waist (See Jane Learn)

Ever since its mainstream emergence in the Roaring 20s, the drop waist seems to come in and out of style every so often (I'm pretty sure one of my homecoming dresses had one).  The drop waist piques my interest and I admire its ability to continually evolve.  Whether it's in shirt of dress form, the drop waist has proven that it's here in fashion for the long haul.  While they're similar, don't confuse it with the other hit trend of 2012--the peplum (which is just a ruffle or gathering of fabric at the waist).

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1. Thakoon Addition Leather Skirt Drop Dress

2. Dorothy Perkins Jacquard Drop Waist Dress

3. Issa Pleated Dress
4. ASOS Jeweled Collar (channel the flappers and jazz up the drop waist)

Also, one of my favorite e-retailers has teamed up with InStyle for the chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree to ASOS (I'm buying this drop waist dress for a bachelorette party in a couple weeks).  Sign up here to enter (it ends Friday)!

Operation Fall (See Jane Wear)

Zara jacket (old but similar), J Crew top, Theory skirt, Ann Taylor flats (sold out but this is a great pair for fall), vintage (was my grandmother's) belt,  Karen Walker sunglasses, Marc Jacobs bag (old but recent version here)

Fall is a-coming which means I have a lot of leather purchases up my sleeve (pun intended).  I blame this coat that I bought last spring--its leather sleeves only perpetuated my addiction.  Next up--leather leggings?

On Repeat (See Jane Wear...Again)

Zara kids jacket (similarly priced here), Old Navy chambray shirt, Gap skirt (old but similar here), Carven flats

I can't seem to take off this little tweed number; I've even slept in it a few nights (kidding).  But really, I've worn it a handful of times since I bought it a few weeks back and I'm just asking to run into a little girl wearing it.  Should we have a walk off?

Black Bag (See Jane Hunt)

There's nothing more classic than a basic, black bag, which makes the decision to purchase one that much harder for me.  I already hem and haw when looking for a new bag, and rightfully so--they're expensive and one would hope that it will last decades.  I'm looking for that perfect black bag that's not too trendy, but not too practical either; I want to be able to carry it out at night but also slide a laptop in it when need be.  Any recommendations?  I'd love to hear them (if you're willing to share)!

1. Rochas Textured Tote
2. Mulberry Dorset Bag
3. YSL Muse bag
4. Celine Trapeze bag
5. 3.1 Phillip Lim Lark 

School Days (See Jane Wear)

Club Monaco blouse (old but similar here), Crewcuts sweater, Zara skirt (old but similar here), J Crew heels , Marc Jacobs bag (old but similar here), Super sunglasses

I'm not sure, why, but elements of this outfit brings me back to my days at an all-girls high school.  We'd pair our navy skirt with either a solid or patterned button down oxford and sometimes a nubby sweater or classic blazer on top (school emblem in tact, of course).  There is a significant difference, though--our skirts definitely weren't this short, unless, of course, we gave it a good roll at the waist before heading out to the mall (to buy clothes for the weekend) or to check out the hunks over at the all-boys school.  ...Or maybe this outfit reminds me of my youth because I'm wearing a kids' top again (this is getting ridiculous). 

Rut (See Jane Wear)

Zara top (sold out but similar here), F21 pants (similar), unknown gold bracelet, Acanthus rings (c/o), Pour la Victoire wedges, LV bag, thrifted jean jacket

Another peplum, another day in my office stairway--it's a telltale sign that I'm in a bit of a rut.  I'm hoping that the upcoming cooler temperatures will spark some inspiration into my brain.  I'm itching to get creative with my clothes, again.

Adieu (See Jane Wear)

Gap tank (worn here), F21 jeans (old), Carven flats (last seen here), Chloe bag, Karen Walker sunglasses, unknown chain bracelet (similar)

I don't believe in the whole "no white after Labor Day" rule but I do have an internal block against wearing such summery outfits once September starts.  I'll still be wearing white pieces here and there but I'm saying goodbye to the super seasonal ensembles.  So, adieu summer; you snuck up on me and now you're fading fast--until next year!