A Million Things

Man, what a freakin' week! We had something going on or someplace to be every single day; JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes supporting two of our good friends, Girl Scouts, volleyball practice, gymnastics, homework, squeezing in gym time, half ass cooking, a mean game of Scrabble with Ross, World Series, San Antonio Spurs season opener (win #1) and Halloween prepping. I am one tired woman, a happy woman nonetheless. I like staying busy. It keeps me out of trouble and out of the stores. :)

Forever 21 Rib Knit Cape // Old Navy Denim // Liz Claiborne Riding Boots via JcPenney // French Connection Tote c/o (on sale) // Wrenn Jewelry Necklaces & Rings c/o // Daniel Wellington Watch c/o // Leather Wrap c/o Nordstrom (option here)

The weather actually cooled down a bit yesterday and I have had this ribbed knit cape waiting in the wings. It will also be a great piece as we glide into the winter season. I plan on wearing long sleeves under the cape and already envisioning stripes or a white button down paired with faux leather leggings. NOW UNTIL NOVEMBER 2nd, GET 20% OFF YOUR PURCHASE AT FOREVER 21. You know this made my week a little brighter. Use the code F21FRIEND at checkout. You're welcome.

Below are 15 of my favorites. I promise they're worth the scroll!

Since I am unable to layer many clothing items just yet, I decided to layer my Wrenn Jewelry necklaces to get my fix. These are great holiday gift ideas for all the ladies in your life. I own about 20+ of her pieces and they are a mix and matcher's dream. Is matcher a word? Oh well, it is today.

Alrighty ladies, as you can tell by reading I am all over the place. I have a million things to get done before 5:30's witching hour. Have so much fun tonight if you are celebrating Halloween and dressing up. I can't wait to see all the costumes. I will be stalking Instagram all night. Be safe! See you Monday.

Pearls + Plaid

One of my favorite things is plaid...on anything. It's just so easy to style and literally goes with everything. The print mixing abilities are endless and layering possibilities are the ultimate for fall and winter style.

I must say though, sometimes plaid speaks for itself and looks just as fabulous and effortless standing alone with a favorite pair of denim, ankle boots, fun accessories and a basic tote. That was my mindset when I was styling this top. I tend to over think outfits from time to time and going back to simple basic styles like this one is a sure way to feel comfortable and stylish without much thought. 

Life can get insanely busy and calendar complicated. We are always in a rush with the kids, work, dinner, errands and all the added appointments/commitments in between. It's refreshing to be able to put together a style that is timeless and appropriate for a busy week or even a laid back weekend. This one just works and I fully intend on repeating and swapping out similar items to replicate the causal fall look.

JcPenney Joe Fresh Plaid Top // Gray Denim (old: very similar here and here) // Wallis Gray Ankle Boots c/o // French Connection Tote c/o // Forever 21 Necklaces (option here and here) // Daniel Wellington Watch c/o

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 

 

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Dressing for Texas

If you are living in warmer climates, today is a fun way to dress the seasonal part without dropping of a heat stroke in 2.25 seconds. I received my October Golden Tote package in the mail last week. And, oh my word...I LOVED it all. Unfortunately, this blouse was the only piece that I could immediately wear. Everything else was, you guessed, heavier items that are far from Texas appropriate. I promise to show you guys what I got as soon as I can...think the cutest infinity scarf, collegiate sweater and tartan hooded top. 

My love for scarves this time of year is undeniable. I want to wear them with everything, but like I said a second ago, the weather isn't cooperating. So, instead of being defeated, I styled this scarf tucked under a belt. It's not restrictive around my neck, but still adds the element of a fall layer. Here is another way I wore a scarf that didn't require wrapping or knotting around my neck. 

By wearing lighter pieces on top, a short sleeve blouse and skirt, I was able to get by with riding boots. Because they are on my feet and not around my body, I can wear them comfortably without getting overheated. It's an easy way to incorporate fall pieces into your outfit without sacrificing comfort.

Golden Tote Blouse c/o // J. Crew Factory Skirt (go down one or two sizes) // Cream Scarf (old: option here) // MIA Boots (old: option here and here) // Gigi New York Clutch c/o // Costa Del Mar Sunglasses (option here)  // Sweet Tea Jewels Bangles c/o 

If you haven't heard of Golden Tote you can go to this post or read below. I will make it quick.

It's an online site where you have the option of choosing between 2 different levels of service. You can select the 2-3 item tote for $49 (a $200 value) or 5-7 item tote for $149 (up to $600 value). If you aren't interested in a tote, you can always shop their boutique for individual items. 

Keep in mind that Golden Tote is NOT a monthly subscription. You can try it out once, if you like it you can come back next month, every other month, once a quarter or even send as a gift to someone else.  

If you want to give Golden Tote a try, you can sign up here. I highly recommend it and hope you all know that I never share companies or products that I don't 100% believe in or have not have tried for myself.

P.S. In case you are worried about receiving an item that doesn't suit your style preference, there is a Golden Tote trading group on Facebook where you can exchange pieces from your tote. 

Subtle Sparkle with White Plum + $50 Giveaway

Today I am chatting about a boutique that I had the pleasure of being introduced to several months back. White Plum Boutique is a fun place to shop online, discover the latest trends and at an affordable price point.

Most days I am all about comfort, but still want to look "put together" and stylish. Fall is the best time of year to embrace layering and play with accessories. Both the cardigan and top are from White Plum Boutique and are perfect for warmer weather climates. They are light weight, can easily be remixed with other items in your closet and add a party to any elbow

I fell in love with the subtle sequins on the elbows of this cardigan. While it's a basic piece, it also adds a bit of sass and sparkle. It's the perfect length to wear with leggings and cover your backside. The stripe tunic holds a special place in my heart because it's the colors of my alma mater...GO TEXAS STATE! I should have taken pictures without the cardigan...nice after thought once I was editing. Anyway, it has camel colored patches sewn to the elbow area as well. You can see more pictures here.

White Plum Sequin Elbow Patch Cardigan c/o // White Plum Stripe Tunic c/o // Old Navy Leggings // T+J Designs Clutch c/o (sold out: similar here) // Tassel Necklace (option here) // MIA Boots (old: super similar here and here) // Target Hat (sold out: option here and here) // Gorjana Ring c/o

White Plum Boutique has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader $50 credit to their store. You can also use the code SHANNASAIDSO at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase. This is valid until October 29th. 

Happy shopping and good luck! Enjoy your weekend.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

*Thank you to White Plum for partnering with me on this post. Compensation and clothing was provided, but all opinions and content remain 100% my own.

Double Check

Sometimes when something is so good it needs double the attention. Take for example this check dress from Old Navy. I wore it here about a month ago with my cowgirl boots for a girls trip to a wine festival. This time around I wanted to add a little bit of edge with my gray leather jacket and ankle boots both from Wallis. This dress is probably one of my favorite purchases this season. Not only is it super affordable, but the versatility goes for miles. When the weather cools down, I plan on wearing it with my riding boots or with tights. I think many of you would agree about what a fab friend it is because it's VERY close to being sold out. Only a few sizes are left.

In case you are wondering, I purchased the tall medium. I am 5'7. As you can see the length hits right above my knees and provides just the right amount of room to move comfortably.

If there is one print that I am overly obsessed with this season it has to be buffalo check/plaid. I am so happy that it came back in full force again this year. I have worn my scarf in the same pattern more times than I count...see some inspiration here and here. I plan on adding a button down top to my closet and came so close to buying this wrap jacket at Target. I am still contemplating on going back and getting it. What do y'all think?

Below are a few buffalo plaid pieces that I found while doing a little online shopping. Pair it with denim, leather, boots, leggings, dresses or be daring and pattern mix with some leopard! I promise you won't be sorry if you grab a piece or two. Happy shopping and thanks for stopping by! 

Old Navy Drop Waist Check Dress  (love this one too!)// Wallis Leather Jacket c/o // Wallis Gray Ankle Boots c/o // Forever 21 Chambray (option here and here) // Forever 21 Bag (option here and here) // Rings: Wrenn Jewelry & Gorjana c/o // Miriam Merenfeld Necklace c/o  Forever 21 Sunglasses

SHOP THE LOOK

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 
 

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Reinvented White

We all know the old rule of thumb, right? Do not wear white after Labor Day. I think every style blogger has touched on this subject and I am no different. The taboo of wearing white was tossed out the window several years ago and I am another voice giving the two thumbs up. Trust me. It is OKAY to wear white after Labor Day and I highly recommend keeping a basic white dress in your closet line-up. However, I do suggest packing up white linen, shoes and shorts until spring, but other than that, you are good to go.

White is a blank canvas for style inspiration. I chose a structured blazer, gold accessories, quilted bag and animal print booties to compliment a simple white dress. This works well if the temperatures are still on the warmer side in your area. You don't need to bundle up in scarves, hats and riding boots to be fall appropriate. Pairing what you already have hanging from the spring/summer months with new purchases for the current season is a cost effective way to expand your closet and daily wardrobe. 

Speaking of animal print, as you may or may not know, I believe leopard is 100% a neutral. I think I was born believing it, just ask my girlfriends. They have blackmail pictures of me from many moons ago wearing full-on leopard. I still have no shame in it. I was trying to make a statement. 

Anyway, I got the leopard boots I am wearing today from Target last year. To be honest, I bought them because they were on MAJOR clearance and justified my purchased by telling myself that I would wear them enough times for such a great price. Yep, I was right. Better yet, leopard ankle boots are still a "thing" this season and there are so many adorable and affordable options out there. Take a look at some of the options I found:

Banana Republic Factory Dress (old: similar here and here) // Merona Target Blazer // Target Leopard Booties (old: love these and these) // Double Knot Tassel Necklace (option here) // Forever 21 Quilted Crossbody (old: great option here and here) // Wrenn Jewelry Rings & Bangle c/o // Lookbook Store Mirror Belt c/o

CREATE THE LOOK

P.S. While I was editing pictures and writing this post, I kept scratching my head trying to figure out why this outfit seemed so familiar. Well, it turns out that I wore an almost identical look last year. Ha! I guess I tweaked the wheel a little bit. I told you a white dress was a fall champion.