BOOT OBSESSION

I am LOVING this colder weather. I hate being cold, but I like it to feel like the holidays; it's hard to get into the spirit when it's still acceptable to go without a jacket or a sweater...

Recently, I went to Austin to celebrate my my mom and sister's birthday. I still can't believe my baby sister is 20!

Plus, I finally got a chance to wear my new trench coat! I've always wanted one, and I love the zipper detail on this one, it keeps it kind of edgy while still being classic. It kinda makes me want to solve mysteries. Edgy mysteries.

I'm also in love with this chair. Anyone who's been to my apartment knows my penchant for all things cowhide (sorry, PETA..) and this chair is amazing. I found it at the Oasis, where we went for a fun birthday lunch. I still can't believe how gorgeous Lake Travis is...going there there automatically made it feel like a vacation. Water = vacation. Apparently. 

As the post title states, I'm also super excited about these boots I picked up on our way to Austin. I've been looking for a good casual bootie to wear with skinny pants and over-sized tops, and these by Report are so perfect. Plus they have some serious treads on the bottom, perfect if you are somewhat prone to slipping or falling when in heels...(like me.)

Worn with black legging jeans, sequin top, and mohair cardigan, all from Madewell. The trench is Madewell, as well.

Taking advantage of the gorgeous view.

I look forward to lots of holiday posts soon!! I hope everyone is having a great week!

ALEXA CHUNG FOR MADEWELL AND A RESTAURANT WITH NO NAME

So earlier this month we got the Alexa Chung stuff in at work. I'll admit, it took me a little bit of time to warm up to it, but after seeing it in person and trying most of it on, I think she has some really great pieces.

We had the most adorable party to kick it off--complete with tea and cookies--but employees actually weren't allowed to buy it at all until quite recently. Frustrating, to say the least, as the hype made the sell-out risk greater than usual.

When we did get the go ahead, I purchased this sketchbook tee. (worn with an Idra leather jacket, American Apparel skirt, Sam Edelman flats, Linea Pelle bracelet, and vintage Coach bag) 

I also managed to get one of our last pairs of velvet shorts, which I'm sure to be doing a post on later...I've gotten very into velvet lately. Wishful thinking for fall, I suppose. I also really wish we had gotten in the Silk Margot Skirt. I was dying to see that one in person. I'm not really sure it's my style, but I have a feeling I could have made an exception...

Rarely do I enjoy a graphic tee, but I really like this one's simplicity and whimsy. I love how it looks with a leather jacket; kind of rocker, but without looking too juvenile. 

While in downtown Mckinney, I also tried this new burger place recommended by my mom. The fact that they had whole wheat buns (the turkey and salmon burgers are to die for) had me hooked, and the decor was absolutely awesome. Especially the ceiling...

It'd actually seen this place before, but never known what it was called because the sign simply has a picture of a burger incased in a square in lieu of a name. Come to find out, the name of it is "Square Burger." How clever...

LEATHER LEGGINGS

One of the biggest items on my fall wish list was a pair of leather leggings. I finally managed to snag these by Blank Denim on Ebay the other day for a great price. (I've gotten kind of addicted to Ebay lately...)

I was worried they were going to be a little short, but they're actually the perfect length for heels.

They also have moto seaming on the knees...love that kind of detail on a leather pant.

Worn with a T Los Angeles for Barney's Co-Op shirt, Madewell jersey scarf, and Lucky Brand beanie. 

SUMMER IN THE CITY

I am so over summer.

In most places, that would be fine, but in Texas we still have a good two months before it will actually feel like fall. I walked into Hobby Lobby yesterday for painting supplies, and they already have out holiday decorations up until Christmas! Early? Yes. But I am already so excited; the holidays are my favorite time of year.

That being said, I decided to snap myself out of the haze of wanting to wear jackets and scarves and pull together an outfit that looked decidedly more summery.

I love this vest; I swear I don't wear it enough. Something about it makes it slightly tough to style for me...especially if the goal is to be edgy, which it usually is.

Vest, Madewell. Worn with boots and dress, both also from Madewell. Linea Pelle Bracelets, and the Free People necklace I was obsessed with at the beginning of the summer.

IN WITH THE OLD

I recently took some time to assess my current wardrobe situation and get rid of pieces that I haven't worn in a substantial amount of time...not an easy task. I tend to get caught up in how beautiful certain items are in their own right, even if they don't really fit my style anymore...

 The one exception? Full skirts. I have a couple that I admittedly don't often wear, but couldn't bear to part with. As a way to convince myself I should keep them, I decided to play around with styling my favorite one...

I love that the zipper down the front makes it a little edgier, which isn't a quality commonly found on this silhouette.

Worn with Guess heels and a silk button down, studded belt, and socks, all from Madewell.

IT'S SO HAUTE OUTSIDE...

I swung by Nordstom Rack yesterday before work and found this amazing sequined Haute Hippie skirt at such a ridiculous price; I still can't believe my luck... 

I love how it's neutral, but not boring and flashy without looking ridiculous for day. Haute Hippie does this so well...

Worn with a t-shirt and necklace from Madewell (www.madewell.com), 3.1 Phillip Lim leather jacket, and Dolce Vita Raleigh wedges.

This little guy was running around while we were taking pictures...isn't he adorable?!

I'm over these 100 degree temps, I think he has the right idea. This looks so refreshing right about now...