Finally Winter

So, winter is a real thing and I am not prepared.

If you're wondering how or why I'm wearing this outfit in the middle of New York's battle against #blizzard2016 a.k.a. #stormJonas, let me assure you that this is not what I've been wearing. This is. I wore this during my last few days as a southern belle in Atlanta, where winters are reasonably cold, which is to say, not cold at all.

"And that brings me to the question I've been asking myself all weekend while trapped by the storm: how the hell do people do real winters?"

And that brings me to the question I've been asking myself all weekend while trapped by the storm: how the hell do people do real winters? I mean, if I wanted to make this combination work for a northern winter I would need a couple of very important additions.

First things first, I would need to do something about the bare legs. A pair of leggings maybe? No, two pairs for sure. Then, all the things my mother warned me I would need: gloves, a scarf and a heavier coat. As far as the hat, I listened to you on that one, mom. I regret ever doubting you. Please send help.

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A Million Bucks

You know that old saying, "It ain't fall until the fur comes out," right? No? Well, it's a thing, I promise. At least for me, it is. I can't put my finger on it, but wearing fur makes me feel like a million bucks, so the minute it gets cold enough to pull this vest out, I'm doing it.

The only dream I have at this present moment is to somehow live a life where luxurious fur coats, vests & shawls are a part of my everyday wardrobe.

Speaking of things I can't quite put my finger on, can anyone tell me why/how Thanksgiving is this week? I know everyone is already asking it, but where did 2015 go? I feel like it was just yesterday that I was laying out my goals and dreams for the year. See proof here.

The only dream I have at this present moment is to somehow live a life where luxurious fur coats, vests and shawls are a part of my everyday wardrobe. Silly, perhaps, but if there was something that made you feel like a million bucks, you'd want it all the time, too, no?

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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Going, Going

Let me preface this post with a warning: you may become very sick of how often you are going to hear me talk about New York. It's going to happen a lot. My life is currently revolving around my move back, and I couldn't be happier.

There are moments when I feel like I might get knocked over, but who has time for that? I've got to get packing for my trip to New York.

I also couldn't be busier. There are moments when I feel like I might get knocked over, but who has time for that? I've got to get packing for my trip to New York.  A trip that's happening this week – in two days, to be exact.

If it sounds like I'm complaining, I swear I'm not (no time for that, either). More than anything, I'm just really freakin' excited to start prepping my move back. And if I have to go non-stop for a few months to prepare for it, I think I can manage.

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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Trying It

No matter how much black I wear, I will never convincingly be an "edgy-chic fashion girl." I love colors, patterns, and over-accessorizing far too much. But, I will say this: it sure as hell is fun trying.

"You can't just wear over-the-knee boots, you know what I mean? You have to wear them."

So, say hello to me trying. These boots have been on my lust list since last fall, although it took an attitude boost to feel like I could pull them off. You can't just wear over-the-knee boots, you know what I mean? You have to wear them.

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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Fall, Officially

Before the true chill of fall set in this past weekend, I was able to give my old summer crop top one last hurrah before I packed it up for good. So long sliver of midriff; fall is most definitely here.

"Burgundy, wine, oxblood or whatever the kids are calling it these days, is the unofficial official color of fall."

And, to welcome it, I give you my go-to color combo for this time of year.  Burgundy, wine, oxblood or whatever the kids are calling it these days, is the unofficial official color of fall.  Don't question me on it, because I really don't know why. It just feels right.

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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Fall Booties Under $30

Whenever fall rolls around, I get a little too excited about getting to pull out my booties. This year, I added two new pairs to round out my collection.

"I also feel like I should admit that I came this close to naming this post 'Miss New Bootie', because, well, why not?"

To my pleasant surprise, I didn't have to break the bank to do so, which is always nice. I also feel like I should admit that I came this close to naming this post 'Miss New Bootie', because, well, why not?

I already have a pair of black ankle booties, but because they have gold hardware accents, they aren't my go-to pair for every outfit. These boots are simple enough to be worn whenever an outfit calls for black booties. I anticipate wearing these non-stop. 

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Fringe is a major fall trend, and I wanted to work it into my wardrobe in a subtle way without spending too much. My rule is to keep trendy items under $30, so these boho pair were perfect. 

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Just Go

There's something special about those mornings when you wake up before your alarm clock with enough time to make your favorite breakfast, turn up your motivational playlist and leisurely get dressed and made-up for what will very likely be a kick-ass day. 

Unfortunately for me, those indulgent mornings don't happen often. Most times I spring out of bed on a mission to beat the clock and get where I'm going. And on those days, an outfit like this is my best friend.

"Most times I spring out of bed on a mission to beat the clock and get where I'm going. And on those days, an outfit like this is my best friend."

This comfy draped tunic is the easiest to throw over my worn in ripped denim. With fall in the air, I've already pulled out my favorite booties and utility jacket. Altogether, it makes it easy for me to just get up and go.

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The So Retro Striped Drape Top was c/o of Living Doll L.A. and Living Doll Plus. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by the brand. Use code LULULINDEN20 to get your order 20% off. 

Fall Lust List

As much as I enjoy a good treat yo'self shopping spree, I do love being able to update my closet on a one-stop shopping trip. This fall, Old Navy delivered.  I found every staple I could need to get me through fall, and all at very pocket-friendly prices, because after all, I am a struggling college student.

My absolute favorite find is their parka. It fits like a dream, and is more feminine than a traditional, bulky one. If you're still on the hunt for a fall bag, their bucket bag is pretty perfect. No closet revamp is complete without some new pumps, and I always go for theirs because the heel height is practical.

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Hello, September

Ready or not, here fall comes, and the best thing to do is just embrace it. Instead of mourning the loss of summer, I'm making grand plans to welcome September — a to-do list, if you will.

1. What better way to start fall than with a little treat yo'self action? My girlfriend and I already have the appointment booked here for next weekend.

2. Binge watch season 4 of The Mindy Project the minute Hulu releases it on September 15th. I can't wait to catch up with my fictional best friend, Mindy Lahiri.

3. Finally grab one of those must-have Shake Shack burgers everyone's been going mad for. One opened in Atlanta not to loo long ago, and I have to see if it's worth the hype.

4. Banana Walnut Bread is one of my favorite fall comfort foods, and this month I want to try this recipe. It might be dangerous if I do learn how to, though. I'd make one every week.

5. I've finished my light summer reads, and I want to get into something a little darker. Broken Monsters has been on my list since last fall, so I'll be curling up with it this month.

6. Wine lips, here I come. I love pulling out moody make-up for fall, and I'll be looking for a new burgundy color to play with this season. Maybe this one?

What do you want to cross off your list this September?

In Transition

If you have the strong urge to start layering everything in your closet right now, just know, I'm there with you. This weekend there was the faintest tease of of fall in the air, so I made a mad dash to my closet and dug out anything layer-worthy.

I've got sweaters, vests and jackets ready to go as soon as the first crunchy leaf falls. Just don't tell my denim cutoffs. As you can see, they're still pleading the case for summer. It would be fair to say I'm a little closet confused right now. 

"For every cool, almost autumn day, mother nature serves one that reminds you that summer ain't going nowhere."

Luckily, this draped tunic is light enough to bridge the seasonal gap. And, living in the south, that's a quality your clothes need, because for every cool, almost-autumn day, Mother Nature serves one that reminds you that summer ain't going nowhere.

photos by Kaye McCoy

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The So Retro Striped Drape Top was c/o of Living Doll L.A. and Living Doll Plus. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by the brand. Use code LULULINDEN20 to get your order 20% off.