Summer to Fall Transition - Blazers

Tomorrow I leave for San Francisco, and I couldn't be more excited MAINLY because I'll get to escape the 100 degree weather in Arizona. Packing for this trip was a delight because I got to pull out my blazers! YAY! As I started to put my outfits together, I realized how essential blazers are to my wardrobe in helping me transition from warm weather to cool. Think about it, you can wear them with shorts, sundresses, jeans, skirts and pants, and they magically pump your outfit up a notch. If you don't own a classic black, navy or gray blazer, put it on the list for your wardrobe this year. Seriously, it will be worth the investment. If you already have the basics, add a plaid blazer or a bright cherry or teal one.

Check out some inspiration below and get shopping!

Photos: Sincerely, Jules, J.Crew, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Fashion Gone Rogue

Menswear - Pattern Mix Up

For the first time, I really feel like menswear is coming alive. I'm seeing more accessories, more color risks and much more mixing and matching of patterns. The winter is the perfect time to mix herringbone, hounds-tooth, plaid, tartan and striped patterns. This goes for women's clothing too!

And, if you want to go a step further, mix textures as well...A striped knit tie, mixed with a wool herringbone jacket and a silk hounds-tooth pocket square.

 I'm SO inspired by this trend, I already have something in the works to incorporate it in a photo shoot. I'm looking forward to sharing it soon. =) In the mean time, start getting creative and shopping for patterns!

Photos: Unknown, Gant, The Fashionisto, So Much Light,  G The Gentelman

ACNE

It's not a secret that I lean toward simple, clean clothing design. My house even reflects this same contemporary aesthetic. I'm thinking I need to visit Sweden more and more each day.

In all fashion seriousness though, my desire is to have timeless pieces that can be styled in a fashion forward way and will last a long time. That's why I really love ACNE. I feel like their clothing spans age groups, and can be easily dressed up OR down.

Think about it, you can add chunky jewelry and a fur vest to make it feel younger or add nothing to appear more mature and sophisticated. You can also add a leather jacket and motorcycle boots to look causal or strappy heels and cocktail rings for a night out.

ACNE also does a great job about thinking of the functionality of their clothing. The fabrics are quality, the cuts are comfortable, and there's always a designer detail touch suck as an asymmetric zipper to give a piece an edge.

This clothing brand gets overlooked, but I encourage you to check out their fall collection! I especially like to view designer clothes on my-wardrobe.com because they show items by themselves, as well as in a styled look.

Canvas Prints

So, I'm in the process of hanging things on the walls of my house, FINALLY. After several days of painting, I'm tired of staring at blank walls. One of the items that I'm so happy to hang is this 8x10 wrapped canvas that Easy Canvas Prints created for me. I wanted to make something inspiring for my office, so I decided to use a sketch by Sarah Ingham of the "paint dress," which was the project that really reminded me what my true passion has been all along - fashion.

It was working on that project with a group of architects from my old job, and then having our design win an award when I truly realized what I was missing in my life. After that moment the chase to be in the fashion started.

But, of course, I can't forget the One who I believe has given me the opportunity to pursue this passion - God. I often times forget why I'm simply breathing air today, let alone pursuing a career in styling.

So, of course, this canvas print is the perfect reminder to keep my motivated at my desk.

All I had to do was create my design, upload the file, pick what style of canvas I wanted, and then VOILA!...The canvas arrived on my doorstep.

Do you guys keep inspiring words in your work space?

Point Those Toes!

Though I love a good pair of round toe pumps, pointy heels and flats are back. I know a lot of women that don't like this style of shoe because they feel it makes their feet look bigger. So, let me just say that being a woman that wears size 10, I totally understand this concern. However, with the right outfit I think pointy toed shoes can look hot. So, I'm running straight toward this trend, and I think you should too. ZARA has an amazing selection of shoes right now. I'm definitely eying the leopard flats. Check out some fun options from ZARA below...