Katie O.'s Fall Collection

Don’t forget to check out my guest post today on Wearing Mascara! I get personal about the trials and tribulations of skin problems.

Fall is my favorite season for clothes. Layers, scarves, cardigans, books, oh my! My wardrobe may never be perfect. My clothes suffer from wardrobe restrictions, poor care, and questionable taste at times. Fall is the perfect time to break out classic combinations that will never fail me.

With moving, I was able to make a little room in my closet. However, my budget is something I’m trying to be more aware of, and shopping sprees aren’t particularly bank friendly. With a trusty (ever-honest) companion in my mother, we set out to conquer the mall.

My new, budget-friendly, method to shopping is to take advantage of reasonably priced department stores. For me, this means J.C. Penney. Department stores used to overwhelm me, they’re the CostCos of the merchandise world. The key, just like the bulk brand stores, is to know what you want ahead of time. This way you do not end up lost in aisles of maternity wear or junior’s homecoming dresses.

I know what I want by perusing my favorite stores (The Limited, Ann Taylor, New York & Co., Express) ahead of time. It’s amazing how department stores have the exact same clothes, similar quality, fraction of the price. The trick is being able to zone in on what you’re looking for. It can’t just be “work clothes” it has to be “grey, wide-leg pants.”

My number one, it better not ever go out of style, pattern is hound’s-tooth. I’ve been in love with it since I first saw Gwen Stefani adorn it. Hound’s-tooth breaks the barrier between funky, punky, classic, timeless, and fun. It’s me! So without question I picked up a large print hound’s-tooth skirt. I also even got a hound’s-tooth dress from Limited- even though the store wasn’t carrying the dress there was an internet return in my size, hello, meant to be!

The fashionistas I work with all have bright colored pants. I’ll admit, I waited this trend out. After a season (or two?) I still like them! So I made a bright blue, cigarette style pant all mine. I’ve already worn these twice and the feedback is so positive! I’m always careful to pair them with a classic black tee or v-neck black sweater and basic black pumps. I don’t see myself as a fashion nun, but blue pants! I’m proud of myself for stepping up, or into, these.

I put a scarf on to go out as soon as I could possibly justify it. Late dinner on the patio of Maxi’s in Little Italy on August 11? I might have worn a scarf. I like fall colors, with the exception of a bright blue one I have, surprise! Though I can’t believe I don’t have a green one…yet. Ever since I found my favorite scarf tutorial, I’ve been besotted. Just click on it, you won’t regret it.

Last but not least, I want to put some more whimsy back into my wardrobe in a subtly-big way. I have nary a screen printed tee left, and have donated most of my angel wing jewelry. I’ve still got a few elephants in my collection but I think jewelry will be a sound place to embrace little hints of woodland fantasy! I’ve put some sparrow earrings on order with my girlfriend, Julie, a wicked Stella & Dot stylist. They had me from “sku-ak” (yes, this is actually the sound sparrows make.) I digress…

My fall collection may not be edgy, daring, or anything new, but it works for me. Being comfortable in your clothes is key for unyielding confidence. You’ll know it when you see me, boots, skinny jeans, cami, v-neck shirt, cardigan, scarf, and all.

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