My Fall 2015 Wishlist

It would be foolish to assume that there aren't things I want as the fall weather starts to come around. The cape trend has been floating around for a few years now, and I think I might finally be brave enough to go for it. This one from H&M is so chic looking, not to mention the right price. I think I'm going to go for a minimalist tortoiseshell-inspired look this fall and gold accents black and brown really well. I think both the Topshop Filigree Two-Row Necklace and Topshop Geo Drop Pendant Necklace from Topshop's Nordstrom collection would look really classy over a sweater, or just a slouchy tee. Not to mention they would look great with those tortoiseshell earrings, which are from Topshop stores.

Frankly, I'm just really in need of an umbrella and I like the idea of being able to see where I'm going when Chicago brings freezing rain back into my life. This Totes Bubble Umbrella from Target comes with several different color trim, so if you want to spice it up, you could go for a pop of color. Finally, these Annie Side Zip Ankle Booties are also from Target, and I love them. My best friend brought them to my attention, and I've been actively resisting purchase ever since.

What makes your list for this fall? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to check me out on Polyvore if the spirit moves you!

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What's in My Bag #1

I recently got a new everyday bag and I figured I'd show you guys what I always tote around with me! Frankly, doing this has made me realize that I'm really boring. The bag itself is from a boutique on Southport called M2. It's actually reversible, which is pretty cool because it will match the wide variety of gym clothes I wear on a daily basis :/ My adorable green wallet is from Target, I just keep all the usual sort of things in it. All the way to the right is my Kindle, my beloved Kindle, which entertains me on every form of public transit without having to use my data (bless you, Kindle, bless you).

I have Pepcid because heartburn is no joke #realtalk and I do not have time for that nonsense. My floral-patterned sunglasses are from Francesca's Collection and cost me $14 before tax, which is a good thing because every pair of sunglasses I've ever owned have been left behind on a train. This is why I can't have nice things.

Since I nanny and, thus, spend a great deal of time outdoors in the heat, I don't bother with much makeup in the warm weather. It's a bit of a bummer, considering I'm such a beauty junkie, but it beats sweating it all off as soon as I step outside, that's just a waste of money. The exceptions are Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer in 102 Light Beige and NARS Lip Gloss in Chelsea Girls. That concealer is the closest dupe for Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque that I've found at the drugstore. Although it's not quite as good, I keep it around because it costs around $5 instead of $25. That lip gloss is not cheap, but I don't care, it is everything I've ever wanted in a nude lip gloss. The hype is legit on that one.

And, of course, I gotta have a Blistex for those windy Chicago days.

My Morning Skincare Routine

Mornings are hard, this we all know. One of the most difficult things can be sacrificing those few extra minutes in bed to give your face the attention it deserves. However, developing a consistent morning skincare routine has actually given my a much better outlook on the morning, as it gives me the time to slowly wake up and prepare to join the world.

Step one is cleansing. Since you're really good at this whole beauty thing and you took all your makeup off before you went to bed, you don't have to double cleanse in the morning. Right now, I'm just using Lush's Ultrabland. I massage it into my face and then wipe it all off with a warm washcloth. Next up begins the hydration. If you like, you could use an exfoliating toner here, but I usually just skip right to my hydrating toner, Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic. I am addicted to the smell of this, and I definitely notice a difference when I take a break and experiment with different products.

Next, you've got to pay some attention to those eyes. I'm currently testing Hylamide SubQ Eyes, which caught my eye at CVS the other day. The jury is still out, all I can say for now is that it's lightweight and doesn't interfere with my concealer, which is what I wanted. While that's being absorbed, I apply three drops of Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ all over my face and neck. I've spoken about my love for Trilogy Rosehip Oil before, and after I finish this sample size, that's what I'll be returning to, as I don't feel the souped-up version is significantly different, even though the price certainly is. Then I get dressed to give that time to sink in and finish up with Boscia Sake Balm, which I picked up at the same time as the Algenist Gel Cleanser I mentioned last week. I can't lie, I am absolutely addicted to this stuff. The texture is so light and it sinks in super fast, which prevents that weird slimy feeling you can get when you go out in the summer and start getting a little sweaty.

I know it sounds like a lot, but since I implemented a more aggressive skincare routine, I've noticed fewer blemishes, an improvement in the texture of my skin, and a more even skin tone overall. Obviously it's important to find what works for you, but proper cleansing and hydrating have gone a long way for me.

Going Halfway into Fall

Meet Me in the MIddle - Midi Skirts for Fall by strandedinchi featuring a pleated midi skirt

I've really come to admire Lily Collins' style over the past few years, and her penchant for midi skirts fits in perfectly with what I see as a big trend for fall. The runways have shown us a revival of that ultra-feminine silhouette most notably associated with 50s style. A big part of that is the midi skirt, which hits below the knee, but well above the ankle.

If you really want to go full-on vintage inspired, something along the lines of that gorgeous red skirt is what you should be aiming for. The skirt is nice and full, which exaggerates that mid-century hourglass shape made famous by the likes of Marilyn Monroe. Keep it modern with a casual top, if you don't like a costume-y look (I sometimes do). A crop top, if it's still quite warm, would look super cool, and a patterned button-down once it cools off is just the ticket, if you ask me. This crop top would look awesome, and I adore this button-down.

If you want a less flouncy look, go for a lighter weight fabric with less structure. I'm particularly enamored of that forest green number in the middle there. I feel like it would be fun to spin around in circles while wearing it. #realtalk

What are you all looking forward to for fall? Feel free to follow me here on Polyvore, it's definitely a great place to get inspiration for your look!

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