Fall Essentials – The Fashionista Edition

Fall Essentials - Splurge
Ready to break those piggy banks??  Here is my list of splurge-worthy essentials for the Fall!

1.  Ann Taylor Shana Cutout Leather Shootie – These are currently sold out everywhere, but if you can snag a pair on eBay or elsewhere, it will be totally worth it!  I own a pair and they are incredibly comfortable!!
$148.00 – http://www.anntaylor.com

2.  La Mer Gel Creme So much better than the traditional thick, creme version.  Great for the upcoming dryer, cooler weather.
$285 – http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com

3. Burberry camel coat – A classic.  Must have item for any wardrobe.
$1495 – net-a-porter.com

4. Stella Dot necklace – Statement necklaces are a must for the fall.
$228 – http://www.stelladot.com

5. Hunter low heel tall boots – Rag and Bone collaboration with Hunter.  Don’t miss out!
$296 – http://www.nordstrom.com

6. Tom Ford lipstick – Crimson Noir is a great autumn hue.
$49 – http://www.bloomingdales.com

7. Viktor Rolf orange flower perfumeI own and love this scent!!
$165 – http://www.nordstrom.com

8. Vince sweater coat – A chunky, sweater coat is a must!  Vince is a great choice for soft, warm sweaters.
$475 – http://www.bloomingdales.com
9. Michael Kors watch – Isn’t this watch just amazing??  Stack with statement bracelets for enhanced effect!
$225 – http://www.michaelkors.com
10.  Erin Fetherston Corrine Dress | Piperlime – Looking out for my working women out there!  This is a great choice for the office or classroom.  Wear with a suit jacket during the day, or alone for after-work play.
$315 – http://www.piperlime.gap.com

Fall Essentials – The Frugalista Edition

Fall Essentials - Save
No time to peruse the myriad of websites out there for fall essentials?  I’ve gone ahead and selected a few of my faves for you!  All of these items are under $65.  Stay tuned for a ‘Fall Essentials – Splurge’ selection to be posted soon!!
1. House of Harlow 1960 leather pendant – I am coveting this! Get in my closet!
$58 – http://www.nordstrom.com
2. Forever 21 pumps – You need a statement pair of heels in a jewel tone for the fall.

3. Forever 21 taupe knee high boots – I actually own these…super comfy!

4.  Asos Batwing Dress – Love a great graphic print dress!

5. Moroccan oil – An essential for fall weather.  Keep that mane ultra soft!
$17 – http://www.nordstrom.com

6. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target® Large Carryall T… : Target – Great work tote!

$55 – http://www.target.com

7. H&M plastic earrings – Leopard print is the new neutral.

$13 – hm.com
8. Tights – Opaque tights are a must for the fall.
$8.50 – http://www.factory.jcrew.com
9. Banana republic scarf – Add a pop of color to your fall wardrobe.
$59.50 – http://www.bananarepublic.gap.com

Chic in Academia goes to Paris

IMG954841

Photo Credit/Source: Larissa Eisenstein

Well…not physically.  But I want to.  Very badly!  One day…sigh.

In the meantime, I live vicariously through my BFF (you know, best friend forever), who is currently traveling in Europe and came upon some amazing  baubles in Ol’ Pari!!  One of them, which she has planned to gift to me!!  Isn’t my bestie the BEST?! 😀

Here in the US, anyone who has visited a clothing or accessories store knows that statement necklaces are a huge trend at the moment.  Let us not forget the recent fascination with the JCrew bubble necklace:

bubble necklace

Photo Credit/Source:  Moi

Yes, this is MY bubble necklace.  Yes, I wanted one too!! LOL!

Or the Pegassus Stella and Dot necklace worn by celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian,

Photo Credit/Source: Coolspotters.com

Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars),

Photo Credit/Source: http://www.stelladot.com

as well as by one of my favorite bloggers, Wendy from Wendy’s Lookbook,

Wendy for Wendys Lookbook Blog wearing the Stella & Dot - Pegasus Necklace  If you want to buy or even earn this for *free*, contact me!

Photo Credit/Source:  http://www.wendyslookbook.com

These and other statement necklaces have been at the forefront of accessories-wear and sought after by many a bauble-afficionado, me included.

Cut to, Paris, France – fashion capital of the world.  As we all know, Paris is always at the cutting edge of fashion trends, what with its fashion houses and world-renowned designers in its midst.  So when my BFF sent me pictures of the necklaces she found while shopping in Paris, we both knew I had to share them with you all!!

Taking the bib/statement necklace trend we have seen here in the US to a whole other – let’s say couture – level, are these beauties:

Feathers, and pearls, and lace...oh my!

Feathers, and pearls, and lace…oh my!

Let's just call this feathers and crystals beauty,  'Gorgeous #1'

Let’s just call this feathers and crystals beauty, ‘Gorgeous #1’

...and 'Gorgeous #2' (a slightly darker crystal than in 'Gorgeous #1')

…and ‘Gorgeous #2’ (a slightly darker crystal than in ‘Gorgeous #1’)

Pretty in Pearls

Pretty in Pearls

Photo Credit: Larissa Eisenstein & Jesus Beltran/ Model: The beautiful and best BFF!!

Aren’t these just gorgeous!?  And what’s more, they are unique.  I cannot wait to see them in person!!  Further, I cannot thank my BFF enough for thinking of me all the way from Paris!!

Finally, the more I dabble in this whole ‘fashionista’ world, the more I realize…it’s not about wearing or having what everyone else has; it’s about having and wearing what you want and like.  So, I leave you with these quotes to inspire you to create your own fashion trends and to always…stay ‘Chic’!

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”
—Yves Saint Laurent

“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.”
—Ralph Lauren

“I don’t do fashion.  I am fashion.”
—Coco Chanel