Loft curated on LTK

I feel like this is a little “Thanks, Captain Obvious”. This is one trend that I probably didn’t need to tell you about because you already knew. Animal print, in general, really never goes out of style, but it’s become a major thread among the fall fashion trends for 2024. One quote I found that I loved was “it brings boldness into neutral territory” and I think that’s a great descriptor. Leopard is truly leading the pack when it comes to animal prints, which is why I am focused on it here. But both snakeskin and zebra are having a major resurgence as well. I share lots of shopping options for all animal prints in my latest blog post. LTKOver40 LTKSeasonal LTKStyleTip

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Christmas is coming quickly and why not be prepared with a cozy sweater set? Whether it’s to be cozy entertaining overnight guests or just sipping coffee on Christmas morning, a sweater set is a great option for a comfy and chic look.

My sweater set sold out, but I have links to one that is just as cozy!

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How about a cozy sweater set for Thanksgiving? Whether it’s to be chic for overnight guests or to relax with a full belly watching football, a sweater set is the perfect way to be both fashionable and comfortable.

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So, you want to be chic, yet comfortable when hosting overnight guests. A matching sweater set is the perfect solution.

A matching sweater set truly does elevate your lounge wear. What I love about them is that they look like you tried without looking like you tried - do you know what I mean? You can look comfy and warm and stylish and chic all at the same time. I also think that a sweater set is a great item to have in your closet “just in case”, because sometimes you really don’t know when an unexpected guest might show up on your doorstep!

My white set is sold out, but I found another one very similar to it and still gives that cozy vibe. My brown set is from Amazon and is available in a variety of colors.

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If you saw my video, the. You know I am loving these faux leather pants from Boston Proper. I love the bootcut style and it inspired me to style them with classic tops for a chic look.

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Of course you can wear leather pants over 50….and there are great ways to wear them in a chic and stylish way (at any age).

I love these bootcut faux leather pants from Boston Proper. They are high quality while still being affordable. They move well with you and are extremely comfortable. Since they have a “jeans” feel to them, I chose to style them with more classic tops. You can wear any of these tops all season long. You can also switch them out for more holiday inspired looks as well. You will be wearing these all through December and beyond.

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One simple red dress, three ways to make it a holiday dress in an affordable way.

It seems that we’re always on the lookout for a new holiday look - you want to be able to feel which year it is in the photos, right?

Taking a basic red dress that you can wear all year long and adding som holiday accessories is a quick and easy way to give you multiple holiday looks!

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I don’t know about you, but it seems that every season I am looking for a new holiday top because I don’t want to wear the same one that was in all of last year’s photos! So, instead of investing in another new top, add some accessories to a basic piece that you already own.

My look is so affordable too - my dress is from Target and my accessories are from Amazon. And these are just three looks - there are so many more possibilities. Even just adding a chain belt would make a great holiday look. See what you might already have in your closet.

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It's November 1st, so you know what that means....everything will be turning to Christmas starting today. But I wanted to hold on to fall for one more day.

Confession: I will be starting my holiday content next week too. It's a great time to start planning your outfits, especially while the stores are stocked with great options and available in most sizes. So, this post is mostly just for fun.

But I did want to give a shout out Macy’s and their expanded collection of Avec Les Filles pieces. I have been adding more and more of them to my wardrobe and have shared them with clients as well. This mixed media olive jacket is just one great example.

I purchased this jacket just a couple of weeks ago and it is already low in stock. But I have included some similar options if you like the look.

The leaves may be falling, but fall styles are still ascending! 🍁⁠
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I am excited to share that my styling recommendation for "Stylists Swear by These Cheap Clothes & Accessories" was featured in The Zoe Report. And my recommendation was this fun checkered cardigan, a fall classic.⁠
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With everything, I try to recommend only pieces or brands that I have experienced personally and can stand behind the quality and value. So, you never have to worry that I am recommending something for any other reason than I think you will love it as much as I do.⁠
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It’s So completely fine to mix and match everyday fashion with designer pieces.

It is true that I purchased my Louis Vuitton bag on a girls trip to NYC in 2021. It was my first trip after the pandemic and I certainly felt like treating myself. But seriously, while I only have a few designer bags, I intentionally purchased them when I was on special trips with special people. The piece then becomes about the memory and not the price.

I will also create an entire outfit around my bag, which is what I did for this look. I wanted a classic style which is why I went with the hourglass blazer. I am loving this new trend so much better than the boxy, oversized blazers of the last few years. The rest of my look is classic as well - sleeveless mock neck, flare jeans and pointy toe booties.

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I am a big fan of the sweater dress but I’ve talked to a lot of women who avoid the sweater dress because it tends to be more form-fitting ... .but don’t let that scare you away.

Here’s a few tips on how you can love wearing a sweater dress, especially with the holidays approaching. They can make for a great chic and cozy holiday look.
I recommend sizing up to give you some “comfort space”. Because of the sweater material, going up a size should not make the dress look baggy or oversized. This is actually a benefit of it being more form fitting.

Most women (including myself) think of their tummies as the number one problem area. That’s why I like the self belt specifically. It provides definition for the waist and at the same time, being the same color as the dress, it doesn’t cut you in half. Also, other belts, such as elastic ones, can cause some bulging if they are just the teeniest bit tight. You can tie the self belt as tight or as loose as you like.

For a sweater dress, I tend to stay away from a full turtleneck and opt for v-necks or mock necks. You want some of your neck to show to give you a more elongated look.
I love the slit in Option 1. If you are worried about any width at the bottom of the dress, it breaks it up and adds some interest.

In Option 2, I went with a monochrome look in a midi length dress, all the way down to my boots. This provides a great silhouette if you are looking for something with a sleek look.

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I’ve talked to a lot of women who avoid the sweater dress because it tends to be more form-fitting ... .but don’t be scared away.

Here’s a few tips on how you can love wearing a sweater dress, especially with the holidays approaching. They can make for a great chic and cozy holiday look.

✨I recommend sizing up to give you some “comfort space”. Because of the sweater material, going up a size should not make the dress look baggy or oversized. This is actually a benefit of it being more form fitting.

✨Most women (including myself) think of their tummies as the number one problem area. That’s why I like the self belt specifically. It provides definition for the waist and at the same time, being the same color as the dress, it doesn’t cut you in half. Also, other belts, such as elastic ones, can cause some bulging if they are just the teeniest bit tight. You can tie the self belt as tight or as loose as you like.

✨For a sweater dress, I tend to stay away from a full turtleneck and opt for v-necks or mock necks. You want some of your neck to show to give you a more elongated look.

✨I love the slit in Option 1. If you are worried about any width at the bottom of the dress, it breaks it up and adds some interest.

✨In Option 2, I went with a monochrome look in a midi length dress, all the way down to my boots. This provides a great silhouette if you are looking for something with a sleek look.

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Just a girl who loves fall…..

I’ve been wanting to take a picture in front of this beautiful tree before all the leaves fall. And then I purchased this brown faux leather jacket from Anthropologie and I knew they were the perfect match for a great photo.

Fall is my favorite time of year for so many reasons, but the colors are probably at the top of my list. The rich oranges, reds and browns just seem to be soothing to the soul!

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I am intentionally calling this a “Gift & Style Guide” because it is designed to say “one for her, one for me”.

All of these bags make great gifts - they are all under $100 and are a bit unique but still easy to pick as a gift.

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Fringe is another one of the accents that I’ve been talking about - the others are bows, feathers and rosettes.

Fringe is really having its moment because it fits so well in both the Boho and Western esthetic, which are trending. Fringe is a great way to express movement in your outfits.

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There is an entire trend this season dedicated to accent and bows are one of them. There are so many ways to add bows to your wardrobe - you’ve probably seen so many now sweaters, but I love this bow belt. It’s chic and adds just the right amount of femininity.

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Pick your favorite accent (or two) to add to your wardrobe…..

The craziness over bows from just last year is over, but all these accents, including bows, are here to stay. Fringe is really having its moment because it fits so well in both the Boho and Western esthetic, which are trending. Fringe is a great way to express movement in your outfits.

The more I learn about feathers, the more interesting they become. They were once indicative of social status, but now, from a pure fashion perspective, they give clothing an innate sense of drama. We’re seeing rosettes on sweaters, jackets and in jewelry. They always add a feminine touch.

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While it’s not typically my style, I like a fun Boho dress to change things up. Boho can typically be more florals but I loved this more geometric print in these great fall colors. It works perfectly with my tan suede boots and bag!

Here is a Boho look that works perfectly for me. The black ruffle top paired with the classic jeans suits my personal style. The blouse is comfy and feminine which I love. I added the suede bag which is classically boho - but in a more contemporary style.

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Boho is another classic look moving to the forefront this season.

I personally have mixed feelings when it comes to Boho styles. On one hand, I love the femininity of the fabrics and the comfortable fit. On the other hand, it can be a little too flowy and oversized for my personal style. The way I would do Boho is my second look: a flowy blouse with a pair of classic jeans above. That matches my personal style. It gives you a loose, casual feel, but still maintains some structure. That said, I’ve seen Boho looks on others that I just love, but don’t look right on me. The key is to find a piece or two that works for your personal style.

For Boho this season, think crochet, fringe, suede, dark florals and lace. Fringe, especially, is huge this season and I will talk more about that a little further down the page. This is another trend that you can add to your wardrobe in small pieces like a fringe or crochet bag.

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And here is my funnel neck sweater from my video. If you’re wondering what a funnel neck is, it’s described as “a high neckline that is wider at the top than the bottom. It is cut or knit into the torso in one piece, rather than being an added collar.”

I love that it’s little more unstructured than a turtleneck or mock neck, but on the flip side, a little more structured than a cowl neck!

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Here’s little more detail on my funnel neck dress from my fall trends video.

I recently wore this to a wedding and got so many compliments. I actually love brown and think it is so chic and elegant. The ruching on the dress makes it so you don’t have to worry about your stomach all evening! You can relax. Best of all, this dress is under $100!

So, what exactly IS a funnel neck anyway?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never really understood what a funnel neck is. Is it a funky turtleneck or a tighter cowl neck? So I looked it up. A funnel neck is “a high neckline that is wider at the top than the bottom. It is cut or knit into the torso in one piece, rather than being an added collar.” In addition to being fashionable and modern, they are also practical when it’s cold outside.

I am sharing two pieces that I do own - my brown dress and my blue casual sweater. I love how both of the funnel necks look and feel. It’s not as high or structured as a turtleneck and while I love a good turtleneck, it can give you a “floating head”. It’s also a little more chic than a mock neck. I like how the fabric just flows without it being an added collar, as mentioned above.

Funnel neck coats are also very popular right now. They can make you appear taller and give the illusion of an elongated neck. They come in different colors, fabrics, and styles. I’ve included some funnel neck coat options in my blog post.

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If you’re not ready to go “all-in” on leopard, then consider a fun accessory! Think bags, shoes, scarves and more! I paired my belt with a monochrome black outfit so it would pop - and it’s definitely not too much.

Check all the product listed - there are more than I could fit in my collage!

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Following up on my video, here are lots more ideas when shopping for leopard clothing - much more than what o am wearing! Check them all out!

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Capes and ponchos fall into this same “Snuggle Up” trend that I shared in my video.

The cape, in particular, was seen at this season’s fashion shows in New York and London and it’s looking like the cape isn’t going to be a single-season trend, but will be sticking around for a while. The new styles are more modern and can even have a sporty or preppy feel to them - so don’t think of them as something you would only see on “Bridgerton”.

I could have easily shared my plaid cape in yesterday’s “Preppy” trend. There is a subset of the preppy trend that’s being labeled “Country House Chic”. It’s dressing like you’re going to a house in the English Countryside. Think plaids, relaxed layers, long skirts, waxed jackets, checked coats and knee-high wellies.

Here’s a closer look at my scarf coat in my recent “Snuggle Up” trend video.

Scarf coats are one of the freshest looks in coats for years. They are both practical and fashionable. The matching scarf gives in an elevated/chic look but also keeps you warm. I’ve included more options than just the one I am wearing!

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Look #2 of my preppy styles - all part of my seven days of fall trends (today is Day 2).

This pink dress may look summery but it is a sweater dress. I think it’s a perfect transition piece or even something to wear later to brighten up the winter doldrums! The color, polo collar and contrasting trim make it a classic preppy outfit (and don’t forget the preppy pearls!)

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Here is another look at one of my two preppy styles. Preppy is #2 in my seven days of fall trends.

You can never go wrong with a plaid skirt and classic turtleneck. I love the zipper turtleneck as I think it adds a little more interest. And I am always up for a pop of red!

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Preppy is such a perfect trend for the fall season…..

Day 2: Preppy is another one of those trends that is never really out of style, but it can be more dormant at times. Personally, I think the rise of popularity of pickleball and tennis fashions have brought back the interest in preppy fashion. Think full skirts, button down shirts, leather loafers, sharp blazers and V-neck sweaters. You can also add in varsity jackets, bold plaids and polo knits.
One look that I am calling a subset of preppy is “Country House Chic”. It’s dressing like you’re going to a house in the English Countryside. Think plaids, relaxed layers, long skirts, waxed jackets, checked coats and knee-high wellies.

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I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this dress - from the color, pattern, fit….you name it.

This is the dress I wore in my recent video about the “ladylike elegance” trend for fall. This is a well made dress from Tuckernuck. It’s fits perfectly in all the right places, including the bust - which sometimes with a blazer dress, it can be tough to button up. The dress is a heavier material, so even though it’s pink, the fabric is definitely fall. It’s fully lined as well.

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“Ladylike Elegance” is truly the number one trend that I am seeing this season. It’s heavily influenced by the recent TV series, “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” which has brought about a new sense of sophistication that emulates the looks of the 1950’s and 60’s. You will see softly molded tops and pencil skirts, long leather jackets and court heels. This is where the “hourglass” blazers with their nipped-in waists are becoming hugely popular.

Follow me for the next 7 days and I will share each day one of the top 7 trends that I’ve found for this fall. I’ve done the research and narrowed it down so you don’t have to. You can also get more detail in my “Fall Trend” blog post on my website.

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How fun is this pearl embellished top? I am in love!

I love how this top has both an elegant and an edgy look to it. I have gotten so many compliments on it. You can pair it with jeans or a nice pair of black pants. This top is sheer - so you will have to add a top underneath.

This is one of three posts with pieces that have pearls - make sure to catch them all!

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Jeans with pearl accent? Yes please!
While pearls are perfect for the upcoming holiday season, you can wear them at any time. They are always an elegant addition to any outfit!

I love these jeans - they are comfy and have stretch too. In case you were wondering, the pearls are only on the front! You don’t have to sit on them!

This is one of three posts with pearl accents - make sure to see them all - and my Reel!

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