Autumn outfit inspiration

Here in Georgia, it's been cool in the mornings and humid in the afternoons, which has caused some seasonal sartorial confusion. I'm waiting for the day in October where I'll be able to wear tights all day, but for now, here are just some of my past favorite cool-weather outfits:

Five Fall Essentials with Twenty York Street

 I've asked my friend Marilou of Twenty York Street to share her essential pieces for fall. Being from Canada, she knows a thing or two about dressing for colder temperatures. Welcome, Marilou!

Howdy, friends of Sidewalk Chalk! I was super excited to work with JoAnn on this collaboration and nervous too, of course, knowing that she always writes fantastic posts and takes the most gorgeous photos! (Editor's note: Aww, thanks M.!) I believe Fall is more her specialty as I'm usually the one who is scared of not just the chilly weather ahead, but I have yet to master the art of layering, keeping warm and looking good -- all at the same time! This year however, I vow to put on my bravest pair of booties and face fall with the sheer determination of a brand new cashmere sweater, bought on sale for 40% off!

Here are my Top Five Essentials for Fall:

Down the Trenches

Have you ever seen a duck (or a swan, if you prefer) underwater? They look so poised and calm on the surface, but underneath those little legs are busy kicking and paddling so they can keep swimming. Trench coats offer the same fashion. You could be wearing an un-ironed button-down shirt or a raggedy pullover, but when you wear a classic-cut trench coat over it, you will instantly look pulled together! Bonus points: It'll keep you warm and toasty!

Not-So-Little Black Dress

This is the most versatile piece you could ever own in your closet! There's so many ways to love 'em: put on a belt, tie a scarf as a belt, wrap a scarf around your neck and belt it, put a cardigan over it. Got a boyfriend blazer or a grandpa cardi? How about a statement necklace, a chunky cable-knit sweater or the oh-co-current military jacket? The combinations are endless, and really you can never go wrong with a Little Black Dress!

Punctuation Scarves

Yes, they do make a statement, but what they really do is add punctuation marks to your outfit! Hoping for a fat exclamation point? Choose scarves that have either: interesting texture; intriguing patterns; exciting details, such as sequins or fringes; and of course, exquisite colours. You'll get a semi-colon and a capital D if you can find one that has them all!

 

 

Call of the Wild: Animal Prints

Every September issue of any magazine known to women has a photo spread featuring the King of the Jungle Trend --the Animal Prints! I've personally run far away from this trend, like a squirrel running away from a cheetah. But that's all in the past, because now I embrace them all (shoes, scarves -- the easiest one, purses, cardigans and umbrellas -- yes, even in the rain you need to stay chic) the way Broadway embraced "The Lion King" musical!

Boots: Riding or Otherwise

I know some people say it is sooo cold in their neck of the woods. I don't want to brag or anything, but I live in Canada and we've got the meanest and coldest winters in the world. Boots are your best friends. Booties, Ankle, Tall, Over-the-knee, Suede, Leather, Rain, Uggs -- yes, even those! You don't necessarily need to ride a horse to get 'dem riding boots. If you love your feet and toes and you want to keep them looking well, normal, in April, you MUST invest in boots!

What are your Fall Essentials for this year? Do you dress for comfort, warmth or style? Head over to Twenty York Street to check out JoAnn's My Five!

Guest post for Twenty York Street

Hey friends!

Just wanted to let you know that I had the pleasure of guest-blogging for Marilou of Twenty York Street today. I posted my daily outfit over there, so here's a little sneak peek. I'm also talking about transitioning into autumn clothing, so come join the discussion and say hi!

These are probably the worst pies in London

Sorry that I've been away for awhile. School and finals took up most of time and now that it's winter break I'm having trouble deciphering the days. But today I'm aware of the date because it's the night of my good friend's birthday dinner. I'm excited, but, I have no idea what to wear! I love winter, but it's hard to wake up and get dressed in something besides sweats and a sweatshirt. I've been so out of my usual fashion ways. I came up with this one outfit that I love, but I feel like it's too summery and too dressy for something as casual as a dinner. So, I came up with this, but now I'm having second thoughts...

song currently stuck in my head: The Worst pies in London, Sweeney Todd OST 

 

what i wore:long sleeve forever 21 top, hand-me-down jeans & skirt (worn as top), self made bottle cap necklace

I thought the top as a skirt idea was genius, but I discovered it falls and is a pain to keep pulling up. Another thing that bugged me was it bunched under my arms. The pictures give this outfit justice but, it's just annoying and not for tonight.

I think I'm going to wear this. It's the fore mentioned "summer outfit" in the beginning of this entry.Well...I just added tights and my blue forever 21 shirt, and lo and behold, it works! I thought it would be too dressy because the top over my blue long sleeve shirt is my homecoming dress and it has dressy print. But whatever. I love it.

what i wore: forever 21 shirt and dress (worn as top aka homecoming dress), american eagle skirt, target tights

P.S- I apologize for the strange facial expressions in a couple of the pictures. It was quite sunny and I just grimaced back at the sun.

C-C-C-Cinnamon lips and candy kisses

Yesterday, blogger was acting weird, or perhaps it was my computer? I have no idea but I was unable to post this. This outfit was put together after I learned that I was going to get my braces off in less than a month! Exciting :)

title post: C-C-C-Cinnamon lips by OK GO 

Actually listening to: minute in G

Have I mentioned that absolutely hate flash with a passion?

Well, I do. Sorry for the dark pictures.

 I know I wore something similar to this last Saturday, but I haven't worn this shirt since the 6th grade and that necklace had it's first outting, and they looked so well together. So, I just had to wear this to school yesterday.

I love this belt.

Goodbye braces!

After next week I should be able to post more. Next week is finals (bleh). But after that it's two weeks of freedom. Then the day after break I get to see my teeth. :)

what i wore friday: gap shirt, thrifted old navy skirt, thrifted necklace, h&m belt, american eagle shoes (not shown)

Cause that's the way things happen on the Polar Express, you bet!

I must mention that I am a very lazy/ busy person. OK, not as busy as my fellow classmates but about 10 times lazier and way more distracted. But, I'm trying. It's my junior year in high school and I have a lot to do (and my family never lets me forget it). Also some days I have a tough time being creative, and it's easy to fall back into my lazy ways. So, forgive me if I post only a couple times a week.
listening to: Polar Express

Here's a mediocre day of school-wear.  I would have worn a beret but my school forbids hats, as most schools do, because all hats are considered gang related. 

Today was colder than usual. And seeing how my hands easily get old I protected them with my sleeves. I do that often. My band director used to tease me for that (he would keep the band room freezing and you would never see my hands).

The only reason I felt the need for a post (even though it's lacking creativity) was for this mustard yellow cardigan. I don't own many things of this color and I find it refreshing from all my blues, and greens. And it's different (at least to me) in the fact that it's not just yellow. It's mustard yellow, I think that's pretty awesome all on it's own.

 what i wore: mustard yellow cardigan: target, top h&m, undershirt: american eagle, jeans hand-me-down, itty bitty gold locket: gift.

 Time to split.

Homework needs to be done for my concert. I hope it goes well...the concert I mean, I don't really care how my homework goes. Concerts are fun, and this is my last one until February, and also it's Christmas music and who doesn't enjoy that?
 listening to: Polar Express
P.S- I'd like to thank all of those who follow this blog. It's very exciting to get new followers and comments. Thanks!

Pour a little sugar on it honey

This weekend is all about shopping, catching up on reading (blogs&books), and whats left of my homework.

Listening to sugar, sugar by the archies

Generally I like shopping, but when it's Christmas it seems more like fulfilling a deadline than anything else. The stress takes out all my Christmas spirit, and I'm full of it due to playing Christmas music since early November. But this year seems easier, since everyone was pretty straightforward with what they want. Especially Jo, usually shes extremely hard to shop for. But today I'm pretty satisfied because I got most of my shopping out of the way :)

 

 

Although it's a chilling 35 degrees outside and there was a chance of snow, I have no problem sporting a skirt. My sister hates being cold, while I embrace it. It's way better than being hot, when you're hot, you're hot. There's not much you can do about it, but when you're cold you can layer, and the chances of being extremely sweaty are slim.

(I took close ups after I took my outfit off)

 

what i wore: thrifted old navy skirt, over a borrowed French Connection dress from my sister, h&m belt, old navy coat, headband my mother's

The fireflies are dancing and the moon comes out

  what i wore tuesday: target top, american rag skirt for macy's, target knee high socks, american eagle shoes, horse necklace: gift

This week has been busy with performance exams and regular tests squeezed in on top, not to mention that I have a band concert coming up, so my clarinet needs some extra lovin'.  Playing the Polar Express is pretty intense and it wipes out my leftover energy.  But taking pictures for the blog has fixed up my sanity just a bit. And now that my book test over Uncle Tom's Cabin is out of the way I can now read Little Women - my sister will be pleased. 

listening to big green tractor by jason aldean

On Thursday, my boyfriend asked my why I wear my belt so high. *sigh* (boys.) I explained to him that with this particular dress, that it essentially looks like a sack, so it's not flattering at all. So, I add things, like a belt or a cardigan or a vest to make it more feminine, so I won't get teased for wearing something that looks like a potato sack. Don't get me wrong, I love the dress all on it's own, I just prefer form fitting clothes.

what i wore: h&m thrifted dress, target cardigan, ann taylor loft belt

Today,when I got home I handed my brother a package from the mail, he opened it and asked 'Do you like mystery novels?'  I said yes and he said, 'Here, Merry Christmas' as he handed a book to me. My brother always has been bad about keeping Christmas presents a secret. So today I received a book by James Patterson, called I, Alex Cross. I've put Little Women on hold as of now. This book sounds a thousand times more fascinating.

Theres no outfit post for today. I was tired this morning and it would have been too much effort to get dressed in something other than what I fell asleep in after a failed attempt at winning trivia the night before (because of my decision to go to trivia I stayed up much longer for homework). However, I was able to catch up on my sleep after reading a good bit of I, Alex Cross. I woke up with my dog and mother passed out on the couches next to me. Needless to say it was cozy.

I suspect I shall finish my new book through the weekend, so I may or may not be posting, I'm not sure... it's a mystery.

O let’s get together now and we can feel alright

I like this outfit, it's like pumpkin pie topped with whip cream and strawberries.  

I'm thankful for all that I have:

I have a whiny dog, who I love.

I have a fridge full of food.

I have family and friends who care about me.

I have a roof over my head.

I have all of that and I don't need much more :)
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Listening to One Love by Jason Mraz

what i wore: thrifted h&m dress, h&m vest, horse necklace: gift, anne taylor loft belt, target cardigan