on trend for fall with Piperlime!

When the season changes I always am curious to see how the new trends will be presented and how they will actually play out. What we see on the runways is not usually the exact translation to the stores each fall. A healthy balance between trend, beauty and sophistication is what I look for when I am shopping the seasonal trends.  While I love the classic and timeless pieces in my closet - those with a touch of trend always keep things feeling new and exciting when getting dressed each day.  Piperlime always showcases the best of the trends without going completely overboard. Their shoe & handbag selection is one of the best online in my opinion.  I love that they carefully curate their stock, rather than having 100 million boots to choose from for fall they pare it down to a manageable number to search while still having plenty of selection.  Today they are having a 25% off sale of select fall must-haves - so here are my picks… but check out their sale picks as well!

Fall is a great time to invest in boots, bags, new jackets and denim… this list reflects that.  Spending a little more money on these pieces will always be worth the investment in the long run, in my opinion.

burgundy chain strap handbag, bar necklace, abstract dot clutch, leopard flats, vegan leather moto jacket, tan tote, denim, ankle boots, earrings, nude cross-body bag

on my radar… August!

Who's excited!?!? Fall items are hitting the shelves at your favorite retailers and I'm giddy at the thought of it.  I plan on doing my usual seasonal posts featuring the best of the season and the must-haves but in the meantime… here are a few things that have already caught my eye.

leather bag: this bag is gorgeous and also comes in navy (!!) and the price, well, it can't be beat.

orsay flats: J.Crew finally is jumping on the bandwagon with this style and of course, it's beautifully executed.

j'adore tee: you have to check out these graphic tees from Old Navy - spot on for style and price!

surplus coat: this coat is gorgeous. I have an ongoing affair with army style jackets and since I already own two, I probably don't need another… but this one. Love it.

mixed media sweater: I don't want to think about sweater season, but at the same time this sweater is making me very excited for it. Part sweater, part oxford. My kind of sweater!

black grey skinny jeans: I'm not much of a black jean gal - but I'm kind of craving a pair for this fall. Are you a fan of the grey/black jean? 

track pants: hello comfort and style! If 'they' say cozy pants are in style, who's to argue right? Can you see yourself wearing this trend this fall? I may have to try it.

gorjana necklace: I'm having a moment with delicate jewelry lately. They are so fun to wear and layer. Rocks Box successfully got me hooked on Gorjana.  Eek! They are a touch on the pricey side but so so gorgeous!

my everyday style: summer whites!

This blog is always evolving and part of me still doesn't know what I want to do when I grow up.  Will I be blogging forever? Is this a viable career going forward? What the hell is a blog anymore even? There are always questions about the future of blogging and where I will be in five years swirling around in my head. But one thing that I always (read: usually, I still suffer with moments of self-doubt) know is that where I am now is exactly where I am supposed to be.  Even though the "now" is always changing.

Wardrobe consults and wardrobe styling clients have been a common thread throughout most of my blogging career.  What started out as one random reader asking for help with her work wardrobe over 5 years ago (5 years!!! 5 years???) has been an amazing experience for me and hopefully readers and clients too.  Even when I decided to take time off from taking new clients there were still emails of the loyal ones wanting services.  It's always felt right to offer these services because you readers always wanted them.

Recently I was introduced to Keaton Row that brings together wardrobe stylists (like me) with people that want a little help in the wardrobe department (maybe like you).  I can offer these services FREE to you through Keaton Row and even mentor other ladies that want to start their own wardrobe styling services.  The way Keaton Row works is a little different than how I have done consults in the past so some of my clients may not like it - although it's hard not to love!  But the fact that it is free will be a huge opportunity to work with a lot more of you on a regular basis and maybe even help those of you that were hesitant to pay for my services.  So I'm going to give Keaton Row a try AND keep my regular consult program going too.  If this is a service you are interested in you can decide which way works best for you.  I am truly excited to work with MORE ladies this way and to have an opportunity to work with you on a more regular basis as well.  I think it's really a win-win for my readers and clients.  I highly suggest you head over there and check it out!  If you have any questions, always feel free to email or leave a comment!

None of this has anything to do with this outfit… summer whites for the win! That's all I'm saying about this look!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Top, J.Crew (or similar, similar less expensive, or similar less expensive)

Jeans, Gap (or similar)

Sandals, Sole Society

Bag, J.Crew "Tillary" tote (old - but similar or similar)

wear now and later!

This time of year I naturally start thinking about fall fashion… but in that same vein I also start getting a little sad about not being able to wear some of my favorite summer pieces in the months to come.  So in the ideal world I would still be dressing for fall without leaving my favorite summer pieces behind.  Maybe you feel the same? I tend to be ready to ditch my shorts and skirts but I like to hang on to my favorite tees and sandals - but that's just me.  Are there certain summer pieces you are sadder to see go than others?

Here I illustrated a few ways to take your favorite summer pieces and keep them in the wardrobe rotation for fall.  Layering of course is the key and here I show you how to make it effortless and of course pulled together.

top look:

sunglasses, scarf, shorts, sandals, t-shirt, sweater, jeans, boots, necklace

bottom look: cross body bag, jeans, bracelet, sandals, tank, camo jacket, boyfriend jeans, stacking rings, boots

Why and how to use an editorial calendar for blogging!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and Sharpie, but all opinions stated here are my own. (disclosure)

Fall is absolutely one of the busiest times of year in my household - and I'm guessing it's the same in your household as well.  School and sports start for my kids, new teachers and new routines take adjusting to, all the things I didn't get to during the summer (dr appts, hair appts, cleaning my house) come back to haunt me and on top of that it is the absolute busiest time for my blog.

Why use an editorial calendar? 
I've long depended on an editorial calendar for my blog, but this time of year it is absolutely necessary.  An editorial calendar helps me stay organized each day for all the different responsibilities I have for my blog - but it also cuts my work time in half (yes in half!) on average.   During the really busy months I am leaving time and money on the table as a blogger if I am disorganized.  Knowing what projects I am working on, with whom and project due dates is essential to maintaining my credibility with brands and clients as a blogger.  Keeping my readers as a top priority with daily posts ready and waiting for them is just as, if not more, important.  So an editorial calendar keeps all the balls I have in the air accounted for.

Organizing my posts in advance makes my time at the computer minimal because the minute I sit down to work I can start researching and pulling together a post based on what is next on the editorial calendar instead of sitting down and trying to figure out what to post.  I sit down to brainstorm once, maybe twice a month and then it is done! It also helps me to work ahead when I have a spare hour or two.  Instead of aimlessly wandering around the internet I can have an extra post written in that time - thus giving me an hour off from the computer in the future.

How to use an editorial calendar?
An editorial calendar should be used to plan posts, schedule posts, brainstorm posts, schedule due dates for sponsored blog or social media content, schedule giveaways and to most importantly give you a quick overview of what your blog posts and content will look like over the coming month(s).  This is how to get started:

• Stock up on a slew of colored markers or highlighters.  My favorite are the "fine point" Sharpies and the new Sharpie highlighters found at Staples.  Come up with a color scheme for how you will label the types of posts you plan on posting.  The categories I use are "client work", "brand work", "outfit posts", "editorial posts", "freelance work" and "time off." Your categories might be similar or different but applying these labels make organizing your content and your calendar super easy.  I am a visual person so I like to see it all at one glance.

• Grab a blank calendar from the office supply store, I like Staples the best, and schedule in all the non-negotiables first.  A couple examples of non-negotiable posts are posts relating to holidays for example, a post about July 4th needs to be posted on or before that date, other non-negotiable posts would be those with promised due dates for sponsors or giveaways or any days you plan not post (bloggers need days off too!).
• Next up brainstorm post ideas in the margins (I use the Saturday column on my calendar since I never post on Saturdays) by listing a few types of posts you would like to accomplish this month.  Once you have a list of 6-10 of those, start scheduling them in on the calendar!
• Aim to have your editorial calendar filled to about 80 or 90% before the month begins.  This calendar here is just for illustration but usually by the end of the month there are scribbles and scratch outs, arrows and more arrows from content switching days or being scheduled last minute and canceled or new ideas written in at the last minute.  There will always be changes but having a clear guide to start makes all those last minute changes much, much easier. 

Starting August 10th all Sharpie Fine and Ultra Fine markers and highlighters will be on sale at Staples while supplies last!  Thank you Sharpie and Staples for sponsoring this post!

timeless classics for fall with Ann Taylor!

When the calendar flips to August I immediately start thinking fall clothes (it naturally comes with the territory as a blogger). Not that I wish one day of summer away - no way… I'm still in full on summer mode.  But in between lazy mornings, afternoons poolside and bbqs I am already working on scouring the sites to see what surprises fall has in store for us style-wise.   I will feature a lot of these finds here on the blog… hopefully to make your fall shopping easier!

I randomly ended up on the Ann Taylor site recently - drooling over this jacket - and the more I poked around the more goodies I found and loved.  Ann Taylor is the epitome of classic style and what I love so much about all these pieces is that not only will they be timeless enough to wear for seasons to come but they are also great transitional wear to fall.  Black jeans can still be worn with a tee shirt and sneakers this September or a leather jacket can easily be layered over a great summer dress for a perfect summer to fall look.

And since Ann Taylor pieces are always so beautiful but conservative… they also translate well to an office environment as well.  You really can't go wrong with any of these gorgeous pieces for fall!

top row, from left: sunglasses, black skinny jeans, flats, peter pan top

2nd row, from left: tote, striped top, leather jacket, drapey pant

3rd row, from left: navy blouse, clutch, cheetah print dress, earrings

4th row, from left: tortoise belt, pleather skirt, ankle strap sandals, sweater

the damage: July!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. I chose 5 items because I am working on making my closet a more curated place and also to try to put an end to the constant closet clean outs where loads of clothes get sent to charity. Not that there is anything wrong with giving clothes to charity, it's just that I hope to make my clothes last longer in general. For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

I have to say that I have pretty miserably failed the "5 pieces" challenge for 2014.  I made the challenge on a whim and to say that I have had a hard time sticking to it is an understatement.  Not sure how I feel about that (okay with it or disappointed in myself) but it is what it is I suppose.  July is always a big shopping month for me with my birthday and with summer sales when summer is hardly over and this year was no exception. Let's take a look at the pieces…

J.Crew, "masterpiece tee", $49.50 on sale $19.99 (sold out, but similar)

J.Crew, Bateau Striped Shirt,  $45 on sale $20.99

Gap, Scalloped Shorts, $39.95 on sale $29.97

J.Crew, White Embroidered Tunic, $98 on sale $ 41.99

J.Crew, Striped Maxi Dress, $110 on sale $53.99

Kendra Scott, Elle Earring, $52

Sam Edelman, Pacific Ankle Boots, $159.95 on sale $99.90

J.Crew, Cleo Loafer, $145 on sale $53.99

Gap, Boyfriend Gingham Top, $49.95 on sale $29.97

Total Spent: $402.79 (saved $346.56)

Birthday Gifts (not counted in the budget…)

*Warby Parker, "Banks" Sunglasses, $95

*J.Crew, Horn Hobo Bag, $268.00

Thoughts on the budget:  For all the pieces I got I think $400 is fair… I actually saved almost 50% across the board. Not bad!  The birthday gifts were from my husband and not included in the budget. But I included them here because otherwise I know you gals will notice these new pieces in outfits and wonder… you gals are on top of it!

Thoughts on the pieces: The sale items from J.Crew were especially good deals… and were on pieces that I had already had my eye on, so getting them on sale is a total bonus.  It's definitely fun to add some new summer pieces mid season to keep things fresh and these pieces have already gotten a lot of wear.  The boots and Kendra Scott earrings were little birthday gifts to myself - boots were too good to pass up with the Nordstrom Sale and I can't wait to wear them this fall.  Then a few random Gap pieces are thrown in there as well - they are pieces I found while shopping for my kids.  The Gap's late summer line was actually quite impressive (they've been a little ho-hum lately) and I love these two pieces… one fun pair of shorts and a gingham top that will be sure to get tons of wear.  Over all a great month for shopping!  Look for all of these pieces in outfit photos soon!

Do you track your shopping budget too? If so, leave a little link in the comments… I would love to see what you snagged this month!