Why Winter Skin Care Matters

Winter is upon us and it is wreaking havoc on our skin. Today we are going to share with you our favorite skin care tips to help you survive this winter season.

1. Moisturize with natural oils.

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Our skin gets extra dry in the winter so we need to hydrate it with the good stuff. Using natural oils gives it double the moister and vitamins and healing properties as well. Some of our favorites are Rose hip oil, Coconut oil and vitamin E oil just to name a few.

2. Hydrate.

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Drinking water is something we should all be doing more of. In the cold dry bitter winter (depending on where you live) we know it can be hard to drink ice water but our skin NEEDS it. Drinking at least a liter of water a day and add in some tea of your choice and your skin is well on its way to glowing again.

3. Humidifiers.

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Humidifiers save noses and throats especially when you have a cold, but did you know they are also great for your beauty regimen? They help along in the moisturizing of your skin. It is recommended by beauty experts to start using a humidifier in your room to help you towards glowing skin.

4.Face mask.

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Our skin needs some extra pampering in the winter months and the best way to do that is with a moisturizing face mask. Here are some of our favorite DIY moisturizing face mask recipes. .

Ingredients: ½ Avocado ½ very ripe banana 1 tbsp. Olive or coconut oil Mix and mash everything together then apply to clean skin. (Careful its messy) Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Pat off with a damp towel and follow up with a moisturizer to really lock in the moisture.

If you are looking for a deep clean moister face mask then try this: Ingredients: ¼ avocado mashed 1 slice of a lemon 1 tbsp. of honey 1tsp. of olive or coconut oil Mix together and apply to clean face. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and was off with damp cloth or warm water.

These are some of our favorite ways to take care of our skin in this dry season. We hope this post inspires you to take some time for yourself and be pampered.

The Perfect New Look For Valentine's Day

We are so excited to bring you a fresh take on the perfect look for Valentine's Day. Here at Top Buttons we enjoy any occasion that gives us a reason to celebrate with the ones we love. Checkout our pick for your Valentine's Day outfit that is sure to work great for a girls night out or a romantic dinner with the one you love!

Be bold this year for Valentines day and step out of your comfort zone by mixing up some edgy pieces. Try pairing your favorite pair of tights with a leather skirt and silk top as seen here. Finish your look with a statement necklace.

Similar items can be found at Forever 21 and Charming Charlies.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Written by: Amanda Jacobs

Photography by: Elisabeth Huijskens

The Ultimate Investment Piece

Every girl needs a functional closet full of quality staples that will outlast trends and serve as the building blocks for her wardrobe. A key item at the top of our list to invest in is a trench coat. This jacket has been worn throughout  the decades by style icons such as Jackie O., Audrey Hepburn, and the list goes on. A trench coat stands the test of time and will always make you look chic. We promise! In your search for the perfect trench, try opting for a neutral one. A classic trench in khaki, black, or navy will go with anything. We love this mid-length one.

We always suggest investing in pieces that will serve you well. Items that can easily be mixed and matched within the contents of your closet. Once you have that in place it's always fun to branch out and add in colorful pieces like this purple trench.

Building a wardrobe that works for your lifestyle and personal taste takes time. As you continue to create your ideal closet consider a trench for your next purchase. To keep things simple, we've found a few options for you:

Asos Classic Trench, $103 | Calvin Klein Double-Breasted, $99.98 | Vince Camuto Long Trench, $94.98

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Photography by: Elisabeth Huijskens

Make A Statement With Leather

Pulling off a leather jacket can seem intimidating, so intimidating that you wouldn't dare purchase one let alone have it hang in your closet.  There seems to be this unspoken type of girl who can easily wear a leather jacket. You know, the girl with edge or the girl who is always on trend with everything she puts on. We are here to tell you that you don't have to fit that stereotype to embrace leather. We encourage you to throw caution to the wind because no matter what your style is everyone can safely pull off leather and do it with confidence! Check out the two looks below for ideas on how you can make your own statement with leather.

Layer a leather jacket over a loose fitting sweater, add riding boots for a serious winter vibe, and finish your look with a cute necklace.

For a softer look, opt for a light colored leather jacket. Black and cream is always chic. Throw in a bold statement necklace and your look is complete.

Check out Forever 21 and A&F for stylish, affordable leather jackets. We hope you enjoy finding your unique edge with leather!

Written by: Amanda Jacobs

Photography by: Elisabeth Huijskens

Pretty In Pink

Finding the perfect winter coat can be a bit daunting. You want a jacket that is warm and durable, yet speaks to your personality. After all you're going to be wearing it every day for a few months. If you're wanting to branch out and forsake the land of black and grey jackets, why not opt for a color? Pastels are a huge trend right now so there are plenty of options available in stores and on-line.

Add a little pop of color to your outfits with a coat like this pink one. You'll definitely stand out in the endless sea of black coats. How cute is the bow detail in the back?

Whether you're ready to retire your current jacket or looking for a statement coat, here are three of our top picks:

Ralph Lauren Drape Coat $200 | Eliza J Funnel Collar, $164.90 | Forever 21 Coat, $39.99

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Photography by: Elisabeth Huijskens

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Keeping in mind that the Christmas season is all about giving and receiving, we've put together a 2015 Holiday Gift Guide that features a variety of items all priced at $25 and under. Not only are they affordable, but these items are essential to every woman's life. An added bonus, is that each of these items is small enough to fit into a stocking too!

So whether you're looking for ideas of what to put on your own wishlist or you're on the hunt for the perfect present for a friend or family member, you can't go wrong with these suggestions.

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I mean, who doesn't love a good mug?! Nowadays there are so many to choose from. Some feature inspirational quotes, while others are printed with cute graphics. Some are made for hot drinks on-the-go, while others are made to be sipped from home. With a little perusing, you'll be sure to find one that perfectly fits your personality.

We found these three: Francesca's | Starbucks | Target

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A journal for the journey. Everyone is on a journey in life, and us women usually like to document it! From diary entries to letters to notes and more, journals are so handy -- so why not make it cute?

Barnes & Noble has the absolute best selection of journals around, including this set of Vintage Blossom ones.

Urban Outfitters has a selection of stationary as well, and this Feather Notebook is a favorite!

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The best thing about candles is that it's like the gift that keeps on giving! Seriously, it can change the mood and atmosphere of a whole room, over and over and over again ... until it burns out, of course.

What you may not know is that the Dollar Tree sells Skittle-scented candles (best idea ever). If you thought you loved eating Skittles, wait 'til their scent fills the room. (We are not responsible if this gift makes you hungry though!)

On the other hand, Bath & Body Works is the go-to for all things scent-related. From body wash, to lotion, to candles, they have it all -- both in quantity AND quality. The Vanilla Bean Noel candle is timeless. While it is fitting for the holidays, it is one of those scents that never gets old.

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Lotion -- it's a triple threat that helps you smell good, look good, and feel good. It helps alleviate dry, rough, and itchy skin, so say goodbye to those days and hello to an array of scented lotions.

As mentioned before, Bath & Body Works is the ideal place to shop for scents, and this Warm Vanilla Sugar gift set includes lotion, body wash, and hand sanitizer for a great value.

Ulta, on the other hand, is the prime place for all cosmetic-related shopping. Their OPI Body Lotion set comes with 6 different scents. This set will accommodate anyone, whether they just want to switch scents daily, or try a bunch out until they find the one they love best.

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The secret to buying wallets: purchase a wallet that's cheap enough, so that once you've bought it you'll still have money left over to keep in it. That's why we searched for two versatile and affordable wallet options from Charming Charlie & Forever 21. These wallets are available in neutral colors, so that they can match with any purse.

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Big necklaces and graphic-faced watches are so in this year. Why spend loads of money on ever-changing accessory trends?

Wal-Mart can help you make a statement with a necklace like this bold Pearl Cluster one.  They have a great selection of statement necklaces ranging from $5-$15. You'll be sure to find an accessory as unique as you or a friend.

Charlotte Russe and Rue 21 both have an assortment of watches, each one featuring a different face. This Flower Garden watch is just $7! By searching "watch" in their search-bar, you'll find a large variety ranging from quotes, to patterns, to pictures and more!

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After reading our Holiday Gift Guide, we hope you've been inspired for both wish-list making and gift-giving!

How To Make Your Makeup Last

When I was nominated as a representative for my college senior class Homecoming Court, my initial excitement was short-lived. It dawned on me: I know nothing about hair and makeup, however a team of fairy-god-mothers (**cough** I mean, friends) came to my rescue and made me feel like true royalty!

If there's anything I learned from this experience, it's that a little setting spray can make your makeup last through a long day!

One of my biggest complaints about doing my own makeup in the past was that IT NEVER STAYS, but thanks to the help of makeup genius Breanna Chapa I gained a little more confidence in my everyday makeup look.

Breanna began applying my makeup at 8:30AM, and when I washed it off at 11:30PM (about 15 hours later), it looked JUST AS FLAWLESS as when she first applied it. Her secret to longevity? Simple! She set it with a MAC Prep & Prime spray.

Of course, being the queen of thrift, I opted to look for a cheaper alternative. Let's check it out below:

While you pay for quality with the MAC Prep + Prime, the ELF Makeup Mist & Set is just a fraction of the price and can be picked up at stores like Target and Wal-Mart.

"I've had my MAC spray for four months and have only used about 1/4 of the bottle, so it's definitely worth it," said Breanna.

Being so impressed with the MAC spray, I was compelled to checkout ELF, plus I just couldn't turn down the $3 price tag! I've been using it for about a week now, and I really enjoy how fresh my makeup stays all throughout the day. It sprays on a bit thicker than a mist, so I wait a minute for it to dry, but other than that I am pretty satisfied with the results!

I would recommend BOTH brands, because this simple adjustment to my daily makeup routine has boosted my confidence!

I felt so good, I snapped selfies all day!

Written by:

Alexis Gauthier

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[Makeup Credit: Breanna Chapa] [Feature Photo Credit: Ashley Espada]

How To Wear Lace This Fall

Lace is a timeless style that can be tricky to wear because it is often times sheer. It is especially difficult to add lace pieces to fall looks. However, with a few extra layers, summer oriented lace pieces can be layered, making them perfect for the chillier days ahead.

Lace in darker tones rather than white are perfect for fall. This olive green color is a perfect example. Here the lace is built into the dress and laid over the main construction providing a loose fit. Dresses like this allow the sheer lace to shine without showing skin.

To balance out feminine lace details, add solid knits and black tights.

Another way to wear lace is to wear it over a solid top. Here a white summer lace top was converted into a fall look with a burnt orange scarf, hat and cup of coffee to keep warm and cozy.

This top has extra volume and a long hem, I suggest pairing these types of silhouettes with a slim fitting pant.

Do you have a few lace pieces in your closet ready to take on fall? Let us know in the comments below.

Written by Jenna Howell

Model: Jenna Howell and Dallas Kiester

What To Wear This Holiday Season

For many, the holidays can be an extremely busy time of year. There are gifts to be bought, holiday parties to attend, and potential travel to prepare for. In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle it can be difficult to find time to plan what to wear for all of the special events of the season. Luckily, we have a few ideas for you! We know you don't have time to go out searching for the perfect outfit so we found it for you. This striped dress and faux fur vest combination is perfection. It has just the right mix of dressy and casual.

This basic t-shirt dress is easily dressed up with a vest, tights, and accessories. The layered necklaces and watch give the outfit personality and the ankle boots are right on trend.

No outfit is complete without the right makeup. Neutral eyes and a berry lip pull everything together. Not to mention the festive red coordinating polish.

You may not have this complete outfit in your closet, but you may have similar items that you can use to create a similar look. Think about what accessories, basic dresses, layering pieces, tights, and makeup you already own. Get creative! You can use this outfit as inspiration for how you can use your current wardrobe. You may already have the perfect outfit. If not, don't worry you can shop similar items right here:

Dress | Vest | Boots

We hope you are inspired and feel confident in putting a fabulous holiday outfit together!

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Photography by: Elisabeth Huijskens

3 Fall Makeup Trends You Want To Copy

One of our favorite things about Fall and Winter is the makeup. It's the time of year when we get to switch up our beauty routines, reinvent our style, and try new products and looks. The Fall runways were full of makeup inspiration, but 3 trends caught our eye in particular. Not only are they extremely flattering, but they are easily replicated. Here are three beauty trends to incorporate into your fall and winter looks this season. Graphic liner- Black liner was all over the Fall runways. You’re probably thinking, what’s so new and fresh about black eye liner? This season it’s all about being creative with this beauty staple. Winged liner is ultra flattering. It elongates the eyes and makes lashes look fuller. You can experiment with how dramatic you want the liner to look. It’s all about having fun.

Red lips- You can’t go wrong with a red lip. There are a ton of different shades to play with. Ruby Woo from Mac and Heat Wave from Nars are a couple of our favorites. Beauty tip: Red lips look great paired with a neutral eye.

Berry Lips- It’s all about the lips when Fall hits. Red isn’t the only shade to reach for! Berry lipstick is also essential for the makeup kit. Try Craving from Mac, it‘s a great medium berry shade. Not too light and not too dark.

Whether you opt for a cat eye or a bold red lip you're sure to be on trend this season.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Photography by: Elisabeth Huijskens

Building Up Girls on #GivingTuesday

"Giving Tuesday" is coming up quickly on Tuesday, December 1st.  It's an international day of giving back, and we knew you would be interested in an opportunity to provide greatly needed clothing to some very deserving young women!  Would you consider sponsoring one at-risk young woman at $100 to receive our unique Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program?  Through our program, these young women receive confidence boosting educational sessions, new wardrobes of proper fitting clothing, and much more. Did you know we provide our Wearing Confidence Program to the young ladies of PACE Center for Girls, Porch Light, Heartland for Children, Youth Villa, the Dream Center, Girls Inc, and More?

WHAT TOP BUTTONS HAS MEANT TO PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS, POLK:

"PACE Center for Girls, Polk has had the privilege of a partnership with the amazing Top Buttons organization.  The collaboration between the two non-profit programs, has benefited the PACE girls in a myriad of ways.  Every month, several of our girls are able to participate in the Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program at the Top Buttons Boutique.  There they learn many necessary skills while having a good time with the wonderful staff.  The Top Buttons team teaches girls how to dress appropriately for a variety of occasions, while maintaining their own sense of style.  Girls have the opportunity to try on an assortment of clothing and accessories through which they take new wardrobes of quality clothing for free. This exercise allows girls to have a hands-on experience while receiving input from the staff.  As part of the program, professionals teach girls how to apply make-up and style their hair in a trendy but appropriate manner.  The Top Buttons staff also comes to the PACE Center to educate our girls about topics surrounding self-esteem and positive body image.  These experiences have meant a great deal to the PACE girls. Through a meaningful approach, they are receiving valuable guidance.  Girls return to school after visiting the program elated and with increased self-esteem.  They also share what they have learned with their peers. Girls within the PACE program, are now working diligently to earn the privilege of this experience. It is something they all strive to be a part of. A big "Believing in Girls" thank you to the Top Buttons non-profit organization for your investment in the girls at PACE Center for Girls, Polk!"

- Marge Connelly, Social Services Manager at PACE Center for Girls, Polk

Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program Recipients with their personal stylist in the pictures featured below.

Through our Wearing Confidence Program these young women are educated on many topics including:

"How to Dress for Job Interviews & the Workplace" "Feeling Confident from the Inside Out" "Understanding the Impact of Culture on Clothing Choices"   "Importance of Contextual Modesty"   ...AND we don't just educate these young women, we provide them with the clothing resources and tools they need to present their BEST self in every day life.

*in addition to the educational sessions, these young women receive a wardrobe of properly fitted attire, make-up with application and skin care tips, and on-going mentorship and volunteer opportunities within our boutique*

Give $100 to sponsor one girl today (click here) or keep us in mind for  #GIVINGTUESDAY. We are asking every person reading this post to sponsor 1 at-risk girl at $100. Or do what you can, every penny counts!

This year, we have had over 200 at-risk girls participate in our Wearing Confidence Program and we hope to double that number in 2016. Through this #GivingTuesday Campaign, we hope to partner with over 200 people to fund our Wearing Confidence Program through May of 2016.

Thank you for your time and support.  Please share this post with anyone who you feel would also be interested in what we are doing at Top Buttons.

3 Must Have Boots for Fall

Have you spent hours sifting through your closet trying to find the perfect outfit to wear? Or have you been faced with the challenge of which pair of shoes to build your outfit around? Well, you are not alone! Fall is the perfect time of year to explore your creative side and try something new. Sit back and check out how to wear the stacked bootie, the ankle boot, and the riding boot. Feeling bold? Try stepping out in a pair of stacked booties! We love the feminine touch these boots bring to most outfits. Try pairing your booties with a pair of tights as seen here.

The key to properly wearing the ankle boot is all in the way you style the jean they are paired with. One of our top picks is the double cuff. This approach elongates the leg and shows off the shoes!

What girl doesn't love a pair of good riding boots! This boot can be paired with a variety of fall looks. Heading out to dinner with the girls? Throw on your skinny jeans with a long cardigan and finish off your look with a pair of riding boots.

We hope you found just what you were looking for with all your shoe needs! To find similar boots we encourage you to check out Zappos.

Written by Amanda Jacobs

Statement Outerwear For Fall

Outerwear is essential for the upcoming months as the days grow colder. One of the best ways to spice up an outfit is to pair it with a bold coat or sweater. This is perfect for a fun weekend especially if it includes an outdoor adventure.

Shag coats are a huge trend this season. If you love the look of fur, but would rather go faux, this is the perfect alternative. Pair a shag coat with a black shirt dress, tights, and booties for a look that keeps you warm and stylish.

Statement jackets look great when worn with simple, basic silhouettes. (You can find a similar look at Forever 21)

Vests are also popular this fall. They are lightweight and perfect for those warmer autumn days. Pair a vest with your favorite pair of jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt. Opt for simple accessories such as a watch or small chain necklace. They are classic and keep the focus on the vest.

Vests are great layering pieces. They can be worn with pants, skirts, or dresses.  (You can find this vest at Zara ).

Will you be wearing a statement jacket this season? Be daring, show it off on your next afternoon out with friends. From fringe to bold patterns or even sparkle, fall is all about making a statement!

Written by: Jenna Howell

Fall Sweater Guide

The weather is turning crisp and the clothes are getting cozy this time of year. The difficult fashion question is how do I wear a blanket and still look chic, right ladies?

The boyfriend cardigan is a good place to start. Pair this over a denim jumpsuit and striped shirt for a comfy, weekend look.

This look can easily be dressed up or down. Pair your cardigan with a statement necklace and booties or for a more casual look, opt for sneakers and a high pony tail. (You can find this cardigan and jumpsuit at Free People.)                                                              

Open sweater coats are another good option for oversized knitwear. The extra material at the neckline provides extra warmth so even on a cold day, this sweater can double as a jacket. (You can find similar items at Marshalls, Macys or any department store.)

I love how this sweater has a hood! It's both practical and stylish. The subtle print adds visual interest to the look but can easily be a neutral staple piece.

This look is great for cold weather adventures, errands, or even class.

          

What's your favorite way to wear a sweater this season? Let us know in the comments below! Written by: Jenna Howell

Fall's Most Wearable Trends

Do you ever find yourself captivated by all the designer looks that make-up New York and Paris Fashion Week? Do you then think to yourself, I could never pull that off or where would I wear something like that? Well you're not alone! Here are three of the most wearable trends for fall. 1. The Car Wash Skirt - This skirt is similar to the popular fringe trend except the flaps are slightly thicker. We love the fun and flirty nature of this piece! You can add a touch of sophistication to this look by pairing your skirt with a button down blouse and heels. Check out Etsy for cute affordable car wash skirts!

2. Neon - Just because summer is over it doesn't mean that you have to pack away all your bright colors. Pops of Neon were all over the runway for fall. We love pairing a loose fitted tee with boyfriend jeans. You can finish your look with a pair of Bevin Heels! Click here for more neon tees.

3. Flare Bottoms - All you need is a pair of flared jeans to be on-trend this fall. We love the ease and comfort these jeans bring to an outfit. They transition easily from day to night to meet all your fashion needs! To spice things up add a pair of animal print heels. Check out a&f for more flared jeans.

Feeling Brave? Unleash your inner fashionista and try out "hot off the runway" trends this Fall!

Written by: Amanda Jacobs Images via Pinterest

How To Get The Marissa Webb Look

Marissa Webb is the brilliant mind behind the Banana Republic label. She was named their Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design in April 2014. On top of these roles she also manages to run her own cutting-edge design label. Marissa is known just as much for her designs as she is for her incredible personal style. If you've ever wanted to dress like this style maven, you've come to the right place. Today, we are sharing tips on how to re-create some of Marissa's most popular looks. Marissa is known for her genius mix of feminine and masculine elements. She is often seen wearing a structured blazer. We love how she adds a playful edge to her jacket by opting to roll the sleeves.

Marissa is an expert in layering necklaces. Accessories are key to achieving her look. This always adds an enormous amount of style and detail to her outfits.

Along with layering necklaces, Marissa often completes her looks by adding a carefully curated stack of bracelets. We love how she uses jewelry to personalize her outfits.

Are you as inspired as we are? We hope you enjoyed these tips on how to achieve Marissa's effortlessly chic look.  For more style inspiration and to view her designs, click here.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

{images via: pinterest}

On Our Radar: The Sweater Poncho

What if you could leave the house draped in a cozy blanket and be right on trend? Well, you can! This season’s most loved item is the sweater poncho. It's comfortable, warm, and chic all at once! Here are a few ways to style this fall essential. Casual chic is the way to go when you are headed out for a low key afternoon on the town. A sweater poncho can be worn with a pair of jeans, sweatshirt, and your favorite pair of sneakers. This is definitely the ultimate cozy outfit that's ideal for catching an afternoon movie with friends.

If you're going for more of a sophisticated look, try belting your poncho. It adds a stylish element to your outfit and has a nice elongating effect to it.

Trendy chic is always a hit around here. The addition of a floppy hat, ripped jeans, and ankle boots take the sweater poncho to a whole other level. This could possibly be the perfect fall look!

Since ponchos are a hot ticket item this season, you won't have a hard time finding one. In fact, they come in a wide variety of different colors, patterns and styles. To see our picks, click the links below!

Forever 21 Striped Poncho | BP. Paid Poncho | Lulus Cream And Black Poncho

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

{images via: pinterest}

3 Ways To Style A Dress For Fall

Don't move your dresses to the back of the closet just yet! Whether you have plans to attend a football game, meet up with friends at a carnival, or have a lunch date at the mall with your bestie, a dress may be the perfect choice for your event! Check out these 3 ways to style a dress for fall. Looking for something quick and easy for this weekend's football game? Try pairing a T-Shirt dress that represents your team's colors. Add a necklace for contrast, throw on some ankle booties and you are ready to cheer on your team! (You can find similar dresses at Charming Charlie).

We love the look of pairing a tunic with a pair of knee-high boots. This versatile dress can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. For a more sophisticated look pair your outfit with a thin belt and patterned scarf as seen below. (This dress can be found at H&M).

Going out with the girls tonight? Not to worry we have you covered! Pull out your favorite party dress, throw on your coziest sweater and finish off your look with a long necklace and some tights! (You can find similar items from Anthropologie).

What can be more refreshing than a crisp cool breeze in the air that will encourage you to breakout your fall wardrobe? Chances are you already have several dresses in your closet. All you need to do now is add a sweater or a scarf and you are all set!

Written by: Amanda Jacobs

Images via Pinterest

A Fall Day at the Beach

We know that summer has come to an end, but some of you ladies may live in a warm place, or may find yourself in a tropical place, like this one:

I am currently in a climate that is far from fall, and this weekend I went to the beach for a day of relaxation. In the fall, beach attire looks a little different but I have some key tips on what to wear over those swimsuits.

Take your favorite tunic for instance, a long sleeve, light weight one is perfect to throw over your swimsuit (you can find this one at Free People).

Don't forget your sunglasses, and a beach bag, in our case we brought backpacks because our trip included a hike.  Try to keep your accessories minimal so you don't have to stow too much jewelry away when you hit the water.

Another alternative is to pair your favorite floral top with cut-offs or jeans on those cooler beach days to keep warm before you hit the water.

The key is light-weight pieces and layers. This drop-waist button up shirt dress is perfect for all shapes and light minimal colors are perfect for beachwear (this top is from H&M)

Cover your one piece with a sheer lace top, and you are dressed up enough to hit a restaurant on the boardwalk before you head for the water (you can find tops similar to this at American Eagle).

Whether you are planning a picnic by the water or packing for your upcoming tropical vacation, these tips are sure to help you to hit the beach in style. Keep it simple, lightweight and layered and you're sure to have a great time!

Written by: Jenna Howell Photography by: Kristie Wuttke 

Get Fall Fabulous With These 5 Items

Transitioning your summer wardrobe to fall doesn’t have to be complicated. Although it’s warm outside you can still get into the fall spirit. All you need are a few key items to get you through this tricky in between season. Incorporate these 5 essentials into your daily routine and you will look effortlessly chic in no time. Dark nail polish—We know you’ve been looking for a reason to run to Sephora so here is the perfect excuse! Start transitioning to fall with dark nail polish. OPI's "Lincoln Park " is always a winner every year.

Dark lipstick—While you're at the beauty store make sure to swing by the lipstick section to test out a few berry or plum shades. Nothing screams fall like a bold lip. Try Mac’s “fashion revival.”

Plaid shirt- Fall is pretty much synonymous with plaid right? Once you sport a plaid shirt with a pumpkin spice latte in hand you have officially crossed over into fall territory! We love this shirt from Madewell.

Pointed ballet flats—Instead of reaching for your sandals, opt for a pair of flats. How cute are these leopard ones from Asos? And they are only $33!

A quality bag—Trade in your canvas totes for a great statement bag. A cognac leather bag is on our must have list this season. We are loving this one from Madewell.

You don’t have to wait until the tempature drops to get into the fall spirit. Have fun incorporating these items or similar ones into your everyday look!

What are some items for fall that you are currently crushing on? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

{images via pinterest}