Pinspiration: Lush Meadow Green for Fall 2016

As most of you know, I'm a sucker for Pantone's seasonal color reports. I love seeing which colors the experts predict will dominate the runways and how those trends manifest in my favorite stores. Autumn is my favorite season for fashion - I love, love, love sweaters, scarves, knit dresses, tights, books, and jackets. One of my favorite fashion colors this fall is the rich green Pantone calls Lush Meadow (LOFT calls it Ponderosa Pine, and at Old Navy it's Winter Spruce). Here's some of my current inspiration:

What are your go-to colors for fall?

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

Gideon Photography via Ruffled

• IN LOVE with this chalkboard wedding inspiration.
• Digging the mudcloth trend in home decor fabrics.
• An elegant Harry Potter inspired wedding from APW.
• A super-elegant garden wedding from Snippet and Ink.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Design Is Yay, By Dawn Nicole, and May Designs.
• Women's Health shares a tour of the Olympic Village in Rio.
• Tonga's handsome Olympic flagbearer seems like a nice guy.
• My BFF and I both swooned over this Old Navy moto jacket.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: Visiting Allie's house from The Notebook.
• 2014: A quirky Sunday Social and my first day of school teacher outfit.
• 2013: Back to the past with Sunday Social, aqua and lime wardrobe inspiration.
• 2012: This in-between season, vacation wardrobe inspiration, Kate Midleton's Olympic wardrobe and budget-friendly versions of her outfits.  
• 2011: Ideas for honeysuckle pink wardrobe and home decor.

Fall 2014: Mauve Mist

One of my favorite trends this fall is a shift towards soft, pastel shades used in unexpected ways - a moto jacket looks totally fresh in blush pink, stud earrings are edgy in gray and rose gold, and a quilted leather bag is perfect in taupe.

1. Forever 21 faux leather moto jacket  2. Francesca's jeweled drop earrings  3.  Fossil stud earrings  4. GAP colorblock scarf  5. J. Crew Factory statement sweater  6. Ruche cable knit sweater  7. Vera Bradley quilted backpack purse  8. GAP colorblock socks  9. Butter London nail lacquer in "Teddy Girl" and "Fairy Lights"  from Sephora 10. Coach loafers (similar, similar)

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat and The European Malteser

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Style to Inspire with Rhea Et Cetera and Thrifting Diva

Style: What to Pack for Summer Camp

One childhood memory I don't think I'll ever forget comes from my very first summer at 4-H camp.  One morning during the daily flag ceremony, our group's counselors were walking up and down the line of kids, trying to get them to stand still and be quiet, which is a lot to ask of 9-12 year olds at 7:30 A.M.  Rule follower that I was, I was standing in line between my bunkmates, hand over my heart and ready for the pledge.  I heard my counselor, Kate, tell her best friend, "She's, like, the perfect little camper."

The truth that first summer was, I didn't feel like the perfect little camper.  I was homesick - I'd never been away from my mom for more than a night - and I didn't see what the big fuss was about all of the outdoor activities and competitions.  I would have been happy to find a shady spot under a tree and read a book or draw pictures for a week, but instead, we had to be somewhere and do something all the time.  As the week went on, the horse barn started to call my name, the cold water in the pool felt better each afternoon, campfire seemed like a magical and otherworldly experience, and the older girls in my cabin (they were sixth graders, and therefore had an air of sophistication) started to feel like big sisters (they taught me to use mascara!).  I'd caught the camp bug.

Fast forward to today, and I'm still camping - this time as an adult volunteer.  I'll probably be in a kayak when this post goes live.  I hope the little girls in my lodge aren't perfect campers, because how boring would that be?  I may not be a Girl Scout, but I pride myself on always being prepared for camp - the perfect camper is all grown up.  This post is for anyone packing for camp as a counselor, staff member, or adult volunteer this summer!

Packing For Camp - Basics by heatherbird featuring backpacks bags

The basics:

• Comfortable, casual tops for summer weather.  Most organized summer camps have a dress code similar to what local middle and high schools have, so tank tops should have thick straps.  If your camp provides t-shirts, woohoo!  One less thing to worry about.
• Bottoms appropriate for what activities you'll be involved in.  Keep that dress code in mind - shorts should probably have at least a 5 inch inseam.  If you'll be doing any climbing or zip-lining, bring soft, Bermuda-length shorts - regular jean shorts can be really uncomfortable with a harness!  If you'll be riding a horse, jeans or capris are a must to prevent saddle sores. 
• Twice as many undergarments as you think you'll need - you'll thank me later when a midday change of clothes gives you a more cheerful outlook on life.  Cotton is best because it's breathable.  Don't forget socks if you'll be wearing sneakers or boots!
• A light hoodie or flannel shirt for chilly mornings and evenings.
• A light raincoat with a hood.   No one wants to deal with an umbrella at camp.
• A backpack or drawstring bag so you don't have to run back to your cabin.

Camp Gear - Footwear by heatherbird featuring western boots

Footwear appropriate to your program area or activities:

• If you'll be around horses: closed toes are a must for riding, boots are good if you'll be leading the horse in any capacity (horses just don't understand that our feet are tiny and fragile).
• At my camp, all shoes must have a heel strap - this has drastically reduced the number of injuries!  Tevas might not be the most attractive shoes in the world, but they get the job done, and Keen's closed-toe sandals are ideal for aquatic activities like canoeing and kayaking.

Beat the Heat by heatherbird featuring a lip treatment

Beat-the-heat essentials: 

• A water bottle that will clip onto your backpack
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Several bandanas, headbands, and hair ties

Toiletries:  soap, shampoo and conditioner (I avoid floral and sweet-smelling products to decrease the risk of insect stings and bites), toothbrush and toothpaste, razor (I love the Venus + Olay razor so I don't have to pack shave gel), strong deodorant, hairbrush, towels and washcloths (that you wouldn't mind losing)

Medications:  Some camps require counselors and volunteers to check all meds - even the OTC stuff - with the camp EMT or nurse.  Be sure to follow the rules!

• Allergy medication
• Allergy cream (bugs WILL bite you)
• Benzocaine swabs to treat bee stings
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Something for sore muscles (BioFreeze is amazing!)
• Assorted bandages
• Insect repellent (check your camp's policies - DEET products may be banned)
• Aloe vera for treating sunburn
• Eye drops (sitting around a campfire can cause irritation!)

Pool Time! by heatherbird featuring Vera Bradley

Pool/lake gear:

• A one-piece bathing suit or tankini.  My camp has banned bathing suits that tie, which should make sense to anyone who has jumped into a body of water while wearing one and experienced a wardrobe malfunction.  I avoid wearing brightly colored or floral print bathing suits because stinging insects can be attracted to them, and I don't wear red because I don't want to be confused with the lifeguard.
• Multiple beach towels (so that one can be hanging out to dry while one is in use).

Good to have:

• A water resistant sports watch with an alarm (don't rely on your phone).
• Waterproof disposable camera.
• A plastic/mesh bag to take wet bathing suits and towels home in (I skip this because I throw everything into the washing machine as soon as I get home anyway).

Linking Up:

Catch as Catch Can at My Repurposed Life

#FundayMonday at Still Being Molly

Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Favorite Fashion Friday at Penniless Socialite

Friday's Fab Favorites at Style Elixir
Serenity Saturday at Serenity You

A Classic Spring Break

It's finally here - my little break from work and normalcy.  While I'm going to be staycationing this weekend, I'm dreaming of getting away. The weather is so unpredictable here that I'm more likely going to be found in a hoodie or sweater - but that doesn't mean I won't be adding fun spring touches - switching out boots for ballet flats and perhaps donning a new pair of sunglasses.  I'm loving classic navy paired with placid blue for a fresh spring look.  For those of you lucky enough to be taking a dip this weekend, I can't recommend Sara Blakely's line of swimsuits for Target enough - I have one from last summer and adore it.  They're made with the same materials as Spanx so they are super flattering. 

View this set on Polyvore

1. American Eagle hoodie  2. J. Crew merino sweater  3. Elle Tahari sunglasses from Nordstrom
4. Kate Spade stud earrings from Piperlime  5. ASSETS by Sara Blakely bathing suit from Target
6. LOFT colorblock ballet flats  7. Kate Spade phone case from Bloomingdale's
8. Forever21 "Head in the Clouds" nail polish  9. Lacoste tote bag

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post in any way.  All opinions are my own.

Linking Up With:
Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness
Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Three-Fer Thursday at Perfectly Coutured

Style: Time to Get Away...

Virginia's indecisive weather, standardized tests and general having to be a grown-up have me daydreaming about spring break... which is less than a month away now.  Shades of seafoam teal and chambray blue are calming, the perfect complement to a springtime escape, no matter what the forecast or appointment calendar may hold.

View this set on Polyvore

1. Wallis sweater (similar here, here)  2. GAP plaid scarf  

3. Voluspa jar candle from Anthropologie  4. Old Navy graphic tee (similar here, here)  

5. Banana Republic statement necklace (similar here and here)

6. Merona cowl-neck hoodie from Target  7. Essie nail polish in Rock the Boat  

8. Zoya nail polish in Nyx  9. Kellin Silver mint clover ring  

10. J. Crew drawstring travel bag set

And here's my take on this color scheme...

Necklace: lia sophia "Lily Pad"  Sweater: Merona from Target  

Purse: Rosetti from TJ Maxx  Jeans: Curvy straight legs from LOFT  

Boots: Merona from Target

I love this outfit - it feels very "me" and very comfortable.

Linking Up:
Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Favorite Fashion Friday at Penniless Socialite
Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Three-Fer Thursday at Perfectly Coutured
Be.You.Tiful Link Party at Maybe I Will
Weekend Block Party at Can't Google Everything

Style: Go Team USA!

Team USA's Opening Ceremony uniforms by Ralph Lauren received a lot of media attention, most of it negative.  Somehow, our athletes' busy American flag printed sweaters looked much better en masse during the Parade of Nations than they had on the models on our morning talk shows!  If you're looking for something that's patriotic but a little less grandma for your Closing Ceremonies festivities, here are a few suggestions:

Disclaimer:  ModCloth links contain an affiliate code.

View this set on Polyvore

1. ModCloth scarf  2. The North Face jacket from Macy's  
3. Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Go For Gold mittens  
4. GAP snowboarding tee (worth going over to the men's department)  
5. Weathercast quilted jacket from Kohl's
6. The Hut fur-trimmed vest  7. ModCloth sneakers 
8. Essie nail polish in "Russian Roulette" from Target (couldn't resist!)
9. Lucky Brand loafers from Lord and Taylor

Linking Up With:
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Favorite Fashion Friday at Penniless Socialite 

Fall Must-Have: Moto Sweater

The third piece I'm craving for this fall is a comfy, zippy moto sweater - I love this feminine take on an edgy trend, and I super love that they're available in a range of price points!

View this set on Polyvore

Which of these sweaters is your favorite?  I'm partial to the Victoria's Secret version, but loving the faux-leather trim on the one from The Limited.

Fall 2013: Turbulence Gray

This autumn, gray has a split personalities: sweatshirts and t-shirts are going glam with jewel embellishments, the moto jacket is showing a softer side, and classic work pieces like ballet flats are getting cozy.  Here are a few of my favorite wear-anywhere pieces for this season.

View this set on Polyvore

1. LOFT embellished sweatshirt  2. Merona oxford blazer from Target
3. Xhilaration jewel embellished tee from Target 4. Fornash stud earrings from Tuckernuck
5. LOFT moto sweater jacket  6. Stella & Dot "Jessie" and "Urbane" hematite bracelets
7. Mossimo pleated skirt from Target  8. GAP flannel ballet flats
9. Modcloth jersey blouse  10. Hive & Honey varsity jacket from Piperlime
11. Banana Republic handbag  12. LOFT straight leg jeans  13. GAP sweater tights
14. Essie nail polishes in "Cashmere Bathrobe" and "For the Twill of It" from Target

Fall Must-Have: Utility Jacket

The second item that seems to be literally everywhere this fall is a utility jacket in this season's popular military-inspired olive green.  These jackets are perfect for layering, and available at different price points.  Would you save or splurge on this classic jacket?

View this set on Polyvore

Casual Neutrals for Fall [high school reunion tailgate outfits]

In a few hours, I'll be heading back to my old high school football stadium stomping grounds to kick off my ten year reunion weekend with my classmates.  It's also the 50th anniversary of my high school, so alumni from throughout the school's history as well as retired teachers will be in attendance.  I had been brainstorming cute fall outfit ideas for a while and came up with four layered looks I was loving - and then Virginia decided to be 80 degrees in September.  So while I'll probably be rocking a t-shirt, jeans, and flats tonight, here's what I'd rather be wearing!

View this set on Polyvore

Tomboy:  Striped sweater (similar from J. Crew), bar necklace (similar from Piperlime), Nordstrom pave stud earrings, GAP destructed jeans, Merona riding boots from Target

Preppy: Madewell cableknit sweater (similar from Mango), J. Crew Factory herringbone excursion vest (similar from Need Supply Co.), pearl earrings (similar from ShopBop), mustard crossbody purse (similar from Macy's), Old Navy embroidered loafters

Edgy: Moto jacket (similar from Forever 21), House of Harlow 1960 button earrings from Piperlime, flared jeans (similar from Pink Mascara)

Diva: Old Navy t-shirt, Yumi glitter thread cardigan from House of Fraser (UK), Tory Burch stud earrings from Nordstrom, Fossil satchel, GAP leopard print flats

Which of these looks is your favorite?

Virginia vs. VMI Gameday Fashion - Rainy Last Day of Summer

View this set at Polyvore

The alum:  1. UVa Columbia rain jacket from Cavalier Team Shop  2. KJL pearl earrings from Tuckernuck  3. Lemon & Line rope bracelet  4. GAP striped ponte dress  5. Old Navy boat shoes
6. Vineyard Vines tote bag from Mincer's

The undergrad:  1. Mossimo boyfriend cardigan from Target  2. Topshop striped tee
3. Baublebar flower necklace  4. OPI nail polish from Discount Beauty Center  5. Fossil flap clutch
6. GAP destructed jeans  7. Hunter rain boots

Fall 2013: Graphic Black and White

I'm excited about Target's fall designer collaboration with 3.1 Phillip Lim.  The pieces hit stores this Sunday, and the collection focuses on versatile, modern items with clean lines and fun prints.  My favorite pieces also fall in step with one of this fall's biggest trends: graphic black and white.  White after Labor Day?  Now totally acceptable- especially paired with bold black pieces like moto jackets, structured handbags, and statement jewelry.

View this set on Polyvore

Disclaimer:  ModCloth items contain affiliate links.

1. Mossimo moto jacket from Target  2. LOFT necklace tee  3. 3.1 Phillip Lim booties from Target
4. Tribal print dress from ModCloth  5. House of Harlow 1960 earrings from Piperlime
6. Pam Breeze-ly tunic  from ModCloth  7. 3.1 Phillip Lim purse from Target
8. BCBGMAXAZRIA lace blouse from Piperlime  9. Bow-print dress from ModCloth
10. 3.1 Phillip Lim graphic dress from Target 11. 3.1 Phillip Lim embellished dress from Target

Here are some of our favorite celebrities rocking black and white.  Please note:  If you'd like to add any of these celebrity images to your Pinterest boards, please click on the link below the picture and pin from the source so the photographers get credit for their work!

Modern:  Julianne Moore || Olivia Wilde

winter color: poppy and linen

Today's board is inspired by this spring's Pantone color report and two colors that unexpectedly look awesome together:  poppy and linen.  I included several "mall" items in case you're still on the hunt for a Valentine's Day outfit!

1. GAP v-neck sweater  2. J. Crew schoolboy blazer  3. Modcloth tunic  

4. LOFT floral print scarf  5. J. Crew mini hobo purse  6. GAP leather tablet case  

7. J. Crew iPhone 5 case  8.  Michael Antonio cap-toe ballet flats from ModCloth 

9.  Vince Camuto peep-toe wedges from ModCloth 10. J. Crew Factory skinny jeans

Read on for makeup ideas, celebrity and runway inspiration, and cute party dresses!

steeper or cheaper: striped blazers

I'm back with another duo of similarly-styled fashion pieces at different price points.  I don't consider myself a fashion blogger - just a girl who likes to shop- but I can't resist sharing style inspiration, or a great deal.  This time, it's a striped blazer - similar to  the LOFT crinkle jacket featured in today's roundup.  Karen Kane offers a shawl collar style, while an Xhilaration style available at Target features a notched collar.

Karen Kane

Xhilaration at Target

Keep reading to see a roundup of inspiration for styling a striped blazer!

fall color: black and blue

This week's color combo is a classic for fall, inspired by this season's runway shows...

1. Ann Taylor striped ponte dress  2. Kirna Zabete for Target leopard print trench 

3. Dorothy Perkins viscose biker-style jacket  4. LOFT striped crinkle blazer 

5. Butter London nail lacquer in Royal Navy 6. Ann Taylor striped colorblock skirt

Stay safe and dry today, friends!  So far we still have electricity but schools

in our area are closed today because of high winds from Hurricane Sandy.

I am thankful that I don't have to drive today in dangerous conditions.

fall color: lilac and rose for a ballerina with edge

Next stop on our tour of colors you'll be seeing everywhere this season:  lilac and rose, or, if you want to get technical and use their Pantone names, "Dusty Lilac" and "Rose Smoke."  Even though they look like traditional spring colors, they're making their fall debut paired with metallics and neutrals.  I've thrown in a little rose gold, starfish and mushroom for good measure to keep the pink from being too precious.  These colors are great because they look good on just about every woman regardless of her complexion and hair color!  

1. LOFT pleated neck tee in pink lilac  2. American Eagle wishbone trio earrings  3.  Essie nail polishes in Don't Sweater It and Lady Like  4. Makeup inspiration from Peter Som runway via Harper's Bazaar  5.  LOFT strappy metallic sandals  6. Old Navy dark red ikat scarf  7. ZOYA nail polish in Shay  8. LOFT python skinny belt  9. LOFT rose watch  10. American Eagle rose beaded hoops

Keep reading for inspiration on how to work lilac and rose into your outfits!