Hello there!
It is no secret that I am a lover of all things frilly and feminine. I have been so happy to grab chunky knits in all of the prettiest fall shades lately while enjoying my first fall in Minnesota, I can't stay away from my lighter colored girly pieces for long! It is a balance wearing the lighter, brighter shades in the fall without looking out of place or like I am ignoring the season. And while I will bust out a bubblegum pink sweater in the middle of fall, I think this outfit is the perfect blend of feminine and autumnal!

This sheer, dotted sleeve sweater is from ChicWish! They always have the loveliest, girly pieces throughout every season. It will be so cute dressed up over the holidays with a velvet midi skirt, and a pearl embellished knotted headband. The chiffon sleeves make it a great pick for early fall, or if you are somewhere where it doesn't feel like fall quite yet! The ruffled cuffs and neckline are just adorable too. 

Here I dressed it down a little with some dark wash denim, and my over the knee boots.  I have wanted to try over the knee boots for a while, but have never gotten myself to make the purchase! JustFab sent this pair over, and they are such a fun addition to my autumn wardrobe. I love the dark, chocolate brown color, almond toe, and block heel. They are the perfect fit on my legs, and they tie on the back of the top helps they stay up! And you know I'm a sucker for a bow. 

I added my blush leather belt from J.Crew, my delicate pearl headband, and my pearl beaded bag from Rachel Parcell. To dress it down even more I would pair the sweater and jeans with some ankle booties, and a chunky scarf around my shoulders! I linked a new favorite I picked up from Target in the prettiest sage color, with a cream and blush box-check.

Do you just love fall colors, or do you miss the lighter more feminine shades of the warmer months? Let me know!
til next time,
​Emily

Hello there!
It's fall, and I cannot recall the last time I was so in love with this season. In Texas, the leaves didn't really change, the temperatures didn't really drop, it just cloudy and humid. So while I have always adored fall fashion, I had never really gotten to do it justice. I mean, unless I wanted to sweat it out in the 90 degree weather. However with our move to Minnesota in August, it has given me the chance to wear autumnal looks I never could have worn in Texas. And really fall in love with these stylish, layered looks!

I shop an embarrassing amount from Red Dress Boutique, so I am absolutely thrilled to partner up with them again to share some fall outfit inspiration! They have trendy, unique pieces you won't find anywhere else which is what I love so much about their shop. They make everyday fashion feel special, which I am all about! All of these pieces are from Red Dress. The hat, jeans, and denim jacket I had already purchased- and the rest was gifted for this post! I have linked everything for you throughout the post, so its easy to find. So without further ado, let's get into these fall 'fits!

So, which look is your favorite? I absolutely cannot pick, and please don't make me! Working with Red Dress is always such an honor, I have been shopping there since high school! Their curated collections of such special pieces is what always has me going back. Let me know if you want to see more from them, I'll take whatever excuse to shop there that I can get!
til next time,
​Emily

Hello there!
Did you know girls get more basic as the temperatures drop? I mean, how was I supposed to walk past this courtyard of leaves and not frolic in them? I don't know exactly how to describe the smell of fallen leaves on a crisp fall morning, but it makes me so happy. Sort of sweet, earthy, and a little damp. I know that sounds terrible, but trust me it is much better than the Leaves candle from Bath and Body Works. It is time to open up the windows to let the fall breeze in, blast some Taylor Swift, and cozy up under some blankets because it is most certainly feeling like fall!

Jumper dresses have been one of my favorite fall pieces for several years now. Typically in Texas, I would wear them with a short sleeve tee underneath and some sneakers until the temps dropped, but this year I got to layer it up! This maroon, corduroy one is my very favorites. Is there a more quintessentially-fall color than burgundy? You can pair just about any color underneath it, and it will still have that autumn color scheme. I got this one a few years ago from The Pink Lily Boutique, but I have linked several similar options that are still in stock! I paired this pumpkin-spiced-pink long sleeve, lettuce hem tee under it. It would be darling with white, black, brown mustard, or even any kind of floral! I topped it off with one of my favorite pairs of heeled booties , and some burgundy socks for a little extra something !

click the pictures below to shop them!

Hello there!
Remember when we all thought COVID & quarantine was just going to be everyone watching Tiger King and making banana bread for 2 weeks? Ah, simpler times... And I'm ready to bring it back. That's right I am sharing another banana bread recipe with you today! But, this one is only 4 ingredients. Don't worry, it isn't too healthy!

What You'll Need:
-3 ripe bananas OR 1 can pumpkin puree
-1 box spice cake mix (any brand)
-1 egg
-1/4 cup milk (of your choice)

What To Do:
-Preheat your oven to 350
-Mash your bananas, then mix in your eggs and milk.
-Dump that cake mix into the bowl, and mix in with a spatula until smooth.
-Pour batter into buttered 9x13' pan or cupcake tin with liners.'
-Bake for 10-15 minutes for cupcakes, 20-30 for a a 9x13' pan.
Enjoy!

​This recipe is going to taste much more like a fall time, spice bread than your typical banana bread. If you are looking for a classic banana bread recipe, I shared my mom's recipe here ! It is a little more labor intensive, but so worth it for some delicious, classic banana bread! But, I am in love with this spice cake at the moment. It would also be delicious with a can of pumpkin puree. Spread some cream cheese on top & a dash of cinnamon and you are in for the loveliest little fall treat!

til next time,
​Emily

Hello there!
Well, it is officially fall! The leaves have started turning the most gorgeous colors here in Minnesota. I am used to it still being in the 90's in Texas, so this cooler weather and falling leaves is a welcomed change. Working from home with a cup of hot tea, looking out the window every day and watching the leaves come to life on the trees makes my heart so happy. And with the recent release of folklore, I have never been so ready to rock a chunky, knit cardigan.

When I saw this blush pink one from ChicWish, I knew it would be a go-to for me this fall! ChicWish has the coziest knits, and this one is no exception. I love the blush pink color, balloon sleeves, and mother of pearl buttons. Basically, a cute & cozy dream. As a perpetually cold person, this is the perfect thing to throw on while working from home! But also, the perfect stylish fall touch to an outfit! I am in the size xs-s, which is perfectly oversized. If you are in between sizes, I would definitely go down to your smaller set of sizes. 

Here I styled it with a sage green, lace trimmed tank. I don't typically gravitate to green, but I have been loving this shade of it this fall. It is muted but not boring, and is so precious with this pink cardigan! I have a couple of these lace tanks and they are from Abercrombie. They're silky, and great quality for the price. I get my normal small, but if you wanted a more drapey look you could easily size up. Paired it with some of my favorite medium-wash skinny jeans from Old Navy, their 'high rise super skinny' in a 0, and some white booties from JustFab! I have been loving the white bootie trend that has been going around this fall, and was so excited to try it out for myself. I am hooked- they're just so retro & fun! Topped off the look with my beige felt hat, and my sunflower charm necklace from James Avery.

While I am missing my friends and family back in Texas incredibly, this lovely Minnesota fall is bringing me so much joy at the moment. And I could not be more excited to go apple picking for the first time in 10+ years! 
til next time,
​Emily

Hello there!
Wedding dress shopping very quickly became something I was incredibly excited for. I had never really looked at wedding things before I got engaged, but after we picked out my ring I became enveloped in the very pretty world of wedding dresses. The floral appliques, the tulle, the hints of glittering beading... As a girl that already has a thing for dresses, wedding dress shopping was basically heaven. After two days of trying on as many dresses as I possibly could, I said yes to the second one I tried on. What can I say, I know what I like! So, I wanted to share some of the ones I didn't say yes to.

One of my bridal consultants asked me how I wanted to feel on my wedding day. I decided I wanted to feel like the prettiest cupcake. I mean, when else is it ever going to be appropriate for me to wear this much tulle again? Before I got to my appointments, I had spent some time looking at some of the designers that the bridal boutiques carried that were in my price range, and then noted some of the specific styles I wanted to try on.

I also made an effort to pick two bridal shops that carried different designers, because a lot of them tend to carry the same ones. This way I could try on a variety of dresses, from different designers! If you have a pretty good idea of what you want, and pick several boutiques with a similar vibe- chances are you'll see the same dresses again and again! Not necessarily bad, but if your goal is variety, then if doesn't make sense to have lots of designer-crossover.

My last tip? Enjoy it! It is so much fun. I loved every minute of it, and I consciously took my time to enjoy it all. I picked the second dress I tried on, but I still spent three hours at my appointment, and went to my appointment the next day to try on more. You only do it once- drag it out! 

Now, the dresses I did not pick. Let me just say that these are all so stunning- but none of these were my top favorites. Not sharing mine, anything by the same designer, or anything similar in style. Yes, I am treating my dress reveal like it is a very big deal. For me, it is! But, here are some dresses I ultimately decided were not for me! 

Hello there!
No time, no blog! Getting settled in Minneapolis is taking it out of me, Who knew a cross-country move could be so exhausting? Everyone warned me it would be, but oh man were they right. But, let's talk about something non-moving related (which is what my soul needs)- dresses! Yes, a truly innovative topic for my blog. 

Taylor Swift wasn't kidding when she said August would sip away like a bottle of wine, and all of a sudden the world is all warm toned, pumpkin-spiced, chunky-knit obsessed. And I have to say, being in some MN sweater weather has really re-ignited my love for fall. However, I cannot ignore my Texas roots- where my friends and family are still sweating their butts off! So, I wanted to share a dreaming little dress to get you into the fall spirit, when the temps aren't quite there yet.

I fell in love with the gorgeous golden-yellow, fading sage, and deep blue florals on this dress against the cream backdrop. It is this rich color palate that gives it such an autumnal feel. I would liken the flowers to mums, bright against the backdrop of dulling-green leaves. This dress is actually long sleeved, but I cuffed it up because when I pre-shot this outfit in Texas, it was 95 degrees. So yes, a typical fall day in TX! I adore the crochet details along the bodice, and the sweetest tired ruffles along the hem. I picked it up from ChicWish, which is seriously one of my favorite places to find dresses. Their unique details, stunning prints, and selection of styles makes it so fun to always find something new.

I paired it with my peep-toe booties, which are an early-fall favorite of mine. The peep-toe and side slits keep them cool, while giving you that fall-look. I topped it off with a golden and yellow knot headband from Amazon. How I'll wear it in MN is with a denim jacket, tall boots, lace socks peeking out of the boots, and topped off with a floppy hat. It has been in the 40's and raining this week, so I am definitely longing for some dress weather!

How much do you love a stunning fall floral?
til next time,
​Emily

Hello there!
It is no secret- I am a dress girl. The frillier and flowy-er, the better. And while I am excited for chunky sweaters, soft thermal tees, and distressed denim- I like to carry my dress obsession across seasons. So, I wanted to share how I do that! Along with some dresses perfect for fall if the weather where you are isn't quite in the fall spirit yet.

I am pretty sure any dress can be a transitional dress when you pair it with booties. Throw on a floppy hat and some leather booties with you favorite white, summer sundress and you are ready for fall. If it is still a bit hot for boots where you are, try opting for a peep-toe pair with a side slit, or maybe some with some perforation to give you a little extra air-flow. Still too hot for booties? Try some plain white sneakers- just leave the sandals in your closet until next spring!

Next up, a felt hat. I have one felt, floppy hate I picked up off of amazon for less than $25, and it is perfect for tossing on and giving my whole look an autumnal feel. I know you can drop a lot of money on a fall hat- ie the Lack of Colour ones you see all over instagram. However, I am perfectly happy with my amazon prime one. This is my second year rocking it, and it has served me well! Given how often I wear it, I could see myself investing in another- but right now I am content with what I've got.

Lastly, ground breaking I know- a denim jacket. Reaaaal original! But, it is an autumn classic for a reason! Adds a little bit of layering and coverage for a chilly night, but not enough to make you sweat through your outfit! I opt for a slightly darker wash, and I recently picked up one with some copper buttons which I have been loving. When I am pairing a denim jacket with a dress, I also like to opt for a slightly more fitted one, so it doesn't swallow up my dress!

Now, for the dresses. I usually like to go for slightly more muted tones, warmer florals, and midi to maxi lengths. Some of my favorite places to shop for them are ChicWish, Red Dress Boutique, and Old Navy! Lots of variety, and nothing that will harm your wallet too much. I've linked a handful of my favorites- but don't worry, many more to come with fall!

Do you cling to dress weather as long as possible, or are you already longing for sweater weather?
til next time,
Emily

Hello there!
Taylor Swift wasn't kidding when she said 'August sipped away, like a bottle of wine'... I cannot believe this month is almost over. As excited as I am for sweaters, booties, scarves, and breathtaking foliage- I am taking a quick second to mourn the loss of fancy-dress-wearing occasions that passed us all by this summer. Yes, so many bigger problems in the world, all over the world, all happening at one time. But this is my little distraction from the real world and all of its problems- so, dresses.

Twirling around in sundresses is a hobby of mine at this point. Getting all dressed up to go to Target is a weekly occurrence. Going to the dentist used to call for my most casual and comfortable, but I treated my visit a couple of weeks ago like a fashion show. If there is one thing I have learned from all of this time at home, it is that you do not need some sort of fancy occasion to bust out your favorite, fanciest dress.

This one from ChicWish has all of the makings of a very Emily dress; pastel color, floral print, fit-and-flare silhouette, somewhere between a mini and midi length, and big bow tie shoulder details. I paired it with some absolutely not-casual heels, a pearl purse, and some of my favorite jewelry. What was I up to this day? Drove to our local city hall, snapped these pictures, grabbed some Sonic slushees, then took my pup for a walk. But doing it in this fancy dress? So much more fun!

When I first got this dress in the mail I had hung it up, steamed it, and put it in my closet with hopes of wearing it to a bridal shower I will hopefully be able to have next summer. I found myself wanting to wear it, but feeling like I needed to save it. Life is too short to wear boring clothes, and it is certainly too crazy to keep a dress as pretty as this locked up for a party that may never get to happen. 

Wear what makes you happy, I think we all deserve that now-a-days!
​Emily

 Hello there!
When you hear 'closet staple' most people think of things like a clean white tee, a favorite pair of jeans, maybe a sweet sundress. One thing that comes to my mind, is a tulle skirt. Yes- like the fluffy thing that makes up a little girl's tutu. However, when styled right I think it can work seamlessly into any wardrobe looking to add a fun, feminine twist. So, I wanted to share the many ways how to style a tulle skirt.

While an adult tutu skirt doesn’t sound very versatile, hear me out. Here I styled it with this precious, faded floral, puff-sleeve blouse with a sweetheart neckline. The light blush tulle skirt picks up the pinks in the blouse, while the Swiss-dotted tulle adds a fun textural contrast to the linen blend of the top. Topped it off with some metallic, rose gold Leoffler Randall dupe heels, and a beaded faux-pearl purse for an extra bit of flare. All-in-all it is a frilly, lightweight outfit perfect for the end-of-summer heatwave Texas gets in August.

This is more of a classically-dressy outfit one might think of with a tulle skirt, but let me chat you through some other ways you can style it throughout the seasons. For fall, I will pair it with a light blouse, a moto jacket over my shoulders, and some light brown booties. In the winter time, I just love pairing tulle skirts with fun, festive, embellished sweaters and glitzy heels for any sort of holiday festivities. In the spring time, I love to toss on a simple tee, denim jacket, and some sneakers for everything from running to the store to a dinner date.

An adult tutu doesn't have to be a ridiculous outfit choice, but the fun part is it can if you want it to be. Who doesn't yearn for their tutu-wearing days every once-in-a-while? These fun little skirts never fail to bring a smile to my face.
til next time,
​Emily