BEAUTIFUL VENICE, SINKING?

photos taken by the fashion gal & via

it was just one month ago when the fireman & i got home from our Italian honeymoon. it was romantic, full of food, wine, walking, too much gelato, a masquerade ball, and the very beginning of the rainy season. we walked with our umbrellas and made sure to have an afternoon coffee to stay warm. we never expected that the streets we strolled on would be under water just one month later. i'm sure you've heard by now that central Venice is severely flooded and that 70% is under water! i couldn't imagine trying to schlep our huge suitcases through the water like you see in the photo's below. these Italians are tough and seem to be handling this severe weather in stride.

on our last day in Venice, the water level rose up to sit even with the sidewalk.

this restaurant sits right next to the Grand Canal.

these photo's are crazy... 

i can't believe we were just there walking down each one of these streets. 

pretty good sports, right?!

COUNTRY GIRL.

lovely grey swester via // cozy outdoors via // butternut squash soup via


sometimes i wish i could live in the country. cuddle up in my favorite sweater while cooking, doing crafts, and listening to music all day long. if that was the case... i would be wearing this corded grey sweater, sitting on that wide wood porch, and eating this creamy butternut squash soup. not too shabby right?

... oh and the fireman, well he'd probably be hunting. of course.


what would you be doing? 

FIVE DAYS OF FALL. the velvet trend!

velvet bowtie via

what a fabulous week of Fall fashion, right?! we had the structured dress + oxfords that we paired with a killer chunky necklace. (remember, when in doubt... always throw on a statement necklace!) then we put together a high waisted wool skirt + a sweater. in this look, i love the mix of prints, fabrics, and textures. the third look was a mix of menswear + layers. this didn't take much thinking outside the box for me... since this is a go-to look i feel comfortable with, however, i still dig it. and the last Fall outfit was leggings + a tunic sweater. if this look had an umbrella paired with it, this would have been a perfect outfit for yesterdays first rainy LA day! so today we are talking about one of my favorite trends for this Fall........ and we're talkin VELVET! if you can add one new piece to your closet this Fall, i suggest adding a velvet blazer, bag, or slacks would be ideal! 

check out some velvet pieces i adore... 

here's a velvet blazer that would be perfect for an afternoon coffee date.

could be the perfect amount of velvet for a dress!

this is a great look for fall... the velvet pants make it. 

these velvet little flats couldn't be any cuter.

a YSL vampire-blood-red trousers in velvet? amazing & perfect for the holidays.

i LOVE this velvet dress.

this velvet blazer is perfection, i adore the green.

velvet pants with a tuxedo stripe down the leg? wowza! i want these.

here's a killer velvet n' chain waist belt... & a blue velvet bow belt.

pink velvet polka dots.

happy friday!

and have a great weekend! 

FIVE DAYS OF FALL. leggings + sweaters

image via

i wish i was wearing this cozy out fit right now. this is why i love Fall. you can be comfy, layered, and throw on a pair of leggings, a tunic, and a pair of high-top chucks... and be good to go! oh a little side note: the fireman & i went to Italy on our honeymoon (i'll get to that next week) but i noticed everyone and their mama's were wearing high top sneakers! so if you see a pair of high tops you love, pull the trigger! you've got my vote! sorry... i'm still feeling patriotic. so here ya go... day 4 of the Five Days of Fall!

*check out day one, two, and three!

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which Fall look do like best so far???

day one, two, or three?

FIVE DAYS OF FALL. menswear + layers

image via

day three has to be one of my faves. i am SUCH a jeans & t-shirt kinda gal and always feel fabulous rocking a masculine/feminine look! i think an important rule of thumb when sporting a menswear-inspired-look is pairing enough feminine touches to enhance the outfit. whether it's a killer pair of heels or stiletto booties, a lovely handbag (see below), or one of my go-to's an amazing statement necklace. i find myself in a loose tee, fitted jeans, and a statement necklace probably 3 days a week! so wear your mens-inspired chambray shirt, trench coat, and moto boots with confidence... just don't forget to balance it out with a little splash of something pretty.

*check out FALL FASHION day one & day two!

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i kinda love that coat, you?

and what about that Danni Jo necklace??? love.

FIVE DAYS OF FALL. skirt + sweater

via

for day two of my little FIVE DAYS OF FALL (fashion inspiration) i though we should just shimmy those perfect Fall riding boots on and play with a different outfit option. i know it's easy to throw on our riding boots with a pair of jeans or even (shall i say it) jeggings... but today is the day to think outside the box! so here is a look i love and will embrace this fabulous Fall: a skirt + a sweater + a killer pair of riding boots, and maybe even a hat! i love this look...

*check out the first look of Fall here.

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what do you think about the print on print??