When my super artistic and talented friend Sarah offered to take some photos of my favorite fall outfits, I decided to give my 5,7 and 9 year-olds a break and take her up on that offer. The midi shirt dress immediately came to mind since it’s been in weekly rotation since the end of summer.
Back in August, my favorite blogger at Atlantic-Pacific featured this Nordstrom 1901 shirt dress. I ordered it, instantly fell in love with the forgiving fabric, and then ordered every other solid and print that was available until they sold out. Since then, I’ve worn them to horse races, formal and informal dinners, temple, fundraisers, meetings… talk about versatility! Soon after, J.Crew released a similar version in a variety of stripes and fabrics and it’s still available. Brooks Brothers currently has a great, slightly shorter alternative in this holiday-inspired plaid and is both reasonably-priced AND perfectly preppy!
The basic, classic design of this dress makes it the perfect backdrop for some fun, girly accessories! Any friends who have seen me frequently this fall have noticed the current infatuation with hair bows! The navy one featured here was an inexpensive no-brainer and purchased from H&M, and I love that it is a bit larger than most. J.Crew Factory has a sweet tartan plaid bow that is perfect for all your parties this season! I also LOVE these “trailing bow ponytail holders” , available in a variety of gorgeous crushed velvet colors, from Anthropologie.
The navy polka-dot scarf featured is one of the many sweet designs I found at Violet’s of Saratoga, one of my favorite local stores for dresses, shoes and accessories. ECHO also always has a fun variety of shapes, sizes and prints at reasonable prices, like this diamond Tiger Lily design. Scarves too complicated? Have you heard of a “twilly”? (Think scarf for dummies.) An Hermes “twilly” is a narrow, long strip of silk fabric, very easily worn as a choker, wrist tie, or attached to your handbag to add an interesting or colorful element. Check out this great tutorial on how to tie an Hermes Twilly.
Lastly, I feel that everyone should have a great, “go-to” navy bag in their fashion arsenal. I got this unique leather floral Kate Spade clutch / crossbody last spring from Lola of Saratoga. Lola has a variety of fabulous bags, from new Tory Burch and Kate Spades, to “mint condition” vintage designer treasures (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc). This all-purpose Tory Burch Fleming Convertible bag, available locally at Lola of Saratoga, would get plenty of use in your closet and can be worn with everything from dresses to jeans. I also love the navy suede and leather combination of this small Botiker crossbody. This simple navy Madewell crossbody is versatile AND affordable.
I look forward to sharing some more details of my favorite fall outfits in the weeks to come! Fortunately, these looks can still be worn even with winter arriving two months early! Ugh.
PS… Thanks Sar!
XOXO, Ally
THE STYLE FILE SARATOGA 