“It is possible by the proper use of color in dress to make one appear older or younger, taller or shorter, larger or smaller, to make the skin, hair and eyes lighter or darker and more colorful and interesting.”

Charming, except for the part where apparently only white ladies get to pay attention to color in dress.

My new fall boots were summoned out of thin air this week after a particularly rabid ankle boot Pinterest session. The next day, I spotted these babies for $5 in a thrift shop near work and nearly fell over. They’re so comfy and flat and short and nice. Love! What are your boot manifestations this fall?

I know, I know. I talk too much about how awesome Karie is. But really, she really is! I was glad for her cozy grounding energy at a bonfire evening this last trip to VT – I was totally spazzing out but it’s hard not to relax when you have good people around you, a bonfire, and toasted marshmellows in your face.

We’re working on some trade work together and today she sent a custom Taplin bag for me and a wallet for Sean! Sooooo in love with this bag. & Sean fell in the river on our 1st day in Vermont and his wallet got moldy (yikes) so he’s as excited as I am. He keeps saying “It’s so well made. It’s SO well made.” and petting it. THANK YOU KARIE!!!

I found this one for $30 in a thrift shop and had the Chanel shop repair it. The leather in the chain was frayed, the clasp worn, and one of the loops that held to the chain broken off. I got it back today – like new. Ok, not quite good as NEW, but I really love the classic style & hopefully it will last a long time yet.

(Maybe one of these days I’ll find a tripod and take an actual outfit photo that’s not in a mirror. You know, when I start dressing fancy to match this bag.)

Both my shop & my own aesthetic have fallen into a more simple, classic style lately and this trip was certainly inspiring as far as continuing these looks.

I was surprised at how many looks I saw that were very “blogger-style” – 90s florals, short high waisted gathered skirts, oversized silk tee shirts, super sheer cotton tees and tanks, harem pants. I think maybe blogs and the internet have cut down on regional styles??

I gravitated toward the natural relaxed “French countryside” smock-y looks – especially Bensimon, which I’ve never heard of. Stripes, chambray – so stereotypically “French” but apparently back in fashion even in Paris. My favorite things: thin leather wrap bracelets, lots of scallops, that gorgeous pale pink I call “baby fingernail pink”, classic stripes, and pearl studs. The last 2 are already a wardrobe staple for me, but I definitely want to track down a skinny belt and transform it into a bracelet…

Ok, the funny thing about this set is that I didn’t notice until I was done searching and dragging that half the things were from Colette. Oops. See, French! I win the prize. And yes, I checked the sales at Repetto (where a tall, thin French woman asked MY opinion on her shoes after looking me up and down. Ha!) but nothing was left in my size that I wanted. Damn you, average feet.