Five Ways to Bring Color into Fall

          A Fall How to: There are looks for every style, shape, and occasion that can easily be molded to incorporate color into your Fall wardrobe. I wanted to share a handful of pieces that are easy additions that make a big difference and add a pop of color to our Fall ensembles.

Number 1: The Leather Jacket. Yes, everyone has a leather jacket in black or brown- or a pleather one for most of us- but what you don’t have is a leather jacket in a color. Take this purple suede flap zip jacket- it’s fabulous and such a different way to use a classic piece. Paired with a classic leather skirt this look screams longevity because leather only gets better with age. I paired this purple dream with a hot pink bag for some tone on tone love that is interesting without being too overpowering and there, what a great look for day to night.  

Number 2: The shoes.  This mini set obviously has a lot more going on than just shoes, but imagine the leather leggings dropping into a black shoe- a way different feel to the look and much more muted. A pop of red at the bottom and this look just went to a completely new level. Let’s be real though- the Ox-blood military inspired pea coat is amazing on its own. However, the shoes are a great way to pump up an outfit and can feel more like an investment because they can work so many places in your wardrobe.

Number 3: The Bag. Any woman of any shape or size can feel fabulous holding a stunning bag like this one. Keep an eye out for gorgeous oversized clutches in emerald greens and cobalt blues- they are a fantastic way to make any outfit feel spectacular. Paired with these gold jeans with blue snake embossed lines, which are probably my favorite item of the bunch, this bag looks like you just raided a bank vault, in a good way. My advice, if you can’t find a colored denim you’re in love with- go for metallic- they look great with everything, they make you feel like a million bucks and why not wear them to the grocery store? Be glamorous every day. But the Bag, find your bag- the one you cant wait to use in a color that makes you all buttery inside. 

Number 4: The Maxi dress. This accordion, pleated, ox-blood maxi is stunning; opposite the classic black leather jacket makes it a little edgy and unexpected. Take your ball gown out with your leather jacket and be the envy of every woman in the room. Finding a maxi skirt or dress in a bold color is a simple and inexpensive way to update your wardrobe because it adds a great block of color but is easy to pair with the leathers you already have.

Number 5: Colored denim: A great everyday way to add some pop to your style. This burnt mustard jean is only one of the many colors you can find right now- plum, ox-blood, emerald green and so many others are out- what’s your favorite color? Why not in your denim? I love this jean with the cobalt blue pumps mixed with the ox-blood accessories- this look is the most daring in terms of color use, don’t be afraid to experiment and figure out how many ways you can add color to your outfit!

There are so many ways to bring color to this season, these are just a few, find what works for you and rock it. 

Weekly Obsession

          I've found a new obsession and it comes in the form of pumps. I know, how cliche of me to become hindered by the existence of a shoe with a small spike serving as its main source of support, but if you're thinking that, then you just don't understand. They're ORANGE pumps, and they're fabulous. My dad said they look like caution cones, and that's a pretty accurate description of their neon orange glow, but also oh so limiting.  Its hard to express how I felt when I found these pumps, love at first site perhaps- but the important part is why I am so obsessed. 

          I still haven't recovered from summer's colors and I've been searching for ways to incorporate them into my fall wardrobe, which is a must, and these shoes are just the beginning. They're a little summary that goes a long way. Their shape is perfect with a little Loubouiton inspired wave along the outside edge. They really pop against a sleek pair of dark denim like my new favorite jeans from Aqua. Plus they force you to get creative with color somewhere else in your ensemble. Since its still warm I chose this sheer, geometric, color-blocked Guess top, but for when it gets cooler I'm really excited to pair them with a blue leather jacket- when I find it.  Find your pop of color, it will keep you warm well into fall as the the season starts to turn cooler.  Colored denim is a great choice and an easy find- ox-blood and deep turquoise are hitting the floors right now and they're really great colors to mix into your wardrobe.      

Don’t Weather the Storm, Dance in the Rain

             “Dancing in the rain,” what a gorgeous image that correlates to reconnecting with the beauty in our lives, the happy moments that make everything else seem insignificant.  As we walk through this Summer’s sun how do we keep our faces in the light- not cast down into the shadows or distracted by hardships.  This season’s focus on color and bright intricate patterns gives us that light in the form of interest and excitement in a formerly drab wardrobe. Our clothes and our self expression are a daily activity that keep us initiated in our presence.  Although affecting perceptions may sometimes seem superficial, choosing our personal style is how we can feel connected to the people around us or stand out from a crowd.  Observing our world this past season as it transitioned into colors- tones on tones, bright jeans, and colorful patterns I find myself fearing for their departure into Fall. I never want to let these colors go, and although I know new colors are coming in beautiful plums and fabulous reds I want to take this time to celebrate the turquoise and corals that have highlighted our Spring and Summer. In realizing newness to be as important as color in keeping the mind intrigued and present in the greatnesses of the world around us I take this moment to celebrate the colors we have and look brightly into the future of what is coming.

            This montage is a celebration of color mingled with a contrast between hard and soft elements.  The bars and lines of brick buildings paralleled with the vintage cottage chic, and the structure and lines in the clutch and skirt paired with soft feathers and flowers combine to emphasize the pastels and subtle hints of colors in the outfit.  The high-waist skirt along with its brother, the high waist short will follow us into fall in the form of high-waist trousers pumped up with elements of modern design in the form of color blocked tuxedo stripes, leathers, and jewel tones adding a taste of glamour to our wardrobe as we depart from the fun pops of Summer. The high-waist look is a favorite of mine- bringing length to the legs and bringing to mind the lady like elegance of our predecessors. The bandeau top in this sequence is Free People; its one of my favorite pieces, nice to layer and it adds color to any deep scooped tank- plus some modesty.  The skirt in its horizontal ribbed glory is from Charlotte Russe as are the feather earrings. The gladiator sandals are from Burlington, of all places, and the clutch is BCBG.  My favorite must find for Fall are riding boots- all the better to dance in the rain and maybe splash in a few puddles although I don’t think I need them quite yet.

  
                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                       Photos courtesy of Cheryl Pamplin, Cheryl Pamplin Photography

Don't Let the Seeds Keep You From Enjoying the Watermellon

Jimmy Stewart, Frank Sinatra, and James Dean make a girl long for the simple days of peaceful romance.  When “love was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away,” as Frank Sinatra sang, and although a lot has changed since these dashing men were in their primes- something that hasn’t changed is an undeniable attraction to natural, “effortless” beauty (at least with the appearance of being effortless).  This set is an homage to the things that haven’t changed: youth, love, life’s simple joys and to the things that we need to regain.

With a vintage vibe this look sets the stage to be understated but impossible to miss. With gently tossed curls and a sun kissed glow a girl wearing a look like this doesn’t need any extras to make her a head turner.  It is perfect for a stroll around a quiet beach town, a relaxing day with an iced- tea and book at a coffee shop or even a day of bumping around town running errands because it’s just so chic yet comfortable.

 “Meant for Each Other” a movie starring Jimmy Stewart and Carole Lombard inspired my digression into vintage style.  Beautifully stylized, for a less well known feature, this movie portrays the hardships of unmet expectations in love, life, and marriage and demonstrates how the American Dream can make a man or woman feel unfulfilled inside of those unrealistic and shallow standards. The line that stuck out to me the most was “don’t let the seeds keep you from enjoying the watermelon” a true metaphor for life and an inspiringly simple way of looking at the ups and downs of life. It reminds me to focus on what’s important- the people you love and things that you love doing. Do, Be, Smile.  

       

Don't let the seeds keep you from enjoying the watermellon by kmhoffman featuring a zipper shirt

Soft Lights and Pastel Dreams

       Pastel dreams is inspired by the emergence of evening when lights begin to twinkle both man-made and natural. The city seems to awaken as bulbs burst into fire- slowly at first and then all of them alight, suddenly, before you can count them. Serene confidence and subtle grace define this simple yet flawless look intoxicating in its elegant romance and slight sensuality. These pastels bring out the soft undertones of a woman's skin making her naturally radiant.
        From the earrings to the shoes these pieces are easily paired with other combinations of garments in many different styles and feels. The suede leather jacket is unique in its combination of hard accessories and soft texture making it an ideal layer for many tops and bottoms; it would make even the most simple jeans stunning. The wrap watch is dreamy and interesting while adding a slight sense of sophistication by being a time keeping mechanism. The earrings appear delicate and match the feel of the rest of the ensemble while the necklace adds interest to a neutral backdrop. Finally, the bag adds a pop of color in a delicate way and the heels will be every girl's envy and draw the eye of every man.

Pastel dreams by kmhoffman 

  

She Walked into the Room and My Heart

Summer look inspired by the Cooperative Peplum Scalloped dress from Urban Outfitters
The Kind of Dress that Makes a Man Fall in Love
Complete look for under $200

Cooperative mesh dress
$69 - urbanoutfitters.com

Qupid color block pumps
$35 - lulus.com

Bridal clutch
$25 - etsy.com

Forever 21 set of bangle
$5.80 - forever21.com

Stein Blye feather jewelry
$12 - vonmaur.com

Fantasy Jewelry Box retro jewelry
$27 - fantasyjewelrybox.com

BareMinerals lip gloss
$15 - macys.com

Urban Finds in an Old Town

Marty Bag $72

             Exploring Old Town, San Diego this past weekend felt like a trip to a different time period, a place where Spanish and English settlers cohabitated and organically created a blend of aesthetics with bright beautiful colors and patterns everywhere. It is peaceful and grounding to feel drawn to the roots of our country; it feels like a place that hasn't changed- a view into what our communities looked like in the beginning.  These are the places that create an appreciation for handmade goods and products- especially those made with a bigger picture in mind.

As I careened through the street vendors, wandering between carts selling enticing braided bracelets which I have a serious weakness for, beautiful Mexican blankets in every color imaginable, cute toys, knick knacks, and tchotchkes on every available surface I found myself facing this adorable turquoise bag which pointedly demanded that I pick him up and give him a gander. So I did. I instantly approved of the soft quality of what I thought was leather at the time, the beautiful color and the quaint braided edges that made me think of a bohemian Native American vibe.

Tan Multi Zig-Zag Wood Handle Clutch $42

I was pleasantly surprised upon further investigation of the brand, Urban Expressions, that this company makes Vegan leather goods.  Interesting as that seems I was still skeptical since Vegan leather basically boils down to uber-processing other materials to look like leather which isn’t good for the environment. A lose, lose situation in most cases, but on top of being animal friendly this company also prides themselves on being eco-friendly, probably a stretch, but not an easy task in the textile industry.  So, I give Urban Expressions props for trying to be environmentally sensitive and still having a fabulous line of handbags. However, the fact that their bags run in the low end of the market at 50 to 100 dollars makes me question their labor practices- I guess being human friendly is something they’ll have to work on. Until then…cute bags <3.