LACEY

 Sabine Maxi Skirt via Piperlime // J.Crew Sweatshirt // Madewell Bag // Selima Sunglasses // J.Crew Wedges

You've probably heard this story from me before: I stalk something online for weeks until it's a price I'm willing to pay.  That's exactly what happened with this skirt.  I found it, loved it but knew I didn't need to spend $100 on a lace maxi skirt.  So, I waited, put it in my cart and then I continued to wait some more.  The price finally dropped and I scooped it up and I can see myself wearing it a bunch of different ways.  Good thing that whole white after labor day deal no longer applies or I'd have to wait a while to take another shot at it.  

This time, I wanted it to be casual so I paired it with the softest sweatshirt.  Some days call for nothing more.

VARSITY

J.Crew Sweater // DIY Cutoffs // Madewell Flats, Similar // Ray-Ban Sunglasses

You wouldn't know it because I've never worn it here, but this sweater has already served me well.  I splurged on it back in August when a cashmere sweater was the last thing on anyone's mind and although it's now on sale, it was money well spent.  It's shapeless, super soft and dang cute which are all my favorite things.  This is definitely one of those sweaters you'll see me wear time and time again. 

SPLASH

J.Crew Coat // Piperlime Dress c/o // Piperlime Heels c/o (they run a little big, but super comfy!) // Piperlime Necklace // Madewell Bag

Great news!  For me at least, this past weekend finally cooled off a tiny bit.  You know what that means, I pulled out my favorite new coat for dinner by the beach.  I can't say in all honestly that it was completely necessary for the weather but it was definitely necessary for the outfit.  And that is what's most important around here anyway!

You heard it here first, this dress is the most amazing pattern, the blue is the perfect pop to Fall's sometimes monotonous color scheme.  I added a belt to give my waist a little definition because that's my tried and true trick when it comes to tailoring, and don't we all need a trick up our sleeves?

Make sure to check out #momentsofchic on instagram to find more inspiration!

TWIRLS

Asos Crop Top // Asos Midi Skirt // UO Clutch // Rakani Watch c/o (on sale!) // J.Crew Link Bracelet // Ray-Ban Sunglasses // J.Crew Heels, Similar

There's something about a black and navy combo that I really, truly love.  Call me a rebel I suppose but I also love black and brown.  I wore this outfit to a charity event for my husbands work and I loved the fact that it looked like a dress but was actually separates.  The lace back of the top is really what got me with this crop top, not to mention it's on sale!

I'm pretty sure the only reason to wear a skirt like this is so you can twirl around.  I remember doing it as a child and I have to say it was still pretty fun. Sure, I felt a tad silly as a grown woman but there's nothing wrong with that!

DOUBLE THE PATTERN, DOUBLE THE FUN

Eshakti Skirt c/o // Madewell Tank // Madewell Bag // Anthropologie Booties, Similar

I'm sure we can all think of times in our lives when we didn't realize what we had until it was gone.  Those can definitely be some tough moments.  However, there are also times when you don’t know something is missing until you find it.  That my friends, is the story behind this skirt.  Eshakti contacted me recently to see if I would be interested in receiving an item from them.  After taking a look at their site I was so excited to receive this skirt. Their sizes range from 0-36 and they are customizable.  Meaning, your skirt, jacket, top, etc... will be exact to your measurements taking any possible tailoring and extra costs out of the equation. For example, this skirt had 3 different options for lengths which comes as a much-welcomed option for those of us on the shorter side.

I really wanted to pair this skirt with a cozy sweater but due to the weather (see there I go again), I opted for a cropped stripe tank to add a bit more interest.  Next time I'll try for something cozier, assuming it ever cools down here!  I couldn’t be happier with this skirt and the entire Eshakti shopping experience—it is definitely something you should try out. And now, for the next month (until 11/10) Eshakti is offering a discount to you guys!  Just enter "topitoffmel" when you check out to receive 10% off your purchase!

HABITS

T.J. Maxx Tank // Blank Denim // Hudson Booties // Madewell Bag // Madewell Sunglasses // Rakani Watch

I couldn't be more a creature of habit if I tried.  There's just something so nice about the familiar.  My hair, however, has become all too familiar.  When I find a way to wear my hair I stick to it (you've probably noticed).  For a long while it was only down with loose waves, that was it for me and I wouldn't wear it any other way.  Then I cut layers into my hair, pulled it loosely back one day and I was done with it down.  It's so much easier and I can't seem to shake the look! I would love some ideas on fresh new hair do's this fall.  Any thoughts ladies?!

Side note, these jeans are incredible.  I ordered them on a whim because I mean, look at the price!  They are crazy soft and comfortable and I love the high rise.  There aren't many sizes left but if it's yours, they come HIGHLY recommended.

TRICKS NO TREATS

Forever 21 Tank, Similar // Anthropologie Shorts, Anthropologie Booties, Love These! // Color By Amber Bracelet // Madewell Bag // Ray-Ban Sunglasses

I'm sure you're over me droning on like a broken record about the heat but seriously, this heat has got to stop!  This past weekend we received some much-needed help from family on what seems to be an insurmountable amount of yard work and I'm pretty sure we were all close to melting.  For now,  I think we will be procrastinating  on the yard work until the temperatures drop to something more reasonable.  I suppose I should be used to fall in Southern California but the pictures of changing leaves and hearing about the crisp fall air makes me wish for something more.  So despite wanting to wear all my cute fall clothes I'm stuck in shorts and a tank.  I threw booties on to try and trick my feet into thinking we had some cooler weather.

BIRTHDAY BABE

Last weekend we celebrated the birthday of my favorite little girly.  My niece turned one!  Oh how time flies!  Just a little over a year ago this little nugget was born and I'm not sure anyone would believe she would turn into the spunky girl she is today.

We celebrated by throwing a Flamingo themed pool party complete with pink and gold details.  It started with the invite, simple but intricate.  With less than 20 invites to make I cut each piece and then glued them together.  The pool party was only possible in late September thanks to Southern California's relentless heat (and also mom and dads pool heater ;)).

I made pink, gold, and yellow tassels out of tissue paper which is super inexpensive but also quite time consuming!  Tutorial here.  I made most of mine half the size as the one's in the tutorial.

 We also decorated with lots of pictures of the birthday girl because with a face that cute, why not!

I always think flowers are the best way to decorate so we loaded up on flowers from Trader Joe's! Finding lots of pink flowers in September was more tricky than it looks, something I never thought about!

Turns out that despite loving to eat, she is not all that impressed by cake.  Especially the frosting!  This was her third try and she just doesn't get it.  

Happy birthday Evie, I love you!