I love fall.

Once I come to terms with the fact that it's no longer warm enough to go to the beach, dine outdoors, or slip on a pair of flip flops or a sundress, I fall in love with fall all over again (pun intended).  

It's not quite cool enough in the city for changing leaves, but there are a few hints of fall...

And I would even argue that fall makes adults do things that remind them of their childhood days...

Fall Staples

Maybe it's because I was forced to wear a brown and white plaid jumper for much of my childhood, but I do get excited when I get to plan a "First Day of ___" outfit. I'm starting a new job within less than a week, and I've been scrambling to find ways to make business casual not so...bizz-nizz-y.  I'm leaving behind years of being able to wear nice tailored jeans such as these, and searching for clothes that say:

1.  Take me seriously...my age and my new graduate degree make me an certified adult (sort of).

2.  I don't take myself that seriously.  

Admittedly, the message is a bit of an oxy moron. I've just purchased two items that will fall into the business casual dress code but still manage to be stylish, updated, and young.

These pants are phenomenal.  They are so phenomenal that I just purchased another pair.  I'm going to hem one pair to be ankle-length so I can wear them with flats.  My new pair will be kept longer so I can wear them with heels (meow).  They have an amazing fit, and for being skinny pants, they're surprisingly flattering!

and if you use the code "savebig", you can get 30% off your purchase!

This shrunken blazer will undoubtedly make its way into at least one outfit per week.  Pair it with jeans, skirts, or the skinny pants shown above, this updated spin on a classic piece will instantly pull together any outfit. Underneath I can wear a thin turtleneck or a silk cami depending on NY's unpredictable fall weather.

Rainy Day Baking

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to try a new baking recipe.  Attempting to stay away from processed ingredients, but refusing to give up on taste, I tried a recipe out of Bethenny Frankel's book, The Skinnygirl Dish.  I have to say I'm pleasantly pleased and I hope my young guests coming over to watch Sunday football will be too.  

He looks like he wants one too.