FIVE STATEMENT TOPS I'M LOVING

I used to consider myself a dress girl but since moving to San Francisco over three years ago the tides have finally turned. I originally loved dresses because they were easy - no hard thinking required to put together a cute outfit. Throw on dress - check - put on shoes - check and voila done and dressed.

Now my dresses sadly just take up valuable closet space and go unworn because it’s really just too damn cold for them here. I really dislike being cold and get cold easily so it’s just not worth it to wear them here unless it’s an unseasonably warm day. Don’t get me wrong though, I still LOVE dresses and can’t wait to wear them on a regular basis again when we finally make the move back to Texas.

But now that I’m a jeans girl, I look for easy and stylish tops to pair them with. And the best way to go about this is to look for statement tops that will polish off your denim! It’s almost as easy as dresses. I’ve been loving ruffles, bold prints, or statement sleeves which will all be huge trends this fall!

I’m particularly loving these statement tops and want to add them to my closet ASAP!

1. Leopard, yes please!

2. Sequins aren’t just for nighttime. Dress it down with denim and booties for a more casual look (or even sneakers to get that “street style” vibe)

3. Loving this cropped plaid top with statement sleeves. Would be perfect with high rise denim!

4. This velvet top is giving me all the fall vibes.

5. The print and color is giving me all the heart eyes for this top.

Shop my look by clicking on the images below!

SEPTEMBER WISH LIST

I can’t believe it’s already SEPTEMBER! Holy cow honestly where has this past year gone!? I’m all about the Fall outfits once September rolls around and I thought it would be fun to share what’s currently on my wish list:

1. Metallic Booties: Love these statement makers! They would make the perfect pop to a simple jeans and a sweater outfit.

2. Ivory hat: Really digging this ivory hat and love the extra details around the brim.

3. Gray Jeans: Loving this pair of gray denim!

4. Cream Sweater: I have a ton of sweaters but don’t seem to own any in ivory?! This one looks so cozy and I know it would get a lot of use throughout the Fall season.

5. Statement Sweatshirt: I know this is a splurge for a sweatshirt but I first saw it a few months ago and can’t stop thinking about it! Pair it with black denim or a denim skirt and either converse or booties for a cute and casual outfit!

6. Oversized Cardigan: Obsessed with this cardigan by Alexander Wang. Love the distressed elements and big buttons. It would for sure be a closet staple! And bonus points: it’s on SALE.

7. Leopard Duster: Leopard print will be a huge trend for fall! This leopard duster will be perfect during this transitional time.

8. Combat Boots: I personally love adding a edgy element to an outfit and am totally swooning over this pair of combat boots! Think they would look so chic with dresses and/or skirts!

9. Plaid Blazer: Blazers will be another huge trend for fall. Loving the colors in this one!

10. Tortoise Hoop Earrings: I don’t usually gravitate towards statement earrings but think these will add the perfect touch to an outfit without overwhelming it.

PARIS RECAP + PHOTO DIARY // PART II

Although I could easily spend every day wandering the streets of Paris, one of my very favorite things to do is to take day trips to explore the surrounding areas. Last time I was in Paris, we explored Loire Valley, a gorgeous stretch of France filled with the cutest towns and beautiful castles. This time around, we headed out to see Fountainebleu and Vaux Le Vicomte, located approximately 45 min Southeast of Paris.

Visiting these places feels like you’re going back in time. You can literally feel the history around you and can truly envision how life was like — it will give you the chills! We started off our day at Chateau de Fontainebleau, one of the largest medieval castles in all of France. This castle is known as the home of Kings, and raised French Monarchs from Louis XII to Napolean III. Besides the vast size of Fontainebleau, the most iconic feature is the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase which dates from the reign of Louis XIII. You will be in awe as you tour the opulence of the royal apartments.

After exploring Fountainbleau, we made the quick 30 min drive over to Vaux Le Vicomte, which was truly a masterpiece. Although it’s nowhere near the scale of Fontainebleau, Vaux Le Vicomte is even more opulent and has the most beautiful sprawling French gardens. This chateau was home to Nicolas Fouquet and the collaboration between the architect, Louis Le Vau, the landscape architect, Andre le Notre, and the painter, Charles Le Brun marked the beginning of the “Louis XIV style.”

Vaux Le Vicomte is where the French Formal Garden was founded and the initial inspiration for Versailles! Fouquet threw many lavish parties within the great halls and gardens and ultimately was arrested by Louis XIV for them. The parties were too impressive and the home was too opulent and diminished Louis XIV popularity and power. Who knew being so lavish could be your downfall.

If you’re tight on time and can only fit in a half day trip, I would hands down recommend Vaux Le Vicomte. I was truly left speechless for it’s beauty and loved learning it’s fascinating history. Keep scrolling for more photos from these two incredible French chateaus!