Don't Step on My Blue Suede Shoes

OK my internet friends, I'm slowly coming to terms with fall, even if we don't really get fall down here in the oven we call Florida. I'm not just ready to let go of color. But it's slowly dawning on me that I've simply been having a minor tantrum. Because, honestly, who said that fall means the end of fun colors? 

No one, that's who. 

I saw all the deep hues of the season and I panicked. Then I shared that panic with the entire universe, because that's how we do it in the 21 century. 

Now that I've effectively calmed the hell down, let's talk about how much I love cobalt blue. You guys, it's a amazing. I swear, I think this color looks good on everyone. Plus, I heard somewhere that cobalt blue triggers happiness. I have no idea if there's scientific proof, but I believe it. I smile when I wear it. So it must be true, right? 

Anyway, I love how cobalt blue is one of those colors you seem to be able to wear all year long. In spring and summer it's slightly brighter, in fall it's deep and rich, and in winter a jewel-toned cobalt is divine. 

With that in mind, I remembered just how much I absolutely love a pretty, suede, blue shoe. And I thought, why not root around the Internets to see what kind of pretty blue fall-appropriate shoes I could stumble upon. Here are some of my favorites. 

(Left to right) BCBGeneration pumps / BCBGMAXAZRIA shoes / Jessica Simpson pumps / Sole Society low cut ankle boots / Nine West ankle booties / Sole Society color block sandals / 

P.S. - Those BCBGeneration pumps with the bow? Sole Society makes a pair just like them too (at the same price as DSW), in case you want to go that route (and they come in a few colors). Free shipping & returns. Whoop!

Any of these suit your fancy? I'm having a hard time deciding which ones will be moving into my closet. Help me!

Casual Florida-friendly fall outfits

Alright, I get it. Summer is almost over. I'm having a hard time accepting it for a few reasons. First, it feels like summer just started. Second, I'm not ready to give up bright, happy nail polish (although, I think I may find some fun ways to incorporate them into my fall and winter manicures, stay tuned). Third, it's still hot as Hades down here in Florida.

So, to start preparing for the inevitable change in fashion (I'd say seasons, but that doesn't really happen here) and the barely noticeable change in temparature (we'll go from 90+ to high 70's and mid 80's), I started thinking of ways I might incorporate a little fall into my outfits. The answer: layers and close-toed shoes.

Here's how fall goes down here: You wake up, and it might be 70 degrees outside. Since it was 95 and humid the day before, you think, "Wow, it's chilly out." (perspective people!). Then you turn on the news to see if it will last. That's when you find out, the high for the day is 90 with 110% humidity. At this point you groan and roll your eyes. If you wear that cute sweater you bought, you'll be dying before lunch. If you wear a tank top and shorts, you'll feel a little cold (reminder: the 20 degree drop feels more drastic than it is).

What's a girl to do? I don't know about the rest of you, but I just layer my summer and fall pieces. T-shirts and chunky cardigans, flowy shirts and army jackets, ankle boots and ballet flats. Here are just some casual fall pairings I would wear down here is the sweltering state.

Oasis grey cardigan, / Aéropostale white shirt / Joe's Jeans skinny leg jeans / Steve Madden Tennasee boot / Nordstrom hoop earrings / Skagen watch / Forever 21 twisted link stretch bracelet / Forever 21 twisted cutout cuff / Forever 21 spike cuff / Forever 21 layered necklace

As the temperatures rise, this outfit won't make me melt. The boots cover my feet, but won't warm my legs (PS - totally bummed they were out of my size during the Nordstrom anniversary sale). As a Floridian, I've become accustomed to jeans in our weather, so no worries there. And I can push up the sleeves to the sweater or remove it all together depending on how uncomfortable the heat gets.

I love how the accessories and shoes give the outfit a little edge and the watch and cardi lend it a little preppy, classic, cool. I'd wear this to run errands, on the weekend, out to the movies. Anywhere casual and laid back.

Madewell Roll Sleeve silk blouse / Madewell jacket / Uniqlo jeans / Gap leopard flats / Skagen watch / Rose Pierre gunmetal & rose gold necklace / Nordstrom BP pendant necklace

Another fun pairing. I like how the army jacket makes the silk blouse and dark-wash denim just a little less dressy and the pop of leopard fun from the shoes. I'd probably wear this with the sleeves pushed up and I could easily remove the jacket if it gets too warm. I'd wear this out on a casual date with the hubs to our favorite casual restaurant, local bar, or even brunch. Heck, it's casual, so why not throw a little errand running into the mix too.

How do you do casual fall?

Photo Inspiration: The Maxi Dress

Let's just put this out there from the onset: I love a maxi dress.

It's perhaps the easiest way to roll out of bed, throw something on, and still look like you put some effort into your outfit. Maybe I love them so much because I'm lazy. Or maybe I can blame the Florida heat that makes essentially all clothes unbearable during the summer. Or possibly, I love them so much because I like to eat cake and ice cream and easily camouflage it.

But honestly, what's not appealing about an outfit that requires minimal effort, flatters pretty much everyone, is comfortable, and incredibly versatile?

They're loose. They're drappy. They're romantic. They're forgiving. And you can look absolutely amazing and fashionable wearing one, while still looking approachable and down to earth.

Who doesn't want to look like they're zen and low key? I think a maxi is the wardrobe equivalent of a Xanax. The best part: you don't need a prescription. You can wear a maxi and enjoy some cocktails. And while they may be addicting (I can't seem to stop buying them), they won't endanger your health.

Photo credit: Pinterest here and here

Just look at how relaxed and casual the ladies in these photos look? And none of them look overly put together. It's probably the one bohemian style I feel comfortable pulling off.

I simply love how easy it is to style. Wear it alone with flats or throw on a hat and some casual jewelry for a relaxed and casual style. With the maxi, it's all about how you accessorize (kind of like your plain little black dress). You can take the same dress from daytime-beach-stroll-cool to evening appropriate, styling it in so many ways that people might not notice you're repeating it as often as you are.

Photo credit: Lex What Wear

In the summer, when you don't want to wear too much extra fabric, grab your favorite light weight scarf and layer it over a plain maxi to give it a little extra pop of color or pattern.  I love how Lex What Wear styled her black maxi with a colorful infiniti scarf and she skipped looping the scarf, making it a lot easier to breathe when the temps rise. I also like using a regular, over-sized scarf with a fun print or color and just leaving it open and flowing in the breeze (so it doesn't end up feeling like it's choking me in the heat).

Photo credits (left to right): Pinterest/Wendy's Look Book/Atlantic-Pacific

Add a jacket to the mix and you can edge up this girly style and even use the jacket to make a dressier fabric more casual. I especially like how the photo on the right mixed the casual belt and jacket with the dressier fabric and heels. Layering your maxi with a jacket is also great when the temperature starts dropping and you're not quite ready to give up your maxi dress comfort. And don't forget the difference adding a belt can make to the look and style of your maxi. 

Photo credit Pinterest here, here, and here

Just like you can dress it down, a simple change of jewelry, shoes, and makeup can transform this into an evening appropriate look you can wear to a soiree, date, or even a wedding. I like dressing up a maxi with a strappy pair of heels or sandals, a few key pieces of jewelry (chunky or delicate depending on the dress), sun-kissed makeup, and a hairstyle that's done, but still loose and relaxed. 

Photo credit: Pinterest here and here

My favorite way to wear a maxi? Simply. Just the dress, some sandals, earrings or a cute necklace, and a fedora.  What about you?