Blue Velvet

Photography by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

Since this is a personal blog, I am going to be personal for a moment. For the past month I have had a family member in crisis and it has taken all of me to help my loved one. Without my family, I don't know what I would have done. We seem to pull together even tighter than the tight knit clan we are in times like this, and I know that we will see this through together. Family really is everything.

In times like these it has seemed odd to me to be talking about trends and style, and all of it really seems terribly unimportant. I have been reminded that even in the darkest of times it is important to continue to move forward, to do what you love and to focus on the things that make you happy. It is important that I show my loved one that I am strong and I am present and that nothing is more important than being healthy and happy.  But it is also ok to laugh, and to write about things you love and see the light in the world again. As simple as it may sound, this beautiful fall has been a gift of sorts for me. The beautiful colors that surround me have made me feel appreciative and grounded.

And so, fashion. My photographer Kirsten Beeksma Morse, Krissi to me, is also a friend. She met me recently to do a shoot even though I mixed up the days and was totally off my game and disorganized...which is not the usual way I operate. The end result was some laughter and some friendship and some fabulous photos of a beautiful dress on a lovely fall morning. The parents at the soccer game next door to our shoot might have thought me a tad overdressed for a Saturday morning in a park, but that was part of the fun. And so, let's talk velvet......

Truly, velvet is one of my favorite materials this time to year. It is luxurious and decadent and has a celebratory feel to it. That being said, don't reserve wearing velvet for party time, it is also gorgeous in the daytime. Velvet overalls are one way to show some velvet love during the daylight hours, and you can easily toss on heels and a silk blouse to dress them up for evening. I am particular to this Pilcrow and The Letterpress pair from anthropologie because of the slim silhouette.

Pilcrow and The Letterpress Velvet Overalls

You can find velvet accessories, boots and shoes everywhere right now, which makes it easy to incorporate a bit of luxury into your existing wardrobe. I have been wearing the Madewell Gemma flats in gorgeous burgundy all fall and they will even more fab with a pair of sparkly socks, my current obsession. Jump on that socks with heels, socks with boots, socks with slides bandwagon. It is a subtle yet cool trend that is a stylish transition to take your fall shoes into the cooler months ahead.

Madewell Gemma Pointy Toe Mule

Zara Kaftan with Back Embroidery

The Kaftan has made a glamour reappearance and done right it can be uber chic. Watch out for the dusters that are too billowy or have a bathrobe vibe, unless that is what you are going for. I prefer a luxurious fabric and a longer lean silhouette. The Zara Velvet Kaftan with Back Embroidery checks all the boxes for me in this regard. And can we have a moment for those green boots? Killer.

Marcus Adler New York Velvet Baseball Cap

I love a great baseball cap and velvet gives this little lid the perfect chic update. Saks Off 5th just opened up in downtown Seattle and I found this little Marcus Adler gem for under $25. The deep merlot colored velvet is stunning, and it comes in a dark blue as well as black.

When I was in New York City last month we stayed in the meatpacking district and the dining, shopping and hotels were off the charts. It was over 80 degrees at 9 pm the day we arrived, but that didn't stop me from coveting the amazing fall fashion.
I like mixing different kinds of materials with velvet, including fur, brocade and leather. This Theory Transformer Pouche is a cross body and a clutch and its furry exterior is fantastic. This baby will be going everywhere with me this season and I especially like the way the neutral color plays off the major pop of color dress.

And finally, the dress. I love Karen from Where Did U Get That? and KarenBritChick on Instagram and am very always inspired by her personal style. When she wore this incredible blue velvet ASOS Velvet Plunge Kimono Midi Dress recently, I immediately hopped online and ordered it. It has a V-neck front, and Karen wore it backwards, which was genius. I can't begin to describe the color.. .it is aquamarine on steroids. I paired it with fun snakeskin heeled booties but it would be gorgeous with a variety of cool boots or even a heeled loafer.

Want to add some lux to your wardrobe this fall? Whether it is a pair of boots or a stunning dress, velvet is where it is at this fall. November is around the corner and this year I couldn't be more thankful and grateful for all that I hold dear. Keep your loves close and cheers to a new month ahead. xx
L.