gooooo team FALL FASHION!

This fashionista spent too much time shopping and not enough time sleeping these last couple of weeks, because yesterday I caught the most dreadful cold. I came home from work early, ready to rest up, but first catch up on all my favorite shopping websites, sales, blogs, you know the drill. I opened my precious Mac to find the desktop a complete mess… filled with fantasy websites popped up here and there, freaky spreadsheets of NFL players and their stats, and all kinds of “very important information” that I promptly closed. Why? Because it was in my way! As is basically all of football season, which, oh so blessedly, began this week. And, as the chubby hubby was quick to point out – will last all the way until January.

At first, this sounds like an ideal opportunity: more time for the girlfriends, the spa and of course the shopping. Even better – every time I do come home, he will either be at boys’ house who have DVR and every channel under the sun, or he will be so glued to our (lame, cable-less tv) that he would never notice me bringing in bags (and bags) of new purchases. But then, things get tricky. Apparently, I’m actually expected to PARTICIPATE in this insane season! The trickier issue is this – what do you wear to hang out with a bunch of boys drinking beers, Sunday after Sunday? Not to worry. I have solutions for us fashionistas who would rather NOT live in their pajamas from now until January, even though their significant other… will.

Let’s get exited for a teeny, tiny second: the best part about football season is that it marks the beginning of our FAVORITE fashion season: FALL! Fall is when all the best collections come out; each and every designer – from the high to the low – really pours their heart into the fall wardrobe. But even if we’re not buying designer, everyone can still appreciate the chunky knit sweaters we cuddle up to as the leaves change, the luxurious cashmere scarves we wrap ourselves in, those fabulous coats with the loveliest buttons that keep us warm but also darling… oh how I love them all! So, let’s embrace these faves for our football lives too. I just stocked up on my pre-season wardrobe this week, and here are my must-haves:

Long-sleeve tees – this crew neck is my favorite basic, and super affordable.

Chunky knit open sweater

(this is waaaaay cuter on in person - take my word for it. get it in "briar" and wear it open - not buttoned - over a black tee with denim and black flats - adorable.)

This one is also a great neutral and easier to layer with. Plus, it's super soft and comfy - perfect for snuggling on the couch and watching your team win!

Scarves in every color (maybe even to represent your favorite team? That might be going too far…) I think these ones are perfect, because you actually could rep a team, but still look adorable. For solid colors and more lightweight ideas, check out BP at Nordstrom. They have TONS of options, and most are around $18ish.

The perfect boyfriend jean - try it in grey for fall!. I recently picked up these ones by Cookie Johnson, Magic Johnson's wife! I had the chance to meet her, and not only is she a lovely, humble person, she also happens to design great denim, in coordination with the designers for Rich and Skinny. I am especially loving Love it!

So, after picking up all of these, I am quick to reprimand myself. Football season IS fun!

{pictures courtesy of... you know who. the football-happy husband.}

BB-Question: what do i wear?

On Sunday I went to a barbecue. Simple, old-fashioned, American fun. Green grass, sunny day, good food. All of the above should be complemented by the perfect ensemble. However, I had NO IDEA WHAT TO WEAR. Scratch that – I did have an IDEA of what to wear, but I did not OWN that idea. This is where the tragedy arose. Consequently, it took this fashionista more than hour to get dressed! Even more tragic, by the time I did discover a decent outfit, I was sweating nearly all my makeup off, and could not even enjoy my hot coffee!

There was a main problem within this fashion crisis; I was invited by association. Meaning, as much as I love these people, and let’s be honest, I know they love me back, but - I know they love my husband more. But, nonetheless, they were nice enough to invite me to share in the fun. So, since all of the guests were expecting the husband to show up in his normal jeans/vans/v-neck outfit (newly accented by his post-wedding weight gain, I might add), I know they had low expectations for my outfit as well.

However, it is my belief that I must always dress to impress. Coco believed the same thing – she once said. “I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” And who knows – what if I met destiny at that dang BBQ? See? THIS is why it took me an hour to figure out a barbecuing outfit. Plus, I cannot help I was being distracted by the opinions of one faux-fashion-expert who was wearing a t-shirt with a cartoon bride and groom that read “GAME OVER.” Nice. This genius also believes that jean shorts are cool and that Carhartts are couture. HELP ME.

Eventually I decided on boyfriend jeans, a striped ¾ sleeve blouse, flats, and big sunglasses. While this worked, I was missing a few key elements that would have really worked better! Below is what I’m adding to my wish list – and you should too – to stock the closet for those upcoming summer backyard days...

PRINTED (and pretty!) TOPS, like this one by Elizabeth and James
i love mixing the femininity of piece (from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's line) with the roughness of the boyfriend jeans

or, (ok, AND, but don't wear it with the top above!), a FUN, FITTED CARDIGAN, like this one by Tracy Reese
this is DARLING and would be cute with the BF jeans, or any denim, but also over a dress as well (for those "fancy" barbecues!)

And, if you don't have them yet, BOYFRIEND JEANS, like these by Rich and Skinny
you MUST pick up a pair of these at some point - they are here to stay!