Our Top 10 Picks for Fall

Well, it's official. Fall is here! The leaves are turning colors and falling off the trees, the nights are cold, the days are chilly, and everything pumpkin (much to Lauren's chagrin) is out on the shelves. So, with that in mind, our thoughts, of course, turn to shopping. It's time to bolster our wardrobes with some great fall finds!

We've scoured the internet to find the best deals for the best items to kick your fall wardrobe up a notch. Each of us compiled a top 10 list with items under $25, $50, and $75. Many of our items can be transitioned from season to season--as you know, the best pieces are the ones that do double, triple, and even quadruple duty! (It's not a bargain if you can only wear it once or once in a while, right?)

Without further ado, here are our picks...we hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Remember, if you click on the "Polaroids," it will take you directly to the item.

Happy shopping!

UNDER $25:

1) I have discovered the best t-shirts in the world. Yes, I'm serious. Gap has a line of t-shirts called "super soft" (their Bowery collection). My mom bought me one last year, and since then I've been stocking up like it's my job. Well, this is the newest addition to my collection. As you all know, I'm a stripes girl (seriously...survey my closet. I'd say, at minimum, 1/2 of my shirts are striped!), and I tend to lean towards the striped varieties of the Bowery collection tees. This one, in particular, caught my attention because, although it's another striped tee to add to my wardrobe, it's unique in that it's a boatneck tee. With a boatneck, you can dress it up with a pair of nice khakis or dress pants, or dress it down with jeans or leggings. It's totally versatile! It comes in navy (my particular favorite) or red...and at $24.95, you can afford to get both!


2) As you know, Lauren and I are both knitters. But, our lives are busy, and sometimes we just don't have time to knit ourselves (or each other) a cowl! Just because we don't have time to knit ourselves a cowl doesn't mean that we don't want new ones to add to our ever expanding scarf collections. So, we try to look for ones that are cozy, classic, and a steal. (That way we won't feel so guilty about buying ones when we can make them!) This infinity cowl from Old Navy totally fits the bill. It's $10...seriously, we could spend that amount just on the yarn it would take us to make our own cowls...not to mention the time and effort! I prefer the grey, but it comes in other colors as well. Grab this steal before it sells out!



3) To me, nothing says fall more than a cardigan. It's the perfect transition piece from warm weather to the chill in the air that fall brings. Cardigans are easy to throw over a t-shirt with a pair of jeans, or over a blouse with a pair of dress pants. I especially love long, flowy, open cardigans. They are not only comfortable, but totally versatile. This cardigan from H&M is only $19.95, and bonus...it's striped! (It does also come in solid colors for those of you who haven't hopped on the stripe bandwagon.)




4) I love jewelry. I love sparkly jewelry. I love sparkly jewelry that is versatile--I can stack it, I can wear it solo, I can wear it to work, I can wear it on the weekend, I can wear it to a fancy affair. I love sparkly, versatile jewelry that is affordable. That's why I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this gorgeous bangle from Banana Republic. It's just $24.50 in silver ($29.50 if you go for the gold), and I love that it's simple and elegant all at the same time. It has just the right amount of sparkle so it's not gaudy or obnoxious, but it makes you feel pretty! Seriously...what more could a girl want?




UNDER $50:

5) I saw these earrings on Baublebar (yes, I'm a Baublebar junkie...blame Lauren. She introduced me to the site) and instantly fell in love. I had to have them. So, of course, I bought them. When I tell you that I love them even more in person (which I didn't think was possible), that's an understatement. I love the gold flecks on the blue stones...and I love that they aren't symmetrical. I love that they are totally versatile--great with a sweater, a suit, a dress...for work, for play...and I love that they're colors that aren't typical for me when it comes to jewelry. The fact that they're only $28 made my decision to buy them super easy. I would have been a fool not to!



6) Last year, you may remember that I found a fabulous faux fur cowl at Restoration Hardware. (Check out the post here.) So, I decided to test my luck again this year and see if Restoration Hardware had anything interesting in faux fur. They did...lots of awesome stuff from pillows to throws to this gem...a faux fur laptop case. I love that it looks like an oversize clutch, as opposed to a utilitarian laptop case. I would actually use it as a clutch when I didn't need to bring my laptop with me somewhere! It comes in a variety of "furs," and is one of those pieces that I can see being a part of my wardrobe for a long time. It's only $29, which makes it worth every darn affordable penny!



7) This pendant is one that I think will be such a key piece of my wardrobe this fall. The sunburst design will keep me going as days get shorter by reminding me that summer will come back again soon! I love that the accent isn't a gem or jewel, but leather. That makes it edgy while still being feminine and classy. It would look amazing with a t-shirt and jeans, or as a layering piece with a long necklace as well. I can see this piece transitioning from season to season--especially with a cotton dress in summer or a cardigan and dress pants in winter. You can find this amazing piece at Piperlime for $48.




UNDER $75:

8) I think I've spoken of my love of elbow patches before. Maybe it's that I'm a teacher and to me, elbow patches scream academia. Maybe it's because they are slightly nerdy (like me) but slightly edgy as well (not so much like me). Maybe it's just that they're classic and classy. Or, maybe I just love them because I do. For whatever reason, I'm always drawn to them. These leather patches are vegan, which is kind of awesome, especially for you animal lovers out there, but they don't feel cheap or look cheap (yes, I own this one too!). The sweater is long, which I love, so I can wear it with leggings, but it's totally formal enough to be worn to work. I found this gem at Piperlime for $69.


9) Western boots are totally in this season. I found these beauties at Nordstrom. They are stylish, beautiful, well made, and most of all, affordable. One of my favorite fall looks is tall boots with leggings or skinny jeans! I can't wait to wear this pair in particular with skinny jeans or leggings and a cardigan on the weekend or with dress pants and a cardigan (I told you, I'm a cardigan girl!) to work. At $69.95, I will totally get my money's worth with these.





10) This shirt isn't quite sweatshirt, isn't quite t-shirt, and isn't quite sweater. What it is is awesome. On Piperlime, it's billed as a sweater, but, in person, it's like a super soft sweatshirt, made without the fleece inside. (So, like a thick t-shirt.) I love that it's not your average weekend piece--it's quilted, which sets it apart from the crowd. It also has striped cuffs and a striped hem, which give it a little pop! (And you know how I love my stripes!) I can see this being one of my favorite new fall pieces this year. At $69, it is a great wardrobe addition.

UNDER $25:

1) Full disclaimer. This company is 100% owned by the cousin of one of my closest friends. I've known this woman since she was a child and it's wonderful to see her launch and sustain such a wonderful accessory company (and you know how I love my accessories!). These bracelets are reminiscent of ones I would have worn as a kid. There are many style options; she is continually adding new styles and designs. This bracelet is totally able to be totally personalized--you can choose the color and style of cord and you can change the beads to say whatever you want. This style starts at $24. For other awesome options, or to order this piece, check out the Ryan Porter site!



2) Funny story...a few years ago, I purchased a pair of canvas sneakers from H&M for a post on this blog (see it here). I loved them so much that they became one of my go-to casual shoes. Last winter, my family rescued Olive, the cutest dog ever. A few weeks ago, she decided that my sneakers looked irresistible...and chewed them up. Yup, she eats shoes every so often. So, these shoes would be a great replacement for me...and at only $9.97, I can't pass them up! Neither should you.They were perfect fall weekend shoes--throw them on with a pair of jeans for running errands, playing in leaves, or hanging out with friends. Head over to Old Navy and snag a pair...if white isn't your color, they have plenty of other color choices as well.


3) As you all know, I love my accessories...scarves, bags, jewelry...all of it! Long necklaces are no exception to the rule. I think they make great layering pieces--with other jewelry, or with long cozy cardigans. This necklace from Francesca's Collections is perfect for that! Its turquoise color reminds me of the ocean in summer, so even as the days get colder, I can remember the summer and look forward to the next one! This piece will transition well throughout all the seasons. It's a steal at $16!




UNDER $50:

4) You know I love bags. You should see my collection. Never, though, did I think I would love a bucket bag...but I do. I started seeing this style of bag popping up on other fashion blogs that I love and read on a daily basis. Then I found this great one from Old Navy. I love the color--this green is such a great fall color. And if you're not into the green, it does come in other colors. At $34.95, it can easily fit into your fall budget and fall wardrobe!





5) The moto jacket is everywhere this fall! So many different stores are putting out their own version of this jacket, but I particularly love this steal from Target. Besides the fact that it's only $34.99, it's such a great take on this style of jacket. I can see myself wearing it to the office for day, and then out for drinks at night with the man. All I need to do is change up my accessories & shoes and this jacket easily transitions from day to evening!





6) I have been looking high and low for tan suede booties for the fall...they would look great with jeans! When I saw these from Target, I nearly squealed with excitement! They are totally what I was looking for--I love the edgy style of them, with the buckles and straps. They would be a great addition to my fall wardrobe, and at $49.99, they would be a great addition to yours as well! They come in three different colors, so everyone is sure to find a color that they love.





UNDER $75:

7) When the temperatures start dropping, all I want to do is layer my clothing. Just like Stacy said above, cardigans are the perfect transition piece for fall. This cardigan would be perfect as that last layer to keep you nice and warm at work or during your fun fall weekend activities, like apple or pumpkin picking. Pair it with a fun scarf, and you've got the perfect fall outfit! Plus, I love the soft merino wool...who doesn't love that? You can find it at the Loft for $69.50.





8) Leggings are here to stay, and these denim leggings from the Loft are perfect for any fall outing or casual day in the office. One of my favorite fall looks is a pair of leggings with an oversized sweater or blazer and a long button down. As Stacy said above, she loves to pair leggings with tall boots for a great fall look. I particularly love this wash, and this pair will carry well as a transition piece from fall to winter. They come in right under $75, with a price tag of $74.50, and will be a perfect addition to anyone's wardrobe.




9) I do love a shirtdress (in fact, this is the second top 10 in a row that I featured one! See the last top 10 here.) I find these to be so versatile...it's one of my favorites to wear from fall through spring. Shirtdresses go great with stockings or tights, heels or boots, blazers or cardigans...basically anything! This dress from the Gap is $59.95. I love that it's made of chambray--one of my favorite new materials! It's casual enough to wear for a date night or a girls' night out, but still sophisticated enough to wear to the office. It also comes in red, which is already on sale! Snag it while you can!



10) When I saw this shirt from the Loft, I instantly thought it would go great with the leggings I found, under the cardigan, with a long necklace, warm scarf, and tall boots, and I have a fantastic fall outfit for apple picking, hay rides, pumpkin picking, or leaf watching. When I shop, I like to visualize what I can wear it with. If I can picture it with more than one outfit, I know it's a contender for my closet. I don't like to buy things willy nilly--I'm mindful of how many wears I can get out of an item. (Unless it's a trendy piece...insert sequined skirt here...I totally looked at that and thought, "I need that in my life!" I know. I'm such a mystery.) I love that this top is perfect with a casual outfit (like mentioned above), or with a pair of slacks and ballet flats for work. It's a great fall piece, and at $54.50, it's a steal. I love the clean look of it, and knowing that I can wear it into winter as well--as long as I add a few more layers for those cold days.

Enjoy our fabulous finds! Happy fall!

Love,

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com