Fall in Florida

I have something to admit today: There are moments when I wonder why I picked up everything I owned in 2007 and moved it from Virginia/Maryland all the way down to Florida.

Those moments almost always occur in the middle of summer when The Sunshine State's heat index climbs into the hundreds and the humidity is so thick you feel like you need gills to breathe.

"Were the beaches and less expensive cost of living really worth it?" I ask myself as I step outside to face another frizzy-haired, sweat-drenched day.

And then--s l o w l y--summer begins to fade away. It's never really gone, mind you. But the humidity eases up, and 75 degrees really feels like, well, 75 glorious degrees.

Fall in Florida is an almost magical part of the year when spending time outside is a joy, and--as my temporary tattoo coaxes--there are plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses.

It's a time when the answer to my harried question in the summer is a resounding "Yes, Florida, you're worth it!"

What's your favorite thing about fall? Tell me in the comments!

Outfit details:
Goldenrod Ruffled Pullover from Anthropologie
Pants from JC Penney (old, similar)
Maddie Ghillie Wedge from Payless
Purse from H&M (old, similar from Payless)
Fox Earrings, Ring and Necklace from The Alchemy Shop
Letterpress Ring from Etsy shop Headcase Press
Temporary Tattoo from Tattly

This post contains Payless affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

What I Wore to Oktoberfest

Before we get into the outfit, let's first talk about a change I made last week.

I went back to my natural hair color, brunette, with the help of Chris from Chic Image Lounge. Not only did he give me a beautiful sombre color, which is really popular for fall, he also did a keratin treatment, which made my course, frizzy hair smooth and shiny. I'm loving the overall look.

Want to know what hairstyles are on trend this season? I had the opportunity to connect with Chris and other hair stylists for a story I wrote for TBO Seen. Check it out: 8 hair trends to try this fall.

OK, on to the outfit.

Here's a random fact you might not know about me: I'm 1/4 German. So, when October rolls around, you better believe I'm searching for a local Oktoberfest celebration with German beer, food and oompah music.

Lucky for me, there are several Oktoberfest events in the Tampa Bay area. Here's another shameless TBO Seen plug for those who live around these parts: 5 Oktoberfest celebrations to check out in Tampa Bay. There's still one Oktoberfest on the list coming up next weekend.

This dress was one of my go-to's throughout the summer, and it's still going strong into fall. There's something about white lace that I just adore.

Come to think of it, these shoes have also been go-to's lately. They're closed-toe, but they have an all-over, cut-out pattern, which make them perfect for Florida fall.

And speaking of perfect, my purse is a beer mug, and one of my necklace charms is a tiny beer stein. Need I say more? :)

Outfit details:

Dress from Anthropologie (old; similar from H&M, similar from Target)

Shoes from ModCloth (similar)

Purse from Spirit Halloween

Zodiac Necklace from The Alchemy Shop

Beer Stein Charm from Fossil (I couldn't find this online, but I bought it at the store within the last month.)

Ring from Torrid

Temporary Tattoo from Tattly

This post contains ModCloth affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

It's a Chambray Kind of Day

And a day for silly faces, apparently.

I'm loving the versatility of this chambray dress from ModCloth. The weather doesn't usually get too chilly here in Florida, but on the few days that it does cool off this season, I'll be able to wear this dress with tights and a cute sweater. Or leggings, boots and a thick belt. The possibilities are many.

While it's still warm, I'm wearing it with some cute flats and bare legs.

(The dress looks a bit purple in this photo, but it's definitely blue.)

Outfit details:

Dress and Flats from ModCloth (similar flats)

Purse from Oasap

Zodiac Necklace from The Alchemy Shop

Locket from Etsy shop Mama's Little Babies

XO Ring from Charming Charlie

Letterpress Ring from Etsy shop Headcase Press

This post contains ModCloth and Oasap affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

What's Black, White and Red All Over

The outfit I wore over the weekend to the St. Pete Indie Market, that's what!

Matt and I checked out the once-a-month makers faire on Saturday, and there were so many cute, handmade, and vintage items. I walked away with a working pocket watch/locket necklace from Lauralie Bradford, one of my favorite local jewelry makers. You can check out her shop, The Genesis, on Etsy.

Here's the necklace:

I got this classic-looking dress recently because I had nothing like it in my wardrobe. Although I've only been wearing it with red accessories so far, it's a versatile piece that I'll be able to change up frequently. Versatility is what I seem to be gravitating more toward lately.

Outfit details:
Dress from Old Navy (color sold out online)
Flats from Charlotte Russe (old, similar)
Belt and Sunglasses from Target (neither available online)
Purse from Urban Outfitters (old, similar)
Hair Bow from ModCloth (freebie)
Ring from Topshop (old, similar)
Zodiac Necklace from The Alchemy Shop
Moon Necklace (gift)
Spike Necklace from Forever 21 (old, similar)

This post contains Urban Outfitters, ModCloth and Forever 21 affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

October Wish List

Here's what I'm wishing for this month.

1. Claire Richards Print Tea Dress from Simply Be, $64.95
Vintage-inspired styling with a bird and butterfly print. You had me at vintage-inspired.

2. Wool Felt Floppy Hat from Icing, $26
This screams fall to me, and the feathers are a pretty touch.

3. Trapunto Saddle Crossbody in Navy from Charming Charlie, $25
I have several crossbody bags, but none of them are navy. Seems like it's time to remedy the situation.

4. Silver Sagittarius Zodiac Pendant Necklace from The Alchemy Shop, $35.99
For some reason unbeknownst to me, I'm really into my zodiac sign lately. Maybe the reason is in the stars?

5. Woodland Nail Decals from JsUtopia on Etsy, $4.90
I'm also into all creatures woodland for fall.

6. Cowl Neck Pullover from Old Navy, $29.94
I know I live in Florida where we basically have year-round summer, but for the few chilly days, this sweatshirt looks so super soft and cozy. And bonus: I can wear it with leggings. #comfy

What are you wishing for this month? Tell me in the comments!

Cross Stitch for the Florida Strawberry Festival

Late February to early April is festival/fair season here in the Tampa area, and one of my favorites is the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. It's very similar to the Florida State Fair, and the past couple years, Matt and I have opted to go to the Strawberry Festival instead of going to both.

The main difference--for me at least--is there is one vendor in particular that I absolutely adore. She creates petit point jewelry that is detailed and beautiful, and I seriously want to adopt her as my grandmother. I'm planning to dedicate an entire post to her and all the fabulous creations I've bought from her over the past four years. So stay tuned for that!

I had this talented 84-year-old woman in mind when I picked out this dress to wear to the festival yesterday morning. (I'm realizing how awkward that sounds as I'm typing.) Anyway, the cross stitched flowers on the bodice reminded me of her work, so it's what I decided to wear.

And just in case you're wondering, she loved it! :)

I can just hear Cleo saying: "Oh, hey... Those boots are fabulous!" My dog has good taste! ;)

Photos from the festival:

I posted a version of this photo on my Instagram. Then, I chowed down on one of the weirdest, most genius, heart attack-inducing meals ever created: Doughnut Burger. I remember the first time Matt got this at the Florida State Fair. I was disgusted. A hamburger with typical fixins sandwiched between two Krispy Kreme doughnuts? No, thank you. Then I tried a bite. OH. EM. GEE. It was delicious! Now, it's an annual requirement that we get one when we go to the Strawberry Festival. We cut it in half and share it.

We ended the day with a large bag of kettle corn. And by "large," I mean "gigantic." We've eaten just enough so we can get the bag closed, and it seems that we'll still be eating it when the Strawberry Festival comes to Plant City again next year. Can't wait!

Outfit Details:
Simply Be Dress
Target Leggings
Target Boots
Urban Outfitters Backpack (old)
Fossil Strawberry Charm (old, similar)
The Alchemy Shop Fox Ring
Headcase Press Letterpress Ring (Read more about it here: What's the Perfect Gift for a Writer?)

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

This post contains Urban Outfitters affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

Pennyfarthing Print Dress

I'm a big fan of novelty prints, and there's something about a bike print in particular that I just can't resist. I bought ModCloth's Ride Here, Right Now Dress a few months ago, and now, I also have the Taking on Tulsa Dress in Pennyfarthings.

I wore it over the weekend to dinner for a friend's birthday. These photos were taken the day after, and I used Matt's bike as a prop.

I'm also digging a couple of these new accessories. The Just as Imagined Necklace in Mushrooms is also from ModCloth, and I ordered it with the dress. You might remember it from my February Wish List.

The wooden handle clutch is vintage, and I picked it up a couple weeks ago from iamsonotcool vintage at Whigfest, a local music festival. When shop owner Cheryl Howell saw my eyes widen as they locked onto the purse, she told me it had just been marked down from $12 to $10. Do you really think I was going to say no to that?! :)

Outfit Details:

Taking on Tulsa Dress in Pennyfarthings and Just as Imagined Necklace in Mushrooms from ModCloth
Vintage Purse from iamsonotcool vintage
Target Leggings and Shoes
Icing Headband (old)
The Alchemy Shop Fox Ring
Headcase Press Ring (read more about it here: What's the Perfect Gift for a Writer?)

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

This post contains ModCloth affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.