Ask Bedazzles: Fall Staples

Hi Readers! I've been putting off this questions since the weather in LA has been so hot! But since it's already November let's go ahead and dive right into Fall Fashion. I'm so excited to start this section off with such a fabulous request:

Hi Nikki! I absolutely love your blog! I was wondering if you could give me some wardrobe ideas. I recently just moved from Florida to North Carolina and I am really excited about getting a change in seasons and cooler weather. I could use some new trendy and wearable clothes to add to my closet for Fall. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Ashley, North Carolina

This is a fantastic question. Every girl should have a few key fall staples that they can rotate in and out of their Fall/Winter wardrobe. I also have scoped out some great trendy (and affordable!) finds that you can add to clothes you already have to shake it up a bit.

A Long Sleeve Tee
Seen everywhere from BCBG Max Azria to Proenza Schouler (above) on the Fall 2010 runway this is sure to be one staple you already have hiding in your dresser. The new way to wear your LST this year? Pair it with your cutest dress, throw on some opaque tights or thigh highs and you've transformed a fun summery outfit into a perfect fall look. My favorite is the Mossimo long sleeve tees from Target. I like them because they are just thick enough without being too heavy. You can try the Tissue Tees if you need something lighter.

Opaque Tights
This is another key item for the cooler (or freezing!) months ahead. A good black pair is great under dresses and skirts but I love them under dressed up shorts. The above photo are pairs of Hue tights from Macy's - a fabulous brand that you can grab for under $15.00. But my go to tights brand? Simply Vera from Kohl's. I can usually grab them for 6 bucks a pair and they last me at least a few seasons (the purple ones are my fav!) Plus they really stay opaque and not see through like some brands. Try a brighter choice with a black dress for a burst of color and staying on trend.

Any Kind of Boot
Boots, Boots, Boots! I cannot say enough about how much I have fallen in love with them recently. I wasn't always a boot lover - but now I am hooked. I don't care what kind or what height you buy (my personal fav - the ankle boot) - just make sure you have a few pairs in your closet. Boots are also another item that you can splurge a little extra on because most are made to last. But if you are searching for a great option check out Target's newest riding boot - the Kaden. It comes in three basic colors (tan, gray, black) and goes perfect with just about anything from tucked in skinny jeans to dresses. Plus I love zipper detail on the back.

Hope that answered your question Ashley! Basics are always key to any wardrobe Winter or Summer. But these pieces can help make Spring pieces last further into the Fall months. Happy shopping!

1st image via Fashion Gone Rogue, 2nd image via Style.com, 3rd image via Macys, 4th image via DSW

Mulberry for Target: Perfect Fall Handbag Additions

Here's another edition of my Budget Fashion from Examiner (click the link to view the article) - this time the Mulberry for Target collection is featured. Chic handbags at easy-on-the-wallet prices!


image via Nitrolicious

Things Are Fall-ing Into Place

Hi loveys! Sorry that it has been few and far blog posts lately... I went on a mini vacay and then had a week full of exciting things going on which was amazing and distracting all at the same time! Does it always seem to you that with the change of seasons also comes changes within our lives? It may sound silly but I can't help making this connection. I noticed that with the start of summer I got a new job, starting remembering why I love to write and honestly felt a shift in my universe. These past few weeks leading up to the beginning of fall I have been amazingly exposed - to myself. I think each person has issues or things in our lives that we are aware of but that we don't deal with. We just push it aside, refile to the back of our brains or just pretend that we have forgotten about it all together. All the while it's bubbling up inside us just dying to get to the surface.

Over the past 30 days I have really been struggling with several of these issues and finally decided to lay them all out on the table. I holed myself up in our apartment, stopped returning phone calls or venturing out to spend times with friends. I really needed this time to re-evaluate my life, the direction I was going and what was best for my family (although only consisting of the hubs and Jacky - our dog - they're still the two most important things in my life!) I can't tell you how satisfying it is to work through something and come out on the other side. What began as a huge struggle for me - ended so perfectly with a mini-vacay to visit relatives in Georgia. I was able to solidify so many of those issues and get a grasp on them rather than letting them float aimlessly around my world. I finally have wrestled these inner beasts and come out of the darkness with a clear head and much better attitude. Making these major decisions are never easy - but it was what I felt was necessary for my life. I now know that I can venture back into my marriage, my work, friendships and everyday life knowing that I'm at peace with where I am and in a better state of mind.

In light of this awareness there have been so many things unfolding in my life and I can't wait to share all the goodness that has been happening.. but I can't let you know all the details just yet. I can tell you that I am so excited about the direction my path and this blog is going! I have been flooded with emails and messages lately from users both On Sugar and from Facebook who have been so amazingly supportive and I cannot thank you enough for your words! It's so encouraging to hear the comments you give and ideas you have as well! One of these messages has actually turned into an exciting part of the blog that I can now launch! :)

I have always been interested in styling and as of late it's just been family members, friends and a few photo shoots here and there. Recently I received a message a few weeks ago from someone who was asking me for some clothing options for the upcoming cooler months. I always get requests or messages like this and I thought - Why not start an "Ask Bedazzles" section. So ta-da! A brilliant idea is born. I have inserted a page above with an email address where you can send any and all questions to me that can be featured on this blog! Have an amazing date night dress but need some killer accessories? Send me the photo and I'll throw some ideas your way. Do you need help packing for an upcoming trip? Let me know and I will be sure to pick out some travel essentials for you. The possibilities are endless! I am so excited to have yet another connection with my readers and to share some of my ideas! So be on the lookout for an upcoming post where I will answer my first question!

Have a wonderful day! xoxo

image via Sarah.Wandering