black midi dress

The first time I wore this dress was a really great night in August—the evening costume change on a "date day" stretching from 10:30AM to bar close. I smile whenever I see it hanging in my closet. And while summer is fading fast, I'll remember that Saturday every time I wear it this fall with a scarf, ankle boots, and eventually, a warm coat.

I liked the idea of keeping the copy short and sugary today, but I couldn't forsake all rational persuasiveness. If you don't have a black midi dress, don't hesitate to buy one. For someone really trying to limit her clothing spending this season, its versatility makes it an investment (only $52) I haven't doubted once. I love the second-skin fit of this Leith style, making it sexy (but not skanky) for a night out. With a sporty neckline and deep-cut armholes, it works for day with flats, or even weddings when dressed up with bold jewelry and killer pumps. Whatever your schedule, the stretchy fabric keeps comfort a priority.

Leith Dress | Charter Club Scarf | Seychelles Boots (similar here)

Kate Spade Saturday Sunglasses (similar here) | Essie Wicked | Ear Cuff

photos by Andrew Saxum

red hot

Grab some coffee and let's catch up! 

Sharing a few updates from the past week for this quick hump day hello!

When my alarm blared at 5:00 last Saturday morning, I almost said "screw it" to my 7-hour volunteer shift at Muckfest, but I'm happy I made the hour-long haul to the Somerset, WI, event site. Zip-lining and belly-crawling through the muddy obstacle course (and tailgating the afternoon away after) looked so FUN, and I definitely want to participate next year.

Still dreaming about last weekend's gourmet popcorn and All the Single Ladies tequila cocktail at cozy Parlour. My love affair with the North Loop is in full effect.

It's sad to see summer go, but the amazing slow-cooker turkey chili I threw together on Sunday with football buzzing in the background was fall perfection. Planning to add a petite pumpkin to my coffee table for some seasonal flair ASAP!

I dressed up and hit up the Foshay last night for Minnstafashion, a Minnesota Fashion Week event featuring complimentary wine and the chance to win swanky prizes for creating the best Instagram caption for styled looks. I wish there had been a runway or a bit more action, but still—not bad for a Tuesday. Catch more of the #FWMN fun with this guide.

Red is HOT for fall! I love how InStyle spinoff publication Your Look styled the color with winter whites for pretty, Snow White-inspired contrast. It was 80 degrees when we shot the below photos, but as the weather cools down, I'll swap my tank for a sleek white sweater to mimic the magazine feature. Make a more subtle statement by carrying a cherry clutch or slipping on garnet leather gloves!

Scroll to shop the best ways to wear red this season! 

Necklace: J.Crew | UO Tank Top | Pants: J.Crew

Bag: Banana Republic | Shoes: Nine West | Toes: OPI Cajun Shrimp

photos by Andrew Saxum

nude midi dress

Mindy Kaling's sophomore memoir hits Amazon today! Have you ordered a copy? I read her first book over the weekend in preparation and really enjoyed it—literally LOLing more than a few times ("When I see a perfectly hairless, tanned guy on-screen, I am forced to recall the Chihauhau."). It was really endearing to learn how a successful writer/actor flubbed her way through many firsts and boldly persisted in putting herself in new and scary situations (pitching sketches for SNL alongside Tina Fey and Seth Meyers? Hello intimidating.) in her quest to be a TV comedy queen. Not all Hollywood heavyweights were pros from day one! The page-turner was not only entertainment for a beautiful Sunday night on my roof deck, but motivation to keep plugging away at my own passions. It takes time and tumbles for anything to take shape—Mindy's previously successful play flopped at Aspen—but something you love doing is worth the skinned knees and judge-y side-eye.

And when you finally hit your stride, there's no better feeling! I met my blog photographer early this summer and after six or seven shoots together, I think we've both found our footing. He captured some amazing shots (that light!), and this nude dress is my favorite look so far. It's simple but sexy, makes me feel really confident and comfortable, and is incredibly versatile, spanning wearing occasion and season. The ribbed midi has skinny straps and side cut-outs, which I'm all about in the right situation. But with a classic jean jacket thrown over the shoulders, it's more modest and fall-appropriate. I plan to wear it for dinner & drinks with visiting friends on Saturday (can't wait to take them out!), and it would look just as good trolling the mall with low-cut Chuck Taylors.

Thanks for joining me as I stumble along in my own hobby! I certainly scrunch my nose as I look back on some of the outfit photos I've posted so far (so not a natural in front of the camera..!), but I'm taking a cue from Mindy in laughing and continuing on.

Get more Mindy over on Shopbop today where she's talking fall must-haves!

Topshop Midi Dress (sold out—similar here and here)

American Eagle jacket | Boden heels (old) | J.Crew bag (old)

photos by Andrew Saxum

sleeveless sweater shell

I bought this summery mini dress for a lakeside birthday celebration a few years ago and despite loving it, haven't had occasion to wear it since (or, more accurately, overzealously bought too many dresses that year and and it never surfaced a second time..). But with the temperatures dipping a bit this week and my continuing quest to maximize my existing wardrobe, I slipped it under a sleeveless sweater shell for a completely new look. The split-hem ribbed knit gives the lightweight party dress a casual, everyday feel that was totally appropriate for lunch at Icehouse over Labor Day weekend (loved the sloppy nachos!) and the chunky texture offers just enough warmth and coverage for this transitional time of year.

I've been loving the combination so much that I've also worn the colorful dress underneath my black Jackie Shell with coordinating pumps after dark, and plan to use the same strategy with full-sleeved sweaters and midi dresses throughout fall—such an easy trick to make basic separates look a bit more fashion-forward.

I hope your transition back into the work grind and faster pace of fall is going as smoothly as your sartorial endeavors. I woke up Tuesday with chills, congestion and VERY tired eyes, so the changing-of-the-seasons struggle is feeling very real. If you also need an assist, check out this interview with wellness guru Gabby Bernstein on mindfulness and maintaining that buoyant summer attitude all year. Meanwhile, drinking all the tea...

featured: Sleeveless Sweater Shell

size down (wearing Small)

the rest of my outfit is old. 
necklace: Anthropologie
dress: Shopbop
bag: J.Crew
shoes: Halogen

MORE SWEATER SHELLS UNDER $200 TO LAYER FOR FALL

photos by Andrew Saxum

off-the-shoulder blouse

Ahhhhh! My sister, a friend and I saw Ryn Weaver last night at Triple Rock and she was so, so good! We were a little nervous because the last time we went to this little venue, the main act cancelled (cough, Misterwives, still bitter). But—after a little mic dysfunction—she showed! This girl is a badass and her voice is really unique. If you have a chance to see her, definitely do! Besides the hit "Octahate," I love "Promises," "Stay Low," and "The Fool." And "Pierre." Basically all the songs.

An off-the-shoulder shirt isn't the best thing to wear to a concert (if, I'm assuming, you're raising your hands in the air and rocking out), but it's perfect for a breezy weekend lazily walking around a farmers' market or grabbing lunch. I wrote a post in April that captures my sentiments on the trendy style and I think we're all well aware of its current popularity, so I'll spare you a recitation of its awesomeness.

To sum up: off-the-shoulder shirts are fun! I felt a little like a gypsy wearing this (the oversized earrings added to the effect), but in a fun way—and fashion SHOULD be fun! I liked the effortlessness of this blouse so much I'm already looking for a shoulder-baring dress for those 90º days still ahead! Shop under-$200 picks at the end of the post! This grid-pattern one is perfect!

Madewell jeans (similar) | LOFT blouse (size down)
Boden slingbacks (similar here  & here) | J.Crew clutch (similar here & here)
J.Crew earrings (similar here & here) & coordinating bracelet

Essie polish in Peach Side Babe | Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses (similar)

photos by Andrew Saxum

slim summer cargos

Welcome to my ideal outfit: a little tomboy, a little trendy. Perfect for a summer Twins game. No hate to those looking like T.C. in head-to-toe fan gear, but I prefer a more understated approach to team spirit. A feminine cami and strappy flats complement and balance boyish cargos (these are lighter than denim for a comfortable afternoon in the sun) and a baseball hat. And while I'm a cheerleader for maintaining some style at sporting events, keep it low maintenance. Stilettos and statement jewelry are best left off the field.

P.S. I LOVE these flats and they're pretty pliable and comfortable, but definitely not designed for treks. I walked in them from uptown to the Basilica Block Party last weekend (yay for finally seeing Mat Kearney!) and went home with red, raw heels requiring a slathering of Neosporin come Saturday morning. No bueno. Still, pointy lace-ups should definitely be on your BUY NOW list! Everyone from Topshop to Anthro is stocking them.

J.Crew slim cargos (30% off) | LOFT cami (similar) | Aldo flats

Michael Kors necklace (similar) | J.Crew bracelet (similar) 

Twins hat (sweat stains and all!) | Essie polish in Peach Side Babe 

photos by Andrew Saxum

fluted skirt.

This outfit is another schooling (see June's pencil skirt post) in not putting your separates in a box. I bought this fluted skirt last year for an interview at a trendy startup, so it's pigeon-holed in my mind as pseudo-corporate, and I have trouble remembering to wear it casually. But for a sunny lunch with my dad on Father's Day, I wasn't feeling jeans and impulsively paired it with a basic tank to switch it up. With the top tucked in, the two pieces looked like a sweet little dress, making for an easy transition into the balmy evening.

If you don't have a fluted skirt, get one now, girlfriend! The silhouette is super flattering for someone with hips, and it's a little flirty, but still a conservative length and age-appropriate. This J.Crew one feels really well-made and I anticipate wearing it for years to come. Now that I've realized its versatility, it's as essential to my wardrobe as a tailored blazer or white pocket tee.

If I'd really been on top of it, I would've added a pop of color with some Essie Clam Bake—one of my favorites. Hope you're enjoying the short holiday week! Seriously reeling that it is already the Fourth of July!

Mossimo tank top | J.Crew fluted skirt (old—similar below!)

Nine West sandals (old—similar here and here) | Necklace (similar here and here)

Michael Kors watch | Bangles (similar here and here) | Earrings 

SHOP FLUTED & FLARED SKIRTS

summer gingham

I threw this blue outfit together as a kind of DIY-version of a co-ord/matching set (if head-to-toe blue is good enough for Prince George, it's good enough for me!). The heels will always hold a special spot in my heart because I bought them for my Lands' End interview (which I killed after driving through a snowstorm and surviving a stay in a creepy Dodgeville motel), and the Chinos are timeless, but the gingham shirt is the real star of this show.

Gingham is the "definitive message" of the spring/summer season and wearing the trendy pattern in a classic, boyish silhouette like a button-down shirt (rather than a sweet sundress that conjures up picnic cloth associations) strikes a balance I like. Button-downs can be overly starched, restricting and generally irritating, but this one is super light and a little oversized (see how far down my back the tail hem hangs?!) for an easy feel. I left it casually untucked to balance the more dressed-up look of tailored shorts and pumps. Looking back, it might be a little too messy-Jessie, but I was comfortable, and on a hot night that's what's important.

It was super humid when we shot these photos, making my hair feel like it weighed 10 pounds (and reminding me I need a haircut.. ), but it was fun to get across the river to check out the Soap Factory. The contemporary art exhibition center is focused on innovative and emerging work, but it's known outside of creative circles for hosting a haunted house around Halloween—have you been? It freaks me out that closed-toe shoes are required and contact lenses encouraged (?!)—and I'm just generally not as into that I Know What You Did Last Summer vibe as I was in middle school—so I'm happy sticking to daylight hours to explore this Minneapolis landmark.

I hope your week is running smoothly! I took some much-needed PTO yesterday morning—I haven't had a vacation day since New Year's!—for a long walk and some InStyle in the sun, which did amazing things for my mood. Here's to taking time off when you need it, and actually getting a tan this summer!

photos by Andrew Saxum 

J.Crew gingham shirt | J.Crew Chino shorts | Nine West pumps (old—similar)

Michael Kors watch | Banana Republic crossbody (old—similar here & here)
NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave