daytime sparkle

THIS WEEKEND. AHH. I'm officially obsessed with Minneapolis. Nothing major happened, but a combination of amazing weather that cast the city in the most gorgeous on-the-brink-of-fall glow and the exploration of hip neighborhoods and historic hot spots has me appreciating the 612 in a whole new way.

In the spirit of second looks, I'm embracing sequins via fall's mixing-night-and-day trend. Even at prom and New Year parties—occasions made for gaudy glamour—I've always said "no" to sequined gowns and their plea for attention. But now, thanks to Jenna Lyons and a tip from InStyle, the idea of introducing a sparkly nighttime shirt or shoe to the bright light of day is really appealing. I love the confident contrast of high-shine glitz against casual & conservative sweaters, denim and earthy fabrics. And judging by Tibi's spring '16 runway show, the look won't be a one-season wonder.

If you're too timid to let your glitter flag fly, a flashy sparkly manicure does the trick!

High Neck Bodysuit | Silver T-shirt | Cut-out Boots

Sunglasses | Pull-on Pants | Slingback Heels | Leggings

Shift Dress | Skirt | Rain Boots | Square Studs | Clutch

MORE WAYS TO GET YOUR DAYTIME DISCO BALL ON

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

falling into the gap: the 8 best denim pieces this season

A sundress is summer's calling card, but with the return of fall, it's denim's day in the sun. The Gap has fallen in and out of popular favor over the years, but for wardrobe staples like jeans, it's forever IN—a knee-jerk reaction to a tough question. Unwaveringly timeless, like Norma Jean and Steve McQueen.

I've definitely explored other brands. And designer denim has its appeals, but aren't jeans inherently non-exclusive? They're cotton after all, not crocodile. Yet, still a tricky thing that requires a degree of quality and craftsmanship to which the Gap is the easy answer, falling comfortably between thrift and Thakoon.

I combed through Gap's current selection for the best denim to buy this season, from the essential jean jacket to more modern joggers. Click through below for my picks—I'm obsessed with the light-wash deconstructed jeans, loving the throwback feel of a button-front jean skirt, and of course, still not over overalls. In the end, I just want something flattering I can mindlessly slide on well into Kanye's command of the West Wing—and not be out $200. And if it's good enough for Joni and Cindy, it's good enough for me.

found. james jeans satin combo blazer.

Let me preface this post by saying I originally created this series for aspirational, probably-out-of-my-price-range pieces that the fashion lover in me can't help but flirt with (so if you see $600 boots and wonder whether I know my audience, there's my answer). I will also feature lower-end items that really strike me, but FOUND is an end-of-the-week, we've-made-it-to-Friday, free reign safe space for me (and you) to go gaga over a really amazing boot, bracelet, beret—or in today's case, blazer.

So let's gaga.

Both menswear and velvet were identified as discrete trends for fall, meaning this James Jeans Satin Combo Blazer kills two sartorial birds with one stone. And the type A in me loves that efficiency. Satin lapels add a level of luxury to an already fit-for-a-queen velvet garment that will have the masses gathering at your knees and yearning for a feel. There's something about a tailored jacket that makes you feel like snapping some whips and capable of commanding a room, right? The business-minded silhouette mixed with festive, here-to-party fabric means this cold weather must-have will stun for work or play—versatility that I say justifies a little splurge.

Get inspired with more ways to wear velvet this season from Vogue.

september edit

Welcome to September at casse-croute! The humidity in Minneapolis this week makes it hard to start living and breathing fall, but the savvy shopper's at least THINKING it. Rather than focusing my monthly budget on chunky cowl sweaters and heavy corduroys, I'm nodding to the new season with autumnal colors (loving plum and TEAL!), rich texture (braided choker, leather backpack), and depth in pattern (jacquard stripe scarf, patterned rayon pants). Wood Clubmasters are a revelation—the natural next step if you love tortoise—and a buttondown boy shirt with bold stripes is a modern variation on a traditional Oxford that's more appropriate for this time of year. I also threw in a Clinique cleansing brush because skincare is always a priority, this brand never makes me break out, and I STILL don't have a sonic facial tool (#behindthetimes). As the weather shifts and skin reacts, I'll be giving mine extra love to ensure a smooth transition.

Shop everything below while you listen to my song of the month—Seventeen by Sjowgren. It has a really comforting message, easy melody and is a good reminder to just chill—I've needed that lately. I'm saying hello to a five-day weekend starting tomorrow, and am excited to catch up with a visiting college bestie, lie by the pool, sleep in and do some end-of-summer celebrating a la this post. How are you spending Labor Day? Any great new songs on your radar? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. You can now shop my Instagrams straight from your inbox! Just sign up at shopstyle.it—then when you "like" one of my snaps tagged with #SHOPSTYLEit, you'll get product info and links emailed to you!

Necklace | Scarf* | Boots** | Pants | Sunglasses 

Nail polish in Chat Up | Sonic Brush | Shirt | Backpack
*Maybe too soon to start wearing, but the best blanket styles get scooped up fast! Don't risk your favorite selling out.
**Gray goes with everything, and this glossy finish will stand out from a sea of matte leather.