STYLE INSPIRATION: THE ANKLE SCARF

The silk scarf has made a bit of a comeback in the last few seasons. We've rediscovered the fashion utility of bandanas, chokers, and essentially anything else wrapped around our necks, and the silk scarf is the polished, cool girl equivalent. While creating a turtleneck effect is the go-to for most fashion girls, some don't stop there. The silk scarf has opened up a world of accessory versatility, being knotted around wrists, through belt loops, and my personal favorite, around ankles.

Photo via Lisa Says Gah

I love the timelessness, class, and French inspiration brought about by the neck scarf. It instantly pulls together any outfit, and makes a sleek yet creative accessory. And who doesn't want to look like an artist off duty? 

Photo via They All Hate Us

Another way to incorporate this creative accessory is by tying a uniquely-patterned scarf around the wrist. If your outfit is feeling bare, this is a great way to mix things up by still avoiding the clunkiness of a bracelet.

Photo via The Zoe Report

The same outfit formula can get old after awhile, so try breaking it up by substituting your belt with a printed scarf. It adds a bohemian vibe to a very put together look, and makes your look instantly more laid back.

Photo via Bloglovin'

Photo via The Zoe Report

Ah, the ankle scarf. Plain old pants get old sometimes, and silk scarves add all sorts of flair to your bottom half. If you're looking for a way to draw attention to your fantastic shoes, tie a scarf around your ankle to draw the eye down your entire outfit and create visual balance.

NOW GET SCARF SHOPPING!

MAUVE VELVET

The fact that the color mauve and velvet are in vogue right now and I am wearing them is proof that fashion really does go in cycles. I never in the world thought that I would buy and wear a mauve velvet bodysuit in my life after owning a ton of velvet tops in the 90s. Then again, I also never thought I would wear chokers too. 

Never say never is the lesson here because the truth is that I'm head over heels for this rich fabric and color right now. Maybe 20 years is the magic number for making you miss a fashion trend?

You are going to see velvet shoes, tops, dresses and even coats the more you shop this winter, and this is what you need to know about velvet...

It's really hard to care for and it's easy to ruin. So, those velvet heels that are calling your name will likely only be worn a handful of times. That said, I'm all for experimenting and having fun with trends if they are budget friendly. Fashion is for our enjoyment and play, but I also don't want to light a match to $100. 

So, I've rounded up a bunch of velvet goodies under $50 for you. This way you can adopt the trend for a small investment, and enjoy every minute of it. 

Photos by Katie Jameson Photography; velvet bodysuit from ZARA

PINTEREST LOOK FOR LESS

I love the slight breeziness that tells us it's fall in Arizona. While the rest of the world (or at least a good portion of it) are bundled up in coats and chic scarves, wearing pants is a luxury in this state. Don't get me wrong, I love it here, and I love the opportunity to extend my summer wardrobe a bit. But in the spirit of fall dressing in the desert, this pin really inspired me. I love the laid back vibe of some slouchy trousers and a white tee, contrasted by a polished belt and structured matching bag. Drape a duster coat over your shoulders and you instantly look like you should be roaming around the streets of New York. There's no going wrong with this look, especially when you can get it for under $150. 

H&M White Tee: $4.99

Topshop Green Trousers: $75.00

Timberland Braided Belt: $19.99

Rosegal Crossbody Bag: $21.52

Total: $121.50

OLIVE GREEN JEANS

This post is sponsored by Zappos. 

Shopping for the perfect pair of jeans can be feel daunting at times, but when you find the perfect pair you feel like you have won the lottery. Am I right? I've already told you about my obsession with online shoe shopping on Zappos.com in past posts, but here's a case for doing your jean shopping online too. It's fast, free shipping both ways and their 365 day return policy allows me to avoid long dressing room lines while trying on my jeans in the comfort of my home. I also particularly love this way of shopping for jeans because then I can create outfits with my clothes and try my pants on with my shoes to see if it all works together. Besides, you'll have more room for those awkward hops, plie squats and moves to get your jeans on and off and listen to Justin Timberlake while you're at it.

Case in point, my new trooper green, skinny Hudson jeans. I've been on the hunt for a neutral color like this olive green, which also happens to be having a moment in the spotlight of fashion right now, and these jeans with built in stretch are perfection.

Hudson has always been a brand that fits me well. I have very long, thin legs, and after having two babies their mid-rise style with stretch is the a great solution to keep any signs of a muffin top at bay. They are so comfortable, and give you that cool factor that only British brands can do.

If you're scared of wearing color on your bottom half you shouldn't be. In fact, olive green is a less assuming color verses bright red or cobalt blue (I have had those colors too). Some ideas of tops and colors that work well with these pants are: pastel pink, rose gold/copper, ivory; white; brown; camel; navy; chambray; light blue; black; rust; maroon; mustard yellow.

This is a quintessential fall outfit for Arizonans. Fall colors of olive and rust are obvious, but my sleeveless knit tank and a boho element of a long scarf ties it all together for a west coast look that doesn't make you sweat in our 80 degree weather.Be sure to give online jean shopping a whirl, and let me know how it goes!

Photos by Katie Jameson

BACK TO BLACK

You learn quickly in the fashion world that when all else fails go with black. I remember going to one of my first fashion events about seven years ago, and wearing what I thought was the coolest outfit. When I got to the event everyone was wearing black and I was sticking out like crazy. Maybe it was a good thing, but at that moment I just wanted to fit in with the fashion scene. Haha. The truth is that when you wear head to toe black no one really can judge your fashion because black is always acceptable.

But, I rarely wear all black. I often times dress how I feel, and most of the time black feels too dark for me. Recently, I was in Austin, TX to talk about all things Pinterest at BlogHerFood, and I decided to wear an edgy outfit combination reminiscent of the 90s that was mostly black.

Sometimes when you go to new places where no one really knows who you are you can have some fun and reinvent yourself. That's one of the things I love most about fashion. You can put on one dress and immediately look and feel different. 

Something about Austin made we want to play up the funky part of my personal style. I wore a white t-shirt, black choker, black lace cami and skinny jeans with boots (get the whole look below). It was a comfy, causal and moody outfit that transformed me instantly into this west coast style fashion blogger. And the rest of the conference I played into this archetype for fun. 

I, of course, would wear this outfit while in Arizona. It's a true aspect of my style, but I wouldn't say it's my go-to, daily choice. And that's okay to have those outfits. Do you have those outfit that morph you into an alter-ego? If so, what are they? I'd love to hear!

Get the look: Lace camisole; white t-shirt; black skinny jeans; back boots; choker; black hat (similar)

Photos by Katie Jameson; this post contains affiliate links