A New Season

New seasons bring new weather, new smells, new textures, new feelings and new experiences. Fall is the season I welcome the most because it means it's ushering in a season of beauty here in Arizona. It's kind of like what spring feels like for the rest of the United States. Fall here is when we no longer sweat and never have to wear jackets. It's the season where we can start being outside for the next six months and breathe in the fresh air. Sweaters and boots are the most we put on to bundle up, and we are set. I'm excited to share with you a peek at LILLA P. 's fall arrivals because their sweaters are all I will need this year.

I raved about LILLA P. this past spring as being an amazing company for basics. Their fall line doesn't disappoint with basics like stylish jogger pants, long-sleeve t's, and sweaters. However, I really love their fall collection this year because there are hints of fashion trends tastefully executed among the timeless styles. 

For example, this loose knit wine colored sweater is simple, but the cut-out shoulders incorporate a big fashion trend in an understated way. This sweater would sell just fine without the cut-outs, but I'm glad they are there because it brings some femininity to the top. 

Denim skirts are going to be huge this fall. I love that LILLA P. made a chambray flutter skirt as a nod to the trend, but added femininity to the fall staple with a flutter design. This skirt is the perfect length (I'm 5'7"). I am wearing a medium, and I'm a size 4. 

Be sure to check out the rest of LILLA P's beautiful fall collection for those seasonal staples that carefully balance classic and trendy. They won't disappoint. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; product given as payment.

STAYING COOL WITH NEUTRALS

I have lived in Arizona for 15 years. The first couple of summers were brutal as I adjusted to scorching temperatures. I kept thinking to myself, “Why do I even live here?” but then something funny happened. I started to fall in love with the desert and I adapted just like the animals and the vegetation have done. I learned that shade is king, plants can thrive and the summer sunsets are more amazing as the dust particle swirl in the atmosphere and heat radiates from the ground. Fields of corn stalks fill the brown patches of earth. Tan skin, sun-kissed freckles, gentle waves in my hair after a long day of swimming and soft cotton...These are just a few of my favorite things that I have come to cherish under Arizona summer sun.

So, to adapt in style and to enjoy the summer heat, linen proves to be the most efficient fabric by being light and breathable. In this way, The White Company's summer collection, feels more like a chic armory - keeping me ready for the summertime swelter.

Already familiar with their quality in regards to home linens and beauty products, I hoped The White Company’s clothes would be just as wonderful, and was not disappointed. I found myself drawn to the timelessness and simplicity of their easy linen dresses, pants and neutral accessories. In particular, I fell in love with this Floral Ladder Trim dress and ankle wrap sandals. Even on a blistering hot Arizona day, I would feel happy with the amount of coverage this dress provides, while allowing airflow. As for my feet, these sandals are chameleon-like - they can be worn with ANYTHING, creating the perfect finishing touch for nearly any outfit.

The cut of this linen dress is timeless, I’m confident I will wear this piece for years to come. Be it for an all day excursion at the beach or at a summer BBQ, it works for just about every occasion. I ordered a size 6 based off of their sizing chart and it fits perfectly. The length makes it comfortable enough for me to wear to church on a Sunday, with no hesitation.

I have been wanting a neutral, flat sandal for a while now, and I was really drawn to these suede tassel ones. I've mentioned before that I enjoy open toe shoes because of my long, narrow feet, and the ankle strap helps my feet feel secure. These shoes are going to get a lot of use this summer because they really go with any outfit - you can dress them up or down, and you don't have to bother with figuring out if they match what you're wearing, because odds are it already does. In Arizona the heat is dry and letting your feet breathe can mean facing a bit of dust but sometimes you must take the good with the mildly annoying :)

All in all my first experience with The White Company's clothing and accessories was great and I already see myself returning for more classic closet staples. If you're in the New York City area, I highly recommend stopping in at their first U.S. brick and mortar store.

This post is sponsored by The White Company. Products were given as part of payment for this post. All thoughts are my own. Photos by Rennai Hoefer.

4TH OF JULY STYLE

I always wear red, white and blue on the 4th of July. This year is no different, but this year feels different. And now more than ever, I believe celebrating being an American means recognizing the privilege that I have living here and the responsibility I have to be a leader as a global citizen, and so it's fitting to wear clothing from Mata Traders - a company that sells fair trade clothing from artisans in India and Nepal. 

Mata Traders helps end global poverty through original fashion designs that are created and done in fair trade with India and Nepal. Women in these communities are supported through the purchases of these clothes.  Mata also seeks to shed more light on ethical fashion, and to showcase that this can be done without sacrificing design integrity. 

Born with privilege, freedom and a voice, awareness about fair trade and ethical fashion is  something that matters to me and I will help support with my blog. I'll be the first to admit that I don't often wonder where my clothes come from, who made them and who determined the value, but I need to because my purchases have a global impact. Mata Traders takes the worry out of the purchase because you know where they are from and who made them.

But aside for all of the good they do, you just fall in love with everything the second you see it, like this gingham dress and a-line skirt. The fit is right on the money. I'm wearing a size small and I'm a 4/6, 34" bust line. They know women's bodies and they design for all types. They even have a curvy section for full-figured women. 

I'm 5'7" and the length is perfect. I'm not usually a dress or skirt wearing gal, but I was drawn to the simplicity of the line and the patterns. They are not only perfect for wearing for the 4th, but for every day life. Be sure to check out Mata Traders for ethically, well-made clothes. 

This post was sponsored by Mata Traders; All thoughts are my own. Photos by Rennai Hoefer.

TRAVEL STYLE

When I'm packing for a trip I have to strongly resist the urge to pack my whole closet. I also have to resist the urge to shop for new clothes and remind myself that I have plenty of things to wear. So, as I pack today for our trip to NYC, I'm sticking with my basics. 

1. Black denim - It's comfortable, goes with everything and easy to dress up for a night out. ZARA has inexpensive denim that lasts.

2. Cotton T-shirts - They're comfortable, space saver for your carry-on, dress them up or down. My favorite place to buy them is ZARA.

3. Cross-body bag - They help keep you hands-free while you're carrying your luggage, small ones like this Fossil bag are easy to pack as well. I even can put this is in a big carry-on tote bag.

4. Shoes you can dress up or down - Walk shoes are a given when traveling, but it's shoes for the nights out that can be a challenge. I love mules and slides for this purpose because they are a more modern option than a wedge. I love these slides by Dolce Vita. 

5. Comfortable shoes - This needs no explanation really, but I usually opt for sandals in warmer months

6. LBD - It's timeless and you always know it's in style no matter what city you're in. 

7. Accessories - Tons of accessories because this is what will bring your basics to life and make you feel like you have a whole new outfit. (Mirrored sunglasses, smart watch, neckerchief, necklaces, hat). I don't mess with bracelets and rings though. They have a bad habit of getting lost on my travels.

8. Denim jacket - It's like the summer version of a black blazer. You can where it with dresses or pants and it always looks cute. My favorite denim jacket is from Target.

Shop this look below:

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; This post contains affiliate links.

STYLED BY MY DAUGHTER

This post is sponsored by Vince Camuto.

Elle has been watching me style models, homes and myself since she was born. Starting at the age of three she has been telling she wants to be a makeup artist and stylist (and a police officer). So, with the help of Vince Camuto, I surprised Elle with a chance to style me head to toe. I, of course, gave her a bit of guidance, and she sure stretched my comfort zone.

There were so many beautiful things for Elle to choose from. It was like a kid in a candy store (like mother like daughter). I don't know if it was the warm weather or purely her love of swimming that made her choose a bathing suit for me, but that's what she really wanted me to wear. She thought a bikini would be best, and so then I had to explain that one pieces were my favorite (a.k.a. I'm not ready to strut my stuff in front of the world in a bikini).

Elle selected a white one piece. I would have gone for the black or navy, but she is the style expert. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked white. It makes me look more tan, and now I have a great suit for the summertime. It can be worn multiple ways by detaching the strap or using the center halter strap. 

I did encourage her to pick out these striped linen pants though. I needed something to cover my backside. I'm not quite ready to reveal all to y'all. Besides, these pants are too cute to pass up.

Elle picked out a tassel necklace, gold hoop earrings, sunglasses (blue for Elsa), a scarf and a hat. When it came time to pick out shoes she went straight for high heels (oh boy). I rarely wear heels and my size 11 feet have a hard time finding ones that fit. Not to mention the combo of high heels and a swimsuit isn't really the message I want to send out at 33 years old. So, I gently steered her in the direction of flats and she thought the tassels on these thong sandals were fun. I love them too.

When it came time to put it all together I thought she was going to ask for me to wear every accessory. She surprised me though. She really wanted me to wear the necklace and the scarf. Unfortunately, the headscarf wouldn't stay on because she doesn't know how to tie anything quite yet. But she sure was proud of picking out my bathing suit and accessories.

I also took the opportunity to style the pieces Elle selected my own way. I think she was on to something with the bathing suit. When i wear it with pants it reminds me of a trendy bodysuit. You can easily throw an off-the-shoulder top on over it and go about your day. It's the perfect transitional look for the beach. 

I styled mine with some earrings and sunglasses. Less is more they say, well, unless you're a four year old girl. Then more is more. ;) To get this whole head to toe look be sure to shop the post below.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; This post contains affiliate links.