Fall Fashion: This Year's Trends

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One of my favorite things about this week was that the September issue of InStyle magazine arrived in the mail. It's kind of lame that I spend time pining over a magazine, but at nearly 500 pages, the fall fashion issue never fails to impress. I've subscribed to InStyle for probably 3 years now and it is definitely the best magazine I get. I love People for celebrity buzz, and I also subscribe to Self, but you honestly cannot beat InStyle when it comes to well-written fashion articles and learning about what's in (and what's out, for that matter). Last year, I remember flipping through the pages and seeing a lot of emerald green. This year, booties, minimalistic jewelry, and even something as simple as stripes seem to have taken over. Let me break it down for you...

+ Booties
I myself have been looking to buy a pair of black booties for a while now, and it seems there is no better time than the present to splurge. A little heel (1''or 2'') is a must, and don't be afraid to experiment with prints, buckles, or even laces
My picks: 1 | 2

+ Pendant Necklace
I've been seeing long necklaces everywhere and want in on the trend. I especially love the ones with tassels on the end (if they are tasteful, of course!) I personally like gold jewelry the best, but I've seen some really cool long, colorful, beaded chains that I really like.
My picks: 1 | 2

+ Plaid
Personally, I think plaid is timeless and not really a trend, but runway fashion says otherwise. I couldn't be happier that plaid is big this year, I think it is the perfect pattern to transition from fall into winter and it is generally very versatile.
My picks: 1 | 2 | 3

+ High Wasted Bottoms
I never used to be a fan of the high wasted look, but the trend has definitely grown on me. I think a pair of skinny jeans with a high waste can be a really chic look, especially with a full, flow top.
My picks: 1 | 2

Which trends are you into?

xoxo,

Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea

Little Blue Dress

dress | shoes | necklace c/o

The first thing that I do when writing a post is link my clothes. I just went to find this dress and noticed the name of the color is "blue grotto" which is pretty ironic since I was in Capri at the blue grotto the day I took these pictures. Anyways, everyone always talks about having the perfect little black dress but I think that it is just as important to have the perfect little blue dress! This strappy little number from J. Crew is perfect for summer nights but the length is still modest enough to wear it to a more formal event. I think that royal blue is such a flattering color on anyone and highly recommend snagging this while it lasts (on sale for under $40). 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Umbrellas

top similar | shorts | sunglasses | necklace | sandals

Positano is known for it's colorful umbrella lined beaches and I knew that I had to bring this Lilly Pulitzer top on my trip. The material that the top is made from is super light which was perfect for shooting pictures in 100 degree heat. The beaches are unlike anything that I have ever seen before and the water is so blue, it's amazing! Between the cliffs, colorful houses, boats, and umbrellas, the little town of Positano could not get any cuter-- plus how often is it that you get to match your surroundings :) 

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea 

Navy Scallops

dress similar | shoes | sunglasses | necklace c/o

Two years ago I was sitting inside a ski lodge and decided to order this navy scalloped dress from J. Crew Factory and needless to say it was one of my best purchases ever. I have worn it to so many different events in both the winter and the summer, it is such a classic item. This was one of the more expensive things that I have purchased from the factory store, but the quality is impeccable and I have without a doubt gotten my money's worth out of it. I am not quite sure how it has not made its way into blog picture before, so I obviously had to snap a few photos in Positano! I opted for a more casual look and paired the dress with my espadrilles and some fun sunglasses, but with heels and some extra jewelry it can be dressed up nicely. I still can't get over how stunning the scenery was and I would do anything to head back to the Amalfi Coast! 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Pan Mass Challenge

say cheese :)

While I (much to my dismay) did not spend the past two weeks in Italy and England as Catherine did, I have been pretty productive back home. For years my mom, some of my friends, and I have volunteered at the Pan Mass Challenge for Kids in our town. This year, my mom and I figured we would up our game and volunteer for the adult ride as well. For those of you unfamiliar, the Pan Mass Challenge (or PMC) is a charity bike ride that raises money for cancer research. The ride in its entirety spans from mid Massachusetts to the tip of Cape Cod with multiple stops along the way for the riders to rest and prepare for the next leg of the journey. We volunteered at the last rest stop passing out dry goods (i.e. granola bars and energy supplements) and it was such a great experience. With thousands of riders rushing in an out, we were certainly bust manning our station and making sure there was enough food out on the tables. We were just 2 of the many, many, volunteers each with his or her own specific job that ensured the event went on as smoothly as possible. I'm still in awe at the amount of effort put in and the dedication to such an amazing cause!

If you want to learn more, click here

xoxo,

Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea