High Heels and Training Wheels: Tis the Season: Fall Fashion

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, InStyle, Vogue and Elle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #inspirefallfashion http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

I have never understood "high fashion". I know, how do I have a fashion blog? But I'm a mom in small-town Indiana and "straight off the runway" just does not work for my lifestyle (or my wallet, if you really want to get specific). I don't exactly spend a lot of nights "out on the town" or at red carpet events; I don't go to art shows or fancy charity events. But as Miranda explains (quite eloquently) in the Devil Wears Prada,

"I see. You think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select... I don't know... that lumpy blue sweater, for instance because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue, it's not turquoise. It's not lapis. It's actually cerulean. And you're also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves Saint Laurent... wasn't it who showed cerulean military jackets? I think we need a jacket here. And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. And then it, uh, filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room from a pile of stuff."

this high fashion, straight off the runway hullabaloo I can't seem to understand, does influence what the rest of us peons wear. Now I'm not refusing the fashion industry because I take myself too seriously or have a disregard for designers the way Andy did, I just don't live their lifestyle or earn their income to make it appropriate for my daily life. BUT as she points out, high fashion majorly influences what I wear. All of my closet and outfit combinations are completely comprised of inspiration I draw from what I see. What are my spots for inspiration? Well Pinterest, of course. And other bloggers. But my favorite source is fashion magazines. Most especially fall fashion magazines. Can I get an Amen?

There is just something greatly cathartic about sitting down with my enormous magazines, curled up on the couch in the worst sweats imaginable, coffee in hand. So while I was looking a hot mess, dreaming of...well....not looking a hot mess, I was majorly inspired by this season's fall looks and how I can work them into my everyday lifestyle. These are a few of my favorite trends and how you and I, regular folk, can have functional pieces that work for our lives (and budgets!).

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Those glasses! Those heels! Those trousers! Green is my absolute favorite color. Always has been. I am super excited about incorporating it into my wardrobe this season!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

I have always been a fan of animal prints. Some of my favorite accessories that give my outfits the most "oomph" are animal prints. It's an easy way to sneak a "trend" in, if you're still a little weary of edgy or trends. You can dip your toe in and test the waters without being self conscious that it's too much. Try a clutch like number 3 or a scarf like number 7! Could not be more thrilled they are still "in"! Score!

Right now at Target you can choose any 2 September issue magazines (ELLE, Vogue, InStyle) to get your own inspiration on and get a $5 gift card. I was pleased as punch when it popped up on the screen and she handed me mine. Target is where it's at yo, and I just scored a gift card for spending money on magazines. I just love life sometimes. My suggestion to you? Grab your magazines then pop over to Starbucks to use that gift card. Fashion mags and coffee go together like peas and carrots! Goes until September 13th so scoot!