a swell getup for...an October dinner date

It's officially October which means it's time leave behind those summer pieces for new fall ensembles.

It's been years since I've been "back to school," but there's something about the change in season and the need for new duds that has been burned in the brain.

a swell getup for...a summer concert

Summertime is hot, but that's no reason to let the humidity bring you down.

With so many awesome outdoor events (like... perhaps the Americanarama Festival of Music on June 29th featuring Bob Dylan, Wilco and My Morning Jacket...oh my!), the above ensemble looks festive while keeping it low maintenance.

A breezy cotton embroidered dress with a crossbody bag keeps your hands free. Paired with a smart pair of shades on an unexpected gold chain and an effortless top knot, this get up is prepared to battle those hot Southern summer temps. Pair with flat summer sandals to keep those dogs comfortable.

Get the look below:

Sunglasses Chain, asos, $6

Brown woven belt, H & M, $12.95
Gold watch, Michael Kors, $180
Sunglasses, Ray-Ban Clubmasters, $150
Embroidered cotton dress (similar style here), Madewell, $165
Coral Lipstick, NARS, $29
Thin gold chain necklace, Lindsay Adelman, $230
Brown crossbody bag, Merona, $23
Flat sandals, asos, $19

(top image via cali vintage tumblr)

a swell getup for...a day in the park

Spring has sprung! Sandal weather abounds. No jackets required! In short? It's time to get outside.

I can't think of a better way to experience the warm weather than a walk through the park. Personally, I prefer to mosey through Bicentennial with S and Libby dog. Now that the temps are hovering in the 80's, however, a cool refreshment might become a necessary accompaniment.  Jeni's anyone?

I'm interested in pulling together my own chic yet comfy outdoor uniform like the gal above. Here are a few pieces to inspire!

A classic soft striped tee, ankle cut white denim,  sweet flat sandals with a rocking pedi? Pass the ice cream, please!

Sunglasses, Ray Ban Clubmaster, $150

Short Sleeve Tee, House of Fraser, $32

Red Dog Leash, Petco, $20

Chocolate Popsicle, Nashville's own Las Paletas, $4

Essie Nail Polish, "Wicked," $14

Lipstick, Trish McEvoy sheer in "Passion Fruit," $32

Flat Sandals, Madewell, $82

Toothpick jean, J. Crew $125

(top image via pinterest)

a swell get up for...those brisk March mornings

March always sounds like springtime with daffodils and daylight savings time, but more often than not I find myself reaching for a scarf or a light jacket to see me through that morning chill. While the mornings may feel brisk, the afternoons turn sunny, almost warm, down here in Nashville.

The above Olsen twin impersonator has the right idea. Layering a classic jeans and t-shirt combo with a tailored blazer and a light scarf, keeps you warm in the morning while offering the chance to shed those layers as the day goes on.

Rolled up jeans and a killer pair of tall sandals, keep you springy enough to handle those weekend errands, meet friends for coffee or even an after work margarita on patio somewhere. Aviator shades optional.

Get the look below.

Navy boyfriend blazer, Topshop, $70
Organic scoop neck tee, John Patrick, $92
Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, J. Crew, $145
Blue linen scarf, John Lewis, $45
Crossbody envelope bag, Aldo, $ 35
Distressed skinny jeans, J Brand, $213
Brown heel sandals, Zara, $90

(image via walking around where the sidewalk ends)

a swell getup...for that holiday get together

The holiday party season is officially in full swing. From work events to meet ups with friends and family, this time of year provides plenty of excuses to get dolled up.

Each year, I rely on one solid getup that can make the transition from work party to Christmas Eve dinner. This silky dress comes in a flattering shape while sporting a bold green shade that manages to feel festive without being cheesy.

Pair with a solid pair of suede heels, a clever clutch and minimal jewelry and you're ready to head to a function with coworkers OR cocktails with college friends. The only thing missing from above? Why, the eggnog, Clark!

Dress: Mossbluff Dress, Madewell, $125
Clutch: Black Leather Envelope, chicwish.com. $43
Tights: Matte Gray Stockings, Top Shop, $12
Heels: Stacked Suede Heels, Michael Kors, $295
Earrings: Black Garnett Astrid Studs, Catbird NYC, $150
Ring: Classic Hammered Knuckle Ring, Catbird NYC, $64

P.S. Don't you love the model's red hair? I've contemplated dying my own hair red, but decided against it when I realized it would not in fact make me look like Jessica Chastain.

a swell getup for...catching some live music

Not surprising, one of our favorite ways to spend an evening out in Nashville is catching a live show. We do live in Music City after all!

From the 5 Spot to The End over to 3rd and Lindsley or even The Stone Fox, the above ensemble strikes the perfect balance between comfortable and rocker chic.

Leather leggings and stacked heels? Yum. Since we've moved to Nash, I've been indulging in heels more. What can I say? Walking two blocks is a lot easier "on the dogs" compared to the 20 or more we typically covered on foot during a night out back in NYC.

I plan on wearing something similar when we catch Morrissey at the Ryman after Christmas (my Junior High heart beats wildly).

Get the look for yourself below.

Wide brim fedora, Rag and Bone, $175
Navy Ponte blazer, Topshop, $90
Silk tee, Madewell, $65
Black wedge hells, Dolce Vita, $90
Wrap watch, Shopbop, $120
Stretch leather leggings, Topshop, $64 (similar style)

(top image via pinterest)

a swell getup for...an afternoon of antiquing

Fall is by far my favorite season, and I'm chomping at the bit for sweater weather.

Daydreaming about leisurely Saturday afternoons spent exploring my favorite antique shops on 8th Ave and in East Nashville.

A cozy yellow sweater paired with a flirty polka dot skirt gets those creative juices flowing. Worn with broken in ankle booties, this cute yet comfy outfit feels right for browsing stacks of old records, vintage glassware and jewelry from other decades.

Top with a big brown satchel, a chunky grey cowl scarf and super rosy cheeks....it looks like you're ready to pick.

The ultimate compliment to this colorful fall getup? A pumpkin spice latte, of course!

Get the look below.

Sweater: J. Crew wool knit merino, net-a-porter.com, $80
Skirt: pleated polka dot skirt, J. Crew, $148
Scarf: cableknit cowl, John Lewis, $48
Satchel: Dooney & Burke, zappos.com, $368
Ankle boots: The Zipcode Boot, Madewell, $198
Tights: Opaque navy, Top Shop, $12
Bracelets: Dinny Hall Toro Loop bracelet, Ashley Clarke, $200 and Gag & Lou Seven Bead bracelet, $62
Cuff: Charlene K Small Druzy and Gold, maxandchloe.com, $173
Blush: Tarte Cheek Stain, Sephora, $30
Lipstick: Rouge Dior Lipstick in Nude, $32

(top image via pinterest)

a swell getup for...date night with the mister

Ah-the jumpsuit...such a passing fad...

Every few years it seems these make a comeback. I've always laughed them off as one of those trends our children would tease us for wearing one day. So how can it be that lately I can't stop daydreaming about owning one?

There is something so subtly sexy about a jumpsuit that feels perfect for a romantic night out with the mister.

The silhouette of this royal purple version is working in all the right ways--the wide, flowing legs and the tailored sleeveless top? Whoa, mama.

What a perfect piece to take you from warm summer nights to cooler fall evenings. Wouldn't this also look tasty with a buttery brown leather jacket?

A sparkly necklace, a smart clutch and a rocking pair of heels have me craving some candlelit canoodling at the Patterson House.

Get the look below.

Jumpsuit: halter belted jumpsuit, Warehouse, $120
Clutch: similar grey envelope clutch, Svpply, $100
Necklaces: crystal circle necklace and Venus Fly Trap crystal necklace, both J. Crew, $85 and 135
Watch: bow watch, Kate Spade, $195
Shoes: Sydney snakeskin sandals, J. Crew, $200
Lipstick: Luminous Fresh Pink Peach, YSL, $32
Eyeliner:  Crayon Yeux Liner in Earth Brown, Revlon, $12

(image via barrett adair)

a swell getup for...dinner with the girls

Maybe it's the "back-to-school" vibe getting the best of me, but late summer always leaves me leaning toward neutral shades like tan and brown as I daydream about sprucing up the wardrobe with new boots and blazers.

The problem? It stays warm (and by warm I mean almost hot) here in Nashville until almost October. How's a girl to transition without missing all the fun?

A breezy button in the perfect shade of camel, a pair of high waisted denim jeans and the cutest cut out Oxfords I've ever seen seem like a good place to start. Pair with balanced wristfuls of tied on bracelets and a mean bowler bag and I think it's time for a cocktail, gals.

Red nails optional.

Get the look below.

camel blouse: Equipment, $370, donnaida.com
leather tote: Madewell, $168
bracelets: Vanessa Mooney "Tie Me On" bracelets, $45 for 3, Bloomingdales
nail polish: Essie "Lollipop," $16, The Cosmetic Market
cutout Oxfords: $199, shopcolico.com
high waisted jeans: J Brand, $380, Bloomingdales

(top image via style umbrella)

a swell getup for...that Tuesday morning conference call

The past few months have left leaning me toward the classic notion that simple is almost always better. Remember this "a swell getup" post?

Perhaps I'm feeling inspired by the sleek vibe of our new place... or maybe my current Keri Russell Pinterest obsession has at last gone too far? This is all to say that I can't get enough of clean lines in neutral shades, and for that very reason, the above outfit has it going on.

Pair an oversized boyfriend tee with rolled sleeves and slouchy dress pants. Accessorize with black suede pumps and a crossbody bag? Boom. Looks like someone's got business.

Get the look below.

white boyfriend tee with turned up cuffs: $24 at romwe.com 
black pants: Theory, $128 at the outnet.com 
black bra: Stella McCartney, $65 at net-a-porter.com 
black suede heels: H & M, $24 
crossbody bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha, $368 at Zappos.com 
sun shades: original Ray-Bans, $150 at shopbop.com

(top original image via stockholm street style, image with text via a merry mishap)

a swell getup for...a hazy summer weekend

Quite possibly the perfect summer ensemble. A flowy, billowing black sleeveless dress, converse and a fresh bouquet of flowers...I want to wear this everyday.

Saucy sunnies, that turquoise ring and an oversize printed clutch seal the deal. I'm in love.

The simplicity of a black dress with sneakers is so effortless and chic! Also, to be clear, I mean a black dress with sneakers...not black dress sneakers. As I don't think those are a good look for anyone...

Thrown on for a casual breakfast out or a quick run to the farmer's market, I can hardly imagine a better ensemble for those morning weekend errands.

Details below!

black scoopneck cotton dress with pocket, $42 at sheinside.com
turquoise cocktail ring, $225 from Wendy Mink
sun shades, $355 by The Row
Flamingo Palms clutch, $65 by Aloha Rags
classic white Converse sneakers, $80 at converse.com

P.S. Has carrying a fresh bouquet of flowers ever been known to make a person look less than awesome?

(image via the style crusader)