JUMP SKIP THE BOOGEY

For some reason, I'm really into jodhpurs. It's not like I grew up as an equestrian; the only times I rode were at my aunt's in the California valleys in Calvin's, Chuck's and a vaquero hat.

As best I can figure, this strange attraction may be due to all the reading I've done lately on Teddy Roosevelt. Oh, Bull Moose, you so crazy. He was a badass, if a bit, uh, unique, to put it kindly.



Would you like that image to be used? Crazy grin? I know I sure as shit wouldn't. That'd be the first image I'd delete from the camera. Looking like that... No take backs! But considering some of his speeches, I doubt ol' Teddy gave a shit.



Like I said, badass.

Somehow this went from talking about jodhpurs to Teddy. Whatever, I love Teddy. Especially when portrayed by Kate Beaton of Hark! A Vagrant.

FALL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN

My favorite season is Fall. For those readers who've been here from the beginning well know, I am a fool for fall fashion and attitude. I'm pretty sure it's because I long for a changing of seasons, but, poor thing, am instead stuck in tropical paradise. (Slap me, already.) So, while I can't wear many fall fashions until our "winter" hits, I still enjoy lusting after the trends.

But if the runways are right about the thigh-high slits, I think I can make that work.

ROCK 'EM SHOCK 'EM

PLUM LIPS


I am a horrible fashionista for never playing with my lipsticks. I'm more comfortable doing dramatic eyes and keeping the rest of my makeup simple. But now I'm going to bust out of that comfort zone! It's time to do a bold lip!


Get sassy!

ALPHA ROMEO INDIA SIERRA ALPHA YANKEE SIERRA....

Military style is back! Or still here. Either way, yay military trends! Let's have a breakdown, hm?


JACKETS


Clockwise from top: BB Dakota, Aryn K, Forever 21, Forever 21. Center: Urban Outfitters


Structured, surplus, embellished, epaulet-ed, kahki, leather, linen, olive, gray, is there nothing that doesn't work for the jackets? Personally, I'm looking forward to rocking The Bomber. What can I say, pilots are hot.



CARDIGANS


From left: Twelve by Twelve, Forever 21, Forever 21.


Less structured than some of the jackets, never the less an interesting and fresh way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe without hemorraghing cash. I would love to pair one with a lace bodysuit, trouser jeans, Converse high tops, and armful of bangles.



DRESSES


From left: Twelve by Twelve, Brooklyn Industries, Splendid.

I absolutely love the idea of bringing back the worker shirtdress. It brings back memories of listening to my grandma talk about her life working in warehouses for the war effort. She was a Rosie the Riviter with headscarf and pearls. So, yeah, I'm obviously a fan of this look.


TOPS


From left: Forever 21, Love 21, Elizabeth and James.

I'm not so much a fan of these. As you regular readers are aware, I have no problem wearing a men's shirt. Mensware trend is one of my favorites for that reason. But there is just something unappealing to me about these. I'll keep looking for ones I like, but so far: thumbs down.


PANTS


Urban Outfitters and Forever 21.

Whether skinny or baggy, as long as it is cargo, I am down with it.

ARI'S FALL FASHION ESSENCIALS

Hello darlings. Sorry for the lack of updates as of recently. Real Life has picked these past two weeks to rear its head and pester the hell out of me. Real Life, don't you know I want to wrap myself in the cocoon of fashion and style and ignore you? We have such a tumultuous relationship.


Anyways, yes, the title is true. Fashion can never stop and smell the metaphorical roses as they are always worrying about the upcoming season. And that's why shit like the 80s revival happens.


And seeing as how I was fawning over Fall as soon as Spring started, I'm really no better. With my own inability to appreciate the current trends established, here's my list of Fall Wants & Needs.




GRAY NAIL POLISH

I was really into the nude nail for a while this spring, and for fall, I'm going for neutral gray. Sally Hansen's "Wet Cement" is my favorite so far, and flattering for my skin tone. Highly recommend neutral nails this fall.



FAUX FAUX-FUR VEST

I saw this great tutorial on ...love, Maegan. It's really easy and looks beautiful. The biggest problem is how much marabou sheds when trimming the boa to the vest length. Other than that, I'm a huge fan of this DIY. A faux faux-fur vest that cost less than $15 in materials? Ba-zing!



T-SHIRT DRESS

Fall is tricky in Florida. The palm trees don't turn brilliant reds and oranges before dropping their fronds, there are hurricane threats instead of snow threats, the temperatures are almost hotter than summer, and we only layer sunblock. Sounds really nice, eh? Throw in mosquitoes, tourists, and ridiculous humidity, and you've got a party. Although there are a few instances when we'll get a cold snap or "deep freeze" for a few days and real fall clothing is essential.

Hence, my dilemma. A lot of stores are selling knee-length jersey knit dresses, an item that would be great on its own or for layering. The versatility alone is enough to make it a perfect wardrobe staple.



LACE

As tarty as it is, I love leather and lace together. Tough, yet feminine. So, I'm looking forward to seeing what designers are going to be doing with lace, and how I can incorporate the sexiness in my own life.



BOHO/SAFARI ACCESSORIES

A battered Panama hat. Batik belt. Leather cuff. Henna bracelets. Beaded hair accessories. Feather earring. Ethnic inspired jewelry. Canvas backpack.

Maybe someone named Dr. Livingston?



BOOTS

The only thing I really look forward to every year are the boots. I cannot wait to bust out my Miss Sixy knee highs. Even if it is hot, I will wear my damn boots!

Great News!

We just found out, from a number of sites and sources, that the ponytail is going to be hot hot HOT for fall!

THANK GOD.

No more fussy hair accessories, like that damned double headband! We always managed to smack the elastic in our eyes everytime we tried to follow that look. Plus, that look is SO unforgiving for poufy hair, thick hair, frizzy hair, any hair but stick strait, thin hair. UGH.

Sloppy pony. Haughty pony. Naughty pony. Messy pony. Big big big trend!