i think this formula of a blouse worn beneath a simple shift or jumper might become my new fall uniform. there’s something so simple and utilitarian about the look (and just a little bit schoolgirl) that is feeling pretty much perfect these days. you can add a nice wool coat and a pair of tights if it gets too chilly, but you won’t be bored to death like you might with a one piece dress because you can always swap out any number of tops and jumpers in different colors and fabrics. and, of course, when you’re on a budget, it’s nice to be able to mix and match as much as possible!

i know most of the photos are in black and white, but i was quite pleased with the color combination of rust and pale pink. i’ve always liked the mixture of warm earth tones in the fall with a splash of bright pastel to keep things interesting. and i’m trying to play more with color these days, so it’s been fun trying to break free of my typical neutral tones. but i think what i loved the most about this outfit was the mixture of silk, velvet, and suede. just something about these fabrics that feels so perfectly luxurious, don’t you think?

top: j.crew silk blythe blouse
dress: family affairs velvet dress (from a few seasons ago)
shoes: vintage suede mary janes
bag: j.w. hulme mini legacy bag

on saturday morning, i woke up bright and early with weekend plans to drive up to marin to enjoy the beautiful beginning of fall. i perched on my computer with a cup of coffee, as per usual, when an unexpected package arrived in the mail: this pretty pretty dress from nina of family affairs! i immediately threw it on and did a little dance in my apartment before heading out of town with brendan. we made our way to one of our favorite spots in san rafael, sol food. if you’re ever in the area, you need to stop by for the best puerto rican cuisine ever! this time, i tried ponche, a mix of iced tea and limeade, and i have been dreaming about it since! i need to head to the grocery store so i can make a huge jug of it to keep in my refrigerator, even if the weather is beginning to cool down!

then we meandered around the area, popping into local thrift stores and boutiques before taking a very scenic route partway up mt. tamalpais and through the california coastline. and, whenever we find ourselves up in the area, we always have to stop at another favorite restaurant, avatar’s! which, i know, as with sol food, i’ve mentioned it before, but you really have to try it if you find yourself in northern california. nothing beats their sweet potato punjabi enchiladas! and of course, we had to round out our very decadent day with a big cup of coffee for the drive home.

dress: good spirits dress by family affairs
blouse: thrifted vintage silk blouse
shoes: thrifted vintage heels
bag: j.w. hulme mini legacy bag
sunglasses: karen walker number six
watch: michael kors tortoise watch
lipstick: ysl rouge pur couture in le rouge
nails: butter london polish in pillar box red