TOP 10 FROM NATALIE

Hi everyone! I am so excited to have Natalie from Thoughts by Natalie sharing some of her inspiration! Natalie is a great friend of mine and I was lucky enough to recently grab coffee with her while she was in town. I’ve always said Natalie is someone you hang out with and leave feeling so inspired, uplifted, and refreshed. She is pretty incredible, and I am amazed by all she has accomplished! Hop over to Thoughts by Natalie and take a look…it’s well worth your time!

Hello Happily Grey readers! I’m a magazine editor, writer and freelancer who blogs at Thoughts by Natalie, and I’m so excited to be able to share with you here today. Mary and I first met through our husbands several years ago and hit it off immediately. She has the sweetest spirit of anyone I’ve ever met (there is so much more to her than her stunning fashion sense!), and it’s been so fun to watch her grow this fabulous blog. Mary shot these photos while I was visiting in Nashville, and asked me to share with you my top ten items for fall to go along with them. Since some of you may already be experiencing some winter chill (and even snow!), I assure you that these fall favorites are also winter-worthy. Just don’t forget your coat!

1. Lace Primrose Top

Madewell, $98                                                                                         

This is the perfect top for fall evenings. With its high neckline and loose fit, it’s a lovely mix of classy and sexy. Also great for layering under your favorite fall jacket. Another option, if color is more your thing, is this neon yellow Back Zip Lace Tee by Loft. I just purchased it for myself last week, and I can testify that it is just as fabulous as it looks on the website.

 

2. Clustered Short Necklace

 

3. Blythe Polka-Dot Silk Shirt

J.Crew, $128

This season, dots seem to be everywhere! I love the way this silky blouse falls—it plays well with black leggings and boots, or tucked into skinny jeans and paired with pumps. I also love the cotton Jacquard Dot Popover by J.Crew, which comes in blue and ivory and is machine washable.

 

 4. Cotton V-Neck Sweater

J.Crew, $65

No fall wardrobe is complete without a sweater. I love this one because the v-neck lends itself well to layering with button-down shirts, while also looking lovely on its own. More of a crew-neck kind of girl? Keep it simple with the Crew Pullover by Gap, or go out on a limb and try the playful Frenchie Sweater by J.Crew.

 

5. Pixie Pant

J.Crew, $88

I purchased a pair of these last fall because wearing my lululemon workout pants with boots just wasn’t cutting it anymore (that fabric is perfect for yoga, not so perfect with you encounter any bit of lint). I love these because they are thick enough to keep you from feeling too exposed in public, and they have a lovely seam detail on the back that gives some visual interest. These are truly the most pants-like pair of leggings ever. If a thinner, more simple pair of leggings is what you’re after, try these Eclon High Impact Leggings by So Low.

 

6. Hunter Original Rain Boots

Hunter, $135

Hunter boots are probably the most iconic and classic boots out there. While they are technically rain boots, they can also be reasonably worn on cloudy days (which are common during fall), and are great for snow—especially when paired with a cozy sock, like the Cable Cuff Welly Sock by Hunter.

 

7. Elbow-Patch Schoolboy Blazer in Houndstooth

J.Crew, $228

Much like the statement necklace I talked about previously, a blazer belongs in every grown up girl’s wardrobe. It can take jeans and a tee shirt from casual to date-worthy in the snap of a finger. I myself have about 5 blazers hanging up in my closet at the moment, and my favorite of them is the Schoolboy Blazer by J.Crew. It has a good structure and fit, and is really built to last (making it worth the high price tag).  For a more casual blazer, try this cotton Stripe Knit Blazer by J.Crew Factory.

 

8. Knit Trim Bomber Faux Leather Jacket

Target, $40

This jacket combines two of the biggest trends this fall season: leather and burgundy. I love the casual-cool feel the bomber style gives off, and really can’t get enough of the knit detail on the collar. If you’re looking for some real leather and willing to spend a bit more for higher quality, I recommend this Quilted Leather Moto Jacket by Gap—it’s not burgundy, but it’s effortlessly chic with the moto style, and comes in a neutral cognac brown that’ll match everything.

 

9. Eversoft Cardigan

Gap, $40

For fall layering, it doesn’t get much easier than a v-neck cardigan. This one comes in a wide variety of colors, so it can be a staple item or a statement item, depending on which color you choose! This cardigan will work well over a basic tank, or better yet, a patterned button-down and some skinny jeans. For more of a modern prepster look, try the Cotton Tweed Zip Cardigan by Loft, or the luxuriousTwo-Tone Waffle Cardigan by J.Crew.

 

10. Sidewalk Skimmer in Leopard Print

Madewell, $135

I love the way that animal print has become a neutral. It’s playful and sassy, and adds just the right amount of attitude to any outfit. The key to a good animal print shoe is calf-hair. The texture is essential for quality, as printed animal prints can fade quickly and even look cheap (not that cheap is a bad thing, just that we don’t want our shoes to look it). A more bold (and less expensive) option is the Cynthia Ballet Flat by Michael Kors in cheetah print with a gold toe.