My Favorite Fall Staples

This post is about 2 months too early but fall really is coming around the corner and building the perfect fall wardrobe takes time! Fall is one of my favorite seasons especially in New England, I'm obsessed with watching the colors of the leaves change and even more obsessed with the clothes you can actually wear! Below are 9 of my favorite staples and how I like to style them with some linked AFFORDABLE options!

1. Riding Boots: I love a good pair of riding boots and I find myself reaching for them quite often in the fall. They go with absolutely everything. I wear mine with jeans, leggings, skirts, and dresses. They can pull together a simple outfit and really make the outfit look put together. I personally believe in splurging when it comes to riding boots, both of my pairs happen to be Tory Burch (The Grace and The Seldes). However, you don't need to splurge that much on a single pair. Not only can you find TB Riding Boots on sale but you can find numerous other high quality boots on sale as well!

Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 (worth the splurge!) // Option 4 

2. Blanket Scarves: These are my absolute favorite and you can just about get them anywhere! My favorite one was on sale at Charlotte Russe for about $10! I love wearing these with casual dresses or plain outfits to give them a pop of color. I wear them all the time regardless of what I'm doing or where I'm going. One of my favorite tips is to wear them to the movie theater and actually use them as a blanket!

Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 // Option 4 (comes in 3 colors!)

3. Plaid Skirt: I love plaid skirts more than anything! They give such a fun and flirty vibe to almost any outfit and you can literally wear them wth the most basic outfit to dress anything up. I found myself wearing mine with a black top, black tights, and black boots and it really did pop against the all black look. I have the Tartan City Mini from J. Crew and I'm really looking to get my hands on another skirt in that style! It's so flattering and the colors of that skirt are to die for!

Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 ($8) // Option 4

4. Tights/Leggings: These go without saying. They are such a staple for me in the fall and going on int the winter. I love wearing simple black tights especially if I'm wearing a dress and ballet flats in the winter. Leggings are also really cute and versatile for fall, I like to wear mine with blouses, a scarf, and flats usually. I tend to splurge on higher quality leggings since I find myself wearing them s much - but I also will get a few pairs from somewhere like Forever 21. My favorite leggings are of course Lulu Lemon and they actually don't look bad with a nicer outfit and it's great that they do double duty as workout leggings as well!

Option 1 (have these!) // Option 2 (and these!) // Option 3 // Option 4

5. Ankle Booties: I totally believe that ankle booties can be worn year round, however I tend to wear mine in the fall with cute skirts and over the knee socks! I think they're so cute and they honestly can dress up an outfit. These look beyond cute though with almost anything and you can get them practically anywhere for a great price - my favorite time to get them is when Charlotte Russe is having a BOGO sale.

Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 // Option 4

6. Ballet Flats: I love ballet flats all year round but I love when fall comes and I'm able to wear them with knee high socks and skirts/dresses. My favorite flats are the Tory Burch Reva flats - I stand by these 100% in comfort and quality. I also love to get cute flats anywhere else I see them - I have a few cute pairs from Charlotte Russe and Forever 21 that are more trendy and scrappy opposed to a classic flat. 

Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 // Option 4 

7. Solid Colored Tops: I'm not very into patterns when it comes to fall. I love having solid colored shirts that I can pair with things such as plaid scarves or plaid skirts. I love going to forever 21 and getting their basic shirts that are only like $6 because I end up going through them so fast. They're also just a god staple to have in your wardrobe just because. 

Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 // Option 4

8. Suede Accessories: This Summer and Fall I'm obsessed with anything suede weather it be suede chokers, suede bags, bootie, skirts, etc. I'm obsessed with this material and I think it's the only thing on this list that perfectly transitions from Summer to Fall season. I recently picked up a suede choker and I'm absolutely obsessed with it and I can't wait to pair it with a cute oversized knit sweater, a pair of jeans, and some booties!

Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 // Option 4

9. Vests: If you've seen me in fall chances are you've probably seen me in a vest. I'm obsessed with both faux fur vests and quilted vests. I love the J. Crew Excursion vest so much. It's such a timeless piece and it goes with just about any outfit. Fur vests are also cute and can jazz up any plain outfit or dress. I personally love wearing mine around the holidays - they scream holiday cheer to me.

Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 // Option 4

Hope you enjoyed my favorite fall pieces and below I'm linking a few more pieces that I'm keeping my eye on for this upcoming season!

My Favorite Places to Eat in The City

If you know me then you probably know how much I love food and how I tend to order too much to even finish — blame my eyes for being bigger than my stomach. Below are 5 of my favorite places to eat/and or get food for a quick bite!

1. Magnolia Bakery (1240 Ave of America's)

Perfect for Breakfast or any time of day 

Of course Magnolia isn't a restaurant — which many of you know. It's a cute little bakery that was created in 1996 and is located on the Avenue of America's right next to Rockefeller  Center (which seems like a fun day trip). This happens to be my favorite location but according to their website they have nine different locations including one in Hawaii, LA, and Chicago. They have a huge menu which also happens to feature tons of affordable little bakery treats — mine happen to be the vanilla cupcakes which are only $3.50! I highly recommend going to one of the locations if you're in the mood for something sweet — whether it's a cupcake or a fresh baked cookie

MENU 

2. Nam Son (245 Grand Street #1)

Perfect for Lunch and Dinner

Nam Son is the most authentic asian place I have been to so far in my whole 4 months of living here. The food is delicious and it's not expensive at all. I believe I got a 3 course meal for around $30 and the dishes tasted exactly like the dishes from my favorite Vietnamese restaurant from Connecticut. The portions are huge and it's always packed inside every time I go. The food is fairly cheap and the atmosphere isn't particularly my favorite but I don't tend to eat place for their atmosphere. I highly recommend trying it once if you're ever in that area of ChinaTown and if you don't feel like going — they have takeout!

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3. Rue 57 (60 W 57th St)

Perfect for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner

This place seriously serves the best brunch I have ever had. I'm a sucker for their French Toast with fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, and marscyepone. I haven't had their french fries yet but every time I smell them I swear my mouth waters. It's in such a nice location - anything off the Avenue of America's is usually pretty nice and the food their is to die for. The service is really great and it's so nice inside and my favorite is when they have the windows/doors open. This restaurant is an Asian fusion restaurant and I have yet to have anything besides brunch their but I can't wait to try more and more off of their menu.

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4. Horchata (470 Avenue of America's)

Perfect for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, or Drinks

I honestly didn't realize how much I ate near the Avenue of America's but this restaurant is so cute! The decor is on point and it's the perfect spot for a first date or a GNO. The staff is super friendly and accommodating - the manager ever recommended the best drinks they had to me. Their dinner menu is great but my favorite thing is their $35 boozy brunch special they have on Saturday's and Sunday's.  Once you come in you have 2 hours of unlimited drinks (Sangria's, Bloody Mary's, or Mimosas), chips and guac, and a brunch entree. Honestly, anywhere that serves boozy brunch is one of my favorite places and I just happen to love this place because the food is absolutely mouthwatering and not your usually chipotle style Mexican food. 

DINNER MENU // BRUNCH MENU // DRINK MENU

5. The Odeon (145 W Broadway)

Perfect for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, or Drinks

The food here is literally some of the best French-American food I've ever had. I'm a sucker for a good cup of French Onion Soup and their's was mouth watering. The menu has a wide variety and I wouldn't recommend this place to picky eaters (it was a little hard to find something I was sure I would like). The bartenders are so sweet and accommodating as well about making drinks when I didn't like mine she quickly made me another one. My favorite part about this restaurant is the dessert menu. I absolutely love cream brûlée and I was going to order it but I'm glad I ordered their house made doughnuts. I still have dreams about eating them. They come warm and freshly made covered in sugar and they come with a homeadejam and a homemade caramel dipping sauce and I highly recommend going here just for those doughnuts. Also the Tribeca area is really cute so besides eating you could wander around, the World Trade Center is pretty close and is a beautiful sight to see. 

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I don't tend to go out often to sit down dinners because like I'm addicted to take-out. But these really are some great laces to try if you're visiting the city or if you just haven't been. Feel free to also recommend some good places to eat as well!

Free People Find

This past week (August 13th-20th) I went to Rhode Island for a much needed family vacation. I didn't do much shopping because bills #adulting. I managed to pick up a few things that were super cute and trendy that I feel like I can work into other outfits. I was in nordstrom and I found this cute dress as seen on Mackenzie Kendall and I just had to have it!

Love the bohemian vibe of this dress and these shoes.

This dress is meant for spinning around in - I adore the pattern and floppiness.

Absolutely obsessed with these scrappy heels.

This dress is beyond cute and the choker is even cuter!

Dress (ON SALE)  // Shoes (linked similar) // Choker

Keep posted for some more photos of my trip and some upcoming sale posts!

XOXO, JESS

How to have faith in rough times.

Sometimes it's hard to have faith in yourself - especially when everyone is whispering in your ear that you "can't make it in life". The hardest thing for me personally is keeping a close relationship with God - especially when it feels like all hope is lost, and everything is going wrong. Here are a few of my favorite verse that help me get through some of the rougher times.

"For with God nothing shall be impossible" Luke 1:37 KJV

"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1 KJV

"Who is that who overcomes the world? Only the one who believes the Jesus is the Son of God" 1 John 5:5

"Always put your hope in God" Hosea 12:6

"Our faith can move mountains" Matthew 17:20

"He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge" Psalm 91:4

"The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still" Exodus 14:14

"I will walk by faith even when I can't see" 2 Corinthians 5:7

There are so many comforting verses but these happen to be a few of my favorite, pint rest always has the best and cutest ones. For a little bit of extra motivation - I like to put one on my phone screen to see. I will not lie and say I'm a devout Christian, but I find comfort in believing in a higher power. 

Until next time, 

What I Carry in my Purse

Hey lovelies, so my next post is what I usually carry in my purse! Not everything is exact of course but a lot of it is similar and some of these products are to die for and aren't even that expensive! I'm so in love with all these things - not for just their looks, but for their helpfulness. 

1. Bag: So clearly to carry things you need to start off with a bag. My favorite colors as of lately are golds, blacks, blushes, baby pinks, and greys. I love carrying around a big tote all day but with the amount of things I carry it starts to get hard so sometimes I'll switch to a trendy backpack thats cute for on-the-go day trips. If a backpack or tote isn't acceptable I'll bring a cross body (even though it limits what I carry with me). { Backpack 1, Backpack 2, Tote 1, Tote 2, Crossbody 1, Crossbody 2 } 

2. Sunglasses/Glasses: So if you know me, you probably know I'm blind (and yes, even when I'm wearing my glasses or contacts)! Lately, I've been bringing sunglasses with me everywhere, a dark oversized pair and a sleek rose gold pair depending on the outfit - it's also nice to have an extra pair if a friend forgot his or her own on a sunny day. Personally, I think sunglasses are a chic staple and I feel like splurging on them is a must - but if not you can find cheap dupes at Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe. Besides sunglasses, I love bringing my glasses with me when I don't feel like putting in another set of contacts (and yes, I also carry extra contacts, and a contact case for those times when I need a spare set). { Sunglasses 1, Sunglasses 2, Sunglasses 3, Sunglasses 4, Sunglasses 5 }

3. Wallet: I love a good wallet and my favorites happen to be from Tory Burch. I'm a huge fan of my TB Robinson wristlet that is super sleek and has lots of space for money, cards, etc. I also am a fan of TBs mini cardholders that carry just cards or cash (they're perfect for people who hate carrying 10+ cards and handfuls of change). Yes, these wallets are pricey but I swear by them and continue to buy them. The quality is amazing and they're such good quality. Wallet, Cardholder 1 (have this in pink and adore it!), Cardholder 2, Cardholder 3 } 

4. Headphones: I hate going anywhere without headphones in the city, especially on the subway. Everywhere I go, I love to listen to music whether it's on the subway, in the park, at the met, or on the beach. Music is a huge comfort to me and I highly recommend splurging on a good pair of headphones that suits you whether it's a good pair under $30 or a pair over $250. Also, while at it, I highly recommend downloading a music service, my favorite is Apple Music because everything I download to my phone even plays on the subway without service. { Headphones 1, Headphones 2, Headphones 3 }

5. Charging Equipment: I know personally for me I'm always using my phone, whether it's listening to music, scrolling through Instagram, texting, or reading a book. I'm a heavy reliant iPhone addict. There is nothing worse for me than being lost in the city without my phone to help me navigate. I know it's possible to do it without a a phone but for me it's so inconvenient without having google maps to help me plan out my trip and transfers. I highly recommend splurging on a decent portable charger and a cord/wallplug. { Portable Charger 1, Portable Charger 2, Cord 1, Cord 2, Wall Plug, Charging Phone Case, Car Charge Set }

6. Water and Snacks: I always try to carry a bottle of water with me and snacks because in the city walking around it's easy to spend a lot on multiple water bottles and snacks. I love having a water bottle that's cute an easy to carry around (especially one that keeps water cold for a prolonged time). Snacks also come in handy, I get hungry all the time and usually I'll bring fruit, gum, chips, etc. Just something I know that will hold me over until I need to eat next. It is a little inconvenient and annoying to lug around a heavy water bottle but in the long run it saves you quite a bit of money. 

{ Water Bottle 1, Water Bottle 2, Watter Bottle 3, Water Bottle 4 }

7. Planner/Journal: If anyone knows me well then you probably know I'm obsessed with school supplies. For work I always need a notebook and planner so I make sure I carry one with me at all times. As well, I like to carry a pen with me - especially one that writes smooth. { Planner 1, Planner 2, Notebook 1, Notebook 2, Pens}

8. Extra Shoes: My favorite thing to wear out is heels (because you never know who you're going to meet while out and about!) Lately, I've been trekking miles through the city and on my way home I always want to change into a comfy pair of flats or sandals. My next splurge will totally be the Tory Burch Minnie Travel Flat in gold or tan! They're super cute and they fold up super small and the quality of them is to die for. { Travel Flat 1, Travel Flat 2, Travel Flat 3 }

9. Make-Up Bag: Lately I love doing my eyes when I go out. I tend to stay away from face products other than facial wipes. I love splurging on a good eye product and a good lip balm and linked are my absolute favs! Also, I highly recommend carrying makeup/cleansing wipes for a hot day or a makeup emergency.{ Make-Up Bag 1, Make-Up Bag 2, Mascara 1, Mascara 2 (cheaper but good quality!), Waterproof Eyeliner, Make-Up Palette 1, Make-Up Palette 2, Lip Balm 1, Lip Balm 2, Make-Up Wipes, Rollerball Perfume }

Depending on the day I carry different things within my bag but these are a few of the things that I really prefer carrying! Hope this helps you out or gives you an idea of what you need within the city (or anywhere to be honest)!

also listed below are some similar purse essentials listed to the ones already linked for you!