Get Your Booties Ready.

Last year at this time, I was on the hunt for a pair of ankle booties. One of my dearest friends, Jaci, warned me that I should stick to a neutral color because booties were a fad that would eventually dissipate. I heeded her warning, as Jaci is a trustworthy fashion source, and bought a great pair of platform black ankle booties. I wore them all winter, with anything from tights and dresses, to jeans and casual basics. Now, as autumn prepares to make its appearance, there are a plethora of adorable ankle boots that I wouldn't mind adding to my shoe collection. Thank goodness ankle boots are sticking around, because I simply love them. After spending no more than a half an hour on ASOS, I have compiled a number of shoe boots that will be great for fall and winter weather. Think tights, skirts, long sweaters and printed scarves. Then simply add these!

I couldn't help but add the nude pair in, they are simply adorable!

Sam Edelman, Una Platform, $284

Guess, Owens Bootie, $210.63

Karen Miller, Artwork Shoe Boot, $227.48

DV by Dolce Vita, Spank Suede Bootie, $176.93

Asos,Tasty Suede Punch Out Shoe Boot, $92.68

Asos, Tamara Shoe Boot, $185.35

Asos, Tobago Bootie, $75.83

Asos, Temple Suede Bootie, $92.68

Killah, Neya Ankle Boot, $126.38

Make Clothes, Not War

The military influence on fall fashion is my absolute favorite trend thus far. Despite the neutral palette that makes up utility inspired pieces, each one makes a bold statement, even when paired with basics. Brass rivets, extra pockets and zippers, and cargo green on items like skinny jeans and fitted sweaters encompass the ideal balance of masculinity and femininity. The best part is that each of these items will pair beautifully with various patterns and textures all season, due to the use of neutral shades. I'm looking forward to the crisp autumn weather, with items like these readily available in my closet. 

1. Juicy Couture, Skyler Military Jacket, $298

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kelly Sweater, $228

3. Hive and Honey, Haley Boot, $198

4. Central Park West, Nairobi Utility Romper, $174

5. Topshop, Fleece Collar PU Biker Jacket, $125

6. Topshop, Biker Skinny Trouser, $80

7. Topshop, Leather Saddle Stitch Jacket, $310

8. Lulu, Knot Front Sandals, $135

9. Asos, Utility Skinny Trousers, $60.66

15 Minutes of Fame

Last Friday, I was given an amazing opportunity that reinforced my aspiration to become a fashion journalist. My editor at Society805 set up a one-on-one appointment for me to interview Kim Kardashian, at a "meet and greet" event in Camarillo. The socialite was promoting her signature fragrance and meeting some of her central coast fans. The experience was quite surreal, as journalists from OK Weekly and Life and Style Magazine interviewed Kim right before me. Despite my initial assumptions that I was going to be overcome with nerves, the interview went smoothly. Kim was not only focused and calm despite hundreds of screaming fans outside, but also personable and humble. She was dressed in an incredible Sass and Bide, nude strapless dress with black panelling and sky-high suede mary janes (check out Sass and Bide's lookbook on their website, every piece is incredible). Flawless. 




Witnessing the security, photographers, devoted fans and paparazzi at work confirmed that the event was not just a figment of my imagination. I can only hope there are many more events like these to come. Stay tuned!




The article will be up on Society805.com during the first week of September, so be sure to check it out! 


XOXO
Taylor 

Adorable dress right? 

To My Dad

Cheers to my dad on his 56th birthday!

My dad is a true gem. All of these years, he has been surrounded by women constantly and he still remains sane. Truly a feat, considering we ladies are quite a handful. I fondly remember him sitting through endless amounts of dance competitions, having to help make decisions about what shoes look better, and trying to decipher what all of the items on my Christmas list were. What a trooper!

Although I live in Santa Barbara now, my dad's love and support have never faltered. To this day I constantly hear: "Listen to your body" when it comes to working out, "Drink plenty of water and take some vitamins. You can take up to four a day!" when I am sick, and "I am so proud of you" when I am feeling down. Just the things you need to hear when you are away from home. :)

So, today Dad, I thank you for all of the Trader Joe's gift cards, the countless GIANT's games we have attended, the laugher you supply when you sing Earth, Wind and Fire or Roy Orbison, and the few hundred times you have checked the "vitals" in my car (let's face it, I'm not going to do it). You mean the world to me, and I love you forever.

Back to School Shopping

I'm not exactly sure that back to school shopping is allowed (or recommended) for college students on a budget, but, really... I can not help myself. I am so excited about fall fashion, it is actually putting a minor damper on the rest of my summer. Cozy sweaters, cognac boots, and colorful scarves are occupying my mind as I prepare for my first quarter at UCSB. Fall is just around the corner, and as I much as I don't want to wish away summer, I am starting to put together my must-haves for the coming season. Here is what I have compiled so far:

1. I'm digging the military influence on fall fashion this year. I hope to find a great pair of cargo, skinny jeans to wear with my new striped sweater. So far these ones are looking pretty good: Cargo Inspired Jeans

2. Blush pink is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite colors to wear, and I am loving the shape of this casual sweater. 

3. I imagine wearing this light weight cardigan to class with plenty of long, gold necklaces and light wash jeans. 

4. And this might possibly be the item I wish for the most: Everything I Want in a Blouse and More. 

It goes without saying that there is plenty more to come. Stayed tuned. 

(*Family members note: My birthday is in less than a month. ;) Love you all!)

XOXO, 

Taylor

The Pink Running Shoes

Just recently (about a week ago) my sister Katelyn moved to Santa Barbara. This is unbelievably good news for me and here is why:
1. She is a great cook. And she regularly makes me lunch and dinner!
2. She lives in a beautiful house that is much cleaner and much bigger than mine.
3. I love her. And now we get to spend A LOT of time together (Her roommates might be getting sick of me...).

Tonight she and I joined her new roommates for a 5k run that is put on by Nites Moves every Wednesday night in Santa Barbara. Not only is it a beautiful run, but it has the feel of a real race: an outlined course, a finish line with a clock, and lots of really fit runners!

But here is what really impressed me. Santa Barbara Running Co. has a kiosk at the end of the race where they have a neon sign that reads: "FREE SHOES". This is a phrase that makes my heart skip a beat. And it gets better. They have bright pink running shoes that I am sure would take minutes off of my time. So the process goes like this: sign your name on a sheet and become a "fan" of SB Running Co. on Facebook. You are then put into a drawing for a fitting and free pair of running shoes. Done and done. Lemme get those neon shoes. The nice guy that was running the booth told me they would announce the winner around 9pm on their Facebook account. Can't wait. I reminded my sister multiple times that I was sure to be the lucky one.

Because it is 10:40 pm you may be wondering, "Taylor, did you win those beautiful shoes?" I hate to report that tonight, I was not the chosen one. But I look at it this way: this is great motivation to keep going. Nite Moves meets three more times this summer and I WILL win the pink shoes. Can't wait to post the picture next week!