From Leaves to Looks: Fall Fashion Inspo + A BIG Announcement

 
 

Happy fall, y’all! 🍁🎃🍂

Fall is definitely my favorite season when it comes to fashion and styling, so it only makes sense to share some outfit inspo!

 
 

I’ve been getting into Western chic style lately. Even though I’m from Ohio, the west part in the Midwestern is coming out strong through me 😂🤠 I’ve been loving this black denim mini dress with cap sleeves from Anthropologie- it’s perfect for transitioning into the crisp and cool weather as it pairs well with boots and a light jacket or cardigan. It can also be worn by itself with sneakers or flats for a more warm and sunny autumn day. I love pair this dress with my white cowgirl boots, along with some gold jewelry. I don’t have the link to the exact shoes, but I included some very similar ones!

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I also linked below a few other pieces and styles I’ve been loving for the season!

Finally, want to take this opportunity to announce something big … I’m going into freelance personal styling!

This is something I’ve been praying and planning for a few months now, and just about ready to officially launch it! My business will be called Styled by Splendor (inspired by Psalm 104:1-2 ❤️), and I’ll be providing four different styling services that offer curated lookbook for clients to use for shopping and personal reference (all charged with the same fee, $25 per hour each lookbook takes). Everything can be accessed here on the website (I’m changed the name of the web address to Styled by Splendor as well!), including forms that clients can fill out to get styled or scheduling a virtual call if preferred. I also will making a separate new Instagram account that anyone with the app can follow me on. I love putting together capsules and helping people feel beautiful and confident in the image that God created them to be, so I’m very excited to be pursuing this desire!

What does this mean for the blog? Don’t worry, it ain’t going anywhere! I won’t be posting as much as I used to, but I still plan on posting fashion inspo content whenever I create some outfits I wanna share with y’all! I’m so thankful for how much of an impact this blog has made over the past 10 years (how has it been exactly that long now?!), and I hope and pray that it, along with the addition of freelance personal styling, will continue to inspire and uplift all who stumble across it!

Yours Truly,

Caroline, XOXO

Other Autumn Pieces/Styles I’m Loving!

Retro Summer Aesthetic

 
 

I don’t know about you, but something about going to a retro diner (especially an outdoor one) during the summertime hits different … it’s giving 80’s in the Midwest!

I recently did a retro style photoshoot at this Northeast Ohio diner called Danny’s Ice Cream & Burgers with my friend Abby. I definitely recommend as the food and milkshakes are delicious (pro tip: it’s cash-only!) For the theme, I went with these denim shortalls I found at Target. I thought pairing them with this white strapless top would make a very chic and summery look- I think the shortalls would also look super cutesie with a white high neck tank top! Then, I went with my go-to off-white sneakers by Dr. Scholl’s, white ankle socks, and some gold jewelry as always. And of course, for one final vintage touch, I put on my favorite red lipstick at the moment: Kind Words Matte Lipstick by Rare Beauty in the “devoted-true red” shade!

If you want to check out my friend’s photography and even DM her for a portrait session, her Instagram is @abbymaru_ !

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Surf, Sand, & Style

 
 

Happy belated Summer Solstice!

Nothing beats summertime, especially if you’re a Midwest girly like me. It’s an amazing sensation when the days finally last longer, when you step outside into the warm sunshine, and go out to a patio restaurant to chat with friends over wine and apps. As exaggerated as it sounds, I do feel like the best version of myself when summertime rolls around!

When it officially gets above 70 degrees in Cleveland, the beach girl within me comes out. There’s currently a popular fashion trend called Surf, Sand, & Style, and it’s exactly what it says in the title! Summer is the perfect time to break out crochet sets, all things linen, gold sea-themed jewelry, woven bags, and so much more. Lately, I’ve been living in this openwork midi sweater skirt from Target that not only makes a good swimsuit coverup (especially if you plan on taking advantage of the surf and sand part of the trend!) but a great staple piece for going out for dinner. I love to pair it with this black strapless top I got from Marshall’s as a set in three different colors (white and grey being the other two). I also have the red openwork sweater tank from Target that I like to pair with the skirt- I feel like I’m cosplaying Moana every time I wear those two pieces together! 🤣

I also caved at Target and bought this “Amore” top handle crochet tote handbag … because I’m Italian of course! It also makes a great statement with the black top and crochet detail of the skirt … all that’s left to finish off the beach/resort ensemble is black backless slide sandals and spunky gold jewelry!

What are your thoughts on the Surf, Sand, & Style trend for summer? Comment below and share! 🏄‍♀️🏝️ 🌊

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Spring to Summer Transitional Dress

 

Hey, y’all! It’s hard to believe it’s almost summer!

This post is a little overdue, but it makes a good transition from spring to summer! Back in April, I did a spring golden hour photoshoot with my dear friend Abby and wanted to share the results! I wore this red and white floral maxi dress from Steve Madden Apparel that’s been a go-to staple since last summer, and it will no doubt be that once again for this year. It pairs well with a light neutral-colored cardigan or denim jacket, along with a pair of sandals or wedges!

 
 

If you want to check out my friend’s photography and even DM her for a portrait session, her Instagram is @abbymaru_ !

 
 
 

Dress/Jumpsuits For Wedding Guests This Spring & Summer

 
 

Hello, darlings! Though it’s not summer quite yet, I’m coming in HOT with some fun dress and jumpsuit options for anyone who needs something for wedding season!

I went to my cousin’s wedding in Cincinanti last weekend and wore this powder blue 3D floral dress from Lulu’s that I absolutely adore, and I got so many compliments on it! It’s unfortunately out of stock in most sizes but may come back since it’s very popular, so you can include your email on the site to get notified if it does - it also comes in navy if you’d prefer a more deep tone!

 
 

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The Perfect Thanksgiving Dress

 
 

Hey, y’all! Thanksgiving is almost here, so now’s a good time to figure out what to wear!

 
 

Whether it’s a more cozy and comfy vibe or a more dressed up and autumnal aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with this wonderful holiday! Though I do love a cute and stretchy lounge set (especially with all the stuffing and pumpkin pie I’m gonna eat this year!), I do love a good excuse to dress up for the holiday. Fall is my favorite fashion season after all!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I’m especially loving this plaid maxi flutter-sleeve dress from Anthropologie I got earlier last month- I think it’s THE PERFECT dress for Thanksgiving and autumn overall! First off, it’s incredibly comfortable with the fit and flowiness. They were out of a regular small, so I got it in a petite medium so the bottom wouldn’t be too long for my height. I also adore the plaid pattern and sleeves, and with a woven basket I feel like Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz! With shoes, you can’t go wrong with a fancy heel if you want to go more formal. Personally, I like pairing them with my Steve Madden black lug sole booties for more of a country girl kind of look. You could even pair them with Western-type boots to aim for the country style feel!

Unfortunately, this dress is no longer in stock. If it does come back and if anyone is interested, I’ll share the link! In the meantime, I linked a few similar dresses below, along with shoes and accessories similar to what I’m wearing!

All photos were taken by Katie Rios - check out her content on her Instagram: @katie_mae_photography

 
 

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Fresh For Fall: The Latest Fits

Happy Halloween, y’all!

How is it the last day of October and November is tomorrow?! Although fall is my most favorite season, I absolutely dislike how fast it goes by! Each year I’m always making double sure to savor every moment of the beautiful Ohio foliage and simpliticties, right before the Midwest winter kicks into high gear!

Because I’ve been taking extra time to savor the precious season of autumn, I haven’t had much time to create fall fashion content. Luckily today, just in time before the holidays as fall/winter styles become more shoppable, I curated all of my looks into one post. I hope and pray it inspires you if you need help with your fall/winter wardrobe! 🍂❄️

 

Warm Weather Fall Outfit

I wore this outfit earlier in the season when it was still warm outside in Ohio. It was actually 80 degrees when I wore it! 🥵 Even tough it wasn’t the cozy look I was hoping to aim for when photoshooting in the fields of pumpkins and mums, I thought it makes a good outfit for the warm weather days of the season, especially for those who live in warmer climates like Florida, Texas, California, etc.

The only in-stock items featured are the short-sleeve ribbed tee from Target and the black leather knot headband from the same place. Though the jeans are no longer available, its brand Mother Denim has many similar options. The same goes for the plaid mule loafer flats and Nordstrom!

Now it’s finally cooled down!

Click here to shop the whole look!

Autumn Coveralls

I got this burgundy coverall jumpsuit from Target back in early September, and it’s been a wardrobe staple for me this season. It’s great for the days when the temperature is a little warmer, and it can be dressed down with white sneakers for a coffeeshop trip or dressed up with platform military booties for more of a edgy, autumnal look!

Cottagecore Fit Check

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Poncho season

Y’all know I love a good poncho for fall, and this black and white houndsooth flannel one from Old Navy is the perfect, versatile option for the season! I wore it with a white tank, black wide leg jeans, and black leather booties for a pumpkin patch outing earlier this month. It’s also a great piece to dress up with a black dress. I also have this skirt with an extremely similar pattern from Target that makes a chic matching set outfit, which I think will be great with a black long-sleeve shirt, tights, and black knee-high boots or heels for the holidays!

Friends-Inspired Outfits

Monica Geller’s red sweatshirt and jeans outfit from “The One With The Poker” episode … Click here to shop the whole look!

Rachel Green’s loungewear outfit from “The One With George Stephanopoulos” … Click here to shop the whole look!

COWGIRL COSTUME FOR HALLOWEEN

I figured I would share my Halloween costume with y’all since today people are dressing up and going out for trick-or-treat! I actually wore this for a Western-themed photoshoot I did with my photographer friends Katie Rios (@katie_mae_photography) and Jocelyn O’Bryon (@j.o.photoco) with horses, wide open fields, and the beautiful Ohio foliage in the background. I’ve never thought of myself as a country girl, but this fit and photoshoot made me consider the possibility of wanting a farm one day! 😂🤠

The white cowgirl hat is from Amazon, the denim belted flare jumpsuit is from Forever 21, and the white cowgirl boots are by MIA!

Coffeeshop Fit Check

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What’s your favorite outfit/look? Comment below and let me know!

Sunset Sophistication

 
 

Nothing like riding into August courtesy of a boat!

My family and I got back from a vacation to Michigan recently, and we had the opportunity to take a sunset ride on a boat out on the lake! For the outing, I wore this pink and orange colorblock two-piece set from Nordstrom (made by Petal & Pup) that I thought was fitting for the evening while watching the sunset and enjoying a delicious margarita. Not shown are my rhinestone sandals from DSW that I’ve been thriving in all summer, along with some classic gold jewelry and sunnies as always!

Anyone have any fun plans or trips for the remainder of summer? Comment below and share!

 
 

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