Holy Houndstooth, Batman!

I was recently helping a friend of mine shop for Roll-tide Weekend: Alabama vs. Ole Miss (as I write this, the game is underway).  She and her hubs were invited down for the festivities- and her calendar was full of meals, gatherings, and cocktail parties...all before the big game.  Needless to say, the wardrobe had to include a healthy variety of crimson and...one of THE biggest trends of fall 2012: Houndstooth!

It takes guts to pull this off.

If you haven't noticed, it's everywhere...and honestly, I love it.  The pattern. The use of black and white (my staples) or the pop of color (see below).  The classic, preppy style. So fab.  I have a 7 year old cotton houndstooth jacket from the Gap, and it's a go-to for me.  I even used to have the matching capri pants (see outfit above) that made it look like a suit.  I loved it.  The pants got a little too snug (alas) but I've held tight to that jacket!  I do secretly wish I had kept the pants just to appreciate the full outfit :)  Here's a few favorites of mine from across the fashion world...

A nice twist: Red and Black

JCrew got it right with these.

This looks divine with black pants.

Vince Camuto's sweater from Nordie's

Great enlarged print

Nordstrom Collection

And since high fashion should play too...

Tory Burch "Virginia"

Maybe the pattern just isn't your cup of tea, but if nothing else, it looks down right adorable in accessories like scarves and ties (for your gent!)- and it'll simply never go out of style.

Peter Pan Perfection

I had a fondness for Peter Pan when I was a child.  Something whimsy and magical about the boy who flies and Tinkerbell the fairy...not to mention the action adventure to Never Neverland...such a classic tale.

So it's no wonder I have found myself attracted to the fall trend of using the Peter Pan collar in fashion!  It's sweet and cute, very dainty and detailed, but not over the top, which appeals to me.
Here's a few of my favorites from some staple retailers:

I love how simple this is with jeans!

Kate Spade Jensen Top

Of course there is a great version at H&M!

H&M Collar Top

I like how the collar is toned down by using black and navy together.

JCrew Peter Pan Collar Tee

I couldn't resist picking the staple kelly green option! LOVE this.

Boden Peter Pan Top

So on those days when you just want a little more childlike wonder in your life where you can fly and never age, wouldn't wearing this style bring you such joy? :)

Flips for the Wrist

Being from the south, I have a deep love for flip flops.  In fact, just last year, I realized I only have one pair of summer sandals that are NOT flip flops.  Aside from needing to expand my shoe collection, the flip flop will be a staple in my closet for a long time.

Needless to say I was excited upon finding this little treasure:  the flip flop bracelet!

What could be better...a recycled flip flop made fair trade from a company in South Africa, a terrific mixture of striped colors, and each one less than $1!  My wrists are happier just thinking about it.  If you go to your local Paper Source, you can pick your favorite colors, or you can order online and see what assortment they select for you.  Either way, your wrists will "flip" with excitement!