The Hoosier Homemaker: September 2015

Monday, September 21, 2015

Favorite Fall '15 Fashions

Fall is one of my favorite seasons for fashion (and alliteration apparently). The temperatures are just cool enough to add an extra layer or two without bulking up... and those topper pieces make all the difference! Plus, scarves. And boots! Flip-flops are comfy and all, but nothing sharpens an outfit like a classic pair of boots or a cute pair of patterned flats. Here are a few items that I'll be adding to my wardrobe for the fall, and I'm sure they'll stay in the closet for years to come! There's definitely sustainability to items like shoes and outerwear that will carry you through multiple seasons and changing fashions.

Ankle Boots / Booties

Nicole Women's Stack Boots

I just purchased these babies on Amazon, and I am in love! They are super comfortable and a lower heel makes for easy all-day wear, even when I'm on my feet a lot. They look great with scrunched or cuffed skinny jeans, as well as boot-cut jeans. Basically the perfect bootie! I've been looking for some to replace a super cute pair I bought at the Nine West Outlet about 4 years ago, but didn't have any luck with that particular style (almond toe and a dip at the ankle which was flattering to my short legs... the closest I could find were these, but they seem to be out of stock everywhere). So I tried a different style, and they definitely work. Plus, these Nicole boots have a zipper on the side (which the others did not), so they're much easier to slip on.

Cargo Jacket

Similar

I've been looking for a new cargo jacket for a while, and I finally found this one by Love Tree at one of my new favorite places to shop Refined Threads Boutique -- a clothing store on wheels! Owner/stylist and the brains behind this cool concept, Kristin Bontrager, stocks her mobile boutique with unique seasonal items in all different brands, styles, and sizes. She can even host a clothing party at your own home! I love her sense of style and know I will always find something to add to my closet in her magical fashion truck!

Classic Wrap Dress

Lighthearted Lecture Dress in Cranberry (ModCloth)

Who doesn't love a wrap dress?? They're adjustable and universally flattering. This one is a beautiful wine color that will work now with flats and a statement necklace, and as the weather cools down with tights, boots and a lightweight jacket or sweater.

Patterned Flats

Chelsea Flat in Tribal (PayLess)

I love a good animal print (which would work equally well for fall), but this tribal pattern was just calling my name. It's got all the right colors to fit my existing fall wardrobe and will really help tie things together! A patterned/textured shoe is a fun way to make any outfit pop.

Comfy Cardi-Sweater

A piece like this is always going to be versatile in your wardrobe -- perfect for cooler days, but not too heavy, and layers well with just about any blouse, tank or tee. I like the ones with a tie for some waist-defining action, and a removable tie is even better if you feel like leaving it open. I haven't bought a new one yet because I'm still looking for just the right style/color, but I'll let you know when I find one I love!

Oversized Scarf/Shawl/Wrap

Voile Bohemian Plaid Scarf

Scarves are always in season, and this one looks particularly perfect for fall and winter, as well. The size is big enough to serve as a cozy blanket for chilly tailgating, but can also be folded any numbers of ways for a fashionable and warm accessory.

And here is a sneak peak at some of the primary pieces from my fall capsule wardrobe -- loving this palette of earthy jewel tones, these colors are my jam!

What is popping into your fall palette these days?

Sunday, September 20, 2015

September Desktop Calendar: The Small Things

We're only most of the way through September, so the calendar still works, right?? It's been a busy month with work, social events and just general homemaking duties, so I'm just trying to take it all in stride. My calendars (yes, plural, I have about 5 of them and yes, I duplicate my plans on all of them... it's the only way I can remember) are full and it certainly makes the time fly. But I'm not complaining! One of my favorite seasons is upon us, and it seems like Autumn rushes towards Christmas faster and faster each year. So, I'm trying to savor all the joys of fall--including plenty of pumpkin spice lattes--and enjoy the transition from flip-flops and shorts to skinny jeans and ankle boots!

As I'm enjoying all the wonderful things this season has to offer, I'm also remembering all the potential the coming months hold and trying to keep my focus on what matters most. This month's calendar is inspired by the idea of excelling in the little things: the day-to-day matters that keep our household running, our relationships growing, our faith working. God works in little things, even as His plans for us are big, bigger than we can imagine, requiring daily faithfulness, regular sacrifice and consistent pursuit of His will. So I'll leave you with the calendars that I hope will serve as a reminder of our daily calling (2 Corinthians 4:16), and this quote from Elisabeth Elliot:

“Think of the self that God has given as an acorn. It is a marvelous little thing, a perfect shape, perfectly designed for its purpose, perfectly functional. Think of the grand glory of an oak tree. God’s intention when He made the acorn was the oak tree. His intention for us is ‘… the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.’ Many deaths must go into our reaching that measure, many letting-goes. When you look at the oak tree, you don’t feel that the loss’ of the acorn is a very great loss. The more you perceive God’s purpose in your life, the less terrible the losses seem.”

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