Back in Boots

Fall has definitely happened in Chicago, and I love it. I don't know if it's just that I love fall so much or that I'm so glad the humidity has gone away, but I have been in just about the best of moods ever since the weather started getting cooler last week. My house has been in constant candle-mode, alternating between Slatkin & Co's (Bath & Body Works) "Leaves", "Creamy Pumpkin", and "Autumn Apple." Yum!!! I also made the first batch of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars of the season last night, and then proceeded to eat two of those and drink a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as my dinner. As someone on Facebook commented "I'm sure that covers at least 4, maybe 5, of the food groups anyways!" Haha.

What fall means as far as my wardrobe goes is this: SWEATERS AND BOOTS ARE BACK! I threw a big chunky sweater on Wednesday night and had forgotten how super comfortable and warm they always are. Mmmm. Here's today's outfit:

Outfit
Dress: TJ Maxx
Scarf: H&M
Sweater, Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: Durango via RCC Western

And in the background? Only my absolute favorite flowers- gladiolas! They were surprisingly cheap at Whole Foods... $3.99 for 10 stems.

What are your favorite parts of Fall that you are excited about? Or are you like me and it's just about everything to do with it?

Hurry!

Through midnight tomorrow, you can use the code "FALL30" on Steve Madden online orders and get 30% off your entire order. I personally will be using this to get THESE little babies:

It does exclude clearance and a few other styles (including a pair I was going to get, but in the end I think I like the MADIEE's better) so be sure to double check when you enter the code at check out.

If you miss the cut off for that code, I believe you can still use the code "SMFREESHIP" to get free shipping on your order, but this unfortunately also excludes clearance and can't be combined with the 30% off code. All clearance shoes are currently only $19.99, and if you wear a women's size 10 it's your lucky day because I've noticed a lot of the cuter styles are only available in that size now!

They have a lot of cute boots in stock now, a lot with a definite cowboy boot influence without necessarily having the full blown western look. Here are some of my current picks in the store:

The PAMMYY seems simple enough but also comes in some wild prints.

The classic Oxford look in a wedge.

The HAIIKU. I believe I posted about this one before, but it's currently on sale for $79.95 from $129.95!

The CHEEEKY comes in your choice of two velvet floral prints or cognac leather.

Boots and Belt Put to Action.

Well, here's the follow up outfit with the boots/belt combo. I paired them with my new 3/4 rolled up sleeved dress from Old Navy, the new purple zip leggings (Though in most of the pictures it's kind of hard to even tell they're purple), and a bright coral cami. I tried something new curling-wise with my hair, and I'm hoping I'll get a chance tomorrow to post the how-to for it. For now, it kind of just looks a little fuzzy in these pictures, but I assure you it was much better in person. I am really just terrible at taking timer pictures, I guess. The last picture is a sneak peak from what I hope will be the how-to post. :-)

Unhealthy Obsession With Cowboy Boots.

I guess I've never really thought about it until last night, but I truly do wear these boots damn near everywhere. Not necessarily all the time, but they've had quite their share of bonding time with my feet. I got to my friend's last night to have one of my guy friends asking why I was wearing cowboy boots, only to have all my girlfriends respond with "What? She ALWAYS wears those!" They're actually surprisingly warm for winter, but go great with short summery sundresses, so ta-da... year round Taylor Swift-esque style, I suppose.

Gap 3/4 length cardigan
Forever 21 Strapless Dress
Old Navy Grey Leggings.
(These actually have a zipper detail at the bottom that I wasn't sure about but now LOVE, though you can't see it with the boots on)

This picture was from friday night. I didn't manage to get a picture of the full outfit from last night but it involved a t-shirt style blue dress from old navy that cinches at the waist, black leggings, a metallic grey belt, and the cowboy boots. I think I'm really just a fan of the contrast between the black leggings and chestnut boots....

I think I've had a million people ask me where I got these, and surprisingly enough, they are actually from a real Western store. So given, they weren't the cheapest shoes, but they're actually surprisingly comfortable if you're not walking a TON, and completely durable, so they're all up for the wear and tear of nights out drinking.