Loafers!

Loafers are going to be the shoe for this fall.  I can't turn around without seeing yet another pair becoking me from a store shelf.  I originally saw them last fall, and saw a few pairs in the spring.  Honestly, these really shouldn't be called loafers, they're actually smoking slippers, which are worn with a smoking jacket.  I'm guessing many people wouldn't get the reference so they've been calling them loafers instead.  Whatever.

Gap has some incredible loafers, all the reasonable prices between $40-$50:





Gap has them all sorts of colors, textures, and details.  I'm loving the ones with the tassels and the basic tan ones.  Target also has several pairs for under $25 that are worth looking at as well.

I don't think you need to throw out your round toe ballet flats just yet, but from the trends I've been seeing for this fall and next spring & summer, pointy toe shoes are making the best statements.  So to get the most bang out of your fashion buck, invest in pointy toe flats.

BGP: Suave Scalp Solutions Shampoo

I've been having a lot of trouble looking for a great shampoo.  I had fallen in love with Sally Hershberger's Shampoo for Thick Hair, but it's become increasingly impossible to find, and getting burned from a seller on eBay put the nail in the great hair coffin.  So I've been continuing to try everything under the sun.  Enter Suave's Scalp solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:



 

(Suave Scalp Solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $4, drugstores)

I have super oily hair, and I've found that anti-dandruff shampoos can help with controlling the oil better than clarifying shampoos.  So, my line of thought when buying this shampoo was A) helping control the oil and B) I love the smell of coconut, so it seemed like a perfect purchase.

Beyond smelling fantastic, it lathers well (if that's important to you), and rinses out easily.  Since I don't use anti-dandruff shampoo to chase away flakes I can't comment on if it works for that purpose.  But what I wasn't prepared for was the fact it completely dried my hair out.  It felt--and looked-- like straw, and the conditioner I used with it didn't help at all.  However, there wasn't a speck of oil in my hair.  Obviously, due to the dryness, my hair was hard to handle, even though I just wear it up in a ponytail most of the time.

If you do have dandruff, it might be worth a try if you're having trouble finding a shampoo to help control flakes.  If you're like me and looking for ways to control oily hair, I'd skip this one.

Dresses You Can Wear Now Through Fall

Maybe  it's just because this summer has been ridicously hot but I have fall on the brain.  I want to wear jeans without my shins sweating.  I want to wear sweaters.  I want to be able to wear socks to bed.  Alas, it looks like this weather may be sticking around much longer than I'd like.  I'm also totally in love with dresses right now.  I don't wear dresses often so my sudden love for them is a bit odd.  To combine my desire for fall fashion and dresses, here are some dresses than can be worn through Thanksgiving:

(Polyvore Set Here)

From left to right:

Gap Braided Print Dress: I used to consider ikat a summer only print, but with the right coloring I believe it can last through the seasons.  The berry tones in this dress will make it perfect for autumn.

Ann Taylor City Sheath: The color is perfect for any time of the year, and this dress can be dressed up or down easily.  Yellow and gray are popular for this fall, but red, brown, plum, green, or just about any other color can be paired with this sheath.  Just keep black to a minimum to avoid looking like a bumble bee.  I think the model has just the right amount of black accessories.

Old Navy Cap Sleeve Jersey Dress: Any easy-to-wear dress in easy-to-wear colors.  I'd add a chunky navy cardigan or blazer and pair with the loafers that are huge for fall for an easy preppy look.

Anthropologie Bottle Green Dotted Party Dress:  The forest green spots on an cream background make this perfect for fall, and the flat bow with the yellow accents really make this incredible for fall festivites.  When I first looked at the bow on this dress online, I was afraid of it being too 80's-prom-dress-ass-bow-y, but it lies completely flat, and again, the yellow accents really do keep the dress from belonging in a 1987 high school yearbook.

Lilly Pulitzer Kinley Dress: This is a sweater dress, but the loose knit makes it great for those summer nights that get chilly. The navy and berry colors keep it great for both summer and fall.

 

 

 

LOOKBOOK: August 6

Small Cabochon Bangle Set (Ann Taylor Loft, $34)

Fantastic for all but the most formal of occasions.  Also available in silver.

LOOKBOOK

If you follow me on Twitter (@wvfashion), you'll know I'm a big sports fan.

 Vintage Olympic Tees, $30, Gap

 Since the 2012 London Olympic Games are in a mere ten days, I thought it would be
appropiate to get in the spirit.

First Thoughts: Ole Henriksen Anti-Aging Kit

I've been noticing a few lines start to form under my eyes, not doubt due to my years of refusing to wear glasses.  When it came time to purchase face wash, I decided to try some anti-aging products.  While at Sephora, I came across this Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Anti-Aging kit.  I have done some research in the past on anti-aging skincare lines, and this one came very highly recommended.  Since it was on sale, I figured why not.

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Anti-Aging Kit, $68, DermStore

 This kit holds two month's worth of the following products:

• Foaming Face Wash, 2x a day


• Face Mist, 2x a day, can also use when you need "refreshing"


• Moisturizing face mask, 2x a week


• Eye cream, 2X a day


• Face scrub, 2-3x a week


• Moisturizer, 1x a day

So far, I've used everything in this kit other than the scrub.  Following the directions given to the letter, my absolute first thought is: "Damn, my face is greasy."  Like Valdez and the BP oil spill put together oily.  It's somewhat uncomfortable.  I have only been using the products since Friday night, but other than the greasiness, they're not bad.  The foaming fash wash makes my skin feel so incredibly soft.  I'm not getting the point of the facial mist, though.  I know it's a toner, but spraying it on your face is very awkward and it stings (the package says it will tingle).  I must say, though, that my skin looks bright and alive, so I'm excited to keep using it to see if it will help with my under-eye lines.

First Thoughts is a new series of posts that detail new products I'm using and my intial reactions to them.   

LOOKBOOK

I saw the Wes Anderson movie Moonrise Kingdom and am pretty obessed with the overall look of the movie.

 A-Line Ultimate Double Weave Mini Skirt, $60, Express

This reminds me of something Suzy might have worn in the movie.  This skirt also comes in black and camel, but I feel
the orange is not only perfect for late summer, but would be great to pair with tights in the fall.

If you're going to wear a color this bold, keep the rest of your outfit neutral to let the color really pop.