Lady Gaga made me buy this sweater.

While strolling through Anthropologie I overhead a couple laughing at how ugly this sweater was and how the only person ridiculous enough to wear it was Lady Gaga.  Of course I had to see such a treasure for myself.  Once I was wrapped in it’s blankie-like cocoon I knew it was coming home with me.  It totally embodies autumn and feels like a warm hug.  Paired with two of my favorite staples on the planet, Madewell high riser skinny skinny jeans (the only high rise jeans I’ll ever wear) and L.K. Bennett buckle booties, I’m ready for pumpkin patches, wine tasting and everything else that autumn has to offer.

We’re this close.  It should be sweater weather.  Try as I might to will autumn into existence, this eternal summer just won’t budge.  But it’s time to rebel.  My boots and sweaters are feeling very neglected and far be it for me to ignore my babies.  I waited until the last glimpse of sunlight (when it’s coolest) to bust out my wool (notice it’s short sleeved) and ankle booties.  Rebellion feels good.  At least figuratively.

I love a good graphic tee.  Not only are they nostalgic, but they serve as great conversation starters. Over the years my husband and I have collected quite the vault, and the top three that never fail to attract attention are Missing Missy, the Piggly Wiggly and this Bluth Banana Stand number.

The styling potential of the graphic tee is vast.  I like to wear mine under a frayed Canadian tuxedo as seen above, or with a polished Theory suit + heels.  The point is that a graphic tee has personality unlike other articles of clothing – rather than going the obvious route and displaying it front and center, I like to pair it underneath something unexpected so the joke is a little more subtle.  Make em’ think, ya know?

Sometimes I just need to hit the reset button. Especially during this in between time when the seasons are changing and nothing I thrown on seems quite right. There is nothing better to cleanse the sartorial palette than a basic black ensemble. It does my thinking for me. It packs a powerful statement without saying too much. It’s polished and pulled together.

Alexander Wang has long been one of my favorite designers for not-so-basic basics. Each piece he creates pulls a look together but still manages to stand out in it’s own special way. His creations are like a perfect little unusual dot on an “i”. Necessary yet unconventional.

Reset. Set.

In Greek, we have many words for love, but there are four that serve as the pillars for all relationships. Philia, a mental love, refers to the love and loyalty we show to our friends. Storge, an affectionate love, is the kind we have towards family. And eros is a passionate, romantic love. It’s Agape, the fourth and most important pillar, that describes the truest kind of love. Agape is unconditional, selfless love. One that is given whole heartedly without ever expecting anything in return. It shines the brightest and can never be extinguished even against insurmountable odds.  Two years ago today, I celebrated this incredible love by marrying my best friend.  Happy Anniversary to the kindest, most amazing man I know.  S’agapo.

My mother gave me this shawl to wear on my wedding day.  Even though it’s suited for an insane, voluminous work of art, it shines just as bright with a simple silk top and a pair of jeans.  Each year on this day, I wear it as an homage to the happiest, most love filled day I’ve experienced.