Let’s just say that when I saw Geri Hirsch rock this stripe Isabel Marant Étoile blazer at Create & Cultivate last month, I knew I had to have it.  Paired with my favorite distressed black jeans and funky cool platform sneakers, this blazer is the kind of easy piece that I want to be in from day to night, with its faded boat stripes and classic French Riviera-esq feel.  Oh, and it’s currently 60% off right now which doesn’t hurt.

And we all know I love laceless sneaks—they are quite possibly the most comfortable shoe to run around in—but when I first saw the platform sneakers, I admitted that they were a stretch even for me.  

But since I can never stay away from a funky cool statement piece for long, I snagged a pair from Miu Miu (a brand I will always swear by, so I knew they’d be a solid purchase).  After taking the platform sneakers for a spin, I was a quick convert, and welcomed their added height. And you know since I’m shrinking each year (a year older an inch shorter)…a little added height comes in handy!  Truly, MKR

For those days when I’m running to meetings around town, I know I need a polished look, and I tend to think: layers. You already know that I’m always one to reach for wardrobe staples for comfort and style I can rely on time and time again. So when I want to do a little layering, I approach it simply as updating wardrobe staples with carefully-curated accessories. That could mean adding a cardigan, a silk scarf, a statement necklace, a belt, you name it. 

I’ll start with a staple like this grey sweater paired with my favorite black distressed jeans and my killer grey suede Manolos (so worth the spurge ps). And to accessorize, I’ll add the softest cardigan in my closet right now, along with an old favorite scarf tied to a new favorite navy satchel handbag and a funky cool statement necklace from Gunner & Lux.  All in all, this look is perfectly polished, comfortable, and most importantly me.  Truly, MKR

P.S. If you’re all heart eyes for my gorgeous navy handbag too, it’s your lucky Monday! We’re kicking the week off right with a MAJOR giveaway with our friends at Zac Posen. We’ll be giving away a bag of your choice from the Zac Zac Posen Fall Collection (!!!); simply enter the handbag giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. Winner will be notified next week, so in the meantime, take a peek at a few of our favorite picks here, here, here and here. 

P.P.S. The sweater, along with the cardigan pictured above are 40% off right now at LOFT (along with everything else at 40% off, and I mean everything else)! xo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I think you’ll agree that MKR’s excitement for fall and all it entails that we’ve all seen on Instagram is contagious (SEC tailgating, sweater season, festive new arrivals in the Shop, apple cider, fall fashion).  I used to find it bittersweet to see summer fade into fall, but I’ve got to admit: this year I’m ready to dress for the harvest season. 

It’ll come to no surprise to you that my personal fashion game has grown exponentially since working under MKR.  Think of it as my own little fashion guru, inspiring me to take a few risks with new fashion trends and teaching me when to invest in quality items that I’ll have forever.  

So when MKR shared her list of fall fashion must haves with me, I took lots of notes.  From penny loafers to sweater vests to flattering flares, I’m eager to strap up in style for the lowering temps this year. Now I’ve just got to work on my skills in the kitchen to whip up all those hearty fall pies and tasty libations, but hey one step at a time. Click on the image above to scroll through the slideshow of fall fashion must haves.  Cheers, Kat

P.S. For more fashion inspiration, check out our pin boards (we’re updating on the reg).