and i thought i had issues!

The blow of saying goodbye to summer is often softened by the world’s collective love of fall fashion. We’ve all seen The September Issue by now, right? My fall must-haves list is made long before leaves even hit the ground due in part to the brigade of magazine subscriptions scattered about my every working and living space, handbag, car, lunch room, and so on. After flipping through every last mag (I favor Elle and Lucky) and runway show online, I put together my favorite looks for fall; thus, granting me license to shop with only my key pieces in mind.

Annually, I choose to kick off the seasonal style transition in my Sister’s city, San Francisco. After treating my Sis to a few of her fave things, we hit the town in search of the season’s best. This year I was deeply disappointed with the lackluster selection at my always favorite H&M, but was blown away by how swiftly Zara stole the #1 style slot with its blatantly designer knock-off influenced collections. Sister has raved about Zara since her days as a student living in Greece, but in typical fashion it took me awhile to catch up with her. I won’t even get started on my overwhelming excitement of my introduction to the secret wonderland that is Sports Basement. Thanks to that safe haven, I can now kick back after a long day of speed shopping in a freshly discounted pair of cozier-than-thou Uggs. Hey now, go easy as I am primarily a standing shopgal. Comfort isn’t always stylish or merely seasonal!

Here’s a sampling of my overall fall inspiration. I’m loving the combination of camel, khaki green, grey and navy mixed with animal prints. Pants are back with an oversized bang (I always prefer high-waisted), but I’m equally intrigued by tweed shorts or long skirts paired with tights and lace-up boots. The new bold minimalism is long, lean and accented with a slouchy neck tie, fur scarf or shearling collar. It all amounts to a lovely little something I’ve dubbed “Late 1970’s secretary in loose  menswear on a camping trip.” And just like that (!) I’ve defined my personal style muse for fall. Perhaps we’ll call her Autumn for short.

autumn leaves.

sizing up my competition.

Warning: this is not your average Style Trial post! Rarely do I venture out on assignment, but I jumped for boy-crazy joy when I heard that my ultimate crush was in town to show off his superior skills in the Dew Tour’s vert competition. And yes, I did have to google the definition of vert, but I’m totally on board now. Did I actually think that Shaun White and I would lock eyes and our style connection would bond us forever? No way! Was I certain that my general admission ticket would guarantee a spectacular view of The Dew? Absolutely not! But that didn’t stop me from stepping out of my clothing comfort zone and into something a little more skater skimpy (aka Pro Ho) to possibly get his attention if I got the chance! Helping guide my ensemble was a random 100 degree heat wave, and I can’t help but point the finger at my Hot Ginge for that one. I bribed one of my bestie’s to “do the Dew” with me as we set forth in search of Shaun White, skater chic… oh and to watch some epic skateboarding too!

step 1: arrive early for once!

every skater kid (and their mom) gave us the WRONG directions to find the vert competition! thank you coffee for helping us persevere!

an exception to my every rule: short-shorts, but i had to!

was it the shorts or just plain good luck 'cause this was my freakin' view!

just dew it!

he won...

... and clearly i did too!

"LOVE Shaun White!" so i guess autographs are back in style now!

Note to self: dreams dew come true, it doesn’t hurt to show a little leg, and always be the bigger person!

feel the burn.

Though I’m no Tracy Anderson, I can admit to a pretty steady relationship with working out. I embraced this necessary evil once it finally clicked that I feel productive and healthy every time I do it. All I really know about exercise  is the filthier the rap, the longer I can run (everything else I learned from a book at the public library). You might assume I strut to the gym in some supa dupa fly tracksuit, but in actuality I never look dumpier than in my college t-shirt and men’s basketball shorts. I have always thought workout wear was for posers until a recent random purchase of running shorts. I felt like the gym harlot in such short shorts before accepting their comfortable practicality; however, you will never see me pumping iron in a skimpy sports bra (let’s all agree to leave that one to Gabrielle Reece). With my newfound functional fashion discovery has come a flood of ways to spice up my sporty. Perhaps you too will be inspired to flex your abs of style after some motivational retail therapy.

make it work.

1. Eminem Curtain Call; Missy Elliot Best, Best; T.I. Paper Trail

2. The North Face Bounce-B-Gone Sport Bra

3. Nalgene Squishy Bottle w/ ATB Cap

4. Nike Tempo Track Short

5. Nike Free Hyper TR

6. Adidas Wooster Watch

7. Adidas Sleek Logo Tank

8. NBA Logoman Headband