The Shopping Tote: An Everyday Essential

When I found this tote at Thrifter market I knew it would become a staple. Not only because it's reversible, but also because it's large enough to hold all of my everyday items. While I typically use this bag for my weekday office needs, it's also extremely effective when I take it to the market. Talk about double duty... in every way possible. ;)

You'll notice items making repeat appearances more frequently, and that's entirely intentional. You don't need to have a massive closet to create a bunch of really chic looks, and this one screams fall. I picked reds and army greens as my main colors for my fall capsule, and this look has a really nice combination of both. Not a lot of looks in my wardrobe take color to this extreme anymore, so it's fun to play with it when I get the chance.

I'm already starting to plan my winter capsule, and I'm noticing a trend towards black that is pretty typical of me in the "colder" months. I'm finding that I have to deliberately inject color into my wardrobe to brighten it up a bit... partially because I'd stick out like a sore thumb in Miami otherwise (a stylish sore thumb, but still). 

So here's to a little more color, while it lasts. To all of my readers bracing for Hurricane Matthew, stay safe!! 

Style Notes and Outfit Details

Dress via Nordstrom (similar) // I bought this dress right after I moved back to Florida, around the time I started this blog, and it helped me discover my deep and undying love for maxi dresses. They're now a staple in my closet, but this one is always somehow in the rotation.

Boots are Dune London via Nordstrom Rack (similar) // Remember these from the last post? I told you they were versatile.

Vest via Anthropologie (similar) // There aren't a lot of pieces I am willing to dry clean, but this is one of them. It's so fabulous that it's worth the maintenance. Find an item like that and you know it's a winner.

Sunglasses c/o Blue Planet Eyewear (also love these) // These also made a second appearance in a row! It just seemed appropriate to pair red accessories with a red dress. You can't say I'm wrong. :P 

Bag via Thrifter Market (similar) // Versatility is key, especially with a capsule, and this bag is nothing if not versatile. My only complaint is that maybe it's TOO big, because I seem to love to over-fill it and kill my shoulders. Same issue that Jane Birkin had with her namesake bag.

Watch via Akribos XXIV // Bought my senior year of college, this watch is one of my more interesting pieces. It's a wind-up, and all of the gears are visible. It's really very pretty, and it's a men's watch... so I actually get plenty of compliments from the fellas about it.