APPLE PICKING

MY OUTFIT: SHIRT (wearing size small)  ||  SCARF  ||  SNEAKERS  ||  JEANS (size down one size!)

FOS' OUTFIT:  SHIRT  ||  JOGGER PANTS

SAN'S OUTFIT:  SWEATSHIRT (sold out, similar HERE)  ||  JEANS

This week we've been down in Las Vegas visiting my parents. I grew up in Las Vegas, so it's always fun to be back, and October is one of the best months of the year. It's finally cooled down and the evenings are especially gorgeous, so you can go outside and actually enjoy the outdoors without dying of heatstroke.

Earlier this week we went to Gilcrease Orchards to check out their pumpkin patch, straw maze, donuts, apple cider, and apple orchards. It had been cool early in the morning when we left, but by the time we got over there it was warm and all the clouds were gone, so our fall clothes were a little toowarm. But we had fun, drank frozen apple cider to cool off, and the boys had a blast riding around in the wheelbarrow and picking the rotten apples off the ground.

Doing fall activities gets me so excited for real cool weather when San can wear this quilted sweatshirt all day long, and I can wear this big winter scarf on the regular. Old Navy is always my go-to for kids clothes, and I love their pieces for fall this year. And of course they're my favorite for budget friendly pieces for myself -- this shirt was only $25!

created in partnership with old navy

4 PIECES YOU NEED FOR FALL

Splendid Cardigan  ||  Ankle Boots  ||  Felt Hat  ||  Tassel Bag

created in partnership with Zappos

August always brings Fall Fever for me. It's still super hot, but all of the sweaters and boots are hitting stores so I have it on the brain. So I'm starting to prep for those cooler months with pieces that transition well, and then work through Fall and into winter. 

These are four pieces you should have in your closet for Fall! 

1. Lightweight cardigan. This one is so insanely soft, and also warm but lightweight enough to wear in the evenings on a cool summer night, or on a crisp autumn afternoon. It's also great for traveling or layering! 

2. Light colored ankle boots. If you follow me on instagram, you'll see how obsessed I am with these ankle boots right now. A light colored pair is great for the end of summer, and the cutouts make them easy to wear even on warm days. They would also look amazing with shorts or a skirt (I wore them with a pencil skirt right here) during the warm months before Fall.

3. Felt hat. A felt hat is a total Fall staple. I love how they instantly add texture and warmth to any outfit. This one is the perfect neutral color and is only $36!

4. Neutral crossbody bag. With all the rich textures and hues of Fall, I like to have a neutral bag that can go with everything. My bag size of choice is always a medium/small sized crossbody bag, and I'm in love with this one. The braided strap and tassels make it unique and fun while still being really neutral and simple. 

What are your must haves for Fall? 

HOW TO STYLE THE OVER THE KNEE BOOTS TREND

OUTFIT DETAILS:  OVER THE KNEE BOOTS  ||  GRAY DENIM  ||  OLD LULU*S SHIRT, SIMILAR HERE  ||  CROSSBODY BAG  ||  SUNGLASSES (via Ditto's endless eyewear program (use code MERRICKSART to get your first month free!))

When over the knee boots started showing up last year, I was totally dubious of them. I mean, some people looked good in them, but they seemed bulky and overbearing for an outfit.

And then like all good shoe trends, they stick around and better options become available over time. Also my Grannie always says about new trends, "first you abhor, then you endure, then you embrace." Such is the case with over-the-knee boots...because now I love them.

They're kind of a tricky trend to style, but there are three good options that for styling them that are pretty universally flattering:

1. With skinny jeans. Try it with blue jeans, black jeans, or gray jeans. Any of these three will work, no matter what color boots you own. Then pair it with an oversized sweater for a chic but cozy fall look. 
2. With leggings. This creates a slightly more casual look, most of the time. Add a sweatshirt and a messy bun and you've instantly made these boots more casual. 
3. With tunics or mini-dresses and skirts. Boots this tall should not be paired with long skirts or dresses since your legs look bulky if there's no exposed leg. You want a good gap of leg between the top of the boots and the hem of your top or dress. To keep myself covered up when wearing shorter hemlines, I'd add a pair of opaque tights or leggings. 

Although my very favorite pair that I swoon over every time I see someone wearing them is way out of my price range, there are a lot of other good options out there at really reasonable price points. I've rounded up a few of my favorites in the widget below, but I'm particularly loving this tan pair (also comes in black), and this very simple and classic pair.

Shop them by clicking the pictures in the widget below!

photos by jana laurene

FOUR WAYS TO TIE A BLANKET SCARF

Last year blanket scarves were so trendy, and this year I'm so excited because they're back again! They're such a versatile and cozy accessory, and while some scarves are more for looks, blanket scarves are a statement piece while also keeping you cozy and warm for those chilly fall and winter days.

But because blanket scarves are huge, they can be a little trickier to style than a traditional scarf. So I'm teaming up with Zappos today to show you four ways to style your blanket scarf!

I love Zappos because they have a huge selection of product and such a great search engine so it's easy to find anything you're looking for -- like their 40 different blanket scarves. And once you make your selection, you'll have it on your doorstep within a day or two with their crazy fast, free shipping. I chose this blanket scarf because it's neutral enough to wear over and over again without being obvious, but is still visually interesting. And it's an easy print and color to dress up or down.

First up, the traditional loosely draped.

Start with the scarf folded diagonally. Cross the ends behind your neck, and then bring them back around the front and drape over your shoulders. So easy.

Next, the infinity scarf.

Start with it folded diagonally, then bunch the entire scarf up to make it thinner. Place behind your neck, then cross the ends and wrap behind your neck. Tie in a double knot at the back of your neck. Tuck the knot inside. Also, I think your hair looks best mostly tucked into the scarf for this style.

Third, the belted cape.

Start with it folded diagonally, then drape over your shoulders. Cross the fronts of the scarf and belt in place.

And lastly, the easy "over the shoulder."

Fold in half diagonally and drape behind your neck with one side longer than the other. Loosely flip the long side over your shoulder and tuck in place. Effortless and chic!

OUTFIT DETAILS:  JOE'S JEANS via ZAPPOS  ||  OLD NAVY CHAMBRAY SHIRT  ||  WEDGE BOOTIES via ZAPPOS  ||  BLANKET SCARF via ZAPPOS

Which way is your favorite??

photos by rad and happy | created in partnership with zappos

EMBRACING AUTUMN

OUTFIT 1: OLD NAVY BLOUSE (wearing size small)  || OLD NAVY CARDIGAN (wearing size XS)  || SIMILAR JEANS  ||  SIMILAR ANKLE BOOTS

OUTFIT 2: OLD NAVY DRESS (wearing size medium, but I took in the sides) ||  CARDIGAN

It's no secret that October is my favorite month (well, besides December). But we're still in the middle of a terrible heatwave here in SoCal, so I'm doing my best to bring autumn to my wardrobe by adding warm fall colors, and then adding layers as the weather cools.

I walked into Old Navy the other day and their Fall collection is killing me with gorgeousness -- so many beautiful warm colors, patterns, and prints that will make you want to bundle up with a thermos of hot cocoa and head for the mountains.

I already own this blouse in burgundy, and loved it so much that I picked it up in burnt orange as well. It's one of those perfect pieces you can wear with jeans, leggings and boots, or tucked into a skirt.  Bundled up with this cozy cardigan (which is also super versatile), it was perfect for walking through the woods with my boys on a cooler evening last week.

I spotted this burnt orange dress from across the store and instantly knew I had to have it. I went from zero burnt orange pieces to two in a matter of minutes! Although I tried it on by itself at first (and of course loved it), I came home and paired it with a burgundy cardigan and burgundy bag for a dressier fall look that is rich and warm and basically a color combo match made in heaven.

Old Navy has a ton of other amazing fall pieces that are perfect for cooler or warmer fall weather, whichever you're experiencing at the moment. I linked to them in the widget below:

photos by rad and happy || created in partnership with Old Navy

4 TRENDS YOU SHOULD TRY THIS SEASON

OUTFIT DETAILS: FLARED DENIM  | |  BURGUNDY TOP  | |  SADDLE BAG

Flared Denim. Flares are back this season and more modern and chic than ever before. They're supposed to be purchased extra long and should be worn with heels, wedges, or heeled boots so your legs look about ten miles long. Tuck a chambray shirt or simple solid tee into them, or pair them with an oversized blouse or flowy tunic. I opted for the latter based on my growing belly, but once this baby is out, you can bet I'll be rocking the other styling ideas as well.

Also, these jeans, although pretty pricey, are the most comfortable jeans I've ever worn. They're so soft I could (and might) wear them as pajamas, and have the perfect amount of stretch. I also love that I found them at Zappos, because with their free two-day shipping I can have them super fast and try them on at home, but if they don't fit, I can send them back for free.

Burgundy. Every year this color shows up in some form and always by a different name. Wine, currant, oxblood, merlot, and this year they're calling it "marsala." But whatever you want to call it, it's an amazingly gorgeous color that looks good on everyone. You must try it.

Fringe. The fringe trend is still going strong, so if you still haven't jumped on the wagon, Fall is the time. Try a fringe bag, a sweater, shoes, jewelry -- there are tons of great options, and it adds amazing visual interest and texture to any outfit.

Saddle Bag. The saddle bag is this season's "it" bag, and I instantly fell in love with the unexpected shape. I'm a huge fan of the medium sized crossbody bag, as I've mentioned before, and this shape creates such a fun, laid-back vibe to any look.

Have you tried any of these trends yet?

photos by rad and happy / created in partnership with zappos

3 TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING YOUR WARDROBE TO FALL

OUTFIT DETAILS: tunic | jeans here and here (extra distressing by me) | sandals (more sizes here) | envelope crossbody bag | pendant necklace (similar here) | floppy hat (under 30!)

photos by sara walk

Back to school is right around the corner, Halloween decorations are starting to show up in stores, and probably many of you, like me, are starting to get the Fall itch. Time to pull out all the sweaters and boots! But since it's still warm enough for summer clothes, here's a few tips for transitioning your wardrobe so you feel like Fall, but you won't overheat in layers.

1. Pull out the dark hues. Burgundy, olive, burnt orange, mustard, or plaid...wearing anything in these colors or patterns will instantly make you feel ready for Autumn. Just find lightweight blouses, button ups, or simple dresses in these colors, rather than sweaters or jackets so you beat the heat but still feel seasonal.

2. Try festive accessories. You don't need a full Fall outfit to feel ready for the season. Swap out your pink and orange nail polish for burgundy or navy blue. Add ankle boots to your summer dress. Pair your lightweight blouse with a floppy wool hat. Small doses will give you the feel without the layers. 

3. Wear your Fall layers unexpectedly. You can still pull out your scarves, jackets, and sweaters -- just tie your sweaters and jackets around your waist for a layered (but much cooler) look, or tie your scarf around your purse strap. It helps add the amazing textures and layers that come during the cooler months, but won't have you sweating your buns off all day. 

And if all else fails, just go make something pumpkin flavored ;) 

Any other tips for transitioning to Fall? I'm suddenly craving crunchy leaves, cable knit sweaters, and apple cider like crazy.