Soft shorts and pretty gems

This is the last installment of my collaboration with TCL Boutique and CS Gems! And yes, I saved the best for last, as I am beyond obsessed with these adorable shorts. That's not to say the other two aren't as fun - you can catch yourself up here and here. I wasn't sure how I felt about the soft short trend, but I immediately fell in love with these because of the color, the pattern, and the cute lace trim. I ended up wearing my own top with it since it was a perfect match, and I immediately wanted to see how it would look with one of my many chambrays. I styled it this way on Instagram:

I chose this necklace (exact here) because the tribal inspired design balanced the look and complemented the boldness of the shorts quite nicely. I really could have gone with either silver or gold jewelry with this, and since I couldn't quite decide, I grabbed this cameo ring (exact here) for good measure. It's a locket also, and anything with a dual purpose makes me swoon. Plus, there's just something about the cameo design that automatically makes me love it. It's adjustable also, which is an added bonus because rings are always too big for me!

Sunnies: Tom Ford | Necklace: CS Gems (exact here) Use code CARYLEE15 for 15% off! | Bag: borrowed from Jenna | Top: Frenchi (option, option, short sleeved option here) | Bracelet: Nadri (option) | Ring: CS Gems (exact here) | Shorts: TCL Boutique | Sandals: American Eagle | Polish: Essie "Butler Please"

It's so fun to have lots of eyes on you as you're taking photos. I love the husband as my photographer, and am super grateful, but I know he's really just going through the motions and doesn't always catch if my hair is out of place or my muffin top is showing! This picture is of Carrie (the "C" in CS Gems) and Jenna making some adjustments as I casually hold onto my sunflower for dear life. 

If you're more of a golden girl vs. silver, this short pendant necklace is gorgeous - exact here. And so affordable! I think the gals at TCL Boutique were feeling like Carrie and Stacy are practically giving their pieces away based on how beautiful but low priced they are! It's truly hard for me not to buy every single piece! Be sure to stop by the CS Gems blog today as they're doing a little Q&A with yours truly! While you're there, why not do a bit of shopping? Use code CARYLEE15 for 15% off!

NOTE: These posts were sponsored by TCL Boutique and CS Gems, but all opinions expressed are my own.

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Segue

Yesterday's post was the perfect segue into today's post. There I was complaining about our last 82 degree day, about shorter days, and potentially 6 months ahead of cold weather. But today, let's focus on all the GOOD things about fall. Look behind me! I just love the colors of fall and I love living in a city that actually experiences fall. Our neighborhood is saturated with fall colors; these trees behind me are just a teeny piece of it.

And hello, blanket scarf weather! You would think with as many blanket scarves that I see in my Instagram feed that I would have an aversion to them by now. Granted, I'm not rushing out to add more to my collection, this one and my other one here are good enough for right now. They're perfect actually.

Scarf: H&M (option, budget option) | Top: Frenchi (option)  | Bracelet: Express | Bottoms: Express (option) | Booties: Vince Camuto (option, option, lower heel option)

I wore this over the weekend for family pictures! My brother-in-law is moving to LA over the next week or so, and since we knew opportunities for all the kids to be in the same city at the same time were going to dwindle as a result, we figured it was best to take a family photo before his big move. My sister in law had asked me to pick a color palette that we should all dress to, and well, this scarf basically sums up all the colors I picked - olive, burgundy, and mushroom. I couldn't decide which color to wear, so I figured I would just wear all of them!

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STLFW: Emerging Designer Competition

Wednesday night was one of two big runway shows for St. Louis Fashion Week (#stlfw). This was the Saint Louis Fashion Fund's Emerging Designer Competition presented by Brown Shoe Company. The Saint Louis Fashion Fund was developed in order to support and promote aspiring designers in the Midwest and ultimately help them advance in their field. Six finalists were chosen by the Saint Louis Fashion Fund's panel, and this runway show featured their collections. One winner, chosen by expert judges, would receive $15,000 on top of all the networking benefits and exposure the competition in and of itself offers. 

So where do I even begin to summarize this night? It was unlike anything I have ever experienced before in my life, and it absolutely was just like what you see in the movies in terms of talent and electricity. Honestly, it was way better than anything I have ever pictured a runway show to be. Let's start with what I wore and work from there.

Earrings: Kate Spade (option) | Necklace: Express (option) | Blazer: Frenchi (option, option) | Tank: Express | Bracelets: Kate Spade, Stella and Dot, Cara | Bottoms: Hue (similar in black here | Shoes: Kate Spade

I decided to go pants this round since I did dresses for the blogger awards and the Neiman Marcus event, and then I rocked my skort for the Blogger Lounge. Trying to be diverse here! Same reason why I kept my hair in the updo from that morning/afternoon - I wanted to change it up a bit. Plus it had been rainy and cold for about a week, and I really just wanted to be warm and comfy. These Hue Leggings were perfect for the event, and I was able to pull inspiration from my past collaboration partner, Jenna.

I was extra excited to have a partner to pose with me! Although, I'm standing awkwardly because I'm not used to posing next to someone! Haha! This is my cousin, Beth. The mother of the little girl previously mistaken as my daughter in this post here. How cute is she!? She pushed her comfort level on this outfit - faux leather is not usually in her wardrobe, but I love that she took the chance for the sake of being fashion forward at this runway show. The fact that she is pregnant and rocking heels just makes me love her even more. I couldn't help but snap a couple of details of her outfit.

Blazer: The Limited | Tee: JCrew Factory | Necklace: Premiere | Leggings: H&M | Shoes: Sam and Libby

The doors opened at 5:30, and we ended up arriving around 6pm. I heard that last year there was about 750 people in attendance compared to this year that was around 1,000. The show didn't start until 8pm but between the still fashion presentation, the photo booth, the Butik shopping, cocktails, and eats, there were plenty of things to keep us busy in the meantime.

There was also a people's choice award for Designers to Watch. A still fashion presentation of their collections was set up prior to the runway show, giving us spectators the opportunity to vote for our favorites. Not to brag, but my favorite designer - Pink Elephant Designs by Truly Alvarenga - won the $2500 prize. But seriously, I could wear this organza number every. Day.

That's not to say her competition wasn't equally as stunning. It really amazes me how much local talent we have here. I thought I knew, but I truly had no idea and I am now seeing St. Louis through a different lens. 

Nasheli Ortiz

Paulie Gibson

OK, now for the show! I seriously came home with 300 photos, y'all, so narrowing this down for you was such a big feat for me! These pictures don't really even do the collections nor the experience justice, but here are some of my favorite looks from each designer.

Daniella Kallmeyer - the winner of the competition

Wai Ming

Jessie Liu

Remi Canarie

Collina Strada

Harbison - who ended up winning a last minute runner up prize of $3500

I have been over the moon excited ever since these #stlfw events started. It's been such an amazing experience that is hard to articulate into words. I truly feel more connected to the City, and I have a newfound respect for the fashion inspiration here! I am so thankful that Alive Magazine has given me this opportunity to network, grow, and become more inspired! More to come on the second runway show! It's time for me to get dressed for it!

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Blacked out

It's been such a busy month, I can't hardly believe that August is almost over! Two busy travel weeks for work, and then my birthday weekend, and before I know it, my nephew will be here! My sister is due on September 4th, so literally this could happen any day now! I commiserate with all the other bloggers who have posted about their busy schedules, I'm definitely feeling that also, but still love blogging enough to torture myself to push through and share my outfits with you! 

Necklace: Kate Spade | Blazer: Frenchi (option, cheaper option) | Top: Express | Bracelet: Express (option)  | Watch: Kate Spade (option) | Bottoms: Express (option) | Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors (option)

It's pretty rare when I wear all black, so I kinda welcome it every now and then. I do still love to mix textures as much as possible with pops of interest like this bauble necklace and caged sandals. I'll admit that I felt like I should be working at Victoria's Secret in this outfit, but meh, I'll go with it. :)

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My work basics: Part 1

I have a couple of meetings out of town this week, so I figured it would be a good opportunity to show more traditional work wear pieces in my wardrobe. I've said a billion times that my office is a free for all when it comes to a dress code. It's great because I can wear whatever I want. On occasion I do have important meetings outside of the office where I feel business casual is more appropriate than corporate casual. For those meetings, I have a few pieces I turn to most.

Sunnies: Gucci | Earrings: Express (option) | Necklace: Express | Blazer: Frenchi | Top: Express | Belt: Bebe (option) | Skirt: Banana Republic | Bracelet: Gifted | Tights: Target | Pumps: Kate Spade

1. Blazer: I'm slowly growing my collection, but I turn to this one the most. It's just a simple, open style with no buttons or closures, with more of a cropped length. Proportionally, this is best paired over skirts and dresses, especially since I'm a bit high waisted.

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2. The Portofino: I prefer Express' portofino shirt as my button up of choice strictly for layering purposes. It's easy to layer over without adding bulk. I certainly understand there is a time and a place for a crisp, poplin shirt, but whenever I can, I reach for the portofino instead. And with all the colors it's offered in, it's really hard not to find *some*thing that catches your eye.

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3. The Pencil Skirt: I feel like the pencil skirt is the most universally flattering fit of any skirt. Perhaps that's a lofty statement, but I do feel that while it may take some hunting - you can find the perfect pencil skirt for you - high waisted, regular rise, straight cut, mermaid fit, etc. Today, I decided to go for a pop of color in my skirt while keeping everything else neutral.

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Tomorrow I'll share a couple other work basics. I admit, it's fun to dress more on the corporate side once in awhile. Once in awhile. I'm not sure I'd feel the same way if my entire wardrobe was consumed by the same pieces. Though, I think if it were, I would certainly focus on accessories a lot more to break up the monotony; hence why I'm wearing the bauble necklace and polka dot shoes today...

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Icy Cool

Sunnies: Tom Ford (73% off!) | Blazer: Express (option) | Top: Frenchi (option) | Necklace: Express (option) | Skinnies: American Eagle (option, option) | Bracelet: Forever 21 (option) | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (option, option) | Heels: Christian Louboutin

This outfit came up in one of my StyleUp emails last week, and I felt Pinspired to re-create it. What an awesome combination - ivory, beige, and mint. It's so icy cool, I can't hardly stand it!

Left: Penny Pincher Fashion

Talk about shopping my closet! This outfit feels 100% brand new to me, yet everything I'm wearing was pre-existing. I mentioned on Monday that I'd been feeling pretty uninspired this week in terms of my outfit planning, but this is the one exception. You can probably expect to see this one come back to life as a blog favorite. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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