joyfully so

Good morning, Pumpkin! Dallas has officially welcomed fall into town with open arms and warm blankets. My boyfriend and I had a enticing taste of fall by visiting Colorado, but it’s even more special now that sweater weather has arrived at home. Cue the pumpkin spice lattes and warm apple crisp.

When we were in Vail, I loved this vest and sweater combination! We were going in and out of the Vail shops, from the warm indoors to the cool outdoors, and this outfit was perfect for the variety of temperatures. The vest has a neutral cream and black print that pairs nicely with solid sweaters or striped shirts. I paired it with this black skirt (which is super versatile by the way!), tights and black booties. Fall layers didn’t become popular for any reason, I love layering because they are practical for the wide range of temperatures during the fall months.

Since I was traveling at the time, the amount of items I carry around at once can be a little ridiculous and overwhelming. There is a camera, second lens, additional camera gear, wallet, rain jacket, etc… that I need for outfit and landscape photos.  This durable tote, thankfully, helped to keep things simple.

I am off today and hoping to get outside for some yard work! These temperatures are hard to beat!

Hope y’all have a wonderful day!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details:

Hi friends! How was your weekend? We are back in Dallas now and are back to the swing of things. My boyfriend and I went to college together, so one of our favorite things to do together is watch our football team play on Saturdays. Yesterday we had a very exciting day cheering on our alma mater as ESPN College GameDay was filming on campus, and we capped off the day with a big football win.

When we were in Colorado, this sweater-flannel combination was one of my favorite outfits to change into after hiking outside. It is simple, relaxed, classy – and it just captures the essence of fall. The sweater comes in 10 colors and is currently on sale for $27! Wear a flannel, gingham or printed collared shirt underneath to dress up the look. If you want a patterned sweater this is a leopard print sweater is a cute alternative.

What is your favorite way to embrace sweater weather?

Hope y’all have a wonderful start to your week!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details:

Good morning from Beaver Creek, Colorado! Yesterday we had quite the surprise as we woke up to a blanket of fresh, fluffy snow. It was absolutely glorious! Living in Texas, we don’t see snow too often, much less 6 inches worth, so we spent the day hiking, making snowballs and eating snowflakes. Today it’s back to crisp, autumn temperatures and most of the snow on the lower half of the mountains has melted away. We have had the best of both fall and winter while here and I am all smiles as a result!

We have been going out to eat frequently while on vacation and I love throwing this casual sweater over a cami after a long day of hiking. It is super comfortable, warm and very affordable at only $20! Allow it to stretch slightly and fall off one shoulder if you prefer that style, or it can be worn in the traditional sense. The soft pink color pairs perfectly with white jeans and gold accessories. It is also available in a mustard yellow color.

Hope y’all have a great Wednesday!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details:

Hello from Colorado! We are putting life in the slow lane for a few days by exploring the Beaver Creek-Vail area. With fall in full swing, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous here! The leaves are a potpourri of greens, reds, oranges and yellows. I have seen pictures of Colorado in the fall, but the views in person are breathtaking. God’s creations never cease to amaze me.

Like most I love layers for fall. One of my favorite ways to layer is with a tank/camisole and a long cardigan. This versatile cardigan is the perfect fall staple and comes in several colors. It has sold out quickly in the past, but there are some other similar options available (here and here).

Under the cardigan I love adding tanks or camisoles. When I am in Texas, sometimes it can be too hot for cardigans during the afternoons so I especially love this tank because it can also be worn by itself! The detailing on it is adorable – with ruffles, pleats and a ribbon tie on the side. The fabric is silky soft and the color can be worn in many seasons. Pair it with a gold y-chain necklace for an added statement.

What are your favorite ways to layer? I have another cute option for layering later this week!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details:

Happy fall, y’all! I don’t know about y’all but now that fall is officially here, I am ready to sprint full speed ahead towards this amazing season! I am embracing the new season with open arms and a full mugs of pumpkin chai lattes.

To get the full fall experience we will be doing a quick trip to Colorado so I have been busily preparing for all the fall outfits and essentials. There are so many great fall finds this season! Besides a couple obvious, like flannel shirts and booties, I found some that are going to keep you extra stylish for the fall.

Linked below each category are approximately 5 different examples, of various price ranges, for ideas, inspiration and shopping. Have fun!

Top 10 Fall Essentials

Sweater Dresses – Whether you dress it up or down, they bring both style and comfort. I’m loving these this season with either tall boots or over the knee boots.

Fedoras – Oh my goodness, fedoras are so simple but they add so much to your outfit! You can find fedoras in all price ranges, depending on the material used. My affordable felt fedora has been wonderful and was under $20!

Leopard Mules – These are one of the hottest shoe styles of the season and won’t be leaving the scene anytime soon.

Long Cardigans – Perfect for fall layering, I love these to go over camis or flannel shirts. My recommendation:  buy one in a neutral color and another in your favorite color. I can’t stop wearing mine because they are so versatile!

Velvet – It has made its grand return. Velvet everything is back for the season. Add a velvet skirt, shirt, heels, or blazer with velvet details.

Over The Knee Boots – It took me a little while to adapt to these but know I love them with dresses and skinny jeans. Buy these with a heel to give the impression of long, lean legs!

Bandanas – I love these because it’s almost like a scarf you wear outdoors and indoors. Wear them western style, like a choker or around the wrist to add a little flair to your outfit.

Y-Chain Necklaces – Add a little shimmer with a simple y-chain necklace. My favorite way to wear these is over a camisole or turtle neck.

White Camisole – Stores have had a hard time keeping these in stock this season because are the easiest way to start layering with cardigans and oversized sweaters.

Embellished Hoop Statement Earrings – Kick your outfit up a notch with one or two pairs of statement earrings. Hoops lined with feathers, tassels or beads are a hot commodity this fall.

What are your favorite fall essentials?

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

When my brother got married a couple weeks ago, I knew I needed a couple of dresses for the events. Rather than buy a few nice dresses that I may not wear often, I normally rent from Rent the Runway. Most people are familiar with Rent the Runway, but what they don’t know is that it’s usually cheaper to join the month subscription program, Unlimited, for one month than rent two dresses. Plus you can wear several other items during that month!

How does Unlimited work? With a flat rate monthly fee, you get to choose three designer pieces from thousands of dresses, skirts, sweaters, purses, etc… Keep them as long as you want, then return. Once they receive your returned items, you choose three new items and repeat the process.

I love this program because I get to wear the season’s latest trends! Today I’m sharing five hot fall dresses that pull in all the best styles of the season.

Because all of these pieces are designer labels, they are expensive to purchase individually. I have five hot fall looks that I rented through the Unlimited program, and shared links for renting them individually, purchasing them and an affordable similar item in stores.

5 Trendy Fall Dresses To Rent Or Duplicate

Gabriella DressHello designer dress! The silky fabric with oversized fit make you feel like you are walking weightlessly. The drop waist and feminine hem add cute details. I wore this on a girl’s birthday party roadtrip because it was comfortable for the car but cute enough for pictures. Or maybe it was just because it hid my belly after it was filled with cupcakes – the icing on the cake.

Gabriella Dress:  Rental | Purchase | Affordable Similar

Caterina DressBoho meet kimono. As of today, every person that has rented this dress has given it a 5 star review. The eccentric print stands out among the crown. The bell sleeves balance out the slimming waist to create a nice curve appeal. Flower power.

Caterina Dress:  Rental | Purchase | Affordable Similar

Mother of Pearl DressThese colors though! Does this not scream fall? I can’t get enough of this rich floral print and the romantic details. When I rented this, I think I wore it everyday because it’s very versatile and can be worn for everything from errands to church to date night. It scores a 10/10 on the comfort scale. I would love to see it with burgundy accessories!

Mother of Pearl Dress:  Rental | Affordable Similar or Here

Ultralight DressThis dress reminds me of the popular blazer dresses out this fall, but with a little more fit and a lot more flare. I love the ruffled skirt! It does run a little on the shorter side and features a deep V neck (I’m wearing a camisole underneath), so it’s more of a night dress.

Ultralight Dress:  Rental | Purchase | Affordable Similar or Here

Colorblock Rodin DressThis dress is so classy but fashionable and unique at the same time! The color, pattern and fabric will win major style points. I would wear this to work on repeat if I worked an office job, but instead I wore it on a little celebratory day. It was one of the hardest dresses to return.

Colorblock Rodin Dress:  Rental | Purchase | Affordable Similar or Here

Purse Rental | Purse Purchase

To sum it up, I love the styles that this fall brings. Deep, rich gemstone colors, floral patterns, lace and silky fabrics are all hot trends this season. If you don’t want to invest in the trends, Rent the Runway is the way to go for events or just as a little treat to yourself – my guilty pleasure.

This post is not sponsored by RTR, it does have affiliate links which may bring a tiny commission to keep this blog running, but it is truly just my own opinion of how much I love Rent the Runway and the Unlimited program! If you are new to Rent the Runway, this link will help you get 20% off your first rental by entering code FIRST.

What are y’all up to this weekend? This weekend I am off work. Friday I will be at a women’s conference with a complimentary mani-pedi, lunch and lectures. Saturday we are heading out to Fort Worth for the local Iron Skillet football game where TCU and SMU compete for bragging rights of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex! Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Rental Details: