H&M Studio + Fall Outfit Inspiration

 

This past weekend we spent the holiday at our family lake house up North in Wisconsin. As soon as we drive up the gravel driveway, we automatically lose our internet connection and – after a brief period of panic – as if on cue, its like we are all transported back to a simpler time without iPads and cell phones. Days are spent outside in the sun, swimming in the lake, boating, jet skiing, reading magazines, building sandcastles. Nights we roast marshmallows over a campfire, play puzzles and board games, and reminisce and tell (mostly embarrassing) stories about each other. I’m fairly certain Adam is part-fish, as he has to be in the water from sunrise to sunset. His favorite activity this weekend was riding on the waverunner with his daddy, the whole time screaming for him to go ‘fast and furious’. Overall it was a superb time, and there is no better way I would have chosen to officially end the summer.

Moving on to fall, today’s fall inspiration outfit has got me excited for so many reasons. First off, H&M is making an appearance not once, but twice in the form of a patent leather midi skirt and slit front long tunic top. H&M is dear to me because we’ve sort of grown up together – in college it was the place i went for cheap ‘going-out’ tops I now cringe to think I ever wore, (think tube tops and embellished tie back tanks) then I started to love their conscious collections and their commitment to producing stylish ethically produced clothing (albeit while still producing fast-fashion, but at least they are trying), and now they have stepped into the high-fashion zone with their A/W 2015 show in Paris  . Set to launch in stores and online September 10th, I’m setting my alarm to get first pick.

Every year I’m in the market for a new pair of booties, and I fell in love with this pair because of the interesting texture, making it so easy to dress up or down. Side note, another pair I’m obsessed with are these. Also the block heel is *so* fall/winter ’15, which is a good thing because it is also much easier to walk in them in snow and ice. I’ve also got my eye on statement accessories that I plan on wearing to dress up my neutral fall staples, like this clutch and these earrings, or this watch which is a leather wraparound style. My nail polish go-to is always a nude tone, and this new Ciate paint pot color is definitely on my wishlist.

What are some of your fall wish list items?

HM-Studio-ciate-popinjay-schutzTunic & Midi-Skirt H&M (Launching 9/10)| Earrings | Polish | Booties | Watch | Clutch

 

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!