Essence of Autumn

My first outfit post is part of Kristy of Vogue Gone Rogue's The Essence of Autumn contest.  I was planning on being all well-prepared and what not and do this weeks ahead of time, but of course the delinquent in me twisted this and finagled that (I am actually just crap at planning) so that naturally I just met the deadline much like the term papers I squeezed under college profs doors back in the day.  Autumn brings out the academic in me naturally so let's just say it was a piece of performance art.  Aren't you impressed?


Autumn is a bewitching season, and stands apart from the others.  In spring, summer and winter you can find the broad analogies of the three ages of men: the innocence and struggles of childhood, the intoxicating freedom of youth, and the slowing maturity of experience.  Autumn stands apart because she shakes us loose with hauntings of memory.  It is feverish with dreams.  Even here in a region without seasons, Autumn is still here; the ghosts are in the scents.    

Sweater: Gap

Tank: J.Crew

Cardigan: Mossimo

Sweater Vest: Lulumari

Pants: J.Crew

Shoes: Thrifted Doc Martens

Necklace: Meghan McNally

Earrings: Meghan McNally

Satchel: Korchmar 

What I Need you to do:
1) Follow 5 More Minutes on Bloglovin'. 
2) "Like" this post on BlogLovin'.  The one with the most likes by November 9th is the winner.
3) Send other people over here.
4) Check out the other blog posts below!  There are some great autumnal photos here. 

5 More Minutes

Beyond Fabric

Brooklyn's Britches

Citizen Rosebud

Cup of Me

Curvy with a Side of Confidence

Fashion Butter

Fashion Coconuts

Green Gable

Haine Accesibile

Haute and Fierce

Indie Guest

Inspirafashion

Jorge Alexander

Little Fille

Living Doll

Manic in the City

Mannequin De Vitrine

Midwest Vogue

Ms. Fabulous

Obsessive Coolness

Pens and Lens

Riding Pretty

Stiletto Chic

Style Scrapbook

Tiffany's Corner

The Blog of Brunette

The Loud Mouth

Very Chic List

Vogue Gone Rogue

Vogue Inspired Fashion for the Real World

Young Dumb Love

Pierotucci

Italian leather is scrumptious, and even though I am a second-hand store, sales-bin scavenger, I am a snob when it comes to leather.  I found the Italian leather company Pierotucci randomly and I wanted to check them out.  The one I originally wanted was sold out, so I was kind of curious what you thought of this one?

And a faux leather wallet from Target, because I am a scavenger.

The photography is my own unless otherwise stated.

Poor Man's Cardigan

Angora Goats

I <3 Target's Mossimo.
Cardigans are articles of clothing that are most assuredly splurge-worthy, up there with leather boots & shoes, coats, and handbags.  Everyone should have one awesome cardi.  I am still working on that part of my wardrobe.  My problem is, I want the J.Crew cardi, made of Tibetan Angora goats wool but only baby Angora goat kids tended and sheared by experienced Sherpas from nice families with cosmetology degrees.  You know, to ensure that the wool is woolier.  Anyway, in these days of, "The economy is doing WHAT NOW?!  IF YOU TELL ME ONE MORE DISTRESSING THING ABOUT THE STOCK MARKET MY EARS WILL BLEED!", a $300 mohair cardi in the sweltering state of Texas is so far out of my sights of important things to do, the cardigan is like Thelma and Louise holding hands careening off my cliff's edge of priorities.  When it comes to clothes, I either want the really sweet luxury Tibetan Baby, degreed Sherpa wool version or a practically free version, and Mossimo offers a great practically free version.  Let's review:



J.Crew but $300



Mossimo and $25



Close up



Style can either be looking at a long list of things you can't have, or being creative while playing the game of Look What I Got and Guess How Much I Paid For It?  I really like this alternative.  Only downside is, the sweater is 5% Angora and my skin is still trying to decide whether or not to be allergic to it, so we'll see how that plays out.  Sidenote: "Angora" refers to Angora rabbit wool, no relation to Angora goats - well, related in that they both originate from Ankara, Turkey.  Angora goats are the source of mohair yarn, one the oldest textiles in the world.  Mohair is known for its luxuriousness, wicking properties, being wrinkle-proof, and flame resistant.  Angora rabbit wool is known for its unbelievably soft fluffiness and being super itchy for people like me.  Hopefully, the allergy chills because I love this baby.  Mossimo, in spite of your cardi not being flame-retardant (lame) I tip my hat to you.