Plaid for Fall? How Original

There's nothing groundbreaking about wearing plaid through autumn months, but what is new is how you wear it. Trying different plaid styles and switching up color pallets can refresh your wardrobe and your personal style. And remember, plaid pieces don't just come in casual button-down shirts.

Other plaid styles:

Various Plaid Styles by melonymelrose featuring a grey long sleeve shirt

Theory cutout dress
theoutnet.com

Tartan top
maykool.com

Rails grey long sleeve shirt
intermixonline.com

Thakoon Addition black plaid skirt
theoutnet.com

Dkny nightgown
$77 - net-a-porter.com

Tartan scarve
zaful.com

These Michael Kors booties, made from suede and leather, have become an essential asset to my closet. Trimmed in gold hardware, they fit in perfectly with the aesthetic of my wardrobe. And the chunky heel makes them easy to walk in, which is so important when I'm running from class to work and back.

Shirt & Jeans: Zara | Booties: Michael Kors | Watch: Montblanc | Fitbit: Tory Burch | Ring: H&M

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Gilt City Warehouse Sale Recap

There was a line out the door as people waited to enter Gilt City's Warehouse Sale in hopes of finding that perfect designer piece for cheap. I was one of the fashionistas in line with my two besties, Natalie in the City and Jennifer Wolan.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but was excited to find items from brands like Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade and Fendi at a discounted price. The event took place Oct. 16-17 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Warehouse on Chicago's Near Westside.

Once doors opened at 7 p.m., women were dashing from aisles of clothing and racks of shoes to tables full of handbags, grabbing what they could hold and rushing off to find the next item.

My friends and I found a beautiful, black, leather Prada bag. We admired it for about 30 minutes even though none of us had intentions of buying it. Even when Prada is 50 percent off, it's still out of our college student budget.

Photos provided by Gilt City

So I focused on items I could afford and found these Chie Mahara heels for 70 percent off! Block heels have become increasingly popular in recent months, so I'm excited to try my first pair. And because the heel is so thick, they are easy to walk in, making them not only cute, but practical. Gilt City was a success. I'm happy with my purchase and it was a shopping experience like none other.

Lord & Taylor Styling Event

Before recently, professional styling was never something I saw myself doing. I was content with being able to style myself. I know my body, I know what I like and in the event my outfit does end up looking like trash, at least it's a mistake in which I only suffer the consequences.

However, I have recently been introduced to the professional styling world. I'm taking a course this semester that focuses on just that, and believe me, there's a lot more to styling than just putting together cute outfits. 

The day in which I received a true styling opportunity was when I was invited to style customers at Lord & Taylor's breast cancer charity event on Oct. 3. I had a blast interacting with customers, sharing my sense of style and helping women find outfits that make them feel confident, attractive and feminine.

I helped one woman put together an outfit for a friend's birthday party. After we browsed several departments and deliberated looks, she left with several pieces for the evening and three pairs of shoes. It was not only fun, but also rewarding. She felt good about her purchases and I felt good about being a positive influence on those choices.

Lord & Taylor gifted me the Design Lab dress I'm wearing below. They also provided me with this BCBG necklace that I've been wearing nearly every day since. Check it all out below!

Dress: Design Lab | Booties: Marc Fisher | Necklace: BCBG | Watch: Montblanc |
Fitbit: Tory Burch | Watch: Montblanc

{ Photography: Jennifer Wolan }