For the Love of Autumn

I've just returned home from a lovely (but freezing) trip to Iceland to the beautiful weather here in New York. Autumn lasts about five hours in the city before it's months of arctic tundra, so I'm soaking up my favorite season while it lasts. And is it just me, or is fall the best season for fashion, too? I feel like my best (and easiest) outfits are around this time of year. Here are some items I think are going to get a lot of wear this season, and a couple that I'm dreaming of.

1. APC Sweater - This is the closest dupe I can find to my favorite sweater of all time: a gorgeous dark navy with suede elbow patches that goes with everything.  It's a men's sweater, which leads to it being perfectly slouchy in all the right places.  I've had it for years and it only gets better with age.
2. Fjällräven Kånken - I had this bag for a couple years before completely destroying the bottom of it, but I still think it's a classic and that this color is super versatile.  I've recently replaced it with a plain black backpack from Muji (a brand which features heavily in this collage), and so far it seems relatively sturdy.  I will report back!
3. Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid - At first glance, this color might look intimidating, but dabbed on as a stain it's an amazing everyday color that would be perfect for fall.
4. Converse Low-Tops - I just bought my first pair of Converse sneakers in forever (my last pair had the soles flapping off and was covered in angsty lyrics and doodles).  They go with both my blue and black jeans, which is really all I wear, so they'll probably get a lot of use in the upcoming months.
5. Balmain Ambre Gris - This scent was chosen by my lovely friend, Tracy (blog), who I can easily say is even more well versed in fragrance than your average aficionado.  She says it's "fall in a bottle".  I'm not one to change fragrances between seasons, but I might be swayed!
6. Acne Card Case - I've wanted a simple card case for forever, and I've had my eye on this one for just as long.  Alas, it will probably remain a fantasy, but the idea of lightening up my wallet load to something I can slip in my back pocket is extremely appealing.
7. Muji Trousers - I just bought my first pair of jeans from Muji, and while the legs are ridiculously long, they seem to be great quality for the price!  I'm always in the market for something cheaper than my vice (J Brand) that will hold up slightly better than my Forever 21 jeans (although, at about $10 each, I can't really complain).
8. Muji Knit Cap - I wanted to buy these in every color (all of which are very flattering and could blend into most wardrobes).  They seem like the perfect weight for fall, too, though probably aren't heavy duty enough for the winter.
9. Hanes T-Shirt - These are comfortable and super cheap to stock up on. What can I say, I'm not too picky about my shirts (although Everlane has been tempting me with theirs...).  

What are you looking forward to most this fall? 

Let us know in the comments! 

 (Also, I promise a post with more substance soon.)

Wednesday Wishlist: Muted Palette

Hello lovely Within Color readers! Sorry for being MIA the past couple weeks - things have been hectic at work and I've just moved apartments (which is always a hassle and a half). I've decided to do another Wishlist Wednesday post, because I'm an enabler and a girl can dream, right?

1. Christian Dior Cologne: This bottle design is everything.  I think I would feel like a more mature person just by having it in my bathroom.  Cologne Royale in particular is a mix of bergamont, lemon, neroli, mint, and sandalwood.  I'm more of a vetiver girl myself, but most of the scents from this collection sound wonderful.
2. Cat Self Defense Keychain: So I actually already own this, but I think it's awesome.  It's light, makes it easy to find my keys in my bag, and, you know, it's a cat self defense keychain (as a dog person, I'll let you know in advance that the canine version is nowhere near as cute).  I've never felt a need to actually use the keychain for its intended purpose, but it's an added bonus knowing it's there.  It comes in a bunch of colors, too.
3. Muji Pens (0.38 mm): These pens are my absolute favorite forever.  They go on smooth, dry quick, and make my handwriting look neater than ever.  They're refillable and thus definitely worth the extra few cents over your standard ballpoint.  I love the super fine tip, but it comes in other sizes if that's not your jam.
4. RVCA Beach Blanket: This blanket would be perfect draped over the bottom of my bed or, you know, for its intended purpose.
5. Warby Parker Percy in Charcoal Fade: I'm due for an eye exam, and new glasses are on my mind.  These look super versatile (especially given that black frames always seem to just blend right into my eyebrows).
6. Izola Cocktail Shaker: "May you never go to hell but always be on your way."  Appropriate, but they have a bunch of other great ones, too.
7. Phillip Lim x Target Bag: Overall, I really like what I've seen from the Phillip Lim x Target collection - and the bags are absolutely lovely!  I'm curious to see the quality, but this one is pretty reasonably priced at $35.
8. Nike Free Run+ 3: I'm kicking myself (no pun intended) forever now that I can't find these anywhere, but as far as sneakers go, these are pretty great.  They would look awesome paired with a casual outfit without looking like you just threw your gym shoes on en route to work out.  

 Let us know what you've been lusting after lately! 

 (Pictures of Jesse Williams are acceptable.)

Confessions Pt. II

Looking like a bored deer caught in headlights.  

Shirt: Vintage Alaia / Jacket: Artizia / Jeans: J Brand / Shoes: J Crew / Bag: Zara

A Small Collection of "Confessions" (in True Usher Style, Without a Part I):

1. I aspire to have a cartoon character wardrobe, in the sense that I wouldn't mind wearing a variation of the same thing every day.
2. A good half of my clothes is menswear.  It's often more comfortable and cheaper!
3. If I can manage to wiggle into something from my mom's closet, I will move it over to mine.  The incredible vintage Alaia top that I'm wearing in these photos is part of a set with matching high-waisted shorts she got on sale back in the day.  (...Needless to say I look absolutely ridiculous in the shorts.)
4. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to accessorizing, so I keep it minimal with good shoes and my trusty Seiko watch most of the time.
5. If I'm unsure about buying a dress and it turns out it has pockets, I will probably buy it.
6. I feel my best in all black everything.  (This is, however, definitely no secret!)
7. My current fragrance of choice, Atelier Cologne's Vetiver Fatal, was inspired by James Bond.  It was on their Father's Day gift guide.  I had no idea.
8. I learned how to tie a bow tie from YouTube. (video)
9. Even the easiest hairstyles are beyond my abilities - I can barely manage a side braid with some heavy duty bobby pin support.
10. Last but not least, the not-so-glamorous and completely obvious truth is: I usually don't have a photographer buddy around to take my Within Color blog pictures for me.  Apologies for all my mirror shots, lovely readers.

Please feel free to share your style tricks, habits, and confessions in the comments!

(A couple more detail shots of my outfit below the cut.)