I don’t want summer to end either. But if you’ve stepped into any store recently, you’ve had fall all but shoved down your throat. I’ve been reluctant to jump on the train, but all this fall fashion has me creating a little must-have list in my brain.

And if it’s in there, why not share it? Without further ado, here is a round up of my top five fall essentials…

Something about summer awakens a nautical craze in us ladies. Maybe it’s the promise of sea breezes or the longing for a scenic boat ride. Maybe it’s the easy, breezy style. Whatever the reason, once the weather turns warm, nautical looks are everywhere.

I’m certainly not complaining. I absolutely love the fresh, classic feel of a nautically-inspired look. With a combination of a few basic ingredients, anyone can pull off this trend.

dress :: headscarf :: cardigan :: ring :: earrings

By combining two or three of these details (there’s no need to pile them all on at once–you’re not trying to slam the theme home!) you can create a look that screams summer casual. Best of all? Nautical styles can easily transition into fall with a little bit of layering.

clockwise from top left: white, cobalt, hot pink, black, blush, blue

I always swoon a little when I see a pair of lace shorts, whether in a store or online–especially when said shorts have pretty scalloped edges. There’s something so feminine and pretty and somewhat unexpected about them. I guess it’s that you expect to see lace on lingerie and the occasional camisole, but shorts? Not so much.

Some people find them a little much. They think they’re a little too much like lingerie. I’m not about to traipse around town in lace hot shorts, but if they’re long enough I’m all for them.

Still, I don’t own a pair–yet.

Where do you fall on the lace shorts continuum? Are you a lace shorts cheerleader or do you think they’re just for harlots?

I’ve never really been an orange-loving girl. You’ve got some water-colored pretties? Sign me right up. Neutrals? I’m with you. But orangey shades? No thanks. Until this year.

The year of Tangerine Tango have thrown this color into my face so often that (gasp!) I’m finding myself loving it. I’m starting small, by adding coral nail polish and lip color and then maybe–just maybe–I’ll go with something like one of these cute striped dresses.

1 ASOS skate dress :: 2 Proenza Schouler bag :: 3 Ella Moss swim dress :: 4 Revlon creme lipstick :: 5 Forever21 skirt :: 6 ASOS clutch :: 7 Anthropologie fedora :: 8 Felicity & Coco maxi :: 9 Essie nail polish :: 10 ModCloth dress :: 11 World Market infinity scarf

What are your thoughts on this orange explosion? Are you loving it or are you ready for a new color of the moment? Do you have any favorite coral pieces? I’m on the hunt for inspiration!

If you read my blog with any regularity, you know I’m a huge red carpet geek. Any excuse to drool over pretty gowns and fab styling is OK by me.

What I (almost) like more is figuring out how I can translate my favorite looks into pieces that wouldn’t look terribly out of place in my own closet.  Last night’s Tony Awards gave me just that opportunity.

Amanda Seyfried / J. Crew dress / J. Crew belt / Marc Jacobs clutch / ASOS sandal

Amanda Seyfried strutted her stuff in a beaded Givenchy dress last night. I won’t lie, this look isn’t my favorite. The beading and change in color of the dress plus the bright belt is a bit much. What I absolutely love, however, is the combination of bluish-purple with bright pops of neon orange. So fresh and modern, don’t you think?

I decided to create a look that is inspired by Amanda Seyfried’s, but which is stripped of unnecessary extras. I focused on the color and I think the result is much cleaner and kind of perfect for summer. What do you think?