Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Something wicked this way comes!

This trend has been my absolute favorite for fall 2016, but it's also taken me so long to write about it. Don't ask me why it has, but I am very excited to finally be talking about it and share some great items that feature the luxe fabric. This trend was seen a lot on the runways for this fall, but I found a lot of inspiration from the Louis Vuitton Fall 2013 collection - which means that this is a trend that has made its way through season after season. I do love it when that happens! Remember when it was everywhere during the 90's? This luxurious fabric can make anyone feel like a million bucks, and can be dressed up or down. Enough talking, let's get to the shopping! Here are ten items that are on my velvet wishlist.

1. The Inez Ankle-Strap Shoe ($158): These are everything I've wanted and more! The minute I laid my eyes on these beauties, it was like everything fell into place. Truly hoping these go on sale soon, because I need to wear them like everyday.
2. Washed Velvet Square Decorative Pillow ($14): If you follow me on Snapchat, you might have seen a small story I did with a variety of different pillows I have been searching for. I am on the HUNT for a few new pillows to add, and this one is perfect! That price though...
3. Velvet Kettleby Tete-a-Tete ($2398): Let's talk about the inspiration behind this - mid-century reprise and 19th-century shape that makes it easy to float wherever you put it your space. So beautiful, and I love how unique this is. A girl can literally dream, and that is what I will be doing for the rest of my life with this.
4. ASOS CURVE RED CARPET Velvet Drape Maxi Dress ($194): Could you imagine wearing this dress out and about? I can only assume you would feel like royalty. It's so weird that I came across this dress, because I have dreamed about owning one just like it several times in the past. Reminds me of Old Hollywood glamour, and I would definitely not mind feeling like that for a little while.
5. Velvet Executive Blazer in Mauve ($90): A blazer in velvet? This looks absolutely gorgeous, and super comfortable! It also seems super versatile - could go with jeans, black pants, skirts, everything!
6. Cynthia Rowley Felix Embellished Crossbody ($85): I'm always in the need for a new bag, always, and this crossbody bag from designer Cynthia Rowley is so beautiful. It has just the right amount of velvet detailing and those stars are so cute. It'd be a perfect transition piece for fall into winter.
7. Little Mistress Velvet Detail Wrap Dress ($100): Another one of those dream dresses of mine. Wow!
8. Solar Sister Crown ($28): I kind-of don't care that there will really be no reason for me to wear this crown for everyday use, but it is just so beautiful!
9. Velvet Pocket Duster Coat ($135): The weather is getting cooler, and I love the idea of having a jacket that can also just be apart of your regular outfit. The contrast of the velvet pockets makes for a super chic look that will be great for winter.
10. Velvet Dip-Dyed Curtains ($69): I absolutely hate Urban Outfitters, but these curtains are so pretty! I love the idea of them being the same color, but in two different hues. Imagine having the sun streaming through these! Ugh, it'd be so relaxing. The other great part of this? Right now, they're on sale for 25% off if you buy two!

The weather outside is absolutely gorgeous, the changing colors are in full swing and it wouldn't truly be fall if I didn't do a gathering of some of my must-haves for the season. For real though, the colors outside have been so gorgeous and the weather has slowly been reaching my ideal temperature. If only it could stay like this year round, I would literally be so happy. This year has had me wanting all types of cable knit sweaters, TONS of plaid, details of velvet and colors of deep berry red. Luckily I have been able to add most of this to my wardrobe already, but that doesn't mean I can't plan ahead properly for the rest of the season! Here are ten things on my must-have list for fall - maybe even winter as well.
1. Women's Double L Mixed Cable Sweater, Crewneck ($45): So I've officially found my new favorite must-have for fall and winter this year! The cable knit sweater is so comfortable, fashionable and just an all-around feel good item to have in your wardrobe. I've already bought two of them from Old Navy, so I'm definitely on the hunt to find others in a variety of colors, like this one from L.L. Bean!
2. Velvet Chain Choker ($11): Definitely an item that I was not expecting to enjoy, as I have never really had the desire to wear chokers with any outfit I put on. I never even wore chokers when I was younger, but for some reason it's piqued my interest lately. It has to be velvet though, not lace.
3. Plaid Flannel Shirt ($35): I couldn't do a fall must-have list without plaid, I mean, HELLO!
4. Women's Nalia Ballet Flats in Burgundy ($25): These flats are so adorable and play on one of my favorite trends for fall. Can't wait to get them, as they will be perfect to transition into winter as well.
5. Two-in-One Reversible Bomber Jacket ($150): All about having a jacket that plays a dual role - from day to night!
6. Rainforest of the Sea™ Water Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($39): It may be getting cold out but I'm going to be wearing more layers, so that just means I'll need a extra protective foundation to apply. Love the ROTS collection for tarte cosmetics, and their foundation always leave my skin feeling smooth and natural.
7. Pumpkin ($36): This ADORABLE Lush Cosmetics Halloween gift is sadly sold out everywhere, but I had to include it in this list. I truly hope they come out with it next year, it's such a great deal and has some amazing products that will last you throughout the season.
8. Hematite-Tone Pavé Glitter Rose and Vine Hinged Collar Necklace ($95): How beautiful is this necklace? It screams fall to me!
9. Stay Matte Not Flat Liquid Foundation ($7.50): Another foundation, more on the budget-friendly side. I've been using this foundation for the past three months and its made my skin feel soft and radiant throughout the entire day.
10. Diptyque Vanilla Mini Candle ($32): During the fall, you always need a decent candle that will last you throughout a sitting. This one will do just that!

I am really excited to share today's post, as I was approached by Caribou Coffee to talk about a very special project that they are doing throughout the month of October in relation to their Amy's Blend roast. It's been a bit of a whirlwind that I was contacted by the company because I actually worked at a local Caribou for about five years when I was in college. How awesome is that?! It made me feel just a little bit proud that Mostly Lisa has done something in my favor when it comes to collaborations with companies that I have quite a bit of knowledge about.

So, what is the community project that I was asked to participate in? Well, I'll tell you! Caribou Coffee has partnered up with a really awesome company called Tribute - a creative video uploading app where people can send montages to their loved ones as a gift for a special occasion or cause. Their focus is spreading the word about the community and recognizing caregivers who donate their time to helping those in a time of need. This is such a unique and inspiring way to give back to an organization that means a lot to the company itself, and to really just anyone who has been affected by cancer. Amy's Blend focuses specifically on donating to cancer research + funds, and this year they are donating 10% of all Amy's coffee and merchandise to CancerCare!

They are also donating $5 to CancerCare for each video submitted on the #CaribouTribute page throughout October! You literally have double the chances to give back to those who are in need, and to really just let caregivers know that they are appreciated. While I have not been affected by Cancer personally, I have had my own share of medical issues and I relied heavily on the nurses and assistants who took care of me when I was really sick. I did upload my own Tribute video, and I encourage you ALL to do the same - it's free! It takes just a few seconds to thank people who give their energy + effort to make sure their patients are comfortable + taken care of.
In honor of such a great cause, I also wanted to do a special giveaway with a couple Caribou Coffee products* that will be sure to make you feel inspired to give back. You will get the chance to win - (1) lb. of Amy's Blend and (1) Tumbler - Amy's 2016 Edition! Just fill out this form below, follow the rules and you will be entered. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*These two items were provided graciously by Caribou Coffee for the purposes of this post. Thank you to Caribou Coffee #CaribouTribute for sponsoring this post.

All opinions + content are my own.

Today's My Style File has turned into something that I was not expecting it to be. I want to put this out there, so that it kind-of makes sense as to why I'm talking about this issue and have images of myself scattered throughout the paragraphs. I'm definitely sure that it's for the better, but it caught me way off guard when I was coming up with the original idea for today's outfit. Original theme: bare shoulders. New theme: Overcoming a major body image issue. Drastically different, right? If you follow me on Instagram, I posted a sneak peek yesterday and it inspired me to change all of the original copy I had written.

I'll just put it out there - I do have severe body image issues. Always have, always will(?) I guess that you would call that body dysmorphia? I don't want to necessarily say that I do have it because I've never been clinically diagnosed, but I would say that I do have some of the symptoms. It stems from a lot of taunting and abuse that has come externally in the past, but more often than not it is internally and how I see myself every single day. It's not been so bad as I've gotten older and realized that this is the only body that I have and I should appreciate it, but it kind-of came to a head last Friday before I was going to get these photos done. Anger, frustration, sadness, anxiousness - all these emotions happened within 5 minutes. Why all of these in such a short matter of time?
You may be wondering the answer, but I wouldn't be able to truly give it to you. Your guess is literally as good as mine. I put the dress on, with the appropriate undergarments, and looked at myself in the mirror and absolutely HATED what I saw. "That dress looks horrible on you! Why would you think it'd be okay to go out in public thinking that you look okay?" It wasn't even the dress itself, which is so beautiful on its own, but just how I saw myself in it. The dress, which I had very luckily won from a Eloquii Instagram contest, is something that I would not necessarily ever purchase for myself and I think having the chance to break out of my comfort zone was something I wasn't ready for. The anxiousness of being judged by others was the only thought in the front of my mind, but then an unsurprising source of comfort and positivity broke through those thoughts. My mom.

Yes, it's true. She broke through those negative thoughts, with her kindness and truthfulness to let me get another perspective on how I saw myself in the mirror. I was able to take a few deep breaths, get a hug from her, put on my makeup and see myself through another lense. In just a matter of minutes, my thoughts shifted to positive reinforcement. Her words helped me realize that what I see isn't always necessarily what other people see, and I need to uplift myself instead of drag myself down. This may all seem like I overreacted a little bit, which I kind-of did, but look at all of what it made me realize! The girl in the past who would get taunted + bullied about her weight and how she looked, can now step out of her comfort zone and realize that it's going to be okay. She should be able to love her body no matter what, while still realizing somethings do need to change, but that it will happen when it's supposed to happen. That girl can look at these photos and see a tiny glimmer of someone who is beautiful in her own way.
 Let me ask you - what makes you feel beautiful in your own way?