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?

Now that we're in the last week of September, I figured it'd be a great way to round up all the interesting things I've come across this month. I really can't believe we're heading into October already, and I want to savor all of what fall can offer. Winter is going to sneak up before we know it, and I've only heard bad things about how cold it's going to be. Why can't we just slow the clock down and enjoy the little things that this season is all about?! Damn you, mother nature! Anyways, like I said, today's link-up is pretty much a collection of things that have piqued my interest in one of the fastest September's I can ever remember.

• If you're a fan of Stranger Things on Netflix, then you are going to absolutely love this James Corden skit that Joe Keery (Steve) & Ben Schwartz (Jean-Ralphio from Parks & Rec) did together. There is a big fan theory that Steve is Jean-Ralphio's father, especially since both shows took place in Indiana and the actors oddly look like one another! Love it, and just how much fun these two actors made this. 
• Since velvet booties are one of the BIG trends for fall this year, I have been on the hunt to try to find a pair that would be just right for me. While I've come across a few, these Missguided pointed toe ankle boots might just be the special ones.
• I can't get this song out of my head! It's just so uplifting and the chorus is something to belt your heart to. 
• Are you following me along Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr yet? I've been sharing all my favorite looks from the Fashion Weeks in New York, London & Milan - Paris is still coming up. There have been some beautiful looks for Spring 2017 RTW.
• John Boyega on the cover for British GQ October... I just, I just can't! 
• How cute is this long-sleeve crepe dress from the Who What Wear collection at Target? Obsessed. 
• Also obsessed with this floral medallion necklace from J.Crew. Why you gotta be $128?! 
• If you love Disney and Halloween, make sure to check out Cakeworthy's new Halloween collection for 2017! They have some of the cutest flannels, shirts, pins and stickers this year.
• A velvet Chesterfield sofa for my imaginary apartment? Why yes, I would love that.
• These doorknobs are so beautiful - definitely give off a vintage vibe.
• I attended this fashion show last Sunday as part of Fashion Week MN and it was so beautiful. The I AM Inspired Fall 2016 collections were definitely something to kick start inspiration for the season.
• LUSH finally released all of their Halloween 2016 items, and I am loving all of them! Lord of Misrule will be mine again!!!

The one major concept that I love about fashion for fall is that there always seems to be a re-emergence of past decades and the trends that inhabited them. This year is no different. The one that has really stuck out to me for 2016 is the influence of the 70's, and how to translate the vibe of that decade into a more modern sophistication. What a perfect trend to have for fall! Think "sticky toffee-tinted browns injected with orange undertones," suede and velvet adorning any and every inch of your clothing, and lots & lots of ruffles. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually really intrigued by all of this as fall is finally arriving. I've not always been a fan of the classic seventies color theme of mixing brown, orange and deep reds together but it's changed as I've gotten older. There's something comforting about the way this trend has influenced fashion for the past couple seasons - from Gucci to Cinq à Sept to Monique Lhuillier, this groovy trend is able to span multiple collections.

Since it has been around for a couple of seasons, it's now easier than ever to introduce it into your own wardrobe seamlessly! You may be asking how to do so, I know I am, and I did some research and came across a great article from InStyle last March that features how to take the silhouette of the 70's and compare them to how designers are making it for the modern woman. It's a great visual on the parallel of how fashion cycles through, and when it sticks - it really sticks. I figured I'd give it a try myself, and while it's not going to be the same method of comparing looks from the decade, it will be majorly influenced by it with the items that I've chosen. Hope you enjoy, and happy first day of fall!

What inspires you? It was the question asked and the theme presented at the #IAmInspired fashion show I attended last night. What better event to go to, as I tend to throw the word around quite a bit here on Mostly Lisa. By throwing around, I basically mean I tend to only post when I am feeling that way personally. I am always looking to be inspired by something in my life, and at the show Sarah Edwards (the producer) spoke so eloquently about what this adjective truly means to each person individually. It can mean something very different for everyone, but as long as the feeling actually happens for you, that is when you will succeed.

I am inspired by so many various things; fashion, beauty, photography, food, music, books, games, my friends, the list really goes on and on. Being able to hone in on each unique thing is a talent within in itself and while I'm no master at it yet, I am trying my hardest to be able to let all of them soak in. Just look at what this show did for me in the two hours of it - I'm inspired to write out my thoughts and feelings and present it to my audience. That is so exciting and I'm definitely not going to take it for granted.

Big thanks to Sarah for the invite, and to all the sponsors who dropped some serious goodies in the gift bags for the event. I'm so excited to try all these new products - with most of them being local to the Twin Cities!

I have literally always wanted to find a staple piece that could transition from day to night with ease. Being able to have something that you could wear to work and then seamlessly change into for an outfit later on that night - whether you're going on a date, or having a drink with friends - is a must! A major trend for fall 2016 that I've seen lately is the embroidered bomber jacket, and I thought what better staple piece to bring into my wardrobe that fulfill that need?! The obsession that grew while trying to find the perfect one for me was insane, and luckily the turnaround on finding one went pretty quickly after searching through boohoo.com!  Not only is this jacket fun and playful with the embroidered floral print on the sleeves and back, but the EXTRA magical part is that this jacket can also be turned inside out and be multi-functional.

When deciding what I actually wanted to wear with the jacket, I decided to opt for more neutral tones that would sit back and let the staple piece speak for itself. Fun fact - I actually didn't realize that the night portion of this would have me looking & feeling like a Pink Lady from 'Grease', but I guess that's not such a bad thing. I decided to wear a relaxed tee from Old Navy - that would also transition easily to the night outfit and other outfits that I decide to wear throughout the season. I paired the tee with my favorite pair of dark blue skinny jeans from Ava & Viv - Target, as well pointed Mary Jane flats that are also extremely perfect for fall! Keeping everything the same, besides the pants, the night portion saw me incorporating a black pencil skirt from Old Navy as well.

There is nothing better to me than being able to have multi-functional use for an item, especially when I'm on a budget. If one piece of my wardrobe can accentuate an outfit in several different ways, I'm going to be a happy camper. This bomber jacket is definitely going to be used quite a bit this year and the next!

from day

to night