Every few seasons, I start to obsess over collecting a particular item. Last year was DENIM. I had sort of just discovered that designer denim is *actually* life changing and I can never go back to regular old jeans again, ever.

This past summer, I couldn’t get enough of sneakers. I wore them with everything (much to the chagrin of my family members who aren’t in the FASHUN world) from dresses and skirts to shorts and denim. There wasn’t an outfit that I wouldn’t pair sneakers with, to be quite honest.

This season - I’m ALL OVER the blouse. There are SO MANY varieties I’m currently lusting over - the whimsical off the shoulder, the millions and trillions of ruffles blouse (seen here), the peek-a-boo blouse with cut-outs in all the right areas…the options are actually endless.

This particular one is from one of my favorite local shops, Take 5 Boutique. It’s so fun and fall’ish that I have a hard time not wearing it every single day. While I’ve worn here with my favorite black denim of all time, I’ve also styled with a high-waisted skirt and under a dress. Plus, it leaves lots of room for Thanksgiving eating if you get my drift. ;)

And during this time of year, I love using the holidays as an excuse to shop local. This calf hair clutch made right here in the USA and designed in Middleburg by Two Charmed. They have tons of gorgeous buttery bags that would make great gifts for your bestie (or yourself!)

Wearing Take 5 Boutique blouse, 7 For All Mankind jeans (hands down - my favorite!) from South Moon Under, Two Charmed clutch, M.Gemi "The Alba" boots, Miu Miu sunglasses

I’d like to take a moment to thank all the men and women who have fought tirelessly for this country. I never had enough courage to join the military, so I have an endless amount of respect and gratitude for everything you’ve done to keep this country afloat. (Be sure to check out my post last year on ways you can thank a vet!)

I’m grateful for the freedoms we all are able to enjoy - and by “we all,” I mean every muslim, Christian, black, hispanic, disabled, women and man - that make up this country. Didn’t our forefathers intend for this country to be a great place to live for everyone?

There has been a great divide that we can’t ignore any longer. And today it feels more divided than ever before. This election did a number on me - unlike any other before it. And I’d like to take a few stands and make a few promises to you today.

While we have the freedom of speech, I will stand against anyone who berades, abuses verbally or ignorantly tells another human being to ‘go back to where they came from.’ It will not be allowed in my presence. I am not ok with hate speech in any way, shape or form. I don’t care if it is your right. That does not make it all right. My grandfather, an immigrant from Greece, fought for our country and I will fight too. Not with arms, but with words. Loved this piece by Mashable on what to do if you hear hate speech happening.

I also want you to know that over the years, I’ve become quite the hippie. Not in what I wear, although I do love a good bell sleeve, but within my heart. If you need a hug, I’m here. If you feel like mourning, I will do so with you. I will not only pray for you, but treat you as Jesus treated others - and fight for the forgotten, as He did. I won’t tell you how to feel or not to feel. Don’t we each deserve that at the very least? Whether you agree or not, we all have the right to feel the way we want. Can’t we all just have a bit of compassion to both sides of the aisle?