​This post is basically a love letter to one of my favorite herbs/scents/decorations.... LAVENDER! Not only is the plant itself beautiful, it smells amazing and has medicinal properties. Some of you might know but I have an anxiety disorder (fun fun!) which I've decided to treat naturally, and lavender plays a big part in my self-care routine. Check out some of my favorite lavender uses/products below. 

Dried Lavender

Lavender dries really nicely while still maintaining its scent, which makes it super useful! I keep lavender sachets in my dresser drawers and clothing storage bins to keep my clothes smelling fresh (you can order some here or make your own - great party favors). I also recently picked up a bunch of dried lavender from our local farmers' market which I've arranged in vintage glass milk bottles (purchased from the Etsy shop here) and placed throughout our apartment. I love the way they look and it gives off a super subtle scent. Dried lavender can last for years if kept properly (away from moisture and direct sunlight), so it's an easy, cheap alternative to buying fresh flowers all the time. 

​Lavender Essential Oil

I use lavender essential oil all. the. time. I keep a small bottle of it in my purse and dab a little bit on my wrists and neck whenever I'm having a stressful day at work or trying to calm myself before getting on a crowded train. It's also great for diffusing! I keep an essential oil diffuser on the nightstand next to my side of the bed and if I'm having trouble relaxing before falling asleep I put a few drops in the diffuser and let the scent fill the room. My favorite trick though is to place a few drops of the oil in the shower before getting in. The steam from the hot water helps to diffuse the scent, and it really makes my shower feel more serene and spa-like. My favorite lavender oil can be found at Rocky Mountain Oils!

​Lavender Products

You can find lots of lavender scented products just at your regular drug store. I try to look for those that have a 100% natural fragrance. I love this hand lotion from J.R. Watkins. I keep it on my desk at work and it's a nice pick-me-up during the day. I also love this body wash from Jason. So much lavender!!  

This brings me to the end of my lavender love note. If you have any favorite scents, or favorite lavender products, please share in the comments below! : ) 

Happy Friday, friends! I've been a little MIA recently thanks to a crazy sickness that knocked me down for over a week. It's reminded me to give myself permission more often to slow down, relax and take care of myself. But I'm back! And today I'm sharing with you my fall shoe essentials. Happy online shopping! Xoxo 

dv Roselyn Suede High Top Sneakers

These shoes from Target are the one new pair I've added to my wardrobe this fall. They are comfy, great for commuting, and look a little dressier than your average slide on sneaker. They look cute with skirts and jeans or with leggings or sweatpants on the weekends. 

Available at Target, $34.99

Lauren Ralph Lauren Makalia Bootie

I have a pair of boots similar to these and I wear them all the time! They are perfect for weekends - I love to wear them with leggings and wool socks. They're also super comfortable to walk in. These boots are classic and will last for years and years.

Available at DSW, $89.99 

Ilse Jacobsen Rub 2

These are the best winter boots ever!! They are pricey, but they are made of real, natural rubber and are super durable. Plus they look really cute so you'll actually look forward to wearing them. I've had trouble in the past with rubber boots cracking or leaking but I've had these for years and they always keep my feet dry and still look like new. If you like the look but not the price, click here for a more affordable version from Target.

Available at Zappos.com, $169 

Franco Sarto Atlas Bootie

A pair of black heeled booties are definitely a fall essential. These shoes are perfect for work and for going out on weekends. They can be dressed up with a skirt and tights or dressed down with jeans and a sweater. 

Available at DSW, $89.99

Merona Nona Jogger Hiking Boots

These stylish, modern hiking boots from Target are so cute! I could picture wearing them on weekends with leggings, tall socks and an oversized sweater. They are sporty and cute and look really comfy!

Available at Target, $37.99

This fall, one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe has been this pair of black overalls from Gap. I got them for 40% off of their original price of $79.95 (Gap always has sales) and they have been such a great buy. There are so many different ways to wear them - and they are soo comfy! Check out four different ways I styled them with things I already had in my closet below! (PS - thanks to my boyfriend, Adam, for taking these photos of me and for making me smile - we had fun!) If you have other styling ideas you'd like to see on the blog, post a comment! : ) 

Overalls available at Gap, $79.95

​CASUAL

This first overall look is casual and perfect for a weekend apple picking adventure, walk in the park or Oktoberfest day drinks at a biergarten. I added a soft flannel from Aritzia with the sleeves rolled up, sneakers from Vans and a high ponytail! I wore this exact outfit all day long on a recent Saturday and was happy and comfy all day long. 

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SPORTY

This second look is sporty, relaxed and simple. It's perfect for running errands or spending a Saturday with friends watching the college football games. I added a soft and comfy v-neck t-shirt from Free People, a pair of black and white sneakers from New Balance and a baseball cap. Easy, comfortable and cute!

DRESSY

This was my favorite of the four looks by far - hence the gazillion photos! I just think it's so fun and different. This outfit is dressy and a little bit fancier than the others. I think it would be super cute to wear to a holiday party! You know how when a woman wears a tuxedo on the red carpet it makes her stand out amongst all the women in gowns? Take a risk this December, skip your usual dress or skirt and rock a pair of black overalls instead! *Bonus points if the overalls are corduroy or velvet* I dressed up the overalls for this look by pairing them with this blouse from Urban Outfitters, an AMAZING pair of bejeweled velvet heels I proudly snagged from Target after last Christmas, a leather and suede clutch from Lou & Grey and some dark, berry lipstick from Ulta. 

COLD-WEATHER

You don't have to put away the overalls this winter just because it's cold! This last look is all about warm layers, and will allow you to keep overalls in your outfit rotatation throughout even the coldest months. For this look I wore a super soft Free People thermal layered under this cardigan from Gap. Then I added some black booties and a warm winter hat to finish the look. So cozy!