How to: Pick Transitional Wardrobe Items

You may recall I wore this same blouse a few months ago during the summer as an off the shoulder (or should I say off both shoulders here). I love how this piece will easily be something I wear into fall. When I choose items to transition from season to season I look for a couple of key items:

Material - natural materials are cooler in the warmer months, because they breathe better. So anything cotton, wool or silk has a better chance of feeling good on the skin than a synthetic material.
Shape - For summer and Fall I love a more bohemian look. Especially during Indian summer where it the Autumn leaves are starting to turn orange and pumpkins or sunflowers are popping up. I love the natural and relaxed feel of these pieces. They are great with shorts, and then just as nice with a pair of jeans for the cooler months.
Layering - I ask myself can I add a shawl or slouchy sweater to the item to take it from a warmer season into a cooler season or vice versa. What about the color choice? My go to colors are camel, coral/peach, pale pink, navy and a chocolate brown. I do love to add bits of cream or white and black in, but the listed colors are the staples of most of my wardrobe pieces. Sticking with staple colors will ensure you get more use of the items and don't get sick of them.
Accessories - I think about what shoes, bags and other accessories when I am first buying something. This was worn previously with a pair of wedges, but here I have on flat over the knee boots. A simple change of bag also helps!

These photos were taken over the weekend near the area I like to go for a walk. It's nice to get away from the bustling city life of Houston, and spend some time in nature. I try as often as I can to get up and watch the sunrise. On this day, it was no different. I took my sweet dog for a walk out into a quiet area and listened to the grass blowing while the sun rose. It's a gentle reminder that there is a force much bigger than myself out in this world. It also helps put the day into perspective. Spending time every morning reflecting on the things I am grateful for makes it easier to take on the rest of a busy day.

I purchased this off-the-shoulder top at a boutique, but found a similar option for less than $10 here! I also really like this one. Off the shoulder tops are really great to have in your wardrobe. They work with shorts, pants, and sometimes are long enough to even wear as a dress. I wore this one with just one should down to give it a more asymmetrical look.