Essie’s holiday nail polish colors.

We love these!

Presenting: your holiday mani colors, courtesy of Essie

beyond crazy by essie

Fall for Flower Power

I know the Fall season is upon us, which means so long Summer brights and hello decadent jewel tones and rich colors, but I just couldn't say no to this necklace!

This crystal and bead flower necklace by Noir features a bright pop of coral, orange, and gold with  lovely gem details. It might be a traditional Summertime accessory, but I could totally see this getting rocked into the months to come.

- KM

Boots, Boots, Boots.

Stallion Boot by Wanted, $69.00

It's finally October... this must only mean one thing: time to break out all those Fall fashion finds, including one of our favorite things here at TO... BOOTS.

It's my firm belief that there is indeed a boot for every occasion. I also believe that this belief justifies owning a wide array of ankle, mid, and knee high boots (...don't question my beliefs). That's why I was super excited to find that Piperlime has put together a collection of fabulous boots for under $120. From leopard booties to classic riding boots, this collection has got it all. Check it out!

- KM

Deco Yourself

Oh, how I wish I lived in the 1920's. No joke, if I could sit in a parlor with Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway a la Midnight in Paris, I wouldn't stop to think. Hence why I love this simple Art Deco ring from House of Harlow. Clean lines with vibrant colors makes for an easy, everyday piece with enough personality to make you feel like you live in the Roaring Twenties. Dress up with an LBD or down with denim.

What I'd do for a whiskey with Ernest.

T.

Black&White

Sometimes the simplest colors (or lack of colors, is the verdict still out on that?) make the perfect accessories. I'm constantly looking for the go-with-everything pair of earrings, and these from Banana Republic would work perfectly with every work outfit, even your most boisterous tangerine. Pair with red lips and natural eyes.

Don't forget to smile! They're on sale!

T. 

Rings & Things: Stack 'Em Up

Rings can often make for the perfect statement piece, and sometimes... the more the merrier! I think these stackable floral two-tone rings from Lucky Brand are the perfect addition to any casual T-shirt and jeans outfit, don't you?

- K

Beatle Mania

I owned a pair of Beatle booties when I lived in London, and sadly had to leave them there to lighten my luggage. Now, I can't open a magazine without a seeing a to-die-for pair staring at me from the page. Hopefully I can replace my long lost loves with another pair soon, such as the above pair from Seychelles or these from Nine West. Either way, I don't see Beatle bootie mania stopping anytime soon.

I think John would approve.

T. 

Wordy Walls

My bedroom is a disarray of color and mixed woods (twenty-something budget, what can you do?). It's been a struggle to find a piece of art that won't completely clash with what I'm currently working with, decor wise. That's why I love these literary posters by Evan Robertson, available on Etsy. His whimsical and profound quotes by literary authors melded with the heavily symbolic, hand-designed prints by Robertson himself add instant personality to your walls, without overwhelming them. Minimalism meets bibliophilia. 

I see the "Write drunk, edit sober" Hemingway print in my future.

Perfect Pillows

Ah, the weekend. Can't say I haven't been wishing for you since Tuesday. But more than that, I've been wishing to crawl up on the couch, read that book I've been putting off, and eagerly rest my head on these heavenly pillows from HomeMint. I've been looking for the right gray pillows for some time, and these objets d'art are just the right balance of eye-catching pattern and subtle tones. 

Now, here's to not falling asleep while reading.

T.

Earrings: What a Stud

I've probably said this before... and I'll say it again: I love the color coral. It's just so bright, festive, and undeniably eye-catching!

So when I came across these lovely coral and turquoise stud earrings from Pea Pod Paper & Gifts, I just had to share. 

With their cute pop of color, these little earrings are certain to brighten up your outfit any day of the week.

- K

Wear to Work: Adalia

Finding the perfect work day shoe can be a chore, but lucky you we think we've stumbled across the perfect fit!

The Adalia by Jessica Simpson features a lovely combination of neutrals with a classic pointed toe - what could be more work appropriate? We think this gem of a shoe will go with just about anything in your closet and put a little pep in your step at the office.

Feeling daring? This adorable flat also comes in leopard.

Work it!

- K

Fancy Feet: The Unexpected

I'm often more of a traditional girl when it comes to outfits. Most of my closet is chock-full of dark, muted colors-- you'd think I lived in New York. But there's just something about little surprises, like these smoking slippers-turned-heels-turned-hocus-pocus-prop. There's something to be said for the surprise accessory. Business on top, party on the bottom. It doesn't hurt that your legs will look a mile long, making the point where your feet hit the floor just that much more unexpected.

Don't be caught empty-footed.

T.

Fingerpaints: Essie's California Coral

I'm a self-professed California girl - it's in my blood! ... And when it comes to my nails I love a good red/pink in any shade. I've slowly started to build a collection of Essie polishes in a variety of corals, and right now I am definitely eyeing California Coral - or as Essie calls it a "creamy juicy peach pink."

Sounds perfect to me!

- K

Neckties & Laces: Green With Envy

We here at Tie Optional are all about making a statement - especially the kind that are lovely and tie around your neck.

That's why we immediately fell in love when we came across the Taking Shape statement necklace from Francesca's Collections. Wear it to work to brighten up a neutral palette or  go glam like a starlet on a movie date. With its classic geometric shapes and lush green tones, it'll surely make any outfit pop.

- K

Hair-Do's: Silky Strands

I've always wanted to drive down a country road in the summer, convertible top down, wearing large-rimmed sun glasses and a colorful silk square holding my blowing strands back from my face. Although I don't live near any country roads, nor do I own a convertible, sporting a silk square in my hair always makes me feel just that much more glamorous and chic.

This silk square screams summer to me, looking effortlessly pretty with some white jeans and chambray. This one is also on my list. 

Don't be caught bare-haired. As wonderful as hats may be, we all know they'd blow away in our imaginary convertibles. Silk squares? They're here to stay.

T.