It is officially fall. However, Arizona did not get this memo.

No, it's still 100-degrees out here. But that doesn't mean I'm not dreaming of boots already. They're easily one of my favorite fall wardrobe staples. Lots and lots of pairs of boots - different colors, styles, heights, heels, etc. There are so many options with just one style of shoe. (Kind of like the wedge.)

Here are a few of my lovelies for fall 2011:

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

So whether they're gray, cognac, brown or black, heeled or riding boots, starting pulling out some fall boots and start creating some lovely, cozy outfits. Because I'm sure you aren't melting your face off wherever you are so you should take advantage of that.

And me? I'm not melting my face of this weekend. I'm enjoying a much-needed vaycay in Coronado, California. Yes, I brought a pair of boots. Yes, I plan to wear them every day. See you in two weeks friends!

Oh I almost forgot: while I'm ordering you around to wear boots, go ahead and buy me a pair of the Tory Burch ones above. Heavens knows that I can't afford them...

I can't even believe I'm writing this post as I sit at my computer in a tank and flip-flops. It's 107-degrees here {Phoenix, Arizona} and I'm writing a blog post on scarves?! Call me crazy, I don't even care. Yesterday was the first day of September, and even though our (and probably many of your own) state refuses to cool down as fall approaches, I still can't wait for scarf weather!

And I might even be slightly actually crazy, as I have been know to don a tank top, shorts and a... yup, scarf. In 100-degree weather. Because they're pretty. Don't argue with me -- it makes sense in my head.

So let's get to the real reason for this post: the goods! I went out and scoured the interwebs for you (you're welcome) and did a little "Laura's Picks" for Fall (and the last bits of Summer...) Scarves. And bonus: I shopped the looks two ways -- for those of you who want to save and those who want to splurge!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

This season you're sure to see four main prints popping up in lots of apparel and accessories: ikat, floral, animal, and stripes. One of the great things about scarves (because there are so many great things about them) is that you can shop the trends or popular patterns for the season, no matter what your budget. If you can afford to drop $235 on a scarf, well... then please buy me three. Mailing address to come.

But seriously, just take a look at the eight scarves that I've selected here. I was able to find two scarves from the same print family at two very different price points. Pop into Target, J. Crew, Forever 21, and similar stores to find a great selection of scarves in a variety of prints (or solids - these never go out of style!) that won't break the bank.

No matter if you want to save or splurge, scarves are a great way to incorporate some fun, prints, trends, etc. into your own wardrobe. So go dream up some outfits with some pretty scarves. And sweat yourself silly in 100-degree weather.

Until next time my dears...

So we have just over a month left of summer folks! Can you believe it?! The scents of pumpkin and autumn will soon fill our homes and stores. We will get to rock boots and scarves again! Oh, I'm getting ahead of myself. It's still summer Laura, calm down...

Anywhoo, since we do still have 35 days left of summer (but who's counting?!) I figured I could gush all over my favorite summer shoe! If you're a quick one (and I know you are) you probably already guessed what it is. Don't get a big head now. I totally gave it away in the title.

Yup. It's the wedge. And I have a girl crush. Yeah, all shoes are obvs girls. Especially really pretty ones like these:

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

If you are new to the wedge scene, neutral colors are usually safe. They elongate your legs (for midgets like me. Ok, I'm not really a midget.) and go with almost anything! Wear them with dark colors, bright colors, and even with other neutrals. They are super versatile.

Once you play around with the taupes, cognacs, and whites for a little bit, I challenge you to bring some color into the mix. Colorful wedges can add a real kick to a more muted or "safe" outfit. Can't you just picture an LBD {little black dress} looking 10x better with those periwinkle wedges above? Just make sure to keep them a little on the simple side so they aren't too much. They should turn heads in a GOOD way!

Still hesitant about wedges? Keep in mind that you don't have to have "the perfect wardrobe" to make a look with wedges work. The great thing about them is that they can dress up or down an outfit. Paired with more casual clothes, they class it up a notch. But with a more sophisticated ensemble, they help you not look so stuffy. They're the chameleons of shoes.

So fear not my friends: wedges are for everyone. Yes, even you, Amazonian woman... Wear wedges, be tall, be beautiful!

So you may or may not know this but animal print is so "in" this season. Did I really just say that?! "So in?" Yes. Yes I did. I'm just going to own it.

If you haven't noticed animal print in stores or magazines lately, now that I'm telling you about it you'll be super aware. But with that in mind, I think it is my duty to give you a few DOs and DON'Ts when it comes to incorporating a little wild into your wardrobe.

DOs:

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Do pair animal prints with bright colors.

You can make a bold statement by pairing one article of clothing (e.g., just a top or skirt) with a brightly colored corresponding article. It's very safe to stick with neutral colors when working with a leopard or zebra print, but bringing in a pop of color will really pull a look together. Just make sure the corresponding article isn't too busy - solid colors like this coral top and these cobalt skinny jeans work perfectly!

Do accessorize with animal prints.

DON'Ts:

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Don't wear two pieces of animal print, even if they're sold as a set.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying don't buy that two-piece set. If it's a good deal and you'll wear both pieces (individually!!!), snag it. But make sure you keep them far away from each other in your closet so you are never tempted to wear them together. For example, you could pair the cardigan above with a black dress and pumps to work, but then wear the dress with a white blazer and colored heels for a girl's night out. Two pieces = two outfits.

Don't wear pieces that mix types of animal prints.

Please listen to this one! Put that zebra/leopard/cheetah shirt down! Now! Stick with one print, in one article. When the piece gets too busy, people's heads hurt looking at you and it looks like you couldn't decide which print you liked best. It's great to own a variety of prints, but keep them separated to individual items.

Don't wear an animal print pantsuit.

Sorry Katy Perry, this look just doesn't work! Animal print romper = cute. Animal print pantsuit = train-wreck. Make sure you stick to classic pieces that will transition into different seasons easily and avoid trendy pieces if you can help it.