I’m launching a new series today – I love exploring different shops and editing down my favorites and so I’m kicking it off this month with Pencil Shavings Picks. (These aren’t necessarily sponsored posts, although affiliate links may be used.) Sometimes you just want an edited down version of the best of the best – especially if you’re a busy girl running hither and yon. So I’m doing the hard work and bringing you my favorites – those standout pieces that might be the basic you reach for over and over —  or maybe it’s a total showstopper that makes the look.

Up first is one of my personal favorites –  Boden. It reminds me a lot of J.Crew, but with a quirkier, British twist – and, frankly, it’s a little more classic than the weirdness J.Crew has been putting out as of late (STAHHHHHP with ALL THE RUFFLES). I love their slightly-elevated basics and happy prints and they almost always have an awesome dress or two (love that one above). Think interesting shoes that you could wear everyday, but with just a smidgen of funky style to make it more interesting. I typically find that I need to size down in their items, but when in doubt, read the reviews. There’s almost always good advice there on sizing.

WHAT TO BUY

My favorite picks for this fall is everything velvet. I saw oodles of it in New York last week, and this is such an easy trend to incorporate no matter your budget. And of course you can’t beat a glitzy little heel and a showstopper overcoat.

GET THE LOOK

1. HIGH-TOP SNEAKERS (NEED)
2. HOT PINK VELVET BLAZER
3. VELVET BELT IN PEACOCK
4. BEJEWELED FLATS
5. EMBROIDERED SKIRT
6. BRITISH TWEED COAT
7. FOLD OVER SHERPA BOOT
8. EMERALD GREEN V-NECK SWEATER (THOSE BUTTONS!)

MORE FAVORITES