back in black

image via tommy ton for style.com

despite the parade of mind-boggling outfits you see in tommy ton's street style photos on style.com (neon-rainbow hair, basketball jersey-dresses, mickey mouse ears, etc...) this particular image caught my eye. not only has this girl mastered the art of draping a jacket over your shoulders (something i still can't quite figure out) and not only has she effortlessly combined leather, floral prints, metallic gold, and earthy rings (just a few of my favorite things), but the the moto jacket itself, the essential piece for the fall season, looks like the richest, softest, most perfect moto jacket you've ever seen. i momentarily forgot about the perfectly good (faux) leather jacket hanging in my closet, but quickly assumed this  jacket was probably by a luxe designer and subsequently out of my price range. 

that is, until liz sent me the following text message: "i need a faux leather jacket! it's your job to find me the best one out there." in my opinion, the essentialness of a black leather jacket cannot be stressed enough, so i happily obliged. i started searching for chic, affordable options for her when voila -- my dream jacket appeared. right before my eyes. and not at barneys. or net-a-porter. but at zara.

that's right: this supple jacket is faux leather and guess what? it looks even better in real life. this piece is sure to become my new go-to, but i found about ten equally lust-worthy options during my search. it turns out zara is really the only place worth looking for a good leather jacket; i'm tempted to get this quilted one as well, or maybe this bomber style, and if you're looking for something a little more basic, this one and this one are perfect starting points.

olsen inspo

the endlessly inspiring olsen twins are naturally a favorite here on twin studies...and elizabeth is the newest addition to our obsession! 

just a few of our favorite olsen snaps to get you inspired this fall:

{ elizabeth's tousled bun + cabernet lips are the ultimate fall beauty routine}

 {love mk's all-white look with that pop of neon pink}

{proof that it's always good to change up your style}

{making smudged makeup, patterned tights and a tee look oh-so chic}

 {great contrast with oversized shapes and regal embellishments}

 

 {the ultimate mix of color and texture -- especially loving the orange + studs}

{sleek bob, all-black, and high slit = red carpet perfection}

 {the basics: white tee, leather mini, red shades and a bold bag}

{comfy-cool in loafter wedges and soft layered knits}

II emily

hello fall

on liz: urban outfitters sweater (old) / zara pants / asos sunglasses / nine west shoes / jewelry: j.crew, stella & dot, david yurman, john hardy, alex & ani

embracing this gorgeous weather in the backyard with a cozy sweater, our favorite new camo pants and a sparkly arm party. have you ever seen a more picturesque fall landscape?

II emily

velvet crush

{top row: j.crew x stubbs & wootton}

{bottom row: stubbs & wootton, j.crew, stubbs & wootton, stubbs & wootton, stubbs & wootton}

last fall, smoking slippers were the new shoe. every magazine, boutique, blog and storefront featured slightly different variations; animal prints, stripes, solids, tassels, suede, studs, glitter, you name it. i was on board, and even wrote this post about how much i loved topshop's selection (though i must admit i never got around to ordering any). 

i've since started a small, somewhat predictable collection: a leopard print pair from BP and a hot pink suede pair by cole haan. i think smoking slippers are still very chic and i've worn mine with countless ensembles, but nothing really feels new about them. (if you want to make a statement, you should probably stick with givenchy's unspoken boot of the season.)

however, the latest offerings from j.crew are a complete game changer. the retailer collaborated with stubbs & wootton to create slippers that feel all at once classic, on-trend and a little cheeky. velvet jewel tones and preppy hand-embroidered designs can take even your most basic outfit to the next level: with a grey cable knit and black skinnies, it's chic, a bit retro, and perfect for fall -- so of course i love it.

{crumpet sweater, j.brand jeans, monica vinader earrings, catbird rings, michael kors watch, proenza schouler bag, stubbs & wootton loafers}

II emily

fall jewelry guide

despite a pretty amazing summer, i'm more than ready for fall to arrive. walking through new york city (or anywhere, really) in the sweltering heat became decidedly less chic by the day, and soon i found myself wishing for snow flurries so i could trade in my flimsy dresses for clunky winter boots. i know they say "be careful what you wish for" and all that, and i'm almost positive i'll be eating my words when i'm scraping ice from the windshield of my car, but i know i'm not alone on this. we're all ready for some cool weather -- especially those who are fashion inclined.

beyond the cozy sweaters, fuzzy boots and stylish coats, fall fashion calls for new accessories, too. and as a self-described jewelry hoarder, i took note of the best trends way back in the beginning of summer. i'm loving big statement-making earrings, especially in bold colors that would pop beautifully against winter neutrals; sleek, no-fuss cuffs for a new take on the "arm party"; chunky pendants on long chains; and delicate, barley-there rings that beg to be stacked. i'm already on the hunt for my go-to fall jewels -- which ones will you choose?

top row j.crew earrings, lulu frost for j.crew earrings, kenneth jay lane earrings

second row h&m cuff, shourouk cuff, philippe audibert cuff

third row bijoux heart pendant, lanvin pendant, oscar de la rent pendant

fourth row jennifer meyer diamond ring, jacquie aiche turquoise ring, jacquie aiche initial ring, gorjana stacking rings

II emily

bootie-licious

on days like these when the temperature averages in the mid-90s and all hope of a good hair day is completely lost, i become positively giddy at the idea of fall being just around the corner. the latest urban outfitters catalogue is partially to blame for my excitement, and i've been scanning their website like an addict trying to decide what essentials are needed for my cold-weather look.

i came across several little booties and decided i have to get a pair. or two. it's a very, very weird thing for me to say. you see, i've never been a booties fan - i always thought they looked weird on my feet and have always preferred tall leather boots. and i also have a soft spot for uggs (sorry i'm not sorry) - nothing is better when you're trudging through a snow drift and are dangerously close to slipping on your bum, desperately thinking i'm just trying to be a good student and go to class...

this year i feel different about booties though. maybe i've changed, maybe the silhouettes have improved. but i'm excitedly thinking about these tiny, adorable little shoes with tights and shorts, or skinny jeans rolled at the ankle, maybe with patterned socks, or with little wool skirts and baggy sweaters, and possibly wearing my oversize ray-ban eyeglasses just because they would be so perfect....

there really are endless possibilities!

{From left: Deena & Ozzy Suede Scalloped Lace-Up Boot, Ecote Studded Leather Moto Boot, Deena & Ozzy Foldover Boot,Ecote Studded Triple Strap Boot, Ecote Engineer Boot, BDG Two-Tone Lace up Boot}