My Blue Suede Jacket

Faux suede moto jacket: Banana Republic (c/o) wearing XS / Skirt: Banana Republic (c/o) in size 0 / Top: Mango / Purse: Louis Vuitton / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Mules: Steve Madden (similar) / Sunglasses: Wildfox (similar) / Cherry cuff: J.Crew / Chain Bracelet: India Hicks

I can’t believe it’s middle of August already, and according to my closet I’m ready for fall, just need a few more things! *wink* I have an upcoming fall trip to South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Utah and I’m so excited to escape for the last bit of summer and then – garden time!

Transitioning through the seasons can be tricky especially given it’s still about 80 when fall is hitting, and fall doesn’t get too cold here.

Usually I bring in leather, suede and in faux versions and find those materials in lightweight jackets and skirts. That’s how we do fall here. I can’t wait to bring this lightweight suede Moto jacket with me, it comes in red (I was tempted to get it in that awesome color) and also camel.

Banana republic high waist paper bag skirt with faux suede blue jacket on phoenix lifestyle blogger diana Elizabeth

I’m also loving a bold lip lately, I’m sure you’ve noticed. This day I let Benjamin pick which shade of lipstick, he cracks me up sometimes when he has an opinion on things.

And he does have an opinion. It’s pretty funny. Until it’s not.

I love the paper bag waist on this skirt, I have it on shorts, swimsuit bottoms, and it’s so flattering and such a great little ruffle flair. It also comes in olive which is great for fall.

I ordered some sprinkler drips for the garden beds last week and I’m excited to get my garden set up for fall planting. And guess what else arrives this week?

Today is the wallpaper for the office closet, and then the actual closet is getting installed on Thursday! I’m tired of working in chaos and I’ll obviously share that project with you when it’s completed, but my things have never desperately wanted a home for weeks as I’ve had the handyman, electrician, and drywall repair guy come and now I just want to shove everything (back in its place of course) ASAP!

If anything teaches you patience, it’s home renovations. And children, so I hear.

I had my girl gang over for Chinese food from my favorite local spot in Central Phoenix (New Hong Kong Restaurant, order: Mongolian Beef, Walnut Shrimp and Tomato Beef Chow Mein Pan Fried style). I had boxes for them to go through and take whatever they wanted. The rest I gave to a tiny girlfriend of mine who loves everything and it also makes me feel good that I can give things to her.

The ironic thing is not having anyone who is the same shoe size as me, so my shoes rarely get a second life unless Melayne can squeeze into them a half size which she attempts.

Favorite places for me to donate: Hospice thrift stores (in Phoenix White Dove Thrift Stores) and Salvation Army. I donated some things there recently and I went inside looking for a 16×20 frame for my Ashford Castle map from my Ireland trip and found one for $15! Repurposed and also giving to a charity, there’s shopping that makes you feel good!