Before I get started I just wanted to say that I’m thinking of everyone in London. I know I would be absolutely terrified of what is happening there no matter which side I was on. I hope you and your loved ones are safe and that peace finds you soon.

It’s not fall yet. Believe me, I know that. But with this heat and humidity making it feel 100+ degrees, I can’t help but dream of fall, especially since school is starting really soon. I’m going to try really hard to not get too far on the fall bandwagon that is oh-so-fun to ride, and instead focus on what I need for the upcoming school year.

One of the themes on my back-to-school shopping list is separates. You all have probably realized now that I live most of my life in tops and bottoms, but I have a love for dresses that doesn’t always match my reality. Last fall/winter I really invested in dresses appropriate for the season, but this year I need to make sure I have a mix of separates that I can change around for different looks. When I was at Nordstrom’s the other week, I found this Daniel Rainn chiffon jacket that I fell in love with.

This print can be a little much for people who aren’t print-lovers, but I happen to be one so it made me happy. It has subtle hints of pale pink and plum, and completely gives me a separates option to dress a look up. I chose to wear it closed with a metallic tank, but I could just as easily wear this with flats and a v-neck black tee underneath for a more casual look. My arms are super short, so the sleeves are a slightly awkward length on me that I’ll have to find out if it can be altered.

I wore it with my favorite skinny jeans by City Chic and heels from Torrid.

I used a cloth belt that had come with a different cardigan and double belted it. Since the material in the back draped over the belt, no one would be able to tell that I had knotted it. I also added on my new favorite ring that I got in the Junior’s department at Nordstrom’s. It’s almost a trapezoid but also almost a rectangle with only one side slanted. Because it’s not too wide, it’s one big ring that does not take over my entire hand, which I’m pretty thankful for!

P.S. I had to size down twice on this jacket, so if you’re interested in getting it, keep that in mind!

SHOP: Chiffon Jacket, Tank–no longer available-they usually come out in the winter: similar, Jeans, Shoes–no longer available, Ring–in stores only

Beyond separates, I also have a really dirty, bright green bookbag to replace, so I’m thinking a satchel is a must for the fall!