There's nothing like throwing on an easy tee, layering it with a scarf or necklace, pairing it with jeans and a light jacket. Honestly, that's my go-to outfit and it's never failed me.We all need easy basics to dress up or dress down. Whether you're going out to grab a coffee or headed to a concert, the following are fall staples everyone should have in their closet.

Dark Wash Jeans: Dark wash denim looks good on EVERYONE. Seriously, it does. Like I stated before, a dark wash is easier to dress up or dress down. They are good day to night and are usually more slimming.

Light Knit Top: The one pictured above is from J.Crew Factory and it is a simple stripped pattern that easily pairs with a lot of bottoms.

Statement Piece: I added a brass necklace from Jewel Mint and a floral print scarf. It adds dimension and spruces up the outfit. I was never one to accessorize but I've quickly learned how essential it is to complete a look. Don't be afraid to accessorize!

Light Jacket: This olive wax jacket from J.Crew has to be one of my best purchases within this past year. It has become such a versatile piece and I wear it all the time! I clearly must not be the only one who loves it because I've seen it on many stylish ladies throughout NYC. It's structured but not too stiff and comes in great fall colors!

I completed the look with comfy ankle boots and my new favorite hat from Lyla & Bo. I'm obsessed with this Bleeker hat and their entire collection. Take a look here.

These are my fall essentials, what are yours? Let me know in the comment section below!

Photos by Predestined in Love

xo, Maia

  

This shirtdress has instantly become a favorite in my closet as it reminds me very much of a similar dark purple leopard print dress I purchased from LOFT, last Winter. The blue and yellow floral print is so pretty and can be worn all season, or at least I certainly think so ;) I can already see myself wearing this with tights and booties come Winter!

I'm slowly coming to realize how this blogging gig is no joke. There are definitely bloggers out there that make it look so simple and fabulous. I certainly did not think I'd be famous overnight nor do I believe it'll happen anytime soon (one can dream right?) but it's a reflection of passion. I've always believed that if you're passionate about something it will show, people will see it and it will come naturally. I don't know how naturally this blogging thing is but I can say one right, it sure as hell makes me happy. From the outfit planning (or lack there of) to the photoshoots with great friends (Predestined in Love and Vianel De La Cruz) to the late night writing, it has all been a labor of love. I reap no financial benefit but it sure makes my heart smile.

I reached out to Vianel, a friend of mine from college and incredibly talented photographer, and asked whether he'd be interested in spending the day in NYC and shooting in different locations. He was down. So we hopped around the city, from neighborhood to neighborhood and ended up with these awesome shots. It's been astounding working with my photographer friends and it's inspiring to see how passionate they are about their work. This same day V and I were shooting, he had told me he had barely gotten any sleep because he had stayed up late taking photos in Brooklyn and woke up early to shoot the sunrise and I was in awe. That's truly inspiring and it is overwhelming in the best way possible, to surround oneself with people who love what they do.

His talent helped create some awesome photos of a date night look. I must express once again, I am obsessed with black and white and sometimes grey. They just always look so good! Once again, I added some red to make this look pop. The polka-dot romper is LOFT size, XSP and the red belt is Zara. I added my Bauble Bar link necklace, gold Michael Kors watch and black Michael Kors bag as finishing touches.

I think this is a perfect date night outfit because it's comfortable, sophisticated without being too dressy and fun. I actually received quite the compliment when I wore it out on a date later that evening ;)

In the past I was apprehensive about wearing maxi dresses with my short stature (4'10ft. 1/2in., that half of an inch counts!) but stores like LOFT, The Gap and Banana Republic have had some great petite options :)