Today’s post was created in partnership with South Moon Under.

Christina and I headed down to Essex, Connecticut yesterday – one of my favorite little historic towns in Connecticut. I shoot there every single fall, they have the most beautiful foliage and historic homes along Main Street, as you can see from a glimpse at these shots.

Here’s a few of my favorite things to do in Essex:

• While you’re walking along Main Street, stop in at the Griswold Inn! It’s one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the entire country.
• Hop a ride on the steam train in the afternoon. Around the holidays they have a special ‘santa express’ ride that’s great for littles – your nieces, nephews, or kiddos will love it!
•  Pop in to Essex Tea + Coffee while you’re there and grab the almond latte with a gluten free macaroon.. absolutely delicious!
• Snap photos of the historic homes along Main Street – most of these are still occupied and they’re always impeccably decorated for the season or holiday!

I mentioned in my post earlier this week I’d be styling lace up booties a totally different way later in the week – and here we are! This is the second pair of chunky heeled lace up booties I’ve grabbed this season and I think we’re safe to say I’m sold on the trend!

I got these Lucky Brand lace up booties from South Moon Under – which is actually one of the first retailers I ever worked with here on Style Cusp (take a peek at the archives to see those posts.. blast from the past!) To be working with them again on this post for you guys truly brings things full circle – I’m so grateful for all the growth + opportunity that’s happened over the past 5 years and it amazes me. Thank you all for coming to this space everyday, reading these posts, and supporting the brands/retailers that I work with!

I wanted to style this pair of lace up booties totally different than earlier in the week so opted for this gorgeous burnt orange suede dress + threw this light jacket over it. The dress is SUCH a cute shift – I can’t wait to wear it with a chunky cardigan and over the knee boots too! The detailing down the front totally makes the dress – plus it’s super comfy AND under $100. Yes, please?! South Moon Under FTW! (I’m wearing a size small for reference!)

Christina loved this coat and we were talking about how it’ll be perfect for the holidays with the touch of sherpa on the sleeves. Sherpa is a huge trend this fall + I love that this one incorporates it while still keeping the overall style a little more polished. It’s perfect for Christmas Eve, New Years, really any festive function – you can pair this with a black jumpsuit or a sequin dress and you’re good to go!

Everything in this look rings it under $150 – and South Moon Under is currently running a holiday look book launch sale! Save 20% off $150 with code WINTER18.

Happy Shopping! 🙂