#3 of the Top 5 Fall Trends: Lace!

My top 5 fall trends countdown continues and today it's all about lace! There is nothing more elegant than lace and this fall it is one of the most popular trends out there. Every fashion magazine I flip through is full of lace. From skirts, to blouses, to crop tops. One of my favorite ways to rock lace is by pairing a white lace blouse with a faux leather skater skirt and over-the-knee boots. So chic! Here are some of my favorite lace scores that will be perfect this fall.

Intermix Alexis Lace Mock Neck Blouse

Express White Lace Insert Trapeze Dress

Zara Midi Skirt

Zara Lace Frill Top

Forever 21 Lace-Paneled Bodycon Dress

Top 5 Fall Trends Number 2: Wool Fedoras!

Ditch those beanies and say hello to the #2 must-have fall trend... Wool fedoras! I have quickly become a huge fan and these bad boys are a staple in my wardrobe. They hide dirty hair, are perfect for travel days, protect your face from the sun, and add a chic touch to any ensemble. Their versatility and practicality are what make them a perfect accessory in my books. And let me tell you, this fall they are going to be red hot! Everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Courtney Sixx, and Victoria Beckham have been spotted rocking these hats. Here are just a few that will be perfect as the weather starts cooling off.

Urban Outfitters Ecote Scout Panama Hat

Zara Special Edition Hat

Topshop Wide Brim Fedora Hat

Forever 21 The Mirage Fedora

Beauty Bandit's Top 5 Fall Trends You Don't Want to Miss Out On! Number 1: Over the Knee Boots.

As much as I love summer, nothing compares to my love for fall. From the crisp morning air, to the haunted attractions, to the pumpkin scented everything, I cannot get enough of it! And yes, I know it is still August and we have a couple weeks left to enjoy the beach and pool, but the stores are already starting to get their fab fall collections in and I thought there would be no better time than now to start showcasing my top 5 fall trends you don't want to miss out on!

I'm going to kick-off the top 5 trends with one of my all time favorites! Over the knee boots! Fall is the perfect time to break out the boots and this season the taller, the better! Over the knee boots are going to be all the rage. Their versatility will make them a staple in every girl's closet. Try pairing them with jeans, leggings, or a dress. The options are endless! Here are a few options I have been absolutely loving!

Gianvito Rossi Almond Suede Boots

Breckelle's Faux Suede Thigh High Boots

Chinese Laundry Center Stage Over the Knee Boots

BELL Thigh High Boots

Style Steal: Intermix Burgundy Shirt Dress

Ladies! I have a style steal that is too good to pass up! If you have done any shopping at the mall or online recently, you have noticed burgundy is one of the hot, trendy colors this fall. I don't know about you, but I absolutely love this color. Well, when I was in New York City two weekends ago I stopped by one of my favorite stores, Intermix. I fell in love with the dress on the right but I just could not justify the price. Almost $300 for a dress, no thank you! Yesterday, I had some downtime while in Indianapolis and decided to do a little shopping. I popped into Francesca's and found the dress on the left. I mean, hello! Nearly identical in color and style and only $44. What a steal! Here are the links to both dresses:

Intermix Cut Out Back Trench Dress

Francesca's Regina Button Shirt Dress

Acne Horror Story & How I Cleared Up My Skin!

Today I have something a little different for you. Not the typical how to or top 5 products post but instead, a horror story. Yep, you heard me correctly! A real life horror story all about my battle with acne and how the situation went from bad to worse before I gave my skin the facelift (no pun intended) it needed to be bright, clear, and healthy.

It all began in February. For the past 2 years, I have religiously used Proactive and Target's Up & Up brand acne cream. Well in January, now 24 years old, my skin was clear and looking great so I decided I no longer needed these drying acne products. Boy was I wrong! In February, my skin started breaking out all over my face. And when I say breaking out, I mean cystic acne (which I had never had before) in places, like my forehead, that have never been issue spots for me. I quickly began using my Proactive again but it wasn't making a difference. I tried everything the market has to offer... Murad, Acne gels, Clinique. You name it, I tried it. And nothing was helping. If anything, my skin was getting worse and my bank account was getting smaller. Concealer wasn't disguising my blemishes and I knew scarring was going to occur as the cystic acne spread. My confidence level dropped and by mid-May I couldn't take it anymore. I made a doctors appointment and received an oral prescription that treats the cystic acne like an infection. I had to take it twice a day and after about 2 or 3 weeks, I noticed a HUGE difference. The cystic acne was gone and my complexion was already looking 100% better. I began using Proactive and the Up & Up acne cream again and since June, I have had the best looking skin of my life.

I'm hoping my 4 month acne horror story gives anyone who is struggling with acne hope! Once you find that treatment that works with your skin and acne, watch the miracles happen. If you have extremely stubborn cystic acne like I did, don't think you are stuck with it forever. Make a doctors appointment and get a prescription. It will work wonders and you can enjoy your new-found confidence!