As much as I love a timeless neutral (surely evidenced in our Classics Collection), I have an equally strong soft spot for a well-done pop of color. Said color moments instantly add a seasonal twist to year-round wardrobe staples, splash personality into a simple look, and make any outfit feel more intentional. 

That last point rings truest to me, especially as my life over the last few years has looked like balancing from-home work with increasingly busy children. I've spent these years working in fashion in different capacities, and quickly found that it was hard for me to do my job well while wearing the athleisure that dominates "stay-at-home mom style." Sure, a trusty pair of black leggings has their place in my closet, but they do nothing to inspire me. As a working mother, I need to be able to switch gears quickly, taking advantage of every moment when my children are at school or with a babysitter. Gone are the drawn-out work days from early in my career when I could patiently wait for inspiration to strike and rearrange my to-do list around those moments. In this season, I need to be able to walk in the door from preschool drop-off straight to my desk, ready to type a blog post or newsletter like this, plan photo shoots and future collections, and do the very best work I can, no matter how short the window of time is. 

I've discovered over the years that a classic shoe in a fun color can make all the difference in how quickly I can get ready for a full day, which is what inspired the two colorful styles in The Gathering Collection (one we're talking about here and one coming in a few weeks!). Our dark green Magnolia nappa leather may not be a color you thought you needed in your closet, but trust me: once you have it on hand, you'll be amazed by how often you reach for it. Green is nature's neutral, after all, so while it always feels like an interesting addition to an outfit, it never feels out of place. Pair the new Sadie Ballerina with your favorite fall sweaters, denim or white corduroy pants, florals in autumnal hues, a black knee-length shirtdress (always a chic pairing with a ballerina), and more—I pulled a few favorite ideas below!

Clockwise from top left: Hunter Bell* jacket and skirt, Le Specs sunglasses, Boden dress, Baybala* top, J. Crew jeans, Lele Sadoughi* headband, Mille* dress, Fanm Mon* cardigan, Baybala* pants, Susan Shaw* earrings, Lost and Wander* dress, Hunter Bell* sweater, DL1961 corduroy pants, J. Lowery* bag, Ayr* dress

*Women-owned small businesses starred