Growing up and attending a Catholic school for most of my younger years, I learned two very important life lessons.

1.  Never, under any circumstance, make a nun angry.

2.  Plaid can actually be cute.

I never did seem to mind my pleated plaid skirt, which I would attempt to hike up way too high to be appropriate.  Many of the girls would complain of the parochial plaid and seethe with envy as the public school kids walked by in their city clothes.  I was perfectly happy in my plaid skirt and vest.  And when I left the house in the morning with bangs teased sky high (don’t judge, I am from Jersey), my “I love NKOTB” pin and Jon Bon Jovi sunglasses… I was feeling pretty darn cute.  Although, I would be none to happy if I had to wear a uniform now… I would love to still have my cute navy plaid pleated skirt (and to fit in it… but that’s a different story) and pair it with opaque tights and shoe boots.  Since, my uniform has long been recycled, I am thrilled plaid is back this fall.   And while the plaids of the season are a bit more country and not so parochial… I am ready to jump into this trend head first.  But, I think I’ll leave my Punky Brewster accessories (and hair) at home.

I have so many uses for this shirtdress… where do I begin?  Let’s see… with tights, with skinny jeans and a belt, with leggings… and the list goes on and on.

Love, Love, Love this plaid ruffle coat from Anthropologie… I think this needs to go into my shopping basket!

This plaid shirt… well the whole ensemble… is just so cute for the fall.

I always have a pair of wellies to wear in the rain… however, I could always use another pair….

How great is this necklace to update your fall wardrobe… just a bit of plaid with a punch of style.

I secretly have been wishing to find a old beat up vintage Eames lounge chair that I can reupholster and bring back to life.  I’m loving this photo via Homebug… it is making my wheels spin!

What’s great about the Gap… the prices!!! I love these adorable plaid flats with a bow… it’s a perfect plaid fall update.

Bohemian Scarf from Sundance… this would be perfect with a white t-shirt and riding boots.

Dash and Albert rugs are so sophisticated, preppy and a little bit country all at once.  I actually have a few myself.

If I had a lake home… this room would be my inspiration.  Photo via Apartment Therapy.

I love mixing plaid patterns with dots and flowers.  It gives it an edgy punk rock look and keeps the girlie out of it.  Fabric from Lee Joffa.

Plaid doesn’t have to be so innocent… take a look at the punky plaid stationery by Rock Paper Scissors.