Granny Special?...

{Top- Forever 21, Jeans- (old, but similar style here) Gap, Shoes- (old) Michael Kors, Necklace- Banana Republic}

Even though the print sort of reminds me of granny wallpaper, I was still drawn to this top!  Sometimes you just have to embrace it - 32 going on 82!  :)

Music Mondays - #13 - Telepopmusik

{Available here}

French dance music trio Telepopmusik is an oldie but goodie.  When this song came on the other day on my way to work I thought - "this is actually great driving music" - apparently Mitsubishi did too since it was in their commercial for their Outlander SUV in 2003! 

Here's "Breathe"...

Hermes - Why Knot?...

 

Hermes just launched the cutest app I've seen in awhile!  "Silk Knots" is available to download for free on iTunes.  In the app - you can:

- learn how to tie 6 different knots using step by step videos
- discover the 20 new Hermès knotting cards
- browse a selection of scarves from the Autumn/Winter collection
- find out about the Hermès Silk universe

Plus- a new series of knots will be added each season!

Here's the Plaited Bandeau to get you started...

Fashion Fridays - #12 - A Vest-ed Interest...

{Images via}

Even though it may feel a little 80's, I've been seeing denim vests in quite a few street style photos.  I feel like so many heritage brands are having a resurgence and that their perceived quality gives them a timeless permission to never leave our closets or hearts.  This could be a great transitional piece for Fall as well as an alternative layering piece instead of a traditional sweater or jacket.  

Here are a few options that are currently available...

 {Levi's}

 {Levi's via Urban Outfitters}

 {Madewell}

 {J. Crew}

{Old Navy}

Splurge {vs} Save - #12 - Say The Word...

 Splurge...

{Images via}

 {vs}

Save...

{Forever 21}

Lanvin set off a craze of word accessories for Fall.  If you want the real deal, be prepared to do some massive hunting as they are pretty much sold out everywhere - and if you do find anything, the necklaces will run you about $950.  Or - you can save a few shekels and hit up Forever 21 where all of the above necklaces were found at under $7!

What will you do - splurge or save?...

Target-Tastic!...

{Top- Target, Pants- J. Crew, Shoes- (old) Nine West, Scarf- Phillip Lim for Target}

Feeling Target-Tastic today!  What can I say? - I love me some leopard!  This scarf is the same print as the jacket I wore on Monday from the Phillip Lim for Target collection.  The top doesn't photograph well, but it's actually a chiffon shirt with a cotton leopard jacquard front panel - the quality feels substantial for a Target piece.  It's available in black as well - surprisingly I only purchased the one color - that hardly ever happens!  ;) 

Thrifty Thursdays - #12 - Feels Like Fall...

{1- Stick Wall Art, 2- Woven Pumpkins, 3- Wooden Squirrel, 4- Wooden Fox, 5- Cable Knit Pillow, 6- Oblong Waffle Pillow, 7- Squirrel Pillow, 8- Mohair Throw, 9- Bergamot Woods Candle, 10- Flannel Candle}

It's starting to feel like Fall - why shouldn't your house get in on the fun?  Here are a few festive items to help Fall-ify your home!  Some new art and decorative accessories, throw pillows, a super soft blanket to cuddle up with and candles that smell like woodsy deliciousness.  All you need is a roaring fireplace and you're good to go!      

Isabel Marant Pour H&M...

The web was all aflutter today over the leaked images from the upcoming Isabel Marant for H&M collection.  It won't be hitting stores till November 15th, but we can start planning our wish lists now...  One thing I have to say is that it sounds like she didn't skimp on materials for the collection - there are leather pants and boots to die for!  I'm crossing my fingers that it will either be available online now that their site has launched or that the buyers will finally have pity on us Milwaukeeans and throw us a bone since we never get any of the other collaborations in town :(

What do you think?  Any must-haves?...

{Images via}

Are You Ticklish?...

{Top- (old) Loft, Shorts- Asos, Shoes- (old) Michael Kors, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

Rocking my leather shorts into Fall with a nubby top and patent ballet flats!  Such a great purchase!  This necklace is super old, but I love it so much!  I have never made it thru the day without someone wanting to play with the feathers - gucci gucci goo...  :)

Workout Wednesdays - #12 - Rodney Yee Yoga

{Available here}

Confession - I've been neglecting my Tracy Anderson series.  I know - I know - not good.  That being said, I've been incorporating other workouts instead.  What can I say?  Even though you get a new workout every 10 days, the general format of arms/abs/legs was getting a little old for me.  I've gone back to an oldie but goodie - Rodney Yee yoga.  I first started doing yoga back in college.  It was a daily de-stresser for me.  Now - it feels fresh all over again.  I think I was in a phase where if I don't sweat that I'm not really working out.  Yoga has so many healthful benefits though.  

• It increases endurance, strength and flexibility.

• Mental endurance and physical stamina are tested through holding postures for extended breaths.

• Arm and shoulder strength is multiplied as you use your own body weight for resistance.

• Lats and other back muscles begin to support the spine better than before.

• Abdominals and obliques are refined and sharpened through building core muscles.

• Poor and average posture begins to correct itself over time.

• Hip flexors are stretched and rebuilt.

• Glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves are tightened and lengthened where they need to be.

I love Rodney!  I find his method effective and his voice encouraging and soothing.  His Stamina & Flexibility workouts in particular by Gaiam are fantastic!  Namaste!

Maximum Michael...

{Top- (old) Gap Body, Skirt- Michael Kors, Shoes- Frye, Necklace- (old) Anthropologie}

Another great steal from Boston Store courtesy of their Goodwill Sale.  For those of you that don't have a Bon Ton in your area, they do an annual sale where they partner with Goodwill.  For every item of clothing you donate, they give you a coupon for 25% off anything in the store.  You can use the coupons on brands that are generally excluded from promotions.  This Michael Kors skirt was originally $130, but after several markdowns and the extra 25% off, it came in at $30!  For the vertically challenged out there that don't think they can pull off a maxi skirt, just wear it higher up on your ribcage so it won't be so long - it also elongates your body - bonus!

Tasty Tuesday's - #12 - Do You Want Fries With That?...

 {Recipe via Gwyneth Paltrow's book - 

 "My Father’s Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness" - 

available here}

The answer to that question is of course enthusiastically and emphatically "YES"!  I love french fries - never met one I didn't like.  That's why I was so excited to come across Gwyneth's no fry fries.  They satisfy the craving but eliminate the deep-fry naughtiness.

Ingredients:

2 large russet potatoes (2/3 lb each), peeled 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

3/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt

 

Directions:

Heat oven to 450°

Cut potatoes in half horizontally; cut each half into 1/3-inch-thick fries and place in a bowl of cold water

Remove from water and dry thoroughly

Toss with oil and sprinkle with salt

Place fries on a cookie sheet

Roast until browned and cooked through, turning occasionally, 25 minutes.

Serves 4

175 calories per serving - 7g fat (1 g saturated) - 27g carbs - 2g fiber - 3g protein
 

2013 Emmy Red Carpet

 

In case you missed the Emmy's last night - here are some of (in my opinion) the red carpet highlights...

 {Alyson Hannigan}

 {Anna Chlumsky}

 {Aubrey Plaza}

 {Claire Danes & Hugh Dancy}

 {January Jones}

{Kate Mara}

 {Kristen Connelly}

 {Laura Dern}

 {Linda Cardellini}

 {Rose Byrne & Bobby Cannavale}

{Images via}

Boyfriends All Over The Place!...

{Jacket- Phillip Lim for Target, Tank- Old Navy, Pants- J. Crew, Shoes- (old) Talbots, Rings- (old) H&M}

What better to pair with my favorite boyfriend chinos than my new boyfriend blazer courtesy of the Phillip Lim for Target line?!  To keep things feminine, just cuff the pants and throw on a slim sandal!

J. Crew, I Love You... - #12 - Collection Bonded Merino Sweater Jacket

{Available here}

Yay sweater weather!  The double layer of merino wool is the perfect sweater jacket for Fall - and the camel color is classic.  The coziness of a sweater with the substantial feel of a jacket - what could be better?  Add a beanie (great options here) and you're good to go! 

Music Mondays - #12 - Verve Remixed

{Available here}

This was my favorite dinner album for a looooong time!  I forgot how much I liked it till this song came on in my car - it's a remake of a Dinah Washington classic - here's "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby"...love this cute little cartoon set to the song too!...

Caged In...

{Top- JCP, Jeans- (old, but same fit here) Gap, Shoes- Michael Kors, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

Another great lesson in delayed gratification.  I saw these caged booties by Michael Kors a while back, but at $195, I just couldn't justify.  They got marked down, but even with an extra % off coupon, they were still too much.  Imagine my surprise when I saw them this past weekend.  They were still sitting on the same sale rack - not on clearance, but something told me to scan them and check their price....well what do you know?  Down to $50 - plus they had an extra 20% off coupon, so $40!  Cha-ching!  I couldn't get them home and on my feet fast enough!  :)

Fashion Fridays - #11 - Mad For Plaid...

{Images via}

It smells like teen spirit all over again!  I love a plaid button down whether in chiffon, crisp cotton, or classic flannel.  There are so many ways to wear this trend.  I've been doing what I call my "farmer-chic" version - half tucked with lots of jubee gems!  :)

Here are some great options available right now...

 {Madewell}

 {J. Crew}

 {Old Navy}

 {Gap}

{Forever 21}