Stop & Smell The Roses...

{Cardigan- (old) C&C California, Top- American Eagle, Jeans- (old) Kohl's, Shoes- (old) INC}

I loved the knife pleats on this top, but the embroidered roses are what sealed the deal.  Even though it is sleeveless, you can still incorporate some summery pieces into fall if the colors are right by adding an extra layer.

Tasty Tuesdays - #15 - Campfire-less S'mores...

Leave it to Pinterest to inspire me for a snack!  I needed a quick and easy treat to bring in for a work celebration and boy did this one fit the bill!  Three simple ingredients: graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate kisses.  Three simple steps: lay graham crackers on cookie sheet with marshmallows on top, broil, press kisses down on top!  Couldn't be easier!  Word to the wise- the broil setting on your oven will get these guys roasting fast, so stay close by.  While I don't mind a little carcinogenic charring over a real bonfire, I do mind setting my newly renovated kitchen on fire!  :)

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Enjoy!

Toot Toot Beep Beep - Car Coats...

{1- Gap, 2- J. Crew, 3- Zara, 4- Theory, 5- Asos}

There's nothing more classic or versatile than a camel car coat!  The longer silhouette looks like you borrowed it from the boys, but the sleek tailoring is chic and ladylike.  Such a blank canvas - add a fun broach to the lapel for some flavor or a rugged belt for a more downtown vibe.  I picked up one on sale last year from Bloomies that I will definitely be bringing back out.  This year- I went for a colorblocked car coat from Gap - love it!

{Gap - Currently sold out, but keep checking back as it has been restocked several times already!}

All Booked Up - #5 - The Asylum

{Available here}

My newest read comes from the creative ambassador for Barneys New York, Simon Doonan.  In his latest book, Simon shares personal and professional stories about the fashion industry and all of the craziness that goes with it.  The Boston Globe called him “The David Sedaris of the style universe” and we all know how much I enjoy David (mentioned here).   

I'll leave you with the author's note which pretty much sets the tone...

"AH!  FASHION.  A nuthouse?  A refuge?  Or maybe both.  Yes, an asylum in both senses of the word.  A place where unemployable crazy people are always welcome.  Every seasoned fashion personage has his or her favorite stories of folly, aberration, derangement, kookiness and excess.  These are mine.  In most instances real names are used.  I have tweaked the identities of certain individuals to protect their innocence and cherish their fabulosity.  Have I embroidered or embellished?  Let me answer that question by quoting Diana Vreeland: 'Exaggeration is my only reality.'"

 

 

Music Mondays - #15 - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

{Available here}

I had the pleasure of seeing Grace live in concert a few years back.  She has such great energy when she performs and her songs are so addictive!  Here's "Medicine"...

Are You Nuts?...

{Available here}

Nuts are almost just as Fall-ish for me as pumpkins.  I always have a bowl of pistachios, cashews, or peanuts around for snacking.  So when the new CB2 catalog arrived last weekend with this little guy, I had to scoop one up!  I'm nuts, I know...   

Fashion Fridays - #14 - Army Chic

{Images via}

Camo has been huge for Fall, but nods to army style have been "in" for awhile.  A green fatigue shirt or jacket can look casual over a tee or chic when studded with rhinestones!  I love how all of the above ladies rocked the trend.  Here are some great examples from Forever 21 - all are under $40 - at that price, how can you not give it a go?  :)

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}

Splurge {vs} Save - #14 - Caged Pendant Lighting

{Left- Restoration Hardware, Right- Target}

I love the look of industrial lighting - especially the old fashioned Edison bulbs that are making a comeback.  On the left is Restoration Hardware's version for $99.  The pendant on the right is available at Target for only $22.99.  Which do you prefer - the splurge or the save?...

True Blue...

{Sweater- (old) H&M, Tank- Old Navy, Pants- (old) Gap, Shoes- (old) Steve Madden, Necklace- Banana Republic}

Blue seems to be a trend for Fall this year - particularly cobalt blue.  This sweater was a steal last year for $10.  The necklace - not so much...  Gotta love a little high/low combo!

Thrifty Thursdays - #14 - Chic-ify Your Sneaks!

{Images via}

Sometimes you just need a little inspiration to take something you already own and think of it in a new way!  Old school sneaks are back in a big way!  I've been a fan of Saucony Jazz for a long time (latest flavor here).  I love how these ladies chic-ified their sneaks by pairing them with slim tailored outfits.  I think the extra punch is when you have a neutral outfit and you let the colored sneaks do the talking!  Here are some from my collection that I'm excited to breathe new life into.  :)

If you don't have any old school sneaks or are looking for a fresh pair, here some some Saucony's in fabulous flavors that are out on the market now...

{Available here}

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{Available here}