{things i learned} make-up brush storage
Confession: my sister and I have way too many makeup brushes (it's just not fair how many varieties there are). Together we came up with a fast and easy way to keep them all at our finger-tips. Want to do the same? Find a small, table-top container–we used a flower pot–adhere felt to the bottom to protect your furniture, and fill it with craft store marbles, beads ,or pebbles. Add your brushes–handle side down–and you're ready to start shading, blending, and highlighting.
by the way, my favorite brushes come from ecotools…they're gorgeous, well-made, and, of course, earth friendly.
{things i covet} bronze glitter satchel by flashbag
[Photo from FLASHBAG - $130, available soon here]
This cute purse from an up-and-coming designer screamed "it bag" the second I spotted it. Originally made to hold a camera, it kept the structured shape, took on a fun name, and got a whole lot more versatile. I love the long strap, exposed studs, and interesting lock. The bags come in a bunch of eye-catching colors–like neons and bright crocodile prints–but my heart belongs to those of the glittery variety. Not yet available in stores–the owners of the company are in talks with Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and other major retailers–FLASHBAG is definitely a brand worth watching.
{things i wore} ruffled trench coat
When Kate Middleton visited Northern Ireland with Prince William way back in March of this year, I immediately fell in love with her Burberry coat and black-on-black tights and heels (see here and here). I couldn't have been happier when I found out a similar style trench was available for a much cheaper price and after a very funny exchange with a saleswoman–she nodded at me profusely but didn't seem to have any idea who Kate was–I snagged the store's very last one in my size. Even with a smaller price tag, it doesn't skimp on the details. I'm glad the buckles, epaulets, wide cuffs, and high belt were all reproduced because to me they're just as important as the ruffled bottom in making the coat so special.
And yes, I'm attempting my best Kate impression– all it takes really is holding a clutch, moving your hair, and beaming like you're in love with a prince.
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Coat: Ruffle Trim Classic Trench in "Gold Champagne," New York & Company [was $90, available here]
Tights: Solid Opaque Tights in "Black," J. Crew [were $24.50, available here]
Shoes: Heat High Heel Shoe in "Black Kid Suede," Pelle Moda [$140, available here]
Bag: Grosgrain Clutch [vintage]
Jewlery: Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [gift]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$525, available here]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [from $425, available here]
Nails: "Stiletto Red," Rimmel
{things i liked} reese witherspoon & leather boots
[Photos from The Fashion Spot]
Reese Witherspoon builds a lot of her casual looks around short skirts (see here if you haven't noticed it before) and the pieces rarely catch my eye. But the outfit she wore to go out for lunch at the Brentwood Country Mart this week was one I could totally appreciate. I love the braid detail on her boots and the Celine tote looks incredible in two-tone. With her hair pulled back and those Wayfarers, she looked relaxed but definitely polished.
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SHOP THE LOOK:
[Photo from Piper Lime - Large New Wayfarer, Ray-Ban, $119, available here]
[Photo from Blue Fly - similar style: Camel Calfskin 'Nano' Shopper Crossbody tote, Celine, $1240, available here]
[Photo from Barney's - similar style: 106 Charlye, Golden Goose, $1295, available here]
[Photo from The Outnet - Low-rise skinny jeans in "Blue," Rich & Skinny, were $194, available here]
{things i learned} pumpkin, squash, and gourds
To be honest, I never really knew the difference between pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Apparently, squash, pumpkins, zucchini, cucumbers, and melons can all be considered gourds. So all squash are gourds, but not all gourds are squash. Some are edible and some are not– and there are about 700 types in the species.
I picked up the members of this centerpiece last month, and while I've loved looking at them since then, I must admit I'm excited to swap the whole thing out for something more Christmassy as soon as I've finished eating today's turkey and pie.
happy thanksgiving xx
{things i wore} heavy-knit sweater
Nothing says autumn in New York better than a long heavy-knit sweater. Before the temperatures get too brutal I love to layer them with tees, jeans, and my favorite boots so I can just leave my coats at home. I find it's fun to play with the styling of big sweaters because you can take them from relaxed and trendy to polished and sophisticated with just your accessories. I kept things pretty conservative, with a structured handbag and simple silver jewelry.
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Sweater: Long Sweater in "Gray," ESPRIT
Shirt: Short-sleeve V-neck Tee in "Black," Victoria's Secret [$24.50, available here]
Pants: Low Skinny 531 Jeans, Levi's [similar styles available here]
Bag: Top-handle tote in "Black," Etienne Aigner [vintage]
Shoes: Wendall Boot in "Black," DV by Dolce Vita [$169, available here]
Jewelry: Paloma Picasso Celtic Love Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [$165, available here]
{things i covet} floral cotton-blend organza dress by oscar de la renta
[Photo from Net-A-Porter - $2490, available here]
This dress had me thinking Audrey Hepburn the second I laid eyes on it (see here). A few seconds later, I was day dreaming about holiday parties and how much fun it would be to step into one wearing a confection just like it. I adore anything in black and white, but the texture of the organza on both the bodice and the skirt make the combination so much more interesting than usual. Coupled with a flared silhouette, it's one eye-catching dress.
{things i made} pumpkin crumb muffins
In the fall I'm always looking for ways to use autumnal ingredients in my cooking and baking. These pumpkin muffins fit the bill. Moist and sweet on the inside, slightly salty and dry on top, they're my favorite way to cook with the squash after pies and soups. Thanksgiving is almost here and since I'll be switching to my winter favorites soon enough I'm enjoying recipes like this one while I can. As an added bonus, no butter or eggs are involved in the making of these tasty treats.
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Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup pureed pumpkin
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 tablespoons molasses
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices. In another bowl, mix pumpkin, milk, oil, vanilla, and molasses. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix.
3. Fill muffin cups two-thirds full. In a small bowl mix together 1/3 a cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir in 2 tablespoons of canola oil or enough until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
{things i liked} zoe saldana & a sparkly gown
[Photos from The Fashion Spot]
Zoe Saldana looked stunning at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in a glittery Elie Saab gown that skimmed the floor and her curves. I love the dress' belt and short sleeves because they were just casual enough to set off its all-over sequins. The color was attention-grabbing without being too loud and her makeup, shoes and clutch were subtle enough to keep the whole look balanced. Another plus: Zoe looks almost as tall and slim as the runway model that originally wore the creation.
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SHOP THE LOOK:
[Photo from Elie Saab - Ready-To-Wear Emerald Green Fully Embroidered Long Length Short Sleeve Dress, Elie Saab, see here]
[Photo from Bottega Veneta - similar style: Stone Plaster Intrecciato Velvet Python Knott, Bottega Veneta, $2500, available here]
{things i wore} boyfriend blazer
If you want to take the "boy" out of a boyfriend blazer you don't have to look much farther
than your shoe closet. I love the combination of this oversized jacket and the dramatic 5.5
inch lift of these shoes. I get a lot of daily use out of blazers like this one in the fall, but
when the occasion at hand is less casual, I grab a clutch and some heels to dress things up
and I'm good to go.
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Blazer: Boyfriend Blazer in "Black," J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]
Pants: Martin Fit Cuffed Crop in "Green," Banana Republic [no longer available, similar style available here]
Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in "Black," Banana Republic
Shoes: Heat High Heel Shoe in "Black Kid Suede," Pelle Moda [$140, available here]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in "Croc-Textured Black," Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Jewelry: Diamond Micro-Pave Band, gift; Assorted Sterling Silver Bangles, from Mexico
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