Apple Picking Good Time

Bonsoir bellas and happy Thursday! How were those weekends? (Yea, I've been working on this post for so long that I still intend to ask about your weekends even though we are almost at the next one!) Marvelous, I hope. Mine was essentially Fall perfection wrapped in ribbon with a bow and cherry on top. Ya folks, it was that good. If you were watching a romantic comedy set in Autumn, you could basically have been watching my weekend. But replace the handsome dude with some seriously rocking girlfriends and voila. There was celebratory margaritas, brunching, mimosas, drives into the country, apple picking, laughing at our apple-failures, wine tasting, views of vineyards, more wine-induced giggling, hay rides, pumpkin picking, lots and lots of apple cider and a haunted corn maize. Does it get any better than that? I vote no.

As I am writing this and reflecting not only on last weekend which I considered perfection (minus the horrifying Nationals loss) but also on all of my recent "perfect" weekends and adventures, I realize that they have one very important thread in common: my roommate. Folks, if you're not into sentimental girlyness, tune out now, because oh its coming. My wonderful roommate married the man of her dreams this summer, and they have unfortunately had to live apart for many months due to his military training. In December they will finally get to move in together. Though I am incredibly happy for my friends, I am selfishly very sad to be losing the best roommate I could have ever asked for; she's the most amazing running buddy, the best cook, the most fun person to stay up late watching movies with, the girl who makes me laugh like a hyena, my "person", the roommate who does unexpected sweet things like make my coffee in the morning or leaving me a piece of turkey bacon cooked exactly the way I like it (and I am so picky on turkey bacon), the one who "gets me" better than anyone, and the girl who somewhere along the way seamlessly became family. If you're a How I Met Your Mother fan, she's the Marshall to my Ted, though I can't say we've ever dueled with swords over our apartment before. Possibly because its a crap hole and neither of us wants it. Anyways, back to singing her praises.Sam, if you see this I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the last 4 years. Our memories in Paris (so, tell me about your life) and after will forever be some of my favorites of my entire life. And though I know it will be different not seeing each other every day and laughing over our crazy antics I don't doubt for one second that we will be any less important to each other. Whether you're next door or across the country, you'll be my family forever and we'll always make time for family :) I can't wait to come visit you in good ole Texas and hopefully find the perfect pair of cowboy boots!!

Wondering aimlessly around this place snapping pics while roommate and friend found the perfect apples for our soon-to-be apple pie= fall perfection.

Sweater: Macy's, Leggings: American Eagle, Boots: Steve Madden, Purse: Forever 21, Necklace/Bracelets: Lia Sophia, Watch: Michael Kors, Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jacket (later pics): Century 21 NYC

I discovered that an orchard is a photographer's dream and nightmare bundled into one. The scenery is stunning and the fall colors magnificent, but the shadowy lighting can be such a pain. Good time to practice, though!

I had been wanting to wear this get up ever since the weather dropped, but can not bring myself to wear leggings to work, so I waited for the perfect weekend activities and when brunching with the girls, apple picking and wine tasting in the country appeared on my calendar, I knew I had found the perfect weekend trifecta to throw this on.

The only challenge to apple picking was that we went at the end of the season and the only apples left were at the very tops of the trees. Did I mention we didn't have one of those apple grabber stick things? And yes, that is the professional name for the device in case you were wondering. You're so welcome.

I am a little obsessed with (yet another) this Lia Sophia necklace. It is the perfect piece to add a pop to basic pieces like this cashmere sweater. Plus, I'm obsessing over all things green this Fall.

Every time I turned around I felt my breath catch as I was stunned by the views. I love that I can get this incredible view just an hour away from my beloved DC.

See how many apples had fallen. It was such a shame to see so many apples go to waste.

Remember how I said we didn't have an apple picker? Roommate solved that by climbing and hanging from trees. That definitely isn't against the rules... But girl knows that when life hands you hard to reach apples, you do whatever you gots to do to make an apple pie!!

What can I say? It was the perfect day.

Darling roommate and a friend that was visiting us!

So I raise my proverbial glass to the best gosh darn roommate a girl could ask for. You have no idea how much you'll be missed now that you have to go live with a boy. Here's to the nights that I may not always remember (we know I am secretly losing my mind) with the sister I could never forget. Love you Sam!

Bisous!

Fall Pinspiration

Aloha lovahs and happy Thursday! It's a delightfully muggy one over here in isn't-it-october-sville.Seriously, the weather needs to quit playing games with my heart (ah, the classically subtle Backstreet Boys reference) because I don't know how much more I can take. Perfect 65 degree days with a breeze one day, humid rain the next and then somehow we make our way to 80+ like today. What?? It's October weather maker! Bring me my sweater and boots weather pronto!

It seems the evidence (aka my Pinterest obsessions) indicates that I am having a major love affair with pants this Fall. Whether they be of the skinny or boyfriend, denim or colored varieties, I like them all, which is actually a bit surprising. Now don't get me wrong, I have always loved me some jeans. But I tend to gravitate towards overly feminine options, like skirts and tights and dresses. And I obviously haven't left behind that feminine style (see pins 3 and 6, por favor) but it is clear that I am expanding my definition of softly feminine to include items with leg holes. Of course it helps that these lovely pants are paired with girly colors (pink plaid anyone), statement baubles, killer heels, French-inspired sweaters and sequins and sparkle. So here I have just a few of the images that are making my morning dressing decisions that much easier. Honestly, what did we ever do without Pinterest, or GASP, the Internet??

We all know how much I love my military vest (in fact this outfit was inspired by this photo) so naturally I'm a fan of this plaid/ military/ripped jeans totaling a mountain girl wears pearls look!

Give me a pair of good boyfriend jeans and sky-heel heels any day. Add in an adorable French-inspired sweater and a coffee and I'm set.

Leather. Leopard. Camel. Need I say any more?

I'll get to the killer bag in a second, but are you seeing how phenomenal this pairing of sequins and leather is?? It is almost unbelievably awesome. Plus, there's Prada.

We have been having a lot of nasty rainy weather up here in the District, so adorable outfits like these are needed. I'm not saying I dress as chic as this cool lady, but I sure as heck wish I did! I mean c'mon- sparkly stripes, military trench, mint jeans and hot pink Hunters? Is there a better photo to sum up perfection in an outfit? I think not.

What's not to love about this photo? Stripes- good. Sweater dress- good. Gray tights- good. Boots- good. Navy with gray and cognac- EXCELLENT!

Ok, this was just too good to be true, considering those are perfect Virginia Tech colors. Go Hokies!

So ladies, what is inspiring you this unusually warm Fall and do you have a go to Fall outfit? You can catch all my Pinspirations over here if you are so inclined.

Bisous!

Insta-September

Bonsoir kittens! Did you all have a happy and productive Monday? I coasted through on leftover weekend-goodness fumes, and let me tell you the weekend was so blissful that there was enough goodness to make it feel almost as nice as a Thursday. I skipped town on Saturday and headed straight for the mountains with two of my best girls for a very short camping trip and had the time of my life. We turned it into a very lazy drive, stopping for all the cooking essentials and to take photos a long Skyline Drive. Then there was the girl talk and oh was it heavenly. Sometimes there is no better medicine than sitting around a fire, giggling like buffoons, sharing the things you can only tell those people you trust with everything you have and knowing that there is no judgment and only love pouring out for you. As corny as it may sound, it was a magical weekend, and I hope we all get to do it again very soon.

Life has slowed down enough lately that I'm able to indulge in such simple pleasures as reading, lazy dinners and drinks out with roommate and plenty of puppy cuddling. In case you are wondering puppy cuddling is all the more intoxicatingly cute when the puppy is wearing adorable football jerseys. And of course there was camping, which is a whole new meaning to the word slow and I think a large part of the reason I loved it so much. There is no rush to get anywhere or do anything and it seems like nothing could be more important than reveling in nature. And that is a sentiment that I fully endorse.

 

The best Washingtonian cover ever (left me craving pancakes for weeks), and my favorite fall candies!

  

Delicious Yucca and Margaritas from Georgetown's Bandolero

  

Beautiful vintage Dior that I am still kicking myself for not getting, and Goodwill fashion show

  

Eli looking adorable in his Hokies gear, and one more shot from Bandolero's- love the decor!

  

Snaps from my terrific girl's camping trip in Shenandoah! That view was just what the doc ordered.

  

There is something amazing about cooking outdoors- you get the freshest tasting food ever!

 

Saying goodbye to our mountain view was a bit easier when I got to come home to that face!

Remember, you can always follow along with my Instagram adventures here, but be prepared to see a lot of that cute little furry face above. He is basically the love of my life!

Bisous! 

Fall Cravings

Bon matin mes jolies! Ca va? Je vais bien, merci. Ok, I promise that concludes the French speaking portion of our morning. I was thinking the other day how often I greet you all in my made up languages/accents and how rarely I use the language I actually know. So I decided to say top o' the morning to you lassies in my beloved (wish it was my native) tongue, French. Of course, I'm too lazy to look up the codes for all the proper accent marks, so just pretend that my written French is belle, s'il vous plait. 

So as I've been getting back into a regular blogging routine I've been thinking about what I want this blog to be, and what I don't want it to be. I still want it to be a lifestyle blog (I've never considered it a fashion blog because the writing is rarely about the clothes) and a personal style blog, but I don't want every post to be an outfit post. I definitely want to continue with the Insta-life posts when I actually have interesting Instagram snaps to show you, as well as posts with photos from my everyday life, so it serves as a chronicle of this period in my life. But I'd love to get your opinions as well. What would you like to see more of?

*all images from Pinterest. Click each photo to see the pin*

   
I am in dire need of a large work tote that I can fit all my stuff in. Loving
the one on the left a la Liz. It almost reminds me of the Celine I'm coveting. 

 
Peplum, peplum, peplum. It is everywhere and as evidenced by the
SS 2013 runways,not going anywhere soon. I'm loving it in stripes and trendy burgundy shades.

   
There is no more fall-essential accessory than a jacket with leather sleeves for
 a total badass vibe! Seriously considering the one on the

   
I have been obsessing over forest green anything this season, especially when
it comes to accessories (nails, earrings, bangles etc.) Love the LC dress, too.

   

  What is more chic than a structured oxblood handbag? Answer: Nothing.
Which is exactly why that affordable beaut on the right is on its way to me right now!

So if I had it my way, each and everyone of these items would find a place in my closet this fall, but alas money doesn't grow on trees and I'm not made of it either. Did anyone else hate those two cliches as much as I did as a child?? So annoying. Anywho, I'd love to hear what you loverlies are craving this fall? Have you given in to any yet? What tempts you the most?

Bisous! 

 

Stripes, Denim and Baubles

Hola mamacitas! I have been in such a domestic mood lately. Cooking homemade soups, baking and wanting to experiment in the kitchen allll the time. It's not exactly the best news for my waistline, but it sure is yummy for my tummy. Ugh, is that not the worst phrase you've ever heard? Sometimes I wonder if I write this blog in order to rid myself of all the corny, cliche over the top ideas in my head so I can make room for the good sentences when I'm at work. Interesting thought, huh?

So big news in my life. I mean monumental. For months now roommate and I have been watching LOST. Neither of us had ever seen any episodes and her husband loves the show. He was visiting one weekend so we started from the beginning. We agreed to only watch it when we were together, so naturally it took quite awhile to get through. As of last week, we are FINISHED! I was almost nervous for the show to end because so many people were unhappy with the ending, but roommate and I were both very happy with it. And the best part is now I have my life back!! I know that sounds kind of crazy, but before we were so eager to know what happened in the show that whenever we had spare moments it seemed a given that we were going to watch LOST. Now when we have free moments they are free again and we get to fill them with whatever. Sometimes that it is movies (watching the Vow right now and wanting to bawl my eyes out) or cooking dinner or long walks with Eli. And they are glorious free moments.

Dress: Missoni for Target, Denim Dress: Charlotte Russe. Boots: Steve Madden, Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Belt: Kohl's, Ring: Hautelook, Socks: DIY from old sweater sleeves

I have been wanting to try out this DIY since like May when I found the pin. But it wasn't boots season, so when I was cleaning out my closet and realized I had the perfect old black sweater that I never wore anymore, I snipped those sleeves right off and scurried off to don my boots. I adore the look of "socks" peeking out of boots, but hate the bunchy in my boots feel. Problem solved. Plus, we all know I love love love the black/brown combo!

I love stripes and denim paired together, so this was an easy combo. 

Roommate says I never do over the shoulder looks. So I gave her my best stuff. Not really sure what I'm doing with my hand though.  Come with me? Take my hand? Who knows!

Confession: This is the first time I have worn this Missoni for Target dress. Ever. And I bought it ages ago when the line came out. I bought it in haste without a trip to the dressing room, and it has always been just the tiniest bit snug around my belly. Since that is a "self conscious" area anyways, I never want to wear ill-fitting garments that highlight my troublesome areas or make me feel bad about my body. Fashion is meant to be fun and uplifting. So I decided the best way to hide that factor of the dress was to use it as an under layer. Enter my favorite denim shirt dress that is missing a button and can't be worn on its own until my lazy butt fixes it. And a perfect layered chilly day outfit is born!

So guess what I learned? I have two very different size calves, and my right calf has grown considerably since I last wore these boots :( I don't know if it is running or just general calf growth, but these boots used to always be nice and loose fitting without falling around my calves. The left is still perfect, but the right one was a little too tight for my taste. I hope they still fit over my skinny jeans! Anyone have tips for losing calf weight?? Haha.

I've been experimenting with different makeup shades to go with my new do, and today I wanted to try a bit of a vampier look. I don't remember the name of the lipstick but it was a Clinique shade and I really loved it- definitely a great fall shade. It's more Burgundy than bright red, like my NARS Heat Wave or YSL Golden Cherry.

In case you were wondering, this was a dad-approved outfit. He loves to offer commentary on my clothes (Have I ever told you about the time he kissed the top of my head as I was heading out on my first date and said, hmm well that smells..interesting? THANKS father for that round of paranoid insecurity) and thankfully, today was positive. He said he felt the layers were "fun" and the colors were just the "right amount." His suggestion was to "drape a scarf around my neck" but said "not with that necklace." I would have followed the advice had I not worn a scarf three days in a row already. P.S. You might start seeing more "dad style tips" as he liked the idea of being on the blog.

Bisous!