Halloween's of the Past

As I'm making my final decisions about this year's costume, I thought it would be fun to reflect on some past creations. I challenge myself to start with pieces from my own closet and a few accessories. Wish me luck this year, struggling a bit with committing to an idea! 

 2003 - Audrey Hepburn and a construction worker

I still wear this dress. And the shades.

2007 - Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
That eyeliner goatee still cracks me up.

2009 - Bumble Bee & Elvis (with our friends the Jockey and Derby lady)

My top was part of a past New Year's Eve outfit. 

2010 - Zorro & a Senorita

The shoes inspired the whole thing.

Happy Halloween Weekend! 

What are you dressing up as??

Crime Scene Manicure

Last night I gave myself a bloody manicure. And when I say bloody, I'm not speaking like a Brit. So gross yet I'm loving it!  (For the short term anyway.) The things a girl will do for her favorite holiday... 

Wanna DIY? Instructions after the jump!

Spooky Sparklers

Skeleton Necklace  /  Claw Ring  /  Spider Pendant  /  Dagger Pendant  /  Skull Ring  /  Web Earrings    

Halloween is just around the corner and I can't think of anything better to get in the spirit than gazing upon a few fabulous jewels from Jennifer Fisher. The skeletons have real diamond eyes, swoon. And there's a certain playfulness about wearing a gold dagger pendant close to your heart. A little goth, all glam. 

P.S. Spiders aren't just for Halloween, I sport this one year round.

Sunlight & Sort of an Outfit

Sweater - LC for Kohl's  //  Shirt - Zara  //  Skirt - Forever 21  //  Bag & Boots - Steven Madden  //  Belt - Vintage

Yesterday was one of those 'so gorgeous you don't want it to end' kind of days. So after spending the morning live tweeting from the Chicago Fashion Foundation's Legally Fashionable panel as part of Fashion Focus Chicago, we hit the streets to soak up (what I hope is not the last of) the sun. These are definitely not the best photo's you'll see on this blog but sometimes it's more about the feeling than the focus - I mean, who really cares how cool my boots are when the scenery is this pretty? Though I do kind of like how the stripes of the skirt mimic those on the skyscrapers.  Oh, and what's that wicked peacock belt you ask? Well that's a vintage gift from Grandpa to Mom to eventually me. You know I love it.

Thanks for all your sweet words and patience last week. Feeling much better, and ready to take on a new week. Have a happy one sweets!

Spot the Steal - Here, Kitty Kitty

When in Tenn.

Top - AE  //  Pant - Bullhead  //  Boots - Charles Albert (similar)  //  Earrings - Forever 21    
Bracelet  - Hong Kong Jade Market  //  Sunglasses - Sears

Well you guys, I did it. After a lifetime of refusing to own cowboy boots I finally caved. I can't put my finger on what took so long to change my mind other than they just never seemed fashionable to me. Not that they were unfashionable, just more of necessity like a golf shoe or football cleat. I grew up on lots of land but it wasn't a working farm by any means and wearing them seemed like something a poser would do but, when in Rome I guess...  I'm still not sold on if I can own this look or not, but finding a pair for $7.48...this cowgirl's gonna give it a shot.  (Got them at Ross, which is coming to Chicagoland by the way - danger, danger!!)

P.S. Meet the newest family member at the Plantation de Parent's - his name is Calvin. My family favors people names for pets, in the past we had Robert (he went by Bob.) Oh, and that's Callie Marie (dog) and Mr. Petersen (cat) above.

P.P.S. These pics were snapped on our last trip to TN (same as these) hence the short sleeves, greenery and beautiful sunshine. Today I'm sharing them from my cozy couch as I'm home with a head cold that just won't quit! 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

This weekend we may have gone a little pumpkin crazy. Pumpkin pancakes with pumpkin butter, pumpkin lasagna, and the recreation of my favorite fall beverage, the pumpkin spice latte. It was awesome. Wanna see? Recipe below!

Recipe: Makes 2 servings
(adapted from several versions)

2 cups milk
3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish
1 cup strong brewed coffee
whipped cream
cinnamon, optional garnish

Combine milk, pumpkin, sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until steaming. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice. Whisk the mixture until foamy. Transfer into two mugs, filling each only half full; top with coffee. Garnish with a dollop ow whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

P.S. More Pumpkin love.

Pinterest People

I have to be honest, I joined Pinterest over a year ago as part of the launch project Pin It Forward and my first board was centered around 'What Home Means to Me'. At the time, though neat, it was a bit lonely around there, the pin it button installation was tricky on my multiple computers and I gave up as sort of a more trouble than it's worth situation. Lately though (actually it could have been ages ago) the pin it button advanced making it super easy to pin from the various computers I use and I'm now one thousand percent addicted.

Are you a Pinterest person? Let's share inspiration!
And while we're at it, let's connect on Facebook & Twitter, too.

Also, I wanted to say thank you for all your kind words on my last outfit post. It really meant the world to me. I'm a bit behind in responding to some of your inquiries but I promise to be in touch! Thanks again sweethearts, have a lovely weekend!

Sweet Street

Top, Jeans & Belt - H&M  /  Tank - J.Crew  /  Earrings - Forever 21  /  Clutch - Stila  

  Shoes - Aldo (also seen here)

The moment I saw this shirt I was reminded of my grandmother. The colors and pattern were popular in her home decor and wardrobe as was the robe sleeve like draping - she was quite the fabulous dresser in her day and around the house favored frocks we affectionately called "Mimie gowns". Something about this top gave me flashbacks of Mimie gowns and I just had to have it. Funny how certain items can evoke vivid memories. Though I have a few pieces from her closet, it's nice to incorporate some modern items that feel just as sentimental. I was thrilled to take these pictures on the street I grew up on in Tennessee, the street where she and my grandfather built a home, raised a family, made wonderful memories and where their children would eventually live with their children. Being back there soothes my soul. There's no place like home. 

Do you have any special sentimental items in your closet? Do share. 

P.S. Please forgive the wrinkles, it's a huge pet peeve of mine but I couldn't pass up this photo opp, steamer or not. 

Crazy for Cobalt

Quite in love with this dress. Wouldn't it be perfect for a holiday fete? (I don't believe it's too early to start planning for those is it?) Also available in three more swoon worthy shades - mustard is my 2nd favorite. (Which shouldn't come as a surprise seeing as how I can't get enough of these pants.)

Five Things I'm Completely Obsessed With Right Now

Tattly's - Tattoo's for Trypanophobes (that would be me)

Purple suede studded BCBG pumps that I basically stole from TJ Maxx at a cool $10.

New blows for the casa.  Makes eating our Thai takeout so much more special.

Chanel's shimmery gel eyeshadow that creates a sultry smokey ombre like no other.

The Mega Marilyn on Michigan Avenue.

What are you loving these days?

Feeling like Fall

Jacket & Shirt - AE  /  Denim, Sunglasses & Bow Necklace - Forever 21  /   Elephant Necklace - J.Crew    Watch - DKNY  /  Jade Bracelet - Hong Kong Jade Market  /  Shoes - c/o Wanted  /  Tattoo - Tattly  

A very stylish person once said to me, "Fall is the most ideal season because you get to utilize your entire wardrobe." Truer words were never spoken. When else can you get away with sandals and a jacket without looking ridiculous? This has been one of my live in outfits so far this season. On a breezy, fall day the light layering jacket goes on and off as needed for shady versus sunny spots. When it's not in use I can wad it into my bag without feeling guilty - perma-wrinkles are the best.

San Francicso

San Francisco treated me well. The weather was gorgeous each day, perfect for exploring areas such as Union Square, the Marina, Ghirardelli Square and a view of the Golden Gate bridge. Also did a bit of shopping and acquired the perfect gray bag - requirements were 1. must coordinate with boots & 2. must have room enough for the camera - check and check. And there was certainly a bit of wine tasting and the devouring of delicious cuisine.

It was only my 2nd trip to the city and each has been incredibly short. I'd love to return and experience a bit more. Have you been to San Francisco? What are your favorites for dining, shopping and drinking?