Happy Halloween!

Here are a few last minute pumpkin ideas and a simple and pretty mask idea for the procrastinators!

Ombre Pumpkins for a funky and on-trend decoration!

If you're as obsessed with Chevron Stripes as I am then this tutorial is for you!

I love these creative and not-so-spooky Painted Pumpkins! Super cute!

How gorgeous is this Lace Mask? What a lovely way to get into the Halloween spirit! Plus, it's not too scary for the little trick-or-treaters!

Have a sweet and spooky day!

Let's Talk Bobby Pins

A few months ago there were articles and blog posts everywhere talking about how the majority of people had been using bobby pins wrong. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was skeptical, but I started using them the "right" way, and to be honest its worked better for me!

So here's the (so-called) correct way to use bobby pins!

Another thing that has made bobby pins more helpful (and less frustrating) is to spritz them with a little hairspray before you stick them in your hair. They stay put better and slip around a lot less!

Here are two other articles about bobby pins that are worth a read!

Happy Monday!

Weekend Links

Fall has finally arrived! In celebration of chilly temperatures and falling leaves here are Fall themed weekend links!

Granted, I'll drink a cup of cocoa even on the hottest day of the year, but it's a special treat when the temperatures begin to drop. Doesn't Lavender Hot Chocolate seem like a lovely idea?

In preparation of winter hibernation, it might be time to think about doing a little redecorating your living space. A super sized picture might be a nice addition.

If you've already begun hibernation, and are lucky enough to have an iPad, why not make your own font while you're snuggled in?

Now is a good time to stock up on documentaries before the snow days come!

Need a cheat sheet for your Autumn shopping? This one has everything you'll want in your closet!

I have a huge love affair with couscous that started when I worked in a Moroccan restaurant and these couscous recipes are definitely on my to-try list!

Have a lovely Sunday!

Campaign Style 2012: Ann Romney Edition

It isn't uncommon to see Ann Romney stepping out in bright colors and bold prints or accessorizing with statement pieces like chunky necklaces or wide belts. Her go-to pieces are wrap dresses and skirt suits. 

Ann Romney isn't afraid to be a little daring with her outfits! She prefers clothes with simple silhouettes that she can make her own by pinning on a funky brooch or draping a shawl over. 

 

What I love most about Ann Romney's style is that she isn't afraid to make a statement even at important functions! She picks designs that flatter her figure (read: cinch her waist) in hues that compliment her coloring. I also love her accessories! I'm definitely inspired to go buy some vintage brooches and oversized watches.

Thoughts? What's your favorite way to accessorize?

Campaign Style 2012: Michelle Obama Edition

If you've been following the 2012 Election, you've surely noticed the fashion face-offs between Michelle Obama and Ann Romney (and let's be serious - Janna Ryan and Dr. Jill Biden haven't been looking too shabby either). There have been scathing articles about the costs of dresses and criticisms of fashion choices, but most of all it's been a lesson in personal style. 

It's impossible to say that Michelle Obama doesn't have a defined sense of style. It's clear from her signature sleeveless A-line dresses and her delicate kitten heels that she knows how to dress the part of First Lady.

 

This First Lady seriously loves A-line dresses! She picks delicate prints and often pairs her dresses with ladylike flats or low heels. She shows off her super toned arms (there are articles and workout plans dedicated to them!) with sleeveless dresses and cinches her waist with thick belts! If you're looking for a modern lady to copycat, Michelle Obama is a good place to start!

What's your favorite campaign look? Do you have a signature article of clothing?

Fall Wish List

If I could add whatever I wanted to my wardrobe this Fall these would be some of my top picks!

What's on your Fall wish list?

Weekend Links

My cupcake obsession continues! Salted Caramel Cupcakes look so yummy!

Do you use any Britishisms? This is an interesting read about how British words are infiltrating the American vocabulary.

Have you heard about Amy Poehler's Ask Amy video series? They're super cute! This one is about dealing with social anxiety.

I really love these unfinished portraits.

Okay, clearly I'm obsessed with all things salted caramel too. Here's a recipe for Salted Caramel Eclairs. Seriously.

And this Free Template Maker might be my new favorite thing! I can already imagine so many things to make boxes for!

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

Let's Talk Hair

You know those girls whose hair always looks perfect? They have a whole bunch of unique hairstyles at their disposal and every hair is always in place. Well, I'm not one of them. The truth is I'm ridiculously lazy with my hair, mostly because I'm terrible at doing it.

But lately, I've been on a little hair kick. My goal is to master a few styles that I can do in a hurry. I don't think I'll ever be someone who's always having a good hair day, but I can take some baby steps!

I've been watching a whole bunch of hair tutorials lately (there are a lot of awful hair tutorials out there, let me tell you!) and Luxy Hair has some of the best! Not only are the hair styles cute and super wearable, but the sisters who present them are charming and seem so sweet!

I'll probably skip the curling and wear this one to class and Saturday brunch.

I already know this is going to be my go-to hairdo for winter festivities!

Here's to happy hair days!

Late Links

I didn't get around to doing Weekend Links this weekend, so I decided to do a hybrid post today! Pictures and links! That doesn't sound so horrible does it?

So this is what I've been up to lately...

And some links, just for you!

Pasta Spirals with Arugula Pesto and A Poached Egg  - doesn't that sound like the perfect Fall dinner?

This list of 32 Ways To Make Me Fall In Love is kind of sweet, and mostly true!

This Brigitte Bardot Hair Tutorial is the perfect not-too-fussy hair style! I'm sold.

Finally the perfect fix for those salty-sweet cravings! No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars!

Have a lovely Monday!

Just For Fun

Have you heard of the artist Dito Von Tease? He creates "finger paintings" - portraits created on his thumb! Since his identity is secret, nobody knows too much about him but you can read a little more about him here if you're interested!

Don't you think they're kind of cute? How many can you guess?

To see more of his work check out Ditology!

Dress + Leather Jacket

If there's one thing I love it's a leather jacket! I love that the more you wear a leather jacket the better it looks and I love that I feel a little bit like a rockstar whenever I put one on.

I also happen to like wearing dresses. More specifically, I like not wearing pants. 

So, you can imagine how much I love wearing a dress and a leather jacket together! The jacket toughens up the dress and makes it feel cool. It's an easy way to transition all your summery dresses into Fall and it's the perfect way to start sneaking ankle booties into your outfits!

Bonus points for wearing a leather jacket with a maxi-dress!

Tell me I'm not the only one who's in love with leather jackets! Would you try the dress and leather combination?

Style Crush

Pretty much from the time I found Jenna Lyons & Garance Dore I've had massive style crushes on them both. So, when I found out that Garance interviewed Jenna (yes, I am using first names), I couldn't wait to see it! And it didn't disappoint!

Also, just for kicks - What Kind of Bag is Your Ex? Kind of funny!

Happy Monday!

Stuffed French Toast & Weekend Links

Last night I made stuffed French toast for the first time! I wasn't completely sure how it would turn out, it seemed like it might be tricky to execute, but in reality, it was super easy!

I didn't follow a recipe exactly, but I used Martha Stewart's Apricot-Stuffed French Toast (P.S. - Martha's Cooking School premieres today! I'm so excited!) as a starting point. It was delicious!

 The hardest part was creating the pocket in the bread and putting the stuffing in. I wanted to get it evenly distributed throughout the bread. Don't even try. Just get the filling in. When you cook the French toast, everything will sort itself out. Promise.

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On a completely unrelated note, a couple weekend links!

10 Things You Need to Stop Putting on Instagram is funny because it's true. But seriously, stop.

Did you see The Beauty Department's tutorial on how to curl your eyelashes? I tried it, and wowza!

Peanut Butter Nutella Wontons sound dangerous!

I hope you have a good one! Seriously, make stuffed French toast! Just do it!

Camouflage

I never thought this was something I'd write about, but here it is. I've been seeing camouflage all over. Really! This isn't a cruel joke!

Here's the thing - I don't hate it. I know. I know! But look before you judge me too much!

So, what's the verdict? Do you hate it? Would you wear camouflage? I'm not going to lie, I'm thinking about getting a camo jacket!

Roll Your Sleeves Up

Rolling up your sleeves has is an easy way to make your outfit feel less fussy, but my sleeve never looks quite right and my roll never stays put! At least they didn't until I discovered this trick...

Most people roll the cuff and continue to roll the sleeve up to the elbow. But, if you bring the cuff up to the elbow and then roll the sleeves the roll stays and you get the cute detail of the cuff sticking out! Genius!

Image from J.Crew