Happy Halloween

Wishing you a weekend filled with treats, tricks, and spooky (but pleasant) surprises.
xoxo


image via weheartit
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Southern Comfort

This past weekend husband and I attended a lovely outdoor wedding near Hilton Head, South Carolina. The weather was sunny and warm with a slight breeze that felt wonderful in the shade. The ceremony and reception were held outdoors in front of a beautiful lake with yellow and orange leaves and miniature pumpkins scattered among the grass.

Since we had a four hour car ride and the wedding was at 1:00, I opted for low-maintenance (read: comfortable and not prone to wrinkles) dress in fall colors and a simple short-sleeved cardigan. Also, to avoid the awkward heel-stuck-in-the-grass dilemma, I chose wedge heels over stilettos and dressed up the simple ensemble with a bit of sparkle and a vintage clutch.

UO dress, Vera Wang wrap, vintage belt & clutch, MRKT shoes via DSW, Forever 21 earrings & ring, Revlon Vixen polish


xoxo

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A is for Accessories

I am a firm believer that even the drabbest outfit can be spiced up with the right accessories. Working in a relatively conservative environment, this is a practice that I exercise regularly. A great statement necklace, scarf, or killer heels can take an other wise bland outfit to a more sophisticated ensemble. Here are some of my less-professional choices for accessories this fall.

Hat's aren't just a quick fix for a bad hair day (or when it's been four three two days since the last washing). 
Cover your head with one of these chic chapeaux for an instant upgrade.

Clockwise from top left:
Albertus Swanepoel Fedora - J. Crew

Finely Feathered Cloche - Anthropologie

Pleated Turban - Topshop

Greyscale Hat - Anthropologie

Banded Wool Fedora - Forever 21

Wool Felt Fedora - Juicy Couture

Thigh-high socks aren't just for lounging around the house anymore.
Pair them with a skirt and heels for a casual look and instant warmth.

Wide Stripe Socks - American Apparel

Striped Socks - Forever 21

Betsy Crochet Socks - Urban Outfitters

Rugby Socks - Topshop

Ribbed Modal Socks - American Apparel

A bit of faux fur adds instant glam to any outfit, not to mention the added bonus of being incredibly warm.
Equal parts chic and cozy? Sign me up.

Clockwise from top left:
Faux Fur Leopard Coat - American Eagle
Wintertide Scarf - Anthropologie
Masha Metallic Faux Fur Jacket - Alice & Olivia
Noorvik Mukluk Boots - Anthropologie
Wild Weather Hand Warmer - Modcloth
Tinely Road Faux Fur Vest - Piperlime


What are your go-to accessories for fall?
xoxo

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Oh Mon Dieu, Ms. Rowley

It's no secret around here that I love all things Gossip Girl. With fashion designers and celebrities making cameos on GG recently (Hello, Isaac Mizrahi and Tim Gunn), I was not at all surprised to find Cynthia Rowley, one of my absolute favorites, in the mix. Next Monday, November 1, Rowley will make a guest appearance on the show for Blair's birthday. She will be in great company, along side Joe Zee and Rachel Zoe. Can it be any more fabulous?

As would be expected, Rowley looks absolutely stunning in a glass cabochon top and printed leather heels from her Spring '11 Collection. She pairs the texture and print of the top and heels with a feather tu-tu (the ballerina in me is dying of jealousy right now) to complete the look. Just another reason to look forward to Monday night.

Happy Gossiping.

xoxo

image via Cynthia Rowley

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Weekend Adventures: Bryson City, NC

For a dual anniversary-birthday celebration extravaganza, husband and I recently spent a few days around Bryson City, NC. We started off our trip with one night of car camping at Tsali Campground, located near Fontana Lake. The weather was cool and crisp, but not too cold for sleeping in a tent.

Friday morning we started with breakfast over the campfire, freshly brewed coffee, and then off for some mountain biking. Tsali has multiple options for biking, and we opted for the 8 mile trail. The path wound through the mountains following the edge of Lake Fonatana. While there were a few technical parts that required walking from an amateur like yours truly, the trails were very rider-friendly and filled with turns, hills, and little jumps.

After a day of biking at Tsali, we headed into town to the West Oak Bed & Breakfast, a perfectly adorable B&B located on the hill just on the city's edge. Our room was small, as are most bed & breakfasts, but included a complete kitchen and a washer/dryer. There was a lovely outdoor patio for drinking coffee and enjoying the mountain view.

Saturday was spent in the mountains of Deep Creek, where we spent 14 miles hiking through the beautifully colored fall leaves. We stopped often to admire the waterfalls near the base of the mountain, and even saw a little black bear on the trail! It was a great hike, with plenty of uphill climbing, lunch on the trail, and incredible views of the fall colors.

Forever 21 vest & earrings, H&M shirt, Joe's skinny jeans, The Loft scarf, vintage boots

While in Bryson City we ate at Anthony's Pizza and devoured the most delicious Margherita pizza I have ever eaten! Chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and mozzerella. Yes, please. We also had a cozy breakfast at the Freymont Inn, complete with a fire in the fireplace, blueberry pancakes, and home-cooked potatoes.

Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite places in the southeast for outdoor adventures, especially in the fall. There's just something magical about the Smoky Mountains with their vibrant leaves and looming morning fog. It's charm pulls you in from your first glimpse.


Happy Adventures, friends.
xoxo

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Slouchy Chic

With cooler weather and morning drizzle making its way into the daily forecast, I can't help but long for over-sized, slouchy tops made from soft cotton or warm knits. Lately I've been equating cool mornings with slouchy tops, skinny jeans, and knee-high boots. While I've never been a fan of wearing one's sweatpants out in public (save perhaps a trip to the gym or when camping), these pseudo-lounge items below have definitely caught my attention.

1. Tri Marl Tee - Topshop
2. Grace Sweatshirt - Duskin (on sale!)
3. Oversized Toffee Knit - Michael Kors
4. Ruffle Bib Oversized Sweater - Sonia Rykiel
5. Back Zip Sweater - Marc by Marc Jacobs
6. Luck is in the Cardigan - Modcloth
7. Slant Stripes Top - Anthropologie
8. Casual Observer Sweatshirt - Modcloth


What are you cozy-ing up in theses days?
xoxo


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Indian Summer

Not too long ago, I stated that fall had finally arrived here in the deep south. Well, I spoke too soon. This past week temperatures averaged in the low to mid 80s. Alas, fall festivities were placed on hold, and I tried to relish in the one last glimpse of summer that mother nature provided. I soaked up a bit of sun, drank lemonade, and put away the long sleeves and blazers for a few days of Indian summer.

UO silk blouse, Tucker for Target skirt, Nine West wedges, Banana Republic ring, F21 earrings, Target bag, Essie Sew Psyched Polish


Happy Indian Summer
xoxo


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Doctor's Orders

This past weekend husband and I spent a few restful days here and here. We planned the trip back in August as a dual anniversary-birthday adventure, and after a particularly discouraging and busy week, we took off Thursday afternoon without looking back.

So, my lovelies, I apologize for the brief hiatus. Sometimes you just need to get away from everything and everyone except that one person who keeps you grounded. I'm lucky enough that that same person is also the one who can make me laugh the most. Today I feel refreshed, re-grounded, and ready to tackle the obstacles in front of me.


More trip details to come.
Happy Monday.

xoxo


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Frogtown Trail Challenge 2010

If I had to choose my favorite race of the year, it would be the 10 mile Frogtown Trail Challenge, hands down. This race has quickly become an annual tradition in our family. This year started on a beautiful, cool, crisp October morning. It was an absolutely perfect day for a race.

Before: clean, cold, and happy

What makes this race so much fun are the many obstacles that you encounter during the ten miles. It's not just running... there's a mile in ankle-to-knee deep water, multiple hill climbs (one of which is brutal!), a few ditches that are traversed with the help of a rope, a couple log crossings, and lots of mud. Also, the participants are excited and happy. From the seven years old tothe seventy years old, the sense of camaraderie is almost tangible.

The race takes a bit longer than your average ten mile trail run due to the obstacles. The intermittent spells of just running are through gorgeous wooded trails, covered in leaves and through a section of overturned logs.

With it's challenging and enjoyable course, enthusiastic and supportive volunteers, and beautiful location, the Frogtown challenge a great tradition that we have begun and can't wait to continue with next year's event.

After: muddy, wet, and happy


Fear the Frog!
xoxo


images courtesy of Frogtown Director Crew (Thanks, guys!)
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Schoolhouse Rocks

I have gotten quite a few questions/comments recently about my day to day wardrobe with being in graduate school. My schedule often requires me to dress up anywhere from once to three times a week, but when I'm not in skirts and heels, I typically don the prerequisite college attire of jeans and flats. I admit that it's often easy to thrown on dark skinnies and a white tee (hello, 8 am Pharmacotherapy exam), but I try to pair that with fancy flats and a statement necklace. More often I counterbalance my jeans with mismatched prints and low-key wedges.

UO button down, The Loft scarf & boyfriend jeans, American Apparel tank, Target earrings, socks & wedges


What do you wear to class or on dress-down days?
xoxo


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Twenty Eight

Today I turn another year older and begin my twenty-eighth year of life. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams by an incredibly loving husband, a supportive family, and wonderful friends. Sadly, as we get older, birthdays must be fit around everything else happening in life, and this year is no exception. Luckily, I have managed time for a few small celebrations of birthdays, friendship, and fall in general.


1. Asparagus-Gruyere Tart & homemade pumpkin pie shared with the one I love the most. (Seasonal recipes are my favorite!)

2. A shopping and coffee date with my bestie, who just happens to have the same birthday.

3. A girl's night in, complete with fall-inspired cupcakes (I'm thinking pumpkin!), girlie movies, and spiked cider.

4. Apple and pumpkin picking. (And then baking something delicious with said apples and pumpkins.)

5. Dinner and a movie with my mom and sister. It's our birthday tradition.


Happy fall, ya'll
xoxo


image via weheartit
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Butterfly Garden

With temperatures steadily in the high sixties and low seventies, fall has finally arrived in the south. Long sleeved shirts, scarves, and cardigans have begun to make their way into my regular rotation, and I anxiously await the day when I can pull on a pair of tights (which may very well be tomorrow!). Among my wardrobe favorites for fall are wedges and silk shirts. Patterned, solid, bright, or subdued, silk button downs are a great way to add a bit of class to any outfit.

Tucker for Target silk blouse, Hawks by Geren Ford skirt, MRKT wedges, F21 clutch and hammered metal ring, Ann Taylor Loft necklace, Essie Ballet Slipper polish

Did you find a bit of fall weather this weekend?

xoxo

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Join the Club

Whenever I make it to the city to shop, the windows of Club Monaco always draw me inside. I get lost in the beautiful silk, ornate details, and classic fit of everything in the store, so it's no surprise that I am turning to the recent fall lookbook for inspiration. The perfect tailoring and chic simplicity of the garments make them ideal for a work to evening transition.

What do you think? Are you a Club Monaco fan?
xoxo


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Happy October

My favorite month of all.
xoxo


image via weheartit
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