A day late and a dollar short

Hello, hello, I'm sorry I missed you yesterday. There is no excuse other than it was once of those days. And finding myself a bit overwhelmed and a bit stressed didn't bode well for your ole girl here and I quickly found myself a little down in spite of it all. Soon, though, I was reminded chin up, buttercup, for one big reason:

Not a Monday, I know, but these mantras are essential to my week's perspective and I hope they encourage you a little as well.

Happy Monday-that-is-actually-Tuesday lovelies.

Short of..

Time is short today. Much like how I was a little short on breath when I saw these two frocks on Pinterest. And much like the length of this post.
Look. Catch your breath. Adore.

The word is called breathtaking for a reason.
(1, 2)

Pumpkin Persuasion

I talk a lot about being Summer's girl (June baby all the way, of course). But let me tell you a little secret:
Don't tell Summer, but October at the beach may just be selling me a little on Fall.
The air is crisp but not exactly cold. The sky is the bluest of blue. And don't even get me started on how the sunset has moved to where it's directly over the water.  Gorgeous. You really should get down here.
But really, I've always been a fan of October. For two main reasons, really.
1. Deeply rooted in years of ballet performances and a childhood spent with a really active imagination, I love nothing more than a good costume. Enter, Halloween parties. But that's another post for another day.
2. Pumpkin.  I. Love. Pumpkin. Which brings me to today's post.
I love the smell. I love the color. I love the spicy and sweet taste it boasts. I especially love the little pumpkins that come in candy corn bags. Which, actually, may be a third addition to my "Why I Love October" list if we're getting down to business. Ok, so:
3. Candy Corn.
But back to pumpkin. Are you a fan? Because I'm about to sell you on loving pumpkin. Just look:
A chevron-carved pumpkin for your porch. Or your party. Or your centerpiece. How much cuter does the traditional pumpkin carving get? This may be going on my weekend's to-do list.

With all the leftover pumpkin from the activity above, how about a sweet pumpkin pie shake? (Perk: This recipe is from Cooking Light. Did you hear that? Light!)

Not a sweets person (weird)? Well are you a breakfast person? In that case, how about some pumpkin spice pancakes? Luckily, I'm a breakfast and a sweets person, so I get both.

Still not persuaded? Man, you're a stubborn one. Alright, let's try some pumpkin in our wardrobe. A classic blazer, perhaps?

For a more subtle pumpkin addition, this Victoria Beckham tote is a nice accent for the office.

Or, a pumpkin Hermes scarf for an even subtler pumpkin touch.

Give it a little try, lovelies.. Let a little pumpkin spice up your October. You won't be sorry.
xoxo 

Wish/Want/Need

Like, um, everyone, I'm ridiculously addicted to Pinterest. Like many, I have boards upon boards of foods, crafts, entertaining ideas, and I'll even own up to the wedding ideas pinboard (that's looking like it's going to come in use really soon since I'm, yep, single). 
But the real reason behind my Pinterest addiction is, yes, you guessed it, fashion. Specifically, outfit inspiration. More specifically, I love to seek out the ridiculously well-dressed and copy their outfits, or at least translate it to be a little more me.  See: my Style Seeker pinboard.
That being said, there are a few of these outfits I can't get off my mind today, as exampled by my gchat to MCK with the first picture below, coupled with a pleading request of "Help me find an ivory blazer so I can finish this outfit in my closet or I will absolutely die, pleeeeease"(yes, these things really happen with us). To make these happen, I need one key component for making them work.
Need: Fitted ivory blazer.

Need: slouchy, off-the-shoulder tee.

Need: a yellow (I have a similar purple, but I really want the yellow here), high-waisted mini.

Need: that jacket. Period. Or another similar statement jacket.

Need: Everything. I just really want this outfit. (I realize that's kind of cheating. And yes, I'm also aware I've posted this photo already.)

In a perfect world, clothes would be free. Or I'd have an unlimited shopping budget. So, readers and friends, if you can help me quench my obsessive desire to add a little to my closet, spill your secrets lovelies.

Oh, and follow moi on Pinterest here. 

xoxo

Around Here Lately

 Fall is looking like it's off to a pretty good start....

My roomie, Camp, who is growing like a weed.

 My first try at a green thumb. A basil plant in the kitchen for yummy fall meals.

 My life on the coffee table: the new InStyle, a new agenda , and my favorite pair  of Coach sunglasses.

A Manhattan purchase- H&M A-line trench  coat. Fall staple- check.

An October sky from my beach.

Happy Fall, y'all.

Monday Mantra

With a busy week ahead, trying to start it off right by focusing on one mantra over, and over, and over...

Hoping in Him. Planning in Him. Turning to Him. Looking to Him. 

And most importantly, thanking Him for every single thing leading up to this day. So I may love through Him, shine through Him, live through Him in all the best ways. 

Happy Monday, lovelies!

{mantra here}

Happy {Autumn} Weekend

I use the word Autumn above loosely, since I'm not exactly seeing the tell-tale signs of changing leaves, smelling bonfires in the air, or even pulling out a cardigan yet. However, the temps are expected to drop to the seventies {gasp} here in Florida this weekend, and I plan on pretending exactly like all of the above are happening.

Don't be fooled, though. I still plan on soaking up the last few rays of warm sun on the beach. Summer girl tried and true. 
So here's to wishing you all a very lovely start to the beginning of you weekend, and may it continue through the next few days. See you back here on Monday.
xoxo
photo here

Daydreamin' Believin'

If today were a daydream come true, I'd be sporting this outfit:

with this cut and makeup for a chic office outfit.

Before quickly running home and changing into this:

For a night that looks something like this:

Just a little daydreaming around the office today. A bit homesick for family, friends, cool nights and the magnolias of Mississippi today. A quick look at the shoreline cures a longing heart, but to any of you who hail my home, you're on my mind. 
all images via my pinterest.
xoxo

Hot Color

It's no secret I'd eat peanut butter every day for a month in order to be able to make unrestricted additions to what I like to call my collection of clothes. Due to a few unforeseen expenses this month and the fact that I'm a post-grad who's still very much on a budget, I have to be smart about what I'm adding, making sure it's versatile, affordable, but with a worthy shock-factor and the potential to be a lasting trend.
Enter J.Crew (surprise, huh?)
While perusing their website last night, I was light-headed over their use of color with classic ensembles, leaving me lusting over a few more bold statement pieces in my wardrobe for fall and winter.

 It seems I'm expecially drawn to red this fall. Adore the matching shoes and jacket with a crisp and classic pencil pant and striped blouse.

 Hello yellow. Adore this entire ensemble.

I've said it too many times- I need a cape. Especially to wear with black skinnies and riding boots.

J'adore, j'adore.

Copycat: Siren

I woke up to this outfit on Padma Lakshmi on my blog roll and am really loving the siren red skinnies paired with a relaxed striped shirt. Perfect for a day of shopping, casual cocktails, or a movie date.

The nautical touch is reflective of my beach town while the red jeans are a real attention-getter. After a little research:

Love this cropped version and the rich hue.

Brighter, higher rise, but the same sassy crop.

And slightly more conservative here.

For the tops, the secret is keeping the white balancing or slightly more prevelant than the navy.

Classic boatneck here.

A more fitted version here. 

And a more detailed option.

Any of the above I'd pair with

...these for a casual day.

...these for a slightly dressier version of a classic feel.

... and these for a funky twist.

Pile on some arm candy or a big statement necklace to dress it up, or go bare for a more low-key look. Voila. Instant outfit copycat!