How I Shop: Wish List and Closet Shopping

I woke up this morning and it felt nothing of August. The wind is blowing the, the sun isn't out and it's just down right gloomy. I have been trying hard to fend off the fall fashion rush but the weather today is just making it hard.
Instead of running out to buy a bunch of impulse items, I decided to use my Free People August Moroccan inspired Look Book to help me figure what I already had in my closet. And also to help me narrow down what I could put on my wish list.
I flipped through the look book to determine what looks I could create with what I already have in my closet. I find that it's a great method to help you shop your own closet, and use pieces in ways you wouldn't have thought about before. And it kind of reminds me of playing with my Barbies, only she had way more pink stilettos and ball gowns.

I knew I would love everything when I saw this cover.

And my version, minus the camel. Accessories would make this look pop.

One thing I love about Fall fashion is layers. Chances are there are plenty of items in your closet ready to be reworked just by layering them differently.

I also loved the sock and wedges aspect of this look.

When I saw this look I was immediately reminded of an old yellow scarf I had. I would have never thought to style it like this.

And some other looks and shots I loved.

I am loving maxi skirts right now. And a plaid one just seems so perfect for fall.
I am putting this on my let's make a steal DIY list!

I just loved this vest, so awesome. A vintage version would be killer.

I loved the softness of this look, so romantic.

I absolutely love this biker jacket and skirt. But at $856 and $198 I'm pretty sure they won't be added to my closet. I wonder if the skirt could be DIYed I just don't know if I could pull off the same awesome ruffles.

Great layering in this styling.

Again I love the plaid.

Cargo leggings are definitely on my Fall wish list. And I'm a sucker for jackets like this one.
I have been wearing turban headband often as well, I just wish I had unruly hair like her.

And I absolutely need this jacket in my life. And the Skinny cords, LOVE!

What are you loving for fall this season?

Fall Splendor

Tomorrow marks a great day to reflect on everything you have to be thankful for in you life. I am loving how at the end of every post this month Chelsea has been adding a Gratitude piece noting one thing she is thankful for everyday. Maybe I should make a list as well. Not only does tomorrow mark a day of reflection and gratitude, it means (to me) that is the begining of the Holiday season (hey at least I'm better then Macys' and wait till after Thanksgiving and Halloween!) On Friday I will start to pack up my fall decor and head to the Christmas tree lot and begin decking the halls. As much as I love Chrismas and it it's cherry decoration I will miss fall's pumpkins, gourds and flowers. So today I am embracing all things fall and enjoying them while they are still around.

My gourds are enjoying their last days of being the center of attention.
My gorgeous gerbers and sunflowers will soon be replaced by holly and posinsetta's.
Fall Farmers Markets finds are some of my favorite, at least some of these guys will be around a little longer.
Vitamin C is in full force in fall and winter, Mother nature knows we need to stock up on this time of year. My lemon tree is in full bloom! If anyone has lemon recipes, send them over!
I'm sure I will be back tonight with a look of the day post. The Night before Thanksgiving serves as the unoffical High School Reunion at the local bar scene. Although I will not partake in bar hopping I may meet up with some friends coming into to town before they hit up the bar debauchery.

I hope everyone has safe travels and a wonderful Holiday.

Boofest 2009

Our day started at the pumpkin patch and ended with glowing pumpkins. Throughout the day pumpkins were carved, food was eaten and awards were given. The food seemed to be missed by the camera but the menu included bloody marys, deviled eggs and I scream sandwiches. My playlist and decorations completed the ambiance of the party.
The pumpkin patch where the fun began.
Gourds brought by my Uncle and were grown in his friends garden! These were amazing.
This pumpkin was also grown in his garden and required the sawzall to come out.
My uncle free handed this!
Awards for the pumpkins.



All lit up.

Pumpkin Party Preperation

Every year my family and I got to our local pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins to carve. Today I spent the day preparing for my pumpkin carving party. I started my day my craft bibles Martha Stewart October issues. Then I picked up tons of flowers and local food the farmers market. And now I am putting together a play list and putting a menu together. I love party planning!

I love stealing ideas from Martha.


Then I picked up tons of flowers and local food from the farmers market.
I filled the House with local flowers. The pops of orange everywhere made me feel so Karen!



My hutch is all ready for the party. Complete with pumpkins, flowers, Witch cook brew books and Erlenmeyer flasks (A Martha idea.)

A nod to my favorite witches. Samantha Stevens from Bewitched and the 3 witches from MacBeth. (I am aware the apostrophe is in the wrong place but when I put it on the outside of the "s" it made the number 30 small like the s....sigh)
Erlenmeyer flasks that will be used for drinks tomorrow. An idea from Martha's 2008 October issue.

Getting Batty!!
My itunes playlist thus far. Any spooky Halloween song suggestions would be great! All Pictures can be clicked on and enlarged.

Cold Weather, Warm Soup

Soup is one of my favorite things to cook during the fall and winter. When the cold weather began to creep in this weekend I used it as an excuse to cook a roasted vegetable soup. That way I could stand by the warm oven and stove. When the soup was done I held warm bowl of it in while I watched some bad Bay Area Football. The weather is supposed to get really crazy tonight so I am sure I will be holding a nice warm bowl of soup again tonight. Here is the soup I made yesterday.




1 butternut squash
1/2 yellow bell pepper
1/2 a medium yellow onion
1 clove of crushed garlic
1 tsp of EVOO for sauteing
1 box of Trader Joe's Organic Vegetable Stock
2 bay Leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Boots Bonanza

I LOVE fall fashion. Wearing boots makes it FEEL like fall for me. Because of this, boots have become one of my favorite shoe options. Here are the first few boots I have purchased this season. The Joie Twiggy OTK (Over the Knee), Ash Olivia fold over and the Frye studded Deborah's. Loving all these boots and am excited for the outfits I will rock them with.
These made my legs look like they went for days.
Love the detail on these!
The fold over aspect is SO cool and evens out my thighs! LOVE!

Full outfit shot of the Ash Olivia's.
And this Shoulder tee was pretty well received today so I took a pic of it as well =)