Sunday, August 28, 2011

The perfect gold bracelet

One of my favorite movies of the summer was Bad Teacher, starring Cameron Diaz. Many blogs, magazines and websites all commented on Cameron's impeccable on-set wardrobe. One detail that kept re-appearing in many scenes was a stack of fine, gold bracelets on Cameron's wrists. She usually only wore 1-3 per wrist, but I loved the statement they made with every outfit. Many have since speculated that the bracelets are Jennifer Meyer Jewelry "thin bangles with stone". After seeing the film, I set out to find my own set of extra fine gold bangles. I found many suitable options anywhere from Nordstrom to Forever21; the secret is making certain that they are extra extra fine. I now find myself wearing about two on each wrist everyday!

{Above: Diaz wearing the gold bracelets in two different scenes...images found on Google Images}

{Below: My own version of the gold bangle}



A change in the weather, it just might do you good...


{The last stir-fry I cooked in my Dinky Dome loft}

Fall is certainly in the air. Although some stuffy and humid daytime hours still linger, the air feels much more crisp when I go for evening walks. I'm certainly anticipating my favorite season's complete arrival, and not just because I'm missing my summer apartment's central air conditioning. Although I'm sure I will fondly miss summer's breezy, relaxed days, I'm anxious to break in my new fall boots, put on a cable-knit sweater and go stomp in the leaves. I'm seeing classic fall tones in almost anything- in my colorful stir-fry dinners, in blushes, bronzers and nail lacquers, and of course among the pages of September issues, now on newsstands everywhere.
{I love Elle's September issue; then again, maybe I just adore Gwyneth}

{I love the September pages in my Lilly planner}

{My new Cheetah belt from Gap...a good Cheetah print for this fall is a must}

{I loved my Kate Spade drop earrings so much that I decided to get them in the post version too!}


Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday Finds for Fall

I have truly fallen in love with J. Crew's September catalog. Each issue tells a story and is usually inspired by a different location around the world. This month features Russian influence and all of the beauty that traditional ballet has to offer. I love the spreads, colors, textures and general dainty theme that comes across so well when using tutus and slippers. Here are some of my finds for fall, all from J. Crew.

My own "collection" up close

Leather bag & printed sheer scarf

I love the touches of animal print, perfectly translated in this thin headband

Three basic long-sleeve shirts

This season seems to be all about stripes-- long-sleeve top, necklace and black tank

Perhaps my favorite piece- a cozy grey shawl sweater (shown here with a black skinny belt)

A pair of neutral corduroys and grey stretch leggings


A black puffer vest and checked grey shirt

I'm certainly loving my checked shirts!

A tuxedo-inspired shirt that hits below the waist (perfect with leggings and boots)

{5 picks}

{Fall 2011 sweater from J. Crew}

Coming off of vacation is always a difficult transition for me, as life seems to suddenly slip back into it's old routine of motion, frenzy and work whether I've even unpacked my toothbrush or not. But perhaps the most dreaded and anticipated transition is that of the ultimate vacation summer turning into yet another fall semester. I have to say, I'm usually standing closer to the 'anticipation' end of things, and am ready to begin the whirlwind of student life close to the middle of August (although my own delusion is sometimes self-recognized as early as October, as things are in full swing and I'm running from class to appointments to club meetings, all with a coffee in my hand). Here are 5 of my current adorations which will help escort me into my (once again) busy but beautiful fall life.



{Painted bowl I recently picked up from Anthropologie in Edina for only $4. I plan to put it by my bedside to hold my daily jewelry picks}


{Snap Pea snacks from Trader Joe's...my favorite, and under $2 per bag}


{My favorite new lipstick that glides on so easily...Poppy King for J. Crew, $18}


{My new Lilly Pulitzer pen for class}

Monday, August 1, 2011

The right step forward

A week ago, I traded out my simple black wellies for a pair of Burberry rain boots. Today was my first opportunity to try them out on the streets of Edina while running errands in the rain, or more accurately, the downpour. They are sleek, classic, very comfortable...and one more Nordstrom success!