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

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}

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!

Who's Counting?

{As seen on a J Crew buyer Kim}

I came across these beautiful, stackable, 14k gold rings from Lulu Frost's CODE line of jewelry. They are available online and at select J Crew stores. Inspired by the hotel room numbers of the New York Plaza Hotel, many women wear these delicate little statements to show their lucky number, birthdate or anniversary.

Sunday

With a lingering summer cold, a final test to prepare for, an unfinished case brief calling my name and an empty suitcase waiting to be packed, I would bet this Sunday is going to be anything but restful. To turn this shabby Sunday afternoon into my own little pocket of sunshine, I have armed myself with the essentials to beat this case of the Sunday blues.

{A colorful tissue box to brighten up my bedside table...don't mind my current stack of at-the-ready sparkly jewelry)

{My soft pink throw, perfect for cuddling up to write my brief}

{Mini birthday cake doughnuts from Starbucks...image found at polyvore.com}

Bebel Gilberto's So Nice (Summer Samba) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdLuTVp7qy0&feature=related

{A soft song, perfect to play while making dinner}

A peak inside...

There are a million reasons why I love the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. This year I was lucky enough to indulge in a few great pieces for fall. Here is one of my latest purchases at the sale that I've had my eye on for a while. I've been in need of a proper wallet for quite some time, and the anniversary sale presented the perfect opportunity to invest. This luxe Marc Jacobs wallet screams classic to me, yet it has a few youthful touches that I adore, like the gold hardware and small script details. What I love about my particular choice is that it doubles as a clutch. The leather is so soft and flexible that I can fit my phone in it as well...perfect for the casual evening out. It's elegant yet understated- everything a wallet should be. If you too are in need of un nouveau portefeuille,hurry, the sale only lasts until Monday!












































I also love that it goes nicely with my creme MJ bag....

{5 picks}

It's hard to believe that summer is almost over...it seems like just last week I was transitioning into my new apartment and job. I certainly intend to savor what's left of the beautiful weather, sunshine and leisure. Here are 5 of my current favorite picks. Believe me, with many mid-summer sales, savory summer finds and classy & chic accessories, this was a hard pick.


5. Miniature cupcakes, from Cupcake of course!


4. My current 5 favorite Essie nail polishes {Licorice, Material Girl, California Coral, Tart Deco & French Affair}


3. My lovely new Kate Spade New York earrings


2. Tory Burch signature orange balloons (as posted on the Tory fan page)


1. salade à la Grecque


xoxo,

Clare Vivier foldover clutches

I just love this Clare Vivier clutch...so many colors to choose from and I have a feeling they would all look wonderful with the right outfit. My personal favorite is the classic camel. What shade would you choose?

Face- Stockholm

I love this new simple color ironically called "never nude". It will help me make the perfect transition from summer to fall. For a sparkle twist, (and I always love a little sparkle) paint your ring finger full of a silver sparkle polish over the "never nude".
Found at www.jcrew.com

Here's the final look:


I just love the way the color looks when I'm typing...