La Raison D'être

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Military-Inspired Boots

Here is yet one more of my 'Nordstrom Anniversary Sale' finds from this past July. I've been wearing them almost every day recently because of the crisp, cool weather. The red zipper, gold hardware and distressed leather details translate the military inspiration into something understated and wearable. And I have to say, boots are one of my favorite fall wardrobe staples.

{Brights}

1. Beautiful flowers from the farmer's market

2. Fashion's Night Out, via Kate Spade Facebook Page

3. Tory Burch Flats with my vibrant floral rug

4. My MJ wallet & new 'pretty nylon pouch' against my bright duvet and Lilly planner

5. Sarah Jessica Parker at the Late Show, via

6. Lilly Planner

Here are a few of my favorite bright items at the moment!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pouch

I ordered this 'pretty nylon key pouch' about a week ago from shopbop , and was so happy when it arrived in a small package at my doorstep. I love the fall colors within the pattern, which almost looks as if it were painted. It has been perfect so far to hold my house, car and mail keys.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Paltrow in Prada

Via

As if we needed another reason to love Gwyneth, here are some shots of the actress at the screening of Contagion during the Venice Film Festival this past weekend. I was able to attend an advanced screening of the film in Minneapolis two weeks ago and thought it was quite good. Without giving too much away, Gwyneth only makes short appearances throughout the film, but in my opinion, still looks fabulous as always.

Via

Via

Wearing a Prada dress, shoes and purse,; Bulgari Jewlery

Arriving at the festival
Via

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Namaste

Above: award-winning Chai, inside/ outside Cafe views & part of my meal

There are certain places you pass hundreds of times en route in everyday life- restaurants, shops, boutiques, etc.- that you always want to check out, but rarely take the time to stop into. Namaste Cafe, a restaurant in Uptown, was one such place for me. It is one of two traditional Victorian-style, renovated houses on Hennepin, that has been turned into an indoor/ outdoor cafe.

Before deciding to dine there one evening last week, I really had no idea as to what type of cuisine was offered. I just knew that it always looked busy (a good sign) and had a quaint front lawn with lights, lanterns and charming decorations of the sort--perfect for a late August evening.

After settling in at a table outside (it was such a nice night!), I looked at the menu which offered many traditional South-Asian, specifically Indian, dishes. Right away, I ordered a traditional iced-chai beverage, which are award-winning at Namaste, and as I would later find out, for a good reason. Beyond the drinks, I unfortunately have a very mild pallet, but the waiter was able to offer the dishes according to a 1-5 "how spicy do you want it" scale.

I ordered brown rice, Bhatura (a deep-fried bread made with yogurt & baking powder), sauteed green beans and curry. Everything- especially the green beans- was delicious, and I would definitely recommend it. The entrees and sides were reasonably priced, and Namaste uses as many organic, local and natural ingredients as possible.

Namaste, which literally translates to "I honor the divine in you" is a traditional greeting of respect in South-Asian countries; the Cafe embodies this greeting and hopes to offer comfort and respect to all who dine there. I certainly think they did.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Jewels & Gems

I love this polish- it reminds me of confetti!

New set of note cards from the bookstore

Current cereal obsession: Cap'n Crunch with Berries

Stationary from Melly: perfect for quick notes at my desk

A few jewel polishes from Essie's fall line

Bejeweled mouse

Cheetah white board, of course!

Scrumptious Seven

Happy Friday! Here are seven of my favorite, latest finds.

1. Sleeveless Challis Dress, Target 27.99

2. Quilted Stand Collar Jacket, Target 39.99

3. Reusable Cold Cup, Starbucks 13.99

4. Missoni for Target Blanket, line premiers September 13th

5. Jewel FX Glitter Polish, Milani 3.99

6. Cheetah Print Binder Clips, Office Depot 4.99

7. The Fluro Satchel, Cambridge Satchel £98

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.