Happy Halloween!

I've had variety of Halloween costumes over the years, including a black cat, a fairy, Sailor Jupiter from the cartoon Sailor Moon and the Morton Salt Girl. But in my earliest Halloween memory, I have a simple black cape tied around my shoulders and a jaunty witch's hat. I remember proudly wearing that costume and stomping through crunchy leaves on the way to each neighbor's house to tentatively ask "Trick-or-Treat?" before choosing a sweet or two.

So, I decided to resurrect the classic Halloween costume and dress as a witch this year. It was easy enough to pull black pieces from my closet and add the appropriate hat. Though, it wasn't complete without a cape. With one cup of coffee, a $70 trip to the fabric store, and a marathon five-hour sewing session, I was set for last weekend's Halloween party.

Fellow apartment-dwellers know that real terror is white walls and low-quality wood trim. Sigh.

What are you dressing as this year?

Happy Weekend!

photo via Enrique Badulescu

In case you missed it:

• Lemon lime macarons for your baking - and viewing - pleasure.
• Beautiful candy apple graphics. If I were throwing a Halloween dinner party, I'd print these off on heavy card stock, cut them out, and use them for place cards.
• Borrow the style ideas from this sequined photo shoot.
• Spooky Halloween cocktails.
• Not sure how to wear Lauren Moffatt's fall line? Here's your guide.
• Create your own ruffled neck piece.
  

Pretty Pumpkins

Every year, I'm unapologetically giddy about carving pumpkins. It's been my favorite part of the holiday for years - second only to our traditional Halloween pumpkin pie. My mom would make one each year, hoping that my brother and I would be too full after to dessert to tear into our Trick-or-Treat stash. It backfired, of course.

I don't dare mess with tradition when it comes to pumpkin pie - but pumpkin carving is another matter. The triangle-eyed Jack o' Lantern might take a backseat to one of these contemporary designs.

photo via Martha Moments

photo via Martha Moments

photo via Martha Stewart

photo via Good Housekeeping

photo via Martha Stewart

photo via Martha Moments

photo via Parents magazine

Will you carve a pumpkin this weekend? What are your favorite Halloween traditions?

Wish List Wednesday: SundayBrunchDress.com

Sunday Brunch Dress Shop possibly has the most divine selection of frocks on the Web. The offerings are well-edited to provide only the most lust-worthy dresses from an array of designers. They also include fit tips to help you pick the correct size.

Here are my favorites:

Yoana Baraschi Tuxedo Bustier, $347

Mel en Stel Black Truffle Ruffle Dress, $350

Mulcair Cherry Bomb Dress, $519

Abigail Glaum-Lathbury Faraday Dress, $461

Style Suggestions | One Dress, Two Styles

It was just the other day when I mentioned that Thanksgiving planning was a little premature on my part. But Robin from Carrie Bradshaw Made Me Do It is a couple steps ahead of me! In a recent post, she showed off her new Forever21 dress and styled it in three different ways for a New Year's Eve rock concert.

So, I'm ripping off her idea. Sort of.

I put together two style suggestions for the dress: one for Robin (based on what little I know about her) and an option suited for my personal style.

The Dress

I'm a huge fan of the dress - partly because it reminds of of the original Barbie doll's swimsuit.

Style Suggestion for Robin from Carrie Bradshaw Made Me Do It

Robin had three criteria for her look: add color, shield her skin from the chilly night and include a purse large enough to carry comfortable dancing shoes. With this in mind, I'd layer a long sleeve fitted tee shirt under the dress for an unexpected pop of intense color. Then add ankle boots and a slouchy bag in complementary hues, but stick with standby black opaque tights to avoid color overload. Accessorize with a statement necklace made of mixed materials and pyramid stud earrings with a subtle rocker vibe.

Personal Style

I naturally err on the classic side of the style spectrum with a few trendy items peppered in - which is probably why I ended up with an edgy cocktail look rather than something suitable for a rock concert. I chose a monochromatic color scheme to emphasize varying materials and textures like patterned tights and suede open toe ankle boots. I'd accessorize with a chunky faceted cuff, rhinestone drop earrings and a beaded clutch.

How would you accessorize this dress?

Inspiration Board: Gray Skies

When I first met my boyfriend nearly three years ago, he peeked inside my color-coded closet and scoffed at the rows of black, brown and gray garments. I've consciously added more hues over the years to appease him (and to prove to myself that I'm not as depressive as my closet indicated). Now he swears that he brought color to my life. Groan.

Either way, I haven't given up my soft spot for shades of charcoal, asphalt and smokey gray.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Banana Republic, Faceted Collar Necklace, $49.99 (sale!)
Forever21, Vested Sublimation Tank, $19.80
Alexis Bittar, Diamond Dust Tiny Hoop Earrings, $125
Forever21, Tweed Mini Skirt, $17.80
Topshop, Leather Duffle Cross Body Bag, $110
Banana Republic, Portia Chained Flat, $98
Chan Luu, Circle Dress, $325

I ordered the Banana Republic flats late last week. Hopefully they find their way home soon!

Save or Splurge?

Thanksgiving may be a month away, but I'm already looking forward to the holiday gathering - and the holiday table setting. Either of these salad plates add a touch of elegance to your holiday table with their metallic, ethereal designs. The wallet-friendly Target version is made of porcelain with a silver metallic branches. (Be careful ordering online, however. The reviews indicate that the design received was different than the one pictured.) The indulgent Kate Spade Primrose Hill accent plate is made of fine bone china with contemporary gold vines.

Happy Weekend!

photo via ffffound

In case you missed it:

• Sage advice for Mad Men's Betty Draper.
• Whip up a batch of pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
• Hurry! You have until the end of the day today to win a beautiful calendar from Oddball Press.
• Unique urinals. (Don't judge me because I'm immature.)
• A beautiful gallery of fall colors.
• New beauty innovations with In Style Contributor Katrina Szish

I apologize for the lack of posts lately - it's been a hectic week! And this weekend doesn't look much different. We've booked an overnight stay in Wisconsin Dells for tonight and tomorrow we have a Halloween party to attend. What are your weekend plans?

Have a lovely weekend!

Wish List Wednesday: Gucci Wedge Sandals

Gucci, Clemence Platform Wedge Sandals, $990

File these under "out of my budget." But I love them anyway.

Little Luxuries: Banana Republic Jewelry

Like most of you, I'm fond of J.Crew's jewelry line. This undoubtedly springs from my affection for vintage jewels and anything encrusted with rhinestones or pearls. I'm just not fond of the inflated J.Crew price point. This is exactly why I was thrilled when I browsed the Banana Republic Web site last night. I can get my vintage-inspired jewelry fix at a much more reasonable price.

Under $100

Soho Sparkle Necklace, $89.50

Under $50

Flower Drop Earring, $36

Under $25

Sparkling Knot Ring, $25

Inspiration Board: Sputnik Chandeliers

Last week, Kate Spade tweeted about the retro Sputnik chandeliers in the company's new Japanese store. Since then, I've been slightly obsessed with the iconic mid-century modern lamp.

Fun Fact: The chandelier was not originally named or modeled after the famed satellite. The style was pioneered by Gino Sarfatti who designed a series of chandeliers for Lightolier in 1954, which included a starburst, space-age chandelier. The Sputnik satellite was launched three years later in 1957.

Inspiration

photo via @katespadeny

photo via Point Click Home

photo via Apartment Therapy

photo via AphroChic

Shopping List

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Advanced Interior Design, Sergei Sputnik, $367
Lamps Plus, Possini Euro Crystal Sphere Halogen Pendant Chandelier, $299.99
Modern Furniture, Chromed Disc 6 Light Chandelier, $563
Jolina Lighting, Wall Sconce Sputnik Lamp, $225
Euro Style Lighting, Possini Euro Design Opal Glass Ceiling Light, $399.99

Happy Weekend!

photo via the ritzy bee blog

In case you missed it:

• Win an enviable oversize men's watch at Savvy Mode.
  
• Be inspired to wear hats this season.
• Not fond of orange? Here's a twist on Halloween decorating.
• The most adorable - and cheeky - wedding favor ever.
• Indulge in a caramel apple cider martini.

Have a lovely weekend!

Inspiration Board: Lace Tights

My [unhealthy] obsession with tights isn't new. I have drawers full of colored, opaque and patterned leg wear, but I realized one crucial version is absent from the mix: lace. However, let's refrain from lamenting my insufficient wardrobe - it's simply an opportunity to indulge.

Inspiration

photo via Chanel Couture Fall 2009

photo via Marie Claire

photo via Christian Lacroix Fall 2009

photo via Pretty Pollys' Pretty Things

photo via Plumo

Shopping List

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Betsey Johnson, Lace Tights, $20
Express, Lace Tights, $16.50
Ann Taylor, Ladylike Lace Tights, $20
Spanx, Chain Stripe Tights, $42

Barbie has Cankles

"I guess I always had a little 'girlie side' who liked Barbie," claims Christian Louboutin. And it seems the footwear guru also has a catty side.

In a recent CBS report, Louboutin allegedly deems Barbie's ankles to be "fat."

His claim is supported by a Board-certified cankle specialist (no, I'm not making this up) in the CBS article. Dr. Michelle Copeland explains, "She really doesn't have a full curve to the calf and it goes straight down to the ankle."

It's a cold day in hell when Mattel's anatomical wonder is branded imperfect.

No hard feelings, though. Louboutin did design the shoes for Barbie's 50th anniversary runway show earlier this year.

photos via Fashion Doll Guide, 21-7 Magazine, Mischo Beauty

Awarded: Over the Top

Being tagged with an award is a fun way to start the day! A big thank you to the adorably sweet Ashley at At the End of the Day. (Go ahead, open her blog in a new tab and head over there once you're done reading this.)

Rules

1. You Can Only Use One Word!
2. Pass this along to 5 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!
4. Have Fun!

Questions

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Straight
3. Your Mother? Caring
   
4. Your Brother? Army
5. Your Favorite Food? Cupcakes
   
6. Your Dream Last Night? Secret
7. Your Favorite Drink? Caffeinated
   
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
   
9. What room are you in? Living
   
10. Your hobby? Reading
    
11. Your fear? Loneliness
    
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Successful
    
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Disorganized
15. Muffins? All
16. Wish list item? This
17. Where did you grow up? Wisconsin
18. Last thing you did? Yawn
19. What are you wearing? Pajamas
20. Your TV? News
21. Your pets? None
    
22. Friends? Entertaining
23. Your life? Comfortable
    
24. Your mood? Undecided
25. Missing someone? Yes
26. Vehicle? Honda
27. Something you’re not wearing? Socks
28. Your favorite store? Undecided
    
29. Your favorite color? All
30. When was the last time you laughed? Yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Thursday
    
32. Your best friend? Boyfriend
33. One place that I go to over and over? Work
34. One person who e-mails me regularly? Coworker
35. Favorite place to eat? Local

Tagging 5 Fantastic Bloggers

BonBon Rose
Candace Rose
Dilly Dallas
Pudding and the Post-Fab Princess
The Owls are not what They Seem

Wish List Wednesday: Reiss Flats

Reiss, Issie Flats, $175

Need.

Inspiration Board

photos via Marie Claire

How do you feel about monochromatic looks?

Little Luxuries: Sequins

Of course diamonds are a girl's best friend, but I'll take anything that sparkles.

Under $100

Add vintage-inspired glamour to your little black dress or slouchy tee with this beaded and sequined shrug from Topshop ($90).

Under $50

Do you work in a creative office? Pair these sequin pumps ($34.90) with a pencil skirt, sweater and tights for a fun way to beat the Monday morning blues.

Under $25

Sequins don't always have to be over the top. A tank with an embellished neckline ($19.80) punches up your weekend staples.

Thank you!

photo via We Heart It

My favorite part of the day is catching up on each of your blogs. Thank you all for making my mornings a little more fun.

Recent Purchase: West Elm Organic Pin-Tuck Duvet Cover

Exactly one year ago, Wisconsin experienced unseasonably high temperatures in the 80s. Unfortunately that's not the case this year. There were flurries in the air yesterday and today's high temperature was in the mid-40s.

So, it's probably not surprising that I've become a homebody. I spent the weekend tidying up, making soup, and pulling the thick down comforter out of the closet. To make nesting a little more fun, I finally ordered the West Elm duvet cover in sea spray that I've had my eye on for a few months.


I have a feeling that getting out of bed on chilly mornings is going to become much more difficult.

Spring 2010 Footwear

"The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun."

I couldn't agree more with stiletto-obsessed Carrie from Sex and the City. Fortunately, the Spring 2010 runways featured plenty of lust-worthy options. Here are my favorites:

3.1 Phillip Lim

Jasper Conran

Gaspard Yurkievich

Milly

Altuzarra

Vera Wang

Marchesa

Zac Posen

Christian Dior