Countdown to Halloween

photo via Halloween Photo Cards

It's the first of October and the countdown to Halloween can officially begin!

This also means it's the only time of year dust-collecting cobwebs are considered appropriate ambiance. But there are more tasteful (and less disgusting) ways to incorporate morbid touches into your home decor.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Williams-Sonoma, Halloween Pancake Molds, $19.95
Target, Porcelain Haunted House Cocktail Plates, $24.99
Crate and Barrel, Witch Hat Dishtowels, $12.95
Target, Bone Collector Place Card Holders, $16.99
Target, Skeletal Hand Servers, $9.99
Pottery Barn, Skull Tray, $24
Target, Feather Wreath, $19.99
Heritage Lace, Spider Web Round Table Topper, $8.50 (I purchased this last weekend. It's much prettier and more delicate in person.)

Next on my shopping list: the skull tray, feather wreath, and another pound of candy corn.

Little Luxuries

Under $100

Chilly autumn nights are just around the corner. This $78 lambswool throw by Pendleton is a beautiful - and sensible - way to cozy in for the night with a bowl of popcorn and a classic movie.

Under $50


I'm a sucker for accent pillows like the Carmen pillow by Crate & Barrel for $49.95. It comes in three bold, fall-appropriate colors: plum, chartreuse and teal.

Under $25

Banana Republic's Chilled Sangria candle for $24 continues to be one of my favorite items. With its blend of floral and fruity notes with a hint of spice, the scent is as appropriate for autumn as it is for summer.

Inspiration Board: Lords John and Bernard Stuart by Anthony van Dyck

I drove to St. Louis earlier this month to bring my brother to the airport for his deployment to South Korea for his 12-month tour of duty. Instead of turning around and driving the six hours back to Wisconsin, my boyfriend and I made the weekend of it. The St. Louis Art Museum topped our agenda - and became a surprisingly source of inspiration for my fall wardrobe.

Of course, I fantasized about crisp swish of the tartan taffeta skirt in "The Chinese Statuette" by Richard E. Miller. (The painting may have been the real reason plaid is topping my fall 2009 wish list.)

And I was especially drawn to the saturated teal, mustard and burgundy in "Lords John and Bernard Stuart" by Anthony van Dyck.

My camera wasn't able to accurately capture the richness of the colors, but I think this is the perfect autumn palette. Here's how I would bring these colors into my home and wardrobe:

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Crate and Barrel, Carmen Teal Pillow, $49.95
J.Crew, Silk Tricotine Robin Short Dress, $195
J.Crew, Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $145
Noritake, Verdena Gold Cup, $27.95
Kohl's, 14k Gold Princess-Cut Garnet Stud Earrings, $87.50
A.B.S., Teal Satin One Shoulder Draped Dress, $186

Thea Grant, Randolph St. Necklace, $345
Evolution by Waterford, Mesa Sunrise Vase, $140

KOTUR, Fino Vintage Brocade, $403

By the Seashore

The major drawback to living in the Midwest is being far, far away from the ocean. Sure we have plenty of lakes to splash in, but it just doesn't compare to salty sea spray and hot white sand.

Fortunately, bringing any of these nautical items home might just tide me over until my next ocean escape.


(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Ballard Designs, Ceramic Crab, $49
Jayson Home & Garden, Cabebe Shell Dish, $44
Crate and Barrel, Port O'Call Table Lamp, $159
Restoration Hardware, Porthole Mirror, $199
Ballard Designs, Rope Knot Doorstop, $39
Thomas Paul, Seafarer Moby Jute Pillow, $70
Waterford, Seahorse Ocean Bread & Butter Plate, $19.95