fall cozies

One of my favorite parts of chilly fall weather is getting an excuse to bundle up in cozy, knit sweaters - all day, every day. I so enjoy the little details of my new knits that feel modern and stylized without  feeling frumpy. Paired with jeans and a leather boot - it's been a perfect fall wardrobe.

{ Cable Boyfriend Sweater : Gap $59.95 }

{ Forever Cool Zippered Sweater : Forever 21 $33.80 }

how to: a cheese plate

One of my most favorite things to serve (and eat) when having people over is a cheese plate. It's super simple to throw together and it's always a hit. Sometimes the cheese counter can be a little overwhelming. There's not much to it, but I thought I would walk you through my thought process when putting mine together. 

{ Start off with a pretty platter or dish big enough to fit all the tasty bits }

{ Pick your cheese: I like to pick a soft/creamy cheese (brie or goats cheese); a strong/robust flavor (blue or gorgonzola cheese); and a hard cheese (pecorino, asiago or aged cheddar) }

{ Tip: Save your rappers with the cheese names incase you or a guest really like one or all of them! }

{ Pick your meats: Prosciutto and salami are my favorites, and I always like to pick one spicy one }

{ The end bits: I always add one 'topping' - either a honey, jelly or chutney. Nuts (walnut, pecans) pair nicely with cheese - make sure to check for allergies before mixing them in with everything. Finally, cornichons (pickles) or grapes are a refreshing crunch to enjoy in between the richness of the cheese and meats. }

{ Crackers finish things off. I prefer to serve lighter crackers, so that we all get to fill up on the good stuff. Water crackers or low-sodium triscuits are my favorites }

Happy Hosting!

music monday

At the request of some friends, I'm going to be starting back with some regular weekly posts, beginning with Music Monday. I don't know about you, but music is always streaming through my brain. Whether I have a song stuck in my head replaying over and over, or I'm singing along to a tune on the radio, or I'm dreaming back to the experience of a recent concert - I'm a big music lover. Monday's can be a bit of a drag, so I hope you enjoy starting your week off with some songs that have been on repeat on my Ipod lately. I can't promise the most hip and current music, but more so tunes that I'm enjoying right now...

Hold On, We're Going Home by Drake

Temple by Kings of Leon

Another Love by Tom Odell

Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys

Walking On a Dream by Empire of the Sun

Scared by The Tragically Hip

boo!

Saturdays Halloween costume party was great fun. One of my old neighbors borrowed a tutu from their old ballet studio and I felt like a princess getting to dance around in a real ballerina tutu all night. It's always fun to let loose with friends and dance around all night.

We're headed out to celebrate a friends birthday tonight (at this Mexican joint, yum!) but I'm hoping we may get a few trick-or-treaters before we head out. This is our first time on our own so we made sure to pick up some candy last night for any little ones that make it to our door.... But hopefully not too many though, because I mean really, who gets mad at leftover candy? Not this girl. 

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!

those three words

Out. Of. Stock... Breaks my heart every time 

happy weekend

Do you have any Halloween plans? I'm going to a costume party with girlfriends Saturday night. I'm usually not a huge fan of dressing up, but once I thought of an idea and started pulling things together - it sort of became a creative challenge. I decided to dress as a ballerina and a neighbor actually borrowed a real tutu from their dance studio! I found a pretty knit wrap sweater and put my sewing skills to the test last night by adding ribbon to some slippers that I'll wear as ballet shoes.

I'm excited to see what ideas other people at the party came up with! One of my friends just put the finishing touches on her piñata costume - can't wait to see it!

Whatever plans you have - I hope you enjoy your weekend! xx

skirting the issue

{ Zara Skirt with Asymmetrical Frill }

 

 

 

I picked this skirt up earlier in the week from Zara. I love how the flirty hem adds an element of fun to an otherwise plain navy skirt. I also love the monocramatic look of the skirt with the same color knit - very chic.

holiday party clothes

{ Striped Bow Crew - Banana Republic $110 }

Wouldn't this be a fun sweater to wear to a cocktail holiday party? I love the black and white paired with a bright pant for a fun, festive flare.

Shopping Tip: Banana Republic has some cute holiday wear already. If you sign up for their emails, they often send discount codes (up to 40% off) for in store and online purchases! And if you order online and don't like it you can return it to your nearest store.

... Oh, and yes, I know it's only October and I'm already talking about Christmas. I can't help it, it's my favorite time of the year. Plus there's only 61 sleeps until the big day!...

all tied up

{ J.Crew camo scarf }

I think we'd all be in agreeance that the cold weather officially arrived this week. I brought out a cozy, long coat for the commute to work and even searched our apartment for a hat and mitts before my bike ride yesterday morning. This scarf tie-ing video tutorial will be sure to teach you some new ways to stay stylish and warm without feeling frumpy in this cold weather. 

{ 10 ways to tie a scarf by Holts Muse}

P.S.. Be prepared for some major scarf envy...

philip lim x target

When it comes to fashion I'm all about combining high priced items with bargain finds, recreating the look of something old with a new accessory, all while trying to stay on budget and on trend. While I appreciate the beauty of expensive bags, I'm not in the position to pull the trigger on an investment right now - enter Philip Lim's collaboration with Target. There's no denying Philip Lim's 3.1 is a gorgeous bag, but it also come with a hefty price tag. His collection for Target priced all bags no higher than $60 and I scored mine for an affordable $35! ( Funny story: a girlfriend and I got up early, pretending to be/being crazy, obsessed shoppers - and when we got to Target 20 minutes after opening, every single purse was snatched off the shelves! Luckily for me, another friend has an American aunt who appreciates our love of bargain designer buys and shipped us each a bag! :)
I originally wanted a black bag but the grey has been great for the fall and goes with practically everything. It's bigger-than-a-clutch size allows me to fit everything I want in it, and has been my go-to bag ever since I got it.

Next up: Isabel Marant for H&M in November... who's with me!