What I Want: Loft

Loft

This is an outfit that I would ideally wear in a heartbeat, if it weren't for the fact that me and turtlenecks don't do that well together. But the pants and the shoes?  Love!  And I have some just like the ones pictured, though my shoes do not have tassels.  And, sadly, I noticed the other day when I was wearing them that one of them is a little scuffed.
That's a good reason to get a new pair, right?!
I hope your week is going well.  Mine has been super busy, but good.  Last night I went to a crock pot party and made ten make ahead meals in about an hour.  I am looking forward to trying them out in the next few weeks.  I'll have to let you know how they are!
~Lori

Favorite Thing: White Pumpkins

mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com

One thing about being a mom is that kids have definite ideas about how to decorate for it.  They like slightly scary things like spiders and fake blood.  I, on the other hand, prefer elegant or warm fall decorating.  Just an abundance of light colored pumpkins and beautiful greenery- thank you very much.  Luckily, I only have to do the cheesy Halloween thing for a few weeks to make the little ones happy and then it's all mine, baby!

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yummymummykitchen.com

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ritzybee.typepad.com

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piecefulwedding.com

So pretty, right!

I am thrilled today because my husband and I are playing hooky and leaving town to go shopping and visit the Getty museum.  I have needed a day like this for a long time!

Simple Fall Decor

acountryfarmhouse.blogspot.com

What is it about fall and Halloween that bring out the overly creative side of many.  I think when we have children that kitchy and whimsical Halloween decor is appropriate.  I do it myself for my children and parties I give for them and their friends.  When I do fall for myself, it is all about simple, tasteful and elegant.  A few pumpkins and some pretty flora are all I really want but there is an art to the simple.

hawkvalleygarden.shutterfly.com

fleaingfrance.tumblr.com

sandandsisal.com

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I'm really loving white and green striped pumpkins lately.  I don't deny that traditional orange pumpkins are charming as well.  What do you think?

Welcome, Fall

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I'm not normally one for camping of any kind (what can I say? I'm more of a room service, hotel kind of a girl), but this picture makes me want to rent a cabin for the weekend.  The weather here has turned a little bit chillier, and I think a weekend at a cabin would be such a great way to formally welcome fall.
In the meantime, I've been gobbling up everything pumpkin in site- pumpkin yogurt (both the frozen kind and the breakfast kind), pumpkin soup, pumpkin hard cider, cookies, bread, cake...
Too bad my next couple of weekends are already booked, or I'd be booking it to the mountains for a little r & r.

What I Want: Perfect Shoes for Fall

Umm, hello, perfect little shoes for fall!

6 p.m.

I love these. What do you think?

Fall Inspiration: Retro Vibe

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This image is from a 2013 Glamour UK photo shoot, and it features a Missoni coat and a killer retro hairstyle that, if my hair was longer, I'd be recreating this fall.
Not that fall is anywhere near here, as we are still experiencing high temps and dry weather.
But it will be here soon enough, and I plan on wearing some retro inspired pieces this fall.
Anyway, before I have to worry about that, I have to worry about this weekend.  We are planning a possible trip to the Huntington Library on Saturday, and we have a brunch to go to in Marina del Rey on Sunday and we might even get to squeeze in a little bit of shopping.  Fingers crossed!
Hope you have a great weekend; any exciting plans?

Wanted: Wide Leg Denim

My week has started off with a bang.  I am subbing in an honors English class all week so I'm super busy. I've been enjoying many wonderful classic movies lately.  I am always inspired by the fashion choices in these old films.  The ladies wear wide leg trousers when whey aren't wearing glamorous gowns and I don't know which is more sophisticated.  I am really lusting after a perfect pair of wide leg denim for the fall.  I haven't yet researched the best pair but I foresee a trip to Nordstom in my near future!

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thefashiontag.wordpress.com

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Will you be wearing wide leg denim this fall season?

The Hot Pink Dress for Fall

There is something really beautiful about a bold color in the fall and winter months.  It feels happy and confident.  I am wanting a hot pink dress to mix in with all my fall neutrals.  I would wear one that is classic and understated in cut to avoid that prom night feel that this color might otherwise evoke.  Paired with nude heels and a camel coat or leather bomber you just can't go wrong.

image via dailymail.co.uk

via atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com

via imperiovida.tumblr.com/

DKNY 2013 via becomegorgeous.com

Here are some gorgeous hot pink dress options at all price points!  I'm afraid I love the high and medium options best but the low is quite nice too; It's better in person.

The Hot Pink Dress for Fall by desertgirls featuring Merona

Merona clothing / Dorchester Dress WH573 Day at Boden

Unfortunately my cold has morphed into a bad flu and I am still house bound.  Boooo!  Online shopping, book reading and tea drinking are to be my only activities for another day or two.  

Stay healthy out there!

We Want Fall!

Autumn is just good for the soul, don't you think?  It is such a cozy season that still consists of warm afternoons.  Someday I want to travel to Vermont (or anywhere on the East coast, really) during the Fall months and see a proper Autumn.  Today I will just daydream...

NYC in the Fall via luxuryvacationsource.com

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Here is a photo of my little family last Fall (taken by my friend and talented photographer,Johanna Rae). It is really gorgeous in our local mountains --even if we do live in the high desert.

Are you excited yet?

Change It Up For Fall

Pretty soon the days will be shorter and the cool weather will set in.  When that happens (even slightly before, if I'm honest) I like to change out a few things in my house.  Pillow covers, throw blankets, candles (scented and plain for ambiance), flowers, stacks of books and pretty objects are the best and easiest way to add coziness and chic comfort.

Cozy for Fall by desertgirls featuring a round bowl

Throw pillow / Faux fur throw pillow / Serena & Lily blanket / Simon Pearce glass candleholder / Hervé Gambs purple plant, $255 / Design 55 antler home decor, $230 / Illume candles candleholder / Votivo red home decor / Round bowl

Today I am on my last few chapters of the last Harry Potter book!  I'm rather sad to have finished because I have really enjoyed reading the series.  I know what you're thinking: she is just now reading those!  Yes, I know.  I am afraid that I am the type of person who rebels against TV shows/books that are popular in the beginning until they have proven their value over a period of time.  I will never be able to say, I saw/read that right when it became popular.  I'm just not cool like that.  I am just now starting to get into Dr. Who.  A hipster I am not.
Have a great mid-week!

The Flower Recipe Book/ Fall Arrangement DIY

Amazon.com only &17.46 with Amazon prime or $24.95 in BN stores.

One place my husband and I like to go on date nights is Barnes and Noble.  I know this sounds really funny but it is so nice to sit in quiet and scan new books and magazines without the kids around.  One book I recently came across is this "The Flower Recipe Book."  It is brilliant and would make a really perfect gift. There are step by step instructions for numerous arrangements and floral projects.  So often I gain inspiration by just looking at a gorgeous arrangement but I'm not exactly sure how to re-create it or the number of stems it requires.  This book takes the guess work out of the process.  

I was trained in floral design while in high-school and I still love to work with flowers; it's one of my very favorite things to do for parties or just to enjoy everyday.  Even if you have never worked with flowers I feel confident that this book will make you a pro!

I don't have this awesome book yet (I am going to order it this weekend, though) but last week I decided to try a more free form arrangement (very popular right now) with a fall feel and show you step-by-step what I did.  Take a look!

 I purchased my flowers from our local grocer so they were very affordable.  This is the perfect way to have fresh flowers in your home on a regular basis.  

 This style of arranging should look a bit off-kilter.  It makes it feel more natural and interesting.  I used 4 stems of "Queen Anne's Lace" to create the line.  I could also have used branches.

 Next I used large leaves (not sure of the name here) to hide the ugly frog and to create some fullness and then placed three stems of geranium for color.

 Then I clipped a few olive branches from my tree out back to add in a bit more fullness but be sure not to go against the shape of the Queen Anne's Lace too much.

There you have it!  Super easy and it didn't require many stems because it is a one-sided arrangement.  I placed it on my desk in the office/library because I love the colors against my charcoal walls.

Happy Saturday everyone!