Daily Outfit: Halloween Scenes

{A view from the porch at sunset}

{eyeballs n candy corn}

{Halloween cuppies!}

{Skull Snowglobe, anyone?}

{I love this amazing lamp!}

{Creepy cobwebs and a dark figure lurking in the doorway...}

 

{Gotta have a black cat on Halloween, right Mr. Kitty?}

{A blurry colorful haze complete with our sparkly green masks}

Happy Halloween!

 You might think that I would be a big fan of the holiday that's so focused on dressing up and playing around with different options...but I already do that everyday. Halloween has never really been my thing, yet I would never turn down an invite to a fun party. Our friends hosted their first annual "Eye Ball" yesterday, and we had to be on the scene. We enjoyed the food, music, decorations, and good company! Sundays are usually my days for lounging around and working from home, so I jumped at the chance to change it up and be social... I was feeling the Halloween spirit with my orange plaid cardigan. That's really all it takes for me!

(Cardigan- Sample Sale, Pinched Tunic Dress- Anthropologie, Rachel Pally Leggings- eBay, Legwarmers- Urban Outfitters, Boots- Frye, Stormy Coat- French Connection, Scarf- gift)

Daily Outfit: Anthro-Klepto

Let me explain, I didn't actually steal anything from my beloved store. I only stole a look.

This maxi skirt has always done right by me in warm weather. The real challenge was if it could be styled up for these cooler days and still look fresh. So I'll admit it, I was very inspired by the look that Anthropologie put together...and then I copied it! My personal touch was brought in with my much-loved Frye boots. Their warm butterscotch leather just screams autumn, and they play well with my chambray shirt. It's kind of a western-boho medley. I finished off the look with bright pink lipstick to set off the saturated pinks in the skirt and in my Elliptical Earrings...fun, yay!

Happy Friday everyone!

(Ancient Myths Skirt- Anthropologie, Essential Tunic- Anthropologie, Frye Boots- Shopbop, Canvas Army Belt- Thrifted, Elliptical Earrings- MavenFresh, Lips- Makeup Forever #37)

Daily Outfit: Animal Ties

neon nails to add pop

i finally got my hands on a tie neck blouse!!  this is a modern take on the style.  the best part is i found it in H&M for a great price.  i forced myself out of my comfort zone since animal prints are not really my thing but  the soft pink and taupe color scheme made it a little less scary.  this outfit was another effortless choice - a pair of dark straight leg jeans for contrast and the nude accessories to tie it all together.  it's an easy way to look put together and trendy at the same time!  let's hope the obsession is fulfilled lol.

PFM Obsession: Leopard and Poppy

Here's a list of my fall faves thus far... hmmm I sense a little bit of a pattern.

1. Zara Lace Dress - I've been looking for the perfect lace dress to pair with my tough black motorcycle boots. This could be the one!

2. Madewell Fulton Felt Hat - Loving the camel color and the 70's vibe! Must have!

3. We actually saw these Aldo Leopard Wedge Booties in person, I tried them on and Sesheta agreed that they were swoon-worthy... but not in my budget right now. The print is small and lovely, the wedge is not too high, and they are subtly sexy.

4. Melie Bianco Edith Bag - I am definitely feeling the pop of red, and it would go so well with the leopard booties! As a bonus it's totally affordable and it has a super cute removable chain strap.

5. These Buckled Paddock Boots from Anthropologie already have a spot waiting for them in my closet!

6. Nars Love Devotion Lipstick -So I know that this particular shade has been around for a while now, but I had never actually tried it till recently. It's moisturizing, buildable, and that perfect shade of coral orange that I need right now.

7. This Medusa watch from TOKYObay will satisfy a few cravings- it's red, studded, and the strap can wrap around twice to create a fab layered look with a few bracelets added in.

8. Poppy red skinny jeans. I am already thinking of multiple outfits that will come out of these awesome Mothers .

9. The Addison Story Floral Shirtdress is exactly what I am looking for to layer underneath my fur vest. In fact I would like the entire fall collection from this brand, please.

PFMs on the town: Besito Birthday

happy birthday month to me!!

okay, so my birthday was over 15 days ago now, but that is soooo unimportant.  i know all of you have heard of birthday week or birthday month so a late celebration is definitely in order.  it was just what i needed!

a group of my co-workers (including Becca) finally got our schedules in order so that we could go eat, drink and be merry at Besito Mexican restaurant in Roslyn (out on Long Island - they actually have three locations altogether).  the ambiance was that of a little pueblo and the food was just as awesome.  while enjoying a round of the house special margarita and sangria, we chowed down on chips, salsa (super fresh tasting -i don't even normally like salsa!!) and, of course, guacamole (made table side and put in the most adorable little stone bowl).  Becca ordered the empanadas (veggie, of course) and i chose the taquitos de pescado or fish tacos.  can you say yummmmm??? i have been wanting to try this restaurant forever and it was well worth the wait.  to top it off due to my limits on dessert choices, who wouldn't want a candle lit scoop of mango sorbet? a sweet ending to a great night!  we all can't wait to do it again!

wine and patron - what more do i say??

these empanadas look good 

the fish tacos were deeelish

it's a little bear!

with guacamole filling lmao

yummy sorbet

this is what happens when you try to smile and blow at the same time lol

Daily Outfit: Native Plume

 

 

 I love that you can glam up an entire outfit with a turban. Is it a hat? Is it a scarf? The concept had my co-worker completely intrigued...and then impressed. It's a little bit of both in today's look, accenting a plain white tee and a dark navy skirt. I love mixing different materials and I was excited to pair my vintage wool skirt with this leather bomber jacket.  I had to bring in the tribal trend with my suede fringe studded booties (worn so many times before, but this is their debut on the blog.) They always seem to get compliments, people are digging their playful vibe. And they feel like slippers, so I enjoy that. 

Who wouldn't want to add vintage pearl clusters into the mix? Studs, pearls, fringe and leather- oh my! It's the details that make this outfit come together into a luxe-hippie-chic dream come true. I had so much fun with this look...it definitely makes me feel like a Premiere Fashion Maven!

PS- did you notice that this title is keeping with Sesheta's "Native Plum" heeheehee we are so harmonious! 

(Turban- Hayden-Harnett Navy Plume Crepe de Chine Scarf, Skirt- Vintage, Tee- Anthropologie, Leather Bomber Jacket- Nordstrom, Booties- Jeffrey Campbell, Braided Belt- American Eagle, Pearl Pendant Necklace- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Sassy Cargos

This outfit was put together in anticipation for a birthday dinner with the girls that sadly didn't happen the first time around. Not to worry we recently had a delicious redo that more than made up for it (cuz it's Sesheta's bday all month long...pics and details to come!!!) I was inspired to put a lady-like spin on my skinny cargo pants with a silk ruffle top, bronze ballet flats, and topped it all off with my fave leopard belt. I love how this look turned out feminine with a bit of edge to it. Keeping it short and sweet today, it is Monday after all!

(J Brand Houlihan Cargo Pants- eBay, Ruffle Shell- J.Crew, Cardigan- H&M, Ballet Flats- Macys, Bronze Twigs and Berries Earrings- MavenFresh, Leopard Belt- Anthropologie)

Hot out of the Workshop: Open Weave Crochet Triangle Scarf in Fiery Twilight

It all started with my cobalt blue tights that matched the crystals in this scarf so perfectly. Bling!

And then there were no rules...it was so much fun, I was like a kid playing dress up in my closet. Long easy layers were what I wanted to wear, I think the drapey fringe-tastic-ness of the scarf brought out the bohemian in me. 

I was super excited to finish up and debut the latest color version of our Triangle Scarf. We were inspired by the colors of autumn, and definitely feeling the rich warm tones in this yarn. Our lovely friend Laura pre-ordered one of these creations and was the first to rock it (even before Sesheta and I, woohoo!)  Although she was originally looking for something with orange as the dominant color, the various shades of Fiery Twilight won her over. I think you may fall for it too! Have a lil peek and see more pics in our etsy shop...and happy Friday.

(Tulip Dress- Rachel Pally, Cardigan- RACHEL Rachel Roy, Open Weave Crochet Triangle Scarf- MavenFresh, Mini Mandela Earrings- MavenFresh, Boots & Socks- Zara, Tights- Anthropologie, Belt- Target)

PFM Confessional: sesheta says, "WTF?"

photo courtesy of The Encyclopedia of Science

i don't know about you but, lately it seems like i've been sayin, "wtf" quite often.  maybe it's the lack of enough money to handle all my responsibilities, or the pressure of having three children (and keeping up with everything that entails).  maybe it's that i just turned 35 and the stress of not having achieved all i desire is catching up with me or all the above... who knows.  these are the times that many turn to their guilty pleasures, some turn to religion and others just lay on their couch lol.

the only thing that has kept me going is the fact that when i share with girlfriends, they all seem to be feeling the same way - about something or the other.  that's when i start to say it must be in the stars.  i love reading my horoscope for some tidbit of inspiration for the day.  though i don't do it daily, it can be especially helpful at times like these when it seems like nothing will turn out right.  don't get me wrong, i know that life could be a lot worse, but isn't it all relative?  anyways, just in case you are feeling the same way, i thought you might like to read about the planetary alignments for October.  it just might offer insight into the craziness of life.  it sure does help to know that it isn't just me.

Daily Outfit: Crazy For Orla

Like so many of you out there I am in love with all things Orla Kiely, from clothing to dishes to rain boots (all of which I currently possess, sigh.)  There's always something so unexpectedly modern about her retro-inspired collections. Breaking out this Orla Kiely wool skirt in the early fall has become a favorite pastime of mine. And each year that goes by I am delighted by the fact that a full skirt in muted neutral tones with a timeless print like this will never be out of style. Various layers up top, multiple accessories, and a rotation of boots keeps it feeling fresh and updated. Speaking of oldies but goodies, I love that this faux fur collar denim jacket must be circa 2001 and it's still going strong! I was feeling a rustic chic vibe while creating this look and having fun with it too. Oh Orla!

(Orla Kiely Wool Printed Full Skirt- Sample Sale (2008), Tee- H&M, Jacket- American Eagle, Boots- Michael Kors, Legwarmers- Urban Outfitters, Gargoyle Necklace- Vintage, Distressed Belt- J. Crew)

PFMs Healthy Living: Food Lockdown?

Not sure if y'all are a fan of The Office (personally I love it) but a recent episode made me want to share something important. In it, Darryl was getting all down on himself, explaining that he's never been a lucky guy "Who gets a soy allergy at 35? And why is soy in everything?" This had me laughing, then had me remembering. OK so I am not yet hitting the 35 mark, but I did just recently find out a have a soy sensitivity. And did I mention that I've been a vegetarian my whole life? And that so much of my diet consisted of soy?

I'm sure you know someone with a food allergy, but "food sensitivities" are also quite common and because these reactions are much less violent and dangerous they are potentially more deceptive and often left undiagnosed. I was struggling on and off with migraines, fatigue, weight gain and digestive issues, but it was so easy to just write it off as not getting enough sleep, or just eating a little too much, etc. Since I've always been such a health conscious eater, there may have been some denial that my issues could be food-related. Then I reached a point when I knew it was time to focus on getting answers.*

two of my favorite foods- edamame & tofu

It could mean that something you ate last Friday is causing a headache on Monday. It's very difficult to find out the connections between your symptoms and specific foods, but so worth it to find out! One way of doing so is a food elimination diet, which is a pretty common solution. There are plenty of variations, but here's a simple example: eat clean for seven days, avoiding meat, fish, wheat, citrus fruits, dairy, soy, corn, caffeine, alcohol, bread, eggs, sugars, peanuts, artificial food colorings or preservatives. No packaged foods! Try hard to increase your intake of whole foods, including fruits, grains, vegetables, and protein sources. I made lots of fresh vegetable juices and fruit smoothies. And then on the eighth day begin to introduce foods back in one at a time. It's very important to keep a food journal of what you eat, the way you feel throughout the diet, and any changes in weight. This will get you to connect the dots. Don't forget to pump up the probiotics during and after the elimination diet. It will re-establish the proper balance of healthful bacteria in your intestines which was probably depleted if you have a longtime food sensitivity.
 

i highly recommend this acupuncture office!

With the help of my amazing friend who is an acupuncturist we customized an elimination diet plan that I stuck to for over 30 days. This was also combined with daily Bikram yoga classes, weekly acupuncture sessions, and some Chinese herbs before introducing any potential food culprits back in. I was determined to detox my system and bring it back into a state of balance. I can't begin to tell you how much better I felt; and how bittersweet it was to find out out soy had been the cause of my symptoms. I also realized a few more things about myself along the way...like my body doesn't really love dairy. Or gluten. And I don't always need to drink wine with dinner. Ha. But hey- all in moderation, right? I am taking a much-needed break from soy, but may try to reintroduce it in a year or so. In the meantime I have so many other delicious options to choose from, and I learned a few tricks along the way. Who needs soy milk in a cappuccino when you have coconut milk? Seriously. Side note: I've developed a strong love of rice pasta. (And breakfast smoothies with a handful of spinach.) Sure I most likely will have lots of questions about the menu when we go out to eat in a restaurant, but that's fine with me. Having to be creative with food choices can bring delicious results, so just go for it...you can only get healthier and feel happier. I have a big ol' food journal full of unique recipes and positive reactions to prove it.

* Disclaimer: a 30 day elimination diet is likely to cause weight loss, clear skin, heightened energy, and decreased stress levels. Be prepared for good things! If you have questions about any of the above suggestions, don' t hesitate to ask.  As with any health advice, please consult your health practitioner(s) to prepare a plan that best suits you.

Daily Outfit: A Fall Pièce de Résistance

You may have noticed that I like to shop Anthropologie... a lot. But rarely, and I mean rarely, do I get something from there that's not a bargain (at least by Anthro standards). When I saw they were having 30% off outerwear for a limited time, it was only natural to take a peek. That's all it took, there were so many reasons to invest in the Umbered Houndstooth Coat. I was immediately charmed by the vintage-inspired style and I've been on the hunt for a longer length fall coat that could easily transition into early winter. It has a detachable fur collar that I can't wait to wear separately, perhaps pinned over a sweater. And full disclosure: I'm a complete eBay addict, and lots of times I will sell something I already own in order to alleviate some shopper's guilt. This time around I bought a coat, and then I sold a coat. Woohoo! But no matter what fate was in store from the eBay gods, this coat is a unique and classic investment piece that will be making me happy for many years to come.

We had places to go and people to see, so this ended up being an early (and chilly) morning shoot. I don't like to wake up early on a Saturday but I do like a reason to dress up! I removed the fur collar from the coat- I was feeling the need to amp up the navy/eggplant color story with my Open Weave Crochet Mobius (and amp up the warmth!) The slightly loose fit of the coat makes it ready for lots of layers underneath, exactly what I like!

(Coat- Anthropologie, Spanx Tight-End Reversible Tights in Navy/Black- eBay, Cardigan- Gap, Lulabell Dress- Shopbop, Clog Booties- Madewell, Mobius in Dusk- MavenFresh)