Todd

As excited I am to be in the big apple with three of my closest friends, I can't help but miss my beau back at home. I get a pit in my stomach knowing that one of his bear hugs is a six-hour flight away, which makes the welcome home one that much sweeter. A few spots I'm planning on stopping by for him while I'm here in the city. Any other suggestions let me know!

1. RRL

2. Jean Shop

3. Onassis

4. J.Crew Men's Shop on Madison

5. Scoop Men's

Packing for the Big Apple

[ Bensimon Tennies, F21 Booties, Tory Burch Heels, Jeffrey Campbell Boots, Modern Vintage Boots ]

I'm headed to New York today on a girls trip to visit one of my closest ladybirds—who's now living the dream in the big apple! I can't wait to stay with her and pretend for 5 days that I'm a big city girl drinking espressos at Pastis, riding the subway, hailing a cab (please be the cash cab, please please!), lunching at Bergdorfs... you know the usual. Weighing heavy on my mind the last two weeks was what to pack. Since the east coast is so unpredictable at this time of year—thunder storms, rain, sunshine, cloudy, blah blah—I've had a hard time deciding what to bring. But I managed to slim it down a tad, packing just the necessities.

[ 3 coats, 2 pants, 2 skirts, 8 tops, 3 necklaces, 3 bags]

[ Beauty essentials ]

[ Favorites for daytime, something sparkly for nighttime]

Sick Days

As a kid, getting sick was like winning the lottery, unless it was during the summer of course. Not only did I get to take over my parents gigantic bed, but I also got a little crystal bell whenever I needed something. I know, I know... spoiled much? But I'll have you know, I was the last of four to fly the coup, so needless to say Mom was soaking up every last minute. But now since my mom is miles and miles away and there's no crystal bell, sick days are equivalent to jury duty. Over the weekend—to my iron-clad immune system's surprise, so I thought—I came down with a mean cold that left me flat on my back. And what else is there to do other than have a movie marathon? Here's what was on the movie queue...

1. Killers—I think I need to plan a trip to Nice after seeing this one

2. Marie Antoinette—a permanent favorite

3. The Year My Parents Went On Vacation—A foreign film, loved it

4. Parenthood—an oldie but goodie

5. The Runaways—Dakota is definitely all grown up

6. Invictus—I love South Africa

Top Ten: Reasons to Love Fall

The transition from summer to fall always starts out as a dreaded one in my book. I never quite want the long sunny beach days to end, and of course the tan to fade, but there comes a point when I stop kicking and screaming and start remembering all the pros of the season turning. Here are my top ten reasons for loving fall.

1. Cashmere cozies

2. A hot cup of cider with mulling spices

3. TV nights—Modern Family, Gossip Girl, Glee

4. Rainy days

5. Hanging by the fireplace

6. Wine tasting day trips in Santa Ynez

7. Weekend getaways to Palm Springs

8. Wearing my Modern Vintage boots

9. Planning for Holidays

10. Fall sunsets—hands down the best time of year to watch a sunset

What do you love about fall?

Autumn Soles

With summer days long gone (sniff, sniff) I've been getting back into the fall wardrobe routine and in the process discovering a few additions my closet is in dire need of—oversized sweaters, shearling jackets, fur, sequins and blouses to name a few. My recent obsession has been in the footwear department as endless styles for fall have been flooding in. Here are a few that I've been swooning over.

Clockwise from top left:

Christian Louboutin Pointed Leather Flats $575

Rick Owens Leather Wedge Boot $1,565

Boutique 9 Nichola Boots $200

Bernardo Gotcha Oxfords $139

L.A.M.B. Shearling Cuff Heel $395

Elizabeth & James E-Moxy Lace-Up Boots $395

Joie Refugee Boot $535

Diane von Furstenberg Octavia Wooden Wedges $295

Kristian

[ Heritage Dress, Michael Kors Heels, Gucci Sunglasses, Handmade Bracelet, Michael Kors Watch ]

My close-knit group of girlfriends are practically like sisters to me. We've been through everything together and the older I get the more I realize how lucky I am to have them in my life. From sharing laughs and tears to wardrobe favorites and beauty tips our memories and bad fashion choices are all down in history together. Over the weekend the girls and I celebrated our friend Kristian's birthday by having a mimosa filled mexican-style brunch at El Paseo. The blue-eyed blonde bombshell wore a Spanish-style sundress to her party, but like always, it was her infectious smile that made the look.

[ Me and the Birthday girl, Kristian ]

Weekend Re-Cap

[ Alice & Olivia Top, Paige Jeans, Jennifer Fisher Jewelry Charm Necklace, GAP Ballet Flats, Alexander Wang Bag ]

Over the weekend my beau and I headed up to Santa Ynez for a day trip that consisted of incredible food, wine, sunshine and lots of laughs. We tasted wine at a couple wineries—Sunstone and Gainey—before heading up to Los Alamos to have pizza at the popular spot, Full of Life Flatbread, which was everything and more I hoped it would be. The rest of the weekend was chock-full of birthday parties, dinner with friends, planning a menu for girls night this week and a Phoenix concert (1901 was the best moment of the night, a-mazing).

[ I've been living in these GAP ballet flats lately, so comfy and basic. ]

[ The vineyard at Gainey ]

[ Autumn leaves in Santa Ynez ]

[ Apples fresh off a friend's tree ]

[ Picked a few dinner options out for girl's night this Monday ]

Fall Tunes

I notoriously become a bit of a homebody every year as soon as the weather turns—dinner at home, baking, a glass of wine and a blazing fire... sold. But every so often I have to take off my "bear in hibernation" outfit—usually my coziest cashmere and an oversized Riviera Club sweatshirt—and head out for a drink or dinner with friends. The only way to pull me from my autumn-coma and get me out the door is a good playlist. Here's a recent list of tunes I've been playing on repeat lately.

1. La Roux - "Quicksand"

2. The Big Pink - "Dominos"

3. Empire of the Sun - "Walking on a Dream"

4. Kings of Leon - "Radioactive"

5. Brandon Flowers - "Crossfire"

6. Mumford & Sons - "The Cave"

7. Cat Power - "Maybe Not"

8. Beach House - "Real Love"

9. The Morning Benders - "Hand Me Downs"

10. Arcade Fire - "Rococo"

11. Devendra Banhart - "Ticks Eat the Olives"

12. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - "Om Nashi Me"

13. Mumford & Sons - "Winter Winds"

14. Band of Horses - "Life On Earth"

See other mixes here and here

Oversized Sweaters

Cooler nights and misty mornings have been calling for cozy sweaters these days. And not that I don't own plenty of warm cashmere pieces, but I'm finding that my wardrobe is in dire need of oversized boyfriend-fitting sweaters. Since a quality knit garment is worth spending the extra bucks on, I'm saving my pennies for the perfect one to pair with skinny jeans and boots. Here are some options I'm narrowing in on—so far I'm leaning towards the Daray sweater by Velvet.

1. Inhabit Cashmere Sweater $300

2. T by Alexander Wang Alpaca Sweater $198

3. Velvet Daray Sweater $320

4. Theory Dania Sweater $375

5. Velvet Elara Sweater $290

6. Preen Coco Sweater $569

Leather Essential

[ Banana Republic Jacket, Wilt Tank, Alexander McQueen Scarf, J Brand Jeans, Matiko Platform Wedges, Banana Republic Hat, Alexander Wang Bag, Fendi Sunglasses ]

There's nothing like a good leather jacket for fall. It's something I end up caving for every year. A few years ago I found this caramel colored motorcycle jacket at Banana Republic and it's been a go-to ever since. Lindsey (my stylish roomie, see here and here) threw it on with her Alexander McQueen scarf for a casual, cool fall look. The best part about this color is that it's so versatile and can go with practically anything. I love throwing on big, chunky knit scarves with it for cooler days.

On the Runways

Lela Rose

Derek Lam

Max Azria

Thakoon

I've been living vicariously through those who are in the big apple right now for fashion week. I eagerly check for updates everyday on shows from my favorite designers and so far I can't get enough of the stark white, neutral tones and drapey dresses that seem to pop up on every runway. My spring inspiration folder is busting at the seams, here are a few looks from my ever growing collection.

Feeling Like Fall

[ Pedro Garcia Heels, Paige Denim Leggings, Alexander Wang Tank, Vintage Striped Shirt, Grayce by Molly Sims Necklace, Chanel Lipstick in Excessive ]

It's officially starting to feel like fall these days, leaves are starting to turn and there's a chill in the air. As much as I'm still crossing my fingers for an Indian summer, I couldn't help but pull out some of my fall favorites. Since it's a constant hot and cold battle during these autumn days I like to layer with lightweight button downs, tanks and jackets. At a recent Blue Bee sale I picked up these black legging jeans by Paige denim and I can already tell they're going to be a go-to these next coming months.

Fall Cravings Part II

Following up from my last fall wish list (see here)—I've been adding to the ever-growing need/want list, surprise, surprise—here are some more essentials I've come across. A few things I'm craving? Shearling jackets, oversized black knit sweaters, wide brim floppy felt hats, full body jumpers, tweed blazers and sparkly accessories.

1. Faux Sheepskin Flying Jacket $125

2. Skyler Platform Heals $25

3. Rag & Bone Dover Glen Blazer $575

4. F21 Floppy Felt Hat $14

5. Lanvin Embellished Belt $690

6. Topshop Bandeau Playsuit $65

7. DVF Wool Cape Jacket $395

8. Alexander Wang Wool Blend Draped Short $370

9. TopShop Knit Sweater $125

10. Alexander Wang Estelle Clutch $1,050

Save or Splurge?

I'm a huge fan of the army green that's been popping up everywhere this fall. And, as my sweet mom would always remind me, "green is your color!" True because of my red hair, but I always argue with her that not every shade of green is my friend. However, the olive/army green shade is a definite match for my coloring. I recently fell in love with this Elizabeth & James Explorer Blouse (pictured right) because of the amazing fit but also for the rich forrest green color. Only problem? A price tag that was just a little too steep for my taste. Enter the Silk Cargo Shirt by Madwell. I may be torn between saving or splurging, but I do know that I would pair it with this skirt in black. Which one would you choose?

Taiana Design

My scarves and wraps get more play than anything else in my closet. I love layering them, packing them in my bag in case the day grows cooler or taking them on trips to use as a throw (see a favorite one here), so I'm always falling hard for a new found style or color. I've been craving a wrap by Taiana Design since she launched the collection over a year ago, and now the 22-year old Santa Barbara designer has new styles available that I've been swooning over. Sold at Maxfields and Calvin Klein in New York, the bohemian-esque pieces play off of basic contrasting colors while the woven merino-wool is finished with stringy dreadlock-like ends.

taianadesign.com

Inspired For Fall

[ Craving a floppy wool hat like this one on Olivia Palermo ]

With fall right around the corner, I've been eyeing a few things that I plan on adding to my repertoire—leopard print, army green, knee-high socks, high-waisted pants, camel colored peacoats, structured blouses etc. As much as I like having an updated look, I'm not one to run out and buy something just because it's "hot" right now. I love being in tune with what's on the runways, but ultimately I go with my own interpreted version. I mostly draw inspiration from images I love. Here's a few I've seen this week that I'm loving.

[ Sequins for a daytime look ]

[ Head wraps and baggy sweaters ]

[ Growing my hair out extra long right now ]

[ From the hat to the shoes, love the look these girls are rocking ]

[ Mid-calf skirts paired with booties and visible bra straps ]