Pumpkins

October 18, 2013

Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, West Hollywood, CA

Pumpkin. 

Isn’t there just something inherently delightful about the very word itself?  Pumpkin.  It’s adorable.  Whether it reminds me of something that is simply delicious, or something that I simply adore, there aren’t many words I can say that about, and for that reason alone, I gotta say I love pumpkins.  In fact, I love them so much, that every year around this time, even if only for a minute, I convince myself that it would be a miraculous idea to dress up as a (twenty something year old) pumpkin for Halloween.  Which, let’s face it, just isn’t an adorable idea at all.  That’s what happens though, throw the word pumpkin in there and suddenly I’m swooning.

This past weekend some friends and I took a little ride over to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, in West Hollywood, which is just a hop skip and a jump away from my place.  It’s a fun little spot with games, rides, and toys—ya know, perfect for toddlers, families, oh and grown adults who are still considering the idea of dressing up as a pumpkin for Halloween.  That being said, there is something truly wonderful about being at places like Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, that are so quickly able to transport us back to our childhood days.  My family and I had a tradition of going to pick out our pumpkins at a tiny red barn called Peter’s Farm in Salem, NH, growing up, and although it was simply a small open barn without games, prizes, or pies, I loved that little place because it was our spot.  Back then, I (like most people I imagine) always wanted the biggest one on the lot and it seems that not a lot has changed today.   After attempting to pick up what felt like a 40 pounder, and then imagining the long trek up several flights of stairs to my apartment, I finally settled upon a medium sized pumpkin, which my boyfriend carved into a delightful version of Frankenstein.  Ah so you see, pumpkins really are all they’re cracked up to be… endless hours of entertainment, years of festivity, and countless positive memories all wrapped up in one little word.

  For my day at the pumpkin patch, I thought what could be better than these adorable new overalls from Social Butterflies?  I have been waiting, probably since my first trip to Pete’s farm, for overalls to come back in style and low and behold they are now back! I love Social Butterflies’ black skinny take on this classic style and I just had the most fun in this outfit all day.  I paired it with a cropped t-shirt because it’s been warm here, but for colder weather, you could pair it with a long sleeve or sweater. 

Hope this post inspires a weekend of festivities beyond your childhood imagination!

Overalls & bracelet: C/O Social Butterflies

Boots: AmericanRag/Macy’s

T-shirt: Forever21 (Similar)

Photos by: Jennifer Biswas  

Falling In Love with Fall

October 11, 2013

Los Angeles, CA

Crisp autumn air and earlier sunsets have contributed to what actually is beginning to feel like a bit of a change of seasons around these parts.  This week, it seems like there has been a real shift: jackets and, yes, scarfs are out in full force.  Coming from the east coast where those types of garments are actually worn out of necessity, I’m still not sure that I’ll ever get used to seeing Los Angelinos dive into cozy hats and scarves as soon as the evening temps hit the fifties, but I’m slowly adapting.  Who knows, maybe even some day, I’ll be one of them.  Don’t worry Mom, I’ll never stop liking the Patriots or saying the word “wicked”.

Where was I? Ah yes, pumpkins, fallen leaves, and scarecrows decorate the street corners and last night I spent the evening with friends eating pumpkin pie, cinnamon apple goat cheese with cranberry bread, hot spiked apple cider, pumpkin bread, and apple pie.   The only thing missing were some carmel apples and we could’ve started our own country fair over here!  We relaxed with some Halloween flicks and laughed the night away.  I have to admit that I barely watched any of the movies because the only Halloween movie I can tolerate is Hocus Pocus, anything else remotely scary is too scary for me and that’s a fact. 

My outfit this afternoon represents one of my favorite looks of the season.  Just like everything Ruche seems to put out, this mustard midi skirt is classically chic and how great is the color for the fall?  It’ll inspire you to whip up your very own pumpkin bread… I swear!  I paired it with my black belt and lace top from Forever21 and this adorable hunter green floppy fedora hat from Social Butterflies.  I feel so totally me in this outfit I could wear it for days.. in fact, I just may wear it all weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! 

Midi Skirt: Ruche

Blouse: Forever21 (Similar)

Belt: H&M (Similar) 

Fedora Hat & Bow Bracelet: C/O Social Butterflies

Boots: American Rag/Macy's  

Lucky in Red

October 8, 2013

LACMA, Los Angeles, CA

Fortune Cookies don’t lie.

Ok, well we all know that statement, itself, is a boldfaced lie.  However, I am choosing to believe that the fortune cookie I got yesterday stating: “Wear red and have good luck all week” was accurate.   My pal, however, opened her cookie at the very same time only to find a strange, seemingly meaningless fortune: “Do you feel like you’re walking in mud?”  Thus, we agreed to believe that since I was wearing red shoes and red nail polish at the time, mine had to be accurate and fantastic luck would surely be on it’s way for yours truly.  As for my pal, well, since hers made little sense to us, we agreed to forget it and laughed it off as we finished our tasty cookies.

Last night I met my “walking in the mud” pal over at the LACMA, which is just a couple of blocks from my place!  We were able to quickly check out the exhibit: Under the Mexican Sky: Gabriel Figueroa.   Gabriel, a Mexican cinematographer, helped to lead what they called the “Golden Age” of Mexican Cinema, worked all over the world, with a variety of artists and directors and I was fascinated to see that his work still proves to inspire contemporary filmmakers today.   The LACMA never disappoints and I am always so inspired by the works they are able to feature.  I forget it’s practically in my backyard, but I really have to get over there more often!

After the exhibit, we grabbed a beverage at Ray’s and Stark Bar, located in the courtyard area of the LACMA.  They have really amazing cocktails.  I mean, they take their concoctions very seriously and who doesn’t appreciate a place like that?  Last night, I tried out the Rose Wishes & Lavender Dreams, (doesn’t that just sound like a treat!) which is a gin based cocktail made extra yummy with St. Germaine, Rose, and some lemon and floral flavors, while my friend tried the Secret Cocktail, which was bourbon based, mixed with an egg white and some apple flavors—a little more daring, but perfect for the fall! 

Finally, we ended our evening at our local Thai spot, where I got the great news about how lucky my week is going to be!  I certainly won’t be taking this red nail polish off any time soon.   The truth is we could all use a little luck from time to time, and if it takes a silly fortune cookie or a lucky color to make us feel like we are a little closer to getting there, so be it!  

Here’s to hoping that luck finds its way into your world this week!

This lovely vintage inspired navy dress with a keyhole back and colorful prints from Urban Outfitters is charmingly fitting for a night out at the museum, but I think the pops of red brought in by the flats and nails make the look complete.  I also love this new black clutch from Social Butterflies- just can’t get enough of this little boutique right now!

Dress:  Urban Outfitters

Silver Ring: C/O Social Butterflies

Black Clutch: C/O Social Butterflies

Gold Star Ring: Nordstrom Rack

Red Flats: Material Girl/ Macy’s /eBay