weekend recap

I have had a lot of fun this summer, and it's gone by quickly!  This weekend was a blast.  Friday night I celebrated a friends birthday with her.  Saturday I went to the public market, had an amazing breakfast over delicious coffee with great company.  I got my hair done, too!  I'm no longer a partial blonde.  I discovered that they don't have more fun and decided to go back to my brunette roots (ha, no punn intended).   It was just, once again, time for some change.  There's also a few things I'll be changing this fall.  My spending being one of them and back on track with near 100% clean eating.  I get so excited about the fall, too!  The cider (and donuts!) the pumpkin ale, stews, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkins, pumpkin flavored anything.    Being so excited about the next season makes the indian summers just brutal.  It will be 92 tomorrow here.  Like really?  That hot?! 

Oh, anyways, back to my weekend.  Yesterday we had a huge party for the football week one!  A great time had by all, even if the Steelers lost :(  They've got a lot of work to do!    

How was everyone else's weekend?  

Outfit Deets:

Jacket - Old Navy

Dress - H&M purchased from Instafriend @shoptheresamillio

Shoes - Gap

Necklace - c/o Sira & Mara

Bag - Kate Spade via eBay

10 classic pieces to upgrade for fall!

I'm not the only one with the fall season on the brain!  I was going to do this whole "what I would wear to New York Fashion Week" and couldn't think of anything except lush cozy sweaters, soft denim and ankle booties.   So I went with this instead!
It was a goal of mine this year to upgrade my wardrobe to have mostly classic and timeless pieces with a few trendy items thrown in the mix here and there.  I've done a decent job achieving that; but, every season change I come up with a new list of basics/wardrobe staples that either need upgrading or that I just lack period.
I rounded up a few things that I think every gal needs to head into chilly weather!

1. a cute crew cut sweater - there are plenty of printed lightweight sweaters all over the place right now and what a perfect layering piece!?
2. a lux sweatshirt - this houndstooth one from J.Crew Factory is to die for!
3. the boyfriend button up - this patterned one is a new twist on a classic look.  I want one in every color and pattern they are so versatile; pair them with jeans, pencil skirts or dress pants.
4. a neutral poncho - great to throw on to run errands or to wear lounging.  It's like wearing a blanket... except way sexier than a snuggy.
5. dark wash boyfriend jeans - we all know my obsession for boyfriend jeans... I say no more.
6. leopard - whether skimmers, loafers, a bag, a jacket.  Something!
7. ankle boots! GREAT for transitioning summer dresses into fall and paired with distressed jeans?  amaze-balls.
8. utility jacket - or vest! either is super chic and adds a bit of edge to any outfit.
9. a puffer vest - great layering piece! I love mine, however may be looking for one with a collar and no hood this season.
10. wellies - this is a fall must have.  Everything is so wet and gross on the ground; you'll need these to keep you clean, dry and adorable of course.

Are you updating any basics this season?  Which are your favorites!?

Shop:

back to school

Do you ever just wish you were back in Kindergarden?  That your only life problem was that Jimmy, the blonde boy next to you, stole your pencil and you were wanting to socialize instead of nap during nap time..?  Am I the only one!?  Sometimes life just throws these curve balls that make you just shout at the universe "REALLY?"  Is this real life...  Just makes you think, at five or six years old you really had no problems.  Life was so... easy.   My life is far from terrible, let's be honest.  But, I definitely go through rough patches and bad luck streaks like the next guy.   

Even Peter Pan grew up; didn't you see Hook? 

All of that thoughtfulness was prompted by the fact that I look like a Miami Dolphins loving school girl in this outfit.  Even though I rather like this dress, not sure my color scheme was the best. 

For the record, I'm a Steelers fan so wearing Dolphin's colors is just not acceptable.  Sorry not sorry. 

Yay for football this weekend!! Any other football watching gals out there?  How about Hook fans?  Bangarang? Rufio? 

Details:

Dress - Old Navy, similar fit 

Shirt - H&M, similar 

Loafers - Target

a new generation?

Let's talk body piercings and tattoos.  Would you say in 2013 that they're appropriate in adult lives and in the work place?  I used to think that it was a teenager rebellious thing; but, I have a couple myself...  I used to rock a hoop in my nose, too!   Is it our generations way of "self expression"?  Is that why I cannot seem to take out my belly button piercing after (going on) 10+ years of it being there?  My stomach looks strange without it!?  

I tend to go for the less dramatic look and I switched out the hoop for this cute little stud that I had, but I'd love to rock a diamond on my nose.  What a statement that would make!  A little rose gold stud with some serious bling, like they have over at Fresh Trends?  Hell yes!  They definitely put a little more sophisticated twist on body piercings. 

What are your thoughts on piercings? 

Details:

Blazer - Arden B, similar

Tee - Target

Pants - H&M, similar

Booties - SoleSociety

Jewelry - Sira & Mara  

icon

I just love the shape and style of this dress.  I felt like Jackie O walking around in this little frock at work.   It's funny, what people end up commenting on.  I typically think I look pretty well put together and sometimes it's my most outlandish ideas that seem to get the most compliments.  Like pairing the leopard heels with this tapestry 50's inspired dress.   So unexpected, yet so classic.

I'm selling some clothing on Instagram (@shopAT40BF).  Hoping to get ride of some closet purge items before my move.  Which, by the way - think I found an apartment and should find out this week whether it's going to be officially mine or not.  Pretty awesome since September just began. 

Also, my laptop screen was shattered in the accident; so, please pardon the random/late posts.  I'm not neglecting my blog, it's just difficult to work on a broken product :(  Hopefully I can get it replaced or repaired sooner rather than later. 

Hope you enjoyed your Labor Day long weekend :)

Details:

Dress - Forever 2, similar

Necklace - BrinaBox

Shoes - Target

weekend workout and workout wear || 23

I tried all morning yesterday to get this post up for you guys and my computer (since the car accident) stalls and acts 50 shades of funky.  So, here it is a day late.  At least it's a long weekend and you can probably still get this in!

I'm running a 6 miler this morning but, will definitely do this workout this week.  I typically clock 200 meters on my car, it's usually down the street and back, mark yourself a turn around spot.  The idea is to sprint or run as fast as you can.  Get that heart rate up and burn those calories!

sweatshirt lux - 2 ways to wear!

We've been seeing them all over the past few months.   Chic, adorable, and cozy sweatshirts.  How do you wear a sweatshirt, though, without looking like you're going camping?  With the new styles that are out, it's pretty simple!
Balance out your looks; if it's a baggy sweatshirt, keep other pieces streamlined and chic.
If a more fitted sweatshirt is your style, feel free to play around with baggy, slouchy pieces to ground your look.

I've rounded up two styles below;
Edgy Fem - for our fierce ladies who love comfort and commanding the attention of a room.
Prepster Chic - for our more casual ladies.  Adding the boyfriend fit jean and pointy flat make this look perfect for weekend errands or lunch with your gal pals.

Which look is your favorite?

Don't forget to enter the $75 Anthro giveaway HERE