Fall Must-Haves!

1. Oversized Plaid Blanket Scarves. As classic as a piece like this may be, it's really having a trendy moment. Perfect way to stay warm while still looking chic. I've always had an affinity for plaid. It reminds me of my grade school uniforms. It also has a Celtic feel to it; which of course, as an Irish girl, I can appreciate.

2. Green & Grey Nail Polish. Feeling these two hues for the season. A couple options: OPI Gwen Stefani Holiday, Christmas Gone Plaid. Chanel Frenzy.

3. Booties. My favorite style of shoe is definitely a must-have for Fall! I'm not into wearing true heels very often. Booties are the best of both worlds. A little extra height without any discomfort? Yes, please. Loving my new blue suede shoes. Matt Bernson Coup D'etat Leather Ankle Boots.

4. Brixton Messer Style Hats. Blacks, Browns, Mulberrys... I'll take two in every color and style. I'm truly a hat type of lady. Love that these are having a major style comeback.

5. Capes. For the past few years, I've been living in these throws during the colder months. When Burberry introduced their now iconic color block monogram blanket poncho, seemingly worn by every fashionista in the world, this type of piece really gained street style cred. This would be an incredible personalized DIY look.

6. Bobbi Brown Holiday Shimmer Brick, Copper Diamond. The tortoise shell packaging alone was enough to sell me on this beauty. I love the shimmer bricks as a highlighter but they can also be used as eyeshadow. Get this limited edition shade while it's still available. They last forever. Incredibly gorgeous especially for the holidays or to add a touch of warmth when the sun is no longer shining.

7. A new lipstick- Browns, Berrys, & Burgundys, oh my! I've really been into these types of shades for the season. My new favorite lines to fall in love with are Charlotte Tilbury and Gucci; however, shades like this can be found in just about any line. Other brands to consider: Revlon, MAC.

8. Candles. As soon as the temps drop, I go candle crazy. I don't like to spend a lot on something so disposable but it's nice to indulge in a little bit of luxury every now and again. Any brand. Any scent (or lack thereof) will do! Candles add such magic to any atmosphere. Love.













Now Playing: "3 Days" by Rhye

Only YOU Can Prevent Twerking Fires

Twerking, or the booty drop as I remember it being called, went out in the 90s but kids these days are too young to remember it. This video perfectly demonstrates what happens when you're a die hard try hard. You literally go up in flames. Apparently, she's fine.

Roman Candles

"Because the only people that interest me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, desirous of everything at the same time; the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars."

 -Jack Kerouac

This quote by Jack Kerouac is one of my favorites. I also happen to really love Roman candles (fireworks). I live in a city that seems to have an obsession with them. Every other night in the summer, there's a firework display happening or throughout the year for holidays and special events. But here are some pictures of traditional candles. Something about being in the presence of candles or just looking at pictures makes me relaxed and happy. I seriously think it reverts me back to a previous life when there wasn't electricity. Either that or I'm just a romantic soul (could be my Cancer Ascendant). 

 #SerenityByJan (for any fans of The Office, this site is worth the click).

Now Playing: "Ladies & Gentlemen, We Are Floating In Space" by Spiritualized

Currently Loving!

Candles.
I never used to be much of a candle person because my parents hammered the idea into my head that if I used one, something catastrophic would surely happen. I've gotten over my fear of the flame with an electronic little device known as a stick lighter. Truthfully, I've never actually used matches or a standard lighter in my life. Thank you to the inventer of the stick lighter for making my dream of candlelight a reality! I just love the atmosphere and warmth that a candle provides (the scents are an added bonus). I'm a sucker for good lighting and who doesn't look their best next to the glow of a beautiful candle?

Glasses.
I'm legally blind without corrective lenses. I always have on my contacts (I have the kind that's designed to sleep in for a month at a time). But for the past few days, I've given my eyes a rest and worn my glasses. Peripheral vision isn't always great but I feel better and look a bit smarter. Since I only wear my glasses a handful of days out of the year, I've had the same pair since the fall of '08 (Prada VPR 521. I purchased them at Lens Crafters). I really love the model that I picked out and always get compliments.

Perfume Samples.
This one is nothing new. I love fragrances and I also LOVE things that are miniature. I have a stash of perfume samples that I keep on my vanity tray inside an adorable little box. I have enough samples to add up to a full sized bottle but I just adore the little ones. They are perfect to put in your purse for touch ups or to travel with. While I love the notion of a signature fragrance, having a wide variety of samples to try out is also pretty great.

Online Shopping.
This is becoming a bit of a habit but there's so many great companies (HauteLook, Gilt, Beyond the Rack, Amazon, ebay, Etsie, Shopbop, ASOS, Zara, the list goes on and on). I love retail therapy and have a good eye for things I like and will work for me. I appreciate not having to hunt for things for hours, deal with snooty sales people or wait in long lines. It's also nice to have brands at my fingertips that aren't even sold in my area. Online shopping is kind of a dream come true for me.

YouTube Beauty Videos.
This is nothing new but lately I have been watching tons of videos. I have a good camera. One of these days, I'm going to start making videos for my own channel. I have learned so much from the beauty community and love "getting to know" people from all over the world. I'm just fascinated by so much of it all.

Organization.
Watching so many YouTube videos on how people store their makeup collections and organize their closets has totally inspired me! 2012 will be my year of having everything neat and orderly. I'm obsessed with bamboo drawer organizers and have my eye on an adorable lipstick holder from The Container Store (another company that isn't even in my area but I learned about online).

Christmas!
Christmas is easily my favorite time of the year and my favorite holiday but this year, I'm extra excited for it. As you may have noticed, I already decorated my blog to get into the Christmas spirit. Normally, I would wait until after Thanksgiving but I'm just really giddy this year. I can't wait to throw up my favorite Christmas music for my December playlist! I'll also share my favorite movies and holiday memories. I've already bought a few gifts as well. Ho, ho, ho!

FIJI Water.
I've always loved water and drink plenty each day but Fiji water is by far the best I've ever had. I started drinking it in the spring and don't see myself switching brands any time soon. It's a bit of a splurge but it's worth it to me!

CHANEL.
I'll be sharing a haul blog post in the coming days. I've always loved Chanel but I recently made a few purchases that I can't wait to share with you. I have a vintage bag that I bought with one of my first paychecks after graduating college but I dream of someday (hopefully sooner rather than later) purchasing a brand new purse. I'd love to have a black, jumbo 2.55 bag with gold hardware. I used to always think I'd get lambskin because it's so supple but caviar leather is much more practical for daily wear. But the price is far out of my reach. As a handbag aficionado, it's a motivator.

Charity.
I recently became a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and I'm really happy with my decision. I also just cleaned out my makeup collection and gave a ton of products to my mom and to the nursing home she works at. It feels great to get rid of things I no longer have a need for and it feels even better to know it's going to someone who will appreciate it. I'm also getting together clothes to donate to either Goodwill (one of my own favorite places to shop) or a women's shelter.














Now Playing: "Let Me Take You Out" by Class Actress