Ponchos!

I'm seeing ponchos everywhere these days and I'm definitely feeling it. Who cares if they're mildly difficult to wear? They look so cool. It's better than a Snuggie. Southwestern print is the way to go.

Southwest Poncho at F21

Drape Poncho at F21

Chunky Yarn Poncho at F21

Dolce Vida Dora Poncho at Shopbop

Bona Drag's Flair

I thought it would be fitting for this upcoming pagan holiday to say how much I love the spooky jewelry offerings at Bona Drag. If you get your hands on one of these amazing pieces feel free to call me jealous. Their selection of clothes is great, too. Happy tricking and treating!

Talon Cuff, Bona Drag

Hummingbird Scull

Batt Cuff

Yard style

How bad do I wish this was my backyard? Almost as bad as I wish I had a backyard.

I love everything about this: the contrast of straight and curved lies, the cement poured fire pit, the stone wall. Just beautiful.

Warm and Cozy Coat

The past couple days have been cold and rainy in DC. I love Fall clothes but no so much being cold. Having completely worn out my old coat I'm in the market for a new one. Buying a new coat is no small purchase considering you wear it everyday in Winter and it's got to be of pretty good quality to keep you warm. I have already professed my love for the Anthropologie Deep Woods Toggle coat which is helping me figure out what I want. Let's take a look at the options:

Deep Woods Toggle Coat

Then I spotted this similar one at Topshop for much cheaper!

Furry Hood Duffle Coat

This one looks warm and cute.

I love the vintage style of this one! So cute.

You can't really go wrong with this puffer from j crew:

And this one from Patagonia would definitely keep me toasty. (By the way, I lOVE the design of their site.)

I will report back on my final purchase. 

Botanical Wall Charts

I just wanted to say how much I love my new botanical wall chart I picked up at a european country antiques store in Old Town Alexandria recently. It was used in classrooms in Germany. I have always wanted one of these. I love how the colors and images pop out on the black background. We decided to hang it sideways to fit the space on the wall better. I think it looks just as good on its side. It looks great on the wall and the small tears and scratches add character. And, it brings nature into the room!

You can find some similar ones here and here.

Be Kind

I spent two years as a vegan in college. I actually didn't find it all that challenging. I had a decent cookbook and I stuck to the basics. Of course, being a student I wasn't able to buy lots of fresh fruits and vegetables needed for a really healthy diet. And health was my reason for going vegan in the first place. Over time I changed along with my views and I succumbed to the temptations of meat and cheese. 

While I always look for new ways that diet can improve my health I haven't ventured back into veganville in years. Also, I married a good Southern boy who was raised on beef (to his credit he is very open-minded). I was excited to learn that Alicia Silverstone has new vegan cookbook called The Kind Diet that just came out. She's been vegan for 11 years and looks like the epitome of health. Her recipes sound delicious so there's no denying yourself. In the book she shares the knowledge she's gained from her plant-based diet that can immensely improve your health while sustaining the planet. I always love a win-win. You can never argue with that. I'll be happy to try a new way of eating that might make me look as cute as her.

Faux Ginko

I love this table created by artist Ross Yedinak. I spotted it over at Garden Rooms.

DIY Braid Necklace

I was inspired by this awesome braid necklace on Anthropologie to do a little braidin' myself.


Here is what you need:
:: scisssors
:: tape
:: tape measure
:: necklace clasp
:: 3 2 ft. strands of gold string
:: 3 2 ft. strands of round white satin string

1. Tie the stands together on one end of the clasp. Tape down so you can braid it.

2. Pair each white piece of string with a gold piece. Braid the pairs of string. Tie off, attaching the other part of the clasp. Trim the ends.

4. And now you have a awesome braid necklace. Pair with a giant gold watch and even more necklaces.

Beautiful Reads

Are you looking for some inspiration for your life, work or wardrobe? Here are three magazines that are among my personal favorites.

Antler Magazine

Antler is a daily blog and a bi-monthly online magazine out of Canada. It focuses on art, literature, fashion, design and culture with a bohemian flair and an appreciation for the natural world. Expect to find enchanting images, indie designer/artist profiles and fashion spreads. As much as I love reading the printed word, publishing online is carbon-neutral after all. It's just all very pretty.

Boho Magazine

Created by Gina La Morte of The Style Doctor, Boho is decidedly more mainstream. It's filled with tips for green fashion, beauty and living. Live the life you want. Express yourself through fashion. Do something to make the world a better place. Also, it's printed in 100% recycled paper.

Dazed and Confused

Not the movie, the magazine (although I could style myself after that movie for the rest of my life). Dazed and Confused is British print publication with a thriving online (Dazed Digital) presence. You'll find impossibly cool fashion, photography, music and arts/culture coverage with blogs, video and round-the-clock reporting online. The Brits are always so cutting edge. There is endless goodness to be found here.

Frosty Fashion

I just got the new Anthropologie catalog. There are loads of beautiful clothes. In case you're interested, here are my favorites. Oh, so delightful. Bring on the cold weather.

Deep Woods Toggle Coat

Up and Away Cardi

Flora-in-focus necklace

Call-of-the-West Booties

Arial view necklace 

Lighted Pathways Bag

Colossal Cable Throw

Cabin Time

My dog, husband and I just returned from a great weekend in a cabin in Maryland near Harper's Ferry celebrating our one year anniversary. We hiked, made camp fires, read, did crossword puzzles and just relaxed. It was great. Here are some photos.

Falling...

All of the sudden it's Fall. There is a faint chill in the air and there is no denying the leaves are about to surrender they're green for yellow, red, brown and orange. It seems I was just donning my sandals and cutoffs last week. But there is so much to look forward to. The holidays. The hikes. Fall vegetables. Scarves, hats and gloves. Tricks and treats. Where the Wild Things Are. I love the times if the year when change is in the air. You know something good must be right around the corner. When the world is changing (which is practically all the time) why not take a chance and make some changes for yourself? Take a class or start a new hobby. Smile at a stranger. Turn off your phone and sit alone in the park. Rearrange your living space. Write down ten things you love to do. Do them.