Life in Photos - Apple Picking in Vermont

 

On a surprisingly warm fall weekend not too long ago I had the luck to make it up to Vermont with the husband and my mother for a weekend with my aunt and cousins. Even more luckily, one pair of said cousins took us with them to their friends' farm to go apple picking and pet some very vocal sheep. The farm is private, they only sell their apples to nearby markets and New Yorkers looking for "local" fruit at their supermarkets, so we had the space all to ourselves. It was a gorgeous day, and their beautiful property made me ache a little bit for a wide open space of my own. Maybe someday, but returning the city still gives me an entirely different feeling of joy. If the day ever comes when that joy isn't rekindled upon my return I think I'll know that it's time to seek some verdant pastures of my own.

 

What We're Buying - Combat Boots

 

 

I've always wanted a pair of combat boots.  I love the idea - tough lace ups over tucked in jeans and an oversized shirt.  But no pair I had encountered ever felt quite right.  Looking back on it, I think the problem was, strangely enough, that none of them were feminine enough for me.  While I gravitate towards tougher styles, my purchases are always more posh punk than 90's grunge.

 

Imagine my delight when I found Bamboo's Gold Surprise.  While the shape is classic, the finish is anything but, in a gorgeous, brushed gold.  I can't wait to throw them on with a sweater dress and play in a pile of fall leaves, the gilded hue perfectly complementing the rich oranges and yellows of my favorite season.

 

Bamboo

Covets - Catherine Malandrino for Kohls

Just when we thought we couldn't possibly see another stunning compilation before 2013 runs out its clock, Kohls came along and wowed us with their Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation collection. The line takes direct inspiration from one of the designer's bases, the city of lights, and Paris themes run through the line with sweaters, berets and copious amounts of black. Ever a francophile at heart, you won't hear this lady complaining. The best part? Each piece is on sale now. Scoop your favorite up while they last!

 

 

 

 

Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation at Kohls





Covets - Foxy Flats

 

 

I have a soft spot in my heart for foxes.  Maybe it's because my husband loves them so much (his band?  The Fox Doctors, naturally).  And when you pair them up with red and white polka dots and bows?  Could anything be more perfectly made for me?

 

ModCloth's Clever So Sweet Flat by t.u.k. are a selection from their Be the Buyer Program in which members pick items they want sold exclusively for the site.  In festive red, with a fox tail cheekily wrapping around the back, I want to wear them with absolutely everything; dark blue denim, black and white stripes, teal - they're just that delightful.

 

Clever So Sweet Flat, ModCloth

Movies We Love - Escape from New York



One silly evening not too long ago the husband took me out for a Throwback Thursday treat. New York City's Film Forum was running a SciFi and Horror festival replete with a bevy of old movies, and we found our way into the neighborhood one evening for a showing of Escape from New York. The theater is a real joy: small, always packed with avid film fans that are a pleasure to view with and ever-fresh, old-fashioned popcorn that seems to taste fresher and is infinitely more satisfying than the fast food version sold at most chain theaters.

Best of all? The film features old favorite Kurt Russell, an actor that Pie and I can't seem to get enough of lately. The entire move is a trip; from it's over the top dramatic tone to it's cheesy, synthesized 80's soundtrack. Russell plays "Snake," an ex-military man turned criminal banished to the island prison of Manhattan. Yes, Manhattan, the golden isle, is just one big prison in this "future." If the absurdity of that premise doesn't grab you then Snake's growling, gravelly voice might. Or maybe the ridiculously dramatic dialog and fantastical premise that Air Force One would happen to land on an island full of criminals and the U.S. President would be the only survivor.

Cue a mad scurry to rescue the President in 24 hours lest our poor anti-hero Snake be neutralized himself. It's a ridiculous journey, but goodness it's a fun one.

The Look of the Emmys

 

 

I'm not a big awards show lady.  The best part for me when I used to have cable was watching the red carpet pre-show to scope out all of the glittery outfits.

 

Compared to the Oscars, the Emmys this fall were pretty subdued.  Actresses for the most part kept it simple in figure flattering, unembellished frocks, with pinks and whites dominating.

 

A few standouts?  Claire Danes flapper look sings to me (of course), and my insides still ache with lust for Laura Dern's backless confection.

 

With award show season rearing it's glamorous head, I'm hopeful my favorites will forgo simplicity in favor of some outrageous, dazzling risk taking.

 

1. Claire Danes, Atelier Versace; 2. Linda Cardellini, Donna Karan Atelier;

3. Laura Dern, Naeem Khan; 4. January Jones, Givenchy.

Huffington Post



What We're Buying - Transitional Bedding

This time of year always sets me yearning for a change- I try to cajole my husband into rearranging furniture, and I start looking at new accent pieces and bedding. But what bedding to use? Summer weights don't quite work in a New York apartment, and it certainly isn't cold enough to break out my down comforter and duvet covers just yet. Luckily, I think I've found an answer and it comes in many an affordable option. These transitional quilts look mighty tempting, and while they might not exactly be fall-festive don't they just look airy and cozy? Perfect for a bedroom sanctuary and a bit of snuggle.

Boho Boutique Bombay Fleur Quilt Set, Target; Hand Blocked Medallion Quilt, West Elm;

Laura Ashley Roland Quilt, Amazon; Nostalgia Piper Quilt, Macys.