The Cold War.

Why yoos gosta be so 'spensive, beautiful coat?  A toggle coat in wool-cashmere with thinsulate makes my heart go pitter patter, but the price tag leaves me cold.

Guess I will look elsewhere. 

Oh, yeah.  Happy Halloween!  Hope you had fun this weekend and rocked your socks off costume-wise.  I bet you did. 

Boo!

Happy Friday, friends!  What are you guys up to this weekend?  Any fun Halloween plans?  I've weirdly given up on Halloween in the past couple of years.  Maybe I'm getting too old?  I don't know; it's lost its luster.  But, please tell me all about your fun costume ideas!  I'll live vicariously. 

Friday Links:

• I never thought I'd be the kind of girl of who streams an album before you can buy it (not that into music.  there, I said it), but the NEW Florence and the Machine is out and I am dying.
• Speaking of music: Robyn is my new major girl crush.  For many reasons, but, at this point in time, mainly because she ROCKS THE DANCE FLOOR like I do in my dreams in this video.  Why can't I dance like this girl?  Girl makes even the electric slide look good!
• And then this video popped up in my life and and I love the song even more.  How can I download this onto my ipod?  Seriously.  How can I?
• The 25 best horror films of the aughts.  Who wants to watch them with me?  I just watched number 7 and I'm ready for the rest!
• Have you guys tried this supposedly universal blush?  I'm intrigued.
• An adorable collection of guys confessing what it's like to work up the nerve to kiss a girl.
• This blind dog has a seeing eye dog!  Just read it.  You'll probably cry.  I did.   

image via pinterest

The Ocean Black.

I know I hinted at this in my last Friday Links, but I thought it deserved its own post.  The Ocean Black is a six minute short/preview (er, I don't know the terminology) of what will one day be a full-length film, hopefully WITH YOUR HELP.

A friend of mine from high school (the Howard to my Rosemary in Picnic terms [if ANYONE knows what I'm talking about I will be majorly impressed!]) will be directing this film and needs your help. 

Kickstarter is such a great vehicle for those trying to make a dream come true -- only a couple bucks from you could Make. A. Dream. Come. True.  Isn't that beyond amazing??  Let's help Marco with his dream, okay?  I'll love your forever.  Or at least give you big virtual hugs.   

I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that the guy pointing a gun at you in the still shot above is also a high school friend of mine.  I know you want to help his dreams come true, too.  Two birds, one stone, right? 

DO IT.

Now.

Thank you.

If anything, watch this totally professional and impressive soon-to-be full-length film above.  And then tell your friends about it.  IT'S THAT GOOD.     

Help me choose.

Which one would you choose??

Way back in the day (for real, it's my eighth post) I remember posting about an iPhone skin and how it was so difficult to find any that were cute or had style.  Well, fast forward a year and a half and there are too many to choose from!  Seriously.  This is only one designer from the site and I'm having trouble deciding on just one; I can't even imagine what would happen if I attempted to look elsewhere. 

Out of these three, which one would you choose?  (I'm pretty sure I've already decided my favorite, but could easily be persuaded.)  And, if you like, go to the website to all the other pretties that are offered.  Enter at your own risk!

found via Design Crush

Outfit Tuesdays: A Twist of Class.

A Twist of Class. by justagirlandherstuff featuring platform stiletto heels

I feel like my outfits have been leaning towards the casual as of late and I wanted to spice it up a bit.  These are probably the highest heels I've ever seen, but go big or go home, right?  Right??  Plus, this dress is super sexy without being too revealing, and that, my friends, is not the easiest thing to do.

This outfit deserves to be in a museum gala.  At least, that's how I picture it.

Where would you wear it?  

The Perfect Fall Pair.

I just may have to get these.  I can't get over the tassels and the suede and slip-on ease!  And did I mention that they're $64??

Seriously.

These need to be mine. 

Weekend!

It's Friday!!  This excites me, but really I just thought this card was funny.  Best episode ever.

Happy weekend, dear friends.  What are y'all up to?  I have a birthday party and some dvr action to catch up on.  Who else is loving American Horror Story??  I can't wait to watch this week's episode!

Friday Links:

• Okay.  Is this not a living nightmare??  I should really dedicate a whole post to this because it blows my mind.  It's like a living Jumanji.  And, why exactly did the private zoo owner let them all free??  AND they called off the search for the last monkey because THEY ASSUME ANOTHER ANIMAL ATE IT.  One of the FIFTY SIX who were set free, of course.  Nightmare. 
• A Radiolab podcast on zoos.  I'm obsessed. 
• I am not yet okay with the fact that they're making a new movie of Les Miserables.  Not okay.  And I can't decide how I feel that it's now being confirmed that Anne Hathaway will be Fantine.  But definitely leaning towards not okay. 
• Did I ever tell you that my favorite writer is Joan Didion?  I can't wait for her new memoir.
• A lentil and sweet potato chili I really want to make.  You should, too. 
• A friend of mine from high school is making a movie and needs your help.  Just think of yourself as a big-time movie producer, that's what I do.  

image

Truth.

THIS.

Let me remember this.

Reader Request: Fall Accessories.

A friend of mine -- Blair from the wonderful blog, Closing Notice, where you can read most recently all about her AMAZING and green-with-jealousy-inducing posts trip west -- got in touch (a LONG time ago, sorry!) to ask about fall accessories.  As in, what fall accessories should I look for?  

Easy enough, right?  Except I'm a procrastinator and I'm just getting around to it.  Soooo, without more ridiculous talk from me, let's get this ball rolling!

First and foremost, ankle boots are EVERYWHERE.  They give any outfit a bit of an edge and can ground a summer dress better than anything else.  Add tights, a long-sleeved shirt under the dress, and ankle boots and you've transitioned your summery dress into fall!  (Better than the outfit posted on Monday, yes?  I hear ya.  People did not like.)

I prefer an ankle boot with a thicker heel; I feel it's more casual and better suited to day AND/OR nighttime.  Plus, it's easier to run and catch the bus. 

Second!  Capes!  There is nothing more chic than throwing a cape over your outfit as you head out the door.  Seriously.  Your friends will all be jealous.

Some people are scared of the cape due to the lack of definition and bulky fabrics.  Do. Not. Be. Afraid.  It's meant to have volume and is part of a silhouette.  But, if you run on the petite side, like lovely Blair, you can get one with arm holes (for lack of a better term!).  They will instantly make you feel more in control. 

And.  If you live in blustery Chicago you can get away with arm holes with long gloves.  Long gloves will make you feel gorgeous and like Grace Kelly.  Everyone wants to feel like Grace Kelly, yes? 

Scarves.  Yes, I know.  I talk about scarves ALL THE TIME.  But, for reals, scarves are the best accessories out there, especially when it's actually cold outside.  You can change it up with different colors, patterns, and textures and they will always be your friends.  Plus, they run at every price point!  Get yoself some scarves.  STAT. 

My personal credo: The bigger, the better. 

Another one: Go big, or go home.

Buy. Scarves.

Big. Ones. 

Brass and copper and gold are fall's best friends.  Wear it all.  And lot's of it.  Or little... if you're into that sort of thing.  I'm partial to chains and metal before it gets too cold to transmit the bitterness to your skin. 

Last, but not least, the camel/tobacco/tan bag.  You can never go wrong with it.  Period.  The end.  [Especially if you have the cash for the famous Ps1 -- I die.] 

PLUS, leather!  Suede!  Knit!  Fur (faux, of course)!  Texture, texture, texture, ladies.  This is the season where you can't have enough of it.  Pair the ribbed tights with the corduroy skirt and the fair isle knit sweater. 

Do it. 

I dare you. 

Basically this is the best dressing season.  There.  I said it.  Layers are begging to be created, textures are screaming to be touched, and cozy CAN be sexy.  I promise, girls.  I promise. 

Outfit Tuesdays: Hammer Time.

Hammer Time. by justagirlandherstuff featuring shoulder handbags

 A leather top and hammer pants?  Yes, please!  

Plus an excruciatingly expensive bracelet. 

An Unusual Combination.

How very interesting!  The Sartorialist is touting this as "a great strategy to begin transitioning your favorite summer dress into a new favorite autumn look."

I am very, very intrigued.

If someone told me about this look I would have balked, but she's pulling it off.  Don't you think?  Even if we only see a part of her. 

And it's all about the shoes, ladies.  An amazing pair of shoes can make any clothes an outfit.  Well, maybe not any clothes, but you see she managed it here.  

Or do you think I am crazy?

Happy Friday!

What is everyone up to this weekend?  I'm hoping to lay low a bit; I had so much fun with Andrea last weekend, but running around like that makes me one tired girl.  I have a scary movie party to attend and I'll probably swing by the hospital because my college roommate just had her second baby!!  Say hello to the world, Wesley Alexander.  (Great name, right?)

What else?  What else?

I have a shortened Friday Links page this week because I've been super busy...

• Has everyone heard of this yet?  Mindy Kaling (I ALWAYS write about her -- I have a major girl crush, obviously) has a new blog and she is as delightful as ever.
• An edited excerpt from a Charlie Kaufman lecture. 
• Florence Welch interviewed by Baz Luhrman.  (Katie, be prepared for them to mention Blake Lively like she's Florence's bestie.  She is their "mutual friend" and catalyst for introduction.)
• I was randomly checking a wedding blog to get one last Friday Link thinking, "Maybe they'll have a pretty dress."  And then I'm all, "Wait.  I KNOW that girl!"  (As much as you can know a friend's friend, you know what I mean?)  Kali is super gorgeous and had a super gorgeous wedding and I've already seen some of these photos on Facebook because, you know, Lauren was there.  No big deal. 

image via pinterest

Comfortable Beauty.

I'm late!  Better late than never, right?

I'm tired, ladies and gentlemen (ha!).  And this is one fantastically relaxed ball gown.  If I had someplace fancy to be, I would like to be as relaxed and glorious as this fair lady.  Can you imagine being comfortable AND gorgeous at the ball all at the same time??

Cinderella would be so jealous. 


via Katie Armour

Cozy Cardigans.

I know it's ridiculous and I'll probably hate myself for saying it in a couple of months, but I'm ready for cooler weather.  I'm ready for sweaters -- especially cardigans.  I'm a sucker for a good cardigan and Anthroplogie always seems to have some super cozy, dreamy ones.

Sweaters and scarves are my absolute favorite simply because they make layering so easy peasy.  There is no easier way to add an extra dynamic to your outfit and it'll make you look like a pro!  I know that I'll blink and it'll be freezing, but part of me is totally okay with that.  Bring it, Mother Nature.

What are your favorite pieces of clothing?  Is there something that you always look forward to wearing?

Outfit Tuesdays: A Skirt Story.

A Skirt Story. by justagirlandherstuff featuring a circular skirt

I'M BACK!  Told you I would be flaky, but I guess I turned out to be more of a no-show.  Sorry 'bout that, folks.  I had a BLAST with my girl Andrea and did more in Chicago than I've probably done in the past six months.  Too. Much. Fun.  I can't decide which was my favorite part!  But, I did learn that you should be careful what you put on the internet because a Second City cast member may use it against you during the show. 

It's been weirdly warm in Chicago the past few days.  Like, REALLY warm.  It would be perfectly appropriate to run around in a skirt and sleeveless blouse and I think you should do that.  

Plus, the shoes are from H&M and are cheap.  Aren't they adorable? 

Apologies.

Y'all.  This is the first Tuesday since I started Outfit Tuesdays in which I don't have an outfit.  Ouch!!  Sorry, y'all! 

Here's the deal: My BFF is coming to visit this weekend (yiiii!!) and I'm preparing as if we're heading to Noah's Ark.  I mean, I gotsa clean, make plans, make playlists, buy groceries, brush the cat* and in the meantime have my own normal life which consists of fun things like B Town's birthday.

So, yeah.  I'm a bit blogless this week. 

I don't know what to promise you other than I promise I'm gonna be flaky.  And hopefully more inspired than ever upon my return because I would have gotten some Good, Ol' Fashioned Girl Time.  Ya know what I meang?

SOOOOOOO... in my so super rude absence I leave you with the NEW Florence and the Machine video.  I know, I know.  I AM too kind.  Oooohhh, stop. 

*Andrea reads this here blog and I don't want her to worry that I'm going too out of my way, so let's reassure her that I'm not.  Ready, everyone?  Let's say it together... "I promise, Andrea, anything I do, I do because I want to." 

But I won't do that.  

Sorry.  Meatloaf got in my head. 

Arrested Development Returns!

OMG!  It's happening, guys!  It's really happening!!

Reports came out yesterday about not only an Arrested Development movie, but ten television episodes, too!!  This fills my heart with joy and I welcome the Bluths back with open arms. 

Go here to read something more official than my shouting.