Autumn Around the World

Autumn is a beautiful season, and it looks a little different everywhere you go. Here are some images of my favorite places around the world during arguably my favorite season.


Middleton Place Plantation, Charleston, SC



Bennington, Vermont



University of Oxford, UK



Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy



Whistler, British Columbia, Canada



Provence, France



Chianti Region, Tuscany, Italy



Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France

"For the first time in a long time, you need a blanket on your bed."

New York is rainy, windy and hovering around the slightly uncomfortable temperature of 60.

I'm sitting at my desk, watching the rain dart past my window and listening to the occasional cab tear through puddles in the street.

I'm drinking some hazelnut Dunks and wearing sweatpants.

... this is fabulous.

As much as I adore summer's breezy linen, days spent sailing, sand getting everywhere, Coronas and margs and everything becoming 50% more casual... I cherish the arrival of autumn. The structure of trousers and the return of schedules and the fun in adding outerwear to clothing combinations are all things I look forward to when the temperatures begin to drop. Also on this list are pumpkin bread, wool, loafers and diving into a warm bed piled with down pillows and comforters.

I refuse to begin buying autumn clothes in July, when they're typically debuted, because I'm not the world's biggest delayed gratification fan, and I'm also still busy enjoying my summer. But after Labor Day, I'm all about embracing transitional items and giving my look slight tweaks.

Here are some things I'm loving right now...


Tan trench
I got mine from Gap, and for the price ($88) it's a great buy. I ordered online so it was a bit wrinkled when it arrived, but it's a great classic trench for a good price. The material keeps you dry, the buttons are a nice dark brown, the length and shape are good, and it has some thoughtful details, like a button closure for the belt in back, so it doesn't slide out of the loops or move around too much. Looks great on the way to work, and even better with jeans and flats.




Patterned scarves
I love summerweight scarves... but I usually get too warm to wear them for long. So I love to wear them through the fall with tees, cardigans, and simple cotton dresses.




Vineyard Vines Tisbury Tote
I hemmed and hawed over this one. As a Connecticut girl I've been buying Vineyard Vines since they started up around 10 years ago, but my style has been evolving; so I wondered if it was a bit too preppy. Irregardless, this tote is great. It's on the big size for a tote, but when you bring lunch and gym clothes and sneakers with you to work, it's a perfect size. It's comfortable, and looks great with the trench. But come November, this will be retired until March or April.




Extra-long Pearls
Another purchase I debated over. I didn't want to look like a Gossip Girl extra or Material Girl, but I love long necklaces and statement jewelry. I figured out a few creative ways to wear them, and came across a superlong strand on sale for $13 at the Macy's in Herald Square. No-brainer. The look I get most compliments on is wrapping the necklace around my neck and through itself (like knotting a scarf).


Benetint
I'm gradually getting away from bronzer, which can look unnatural after September, and getting back to my Benetint. This stuff looks so natural on almost everyone, and you can use as much or as little as you need. It's pricey at around $30, but it lasts a long time.




Twill trousers
They're as comfortable as jeans, washable, and professional. My favorite is my gray pair.




Lipstick, Clinique's "A Different Grape"
I've been a lip gloss girl for as long as I can remember, and used to only dabble in lipstick for special events. But I got this color with a free gift months ago, and opened it up recently when I was feeling black. On me, it was a beautiful rich purply-pink, and was a great pop of color on my face. I'm hooked!

And some current wish-list items...


Italian driving mocs
I saw these all over Italy, mostly with metal details and nubby black rubber grips on the soles. They look a bit androgynous, casual and chic, which I love. Mostly they would go great with jeans, but I did see some women pulling these off with skirts. I haven't purchased yet because I simply cannot decide on a color.



Boyfriend cardigan
I thought these looked sloppy when they first came out a few years ago, but now I've seen some in slimmer fits and shorter sleeves. Plus, a belt works wonders. I'd like to get one to wear with a tee and full skirt at work.




T-strap flats
I have a handful of pairs of flats, but I would like some T-strap ones, perhaps in gray. Initially they look like plain old ballet flats, but get a peek at the top and there is an added element of style.




Hunter Wellies
I adore Hunter boots, especially the black ones Kate Moss wore all over England. I think they look so autumn and classic and British... but they're a bit too expensive for me until I can figure out how often I'll wear them. They're great for rainy commutes, but then I have to deal with bringing different shoes to work and either tucking trousers and wrinkling them, or wearing big rubber boots with a sleek wrap dress. And on weekends, I generally love my loafers and heels. I'm on the fence.

What will you be buying this fall?
- H

I give thanks to...

- Benetint, for giving me truly natural-looking pink cheeks;
- the voters of this country for choosing change;
- my college sweatshirt from freshman year, for lasting eight years with nary a stain or tear;
- flip flops, for being so easy;
- Gossip Girl and The OC for giving me the guilty pleasure TV of which I was deprived as a teen;
- my employers, for keeping me around;
- my job, for keeping me financed well enough to travel like I did this year;
- my career in general, for giving me joy on a daily basis, and a paycheck on a biweekly basis;
- my friends B and B, for getting married in Charleston, therefore giving me an excuse to go back;
- Claude, who I met in the Tuilieries Garden, from whom I learned that "flirting" has quite a different meaning in French;
- everyone who got me birthday presents, especially J, who gave me Miss Dior Cherie;
- my friends T and J in Oxford, for letting me stay with them and taking me to 14th century pubs and Icebar London!
- my maroon, peep-toe, hidden-platform thick-strap mary janes for giving me endless compliments at work;
- my family, for its Irish/Italianness, which leads to plenty of drinking, eating and talking at every large family gathering;
- my friends who give me places to stay around the country (and world!), and who are always up for a visit;
- everyone who steps in and out of my life and makes a difference in it, from college mentors to the Salvation Army bell-ringers, and who remind me how lucky I am.
- people who don't call this holiday "Turkey Day."

Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers,
Hayley

Warm, Soft, and Sweet All Over

I had a fantastic weekend in Charleston, complete with a wild Halloween at the Market Street Saloon and a positively gorgeous wedding at Middleton Place. But one thing I noticed, besides the abundance of tea (sweet, of course), McCain billboards, street signs like Shrimpboat Lane and clean-cut, charming boys with cozy Carolina accents, was the temperature. As in, not warm. Like, maybe 10 degrees warmer than New England.

And it struck me: Indian summer is gone, the leaves are and have been changing, Halloween has passed, and we're in that cold but not snowy period of late fall that comes before the holidays but after apple-picking season.

I personally love the late fall, and not just because I'm a scorpio. And not because we gained an extra hour of sleep last night (or in my case, an extra hour of drinking before last call). When the leaves fall completely and the temperatures drop, there is nothing like a cashmere sweater or a cute guy wearing one to make you love the cold. And what better way to draw one in (a guy that is), than by making yourself smooth as butter and sweet as sugar?

Here are my favorite picks for fall and winter beauty products. You have an easy four months to enjoy these, and considering the risk of winter-dry skin and lips, I recommend stocking up. There's no better antidote to wool and layers than body butter that smells like spiced vanilla.

Victoria's Secret Ooh La La Body Shimmer, $29





Bath & Body Works Bath Fizz in Twisted Peppermint, $3.50


The Body Shop Body Butter in Vanilla Spice, $20

The Body Shop Body Polish in Cranberry, $20

philosophy Shimmer Body Lotion in Snow, $15

philosophy Flavored Lip Shine in Gingerbread, $12

philosophy Flavored Lip Shine in Pumpkin Spice, $12

philosophy Flavored Lip Shine in Cinnamon Buns, $12

Victoria's Secret Shimmer Swirl Lotion, $12 or 3 for $25

philosophy Flavored Lip Shine in Ooey Gooey S'mores, $12

Bath & Body Works Body Cream in Twisted Peppermint, $11

Dylan's Candy Bar Body Products in Birthday Cake Batter, $8-22

Dylan's Candy Bar Body Products in Chocolate Frosting, $8-22

Bath & Body Works Roll-On Shimmer Body Fragarance in Twisted Peppermint, $5

Heading Out of Town!

Tomorrow afternoon I'm flying down to my favorite city in the Dirty South - Charleston, South Carolina. My college sorority sister is getting married in land of palmettos, at the Middleton Plantation. I can't wait to see all my far-away college friends, go buck wild at the Market Street Saloon (again) and of course, see one of my favorite friends get married to a guy she's nuts for. Maybe even get in some shopping before I fly back on Sunday. I'm just worried that my peep-toe spikes will sink into the grass during the ceremony. But no worries - after a few V&Ts, everyone's shoes will be coming off.

I'll also be partying in Charleston during Halloween tomorrow night!! Because of my limited luggage size (I HATE checking bags), I'm not bringing a costume, but will just dress up for a fun night out in a beautiful, exciting city. If anyone has any last-minute recommendations on where to go for Halloween fun (or places with lines too long to get in anywhere), leave a message.

Be back next week, and I'll give an update on my favorite fall decoration styles, the latest date with the doctor, and my birthday/Christmas wishlists. Have a great weekend, and Happy Halloween!

Cheers, y'all,
Hayley

You can do better.

I don't usually use this blog as a rant-n-rave kinda thang, but my frustration with my female coworkers has been mounting in the past few weeks. Now that the temperatures are dropping, wardrobes are changing. And perhaps it's my more crisp, diligent attitude that crops up around mid-September, which had been easygoing and hippie-esque since late April, but something has to be done about the way women are dressing in the office.

As a professional woman who spends much of her day on her feet, and running to the occasional meeting, I completely get why people like to feel comfortable at work. 8-to-5 seems a lot longer when your feet ache and your button-down top feels constrictive. But comfort doesn't have to look like this...


I remember a time in high school, and parts of college, when I relished going to class in jeans, flops and a sweatshirt. I was cozy, I was happy, and I got to sleep until 8:40 for a 9:00 class. Across campus. But I soon realized, mid-freshman year, that my work ethic matched my outfit. On days that I put more effort into my appearance, I was more alert, more outgoing and more productive.

Could be a coincidence, you say, but it was no coincidence that when I looked in the mirror during a bathroom break between classes, I either felt my energy plummet (no makeup and bags under the eyes makes you want to go back to bed), or get a boost (ooh, look how the light catches my CHId hair! Pretty jewelry!).

Doesn't hurt when you're chillin' at the law school coffee shop, eyeing the future JDs, either.

My point is that the way you look outside, no matter when, has a tremendous affect on the way you feel inside. Confidence, energy, productivity and success are all intermingled, and it's very hard to be confident when you're panicked about VPLs, mismatched foundation, or wrinkled khakis. And as a woman who still loves to sleep until noon when she has the time, I too enjoy a quick-n-not-so-dirty morning routine that I can bang out in 20 minutes if necessary, and still look better than half the women in my office.

So below are some of the biggest offenses in my office, in terms of hair, face and clothing/accessories. I'll create a post for each, suggesting comfortable, professional alternatives for the young professional woman.

1. clunky, low heels
2. stone khakis
3. boring cardigans
4. polo shirts
5. polyester suit components
6. inappropriate hose
7. lots of little, inconsequential jewelry
8. ashy, sallow complexions
9. "naturally textured" hair (unstyled)
10. overpowering and/or unattractive scents

Great Autumn Shoes en Soldes!

Anne Klein, $39.99

Circa Joan & David, $59.99

Ellen Tracy, $39.99

Guess, $79.99

Steve Madden, $79.99

Nine West, $29.99

Nine West, $39.99

Nine West, $39.99

Nine West, $59.99

Nine West, $39.99

What to Save, What to Store

Hello everyone.... I'm sorry I haven't posted in about two weeks. I didn't mean it... really. I was thinking of you the whole time ;-)

Anyway... it's that time of year again - Labor Day sales, weather is cooling down a bit, and the kids are going back to school and getting off the beach and out of the mall. So it's a good time for all of us, after accepting autumn's impending arrival, to do a good closet inventory and make a shopping list.

Of course, it's far too early to winterize the closet. But transition pieces, my favorite kind of clothing, are a great thing to stock up on with sales coming up. Plus, you can still wear some of your feel-good summer items, as long as they are part of an outfit that is wholly season-apropos.

Here's what you should pack up until next May:

• all linen


• all seersucker


• all eyelet


• white pants


• straw/wicker bags


• critter flip flops


• anything tropical


• cropped pants


• florals that are too sunshine-y (lots of coral or white) or too pastel

All of those items scream "hot and sunny," and will just look and feel wrong once the mercury drops below 75. These items can't be added-to to create a fall ensemble without looking wrong.

Here is what you can, and should, keep handy through Halloween:

• lightweight scarves


• gladiator sandals


• leather/dark flip flops


• canvas totes


• lightweight oxfords


• medium-color florals


• breezy tanks


• cotton dresses (no tent dresses)


• polos (an all-year item IMHO)


• flowy skirts


• Bermuda shorts

The reason that all the above "summer items" work in fall is this one word: layering.

Here's what to grab at the Labor Day sales near you:

Jackets & Blazers. Scarves, lightweight tanks, all jeans, khakis, and even certain sandals look fabulous with a good jacket. Military-inspired styles give chiffon tanks a tough edge, and shrunken wool blazers can go over sundresses or Bermudas to give them some autumn weight.

Lightweight Cardigans. Simple cotton and summerweight cashmere cardigans layer with oxfords, polos, and tanks very well. Pair with cords or jeans and you have a great fall look.

Cotton dresses. Solids, in low-maintenance cotton or jersey will serve you well through autumn, when you wake up and don't feel like having to think too much about an outfit. Make sure the colors are not turquoise, hot pink, lime green or of course, white. But grays, black, navy, dark colors and subtle prints can be layered with tanks, oxfords and jackets to work through October.

And finally, a few items you may be tempted to take out that won't look truly great until early October, at least:

• leggings and tights (leggings never look all that good to me, but whatever)


• wool pants and skirts


• furry boots


• turtlenecks


• sweater dresses


• North Face fleeces (in fact, let's let this one go this year, m'kay?)

Remember girls: it's not 8th grade, and the cool kids won't make fun of you if you don't trot out all your new fall gear immediately after Labor Day, when it's still reaching 85 at 1:00. Embrace the perfect weather and humidity-free hair, have fun mixing pieces, and seamlessly glide into autumn.

Cheers and mulled wine,

Hayley