| FAVORITE FRIDAY LINKS: |

one: i've been loving j.crew & j.crew factory's gift guides this year. stumped on what to get loved ones? check out their gift guides and all your problems will be solved. source, j.crew factory

two: i love a fun DIY, especially around the holidays. i've made festive wreaths for halloween and thanksgiving but next on my list a december inspired wreath.  source, country living

three: i saw this reindeer inspired cookies on bradley means' pinterest board and i must make them. bhg also shared festive cookies that are always a hit during cookie exchanges. source, bhg & mush and co.

four: i love celebrating christmakuh. i've been looking for a cute menorah and this one definitely fits the build. btw, it's a diy! source, martha stewart

five: i look forward to cupcake and cashmere's gift guides every year.  i love everything on her gift under $100. source, c&c

six: every year i want to check out christmas lights (and somehow don't). this year i found this handy list to find ones all over san diego, score! source, san diego family

| LUXE FOR LESS: |

i bought the madewell parka last year when it was on sale for a real steal of a price...more than 50% off what it's going for online currently.  it's waterproof, cozy and oh so fashionable.  i was recently shopping at forever 21 and i really loved their rendition of the ever so fashionable forrest green parka; enjoy todays luxe for less. happy thursday! xo

luxe // mcq alexander mcqueen, rag and bone 

for less // american eagle, madewell, forever 21

| GIFT GUIDE FOR THE COOK: |

holy moly. last week was a total blur-- in bed.  i'm feeling better but i can't believe thanksgiving is this week.  it's like i woke up from my "blur" and into holiday season.  over the weekend we ran to the store *pure chaos* and got some of the basics i need for the dishes i'm making; i still need to run to traders to finish up which i plan to do today.  also, can you believe stores are already offering their black friday prices? i love black friday but i can't get on board with black thursday...wednesday..etc.  thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and being with loved ones: not the mall. i will say i love the holidays and am looking forward to them; i'm really not a scrooge.
hope you all have a great week! xx

+ 1. kitchenaide // i received an artisan stand mixer as a wedding gift: it's the hands down number one kitchen tool i use: if your kitchen lover already owns one there are tons of awesome attachments you can gift. i especially love the ice cream making attachment!

+ 2. crate & barrel // fill this marble utensil holder with some cute wooden spoons and the cook will sure to be happy!
+ 3. jk adams // jeff and i are obsessed with cutting boards: these boards are made in the USA, durable and can double as a fun cheese board.
+ 4. modcloth // how stinking cute are these cheese knives? 
+ 5. the cellar whiteware // a lot of brands have been making the cutest pieces with fun play on words: these soup bowls are perfect for a night in with a yummy slow cooked soup.
+ 6. threshold // this chalkboard canister is can store coffee grounds, flour or cookies.  it's cute enough to sit on a kitchen counter too.
+ 7. cuisinart // modern day hand mixer: this is an awesome tool for cooking and baking.
+ 8. kuhn rikon // these knives rock and the bold colors make chopping and cutting a bit more fun.
+ 9.  sur la table // i love marble: this cake stand is perfect for any baker's fresh pie or cookies.
+ 10.  the lion and the lark // you can find the cutest handmade goodies on etsy.  i love these recipe cards.  they're cute enough to share and it's always nice to support a small company.
+ 11. crate & barrel // only available in store: these recipe dividers will help keep chef organized.
+ 12. martha stewart // a pastry dough blender is also great for cutting up herbs or making lumpy mashed potatoes.  an inexpensive gift that should be in any cooks kitchen.

| WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW: |

| FAV LINKS THIS WEEK: |

• i'm getting in the holiday spirit early this year.  i am loving good housekeeping's 3 festive holiday mantels. -via: good housekeeping
• the 9 secret weapons to you wardrobe is the perfect article to share with anyone who wants to invest in classic pieces (of course, you can find them for cheap too) - via: real simple
• i've been toying with buying a gel mani machine for home.  after reading into the gloss' make your manicure last, i'm pretty convinced i'm adding it to my christmakuah list. -via: into the gloss
• super last minute of us: we're participating in the run fur fun 5k in boston tomorrow: i love running for a good cause! -via: mspca 
• there are certain weeks i feel my body craving veggies; byrdie's i ate salad for a week article got my mouth watering and super motivated to create some of the salads -via: byrdie
• thank me later for this one: i love buying cheap reads. when i found book bub i wondered how i've survived without it. -via: book bub

| LUXE FOR LESS: |

where the heck did the week go? holy moly!  time flies when you're having fun.  today is a rainy day in new england so i'm not sure what we're up to but yesterday we went on an awesome walk through morses pond then shopped.  holy cow!  we went into TJX in Framingham and they had an amazing runway section.  i could of done some damage in there except the whole no room in the suitcase thing.

todays luxe for less is something that killlllls me.  i've been eyeing this burberry coat since we lived on the east coast.  in person, it is so beautifully made, cozy & warm, tailored nicely and so chic but for whatever reason i never pulled the trigger- maybe it's the $1,000 price point, maybe i needed something a bit weather proof...i don't know.  what i do know; i still love this coat.  when i saw that forever 21 made one similar to the the burberry coat i about died: obviously the quality won't be burberry but if it's something that won't be a staple in my closet-who cares? 

hope you all having a fantastic week! xx

luxe: burberry brit "findsale" coat, $995 // the less: forever 21 classic duffle coat.

| WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW: |

happy monday! tomorrow jeff and i are off to new england for a bit.  i've totally hit a packing funk: packing for cooler weather takes up so much more room in my luggage which makes you have to pack a bit more savvy.  with my sister being back in san diego we always find our way to a mall or doing some sort of shopping.  last week we spent an entire day shopping (exhausting) and she and i were both on a mission and we failed. i wanted a maroon felt hat and she wanted maroon pants.  we are both loving maroon and these two looks make me want to load up on lots more of it because it's great for fall and winter plus it's a great color for the upcoming holiday season!  hope you all have a great week. xx

shop the looks: h&m, jacket (also available; shorts) // h&m, oversized tee // american eagle, skinny denim  // sole society, heel // stella mccartney, tote // nasty gal, gloves // buxom, lipgloss "black cherry"

j.crew, cable turtleneck // theory, pant // madewell, coat // steven, bootie // tory burch, satchel // forever 21, hat // nars, nailpolish "chinatown"

| FAV LINKS THIS WEEK: |

• don't have a good recipe for all those gooey seeds from you jack-o-lantern? problem solved: this recipe makes my mouth water  via: bon appetit
• we're getting ready to head east next week so i'm loving j.crew's 25% off full price items to stock up on some cold weather pieces. via: j.crew
• i recently got my girlfriend plenty more, women's health shared this zucchini baba ghanoush style recipe from the cookbook *yum* via: women's health magazine
• when we lived back east we belonged to the boston mfa- their mailers always make me crave art & history.  being a big pollack fan i must go see this exhibit while back because it reminds me of a modern day pollack. via: MFA
• how cute is this subtle nail art for halloween? boo! via: popsugar
• i just downloaded taylor's new album 1989. holy moly: this record has been on repeat and i'm in love with it. via: itunes

| LUXE FOR LESS: |

the lux: the newbury boot by rag and bone ($525 and up) has been my favorite boot for years now.  every stylish celeb, blogger and fashionista puts these at the top of her bootie list.

photo source: 1 / 2

for less: so many brands have tried to bring a newbury-esque bootie to their lines- if you are in the market for multiple different colors at a sharp price point both aldo ($130) and forever 21 ($37.90) got your back.

| LUXE FOR LESS: |

i often times get requests from readers and totally stylish friends asking me to do a series on awesome pieces that are designer inspired.  my cousin, courtney, was my final straw, we both have a soft spot for couture but don't want to pay thousands of dollars for this seasons "it" shoe because when we're still paying off our amex there is a new "it" shoe already showing.  you get my drift, ya? 

welcome to the luxe for less series! (thanks, court for the name suggestion!) i hope all my fashionistas love these posts as much as i do finding the buys. hope you are all having a great week!  -- thank me later for these finds. xx

the luxe: the valentino rock stud is still at the top of bloggers, celebrities and fashionista's list: this edgy classic pump can be dressed up or worn casual--

photo source: sincerely jules // love is blind

for less: lulu*s // bcbg

| WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW: |

happy monday!  i love wool hats for fall and winter; they're so chic and they also play a great role for a bad hair day.  Todays two looks i chose a hat from rag & bone and another from h & m both are similar with one big difference: price point.  you can find wool hats at wear now stores like forever 21 or if you live in san diego you can grab one at the new topshop at fashion valley.  you can also splurge if you think you'll wear the heck out of it.. hope you all have a great week.

the looks:
rag & bone, wool hat // madewell, flannel // h&m, sweater [wear over the flannel or around your waist] // rag & bone, skinny jeans // frye, boots // madewell, clutch // warby parker, eyeglasses

h&m, wool hat // j.crew, cotton blend terry sweatshirt // current elliott, boyfriend jeans // sam edelman, suede booties // forever 21, tribal necklace  // sole society, handbag // marc by marc jacobs, sunglasses

| FAV LINKS THIS WEEK: |

• cupcakes and cashmere explored how to make a cheap bottle of wine taste amazing; i love the tricks and plan on taking full advantage of the tips.
• womens health magazine gives 5 tips to help make your makeup brushes last a bit longer: i am so bad at taking care of my brushes so this article excites and motivates me to take better care of them.
• glamour explores blake lively's best braids (ps: how cute is she prego?)
• i am cookbook obsessed so when domaine recently put together the best new cookbook list my amazon cart got a whole lot of love.
• do you like nail art?  i am really getting into is- i loved glamour uk 100+ nail art ideas 
• in style explores fall styles you can wear to work (or for fun)

| EASY BAKED BRIE: |

 Lately I've been doing a whole lot of cooking and baking with new recipes.  a few days ago my parents invited us all over for dinner: my mom was making a stew; my sister was bringing corn bread so i settled for an appetizer.  I wanted to bring something different than my go-to trader joe's cheese and rosemary crackers.  I scoured the net- enter: baked brie. it's a really easy recipe for something that looks like it took a bit of work.  the cool thing about this recipe is you can doctor it to your liking but in my case this baked brie was a hit, i look forward to trying this similar recipe soon perhaps for football sunday, a fall party or thanksgiving!

| WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW: |

happy monday, guys!  a color and fall trend i can't get enough of is green.  i painted my nails this color last night and can't wait to wear my forest green puffer vest when jeff and i go on our fall vaca.  i find greens to be somewhat of a neutral-- especially a forest shade and it goes with just about everything.  i hope you all have a great week. xo.  

the looks: 
LL bean, vest // Zoe Karssen, oversized tee // hunter, original rain boots // zoya nail polish in hunter // citizen of humanity, skinny jean // // american eagle, parka // monserat de lucca, satchel // forever 21, scarf
//
h&m, sweater // jcrew, wool skirt [on sale!] // rachel boy, heel // MSGM, plaid coat [ similar, sharper price point here ] // h&m silk shorts // oliveve, clutch //  charming charlie, necklace // gap, tights

| WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW: |

happy monday!!! oh man; monday's are such a great way to start a week fresh- i woke up this morning, went to the gym and man, i'm feeling amazing.  by now, it's no secret that i totally want some fall weather!  while watching the patriots game last night (wahoo, for the win!) I got envious of the fall-like weather over in new england-- over here in san diego we have the air cranking and are wearing shorts and tees...i know i know, if this is all i'm complaining about i'm doing ok ;) i wanted to share a few things i'm loving right now: j.crew is having a big ol' sale  and they have some great fall sweaters that are an additional 40% off of their already marked prices so i built two looks, two different very wearable ways.  hope you enjoy and hope you have a great week! xx

j.crew, turtleneck [on sale!] //  t by alexander wang, leather skirt [ similar, sharper price point here ] // rag & bone, plaid pant [ similar, sharper price point here ] //vince, pointed pump // scoop NY, polka dot tights // rebecca minkoff, cross body // j.crew, earrings // nars nail polish, chinatown

j.crew, shirttail sweater [ on sale! also, runs small ] // frame, destroyed denim [ similar, sharper price point here ] // vince, fitted legging [ similar, sharper price point here ] //  rag & bone, durham boots [ similar, sharper price point here ] // rebecca minkoff, oversized tote // j.crew, necklace // warby parker, chandler ti glasses

**it's no secret i am loyal to a few brands // j.crew, vince, rag and bone..to name a few.  after getting a few requests i've scoured the net for similar pieces at sharper price points for those who are looking to save a few bucks.  i hope this helps and i hope you enjoy!

happy october 1st!  where has this year gone?  i love october for so many reasons: i love fall; it's a great excuse to get out of the southern californian heat and drive up to the mountains to see some season change or fly across the country to new england.  i love disneyland and how they decorate everything halloween- i love halloween.  i love buying cinnamon and pumpkin scented everything.  i love baking fun fall-like dishes.  i love lazy football sundays and crockpot cooking.  And of course, most importantly, i love that jeff and i get to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  

currently on my october to-do list:

go apple picking (source) // bake pumpkin donuts (source) // go off the grid, yosemite camping (source) // make a yummy harvest trail mix (source) // head east for fall = our anniversary // get crafty (source)

| FAV LINKS THIS WEEK: |

ahhh happy friday!  this week has been pretty crazy: we attended two events; 1. at the grand opening of jcrew carlsbad and 2. a fall fashion show at fashion valley mall (i'll post some highlights soon) -this weeks links all have to do with healthy living: treating your temple with the upmost respect- something i totally have not been doing.  and let me tell you, i'm feeling it: my skin is a disaster, i'm dragging butt and i'm a little edgy. i really need to recenter myself.  i need to drink more water. more veggies. get outside more.  do you have any tips for getting yourself motivated? please tell! (btw i'm asking this while i'm noshing on a sour rope candy; ugh)  hope you all have a great weekend. xx

1.  the DIY honey masque is perfect for any season change // via: xovain

2.  lauren conrad explores powerful food combos // via: lauren conrad

3.  cupcakes and cashmere's posted this on her links she loves; photographing your food better // via: 6 bitter sweets **so ya, this doesn't have to do with treating yourself right but i must say; if you're going to eat a pile of veggies and document it- make it look extra snazzy.

4.  i haven't gotten on board with swiss chard but self shares a few recipes i'd be interest in trying // via: self

5.  i'm a big fan of kimberly snyder (author of: the beauty detox book) so when i read she was coming out with supplements i couldn't help but get excited // via: well and good 

6.  goop shared some yummy canning recipes (you'll need to scroll down after small space makeover) // via: goop

| what i'm loving right now... |

happy monday!  when jeff and i lived on the east coast i lived in my gap, boys size XL puffer vest.  vests are huge again this season and will pack mine when we head east for holiday.  one of my favorite things about vests is you can dress them up or down.  i picture myself wearing look 1 for a camping weekend or road trip while i see look 2 perfect for a date night or girls night out.  hope you all have a great week! xx

{ shop the looks: }
casual: l.l. bean, vest // band of outsiders, plaid woven // mother denim, distressed jeans // splendid, booties // h&m, beanie // karen walker, sunnies // A.P.C, cross body // american eagle, stackable rings // Nars x 3.1 Phillip Lim, polish
||
dressy: j.crew, vest // petit bateau, turtle neck // j.crew, skirt // surface to air, booties // kate spade, necklace // H&M, tights // rebecca minkoff, cross body // prada, sunglasses // JINsoon, polish