Road Trip Attire

Jacket: Barbour; Top: Trina Turk (old); Pants: Rag and Bone (old); Shoes: Tory Burch; Bag: Kate Spade

Yesterday I had to drive back to the Northwest from my Mom's lovely house in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I had spent my birthday weekend. I always like to still look put together, even when I travel, so I wore my quilted Barbour jacket (a birthday gift from my Grandfather, who I think is more of an Anglophile than me...), paired with a Trina Turk top in a similar color. I paired them with my standard cropped skinnies and ballet flats.  My Beau Bag came in particularly useful - it's structured shape was perfect for holding everything from my laptop, iPad, books, magazines, AND my camera. Love it! 

And yes that is me in front of my Mini Cooper - that car is my baby! 

I like to wear headbands pretty much constantly.  They are a good way to add some polish to my super straight hair. The "T" earrings were a birthday present from one of my good friends and best shopping buddy. 

My arm party! My best friend gave me a set of French inspired bracelets,the one I'm wearing here says, "oui." So cute! 

The pretty view on the drive. I probably shouldn't have been taking this... 

My "mom's" puppies saying goodbye to me from underneath the gate at the end of her driveway.  I miss them and their wiggly butts so much when I'm at home in Washington! 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Autumn Colors

Jeans: Madewell; Boots: Tory Burch

It's my birthday on Friday! I had a tiny celebration this weekend with Matt and some friends, and Matt surprised me with these new boots! I had wanted them from a while, and was so excited to get them! 

I wore them for work today with these red Madewell jeans.  This is the only pair of Madewell pants that I have actually fallen in love with, all of the others I've bought I've ended up returning for various reasons.  I wore my chambray JCrew button-up under this tan cable knit JCrew crew neck that I think I've had since high school, but it's such a great classic that I keep wondering why they don't still sell them! 

Sweater: JCrew; Button-up: JCrew; Necklace: JCrew

Of course I added a statement necklace (also a JCrew purchase - last Christmas on sale!), because I thought otherwise the outfit was pretty casual and a little too tomboyish for me. 

Wrap bracelet: Tory Burch; Bangle: Kate Spade; Watch: Michael Kors

Last but not least, my Michael Kors watch, Tory wrap bracelet and my new Kate Spade bangle! This outfit is pretty casual for me for work, but it's my last day of the week today, because I'm taking a mini-vacation back home starting tomorrow! Woohoo!

Until next time, 

xo

T

Pumpkin Sparkles

This weekend I decided to try to conquer something I had seen on Pinterest: glitter adorned pumpkins.  As previously stated on this blog: I am a glitter-addict. In fact, they could probably do an episode of Intervention on my problem. My boyfriend often complains that he goes to work and finds pieces of glitter on his stuff. 

If you ask me, that's a stupid problem to complain about, but whatever. 

Anyway, this weekend I combined my love of glitter, pumpkins, and chevrons, and this is what happened: 

I think it went pretty well, if I do say so myself. 

First I gathered the materials that I would need.  I used foam paint brushes, mod podge (as my adhesive), Martha Stewart glitter (I picked out these colors specifically for this project so they would match other fall decorations, but you could use whatever you have lying around.  I also prefer Martha Stewart glitter, but I think that might just be a result of my mild obsession with her.), and some masking tape. 

I started by using the taping out a chevron pattern with the masking tape. 

It was my first time painting a pumpkin, and my first time painting chevron stripes. I have done lots of stencils on fabric, walls, canvases, etc. before, but the grooves on the pumpkin definitely made it difficult to get a clean line in some places. If I could do it again, I might use a different kind of tape (maybe painter's tape, rather than stencil tape).  I also didn't pay close enough attention to creating sharp points in the valleys of the chevron pattern, so I'll be sure to work on that for next time. 

I then painted Mod Podge inside the pattern and coated the painted areas with the glitter I chose. It did not look pretty. In fact, I think it looks kind of like a hot mess at this stage. 

About 12 hours later I took the tape off.  In retrospect I wish I had given the Mod Podge a little more time to dry, because as I was removing the tape some of the glue and glitter came with it, leading to less than perfectly sharp lines in some places; so leaving the project overnight is probably a good idea. Nonetheless, it's a pretty cute and fun craft to fill a chilly fall evening, and it looks great outside my front door! 

Until next time, 

xo 

Tara

Fall Walk

A fall walk on a drizzly afternoon in the North West

Jacket: Barbour (old, but similar here); shirt: JCrew; Skirt: old JCrew; Shoes: Tory Burch; Bag: Kate Spade

The first day of fall is the perfect day for Blackwatch plaid (close up of skirt)

My trusty Reva's. 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Rainy Day Essentials

I absolutely love rainy days: sitting inside with a good movie or book, cuddled up with a warm blanket and a cup of tea - what could be better? 

Dressing for the outdoors when it's raining though... that gets tricky. 

So here are some items that I think would make an rainy day outfit that Audrey would approve of, with a fun twist of course. 

Umbrellas are great, but with the slightest bit of wind you're suddenly drenched. And, if you have anything to carry you better be good at juggling. So I think a good rain coat is an absolute essential. This Burberry coat is a great option, and the sweater is a cute and practical way to stay warm! 

These Ferragamo flats are great because they're patent leather, which is more water resistant than flat leather. And, unlike regular rain boots (although I do love my Hunters!) these are a a little dressier and more appropriate for work or a brunch date.  The JCrew Minnie Pants are great, because they can tuck into boots if you decide to wear them, and also look fantastic and chic with flats. 

Until next time

xoxo 

T