Pattern Play: Puffer Vests

These days with a high of 60 are the perfect days to add a vest to your outfit. I am a big fan of layering in the fall because I have a bit of a Goldilocks mentality when it comes to temperature. Some people say that vests are pointless, but in reality, a puffer vest actually keeps your core and neck warm which is just what you need on a brisk day. There are dozens of different vendors and vest styles out there to choose from in all sorts of colors and patterns. I don't know about y'all, but my routine of button downs or sweaters can get pretty boring in the fall, so I try to throw in prints here and there to change it up!

Here are some of my favorite patterned vests and how you can style them:

Gap Floral Vest

Herringbone Vest

Old Navy Plaid Vest 

similar Bliss vest

xx,
Erin

Cozy, Affordable Blanket Scarves

I love wearing a cozy scarf this time of year. You can bundle it close to your neck when it's especially chilly in the morning and relax it for the afternoon. I have a pretty large collection of scarves that I've amassed over the years, but this one I just got is definitely taking the cake as the coziest yet. 

Everyone seems to have the Zara Blanket Scarf from last year, but of course it isn't in stock right now. I feel like this happens way too frequently, however that actually meant that when I found one, it was for a much better price than the original! There are so many knockoffs on Amazon and eBay for half the original price. (this is the one I got) Of course, if the tartan pattern of this scarf isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other options out there:

links to these scarves

One thing I would recommend is checking the composition of the scarf before ordering it. I specifically made sure to get an acrylic mix scarf because I thought that getting a scarf this large and heavy in a wool blend was a little more than I wanted to deal with.

xx,

Erin

Martha Stewart's No-Carve, Lace Pumpkin

My apartment is taking fall decorations seriously this year, I mean we even have a Halloween shower curtain. Since we have so many decorations, we obviously had to throw in a couple of pumpkins, so I bought some at Trader Joe's the other day. If you're looking for a pumpkin, it's worth noting that their regular pumpkins are $3.99 no matter which one you choose, and they also have a great selection of mini pumpkins and gourds, as well as fantasy pumpkins. Oh, and they have every delicious pumpkin and other fall flavored treat imaginable inside the store...I actually tried pumpkin greek yogurt.

Anyways, I knew that I wanted a real pumpkin for my front door and one for my room, but I wasn't sure what to do with the one in my room. I didn't want to carve the pumpkin and have it slowly rot in my room, but a plain orange pumpkin isn't much fun either. Luckily, on a trip to CVS, the cover of Martha Stewart Living caught my eye and I now have a cute, decorated pumpkin thanks to an easy DIY in the magazine!

    
Materials:

patterned lace stockings

pumpkin

spray paint

masking tape

tarp or mat

Instructions:

1) Cover the pumpkin in the stockings and pull a section tightly around the pumpkin. Then tie knots at each end and cut the excess. *I used the hips section for my pumpkin because the S/M legs were too small*

2) Put masking tape around the stem of the pumpkin so that none of the paint gets on it.

3) Spray paint the pumpkin: It works best if you do a half at a time, rolling it on it's side so that you don't crush the stem.

Tip: Martha's team used a white pumpkin and created their own mixture of paint with an aerosol sprayer. I chose to go the cheap route with a can of spray paint and the cheaper, orange pumpkin. My only recommendation is that if you choose to use an orange pumpkin, make sure you use a totally different color for the paint. The buttery yellow I used was great with the flowers I have in my fireplace, but maroon or another fall color would work great as well.

*original DIY can be found here*

xx,

Erin

Feels Like Fall...Decorations!

Today I went to Walmart for some supplies to fight this cold I am getting and of course the first thing I saw when I walked in was the Halloween displays. I was able to stay far away from the candy, but I did go through the decorations aisle. Decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite parts of having my own apartment. I already have a bunch of general fall decorations from last year, but I love the little touches for the particular holiday! At home, my momma always has great seasonal decorations and that has definitely been one of the biggest influences in my love for decorating here. 

Of course, on a college budget, it is no fun to spend all your social money on decorations that only last a month or two, so here are a couple of steps to add a seasonal touch to your apartment without breaking the bank!

1) Door Decorations: We (now) have a little Trick or Treat sign from Walmart, but a fall wreath would last even longer than that. You can get a wreath at Walmart, Michaels, Home Goods, or Target for a decent price. If you go to Michaels, you can even make it a DI wreath!

2) Pumpkins: Pumpkins and other gourds are inexpensive fresh, but you can also get fake ones. I have a couple of cute wood pumpkins for my mantle from last year that I got at Home Goods for next to nothing!

3. Scented Candles: I love candles, but at my apartment I just use a wax melter. Spiced pumpkin is always a good choice, but there are so many delicious fall scents!

4. Fall Flowers: I get most of my flowers at Trader Joe's and I love the rich colors that come out in the fall. Fake flowers are always a good, allergy-free option as well. For those, check Walmart or Michaels (especially if you have a coupon!).

5. Cozy Throw Blankets: A wool blanket draped over a couch corner just adds to the atmosphere of the room. Plus, you can grab a blanket, a cup of tea, and hunker down on the couch. I love, love, love sitting in front of a fire this time of year. We don't have working fireplaces in our apartment, but that doesn't mean I can't spend a lazy evening cozy on the couch!

How do you prepare for fall?

xx,

Erin

6 Things to Love About Fall

Happy second day of fall! I got to wear my favorite vest today so you know it's going to be a good day...hopefully. Honestly though, Wednesdays are long for me, but there are so many positive happy things to think about right now, like early fall weather! This is my favorite time of year because I get less allergies than the seasonal transition to spring and I love layering sweaters, plus it is only for a few months so I can binge on these things and then wait 9 months for it to roll around again. Please note, my birthday didn't even make the cut...that's how much I love everything else about this season! It's hard to pick a few of my favorite things, but if I had to choose, these would be them.

1) Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Realistically, this is pumpkin flavored anything, but I do love this drink. There are a few recipes for homemade ones that I have yet to try, but I will let you know when I do. I love the smell and taste of pumpkin and I think it's because it is seasonal, but regardless...this is definitely a fall favorite.

2) Layering Vests

I love any look that is practical, comfortable, and cute. Believe it or not, I actually like wearing turtlenecks, and if I didn't, you'd never catch me in one. Layering is perfect for those cold, frosty fall mornings that warm up to be 70 degrees by the time you walk home from class. 

3) Bonfires

Okay, so you can do these any time of year. But wrapping up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate sounds pretty great if you ask me.

4) Fall Colors

...and fabrics. One of my favorite parts about going to Gold Cup with my family is seeing everyone in warm fall colors and suede, furs and tweed. Normally, I am not one to stray from my classic navy, but I love dark plums and burgundy this time of year.

5) Football

Does this even need explaining? It's time to tailgate and watch your favorite college, professional, or even High School team play. Also, this is a good time of year to re-watch Friday Night Lights...you know you want to.

6) Apple Pie

Really any pie or hearty fall dish actually, but fresh apple pie is always good. What's more fun than going to an orchard and picking a bunch of apples to make a pie with when you get home? Well, I think it's fun...

What are your favorite parts of fall?

xx,
Erin

Fall Getaways

I am almost Blacksburg-bound people! I am so excited to spend a couple of days with amazing friends and my brothers and of course Hokie Football. Weekend getaways are the best, but I always struggle to pack for them. What if the weather changes? What if we go (insert activity here) and I don't have (crucial item)? There are endless struggles with packing and I certainly get my overpacking gene from my Momma. I'm not kidding the woman brought a full suitcase for Parents Formal last weekend.

My trip this weekend is less than 48 hours, but the list I am giving would be perfect for a Friday afternoon-Sunday evening trip. Also, I tried to include as many suggestions as I could from J. Crew Factory because again, it is 50% off today...yeah, crazy amazing. You would be hard pressed to find this quality at this price elsewhere. Enjoy!

The Packing List:
Good Overnight Bag: I absolutely love the Carry-On bag Lesportsac gave me. If anyone is looking for the perfect weekender, this is it! (Lesportsac)

Sweater: it might get chilly (especially in Blacksburg) (JCF sweater)

Button-Ups: regular and Chambray...they go with everything (JCF Camp Shirt)

Riding boots/Duck boots: Change this up based on the weather and what you're doing, but I can say that I have never regretted bringing my Duck Boots anywhere

Ponte Pants: I may never wear real pants again (JCF Gigi Pant)

Jeans or Cords: Real pants are always a good idea too

Skirt: It's the perfect item to dress up or down. Bring one in a neutral color and mix and match it with other items you bring for the perfect outfit for any activity (JCF accordion pleat mini)

Field Jacket: I am loving my new J. Crew coat, it is perfect for this weather and so cute. (JCF Field Jacket)

Vest: Puffer vests are one of my favorite things about fall that I left off of my list. I wear mine all the time, also, Eddie Bauer has them on sale sometimes for amazing prices so keep an eye out! (Eddie Bauer Vest)

Necklace and/or Scarf: Bring a fun piece of jewelry with you. Just one that can add a little flare to your outfits, shockingly enough my tortoise flower necklace is my neutral travel go-to ;) (JCF necklace)

Flats: This should go without saying. A neutral flat will get you far in life. (Steve Madden)

Comfy Stuff: Relax, wear something comfortable, I know you'll want to on the drive back!

Toiletries: self-explanatory...I hope
Game Day Attire: I will be rocking some serious Orange and Maroon tomorrow

What are your weekend getaway essentials this fall?

xoxo,
SSP

The Little Things

Fall has finally come to Charlottesville.

(photo credit)

I got to break out a wool skirt and riding boots today and it is making my Wednesday a heck of a lot better. (For those of you who don't already know, my Wednesdays are basically non-stop from 9am-10pm so little things become really awesome). My excitement over this skirt got me thinking about what truly makes me happy. I think I skip over how amazing so many aspects of my life are on a day to day basis. I didn't really appreciate my free time yesterday, or the fact that reading a card from my Momma made me laugh. Sometimes it takes a lot of stress and exhaustion (aka Wednesday) to make you really appreciate the little things. Now, I am not going to pretend that I suddenly will appreciate everything thrown my way, but I am going to try to tune in more to the little things that make me happy, even on a good day.

http://instagram.com/p/fP8d6dSATT/

Today it is that I got a Pumpkin Spice Latte (not iced!), wore a wool skirt, and I get to have coffee with a friend. Friday it will be the fact that I will be Blacksburg bound to visit so many people I love and care about and the time I have to myself in the car on my way to down...but seriously, I am a pretty amazing car singer if I do say so myself ;)

In the grand scheme of things, these things aren't important, but at the time, they'll put a smile on my face and I certainly can't complain about that. 

Oh! So as I was writing this I forgot to include the most important part about this wool skirt. Happy Woman Crush Wednesday because Jess from New Girl is awesome and Zooey Deschanel wore this skirt to a New Girl premiere. Hypothetical High Five! (yes, I know I am mixing my TV shows here...whatever)

admittedly hers was probably from when this was an expensive skirt in J. Crew Collection not factory, but whatever

Well time for me to get back to my Wednesday and classes, hope you are enjoying the little things in your day!

xoxo,
SSP

Loafing Around

One of the advantages of having a preppy, classic sense of style is that staples in your wardrobe become popular every couple of years and you almost look trendy...kinda. I have had that Ralph Lauren classic streak in me since before I could say prep thanks to my momma. I love dressing with classic style because it makes me feel better about investing in quality pieces that I can a lot of wear out of. This year I am so excited to see the smoking slipper and loafer inspired flat making a big splash in the shoe world. These are the perfect shoe for college because they're sturdier than a regular flat and work so well with both jeans and skirts. Seriously, these last way longer on the uneven brick sidewalks of UVA than any pair of regular flats ever will.

Since they have gained such widespread popularity, you can get them at almost any price point and pattern now. So, while I still pine after Stubbs and Wootton slippers that I will actually never be able to afford, more affordable options are out there that are friendly to a college girl's budget.

Adrienne Vittadini Chiquita Flat (DSW)

Franco Sarto Gerry Loafer (DSW)

Kelly and Katie Dandy Leopard Flat (DSW)

Steve Madden Tweed Flat (DSW)

Stubbs and Wootton (one day...)

Do you have any favorite fall flats?

xoxo,

SSP

Hey October!

Happy October 3rd to all my fellow Mean Girls fans out there!

October is hands down my favorite month of the year, and no, it's not just because my birthday is this month (though it doesn't hurt either). To me, October perfectly represents fall. The weather starts getting cooler, leaves change, apple picking is at its prime, and every Sunday I can park myself in front of a TV for a day dedicated to Football. 

The list goes on and on, but I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with y'all. Get excited for fall, y'all! Don't forget to check out my fall decorating post...seriously, y'all, it really is my favorite season.

Fall Candles

I have heard great things about Bath and Body Works fall candles and they're affordable! I am definitely going to have to stop by and get a couple this weekend. Unfortunately, my lease doesn't allow for us to burn candles in the apartment, but I got a candle/wax melter over the weekend and I already love it! Perfect for any of y'all who want the smell of fall but live in an apartment or dorm like mine! Personally, I love pumpkin scents and am currently melting "Autumn Pumpkin" by Yankee for Kohl's.

All the Sports!

I absolutely can't leave this off the list or stress how much I love this. I love that football has kicked into gear, hockey has started, and the MLB playoffs are going on (even if it's without my beloved Yankees). Fall really is a great time of year for my sports obsession!

Apple Picking

last year at Carter's Mountain with my brothers

I keep meaning to just write a post about this. It's such a great fall day activity, seriously we went as a sorority a couple of weeks ago for just an evening trip and it was so much fun!

Sweaters

Enough said. Now if the weather could just cool down so I could kick off sweater season that would be so clutch. I love how you can just wear a sweater and jeans in the fall. It is the perfect transition between the dog days of summer and bundling up in my winter coat come January.

Pumpkin (and) Pies

Okay, I will basically eat anything pumpkin you put in front of me. I have no self control around a plate of pumpkin flavored baked goods whatsoever. Yesterday at the grocery store I saw Pillsbury pumpkin cookies with cream cheese chips and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them. Also, Trader Joe's has a great display of pre-made, frozen, and mixes for pumpkin/fall flavored goodies. All these sweets bring me to my next favorite...

Do pies just scream fall/winter to anyone else? I mean, I love pie at all times of the year, but something about pie in the fall just works. I haven't made a pie this year, but as the weather starts to get cooler, I think I might have to break out my pie plate (a necessity in any college kitchen, no?)

Dark Nail Polish

I love fall and winter nail polish colors. By October I am so tired of neon nails and ready to break out some other colors. And yes, I have seasonal nail polishes, have you seen my collection? Anyways, I am really excited for fall nails. I ordered one of the new Essie polishes, "Twin Sweater Set" on Amazon and while it is way closer to "Head Mistress" than I realized, I love it. Currently I am wearing "Midnight Cami" and I am pining after "A Vested Interest" and "After School Boy Blazer" (much flatter than Midnight Cami) from Essie's new collection.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Have I mentioned that I like pumpkin? Well, I love the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I hate that price tag. I reach a happy medium in this by buying a container of Pumpkin Spice Creamer and putting that in my coffee some mornings. Normally I am all about black coffee, but this is a great fall drink!

What are your favorite signs of fall?

xoxo,

SSP

Allergy Season

This morning I woke up to discover allergy season has hit Charlottesville. Fall allergies tend to come out of the middle of nowhere for me, often before most of the leaves have changed.  Since I ended up having no classes today and a to-do list a mile long, I got to spend some time sitting at my kitchen table in my apartment checking it off...an activity I will resume after my evening meetings (college is busy!).

My Allergy Survival List:

Tea

Coffee is my favorite morning (well, really anytime) drink. However, I stick to tea when I have a scratchy throat. There are so many great herbal teas out there that can sooth the sorest of throats. For my fellow caffeine lovers, I recommend a black tea infused with spearmint!

Honey

It's sweet and sometimes I like to add it to my tea. I've also heard that local honey can help with allergies? I don't know that this is true but I always buy local honey and frequently sneak a spoonful of it on its own! 

Cough Drops

Sometimes these help, sometimes they don't. Regardless, I keep a little stash of these ready to combat a day with bad allergies.

Water

I cannot stress this one enough! Drink tons of water. It will help clear up your sinuses and water won't hurt a scratchy throat, in fact it may help. Keeping hydrated always makes me feel better when I am under the weather.

Allergy Medicine

Obviously, talk to your doctor before taking any medicine first and foremost. I am not a doctor or anything remotely close to one, but my doctor always knows what's best for my allergies. Keeping ahead on my routine here does wonders for the allergies!

Has anyone else been hit by fall allergies yet?

xoxo,
SSP

Mantle Decorating...Like My Momma

First, PSA: If you go to UVA and have not gotten a ticket for Concert for a Cure, come to the lawn and buy one today (plus, I'll be there from 12-1). Seriously, do it. So many a capella groups...it's gonna be great. Anyways, back to the blog...

I'm ready for Fall, y'all. No seriously, I just need more pumpkin, cinnamon, sweaters, and duck boots in my life right now. Can you make that happen? Great, thanks.

But seriously, I love Fall so much and these last few days have been such a tease compared to the weather for the next few. Well, that can't stop me from enjoying my free Pumpkin Spice Latte today (thank you gold card!) or decorating for Fall. I know this is a total mom thing to do, and several of my friends have already pointed out that this is further proof that I am my Momma's daughter. Regardless, I have decorated the mantle in my room for the season and all I have left to do is to find a cute dish to store my candy corn in!

Decorating a mantle can be a bit daunting, especially on a college girl's budget. I am lucky enough to have gotten a fabulous mirror from my Momma that she wasn't using and it fills the big space above it perfectly. The nice thing about the mirror is that it can stay there year-round and go with whatever theme I put on the mantle.

How to decorate a mantle on a budget in 5 easy steps:

1) get a space-eater piece

This can be a mirror (like mine; similar) or even a framed poster/print that you like. Just get something to take up the space above the mantle so that your decorations don't look strangely small.

2) get elements that aren't seasonal

I got apothecary jars (thank you for the term, Kathy!) from Home Goods for $12 a piece. These are perfect no matter what time of year. For now I have them filled with pine cones for Fall and I am going to add some fake snow to the mix for Winter. This $24 investment will get me through years of use.

3) pictures!

This is another element of my Momma shining through me, but I love having pictures on display. I've moved on from the corkboard displays of a dorm room to frames now, but the same idea stands. It gives a nice personal touch to the display, plus frames can add great architectural elements and varied sizes.

4) Fireplace Flowers

This probably only applies to us college girls who have fireplaces that aren't usable, but I love this look. I didn't just want to stare at an empty fireplace and these flowers that were on sale at Michael's were perfect. I just got a couple of bunches of their seasonal flowers to throw in there and will probably switch to poinsettas for the Winter.

5) Go to Michaels and/or Home Goods

I got the pumpkin on the ground at Home Goods and the mantle elements are from Michael's. Their home line is currently 60% off so I scored the pumpkins, roosters (again...influence of my Momma) and flowers at a great price. The fall leaves behind everything just make the bland whiteness of the mantle a little less boring and helps to make my smaller decorations look bigger against such a big part of the wall.

Other mantles I love (thank you Pinterest):

why didn't I think to monogram my mantle? 

Have you started decorating for Fall?

xoxo,
SSP