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Charting the style of daily life...with the mouth of a sailor.

Fashion

Cozy Weekend

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Well, we've had our first official snowfall here in the Heartland. It's time to break out the parkas, warm boots and mittens. I'm not as excited this year as I normally am -- perhaps last year's Polar Vortex is to blame...

Winter dressing is all about smart, warm layers. Here's how to stay cozy this weekend without looking like a marshmallow. 

How to Wear Camo

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I'm the daughter of an Army Colonel (and the granddaughter of a Naval Captain) -- I've always had an affinity for military staples and I always will, no matter what the fashion industry says for each season. Lucky for me, while camo trends one season, nautical styles trend the next. For Fall/Winter 2014, camo and olive drab (dull green khaki) is hitting the spot for me.

A few ground rules apply when talking camouflage. Never pink --- tres tacky. Never that leafy antler print that hunters use --- that's straight up redneck. Never pair with combat boots --- too literal. Choose one piece ONLY and pair it with something feminine like a silk camisole or unexpected like slick black leather.

Think camo is too much for apparel? Go for an accessory instead...a little goes a looooong way.

My Sweet Nan Nan...

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My grandmother, who we've always called Nan Nan or Nan, passed away recently. The days since have been filled with plenty of tears but also cathartic laughter, recalling the little details that made her so special and some of the phrases that always made us grandchildren and great-grandchildren giggle. While reminiscing, I couldn't help but think of her signature style and how she shared her approach to beauty and fashion with me so many years ago...

Nan was extremely fastidious in every aspect in her life but perhaps even more so when it came to her cuticles. I'm not kidding. Her hands were always perfect, even up to her last days. While cleaning out her belongings, I found a plentiful supply of cuticle creams, emory boards, cuticle nippers and pushers, multiple bottles of clear polish (she rarely wore actual color) and her favorite hand cream by Aveda. My husband and I were talking about her extreme dedication to her cuticles and he proposed that perhaps it was something she learned while attending finishing school that really stuck with her. Something like, "A lady must always have clean and elegant hands." We'll never know. I just wished I'd asked her about it when I had the opportunity. 

Nan was dedicated to her multi-step skincare routine and natural makeup look and used the same products by Elizabeth Arden, only updating when certain colors or formulas were discontinued. Every once in a while, she'd branch out and visit the Clinique counter* with me and pick up a new product.

*She took me to my first Clinique skin diagnosis and set me on a path toward caring for my skin - if you know me at all, you know that took hold. By the way, her skin looked and felt fabulous right until the end. 

Nan Nan, presenting me with her garter, on my wedding day in June, 2006.

As she aged, Nan's hair became the most gorgeous metallic silver, with a small patch of soft brown hair at the nape of her neck, a holdout from her younger years and, in my mind, a testament to her youthful spirit. She wore her hair in a sleek 1920's pageboy style and it was never out of place, thanks to her once a week hair appointment. On the rare occasion she'd wash her own hair, she only used Paul Mitchell. 

Nan loved the scent of lavender but her signature scent was always Lily of the Valley, just as her mother before her. My mother, sister and I always have at least one bottle in our supply as it was a popular Christmas gift from her. In my mind, the words Lily of Valley and Nan Nan are synonyms.

In the early 1980's, Nan Nan had her "colors done" by Color Me Beautiful. My grandfather and mother thought it was a hilarious notion but she took it very seriously. Nan was a "Summer" and followed the rules (for the most part) for the rest of her life, eschewing bright red and deep black because she was told they'd wash her out. And they did. She truly looked best in pastel colors and wore fuchsia in place of red and navy or grey in place of black. Rose, light pink, periwinkle, lavender and mint were her best colors. And she always looked radiant in them.

When I was a pre-teen, visiting Nan in Miami, she took me to her Eckard drugstore for my first real foray into cosmetics. My mother had so far refused so I took advantage of my sweet grandmother's offer. My first products were clear mascara, a lash curler and small tube of clear Vaseline lip gloss. It was just enough to satisfy my craving yet wouldn't clash with my mother's wishes or my Catholic school's no makeup policy. 

When I moved away from home at the tender age of 12 (to train for competitive figure skating), I'd spent my entire school life in a red plaid Catholic school uniform and had no idea how to dress myself. Nan took me to GAP and we picked out some outfits. We chose five pairs of colored jeans, five turtlenecks and five v-neck varsity sweaters (oy). Nan liked the turtlenecks so much, she bought a multicolored striped one for herself and continued to wear it, even up to last winter. As I was cleaning out her closet, I found it. I just had to save it...

Nan Nan's delicate charm bracelet.

Nan Nan had many other signature pieces like her three strand pearl necklace and single pearl earrings, her half-millimeter gold wedding band that she hadn't removed since her wedding day in 1946, a thick, white plastic bracelet for casual looks, her white (and when she felt sassy, metallic gold) Daniel Green Dormie bedroom slippers (another gift she'd occasionally give to me and my sister). But nothing is as special to me as her gold charm bracelet, started when her first child, my mother, was born. By the time she passed away, her delicate bracelet held charms for her two children, three grandchildren and seven of her eight great-grandchildren. 

 

There's so much more to write but I just can't see past the tears...

 

My Fall Style Checklist

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Instead of shopping the trends for Fall 2014, I need to update my staples. My youngest has just started school which means I have little excuse to spend my days in yoga pants and tees, as I have for the last 18 months. 

I've gone a few seasons without tall black riding boots (we used to call them Bitch Boots in college, for some reason), so that's #1 on my list. 

Off the rack blazers don't work for me due to the size of my chest. In order to fit my bust, I get that horrible baggy armpit that makes me look straight up sloppy - the exact opposite of a blazer's intended effect. So! I'm on the hunt for an open style, possibly with leather details (faux or real, I'm flex).

I will forever love the military trend. While I'm always down for a little bit of camo, I'll be adding a new pair of plain army green chinos to my Fall closet. 

I'm having a love affair with the color red right now so I'm going back to my handbag from last season, a red Balenciaga Papier tote. The bright color and clean lines help to add polish to any look. I'll get a little matchy-matchy with red lips and nails.

As for jewelry, an oversized gold watch and some costume emerald earrings will round out my Fall vibe.

What's on your seasonal shopping list? 

 

 

Real Talk: NYFW Spring/Summer 2015 Trends

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During Fashion Week, I consume lots of info. I watch, I read, I write. By the end of the week, it gets really hard to come up with new ways to say something looks cool or pretty. So, instead of overly descriptive sentences about silhouettes, color palettes and designer inspirations, here's my take on the trends that emerged from New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 - straight up. As Fashion Month progresses, we'll see which consistent themes take shape and then end up on the racks next season...

Fringe, flowers and gingham at NYFW Spring/Summer 2015. Photo credit: Getty Images

* Asian Influences - Kimono sleeves, cherry blossom prints, flower appliques and obi belts were seen on more than a few runways. Pamella Roland's take on it was gorgeous, as was BCBG AND Hervé Léger - both by Max Azria (when a theme works, stick with it). It's a pretty trend that stops just short of chopsticks stuck in hair buns. Come Spring, don't let it get costume-y.

* Gingham - Not typically my favorite print but when done in something other than black and white, I can dig it. DVF's very 60's, bright blue top and shorts gingham ensemble was super cute and fresh. Her collection also featured bright floral prints with a little peek of gingham here and there, which was a much nicer effect, more subtle. Either way, I'll be skipping this trend altogether. 

* Military / Safari - I'm always down for a military trend. Marc Jacobs used shiny buttons, epaulettes, web belts and oversized patch pockets to emphasize the trend. But what I really loved the most about his show was the beauty look for his model army: they wore no makeup. Of course the models are gorgeous to start with, but I appreciated the no-makeup look that actually uses no makeup, as opposed to a "no makeup" look that takes hours to achieve. Safari? Meh. Ralph Lauren used the most heinous shade of khaki for pants, blouses and suits, sometimes paired with various shades of neon satin jackets and tops. I'm sure Joan Collins loved it. That being said, there were a few pieces I really enjoyed -- like the four tulle gowns at the end. But srsly, where am I wearing a tulle gown? I always look forward to what RL sends down the runway -- his Fall/Winter 2014 collection was GORGEOUS! But this time around? Not so much.

* Scalloped Hems - Edges of skirts, dresses, pants and shorts look that much more special when scalloped. Just like note cards. Joie's white cotton eyelet dress is an instant classic and will work for many warm weather seasons to come. Cynthia Rowley, always a fave for her spirited creativity and youthful zest for life, showed cropped pants with one subtle scallop - much more wearable. Generally, the look is a little precious so ONE great piece will be all you need.

* Fringe - Many designers used fringe for movement and texture but some were more slick, while others more carefree or romantic. Proenza Schouler's fringe bottom dresses gave the illusion the fabric was slowly unraveling to reveal more thigh - very sexy. Jay Godfrey's fringy, suede (?) poncho was cool and very boho-chic (Geez, am I tired of that term or what? It's just there isn't another good way to say it) - very Almost Famous. Thakoon embellished various pieces with random spots of contrast fringe that almost look like a growing fungus - very creepy. Adam Lippes' use of fringe was furry and hairy on a pair of glorified spa slippers - very ugly.

* Florals - Big, bright, delicate, lacy (and any combo therein) and in various textures, florals were ev-er-y-where. Michael Kors covered sheer tulle skirts in a shit ton of 3-D flowers and I loved every inch of it. Oscar de la Renta's collection featured flowers on a majority of pieces, the embroidered coat being a favorite of mine. Finally, not known for understated looks, Desigual's collection was a riot of flowers in bold mixed prints, loud colors and giant flower crowns (I'm forever a fan of cranial accessories). 

So, what's your favorite trend for Spring/Summer 2015? What's that you say? Oh, you're still trying to prepare for Fall 2014? Me too. Here's a quick tip: Say no to Ugg, say yes to Sorel.


Style Multitaskers

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I've always been a big fan of multi-tasking products - who wouldn't be? Anything that does double duty (or more) is worth its weight in gold, in my style book. 

* Stila Convertible Color is one of my beauty staples because it takes the place of separate lip color and blush containers in my makeup bag AND is easily and best applied with a finger, eliminating a need for a makeup brush. The colors are gorgeous and look natural on the skin.

* The DKNY Cozy wrap sweater is a genius multitasker that I've worn to death these last few years. It might be time to buy a fresh one.

* Paul Mitchell was the first "salon quality" hair care line I tried (and could afford) as a pre-teen. I thought I was so cool when I made that first purchase. What a dork. I still have a soft spot for The Conditioner, a cleanly scented leave in hair conditioner, effective shave cream and body moisturizer -- a triple threat. I still use it from time to time. * A sweep of their website indicates to me that The Conditioner might have been discontinued. What a shame. Buy it on Amazon while supplies last. 

 

 

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap can be used to clean babies and adults, homes, dishes, clothes, makeup brushes, toys and cars...and pretty much anything else you can think of. Brilliant. I am never without a bottle.

And my new fave that inspired this post, the Vinyasa Scarf by lululemon. I just found out about it a few weeks ago and since then, I've been seeing them everywhere - online and in person. With 10+ ways to wear it (cute video tutorial), I know it will be a valuable component of my Fall/Winter wardrobe, whether I'm yoga-ing or not. It must be a wildly popular item because it goes in and out of stock on their website and in their stores in the blink of an eye. Your best bet is more than likely eBay, where I happened to snag mine for just a few dollars over the retail price. Happy hunting!

Keep it funky. JDF

 

ps - Does anyone remember a store called UNITS? Very popular in the late 1980's (maybe a little before, maybe a little after, I can't remember), UNITS sold about 8 minimalist silhouettes in dresses, tees and leggings. Every piece was offered in the same jersey knit and the same 6 or so colors for countless mix and match combos. I loved it. The best piece was a circular piece of fabric that could be worn as a tube top or mini skirt when stretched out or as a belt when scrunched. It was my first multi-tasking piece and DAMN, I wish UNITS was still in business today. 

Back to School

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I'm more than a decade out of college (and I really never want to do homework again) but that doesn't stop me from doing a wee bit of Back to School shopping for myself. I still think of September as the start of a new year (more so than January), and since my boys are just embarking on their education, this fall activity will be on my radar for years to come. Here's how we grown-ups can capture a little of that exciting BTS spirit for ourselves...

* Update tech supplies with a new stylus or cover/case for tablet or phone. Kate Spade always offers colorful and cheeky options.

* New shoes are a BTS staple, but instead of saddles or loafers, my BTS shoes will be ankle booties, kind of like these. I'm an accessories girl at heart - I'd rather have a new bag or shoe than a new piece of clothing, and a new pair of kicks can really pick me up. Paolo Nutini just gets me.

Blush spectacles from Rowley Eyewear

* Fresh eyeglasses (or sunnies for those who wear contact lenses or possess perfect vision) can really update the vibe. Online optical companies like Warby Parker, BonLook and Rowley Eyewear offer super stylish options at smaller prices than traditional outlets. My pink babies from Rowley were a spring purchase but I'm still way into them so they're staying put. 

* One great new outfit can set the tone for all future shopping during the season. My youngest babe is heading to pre-school (gasp!) so I'm going to be a bit more free to refocus on work. My goal is to pick up a few more professional pieces (blazer, blouses and a real pair of pants) and ditch the glorified pj's I've been sporting for the last 17+ months...

* A fresh haircut, a color tweak, perhaps just a new style, can make a huge impact. I'm trying to embrace my natural, curly texture - REALLY trying to resist the urge to book a keratin smoothing treatment. Perhaps I'll just get a few face-framing highlights instead...

What's on your BTS shopping list?

The July List

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We're in the thick of summer and I couldn't be happier! This year, the temps have not been off the charts and I'm loving it. Here's what I'm crushing on right this very instant:

* Caftans! If I could live in a flowing, colorful caftan year round, I totally would. They're so easy-breezy and very Palm Beach-y. I imagine my glamorous great grandmother gliding around the house in them in the 1960's... By my estimation, Theodora & Callum make the most stylish around. 

* I'm totally digging the song Rude by MAGIC! The subject matter is kind of serious but the tune and reggae beat is so catchy and makes me want to drive a convertible with my wild hair blowing behind me. BTW -- MAGIC! is a Canadian band. That's right, a Canadian reggae band.  *Thank the stars I don't drive a convertible -- my thick, curly hair would be one giant tangle!

So. Damn. Good.

* Fromage Blanc is a super creamy farmer's cheese that is too damn hard to find where I live. I found some at the beginning of the month, devoured the tubs immediately, and am now in mourning. Please, someone send some to me asap! 

* Jerky. Like, some really delicious small batch beef jerky, made by a dear friend of mine. She and her husband have started their own business, Smoke & Honey, and everything I've tasted thus far has been out of this world! If you don't live in my neck of the woods (Northeast Indiana), you'll just have to wait until Smoke & Honey goes global. In the meantime, check 'em out...

* Glittery cork is my latest accessory obsesh. I adore the juxtaposition of glinting gold against natural, matte cork. Cool, cool, cool

Five Second Style Tips

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So many beauty tips, so little time. But start here. Employ these quick little gems every day. It's the best advice I could give (and remember to take). 

* Smile! People are drawn to happy faces + smiling is infectious. Bonus: A pretty lip color and glistening pearly whites boost the effect.

* Stand Up Straight! Bad posture gives the appearance of extra pounds and makes clothing look frumpy. Head up, shoulders back but relaxed. As my former figure skating coach used to say, "Put your sky hook on!" <-- She told me to envision a cable suspended from the sky, clipped to my chest, lifting me up and away. This is something that just refuses to leave my brain.

* Look People in the Eyes! Think of President Bill Clinton. Everyone always says how he makes whoever he's speaking to feel like the most important person in the room. He holds their gaze and focuses on them in that moment. I believe this is just one of the many reasons certain people (ahem) find him so sexy. I only hope that one day I can experience his gaze first hand... 

Keep it funky.

JDF

The April List

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At last, SPRING! The warmer temps and cheery sunshine have put a bounce in my step. So have these 5 things:

* I was so excited to flip my closet from Winter to Summer. The transformation is not yet complete but I'm thrilled to have my favorite dresses within reach again. Give it up for one piece dressing! 

* The Skimm, a Monday through Friday morning email, keeps me in the know with bite sized news stories. I rarely watch broadcast television and don't spend as much time on Twitter as I used to so I'm thankful for the quick updates. 

My first Young Living oils.

* I've recently started using Young Living essential oils, thanks to a knowledgeable friend. It's safe to say I'm hooked. I add a few drops of Lemon to my water in the morning, apply Purification to breakouts and inhale the most wonderfully intense Lavender in the evening during my bedtime ritual. I also add drops of all three to a spray bottle filled with water to mist around my house. I'm still learning about Young Living and can't wait to receive my next shipment of additional oils. Stay tuned for more on the subject - there are a TON of ways to use these potent and healing oils.

* At the beginning of the month, I cracked into my first bag of chia seeds and have started by making chia water: 1/2 cup lime juice, 10 cups water, 1/2 cup chia seeds. The texture is funky but I like it. I can't wait to try these powerful and nutritious seeds in other recipes. If you have any faves, send them my way!

* Proud Mumma Alert: My two little guys were asked to take part in some promotional photos and videos for The Good Ones, a super rad clothing company for boys. I adore the line for the thoughtful design details (pearlized snaps, reflective tape, cool patches, etc), awesome branding and fun, interactive website. Peep the newest video, Anything Ever, featuring lots of cute kiddos, including mine.





My First Designer Handbag

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As a very young girl, I had dreams of one day owning a quilted Chanel flap bag. This legendary design was regularly featured in the glossy pages of my favorite magazines and I quickly understood what an amazingly insightful and game changing designer Coco Chanel was. In my developing mind, owning a Chanel bag would mean that I had made it, that I was part of this exclusive (and elusive) world of fashion, that I had good taste. That's a little embarrassing to write but, oh well.

Great design is eternal and that classic Chanel handbag will never go out of style. But as I grew up, my tastes evolved and I became drawn to edgier designs. After graduation from college in 2002, the Balenciaga motorcycle bag had become the big IT bag (they debuted in 2001). The bags oozed cool, downtown chic and were carried by stylish celebs like Gwyneth, Gisele and other stars whose names start with letters other than G.

After a few months of lusting after these bags, I did the unthinkable. I purchased a knock off, found on eBay, for like $26. Looking back, it was literally the worst, most pathetic excuse for "designer" with white rubbery plastic and dried glue marks --- all around shoddy. I think I carried it for about a week. I had spotted a better knock off at a flea market just outside Boston so I bought it. The thing is, I never felt good about carrying these - they made me feel cheap. The thought of going into debt for a bag I really couldn't afford meant I still hadn't made it. The childhood goal of attaining that Chanel flap bag never included flea markets or not being able to afford to pay rent for the sake of fashion. I would have to put this dream of carrying a designer bag on hold.

Around this time, I started working for a company that owned local salons, spas and clothing boutiques that just so happened to carry Balenciaga handbags. I would visit the stylish store occasionally and take in the stunning leather eye candy, imagining how fantastic it'd be to carry one.

A few years into my job, I was asked to go above and beyond my regular duties to help our CEO with a particular high profile project. I was thrilled and honored to be trusted with the task and while the project caused a lot of stress in a short amount of time, the experience was worth it. A few days after completion of the project, I received a phone call from the manager of the company's clothing boutique. The CEO had asked her to reach out to me, asking if there was something at the boutique I'd had my eye on, something she could gift to me for a job well done. I was shocked --- my jaw must have hit the floor. I had no idea what to say and tried to think of anything else in the store, more reasonably priced, that I would like to have. Before I could answer, the manager asked if I liked Balenciaga bags. Uhhh...what? Naturally, I answered (quite shyly) in the affirmative. I didn't want to appear greedy but I certainly couldn't let this opportunity slip away. The manager told me to come by the store soon to pick one out. I believe I went that very same day. Slipping the handles of that bag onto my arm was a glorious feeling!

About one week later, I was out to lunch with a group of friends. I had just finished telling them the story of how I came to be the proud owner of this lovely handbag, which was now sitting in its own chair at our table. Each of us had ordered glasses of water as well as pints of beer and as the waitress approached our table, she lost control of the tray and eight full glasses tumbled right onto...you guessed it...my brand. new. handbag. 

Every single person at the table jumped up and into action. We descended onto the bag, emptied its contents, wiped everything off and tried to minimize the damage. We blotted inside and out, then hung the empty bag from two chairs to air it out before sitting back down for our (now quite somber) lunch, my personal belongings laying in a pile on the table. As the meal progressed, we noticed the damage to the bag appeared to be minimal, I believe due to our quick action. Major disaster averted. Whew!

Side note: The waitress blamed one of my friends rather than taking responsibility and never apologized, while the manager offered to pay for the damage. Thankfully, I never had to take him up on his offer.

Me, my first son and my first designer handbag, The Balenciaga Work, in 2008, on our way to Martha's Vineyard.

My first designer handbag is one I still carry often. It's a lovely and deep mahogany brown and very generously sized. Every time I carry the bag, I can't help but think of the events that led to my owning it and the (now) funny story of what happened to it at that memorable lunch. I've added a few more designer bags to my collection, thanks to deep industry discounts, but I will always cherish this first bag the most. Until I finally get that Chanel...

The February List

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Project JDF.

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I've spent the last year trying to figure out how to be a stay at home, freelance writing mother. It's been quite challenging at times but I've really enjoyed spending this precious first year with my second son rather than jumping right back into a full time+ job as I did after my first. 

In 2008, I went back to work after the standard three month maternity leave. I went to an office everyday, to an exciting job in the corporate office of a high end salon/spa/boutique company in Boston. While I know I didn't look ultra stylish every single day, I was forced by social norms to shower regularly, put on makeup, get dressed and wear cool, big girl shoes. This time, I've barely put on makeup, I still slip on maternity leggings from time to time and have a very sorry collection of unsupportive nursing bras. I can't even go into what's happening with my hair.

This last year has been tricky. I write for various publications, including this little blog, during nap times and in the evening after the boys are asleep. Why should I shower when I'm alternating between playing on the nursery floor and sitting at my computer? I occasionally go days without actually seeing or speaking to another adult other than my husband (poor guy).

My motivational button for Project JDF. 

I do manage to get some girl time in with my friends, sometimes even without kids, which is when I at least attempt to swipe on concealer and lip gloss. But I'm wearing the same old shit: threadbare leggings, chunky cardigans, tanks and tees festooned with pureed pears and oatmeal. 

I've misplaced my spark. It's around here somewhere but I've been too tired to look for it. As my second son approaches his first birthday, I'm slowly emerging from the shadows. It's time to make an effort again. I need to clean out my closet, rework my makeup drawer and kick up my fitness plan. Today is Day 1 of Project JDF. 

 

 

 

 

collab crazy...

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I simply can't get enough of the collaboration movement the fashion industry has so enthusiastically embraced. Maybe it's because I live in the middle of the country where availability of some major brands is a tad limited. Maybe it's because I don't fall into the same tax bracket of the high end designer clientele. Let's be honest - it's both.  

Big name designer collaborations are great for all parties. The designer gets more mainstream exposure, the mass retailer gets to align with a luxury brand and the consumer gets the high dollar look for less. Win-win-win. 

Jonathan Adler for JCPenney

I'm addicted to Target (shocking, I know). That bullseye just draws me right in with their regularly scheduled, amazing collabs. But lately another store has been KILLING IT in the collaboration department: JCPenney. Sephora, Martha Stewart, Joe Fresh, Jonathan Adler, giggleBABY, MNG by Mango, Nicole by Nicole Miller, Olsenboye, Marchesa, Betsey Johnson and more (more!) have joined forces with the retailer over the last few seasons. The stores have also been given a huge makeover. The housewares department of my local JCP is gleaming white and super modern and I wish I could just move in.

These wonderful changes occurred under the supervision of former CEO Ron Johnson. It's a shame he was ousted but I hope those now in charge can keep his vision going because I'm having lots of fun shopping in a store I hadn't set foot in for...decades? I mean, I'm sure I had been in a JCP at least once during my childhood but I just can't recall the experience.

Visit your local JCP and prepare to be dazzled. 

 

The October List

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This month's to do's (it involves a lot of pumpkins)... 

 * Whip up a pumpkin body scrub by mixing about 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice and a few shakes of ground cinnamon. Adjust the amount of oil and sugar until you achieve the desired consistency. I like it rough so I use less oil. 

* Visiting a pumpkin patch or apple orchard is a favorite activity of the season. To find a pumpkin patch in your state click here. For apples, click here. I can't wait to take my family to the Lincoln Ridge Pumpkin & Mum Festival in Ohio. 

* Need more pumpkin in your life? Follow Pumpkinita on Instagram. She posts super creative and mouthwatering ideas.  

* How did we survive without Pinterest? Falling for Fall, their latest seasonal board, highlights warm, cozy and inviting recipes and decor ideas.  

My go-to ensemble for the season. The beanie hides the disaster that is my hair. 

* I like to dress in uniforms - it makes getting out the door each morning much easier. The blueprint for my Fall dressing relies on light layers in neutrals with a few pops of green. A light scarf keeps me cozy when it's crisp or stashes easily in my handbag when the sun is shining. Cool stud earrings (that tiny and slobbery hands can't pull on) and flat soled boots pull the look together.

 


So, how long until October is just renamed Pumpkin Spice?