Taylor Made

Trying to find fun, flattering, work-appropriate things is always a bit of a challenge.  While I'm a devoted Calvin Klein girl, I've recently had some great luck at Ann Taylor.  I stopped by this evening and they have some incredible things for fall.   Here are a few things that caught my eye - and clearly I'm feeling minimalist!

Thankfully they are having some amazing sales too, so you can indulge guilt-free.  You're welcome.

MC

Happy Anniversary

Best.Day.Ever.

MC

TGIF

MC

Skincare Crush

Image Source - Don't you want her glowy, fresh faced skin?

Over the last few years I've become a bit skincare obsessed.  I've established my regimen - cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer with SPF 15 - and I'm pretty happy with the results.  I'll dabble from time to time and play around with different eye creams or a mask, but I'm pretty devoted to what works for my sensitive skin.  Recently I've introduced a new element - an essence - and I'm a bit in love.  (I'm currently using this one.)  I'm not sure if the essence itself or the application of patting it into the skin (to help the skin absorb and tone) that I find more beneficial, but I feel like I'm seeing a difference already!  My skin feels more hydrated and balanced, even when I first wake up.  I'm only about one week of consistent, twice a day use, but so far, so good!

I'm not alone in my new found essence- devotion - check it out. 

MC

Happy Autumn

Today is the first official day of Fall.  The mornings are crisp and it's getting dark earlier and earlier.  And while I'll certainly miss the heat, I admit that I really do love Fall.  It's Mr. C's birthday and later, our anniversary, and is our favorite season to be outdoors.  Here are some Fall favorites:

- Apple-Picking - We went on Sunday and have been eating apples ever since (and by the number of apples of varying sorts on the counter right now, looks we will be for a while!)

- Picnics - I'm a total sucker for a picnic.  Give me a blanket, some yummy bites and a pretty view, and I'm set.  (Wine optional, but always preferred.)  Spring and Summer picnics are fantastic, but there is something special about the Fall.  Less people, more leaves - sold.  We took a trip to Jockey Hallow this weekend and set up a little spread in a field.  Surrounded by trees and an amazing garden, it was the perfect weekend respite.

- Bold Beauty - Once you go vamp, you can't go back (until at least April).  Embrace the deep Bordeaux, oxblood and plum hues you've been drooling over all summer. 

- Spicy Treats - Whether it's that pumpkin chai latte or adding extra cinnamon to everything, Fall is all about warm, decadent flavors. 

- Chunky Knits - Is there anything better than a cozy sweater?  Nope.  Fisherman, Cashmere, want them all.

- Plaid - Skirts, shirts, scarves.  Love, especially paired with denim.  

- The Leaves - Let's face it - there is something truly awe-inspiring about the changing colors.  Hit the road for the day to check them out (the Hudson Valley is incredible this time of year) or take a stroll in Central Park.  Either way, it's time to get outside and enjoy the foliage.  

MC

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Friday Finds

Fall is swiftly approaching, and while the official "start date" is still a few days away - Monday!- I'm gearing up for all things Autumn.  Here are a few things that have caught my eye:

- Apple picking is one of my favorite Fall activities.  Just the thought has me dreaming of apple sauce (canning! or I guess jarring?), pies and cider doughnuts.  This lists out the best spots to go picking in the tri-state area.

- There is a very small window of time that is just crisp enough for sweaters and a light jacket (or cape!) without having having to truly bundle.  I stumbled upon these at Madewell, and I basically want one in every color.

- Cool weather = boot weather.  Make sure they look brand new with these boot cleaning tips.  Hesitant to touch up your leather?  Seek professional help and make a date with your local cobbler/cleaner.  

- Is there anything better than curling up with a good book?  This one looks like a fun and breezy read.

- My OCD has seemingly no bounds, and I'm compelled to watch movies that take place in the fall during the fall.  My fave: The Thomas Crown Affair.

Happy Weekend!

MC

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Sweet Tart

I recently stumbled across the easiest dessert recipe ever - Plum Tarts with Honey.  I made these last weekend, and they were an absolute hit.  I love that they require few ingredients and minimal bake time while still looking impressive.  Total do-again.  Next time, I'll substitute apples and pears for plums to give it an Autumn feel.  

Recipe c/o Bon Appetit

You'll need:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
• 1 pound (I used 3) red plums, pitted, cut into ½” wedges
• ¼ cup sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Flaky sea salt 

To Make:

• Preheat oven to 425°. Cut pastry into six 4” squares, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and prick all over with a fork. Top with plums, leaving a ½” border. Sprinkle with sugar; season with a few grinds of pepper.  (MC Note: I rolled my pastry out a bit more so that it was thinner and made 9 rather than 4 Tarts.  Adjust fruit toppings accordingly).

• Bake tarts, rotating pan halfway through, until edges of pastry are puffed and golden brown, 25–30 minutes. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with salt just before serving.

• Try to control yourself as you gobble these down!

Celebrating Style

It's here - NYFW.  There is something undeniably exciting about a week fully dedicated to the art of dressing.  Sure, it takes infinite amounts of coordination, and their isn't a cab to be found South of Lincoln Center, but the idea of seeing what's fresh and new - it's such a New York moment.  You can literally feel the unique sizzle of excitement.  Everyone is dressed to the nines (never know where those photographers will be!) and the energy is unbelievable.  I'm eagerly anticipating what Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren and Francisco Costa have in-store; they never disappoint.  Don't have a seat in the theater or a backstage pass?  Not a problem - incredible style isn't limited to the runways as flocks of editors, bloggers and stylists hit the streets.  They too are endlessly inspiring.  I can't wait to see what this week will bring!

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A Wallpaper Moment

Do you ever notice that once you read something, you seem to see it everywhere.  Consider it trending, even if it's only happening to you, in your own head.  I was recently reading T-Magazine's A Narrative Thread and the next thing I know, I'm attuned to all things wall paper.  As a friend mentioned her quest for affordable options over drinks, I got to thinking that maybe wallpaper is one those items you should have in your home by the time you're thirty, like a true piece of art and plants that require care.  Here are a few I've recently discovered: 

Image Sources Metallics Fresco Blooms Latice Stripes Ikat

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