Simplicity & Neutrals are still a go over here. My casual "minimalist" pieces are easy to pair with each other and then pile on the bold accessories. This ASOS Chambray Maxi Dress is more like a lightweight jacket/cover up for now. It's prefect for the transitioning weather where I can just toss it over a summer dress. Once Fall really hits, I can button it up, wear it as a dress and even pair it with a cardigan. Versatile pieces like this make themselves at home in my closet.
This necklace tho...I'm in love with Madewell jewelry. It's great inspiration for my own line. I love the simple shapes with the industrial feel. Mixing the brass and silver also gives the piece character and you're able to mix and match it with other accessories of either tone.

Hat & Sunglesses: ASOS  ///  T-Shirt Dress: PYLO  ///  Chambray Maxi Dress: ASOS  ///  Earrings: Glam & Grace  ///  Knee-high Lace-up Gladiators: UrbanOG  ///   Necklace: Madewell

CROPS, BELLS & LACE UPS

These styles are my favorite for fall. It's all about a modernized 70s vibe. If it has a bell or if it laces up, rock it.

The beautiful denim bellbottoms are from PYLO. I have the Gypsy Minor Bellbottoms in Creedence (for the shorties). They fit like a dream. The high waist and the oversized bell is the way to go!

Lace-up flats are an item I've been eyeing. I'm not a big fan of flats but the criss-cross action has me interested. They'd pair great with cropped pants or a cute mini.

Another look I love are the giant bell sleeves...even better if the top laces up. Too many trends in one item? ....pssssh never ; )

original images: 1  ///  2  ///  3  ///  4  ///  5

This recipe has been a family favorite for decades. I've ate this for breakfast and snacks since
I was a kid...don't forget the apple juice, of course. Trust me, you won't want to limit devouring
this just to fall time, it's good to make year round. I'm busting this out now to try and prepare myself
for the season change and attempting to bribe myself into even liking fall. We'll see how it works out.
Enjoy!

RECIPE: Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Drizzle Frosting

Pumpkin Muffins

3 Cups sugar                                
1 1/2 teaspoon salt                      
1 teaspoon nutmeg                  
1 teaspoon cloves                        
1 teaspoon cinnamon              
2 teaspoons baking soda
2/3 cup hot water
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
3 1/3 cups flour
2 cups pumpkin

First, blend sugar, spices and eggs. Next add in pumpkin and oil. In separate bowl, mix flour and baking soda. Gradually blend flour mixture into pumpkin mixture, alternating with water. Mix well.
Pour batter into muffin liners/pan
Bake at 350 degrees for 18-24 minutes till toothpick comes out clean

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 box powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

1 tablespoon almond milk

Cream sugar and cream cheese together. Add in vanilla and gradually add in powdered sugar. 

The almond milk is to make the frosting a less dense constancy, add to your liking. Mix ingredients well and drizzle onto muffins when they are cool. 

Just to note, I eyeball this recipe. I usually do equal parts of butter & cream cheese. Then I add powdered sugar till it gets to the consistency I want. 

PYLO you rock my world. The Namiko T-Dress is a dream. Oversized and flowy, perfect to wear while Summer is winding down. Im wearing it in the color called "Naked", a light fleshy neutral with a touch of pink. It works well with the trending minimalist style. For my skin tone, I pair this color with darker accessories (hat, shoes, ect) to add depth and contrast so I won't won't look washed out (wink wink). I've been into simple minimalistic dresses this summer, ones you can throw on and go. Just add some killer accessories.

Hat: Nastygal  ///  Earrings: Glam & Grace  ///  Sunglasses: Nastygal  ///  Necklace: Banana Republic  ///  Arm Party: Glam & Grace  ///  Namiko T-Dress: Pylo  ///  Gladiator Sandals: Urban OG

Rustic Boho Layer Cake with Fresh Flowers

If you know me personally, you're well aware I'm like an little old lady who loves tending to her summer flowers. Unfortunately living in my loft, I'm unable to have flower beds anymore but I'm still finding ways to incorporate pretty greenery and lovely live flowers into my life.

This was my first experience designing a cake with real, fresh flowers. It was great & it was nerve-racking...but I highly recommend doing it. 

The layer cake is white cake with vanilla buttercream. I frosted only in-between layers and the top of the cake. Keeping the sides unfrosted provides the rustic boho look. It gives off an unperfect vibe, which I love. Decorating with buttercream (instead of fondant) and embracing it's messier quality, is my absolute favorite.

DESIGN TIPS

Pick a variety of flowers

I chose some vibrant peachy orange/pink roses as a main focal. As supporting cast, I wanted greenery. I used killer lime green mums and leafy eucalyptus stems. All 3 plants have a very different look which gives variety to your creation. The varying visual texture makes it more interesting to look at.

Layer and Pile it On!

Don't be shy here. Why not heap on the flowers? Go for it and make a statement. I started with a blanket of rose petals and then placed a group of flowers on top as discussed below.

Create a Focal Point

I grouped a large rose, some sprigs of eucalyptus and a few mums on the top of the cake. This arrangement grabs your attention and creates visual interest. In one spot lower on the plate, I also gathered a few blooms to make it look like a cascading effect. 

Dealing with the natural & fresh aspect was challenging. The eucalyptus and mums are quite resilient while the Roses are quite delicate and will wilt a little more quickly. I had a couple of back up roses for a quick replacement after I arrived to my destination. It's good to keep all the flowers in water and then place them on the cake at the absolute last minute.

All in all, it was a fun experience. I just had to go with the flow and learn as I went along. The flowers were gorgeous and made for a lovely presentation. I can't wait to give it another try and experiment with different flowers.

The button front a-line mini skirt is the current "it" skirt. I've been seeing it in a variety of fabrics including denim, suede and corduroy. With it's high waist, it's good to pair with a crop top or tuck in a blouse with long bell sleeves. Rock that 70's vibe. 

Here are a few options to shop: 

Suede : Missguided Patch Pocket Faux Suede

Denim: ASOS New Look Button Front

Cordurory: BDG Button Front Corduroy Mini Skirt

Original photos found here:  1  ///  2  ///  3  ///  4

All denim everythang, all the time.
Ok, so a denim outfit isn't anything new. (I know we all remember Brittany and Justin.) ...but somewhere, somehow, someway wearing the blues (all blue) has become the norm...the new neutral...the new everyday look. I'm down with that. Supposedly jeans are on their way out but that doesn't stop us from wearing chambray button ups and denim skirts...like, everyday.
Ok ok, so maybe not evvvvvvery day but the simplicity sure is attractive and I think that's why I'm drawn to it.
I like to have different washes as well as varying styles so I can easily mix up my look. When paired together, the light and dark washes contrast each other and look great together. Check out the outfit details below.

Top photo from left to right
Outfit 1: Zara chambray button up shirt & Abercrombie high waist mini skirt
Outfit 2: Missguided denim button up dress
Outfit 3: JCrew chambray button up shirt & SheInside denim midi skirt
Outfit 4: Goodwill thrifted chambray ruffle button up shirt & pleated chambray high waisted shorts