NASHVILLE FALL BUCKET LIST

I looked at the calendar today and realized - it's October 8! Before I know it, it will be full on Christmas and winter and I will have completely missed all the fun fall things I want to do. I refuse to let that happen, so here is my fall bucket list. Some of these are specific to Nashville (like Arrington Vineyard and Gentry Farm), but I think this bucket list can be applicable no matter where you are. Anything I'm missing?! Time for me to get planning!

LET'S GET VESTY

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Ever since I saw Julia rock this suede vest in Peru (ugh, she's so cool), I've had it on my mind. It would be so great as a layering piece for fall/winter - add it over a chambray shirt, striped tee, sweater, you name it. I found the exact one in the photo above here, but I've also found a few other options that are pretty similar. On a tight budget, I'd go with this one from Target. That price is seriously unbeatable. I also like this one from BB Dakota and this one from Splendid, but I think in the world of trying to save money, I'll go with the Target version.

FALL WISHLIST - THE STAPLES

The weather is getting cooler and the humidity is starting to leave the air (thank goodness) - fall is almost here! I've been taking a little inventory on my current closet and there is a lot I want to purge and kind of, sort of, a lot of staples I want/need to add. My style has definitely evolved over the years to more simple and neutral and I want what I purchase this season to be thoughtful and reflect that. Lots of cozy layers and pieces that can easily transition from work to happy hour to out on the town.

mini skirt // chambray shirt // cognac boots // navy blouse // heather wrap // suede booties // skinny jeans // ruffle dress // bucket bag

ATLANTA WEEKEND

Goodbye Saturday and Sunday, hello Monday! This past weekend was a good one - I spent it in Atlanta! I haven't actually been back to the ATL since I moved a year ago (my 1 year in Nashville is coming up!) It's kind of crazy to think it has been that long. In some ways, I feel like I've lived in Nashville for way longer than a year, but being back in ATL felt like just yesterday I was living on Piedmont Rd. Crazy how time has a way of doing that.

It was a quick trip - so quick, apparently, that I didn't take a single picture. Patrick and I drove down Saturday morning and got in that afternoon in time for some football watching and Tin Lizzys eating. I of course had to stop by the mall and it was so crazy busy packed. I really forgot about the madness of Atlanta - it hasn't slowed down one bit, that's for sure. For dinner we went to Horseradish Grill, which is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. I highly recommend to anyone who is living or visiting the city. Sunday morning brought church at Peachtree Presbyterian with Courtney. As always, it was an amazing message, and it was so great to be back and worship with Courtney! After brunch at Murphy's in the Virginia Highlands, we headed back home. 

Now I'm back in Nashville for one more week before it's time to head to Champaign for Thanksgiving! Oh how I love the holidays. Be sure to check back here tomorrow - I'm starting holiday gift guides that you don't want to miss!

Happy Monday!

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OCTOBER CRAFT

Whoa - October really crept up on me! But isn't fall one of the best seasons? Seriously - crisper temperatures, pumpkins, chili, football, boots & sweaters... Ah I am so ready for it! It's getting cooler here in the nights, but still warm during the day. In the meantime, I'm decorating our house with pumpkins and all things fall. I think these glitter pumpkins are the cutest, and while I don't think I could get crafty enough to make them into a candle holder, I think they would be a great decoration! I'm currently finishing up this DIY (more on that later), but once I have completed that project, I think I'll move to these adorable pumpkins!

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BOOTIES ON A BUDGET

Confession: I don't have unlimited funds to buy all the fall clothes I want. In fact, I have to be pretty strategic in what I want buy because funds can get a leeeetle tight. Being on a budget is always tricky with the changing seasons because I want to buy just about everything in sight, especially when I walk in J.Crew. It's like all the clothes are just screaming at me "Buy me! Buy me!" One thing that is on my fall necessity list is a good pair of booties. Last year, I bought an awesome pair of black suede wedges from Nine West that got me through the winter months. Now I would love a more casual pair for every day fall wear. Although the above aren't made out of leather, I think they are pretty good options for a girl on a budget! Plus, you can always count on Target, and Old Navy has definitely been stepping their game. I'm thinking #2 or #6 need to be made mine.

Do y'all have any favorite places to get shoes on a budget?

Boots: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Currently

I've decided to start another series on the blog called "Currently". Each Friday I will highlight certain things I've either come across during the week and absolutely love, or pieces that I've been lusting after for some time. I hope you all enjoy the series and as always - I love hearing feedback!

Also - you may have noticed some slight website redesign. I'm in the process of making the site more personalized and not the standard template it once was. I've added an About Me section, and a Nashville section, where I'll highlight my favorite places to eat, go out, and shop in Music City.

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1. J.Crew Merino Boyfriend Sweater : How comfy and cozy does this sweater look? I want it in literally every color. Especially this gray and the dusty jade. Even better - J.Crew is offering 25% off select shirts, sweaters, and bags through Sunday, and this sweater happens to be one of them. 

2. J.Crew Etta Pump in Calf Hair : I'm pretty sure I would wear these shoes with just about everything this fall and winter. I don't own a pair of the Etta pumps, but I've read other bloggers rave about them. I love the chunky heel and haven't you heard? Leopard is the new black. 

3. Anthropologie Celestial Coaster Set : As I'm in the process of decorating my not so new house, I'm on the look out for things to make it feel truly like my own. I know coasters aren't exactly essential, but once we get the coffee table in, these would come in handy for drinks. Plus I love them... the question is, which color?

4. Kate Spade Saturday Heeled Boots : Want. Want. Want. I so badly want a good pair of heeled boots for fall. They are right up there with a leather skirt and motorcycle jacket. These ones from the Kate Spade Saturday line are borderline perfect. Now can they go on sale?

5. Bauble Bar Ice Salazar Earrings : Because why not? Every girl can use some awesome earrings in her jewelry box.

6. NY Times 36 Hours Southeast : Again in the spirit of decorating the house, I think this would be a great book to have on the coffee table. Plus, living in the Southeast I would like to take full advantage of traveling around. I already have my Southern Living magazines bookmarked, and this would only add to my to-do list with insider information on where to eat, travel, shop, and sight see. 

7. Loren Hope "Carina" Necklace : Loren Hope's fall line will be receiving a dedicated post, but this is just one of the amazing pieces I'm coveting. I honestly would like every single necklace, bracelet, and earring set in her collection. Oh em gee.

THE PERFECT LAYERING CAMI

Awhile back, I posted about Tibi and J.Crew's silk camis, and how much I wanted one. I ended up purchasing the J.Crew one in lavender and have gotten a ton of wear out of it, but since I have found an even better deal. Top Shop carries camis in a large variety of colors, in both a v-neck and scoop neck version, for just $36. I own the scoop version in a light grey color, and it's pretty awesome. My friend Lucy actually thought it was Tibi - however it's 100% polyester, not silk! Being made of polyester makes it easy to wash - just throw it in the washer and let it air dry. Silk can get so tricky with stains and dry cleaning, and who has the time for that?! With fall temperatures approaching, I'm always looking for a great layering piece for blazers, jackets, and cardigans, and I think I have found the winner. Definitely want to stock up the basic black and cream, as well as a color - maybe this green?


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J.CREW FALL ARRIVALS

The last time I posted, I was feeling pretty great about regularly posting again. I should have known that wasn't going to happen... because for the past month and a half, I haven't had Internet in my house. I moved the beginning of July and we don't get cable until August 30. Partly because it took me too long to call AT&T and partly because that's just cable companies for you. Once I do get back to the 21st century, regular posts are a top priority of mine. For now - this will have to do!

It's August and in the 80s here in Nashville, but like a lot of bloggers, fall fashion has been on my mind 24/7. We had a couple cool weeks here which got me thinking about layers, boots, jackets - all great things that come with cooler temperatures. J.Crew released new arrivals and I'm loving some of the looks (of course!) Leather is in this fall, and a motorcycle jacket like this one above is definitely on my wishlist. I also love leather details like on this top. I have a bit of a coat obsession, and this peacoat is beautiful. Tweed sweaters, printed button downs, ah I love it all. Fall temperatures - are you here yet?

What fall fashion are you most looking forward to?

Falling for J.Crew Fall

I know it's August 8th. I know that come January, I'm going to be ready for spring temperatures and laying at the pool. But with this Atlanta heat, I can't help but pine for the days of cooler weather, boots and layers, and leaves falling. Am I crazy? Probably. But I don't think I'm the only one looking forward to fall!

I'm loving some of the pieces in J.Crew's Fall/Winter lookbook, like patterned pants, the tweed jacket, and updated fair isle sweater... and FYI, you can pre-order any looks on jcrew.com.

I also would love to add some of these basics to my wardrobe... 

Great, classic dress that can be dressed up or dressed down

 I'm a firm believer you can never have too many cardigans.

A classic camel color like this never goes out of style.

I love the cut of this dress, in fact, I have it in 2 prints. I think I would prefer the red option though....

Probably #2 on my fall list - burgundy minnie pants. Love.

What styles and trends are you looking forward to for fall? Or are you wishing the heat and sundresses would never end? 

fall-ing in love

Fall is hands down my favorite season. I love seeing the leaves turn colors, the cooler days and nights, and the fun festivities the season brings, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Since moving to Atlanta, I haven't been able to fully get into the swing of fall, with life being a whirlwind of trips in and out of the city, visiting friends, and job hunting. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can settle down and enjoy this beautiful season. I would love to go hiking (need to find somewhere), carve a pumpkin with friends, and drink delicious apple cider. I think the perfect start to the fall festivities will be making this Pumpkin Bread Pudding I found on Pinterest (which has quickly become my new obession). There is nothing that screams fall like pumpkin, and this sounds absolutely delicious. I'll report back on how it is!

Source: smittenkitchen.com via Rachel on Pinterest