Tuesday Tidbits and Five Favorite Things

Hey guys! Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend! First off, I just want to send out my thoughts and prayers for all of those affected by the Paris Attack. I was shocked watching it unfold on TV and so deeply saddened. Everyone be careful out there and keep the city, victims and their families in your thoughts. 

To keep things a little more lighthearted, here are a few of my favorite things this week. I will have some new fashion posts coming soon, hopefully the weather will corporate and I can shoot some new looks this weekend, yay! In the meantime let's get to my five favorite things right now.

1. Cozy Sweaters

With cooler weather on the horizon, you can't go wrong with an oversized, cozy sweater. I just ordered this one in a blush color, and it's only $28! I also love this Aztec print cardigan (only $31!) to pair with tanks and graphic tees and this comfy sweater for only $26!

Dreamers by Debut

2. Stephen King's The Bazaar of Bad Dreams

It's no secret that Stephen King is my favorite author. I am so ready to crack open this book of short stories that was just released. Short stories are excellent if you don't have time to get invested in a long novel, this is perfect for me and can't wait to see what Mr. King has in store!

The Bazaar of Bad Dreams

3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

Like all franchises, The Hunger Games is coming to a close. I am going to miss J. Law as the "girl on fire" and obviously Liam Hemsworth (I mean really, have you seen him?) but this last film is sure to be a blockbuster and pull out all the stops. Just a little bit of advice, get your tickets before the hit the theater! You don't want to be left outside with your popcorn at a packed movie theater, do you?. To get you ready check out the trailer here!

4. Kate Spade Holiday Collection 2015

Kate Spade's collection is always filled with whimsy and flirty fun so her 2015 holiday collection is no exception. I especially love this phone case, ornament clutch, and make-up case. Get your holiday wish list ready!

Champagne Bottle Clutch

5. Draped Coats

There is just something about this drapey look for winter that looks so sophisticated and timeless. A little Audrey Hepburn if you will. I really like this Vince blush colored option which is currently on sale but if that is a little out of your price budget then I suggest this beautiful (under $60!) pick!

Vince Draped Wool Coat

Hope you enjoyed the list! More new posts are coming this week so keep following along!

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo,

Halloween Happenings in the Ham

It comes to the surprise of no one that I LOVE Halloween! I am so sad we are nearing the end of October but who is ready for Halloween weekend!? I'm still working on my costume...let's just say if I can pull it off, it might be my favorite costume to date. While I do blog here from Birmingham, AL and this post will be about Halloween Happenings in my city, there will also be some suggestions and ides for those of you in other states/cities since Halloween fun is everywhere!

 

1. Halloween Themed Treats

 

My pick: The Heavenly Donut Co.

 

If you follow me you know that I run lots of races and one of the main reasons I do (besides health) is because I have a sweet tooth! Running for donuts is an actual thing for me. Halloween is the perfect time for spooky treats. One of my favorite local donut shops has the cutest themed donuts (there is one that looks like an owl that is almost too cute to eat). These are perfect to take into work this week or for a party you might be having this weekend! Check your local bakeries to see what they have in store and if you aren't close to any local shops then national chains Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme can help you out.

 

2. Sloss Fright Furnace
 

If you live in Bham then you know about Sloss Furnaces. The furnaces are a huge landmark that is a throwback to the steel and industrial days in the South. They host many events throughout the year including concerts, music festivals, 5k's and even weddings. But come October people know it's home to Sloss Fright Furnace. Now the furnaces look creepy during the day so just imagine what the vibe is after dark. Throw in the legend that the furnaces are actually haunted and you have yourself the perfect Halloween outing!
 

I actually went to Sloss this past weekend with friends and we had a great time. Essentially there are three "hauntings" you can experience the main one would obviously be the Furnace Tour which as the name would imply takes you through the furnace. You and your group will have to walk single file through the tour but the good news is you will be in a large group so you can stick close. Personally, I smiled the entire time and didn't find it particularly horrifying. It was fun for me but I did have friends that were more jumpy and if the actors sense that you are scared they will single you out and yell, chase, etc. However, the actors can not touch you but be mindful and don't touch them either. It was $24 for the experience and also came with a ticket for Outbreak 2 which is a zombie filled maze that sees if you can survive the Zombie Apocalypse (just a warning there is running, climbing, chasing, crawl spaces and tunnels and obstacles in this maze). For an extra $4 you can pay a visit to the Conjuring Room which was well...an experience. All of these "hauntings" are fun and while some teens/adults that spook easily and children would find it scary the majority would find it to be a fun thrill.

Check out ticket options here and dates (it's open every day this week) here!
 

3. Local Haunted House Attractions

My pick: Atrox Factory

There are several options when it comes to haunted houses in the Bham area and it doesn't get much scarier than Atrox Factory located in Leeds, AL. For $20 you get a real scare and by scary take it from someone who doesn't scare easily that I find this place terrifying. Sloss is a good warm-up if you think that it is scary I would steer clear of here. At Atrox they can touch you and by touching it is usually just a hand on your shoulder, touching hair, light poke on your side, etc. There are rooms where you will be in complete darkness and people will be around you so I have warned you! Now if you are brave and laugh at the sight of Michael Myers stalking with a butcher knife on Halloween night then you will love it! The scenery, sets and designs are excellent quality and there is a reason it has been voted one of the scariest attractions in the country. My advice is to try it out, there are exits so you can leave and try my trick of smiling and pretending (even if you are) not to be scared. Also, wear a baseball cap if you are nervous about the slight touching plus you can pull the cap over your eyes if things get too intense for you.

The lines do get crowded and long (especially with this week being Halloween) buy your tickets online and for a little extra you can get VIP status aka you don't have to wait in line and other pass options. Get all ticket and time info here plus any other needed info! They also offer celebrity appearances and this week just happens to be Tony Moran aka Michael Myers himself (how appropriate for the holiday).

Photo Credit: Atrox Factory

4. Howls and Growls: Black Jacket Symphony Presents Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

If you are looking for a way to support a good cause while listening to one of the best albums of ALL time then I highly recommend Howls and Growls coming this Friday night (Oct 30th at 7pm). I have been to several Black Jacket Symphony shows and they are incredible! If you don't know who they are, it is essentially a live cover of famous albums. The singers and artists are always on point and I like how this performance also is giving proceeds to a fabulous charity. Get your tickets here!

Photo Credit: Greater Birmingham Humane Society

Not into Thriller? If you want something else to do on Friday night, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Presents: Psycho starting at 8pm. The orchestra will be performing LIVE with the movie (can you imagine how the shower scene score will sound live? Chills!) get your tickets right here!

5. Filed of Screams

Now this is a new event coming to the Magic City this year but from the description it sounds pretty awesome! During the day it will be a festival-carnival type event complete with a zombie 5k starting at 8am with the festival beginning at 11am. Then that night(7:30pm) there is a Halloween costume gala where you wear your Halloween best! The main thing that strikes me about this event is that it is for all ages and the gala being a special treat for adults. The event will also utilize the lovely Regions Baseball Field which is one of my favorite spots in the city! Get event details here along with prices and tickets!


If this still isn't enough Halloween goodness you can always take a visit over to the Birmingham Zoo for the classic annual Boo at the Zoo which is happening every night this week starting at 5pm. Or if on Halloween you want to get a little more party into your monster mash then go to the Lakeview District in downtown where local bars such as Innisfree, Side Bar, Moe's and more are sure to be serving up some tricks and treats as well as spooky libations for a fun time! If you are going out to the bars, be careful and please do not drink and drive! Get your friend or someone at the bar to call you a cab. Halloween is about going out and having FUN but we don't need any real life horror reenactments. I also love Avondale Brewery and they will be having a Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert that night and you can get tickets here!

There will be plenty going on so I'm sure you will have a spooktacular (yay puns) time at whatever you choose to do! If you don't live in the Ham then just check you local hangouts, online, paper, social media, etc. to see what's happening in your city! Everything I listed, is a good chance there is some similar equivalent to it in your town or city. Whether you are hitting the town, screaming in a haunted house, or just watching scary movies with your friends at home, have a fabulous time and make the most of this scary day!

Boo!

Happy Hauntings!

xoxo,

Tori Burch Private Sale Picks

Hey babes! In case you missed the announcement earlier there is a huge, "private" sale (70% off some items!) going on at Tori Burch! This brand is one of my favorites, their classic ballet flats have always and will always be a staple for your wardrobe no matter the season. In addition to the flats, there are clothes, bags, jewelry, and accessories. Things are going super fast so get shopping and here are a few of my picks to get you started!

First off, here is the site link you need to enter for access to the sale.

Ok, now my picks! There are so many so it's hard to choose but I love this T-Hinged wide cuff and this romantic dove cuff. I also really like these stackable ring sets and adorable fedora. You also can't go wrong with striped flats, or this classy ballet flat or these snakeskin ones (obsessed!) or these amazing booties which I'm shocked were included in the sale. Tori Burch has some great bags and this clutch is classic Tori. The color of this clutch makes me smile and how great is this bag for everyday wear and/or traveling? Love the leopard print!

Hurry get to the sale NOW before everything sells out! The sale officially ends on Monday, October 26th but things are already gone so get to it!

Happy Shopping (and Saving)

xoxo,

Easy, Fall Living

 

 

Hello all! We are almost in TGIF mode...but not quite yet. I hope everyone is having a lovely Thursday and has some exciting plans in store for the upcoming weekend. I've mentioned here that I absolutely love weekends in the fall! Football, movies, haunted houses, hiking, it just seems like there is always so much happening in October. I have found the most perfect fall outfit that can take you from work or class to pumpkin patch picking (seriously how many people did that last weekend?) or a scary movie date to even a concert by just adding a few fall details.

 

First off, by now you know I live in t-shirt dresses. They are so comfortable and with a little bit of styling, can make you look like you've pieced together a look that would make Reese Witherspoon jealous. T-shirt dresses are a great base piece, kind of like a blank art canvas that you can add to create a look of your own. With today's look I started with one of my all-time favorite wardrobe colors, blush pink. It's soft and feminine and the color looks good on everyone, what more could you ask for? It looks a little to basic solo so I add a chambray denim shirt to tie around my waist. Now, some people like to tie an actual jacket around their waist but I prefer denim or plaid shirts. The shirts are less bulky and don't add heaviness to your look or frame, it simply cinches the waist plus if you actually do get cool you can always untie it to use! I get most of my shirts at Old Navy or Forever 21, just size up to get the effect.

 

Another item big on my fall wardrobe staples? Hats! I love them and think they are the perfect way to add a unique touch or if you aren't feeling your hair that day. Add some fringe booties (I also love this look with converse sneakers or ballet flats), a unique necklace and your favorite fall bag then call it a day! Oh and you don't like the blush color, maybe you are someone who hates pink? Don't worry this dress comes in so many color options, you are bound to find one you like! Can't choose which color? They are under $20 so go ahead and get two...or three. You will be wearing these on repeat all season and then some!

 

Shop the entire look below and pick out your next fall must-have.

 

T-Shirt Dress// Necessary Clothing  Chambray Shirt// Forever 21  Wide-Brimmed Wool Fedora//  Forever 21  Wood Bead Tusk Pendant// Accessory Concierge  Grey Fringe Booties// Sam Edelman  Tote// have had this Burberry bag for years. Definitely a splurge item but check here to find really awesome designer bags that won't break the bank!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Smitten Kittens and Cozy Sweaters

 

Happy Tuesday kitties! Today has been super busy but I had to post one of my favorite outfits I've found so far! I have a busy schedule with work, school, life, blogging and trying to write (and will hopefully be published!) short stories, I like clothes that are comfy but still look chic. I'll be the first to admit, I love a good graphic tee. Yes, I had my fair share back in Jr. High and High School (remember those racy Abercrombie ones? We all do) but they are back and more modern than ever.

One way to dress up a tee is to add a leather jacket which I frequently do or shawl which is similar to what I'm wearing. It is actually more of a jacket-shawl (I know I'm an expert with these fashion terms) but I found it at Old Navy and knew it would be a fall staple. Lastly, I finally found a pair of black denim jeans I LOVE. They are distressed but they almost feel like leggings plus they are super flattering. I will say to size up in this brand and style, they looked like they may run snug so in that scenario I always advise going up a size than you normally wear. Add some flats (I also love the look with booties or even riding boots) a colorful bag and sunglasses and you are out the door looking smitten...kitten (sorry I had to).

Shop the entire look below and more fashion, travel and some special Halloween posts are coming the rest of the week!
 

Smitten Kitten Tee// ILY Couture (might be sold out but here is almost identical option)  Open-Front Wool Blend Poncho// Old Navy (also comes in teal plaid, red plaid and forest green)  Black Destroyed Skinny Jeans// Nordstrom  Ballerina Flats// old but similar Tori Burch style  Red Quilted Bag// similar (under $15!)

Instagram Round Up and Fall Favorites

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend like we did here in Birmingham. It was the absolute best weather and it was finally cool enough to break out the fall clothes in full force! I love posting my outfits or as we in the blog world call it "ootd" aka outfit of the day (honestly I have no idea how this became a thing but I love finding out new stores and looks on Insta!). So I'm doing a little round-up on some of my favorite things from the weekend that was on my Instagram (be sure to follow me since I post lots of outfits, fashion, sales, codes, everything on there first!).

 

One trend I am loving this fall is mixing patterns and stripes. A little animal print goes a long way so that's why I loved this scarf. It is subtle with the coloring and can go with pretty much anything! I also really like this one which in a steal at only $20 and you will be wearing all season long and into the spring. As with animal prints, I like stripes easy and this 3/4 quarter length top is perfect to pair with denim or leggings (just make sure it is long enough if you go the leggings route!). Quilted bags are also classic, I got this bag in NYC years ago but this is a great replica and under $20! This whole look will be styled on the blog soon!

 

I am OBSESSED with t-shirt dresses. People at work probably think I have a superhero closet since I essentially wear one of these dresses two or three times a week (maybe more). Piko is my favorite since they have tons of colors and a great price. This beautiful Cobalt Blue Piko paired with my tassel necklace and grey fringe booties is a good way to get a burst of color in the fall. These booties are old, I wore them all last year also so they are a good investment. Here is the exact same pair! I got my pale pink quilted bag during the 75% Kate Spade sale and sadly it's sold out but here is a super similar look and under $50!

 

Friday nights in the fall are some of my favorite times! Scary movies, haunted houses, concerts and such are always on the agenda in October. I love the pairing of my go-to denim cutoffs (I have been wearing non-stop since I got them in the summer) with a casual black tank. Since it is fall all I have to do is throw on a festive kimono and are good to go! I also really like horn necklaces, this one by Accessory Concierge is no exception.

 

Oh and these black fringe booties? Only my favorite to the grey pair I mentioned above! I got these at a local boutique and I'm going to try and find where they came from. In the meantime, take a peak at this similar option for only $25!

You guys know I love Halloween and how perfect is this cup for the most frightful of holidays? I also couldn't resist this adorable pumpkin plate! Both were found on a random trip to Home Goods, they are like Hobby Lobby, so many cute things so little space to put them! Etsy also has some really similar mugs to get you in the spirit.

Stripes and print again for Saturday night football watching and birthday shenanigans for one of my besties! Paired the scarf with my fave denim shorts and this super comfy striped tee which is under $20!

Sunday night I got to celebrate one of my best friends Bday's with a surprise party (we legit all have birthdays in October...including me!). After the party it was time to see the band, Walk the Moon, live. They were AMAZING! If you have the chance, definitely see them in concert. For my look I paired my trusty draped leather jacket, white converse and a $10 dress from Forever 21. I got the dress back in May so unfortunately it sold out but you can get this under $15 long-sleeved version of the dress! Perfect for cooler months and still looks fab with the leather jacket. This is seriously one of my favorite concert looks yet!

The weekend is over...but did you know tonight kicked off ABC Family's 13 Nights of Halloween?? That means Hocus Pocus will be shown almost everyday leading up till Halloween! I LOVE that movie so this festive sweatshirt is all about the Sanderson Sisters and great for running pre-Halloween errands (I still need a costume). Oh and if those errands include Target (which is where I found those cozy black shorts) be sure to pick up one (or four) of these adorable stemless wine glasses! How Hallo-ready are they? Plus, only $1.99 each!

 

Happy Shopping! (check back here for new posts all week!)

xoxo,

Saturday Sales

Happy Saturday babes! Hope you are all having a lovely Saturday morning. I am so happy to be relaxing in my pj's with no plans whatsoever. This is the first weekend I haven't been traveling in a few weeks so I am taking full advantage! No weekend is complete without a little online shopping so here are a few sales that y'all need to check out.

Kate Spade

25% off your entire purchase. Use the code 'INDULGE' at check out! Sale end Sunday (10/19) at 11:59pm.

Belk

Up to 70% off and this link takes you to a special 20% off coupon and 15% off home goods and shoes to use online and in store.

Forever 21

Lots of new fall items that are under $30 and be sure to check out their great sale options!

J. Crew

Extra 40% off all final sales. Use the code ' LAYERUP '

Nordstrom

Lots of new sale items are listed including some great fall boots, leather jackets, and more!

Topshop

Up to 50% off, some really great deals on one of my favorite brands!

Hobby Lobby

50% off  home accents (offer valid today, 10/17). Also, 40% off one regularly priced item with this coupon (can also be used for online purchase, just click "Get Coupon" in right hand corner)

Old Navy

30% of all outerwear. 20% off the rest of your order here! Use the code ' THREEBIE ' sale ends 10/17 (tonight) at 11:59pm.

Wildfox

I love this brand! Lots of sale options including my favorite travel sweater dress!


Enjoy these sales! This is the perfect time to add pieces to your fall wardrobe since stores are making way for winter arrivals. Several of the sales end on Sunday (specifically Kate Spade) at midnight so get to it!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! I feel like this week is flying by, can you believe it is already the middle of October? The weather is finally changing here in the South and I'm so happy to be able to pull out my scarves and boots plus less humidity means less sweaty looks. I have some great looks I'm putting together to style this weekend but in the meantime lets do a little Five Things Friday on a Wednesday...we can call it "What I'm Loving Wednesday", yeah? Just go with it.

1. Furiously Happy : A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

 

One of my favorite bloggers, Jenny Lawson, otherwise known as The Bloggess is back with her second kind-of memoir. Her first was the very funny and clever Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir. Jenny's first book made me laugh out loud and even shed a tear or two. I expect nothing less of her new book.

Furiously Happy

2. The Necessary Basic Dress

 

Let's see this dress is comfy, versatile, perfect for fall, comes in a variety of colors and only $19? Yes, please! I will be styling this dress on the blog soon! T-shirt dresses like this are great base pieces that you can add blanket scarves, vests and accessories to punch up the "wow" factor or keep it basic when you want to look pulled together but can't wear sweats to class or the office.

Necessary Basic Dress

3. Fall Sales

Fall sales are starting now to make room for winter clothes so be on the lookout for some great deals! One of my favorites Shopbop is having their annual "Friends and Family Sale" with the special promotion code ' INTHEFAM25 ' the sale ends tomorrow, 10/14 at 11:59pm. One of my must-have items they sell are the denim bandit shorts, I wear them ALL the time. They are comfy and I seriously have worn them everywhere from movie dates to dinner with my besties to sightseeing in Chicago and being scared to death at Halloween Horror Nights. You can easily dress them up or down! I also really like this easy dress which has a little 70s vibe going on, a beautiful swingy off the shoulder dress, and this baby blue denim dress. I also really like their selection of graphic tees which I love to pair with leggings or skirts along with a leather jacket. There is also a huge Topshop sale going on with items up to 50% off!

Bad Seed Bandits

4. The Walk

I saw this film last Friday night and with it's acting by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and beautiful scenery set back in 70's era New York City, this is a film not to be missed. The true story of Phillip Petit and his journey to fulfill his dream of walking across the World Trade Center towers. Some of the shots are simply breath-taking and it reminds you of happier images in a pre-9/11 world. Check out the trailer here!

5. Scream Queens

Ok if you are like me and love spooky movies then this is the TV Show for you! Not only is it written and created by American Horror Story and Glee's Ryan Murphy it also features Emma Roberts, Nick Jonas, Abigail Breslin, Lea Michelle, Glen Powell and yes, the original Scream Queen herself, Jamie Lee Curtis along with a whole amazing cast of actors on the show. The show is funny, witty and at times quite scary. If you like films such as Scream you will love this show. If you hate horror movies then odds are you will still like it, there is so much humor that it will take away any fear you may have of this season's villain, "the red devil". Halloween is the perfect time to start watching this show and will be easy to get caught up since we are only 5 episodes in!

Scream Queens airs on Tuesday on Fox at 9/8 CT.

Hope you all enjoyed today's picks! Be sure to keep checking back for more fashion, lifestyle, fitness and travel posts each day! I also encourage you to follow me on Instagram for the latest updates.

Also, feel free to email me or comment below with any questions, suggestions or just to say hello!

Enjoy the rest of the day and yay for it being almost Friday!

xoxo,