Monday, October 29, 2012

October Fun Finds

A weekend full of errands led me to some favorite spots "just to look" of course... And here's couple items I found ~ Maybe something you have been on the hunt for as well??

New dining room table runner that can take me through Christmas if I switch out the accessories (Mr. Baggage of course likes to call these items something else...)
This is so delicious!  A mild cheese with a perfect dusting of cinnamon... I'm thinking a goopy, grilled melt with prosciutto and raisin bread with a hearty glass of Zinfandel!
Found this great Burberry scarf look-alike at H&M.  It's HUGE and very warm so for now it is doubling as a light throw across my sofa in the office.
I'm always looking for fun layers for my spiky Stella & Dot bracelet and came across a very sparkly amber beaded bracelet at Forever...
Love this footstool (found for $20 at Marshall's!) that helps me reach the tip top of my shoe shelf... Gotta be able to reach those boots!!
Oh sure - not everything I buy is just for me :)  I found a very modern shaped, worthy of display in the living room cat scratcher that little Moxie loves and Trooper has made himself at home in my new "catch-all" box for mail, magazines... and kittens apparently!
Enjoy the week and get inspired for errands you may need to run this weekend!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Black & Gold Accents

I think a warm, glistening gold tone looks good on everyone and often adds that bit of "wow" when paired with blackest black.  So, as the Holiday Season approaches I am often drawn to a classic, sophisticated look of keeping my outfit super simple and adding in bold statements with black & gold accessories.  I've been on the hunt for a few easy, affordable items that can effortlessly transform an LBD, jeans & tee or a polished pencil skirt & blouse. Here's a few I've found so far:


Skinny belts with some gold shimmer are perfect for accenting your LBD waistline or holding up your most coveted, comfy pair of boyfriend jeans. 
A nice, sturdy cuff bracelet - love this Art Deco design!  Modern with a classic twist.  
Much like the cuff above, you can add this big statement necklace alone to an overall simple style for a bit of instant glam.
I am currently obsessing over glittery gold eyeliner!  I think it is a perfect finishing touch to a smokey eye and adds just the right amount of sparkle to the inner or outer corners of your eye.  

Kick up your heels!  Perfect shape with just the right amount of sparkle
Black Hosiery or warm tights with a little gold goes a long way in adding a little texture.  I'd pair this cute polka dot pair with a knee length pencil skirt for a some lady-like whimsy at the office.

Have a fantastic Weekend!


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Pumpkin & Brie Bites

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter is back on the shelves and I bought a bag full this weekend!  It's a yummy treat that really goes with just about everything, so this time in preparation for a few last minute visitors I quickly paired it with creamy-salty accompaniments for a super rich small bite... Give it a try!

3 items:  Marcona almonds seasoned with sea salt and rosemary, triple creme French brie, Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter
Use a basic butter cracker (skip anything with a flavor) or a fresh baguette, allow the brie to soften to about room temperature so it's easier to spread, drizzle with a bit of the pumpkin butter and top it off with a nice, salty almond.  The flavors combined are pure heaven!
This goes best with a slightly sweet and bubbly Prosecco ~ Nino Franco is one of my favorites!
Wrap a jar up pretty with a mini spoon, parchment paper and some twine and deliver as a hostess gift!  Nothing says LOVE like pumpkin butter ;)
Click HERE for another yummy treat I made last Fall.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Smokey Rose

I cannot walk into the drugstore without coming out with a new lipstick shade to try out and this past week I found a beautiful neutral shade by Revlon called Smokey Rose.  It's a matte pearl shade that works perfectly for a pared down look when you create more of a intense, darker palette with your eyes.  I know you've heard this before - the more you "do up" the eyes, the more subtle your lips should be, and this combo below helps you do just that.  It's just plain pretty!

After a nice application with Revlon's Smokey Rose I applied a soft swipe of a gloss I received in my October Birchbox samples, Chantecaille's Charm.
What you get is a soft color that is a perfect neutral for any skin type... And a rule I learned from a Smashbox Makeup Artist is that you should always try to match your lips to your cheeks... It's a snap to do that with this shade... Just add a bit of the lipstick to the apples of your cheeks with a little bronzer - perfect match!

Monday, October 15, 2012

October Giveaway!

This month, I'm all about the baggage!!
And so is Ann Fortune - Winner of the October Giveway!
Congratulations!
  
From October 15 - 19, 2012 go to the Major Baggage Facebook page by clicking HERE and simply hit "like" under the October Giveaway post to enter your name in a random drawing to win this amazing bag... It's really just that easy!

Major Must-Have... Faux leather satchel in a Chevron pattern, lots of shimmer and a touch of this season's most wanted deep burgundy - LOVE!
Oh, did I mention the tassel??  
One lucky winner will be announced on Saturday, October 20th... Yippee!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Comforting Cocktail

Last Fall I was introduced to a delicious & simple late evening beverage that mixes almonds and a classic English tea!  The piping hot tea brought together with a rich almond liqueur is a perfect ending to a long day or celebratory night!

Nothing difficult about this mix, but the flavors are super comforting.  Give it a stir with a little cinnamon stick and make sure to have a couple pieces of decadent chocolate to wash it down with!

My favorite brand as it is super aromatic with hints of lavender.
For a single serving...
One nice shot of Amaretto and it's all GOOD!
It's simple, not too strong and oh so soothing - Mix a batch or make a single serving!  Cheers!

Friday, October 12, 2012

The Classic Trench... With a Twist

The first rain of the season along with wonderful, chilly weather has come to LA and so it was time bring out my ever so coveted classic trench coat (everyone should have one, BTW).  And while it's absolutely perfect on its own, I do like to change it up a bit and maybe add a more interesting belt than what it comes with.  My inspiration was confirmed when I saw the 2012 Burberry Autumn / Winter Runway pics...

Burberry above and below...

While I wouldn't turn down a Burberry trench, it certainly is not required to get this same great look with a more mainstream, tried & true London Fog...

Double-Breasted, Classic Trench found HERE at Macy's!
Then just substitute the tie belt for something more interesting!  I pulled out all kinds of styles from my own closet so you could see all the possibilities... Of course, H&M, Zara or Forever 21 are the perfect sources for starting a well-rounded and affordable collection.

These sturdier, more utilitarian belts have an amazing way of bringing out a very flattering waistline!
And then of course you can add in pops of color, studs and a little shimmer... No harm in that!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

White Lights

I popped into Target to get a few bags of Halloween candy... A bit early, I know so we'll see how long it lasts under my care before I have to go back for more!!  I also happened to peruse the aisles with all the Christmas decorations and came across the massive shelves full of all the holiday lights.  I like to stock up on the white twinkle lights since they are appropriate all year round and so a few boxes came home with me and on a recent browsing of Pinterest I found some very clever ideas to use them for!

Milk carton ghosts for Halloween!  Cut a hole in the back and feed in the lights - Perfect illumination!
Skip adding your empties to the recycle bin, they are perfect lighting accessories to your mantle, bar cart or as a dining table centerpiece.

In this picture the hula hoop is first wrapped in lace... I'm sure any type of ribbon or fabric will do, but I'm thinking a rustic burlap with it's great texture would work.
Start decorating the trees as they start to lose their leaves!
From Apartment Therapy... White lights (with the white cords) behind sheer, white curtains.  So dreamy!
Simply draped over a wardrobe mirror - lovely for an entryway!
Head over to a craft store, like Michael's or Joanne Fabrics and you are sure to find mirrored garland.  Cascade down the top of a curtain rod (with or without curtains) and mix in the lights for amazing sparkle.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

First Fall Weekend

I'm sure you have heard enough about our brutal heat wave that hit LA for the past month, but I am going to venture it's safe to say we are officially into our Fall season and to celebrate I headed out these past couple of days to soak it all in!

Amazing pumpkins found at Trader Joe's and a trip to the Montrose Farmer's Market... My Trooper Boy jumped in the basket to join, but poor guy had to be coaxed out - No kittens allowed in the market :)
I saw many posts from friend's this weekend mentioning they were heading up to Oak Glen for  apple picking!  Mr. Baggage and I did this last Fall, so I pulled up a couple pics from the trip.  We were a little nervous about drinking un-pasteurized cider, but it all ended well.  
Pulled out a couple pairs of my well worn wedges to carry me through another season.  Cobalt blue is a must-have color this year...  Find a way to add some touches to your look.
Treasures dropped from the birds... One big sunflower found blooming in the backyard!


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Purely Pumpkin Inspired

I am seriously ready for some Halloween pumpkin ideas and quite honestly, the less carving the better! Below are a few fun finds I have been collecting from various sources.  Lots of inspiration... I may have to try them all!

Melted crayon drippings - These are so cool! (details HERE)
Black and bejeweled!  Black spray paint, touch of silver on the stem and use hot glue or E6000 to glue on the sparkles.  (inspiration from thegirlnextdior)
Lace stocking slipped over a pumpkin - genius and so pretty!  (Pinterest)
White spray painted with black letter decals.  I'll be hitting Michael's this weekend! (BHG)
Super cute!  Gauze and googly eyes - OK - easy enough! (BHG)
No wood burning in my fireplace... Yes, I'm filling it with pumpkins!! (Good Housekeeping)
Chalkboard painted!  

Any other amazing ideas I need to know about??  Do tell!