Fall-ing In Style

I woke up this morning to a noticeably crisp autumn air and temperature. Finally! Every August I eagerly (impatiently) wait for the humongous September issues of fashion magazines like Vogue to hit the bookstores. It's how I make a focused shopping list of the season's must- have items and set a budget. It has been unbearably hot; with the onset of cooler weather perhaps I can finally don my fashion finds of the season!

Some of my favorites, by category:

1. Dresses

I love this MARC by Marc Jacobs dress!
The cut, the color(s), the adorable neckline, vintage vibe...

Button Duo dress, Anthropologie

2. Jackets

I prefer fitted blazers over the boyfriend style; J.Crew

Zara

I am seeing leather jackets everywhere, in all fit, colors, and prices! I already have a leather jacket that I bought a few years ago so it's not on my list to purchase.

leather jacket at Bloomingdales

this leather blazer by Elizabeth and James is perfect; it's polished without looking matronly

3. Skirts

Part sweet, part rock-and-roll skirt by Nanette Lepore

Sidestep skirt, Anthropologie

Corduroy? Check. Pencil- cut? Check. Flattering? Check! J.Crew

4. Statement coat~ I've been accused numerous times of having a coat fetish (smiles sheepishly). I confess that it's my downfall--- it's difficult to pick just one every season!

Are white coats impractical?A beautiful Suzabelle "Lark" coat

Tulle's version

You've probably seen this famous Elimovna coat on many blogs. It's gorgeous and unique! Every time I go to Anthropologie I stop to admire it. Too bad it's $300... *le sigh* I don't think it will go on sale, judging from the out-of-stock sizes online.

A neutral coat with special detailing J.Crew

I bought a yellow peacoat last fall, and received so many compliments on it. I love this J.Crew version as well.

military style coat in a fun color, Old Navy

Suzabelle "Cinema" coat

Miss Poppins car coat, at Ruche

5. Shoes ~ I'm partial to boots and embellished ballet flats

Narration boots

Chie Mihara "Piet" boots--- so Parisian!

Kate Spade "Neely"

6. Handbag~ I am loving the following bags by Kooba, for the leather, the versatility, and the color

"Brett"

"Cleo"

7. Jewelry

key necklaces by Tiffany

I'm a sucker for the key motif. However, I don't have money to burn on one necklace. Fortunately I walked into Forever 21 last week and found a wallet- friendly version for $6. I wasn't looking for an investment piece, so I'm thrilled with my purchase!



8. Tights~ These are staples in my wardrobe. I buy several each fall season, either at TJ Maxx or Target.

Tights at Orla Kiely

Colorful tights at Kate Spade

Now it's your turn. What are your fashion favorites for autumn?

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Design Goes Postal

I am seeing a plethora of inspiration from postcards and hand-written letters. It reminds of my pen pal days. In fact, I still find myself yearning for a pen pal just so I can use up my stationery!

A few scanned images from the current issue of Marie Claire Idees:

I'll take the chair, pillow, and cat s'il vous plaît!

The "wallpaper" is actually comprised of postcards that were enlarged, then printed from a copier

I may have to get the following pillows:

From AliceLookingGlass

From Ooh LiLi

Postage crafts: Making Memories "Passport Collection" stickers; Cavallini rubber stamps; craft postage via Marie Claire Idees

How fabulous are these table cards from a wedding reception? via perfect bound

Finally, here's a "par avion" top by Sonia Rykiel:

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Weekend Off

As you may have noticed, my posting here has been, to put it succinctly, inconsistent. This weekend was my first full weekend off from work in 3 weeks. I've been working 10 days straight, on average, with my two jobs. I thought about taking a hiatus from blogging, but I take this blog seriously so I would rather not do that. Thank you to all my loyal readers for putting up with my transgressions!


Anyway, I took the opportunity to visit the local Sanseido bookstore this past Sunday. I visit the shop every few months for Japanese magazines and stationery goods. It was a great day to visit, because the Cath Kidston mooks (magazine books) were on display. It's tough to find CK products in the U.S.; so sad that the company got rid of the American e-tail site a few years ago. The mook came with a pouch and tote. Some pics of the CK mook and tote:

the tote bag can be folded and place in the pouch

voila!

the cupcake looks more enticing on a CK plate ;)

I dig this outfit

The other CK things I own:

The Autumn 2009 CK catalog straight from the UK and a mini planner/ agenda

Unbeknownst to me until today, blogger Rouge Deluxe also posted photos of the CK mook and bag last week. Read for her take on them here.

You know what else is cool about having the weekend off? Having the time to make these:

Beignets!

I hope you had a nice weekend too! :)

*all photos by La Petite Maison

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Designing Jane

Did you know that it's the opening day of the annual Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England? Established in 2001, the celebration draws the author's fans from all over the world. I am nowhere near Bath at the moment, but this post is dedicated to one of my favorite writers! :)

We have seen Jane Austen's works come alive in films through the costumes and staging sets. The English Regency style (1790- 1840) during Austen's time combined the Greco- Roman influences with chinoiserie (Compendium of Interior Styles).

gilt convex mirror from Objets Plus

An eternally classic drop- leaf table, from One of a Kind Antiques
I would use this as a desk or as a dining table

Did you know that there's even a home furnishings boutique called Jane Austen at Home, in San Francisco? Katie posted about the shop on her blog; seems like a must- see the next time I'm in SF. Check out this 1820's chair:

via katiedid

Some examples of how to incorporate Jane Austen into home design:

Top to bottom, left to right:
~wall quote decal, etsy
~Washington,DC- based designer Raji Radhakrishnan's living room is a hybrid of English Regency and mid-century modern, via Metropolitan Home
~via Studio Annetta
~bedroom by Hickory Chair

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Happy Frugal Friday: Back to School Special

It will be a long weekend here in the USA in celebration of Labor Day. It also marks the last weekend of summer for most people. I'm excited to usher in autumn, so what better way to kick off the season (heh heh, a pun for us football fans!) with cute and inexpensive school/ office supplies? Happy Friday everyone!


1.scented pencils, Smencils 2.envelope set, PaPaYa 3. cloud tape, kikki K. 4.staple-free stapler, via Greenraising


1. Thomas Paul pencil cups; 2. journal, via heliotrope ; 3. Oh Joy! mailers, via Chronicle Books ; 4. file folders, Cavallini

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