Falling for Fall

How gorgeous are these photos? It literally made me stop and take a few shots. It almost looked like a backdrop for a photo studio. Imagine a family or couple perched out in front of the hay bales and assorted pumpkins. I had to stop and grab my iPhone to take a few shots and really savor the colors and smells of this display.

Let me let you in on a little secret....these pictures were not taken at some far off country patch hours from the house. They were actually taken at our local Trader Joe's. For real! Customers must have thought I was crazy squatting and kneeling down to get the shots. The colors were amazing and who doesn't love a pumpkin display. I had already done some decorating with some .99 store pumpkins (yea, no joke, they were .99). I thought last year was a good deal when I got them for like three bucks at Walmart. I also picked up some cheapy hay bales at Michael's to set the fall harvest tone. Today, I was getting a few TJ items that normally do not come out until the fall including their amazing pumpkin bread mix. I hadn't been in in a long time and what I was really looking for were Trader Joe's  "Joe Joe's" chocolate Halloween sandwich cookies. I could not find them which either means they sold out or didn't produce them this year.

I was also picking up a Cinnamon Broom. In the past, I have tried the cinnamon pine cones. I just put the whole bag in a glass bowl or metal container on the coffee table or mantle. They give off a very strong smell. This time, I wanted to try the broom. It's a little shaggy thing made out of who knows what and scented with cinnamon oil. However, they don't exactly go with my decor so what I do is leave it in the bag, then across the bag lengthwise and remove the plastic while keeping plastic on the bottom. This way, you won't stain any carpets or furniture. I then put it under one of our couches. The subtle scent permeates the air but you can't quite figure out where it's coming from. PLUS, it's super cheap, $3.99 to fragrance and freshen your house for fall. I think they actually call it a whisk or whatnot. It stands about 3' tall.

I'll be updating with another economical fall decorating tip soon. In the meantime, bundle up, snuggle up and cuddle up!

Target Treasures - No Digging Required

It's nice to see Target bringing in some classic designs and lines. There's was quite the hullabaloo with the Philip Lim line which I didn't find to be quite my style. Plus, at some point, don't you become just a "poser" wearing the Target version as opposed to the real thing, the real thing that even I wouldn't spend my money on. Honestly, some of the designer launches really have been less than stellar.
So while on my recent visit, I came across some real gems. I've mentioned it before so I'll mention it again. I am usually someone that buys classic pieces as opposed to more trendier options, things that will continue to be in style even years from now. I came across these three pieces that I think are just fabulous.

Image via Target

The first is a women's sequin top in black and white. First, you cannot go wrong in any season with black or white. Second, it's only $24.99 whereas you probably would expect to pay at least double at stores like Black/White Market, Talbots, Ann Taylor and more. I was pleasantly surprised by the fabric of this top and detailing, most notably this tiny gold button on the upper neckline in back. Plus, the sequins looked well sewn on and almost had an ombre or gradient look to the design. This can definitely be worn with a lovely pencil skirt, black pants or even some dark skinny jeans. It definitely can become an actively worn staple.

Image via Target

The second item is a black and white hounds-tooth ponte dress. I am generally not a big fan of ponte. Sometimes I find it almost too heavy in both weight and temperature. This dress is rather soft and smooth, and the hounds-tooth print is classic as ever. Worn either with boots or some dressy heels or maybe a jacket, you can go from day to night effortlessly. I feel hounds-tooth never really goes out of style.

Image via Target

Finally, I found this faux leather long sleeved tee which at first, I wasn't sure I could rock but after trying it and buying it, I paired it with some Old Navy skinny jeggings and booties and it looks amazing. Plus, this bangle bracelet really adds some sparkle.

What treasures have you found lately?

Obsessing About Sweater Weather and Jackets

You know they say it never rains in California obviously wasn't outside yesterday during the rare rainstorm we had. It was a welcome change from the excessively hotter days these past few weeks. The leaves are actually starting to change here a bit. I am sure they are brighter and more colorful in other parts of Cali, but here on the coast, they definitely have that bit of maroon and gold. We literally had at least a 20 degree drop within 36 hours. As we scrambled to shut every last window in our home, the chilled air began to roll in along with some fog. It was actually very cold, chilling to the bone kind of cold and damp. We still had a few summer blankets on the bed so the Challenges all "froze to death" as they say. Seldom do we really get to bust out the winter clothes and jackets. But, there's that word again, obsessing. Seems every blogger out there is using it to describe their total need to pre-occupy themselves with a single emotion or topic.

Image via Old Navy

I was obsessing because I got to use my new jacket! Almost never do I wear a jacket. Usually it's a cardigan or some hoodie-type thing so, yes, I am obsessing. I am kind of over shorts and dresses for a while. Anyway, I had bought a new jacket for our trip to China. I needed something light but that would keep us warm in the early winter weeks in Asia. This was exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, it was only sold online. The first size I bought was too big and exchanged it for one size down. As a bit curvy, I had to make sure I could zip it and wear a light sweater or tunic underneath. It has a removable interior liner. The hood also removes easily. The drawstring cinch waist is helpful so that you don't look like a potato sack. The coat is not frumpy but rather trendy and stylish. It only comes in black so hopefully they will offer up some other colors. Red would look amazing! Plus, I think I had some ON promo code on top of my ON bucks which brought the coat down to like $29!

How are you gearing up for the fall and winter seasons?

Rain blobs thru the sunroof