Fall Caper

It's not quite the middle of August and already the leaves are starting to turn golden red and brown. So, now I am thinking about may fall wardrobe, and I can't help but think CAPES! I love the classic look of capes, although I don't always enjoy wearing them because sometimes I can't use my arms and other times I just feel like a walking tent. However, I am willing to risk looking like an armless, walking tent because the cape is back. Plus, many capes now feature handy slits down the sides allowing one's arms to swing free, which seals the deal for me.

All photos via Pinterest

Things i LOVE Thursday

Shopping at Lush

Last night I couldn't resist purchasing Lush's Sunny Side Bubble Bar, which is covered in gold glitter.

Eating a Mrs. Fields sandwich cookie

Sometimes a trip to the mall requires a stop at Mrs. Fields, where the florescent lights and high-calorie cookies scream sweet nothings to the shoppers passing by.

Watching Waitress

The tagline for this movie should read, "Pie. Nathan Fillion. Delicious."

Listening to music on Spotify

Spotify offers free, online streaming of tons of music - including plenty of new releases. Mat Kearney's Young Love is worth a listen.

Hearting this *Roller Girl* Roller Skate Necklace

This takes me back to when I was seven, and I'd skate around the neighborhood bike path in my Barbie roller skates. I love that the wheels spin on this necklace. Another thing I'm adding to my want list...

What are you loving this week?

Sewing and the Fashion Blogger

Sewing is getting to be a lost art. What was once a necessary life skill passed down from mother to daughter has now become the provence of the diyer and the eccentric. It's a shame really. Along with writing, photography, and html, basic sewing skills would be an immense addition to the fashion blogger's arsenal. Having the ability to make something beautiful to wear is empowering and creates endless possibilities for achieving a unique look.

There is a down side to sewing your own clothes. In some affluent areas there is a belief that sewing your own clothes means you are too poor to afford the real thing. For other people, homemade clothes conjure up images of Little House on the Prairie style dresses worn by women in certain religious sects. However, thanks to design shows such as Project Runway and the emergence fashion minded entrepreneurs launching lines from their homes, sewing is poised to be cool again.

Just like mixing Chanel with H&M, homemade clothes should be worn with store bought items, unless you have mad sewing skills and are launching your own clothing line. Sewing allows you to make that blouse you haven't been able to find in stores or to create your own designer inspired coat. When it comes to wearing homemade clothes, there is no better compliment than, "Where did you buy that?"

Today I am wearing a skirt I made using a Cynthia Rowley pattern from Simplicity. I'm, also, wearing a StyleMint tee, American Apparel scarf, and Boutique 9 shoes. In the background is my current sewing project - a Cinderella inspired ball gown.

If you want to learn how to sew, check out your local Jo-Ann Fabric store for lessons.

Other resources for sewers:

• Colette Patterns
• BurdaStyle
• Martha Stewart

For more of my handiwork, check out Passage To the North.

What skills do you think are important for fashion blogging?

Weekend Dreaming

Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance

but disappear when you get up close to them.

~John Shirley

Miu Miu Glitter-finish leather pumps, The Row Sandhurst leather pencil skirt, Mulberry Bayswater leather bag

Is it really time to start planning a fall wardrobe? Already, autumn wish lists are popping up on blogs, and school supplies are flying off shelves. While it is still quite warm and muggy outside, it won't be long before the leaves start to change colors and the air turns nippy. However, I can't think about fall quite yet. This weekend is all about soaking up the remaining days of summer and dreaming of pretty things I'd like to wear to fabulous events still unknown.

Things i LOVE Thursday

Listening to Andy Grammer's "Keep Your Head Up"

This is such a lovely song for those days that don't go quite as planned.

Wanting this ASOS Clean Line Buckle Satchel

I've been wanting to buy a satchel for at least the last year, but I always end up splurging elsewhere. However, this metallic bag is too shiny to pass up.

Hearting this Travel Cupcake Holder

This carrier is so clever and the perfect way to take a cupcake in your lunch.

Rereading Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility

I love the two sisters in this novel. Sometimes I feel more like Elinor and other times like Marianne, but whatever my mood, I know that I'll be able to identify with one of the Dashwood ladies.

What are you loving?

Day-Timer and the Importance of Time Management

Time management is something I struggle with - I'm a procrastinator and will look for any excuse to avoid an unpleasant task; after all, life will go on whether or not the laundry gets done. However, to be successful in work and in life, it is important to learn how to prioritize and keep to a schedule.

Something I have learned is the importance of having a planner. I feel absolutely lost without a place to jot down appointments and make notes to myself.

This Portable Deluxe Sienna Starter Set Organizer from Day-Timer has plenty of pockets for stashing credit and discount cards as well as a zippered compartment for change or receipts. I like that each day gets a separate page, and there is even room for a to-do list and expense record.

Check out these links for ideas about time management:

• 15 Principles for Organizing Your Business Life
• Use your daily action list
• General Tips

Full disclosure: Day-Timer provided the Portable Deluxe Sienna Starter Set and Portable One Page Per Day Filler for me to review.

What are your tips for time management?

Going Back to Black for Amy Winehouse

Known for her turbulent life as much as for her soulful voice and rockabilly style, Amy Winehouse was and will continue to be influential in the fashion and music industries. Whether she was singing about a failed relationship or about not wanting to go to rehab, Amy's style was always recognizable. This week's IFB Project asks bloggers to pay tribute to the late singer by channeling her unique look.

I admit the hair should be higher (where's a bumpit when you need one?) and the eyeliner could be more exaggerated, but it's the attempt that matters. Right?

I wore a long, black slip, which I belted over a cami and full skirt, and black, peep toe pumps to complete the look.