NEW YORK ESSENTIALS

 

 

Sequin top, $19 / H&M / Black leather jacket / Warehouse pleated skirt, $64 / ASOS shoes / Jane Norman wedge heels, $56 / Anne Klein / Pendant jewelry / A|X Armani Exchange floppy hat

In four more days I'll be waking up to sweet, stinky air, obnoxiously loud sounds, slightly rude people and excruciatingly higher shopping prices. I couldn't be happier.

 

 I've been in total freak-out mode trying to pull together my wardrobe for the ten days I'll be in the big apple which prompted me to put together a few fun "essentials" sets for some much needed inspiration.

 

Hope you enjoy them! Part I features pieces that are all under $100!

ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER

{LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF via SCISSORKIX On ETSY}

Oh, I know you've all missed me terribly. It's okay! I'm back now! 

Mostly.

After a little over a week's hiatus I'm trying to get back into the blogging swing. Things have been... interesting... this past week. Here's a little summary of what's been going on in my life, what to expect in the future from LM, and a bit of welcome / exciting news!

You haven't seen me updating lately for these three reasons:

1. I'm reading Cloud Atlas. I can't put it down! I'm trying to devour it as quickly as possible before the movie debuts the 26th of this month. I originally bought it for some heavy, five hour flight reading (which I'll delve into further in a moment) but once I picked it up, I couldn't stop.


I'm also loving my Kindle - which I've had for several months but haven't really used up until I bought Cloud Atlas. What a spectacular device! I'm sad to see less bound books in the world, but Kindle has totally won me over. Save the trees. 

Check out Cloud Atlas on Amazon, the amazing trailer HERE, or my personal favorite - songs from the movie: Cloud Atlas Sextet & M83 - Outro

{Image HERE}

2. I got sick and lost my voice for three days. Yay. Which brings me to the next topic: Natural Health! Expect a few natural living / natural health posts sandwiched between my fashion and DIY musings. I was fortunate to be raised in a home where a lot of emphasis was put on natural alternatives, which makes it a very real and very personal topic that I'd love to start sharing more of with you! 

3. And above all - my best news: I'm going to New York! Alright, well it isn't permanent, so all of my Nashville readers don't have to mourn my absence (haha) but I will be spending a solid ten wonderful days in the Big Apple surrounded by sweet friends and sweet shopping spots. If you're a blogger in the NYC area and you'd like to meet up for shopping / drinks / lunch - you should contact me! It could be fun! 

I'm really excited to share my upcoming New York posts! Expect a flood of those in the very near future. A FLOOOOOD.

{365 Days of Hand Lettering by Lisa Congdon HERE}

FASHION ON THE FLOOR BOARDS

SIX SPIRITED HALLOWEEN DIYS

Pumpkin Party Cooler via Martha Stewart

 

Get your claws on some old fashioned bottled soda, hollow out some pumpkin guts and get the party started with this adorable and remarkably easy DIY! You could also fill it with small liquor bottles. Yeah, I said it.

 

 

RHINESTONE BLOOD TOP via Pinterest

This would be so much fun to DIY! Get together some red food coloring / clothing dye and a few packets of red sequins. This would look great with zombie or skeleton makeup. Classic and ghoulish! { I think this might be from an earlier Alexander McQueen collection - but I'm not sure. If you know, leave a comment? }

 

 

LACE WRAPPED CANDLES via Country Living

I love multi-seasonal ideas, and this one is perfect. Use black lace for Halloween or try red or gold for Christmas! Then of course there's always Valentines Day, but I'll try not to get too ahead of myself.

 

Matte Black Pumpkin via Sweet Paul Mag

Black matte paint is my favorite. On everything. Nails, decorations, lipstick, shoes. You name it. The only thing better than a black pumpkin, is a matte black pumpkin. You could take this a few steps further and paint on some chevron stripes, your home's address number, or add some glitter for an extra glamorous touch.

 

 

 

 

VAMPIRE LIPS SWEATER via Sprikles In Spring

How cute is this? Another all-season goody. You can wear this all fall! Hell. I'm pretty confident in saying that you could wear this 'sucker' {haha} right into Valentine's Day. Nothing says love like something sucking the life out of you, right?

 

 

 

 

Poor Lost Soul Makeup via Pinterest

I thought this makeup was so neat. It's really simple, creative and easy to embellish to add your own flair. Try a floral headcrown, a lace head wrap or some hardcore statement jewelry. Limitless options, kids. I couldn't find the source - so once again, if you know - leave a comment below! 

NINE FALL FAVORITES

 

Etro / Miso printed shirt, $16 / Orange coat / Yves Saint Laurent , $1,680 / Monki Lace bra, $16 / Loeffler Randall high heels / DANNIJO twist jewelry / Floppy hat

NASHVILLE LOCALS: WANDERLUST + GIVEAWAY

WANDERLUST

1. HERE // 2. HERE

When you combine a love affair with jewelry and an equally as passionate love of geology, you end up with the kind of scientifically chic genius that practically pours out of Nashville local Misty Madonna Hays' mind. 

She's brought her wares to the attention of crystal and stone lovers alike with a great eye for color, texture and wear-appeal with equally as appealing prices.

MISTY MADONNA OF WANDERLUST:

"I started Wanderlust because I've always loved geology ever since I was a kid. I first went gem hunting in undergrad for spring break and ever since then I was  hooked. I go at least once a year. All the gems are handpicked / discovered by me. 

I came up with the name from my love of traveling & the Johnny Cash song "Don't Take Your Guns to Town." It launched Jan.13,2012.

Wanderlust has been featured in Meuse Magazine-Washington, Non Magazine-Latin America & several publications in California.

Wanderlust specializes in crystal & gem jewelry including quartz, amethyst, Australian opal, emerald, moonstone, black tourmaline, ruby, aventurine, kyanite & iolite."

You can find Misty & Wanderlust on Etsy // Facebook // MistyMadonna.com

1. HERE // 2. HERE // 3. HERE 

GIVEAWAY


Win a Tourmaline Ring!

Like WANDERLUST + LE MINIMALIST on Facebook for a chance to win! Leave your comment below and let us know that you've liked us and leave us an email address where we can contact you. Winner will be chosen randomly October 26th and notified via email! 

SIX QUICK HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR GIRLS ON THE GO

FRIDA KAHLO

How easy would this be? Skip your monthly wax and grow out that uni, or create your own using an eyebrow pencil. Bust out that summery flower headpiece one last time, and then accessorize with big, bold baubles and bright blush! 

CARRIE BRADSHAW 

Oh, the many stages of Carrie. You can be pre-Mr. Big Carrie, Wild and free Carrie, or Married Carrie! How about Aidan Carrie. That Carrie was my favorite Carrie. This whole Paragraph now contains eight 'Carries'. Those circa 1990's Minolos that you've been waiting for an excuse to actually wear - well this is it. Don't forget that signature gold "Carrie" name tag necklace. NINE! 

SUGAR SKULL

If your Hallo-week has you floating around to twenty different parties, "makeup costumes" are the perfect way to go. It doesn't require much to put together or a lot of $$ - it only requires you to have patience & a steady hand.  You can get a few ideas for designs from Google Images or check out Pinterest! 

BJORK // SWAN DRESS 

So. Much. Fun. I found an easy / cute / creative DIY over at Syl and Sam of this exact dress. If you've got some time to spare before Halloween and a sewing machine, give this costume a whirl. 

ZOMBIE / SKELETON GIRL

You can get a pretty good idea of what you need / how to create this look with these two easy to follow instructional videos via Youtube: HERE & HERE. I'll be in NYC for Halloween and need to save room in my suitcase for what really matters. Clothes. 

This is also another cheapie costume - which leaves me $$ to spend on MORE clothes. 

MEDUSA 

Sultry and sensational. I love the unlimited possibilities in this costume. Be as creative or minimal with the idea as you want! If you're feeling lazy, you can always just glue some snakes to a headband, right? Or how about this amazing snake skin textured lip tutorial?

MUSIC BREAKDOWN // SAM SPARRO - BLACK & GOLD

 Sam Sparro for German fashion magazine TUSH

SAM SPARRO - BLACK & GOLD {Spotify}

I think of autumn and beer pong at the neighbor's house. I think of Asheville, North Carolina and the chill of mountain air.  It brings me the kind of joy and warmth you get when you're surrounded by Christmas lights or handed a package of fresh, home baked cookies. 

I'm talking of course, about the flood of feeling that emerges when you're listening to an old, nostalgia inducing song. A song is like an old friend that you revisit time and time again - to get caught up, to learn something new, to just smile back at one another. 

Those strange, childish, heart feeling... things.

When I was first introduced to this song about four years ago, I was spellbound. I couldn't stop listening, and I haven't since. 

What songs make you feel? How do you tie them into your life? If you had to pick 12 songs to be the permanent soundtrack to your life, what would they be? 

BLACK

Calvin Klein bra / Wedge trainers / Zara leather shoes / Canvas handbag / Jas MB backpack bag / Foley + Corinna black handbag / Catarzi straw fedora hat, $48 / Stila waterproof mascara / Butter London , $27 / Diptyque Baies Noir Candle

GOLD

Bandolera metallic leather jacket / Dorothy Perkins sequin blazer / Christian Louboutin platform booties / Esquivel low heels / Lanvin metallic clutch, $1,460 / Gold handbag / Alex and Chloe yellow gold ring / Warehouse metallic belt, $23 / Burberry

ON DISPLAY

Geometric Window Display via Atelier Beau Travail in Paris { photo: Bloesem }

 Pastel Tassel Garland Via  STYLEMEPRETTY

Comfy Cozy Clutter via 

Debi Treloar Photography

FAVORITE FALL OUTERWEAR // UNDER $100

Motorcycle Jacket / Trench coat / Tweed Coat 

LATE NIGHT SNACK: GREEN GODDESS GRILLED CHEESE

 

GREEN GODDESS GRILLED CHEESE

I can absolutely promise you that this refreshing take on an old classic is just as delicious as it looks. After giving this easy any occasion sandwich a try I was so impressed that I knew this had to be the next Late Night Snack feature. A few of my friends also gave it a try and now swear by its awesomeness. This is perfect for those of you who are meat-free, and for those of you who can't eat anything without meat - you can always add bacon. You know, because bacon fixes everything.

Find the recipe from Taste Spotting HERE