Happy Halloween.

Image via toptenz.net

Although I have no plans to dress up this year, I simply adore Halloween. If I were dressing up I'd chose to wear a heavy black crepe structured dress and these Maison Michel rabbit ears. Who says you can't be festive and chic at the same time? 

Counter Culture.

Confession: I am a beauty product junkie. Any makeup emporium is comparable to a candy store in my world, and I LOVE to sample the goods. Although I always have my tried and true favorites, I enjoy playing around, testing new products, trying the newest, hottest, latest. I've lucked out with several really great products lately, and they're too good not to share!

1. If there's one thing I am obsessed with, it's lashes. I am completely preoccupied with creating the longest, blackest, most lush eyelashes possible. In fact, when I get eyelash extensions I always beg the technician to make me look like Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street. (No, really.) In between, when I'm forced to use mascara, nothing usually compares to extensions... until now. I received a mini tube of Benefit's They're Real mascara in my Sephora birthday gift and I am hooked. Previously, I've always been majorly underwhelmed with Benefit's mascara- Bad Gal flakes, their discontinued Get Bent did nothing for me, but They're Real? I may never need eyelash extensions again. I LOVE it that much. You can find it here.
2. I ordered Chantecaille's Les Macarons palette a while ago and it's only just come into regular rotation, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. It's a small palette, comprised of 2 eyeshadows, a blush, a highlighter, and a lip gloss and all the shades are so beautiful and flattering, the lip gloss in particular. It's a perfect pink with gold flecks so it reflects light beautifully and doesn't need frequent touch ups. Grab yours here.

Today.

Image via thedailymail.co.uk

Prince George of Cambridge was christened today in London. This is hands down my favorite shot- his mother, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge regal in bespoke Alexander McQueen, and Prince George in a replica of Queen Victoria's christening gown. Lovely.

Image via thedailymail.co.uk

This shot is lovely as well. 

The Essentials: Wardrobe Staples 11-15

We're going to finish up the list with items I'd describe as frosting. I've covered all the garments that are necessary, so here are some accessories that will liven up those basics!

Image via Chanel.com

11. Red lipstick- I don't care what you've been told in the past, there's a flattering shade of red lipstick for everyone. If you are paler it's wise to choose a color with blue undertones, and if you're more olive skinned a shade with orange undertones will suit you best. It's worth it to play around until you find the right one. Don't say you can't carry it off either- studies have shown men look longer at women with red lips. If that isn't an incentive, I don't know what is. Red lips will up your sex appeal and pull your look together.

12. Gold Watch- With the invention of cell phones I've seen many people stop wearing watches and it's frustrating. Watches are one of the most classic and functional pieces of jewelry one can own! Also if you invest in something as nicely made as a Cartier watch it can become a family heirloom that can be passed down to your children and grandchildren! I prefer a chunky gold watch, even a man's watch because there's something a little naughty about looking like you snagged your man's watch. A definite must have in my book.

Sunglasses by Ray Ban
Image via net-a-porter.com

13. Sunglasses- Sunglasses, or sunnies as I call them, are one of my favorite accessories. They are the epitome of chic and glamour, and an easy item of incognito when need be. My favorite sunglasses designer is Tom Ford but if you would like something at a lower price point you can't go wrong with a classic pair of Ray Bans, either the Wayfarer or the Aviator. The Wayfarers were of course sported by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and the Aviators were sported by basically everyone in Top Gun. You can't go wrong with either stylish classic!

Boots by Hermes
Image via taryncoxthewife.com

14. Riding Boots- I chose riding boots over any other for a few reasons. One, they are both comfortable and functional. They're easy to run around in, and can paired with almost anything. Two, because although a black heeled boot is just as chic, heel height and width and toe shape can vary season to season, and who wants to be left with no footwear because a skinny kitten heel is the shape du jour and you only own a 4 inch block heel? Riding boots are the safest choice and who doesn't want to give off the illusion they just came from the ring?

Image via diamondstudsource.com

15. Diamond Studs- Last but not least, a simple diamond earring should be in every girl's jewelry wardrobe. They are just as relevant out to lunch as they are at the Oscars. Who doesn't love a little sparkle near their face? A classic stud will take you through literally every occasion you could possibly attend, and again have the potential to become an heirloom one day.

Go ahead, add that pink sequin minidress and that chartreuse sweater. They'll be your friends too! Just make sure you have your wardrobe essentials to tie all your friends together.

Touche.

Image via thecollegeprepster.com

Then and Now.

The Hermes Kelly bag, as styled by Grace Kelly and Ashley Olsen.

Currently Coveting.

Images via ahalife.com

Defining one's personal style is an endless task. I most certainly have experimented and made more than my share of mistakes in order to discover not only what works for my body and my lifestyle, but also in order to define what I truly love. I tend to gravitate towards classic pieces that are feminine and sophisticated. However, to avoid looking too overly girly I like to counterbalance my outfits with edgier accessories, especially jewelry. I like the juxtaposition of a flowy blouse with a metal cuff. I think chiffon looks chic paired with leather. I am not afraid of a stud, or a spike, and I've never met a sparkly statement necklace I didn't like. So when I first laid eyes on these cuff bracelets by Lele Sadoughi, I was elated because they embody my personal style so innately; feminine with a bit of edge. I love that they are slightly reminiscent of handcuffs, yet they are studded with pearls and sparkles. I would be more than happy to sport a wrist full of these, no matter the outfit. They are most certainly high on my wishlist! You can find them, along with other stunning pieces by Lele Sadoughi here.

October.

For me, fall feels fleeting. In the blink of an eye, the weather has gone from Indian summer to frigidly freezing winter, and I've somehow missed the precious weeks of golden leaves, and temperatures that are best described as "crisp." Inevitably I barely have enough time to make my way through the bucket list I concoct each fall of autumnal activities. October is easily the bulk of this precious season, and this year I'm not playing around. I plan on making the most of my favorite month and indulging in some seasonal delights. What might my plans entail? 

• Making the most of this glorious weather- apple picking, pumpkin picking, and if my allergies behave, a hayride or two.
• Seasonal recipe planning- Paleo apple crisp, parsnip fries, apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, and pumpkin brownies.
• Mastering several DIYs- pumpkin carving, zinnia planting, and if I'm really ambitious, knitting.
• Down time with my favorite scary movies- Halloween, Hocus Pocus, and The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown are requisite October viewing.

This year I'm actually ahead of the curve- I've already baked pumpkin brownies and parsnip fries, watched Hocus Pocus (twice!), and indulged in multiple pumpkin spice lattes. Bring on October! (Oh, and how hysterical is this?)