Hey guys, I hope you all had a Happy Halloween. Ours was pretty quiet this year, but that didn't stop me from decorating some mini pumpkins! Pedro and I stayed home and had a Halloween movie marathon - Nightmare Before Christmas, Scream and Evil Dead were on the list. I'm actually terrified of scary movies. I'm a pretty jumpy person (aka a scaredy-cat), so if you want a laugh, just watch me watch a scary movie. BUT the multiple fun-sized candy bars I ate definitely made it all worthwhile. Because let's be honest, they just taste better that way.

We also turned the clocks back this weekend, and on Sunday morning woke up to snow! It gets dark so early now... I can't believe that summer was so long ago. It seems like yesterday I was basking in the sunshine until 9 PM. Alas, winter is approaching much too quickly for my liking.

On the upside, any smart shopper knows, a change in season means SALES! I have been filling up shopping carts all over the interwebz (...and just sometimes actually buy things). Check out some of my favourite picks below. I'm no fashion-know-it-all, but I do know a thing or two about shopping - 10 years working part-time in retail would give anyone a little insight. So hurry, these sales end soon! But then y'know, the holiday sales start up, so fear not.

/ 1 / Plaid Flannel Scarf in Red, 18.94 at Old Navy, SALE -> 25% Off Your Online Order (Ends 11/05/14)

Perfectly plaid and oh so cozy, this scarf also fits my style, and my budget. I've been looking for a red plaid scarf to go with this blue overcoat that I bought for when it's cold, but not quite parka weather. I have been really loving pairing the primary colours together these days.

/ 2 / Charter Club Polka-Dot Crew Neck Sweater in Classic Black, Reg. $159.00 at Macy's, SALE -> $99.99 (Ends 11/04/14)

Yes, to mixing plaid and polka dots. And who doesn't love a little extra cashmere in their wardrobe? My collection of sweaters is seriously lacking polka dots, and I think this number from Macy's will fit in quite nicely.

/ 3 / Vented Mini Skirt in Leather, Reg. $300.00 at Saturday, SALE -> $210.00 (30% Off)

This lady needs some leather! I feel like it's already too cold (in Boston and Toronto) to justify buying a leather moto jacket, but this skirt from Kate Spade Saturday, is super cute, and just a little bit rock n roll. I'll be honest, this skirt would be a splurge for me, but a girl can dream (and Christmas is coming up)! I would love to wear it with opaque black stockings, and some awesome boots.

/ 4 / Southport Avenue Aurelia Bag in Empire Red, Reg. $328.00 at Kate Spade New York, SALE -> $129.00 (Secret Sale, Ends 11/06/14)

Now that I have the basics covered when it comes to leather bags (2 black, 2 brown, 1 patterned), I thought it might be fun to find a shoulder bag that could add an instant pop of colour, yet still be versatile and work with a wide variety of pieces. I found a winner with this gorgeous purse from Kate Spade New York, and it's seriously marked down, which makes me a happy girl.

/ 5 / Sam Edelman Franklin Boot in Black, Reg. $159.95 at Nordstrom, SALE -> $111.90 (30% Off)

I know, I know - I already found my perfect pair of booties... But these ones are suede, guys! And, they have that awesome lug-tread sole that I've been coveting for oh-so-long. These boots were made for rocking, and that's just what they'll do.

Whether you're starting your holiday shopping early (or if you're trying to beat the holiday rush - you're right on time), or grabbing a few things for yourself, check out some of these killer sales while you have the chance. Like me, you might find exactly what you're looking for to fill out your closet.

Until next time,

Alex

Hey friends! Hope you're all enjoying the cooler temps and the crisp air. I rung in the season with a new hair colour, a new mani, and by making yummy crustless apple pie! How did you celebrate the coming of autumn?

New nails + hair!

Check out our delicious eats from yesterday:

On the left - toast with mashed avocado (with lime juice, touch of olive oil, salt, pepper + chili flakes), sliced tomato, and non-fat cottage cheese. On the right is the crustless apple pie (with non-fat fro yo)! So yummy - you've got to try it! Recipe adapted from here.

Back to why we are here today!! I am definitely not a style guru - but I do have some tips for an (almost) effortless autumnal look! In honour of the equinox, I put together a list of my go to essentials for the season. This look flows from class, to the yoga studio, or having a glass (or two) of wine with friends.

/ 1 / I'm so excited to have fun new hair! Thanks to Maria + Steph at Shag Salon in Boston, for making me look + feel like a rock star. While my new 'do looks fab when it's all styled + awesome, a (lazy) girl doesn't always have time for that! My go to hairstyle is definitely a good ol' fashioned top knot. I usually tie a twist headband behind my bangs, like this glam gold one from ban.do, to tame the flyaways and make it a little more fun.

/ 2 / I've been doing the same smoky eye look with winged eyeliner since high school (a la Jennifer North from Valley of the Dolls). I like to use MAC's matte Powder Eyeshadows, because I find out of everything I've tried, these stay put the longest (my fav shades are Vanilla, Dark Edge, Carbon + Plum). Masterfully wing out some kohl or liquid liner and bam!

A bit of berry lipstick (like Rebel, Milan Mode, or Hearts Aflame), and you're good to go!

/ 3 / My beloved two-tone Dior frames have seen better days, so I'm in need of some new eyewear. These Bonlook Allure spectacles are stylish + affordable, no?

/ 4 / Keep cozy + warm forever and ever in a jewel-toned infinity scarf, like this one from H&M.

/ 5 / I have been living in comfy, oversized sweaters for the last couple weeks. This knit beauty from Modcloth is great for layering on top of your yoga gear, or to keep you toasty on a chilly evening out.

/ 6 / My americano has switched from iced to hot, and now I'm in need of a new travel mug. Love this gold + white + teal combo from Starbucks.

/ 7 / No fall look is complete without an ox blood mani. Try Essie polish in Wicked, for a red deeper than the changing leaves.

/ 8 / You will likely find me in yoga pants (lululemon skinny will) / leggings (H&M black jersey leggings) / yoga jeans (in black, they are seriously the best pants/jeans I've ever owned).

/ 9 / I've been searching for a stylish camera bag/purse to encourage me to tote my SLR with me wherever I go. The Gracie from JoTotes looks like it will do the trick!

My yoga mat desperately needs to be replaced! I have been eyeing a Manduka ProLite for awhile, and am thinking it's about time to pick one up. I will be travelling quite a bit in the next few months, and these guys are great for a girl on the go!

Get ahead of the game, and stay organized! Pick up your 2015 planner now - no need to wait until January. I loved my Kate Spade 2014 planner, and think I'm going to go with the gold dot pattern for next year.

/ 10 / No wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of chunky heeled boots. The heels on my go to pair have started to go, so I'm looking at these Jambu booties from Nordstrom.

How about you? What are your favourite looks for fall? Let me know in the comments below!

Now I'm off to do some vinyasa flowin', before we go see Dub FX in Cambridge tonight.

Until next time,

Alex