November 2014 « Letters from the City

The Chambray Shirt + Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014 by Alex

J.Crew Chambray Shirt and Black Skirt | Fall Fashion

The warmth of fall days is coming to a close and I think it will soon be officially winter in December. I didn’t go all the way through until no tights until December, but there’s always next year (and a hope for no fall snowstorms).

I’ll be offline for some time this week. Current events are making me sad and more than a bit thoughtful. Last night was bad. A sad, sad reminder of everything I never liked about politics and government. And many other things. I’m due for a bit of wandering and am planning on spending some time out in the wild with my thoughts and one or two of my cameras.

And by wild, I mean major metropolitan city.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with laughter and all that’s important. If you find yourself settling in for a bit of extra reading, I’ve recently been interviewed for Re-Mix-Her. Re-Mix-Her is written by Caitlin, a blogging friend of mine from the early days (hello tumblr!). Friends are important, and Thanksgiving is a good time to think about everything and everyone in your life.

Party Host/Hostess Holiday Gift Guide Under $30

Thursday, November 20, 2014 by Alex

With holiday party season is practically next week, I’ve been searching for some great gifts for party hosts. You’ll notice a bit of a wine theme here (my social circle is high on the entertaining, eating and drinking scale), but I think a great wine tote is for everyone. Who says it has to contain champagne? See the full gift guide here.

Fireside

Monday, November 17, 2014 by Alex

Dear Kelsey,

A new favorite candle from Illume, who also makes my much-loved mason jar candles. This scent is called Fireside, and it smells very much how it sounds. It combines the best parts of a roaring wood fire with a dash of spices. When lit, it makes any room smell subtly of late fall. I never thought there was something comforting about the smell of a fire before, but lighting this candle makes any room feel cozy and inviting.

The other candles pictured are Voluspa’s Goji Tarocco Orange and Crane Flower. Goji Tarocco Orange is a good option for anyone who loves fresh, fruity scents. Crane Flower is more of what I would describe as a smoky floral.

Fireside is available at Anthropologie for $20. All of my candles were purchased at Anthropologie, but you can often find Voluspa at Nordstrom and Amazon.com.

Trench Coat Weather

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 by Alex

Trench coat and oversized square scarf | Fall fashion

Dear Caitlin,

It’s currently pretty much my favorite time of year (except for snow) because it’s trench coat weather again! Trench coats are good for spring and fall, but not so great for summer and winter. And perfect trench coat weather seems all too rare. It always seems to go right from burning to freezing!

As for me, I’m attempting to do no tights until December. I don’t know if I’ll last through the end of the week, but I’m going to give it a go.

Summer to fall fashion

This dress is a little short, but otherwise I like it. Nothing a long slip can’t fix. It’s a fairly recent impulse buy (separates! I need separates!) from Forever 21 and still available.

In this post:

Club Monaco trench coat [ fall 2012 ]

Burberry scarf [ current ] [ fall 2012 ]

Forever 21 dress [ current ] + bag [ spring 2013? ]

Sergio Rossi boots [ similar ]

Halloween Weekend + Costume DIYs

Wednesday, November 5, 2014 by Alex

Halloween Party Decor

Dear Laura,

I hope you had a fun Halloween! I attended a small party at Kim’s where I ate too much of everything and opened a bottle of wine with a house key and a knife. Seriously, don’t try that at home. The saber method would have been easier and less messy.

DIY Tissue Paper Flowers | Frida Kahlo DIY Halloween Costume

I DIYed a Frida Kahlo costume (but forgot to draw my eyebrows in)…

DIY Wednesday Addams Halloween Costume

…and also made an appearance as Wednesday Addams. For the past four years, all of my Halloween costumes have come straight out of my closet.

I’m not exactly sure if that’s a good thing. Zelda Fitzgerald was a particular favorite, though. Also, I walked around as Frida Kahlo all day on Friday. Flowers and all.

Tiki bar bokeh