I Love This Look:: Burgundy from Head to Toe

 I hope that everyone had a great weekend!  Burgundy, maroon, oxblood, whatever you want to call this saturated hue it is one of my favorites for fall.  When I spotted this head to toe look on Olivia Palermo in Paris, it was a look that I definitely want to try.  Here are some of my favorite pieces to achieve this look.  I hope that everyone has a great week!

Topshop Pleated Skirt / Topshop Chunky Knit Jumper / Lucy Choi London Soho Heels / Clare V Metallic Clutch / Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Tint in Bloodroses

Image via 

That Seventies Feeling

The Seventies are back and better than ever - the feathered hair, beige lips and high collars are a key trend for Fall and have even carried over for Spring 2015 (did you see the Louis Vuitton show?). This editorial featuring Lily Donaldson in the October issue of Harper's Bazaar Korea sums up a more modern version of this era.  

At the Market:: Concord Grapes & Concord Grape Pie

As you might have noticed I took a little baking break, which was partially due what I mentioned in  yesterday's post. Sometimes I am just too tired.  But I am back today with my series At the Market where I am giddy with excitement because table grapes, in particularly concord grapes have arrived.  They actually came to the farmer's market that I frequent in the end of August, earlier than I expected so every Saturday since I have been buying them by the pound wondering just what to bake with them.  I settled on a Concord Grape Pie, a lip smackingly good pie that captures the essence of fall in just one bite. 

I Love This Look: The Sweatshirt (Upgraded)

I hope that everyone had a great weekend! I owe an apology to you and this site, I am in a bit over my head right now.  Between a huge side project and some personal things, I feel like I have been a bit scattered brained and I caught quite a few errors in my posts last week, I am sorry!  I am an absolute perfectionist, but please stay with me, because what I have coming down the pipeline is good and I hope to return to my old self soon.  

In the meantime, it feels like sweatshirt weather has arrived here in New York.  Cool mornings and even cooler nights have made me feel like I need to tuck away the t-shirts and shorts until next spring.  I actually put on a pair of jeans over the weekend and it felt quite nice.  Another staple during the transition period is a sweatshirt, which has received a huge makeover in the past few season.  I love this look that upgrades a laid back look into a more sophisticated one.  Here are some of my favorites right now.

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Sweatshirt / Maje Guillaume Sweatshirt / Tory Burch Ronnie Sweatshirt / Topshop Cactus Floral Sweatshirt / Topshop Wadded Check Sweat / Red Valentino Point d'espirit-trimmed Sweatshirt

Image via Stockholm Streetstyle

Fashion Essential: The White Oxford Shirt

I hope that everyone had a great weekend!  With fashion week in full swing that means one thing - street style photographs are everywhere. New York temperatures have been a bit crazy one day is sweltering hot and the next is perfectly comfortable.  One piece that has been spotted is the white oxford shirt, a closet staple for any season.  It instantly adds polish to any bottom, whether a structured pencil skirt or a pair of high-waisted denim.  Here is a roundup of some of my favorite looks and key pieces to help achieve it.  I hope that everyone has a great week!

Christian Dior Fall 2014 Couture :: Details

When I was a young girl, one of my favorite movies was Cinderella. Not only for the love story, but I loved the dresses – the full skirts and the corseted tops from the 18^th century.  Well, Raf Simons brought this fairytale to life at the Fall 2014 couture Christian Dior show.  Here are some of my favorite details from the show.  

Fall 2014 Couture:: Giambattista Valli

The Fall couture shows are in full swing, one of my favorite seasons since it really evokes the dream that is fashion with exquisite details and silhouettes that push the envelope.  Giambattista Valli presented a floral explosion that included daisies and violets atop floor length chiffon gowns and full dresses comprised of ballerina-esque tulle. His take on the sheath dress carefully curved with the body and undulated from colorful blooms to a sheer finish. Volume was a key theme as well, where dresses carefully ballooned at the hips or dresses with nipped in waists and full skirts. Here is just a glimpse into Giambattista Valli’s beautiful world.

Beauty Flash:: Atelier Versace

You can always count on Donatella Versace to deliver a show with a heavy emphasis on femininity and full-blown glamour.  To flatter the looks sent down the runway, think bold jewel tones and floor length gowns with a slit that sat high up on the thigh, Pat Magrath painted a liquid teal shade across the lids that formed a cat eye reminiscent of Verushkha.  This dramatic look was paired with a glossy nude lip and heavily shaded cheek bones.  While quite dramatic for day, this look could definitely be translated to night.  Here are some beauty picks to achieve this look.  

Fall Entertaining Essentials:: Thanksgiving Edition

I have only cooked one Thanksgiving so far and there were so many moving parts that by the time we sat down to our late dinner I was almost to exhausted to eat.  This year I will be playing sous chef/kitchen help/lead baker and I will focus more on setting the table, something that I love to do just as much as being in the kitchen. I am envisioning a setting with flowers and flickering candles, an over-flowing cheese plate and hints of gold here and there. Here are some of my picks to create this setting.

Porcelain Pie Plate / Oxo Wire Dough Pastry Blender

Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons / William Sonoma Mulling Spice

Dean & Deluca Cinnamon Infused Maple Syrup / Marchesa by Lenox Gold Flatware

Brooklyn Slate Company Cheese Board / Nielson Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract

Marimekko Luminary Napkins / Handmade Beeswax Candle / Fall Copper Cookie Cutters

Wardrobe Staple:: The Camel Jacket

This season is all about the statement jacket, from the Fall 2013 runways at Stella McCartney, Celine to Mulberry this winter staple was front and center.  This season I have been gravitating towards plaids and powder pinks, but if there is one shade that is sorely missing from my closet it is the subdued tone of camel that goes with just about everything.  Here are some of my favorite picks to create this look.  What jackets are you loving this season? 

Reiss Board Camel Coat / Theory Wool Elibeth Coat / Windsmoor Wool Camel Coat / 

Topshop Double Breasted Camel Coat

Image via

Pumpkin Donut Muffins

So I finally did it, I opened my first can of pumpkin, since I inspired myself from last weeks post. Deciding what to make was hard but starting the day with a bit of pumpkin is not a bad idea, so I decided to bake Pumpkin Donut Muffins - a unique and delicious hybrid between a donut and a muffin.  They have the moist texture of the former but the comforting goodness of a muffin - the outside is brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon and sugar.  This donut/muffin pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee on a crisp fall day.  Continue for more...

In the Kitchen:: Pumpkin Recipes to Inspire

Fall means a few things, sweaters, boots and one thing recipes filled with pumpkin and spices.  I have yet to open a can of pumpkin, and I will be soon after stumbling across these recipes from some of my favorite food blogs. I would love to make all of these especially the Pumpkin Hazelnut Coffee Cake which looks like a great way to start a fall weekend or a new twist on pumpkin pie combining milk chocolate.  I hope I don't make your stomach rumble too much!

And Then Came Fall

Spring and fall are my favorite seasons, yet they are the most fleeting. The trees are only tinted with hints of ruby red and golden yellow for a precious amount of time before they flutter to the ground. Over the weekend, the trees were at their peak in the Shawangunk Mountain ridge just outside of New Paltz, New York, about 100 miles outside of the New York City. We visited Minnewaska State Park, which boasts a stunning terrain that includes a lake, spectacular scenic views and a plethora of hiking trails.  My fiancé had never been hiking, something that was a past time growing up in Ohio and later on in Vermont. I love being in nature, where the only thing that you hear is the crunching of the leaves below your feet and the swaying of the trees.  Here are some photographs that depict the color and the scenery of this beautiful Park.  Continue for more...

Style Spotted:: The Candy Pink Jacket

I think that I have said this before, but I love the fashion off the runway just as much as on it, whether outlandish à la Anna Della Russo or spot-on amazing like Giovanna Battaglia. One trend that I spotted was a candy pink jacket seen on the streets of London and Milan.  It makes me just happy to see such a bright and happy color when the temperatures begin to drop.  What street style trends you are loving right now? 

Trending Beauty:: NY Fall/Winter 2013 Wrap-Up

The New York shows have come and gone, now it is a big jump across the pond to London.  New York featured many amazing collections and I also adored the makeup looks that painted the runways just as much.  Here are a few of my favorites.  On another note,  I hope that everyone has a great long weekend, I am headed up to Boston today for my sister's baby shower.  I am looking forward to seeing my younger siblings, my mom and my grandma that I haven't seen in entirely too long.  See you Tuesday! 

Don't forget to enter here to win a Skin Owl oil of your choice! The last day to enter is Tuesday.  Your skin will thank you!

The Look: Lids were painted with a smokey gunmetal eye shadow and accentuated with antiqued copper shadow lining the bottom lashes.  The rest of the look was muted with bare lips, flawless skin and hair tousled.

The Look: A smudged kohl-lined eye, matte skin and another bare lip paired with poker straight hair held-up high in a pony tail

The Look: A practically bare eye, pristine skin accenuted with a bright candy-colored pink lip. 

Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Spiced Buttermilk Glaze {I HAVE MOVED TO ROSE & IVY JOURNAL!)

To discover more recipes and beauty please visit Rose & Ivy Journal by clicking here!

I had intended to post this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Donuts  with a Spiced Buttermilk Glaze last month, but time seemed to have gotten away from me! Well better late than never, because these are delicious.  I made these for my boyfriend's dad's birthday, as he likes nothing better than a donut served alongside his morning coffee, so I think that he enjoyed them.  I am not that big of a donut fan (I know that is strange), but this recipe might have me thinking differently, as they are that good.  Continue for more...

Blooms & Style:: Oxblood and White

Oxblood is the color of the season, but I have yet to write about it!  I really can't think of a shade that works better for fall, especially as the colored leaves slowly descend from the trees and the air has a certain crispness to it.  Not only does this shade look good in just about every fashion piece that I have seen, but it also stuns when arranged in a bouquet.  I love the addition of the burgundy artichokes and purple basil paired with the white roses, stunning and perfect for Thanksgiving.  

Pants / Boots / Blouse / Bag / Liquid Lipstick / Sunglasses

Image from Style Me Pretty

The Dinner Table:: Pumpkin Ricotta Ravioli with White Wine Sauce

I do not have one bit of Italian in me, but sometimes I think I do, if only for my love of Italian food - hazelnuts, cappuccino, olives, bread and pasta.  I oftentimes think that I could trade the big city for a small town in Italy where life is simple and pleasures like food are greatly appreciated and celebrated.  

When it comes to pasta, typically I eat store bought whole wheat pasta, but recently on a crisp fall night, I had my mind on making ravioli filled with pumpkin and ricotta cheese.  Making your own dough is a labor of love, but definitely worth the effort.  I made this pasta dough recipe and filled it with this pumpkin ricotta filling and this white wine sauce - it was divine, absolutely heaven.  If you are looking for a great fall meal to celebrate the season, this should do the trick and then some.  Continue for more...

A Fall Setting

 How magical are these photos taken just before the sun sinks into the horizon? The colors and textures here evoke fall - from the rich burgundy and golden hues to the burning candle sticks.  I would love to replicate this setting for a Thanksgiving feast.  

Rustic Apple Tart

 Is anyone else out there in disbelief that Thanksgiving is next Thursday like me? Boy, time sure is flying around here! While I will not be cooking the dinner this year, I will be bringing along a trail of desserts and possibly some appetizers.  One of my favorite fall desserts is apple pie -  to me nothing says the season like the combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and a dash of ginger.  I recently made this rustic apple tart and quickly fell into pie love. It was so easy to just arrange the apples in a rosette pattern, fold up the crust, sprinkle on sanding sugar and place in the oven. I have considered completely forgoing using a pie pan going forward, it is that easy.