WEAR | A Red Hat for the Alley Cats

Pom Pom Hat // Burton   Polkadot Button Back Blouse // LOFT (similar) 

 High Wasted Skinnies // Madewell    Leather Boots // Steve Madden

We spent the entire afternoon in Boulder last Saturday with Matt's parents. After a day of walking about Pearl Street, swooning over old maps and prints at a really neat shop, lunch at Pizzaria Locale, and surprise early birthday shopping trip to Anthropologie, we had a little down time before cooking in, and spending quality time all together in our home (and making palisade peach oatmeal crisp!)

During the in between, I whisked Matt out to our back alley to take a few photos of the outfit I wore that day. The cold hit a bit later, so Boulder didn't get to see this red hat, but the alley cats did. All twelve of them. (Oh and this hat! So soft and slouchy I cannot even begin to describe. It makes cold weather just feel so good. Invest in a great hat that you love this fall/winter. The ten dollars I spent on this pom pom number? Worth. Every. Penny).

*clothing items purchased when on sale // hat $10 // blouse $15 // denim $30

Autumn Wishing List

Even frugal girls have wish lists. So here is mine. If I were to pick a few things that would fit into the season and my current style, both for wearing and decorating, these are what you'd find me wishing for.

one // Oh this bag! Madewell gets me.

two // West Elm trophy hooks from the New Heritage Collection.

three // Furniture Makeovers (I've flipped through this book so many times I really should just get it at this point...)

four // What's not to love about this Corduroy puffer vest at Anthro? (I shouldn't have tried it on the other day...I really didn't want to take it off!)

five // Patterned headband trio (those prints!)

six // This pillow cover from West Elm (the chartreuse and heathered grey speak for themselves).

Summer Frolicking | A Wish List

What I love most about summer is the freedom that a weekend brings. I love that you can walk out your front door with plans to head off to the park and then hours later land at the lake, find yourself hiking up in the mountains, or people watching on a roof top patio. The days are long, the sun shines endlessly, and one day can feel like many. Even after work, there are still hours of light--just enough time to squeeze in a bike ride, a walk to a local eatery, or a drive with no destination ahead yet spontaneity at the wheel. 

My summer tote is a must these days, especially for the fun that summer brings. Hanging at our front door, I have a bag filled with a few essentials for things like spontaneous picnicking and time in the sun. Right now, this bag is pretty basic--just a few rolled up turkish towels, sunscreen, flip flops, and a hat. But if I were to fill it with a few more things, just in case I need to whisk out the door with the freedom of a summer day, and the unknown of where we might end up and venture along the way, these are those items I would fill it with (practical, yes, but with an emphasis on summer frolicking) :

1 // Madewell | Blanca Jacquard Dress

In case a reason to get dressed up presents itself, white for summer always work. Always.

2 // Anthropologie | Bocce Ball Set 

You never know when a lawn and shade will entice some bocce ball competition.

3 // Anthropologie | The World Is Your Oyster Card 

I often want to write a friend when I'm out enjoying a quite moment, describe the scene, and share a part of that moment as if they were right there with me.

4 // Madewell | Espadrille Mini Wedge

These are just adorable. And they would be so cute with that white dress if a sudden wardrobe change is needed. (Or if a summer photo shoot presents itself.)

5 // Sephora | Hair Tie 

Because pony tails and piled in a bun hair is always where it ends up at the end of a summer's day. And these soft elastic ties don't leave kink marks--the best!

6 // Darling Magazine | Summer Issue No. 4

Summer tote must because coffee shop reading, beachside page flipping, and words to inspire more sunny day adventuring are all satisfied with this print magazine.

7 // Madewell | Brass Bicycle Bell

Needed, for obvious bicycling reasons.

8 // Tarte | Lip Surgence Lip Tint

If eating out or museum going pops up, a hint of color on the lips can dress up any adventurer.

9 // Anthropologie | Travel Journal

To make notes of places seen, places to go, and things to remember.

10 // Paper Source | Green Seven Year Pen

Journaling and letter writing, well, a pen is necessary! And this swiss pen, it claims to stay alive for seven years.

11 // J.Crew | Polkadot Rash Guard

With this handy, paired with swim bottoms, paddle boarding, tubing, and all water sports are ready to be conquered.

12 // Anthropologie | Jetty Compact Mirror

To check cheeks for sunburn, this nautical compact mirror is just too cute to not want in my summer tote. 

And the summer tote? This is the tote I'd carry it all in. MidiQueen Handbags The Weekender bag. My everything bag. My fill it to the brim bag. My summer frolicking bag. What would be on your wish list for your tote for summer adventuring?

Oh, and stay tuned for a giveaway coming up! Hint: it's related to this wish list! Happy Thursday!