Autumn Caps

Me in Free People & Anne wearing Madewell's quilted baseball cap in navy. (I love her silly guts.)

A lot of you have asked about my new favorite plaid cap from Free People. I am pretty excited that we might bump into each other in town and be twins. But with that said, in case you want a different version but the same kind of look, here is a round up with a few of my favorite baseball caps for autumn. I love that a plaid or wool cap is a cold weather option, but its not as cozy and warm as a knit beanie (read: you will not be sweating with 5 minutes of indoor wear). I'm not quite ready for knit hats, so the baseball cap in darker hues (navy, grey, olive green, brown) and autumnal fabrics is perfection for the season right now. 

Currently Swooning: The Midi Skirt

After Anne's party last week and trying on this skirt, paired with new fall shipment at work and an array of longer skirts in warm hues making their way into the store, I can't help but have a crush on the midi skirt. It is still warm out as summer holds on to its last month, so pants and tights aren't so much jumping out of my closet - but longer, past the knee skirts that transition every so gracefully into a fall and winter wardrobe? Yes, please. They can fill my closet. I have my eye on a handful of midi skirts that I would just be delighted to add to my wardrobe. I'm determined to add one staple past the knee skirt to my closet, and I would be perfectly content if I happened upon it while thrifting or vintage store rummaging. What's so great about this style is that it's a classic. You might even find one hiding in your grandmother's closet or on a rack at Goodwill that you can bust out and pair with ankle booties. The midi skirt has made its rounds in fashion, and it is back, and really should never leave. So in the spirit of the weekend, and with a nod to the midi skirt, here is a round up of those that are catching my fancy. Who knows, maybe they'll be on sale this weekend? :

*With the expectation of full disclosure and honest & true blogging, the links in this post are affiliate links; meaning, should you purchase one of these items I get a kick back of the cost. This is not a sponsored post, however purely items that I love and believe that my readers would too, reflecting my true style and the aesthetic of this blog. Thank you for supporting the brands I choose to share about and that keep this blog going. 

Gold Gifting // Round Up

I definitely grew a gold crush a long time ago. I think it began for me in the aisles of antique shops. More of a muted, brushed, or rusty gold, but gold none-the-less. It's just so timeless. And this time of year, the metallic hue just seems so fitting -- for home decor, personal style, and festive gifts. So I bring to you just a few of my favorites from around the web, after checking out a few sales going on today. I definitely have that lamp on my wish list. I'm needing better lighting for late night writing at our new desk, and I'm a fan of the industrial look. (It's really quite pretty in nickel and hunter green too).

The Diamond Whisp Bracelet // 31 Bits. The beads are made from recycled paper, can you believe it? This company is so great. Women in Uganda are given business opportunity through 31 bits. You can learn more about it here.

Vintage Oversize Watch // Le Mer Collections. Don't you just love this feminine combo of aqua and gold?

Laqueur Tray // West Elm. My cousins gifted this tray to me on my birthday. It is so much larger than I would have thought, and the gold is slightly muted compared to the photograph. It is where letters and papers collect on my desk.

Essie Good as Gold // Target. An affordable but fun little gift idea: nail polish ;)

Monogram Mug // Anthropologie. Who doesn't like a gold monogrammed mug?

Knitted Ear Band // Anthropologie. I really like the thickness of this head band. I own it myself, and the hints of gold are really subtle and pretty. Its perfect if needing a bit of sparkle when still trying to keep warm.

Metallic Print Glassware Set // West Elm.

Copper Cook's Tools // West Elm.

Olive You // Lindsay Letters Print. What a cute print this is, and would be perfect over a bar cart or hanging in the kitchen.

Industrial Task Table Lamp // West Elm. My dream lamp right now. And we know how nickel ages--beautifully.

Gold Knit Print iPad Case // West Elm.

Roll Top Back Packs

Lately, we've been spending most weekend days outdoors. Even on early work days I find myself hurrying to City Park or Central Park to snatch up those last moments of light before the sun sneaks away for its slumber. I suppose now, my Colorado intuition is starting to set in and I know that warm sunny days are necessary to catch and enjoy before the winter arrives; besides, let's be honest, the California in me needs all that it can for good measure. (Although, even a winter day in Denver can be bright and cheery--more sunny days than San Diego they say!) We recently hiked over at Red Rocks, and all the while after our half day of hiking, I couldn't help but want to sew a hiking backpack. I do love the convenience of REI, but now that I have a large workspace, and almost functioning sewing machine, and a few skills to call my own, I really want to make a day pack (that could also double as my pack for summer biking, trips to new cities, overnights, etc etc.). These are a few of my backpack inspirations, sticking to mainly roll-top styles as what I could see myself making:

1 //  2 //  3 //  4 //  5 //  6  

7 //  8 //  9 //  10 //  11 //  12

Also, how simple and darling is this leather pouch DIY (Hobby Lobby has some great leather options) and this rope tote (doesn't this remind you of the Project Runway unconventional challenge?). And just in case you want a roll top backpack, but have no desire to sew your own, Barnacle Bags has a great Etsy shop that I have loved browsing for inspiration.

Jar It Up

Jars aren't really new on the scene, but we never tire of unconventional (or conventional) uses for them. Whenever I find myself staring a vintage jar or container face on at a thrift store, there is no way of stopping me from adding it to my basket. Matt probably thinks I'm a nut with the amount of Mason Jars we've collected. But you can use them in so many ways! The latest jar I picked up was while shopping for multitudes of teacups back in August. This jar seems authentically old, even the metal clasp sings vintage. And I love the french "Le Parfait" across the front. This jar, now sitting in our kitchen, has become the bar of soap jar.

And just in case you have a few jars and containers laying around needing innovation:

>> Dye mason jars a vintage blue or stripe them gold.

>> Make a sewing kit, or any clever kit for a cute gift (or for yourself...)

>> No bathroom drawers? Jars are a serious life saver.

>> Collect and cluster as hanging light pendants.

>>Oh, these super cute match jars? Yes, please.

>> Add a pop of color to your pencil or paint jar.

>> Organize, label, and stow away spices

>> Create dainty lace tea lights.

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).

In a World Where There Are Octobers

I was in complete denial. I still want it to be summer. But after a run through City Park this afternoon, I couldn't ignore the leaves all around me, the smell of fireplaces, and the reality that Autumn is here. And then I ate pasta with pumpkin sauce. (Which may have been the final convincer.) So I've decided to warm up slowly, and enjoy what this new season brings. Summer was such a great season for me, and I think in part I don't want to let go of the warm fuzzy feeling when I think about our travels, time spent with friends, and all the time outdoors in this beautiful state. But October, oh October, it's here and I am ready for what it has for me. (And the snow is on Friday's forecast was a bit of a reality check!) 

So to warm up (or get crisp and cool) for Autumn, here are some October links, plus a few other good ones:

>>This October desktop calendar and iPhone background.

>>Tweed and Cordourouy mixed with leather and embroidery--on an classic baseball cap? Yes please. Quite possibly the perfect messy hair day life saver this month. A round up of favorites on Thoughts by Natalie.

>>A whimsical film, over at Darling, called The Mystery of Charm.

>>Venture Magazine's October Issue is out!

>>10 pieces to help your wardrobe this fall, by Kendi Everyday. (And how many of these items might we find at a thrift store?) 

>>A heart warming video about a father's love for his daughter.

>> Autumn Came for this super cute family.

>> A candle project.

>> My go to hair style as of late.

What about you, are you jumping into fall and throwing orange and yellow leaves up into the air, or are you slow to warm up to the season this year like me?

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!

Poppies & Happenings Lately

I love running through my neighborhood this time of year. Everything is green and blooming! And these poppies took my breath away as I ran past them on an afternoon run this week.

This weekend we are tying up loose ends and prepping to leave for Mexico. Our college friends are finally tying the knot, and are having a destination wedding! The first few days of the trip will just be Matt and me in Puerto Vallarta. But the second half, we are staying in a house with a group of our closest friends (who many I have not seen since we moved to Colorado), and celebrating the soon to be newlyweds! As you can imagine, we are beyond excited. 

Here is a little recap of some of the happenings here at Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up lately:

// I am still just smitten with terrariums and succulents in this round-up.

// Graduations inspire questions, important ones, like am I listening to my inner voice & am I taking risks to reach my dreams?

// Target does it again with J.Crew like button ups, and this cute seahorse print for summer.

// Our minty fresh little bathroom.

// I opened up and shared about anxiety this week.

// Lace is so feminine, both in fashion and home design, and here is how I'm loving it.

// I'm considering a trip to Ikea when we get back (lots of projects I've been dreaming up!), and I always seem to return with pillows in hand.

// Summer beauty is best when keeping it natural and low maintenance in the style department--inspired by Thoughts by Natalie.

// I need to make cushions for our wire chairs and have been narrowing down fabric choices (and would love to score a Peruvian textile that I could make into pillow cases).

Happy weekend!

Lace and Doilies

Of course when I come to California, and have my mom and two best friends around, its inevitable we  stop in at a few of our favorite stores. I had yet to find the perfect lace pieces for Spring, that exude femininity, so I was delighted when I found some quality pieces on the sale racks at Anthropologie and Aerie. From Aerie, a linen and lace combo beach cover up, and from Anthro a bright cobalt lace skirt. 

Sunny Style (Without The Sunburn!)

Tomorrow I'll be on a plane to California. Hurray! And while trips to the beach, hiking, and sitting poolside are at the top of my to-do list, having a fair complexion makes me ever so prone to sunburn (and sun damage). It seems with each new summer, I feel a little bit wiser and thoughtful about how I spend my time under the sun--or how I protect myself under the sun.

Bathing suits with a bit more coverage, light weight cover-ups with high necklines and longer sleeves, wide brimmed floppy hats, UV protected sunnies, helioplex sunscreen & beauty balm with spf, and button or zip ups to throw on while sitting pool-side--these are all what I am currently living in when soaking up Vitamin D. The items in this round up I own (or something similar) and use personally, and can confidently say that I feel stylish while being smart about protecting myself from the sun :)

1 // Target | Lakitia Flip Flop
2 // Anthropologie | Dots and Dahlias Chambray Button Down
3 // Neutragena | Ultra Sheer Sunscreen with Helioplex
4 // Stila | Stay All Day 10-in 1 BB SPF 30
5 // Aeire | Soft & Cozy Hoody
6 // Von Zipper | Elmore Sunglasses in Tortoise
7 // Target | Rugby Shirt Dress
8 // Gap | Metallic Floppy Hat
9 // Aerie | Solid One Piece Swimsuit

Bloom

Potted plants and gardens sprouting up around the city, in between snowfalls, are a constant reminder to bloom where I am planted. The weekend is going to be sunny and bright, and hopefully we have seen the last of snow! I have a few gardening projects I want to tackle, along with repurposing the two tiered dresser we got at Goodwill last year--its time to get started on a long list of projects that have been building up all winter. In the spirit of planting and blooming, here are a few favorites in the soil and petal department:

Terrarium Tutorial for your cacti and succulent endevours.

Darling Magazine's on how to make a Spring bouquet.

Loving this turning triangles terrarium and this house terrarium at Urban Outfitters.

A springtime (photographic) tutorial: Floral Collage

Pretty lace flower pots .

Really wanting to make a version of these geometric concrete planters on lgn.

And these May baskets (darling, right?) on Going Home to Roost.

image made by be

Bargain Hunting Round Up // Bringing the Outdoors In

I am just aching to build a planter box, dig in dirt, and add flowers to our front porch. But snow keeps falling, and patiently I wait. You should see my kitchen windowsill--completely packed with my little potted flowers taking refuge from the cold yet still absorbing as much sun as possible despite the blizzard conditions! At least there are creative ways to bring the cheery warm days of outdoors in, with terrariums, floral prints, and spring colors (like in today's round up!)  Below you can find a new round up of my new favorite finds from around the interwebs.  All of these finds are mark downs and affordable for the designer on a budget. You can catch up on more favorites from my browsing HERE. (Also, notice that lamp shade? The same print as my living room curtains!)

1// Chalkboard spice jar.

2// UO glass house terrarium (marked down from $49 to $19.99!)

3// Threshold flocked lamp light shade.

4// Honeycomb ceramic lamp.

5// Brass animals from Target (who, by the way, is winning in the decorating department as of late)

6// Coqo floral rug.

7// Anthropologie's ceramic plant markers.

8// Threshold butterfly shadow box.

Bargain Hunting Round Up (premier!)

Snowflake flurries have kept me inside today. In lieu of the storm, I've been doing a bit of sale spotting on the interwebs. Below you can find a round up of a few favorites of mine from my go to design stores. All of these finds are mark downs and affordable for the designer on a budget and (which, who is not on a budget these days?! Budgeting means more pennies saved and more travel funds available...). 

1//  West Elm's Perpetual Fox Calendar

2//  World Market Nico Arch Mirror

3//  Anthropologie Foil Dot Napkin Set

4//  Kelly Green Half Dozen Egg Crate

5//  Natural Histories: Extraordinary Rare Book Selections 

from the American Museum of Natural History Library

6//  Formosa Chartreuse Tray Table by CB2

7//  West Elm Silk Pillow Cover 

(I fell in love with the apricot tones HERE on little green notebook)

8//  Alyson Fox Stencil Wool Rug 

I am noticing a trend of gold, chartreuse, and green. It must be spring time! That Natural Histories Book looks amazing by the way. The illustrations would make beautiful framed prints. Not to mention the coffee table interest factor if this book ended up in your home. What a neat piece!