hooked on a feeling

Sweater (remixed 1 / 2): Francesca's, Lace Top (shop!) (similar 1 / 2 / 3): Ruche, 

Leggings (similar!) (remixed 1 / 2 / 3): Vera Wang (from Kohl's) 

I've become a really big fan of big, comfy sweaters lined with lace. I've been eyeing a few sweaters that fit the bill, but when I saw this really fluffy lace-trimmed tank top on sale over at Ruche last month I decided that perhaps I could create the look for a bit cheaper! I can also now apply this frilly layer to multiple sweaters in my closet.

This fun layering couldn't come at a better time, because we finally had our first supremely gorgeous Fall day yesterday. It was crystal clear and glorious, bright-aired and stunning. It was a high of 72 degrees which is straight-up cold for us Arizonans.
My mom was hosting a horse clinic this whole weekend, so the stables were swarming with happy horse riders, learning and laughing and socializing. Dustin and I brought our coffee out to the barn house porch to watch for a little while, and we were all shivering in the breeze! It was such a wonderful sensation. There's something in the air, a certain scent of chill. I'm hooked on that feeling of Fall.

To really up the ante, Starbucks released their red cups this weekend! Most states have already been enjoying cold weather for a while (even snow, which is mind-boggling), but these festive red cups which signify so much holly jolly could not have come at a better time here in Arizona. It's time for sweaters and sandals, which is the Arizona way.
Dustin and I made our first voyage to the red-cupped Starbucks in town and took celebratory photos as part of their #redcupcontest to win a sterling silver Starbucks card. It seems like a pretty absurd thing, to have a sterling silver Starbucks card, but now I need one. 

November is a thrilling time. I wish I could be spending my entire day outside on the porch, sipping from hot mugs and reading a good book. (Jane Austen's Emma, to be precise, which is my book club's selection this month!).

beads and polka-dots {frocktober, day 14}

Dress (remixed): Ruche, Sweater (remixed): Francesca's

This sweater has been a favorite of mine for a little over a year now. For some reason it almost always encourages my hair into a messy bun, probably because it's so comfortable and I feel so carefree in its giant polka-dotted embrace. 

It also works quite well for a Frocktober sick day, which this certainly was. Yesterday was rather terrible. I left work around 1pm, went by the store to get a handful of cup-o-noodles (I know - but don't judge me. Everyone has their sicky cravings. Those things are weirdly delicious. Ramen all the way!), and headed straight home for sad couch noodle-eating. I napped for a few hours and then mustered up the strength to take a few photos. 

My husband was laughing at me during this shoot because he said he could tell I was "holding in the sickness" while I was standing there in the road. I definitely went right back into my pajamas as soon as we were done! 

Even so, I do love this outfit. This dress is perfect for layering like this because of the pretty beaded collar. 

I got a few new Ruche pieces in the mail last night that I'll be wearing this week - I'm currently wearing this dress, and loving it! It's such a pretty floral. I just can't wait for the weather to cool so I can wear it with scarves, tights and booties. 

I also got another gift from my husband which made me almost burst into tears (it was the cold talking), the long-awaited As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes. I honestly have just started reading it and have already squealed and/or said awww about a dozen times. I cannot wait to read it all. 

giant polka dots

When you start to feel that crispness in the air, it's all about the sweaters. 

Normally, I let the sweaters come to me. I glance around and maybe one will be on sale, maybe I see that super cozy sweater in a pile at Target, maybe I'll even order one I come across online if it's particularly irresistible.

But this time, I pursued this sweater. And it was so worth it. 

I saw a post over on Francesca's Instagram account (@francescacollections) with the sweater featured on one of their mannequins, and was determined to find it in our local store!

We ended up going there this past weekend, and I searched high and low but didn't see any fabulous polka dot sweaters.

I finally asked up at the cash register, but the two women working said the only polka dot sweater they had was black with white polka dots.

She offered to go to the back to double check, and I said, yes, please!

Sweater: Francesca's, Bottoms: Old Navy, Purse: Target (shop!), Jewelry: Fossil

The sweater isn't even online yet, so if I were you, I would healthily stalk your local shop like I did until you can coerce them into searching the back for you! (With a smile, and a please and thank you!)
The sweet lady came back with both the black version and this fetching oatmeal version, the one I was after, which I immediately snatched up. I love it!

I'm also pretty obsessed with my purse, which is from Target and has a fox on it. (Because I love foxes, as you know.) I've been instagramming this purse for a few weeks now, with #myfoxpurse, so if you happen to pick up this bag or another foxy purse, join my hashtag!

Speaking of foxes, if you haven't seen this zany video yet, you're welcome. 

Also, for you west coasters who don't feel that crispness in the air, and who hate me for talking about sweaters, foxes and pumpkin spice lattes, read this article that my best friend sent me and know that you're not alone.
Also, I'll be joining your ranks again next year so just let me enjoy my time in the red leaves.