Touchdown

Boy, was it miserably rainy and cozy last weekend. Obviously, that calls for boots, a big, comfy cardigan, and hot chocolate; not chilling/soaking oneself to the bone with essentially nothing but a grocery bag covering your body in the midst of 70,000 people all in the name of a football game, like the rest of my college town seems to think. Ah well, that's dedication for you. Though I have some, I tend to toss it in the direction of thrifting, vintage hunting, and breakfast foods rather than the end zone, but to each his own : ).

Shirt: Thrifted; Sweater: Vintage; Pants: Gap; Boots: Old Navy (recent!); Necklace: Target

I made something delicious last weekend, and I'm sharing the recipe tomorrow-- stop back by!

Guest Post by Marlen of Messages on a Napkin

Remember yesterday when I said I had a special post lined up for today? My friend Marlen (also known as the queen of layering) has agreed to deliver some expert advice on transitioning summer pieces to fall. Class in session!


Hello all! My name is Marlen (like the Monroe and not the fish) and I blog over at Messages on a Napkin.  Seeing how the cooler weather is barging in on us and we're not ready to put away our meadow dresses or sparkly tops, Leah and I thought it would be fun to show you how we like to transition our summer pieces into fall.


The dress I chose is one of my summer favorites- it's everything a dress should be. Its skirt flounces in breezes, it's kissed with flowers, and turns sheer in warm summer sunlight.  Which is the polar opposite of what you'd want when leaves are falling and crunching under your boots. So to stretch some more time out of it, I added some trusty layers.


A dark floppy hat will shield crisp winds, a baggy, over-sized vest adds some heavy layers, and tights with booties add those fall touches.


And just like that you have some more quality time with your summer favorites!  Hope this gave you some ideas ;)

Dress- UO

Hat- UO

Vest- Thrifted

Booties- Topshop

Thanks so much Marlen! Everyone go visit her and tell her how clever she is/gorgeous her photos are! : )

Blueberry Mint Chip

Here is my first attempt at a braid crown and my first (of many, many to come) pairing involving this mint sweater. Though one endeavor produced messy, unkempt results, the other, though equally as slouchy, yielded warmth, a pleasing palette to the eye, and thoughts of ice cream-- all things that will receive two thumbs up from yours truly (though realistically, one thumb is around a spoon and the other holds the bowl of ice cream now consuming my mind). 

Tho thathy. I get impatient sometimes.

Dress: Thrifted; Sweater: Thrifted; Shoes: Old Navy; Tights: Target

Happy Monday everybody! Tune in tomorrow for a special guest post!

STL Adventures

Shirt: Vintage; Sweater: Vintage; Skirt: Vintage; Shoes: Old Navy; Tights + Necklace: Target

This is what I wore while traipsing around St. Louis with Matt and our friend Kevin, the day of the Louis C.K. show. I'm getting all-too-much wear out of these pumpkin-hued tights, and, thanks to the Midwest's denial of autumn and expedition of winter, they've been the top layer of several nylon films I get to peel off at the end of the day. What's with that, anyway? Mother nature can be so cruel.

What hams. R-L: Matt, Kevin.

After brunch, we ventured out to the Soulard Farmer's Market, where they sell...everything. I'm not joking. Matt and I purchased several large area rugs for our apartment, and enjoyed hot apple cider with rum/ sangria at the same place. Not to mention, the produce is re-dic cheap. We thought about loading up on avocados and strawberries, but decided we'd rather just explore. If you're ever in the STL area Wednesday-Saturday, I highly recommend you check it out-- it's year-round!

And finally, I was able to snap some photos of the insanely gorgeous Fox Theatre before the lights went down. I think the fact that my jaw re-drops every time I enter this place should be a clear enough indication of its beauty. Again, if you're ever in the area...go ahead and drop the ~$100 to see a play here : ).

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll see you all Monday!

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Several trips to the grocery store ago, Matt and I came home with powdered peanut butter, just on a whim. While we discovered that the consistency of the product isn't exactly our bag on a sandwich, it does add the perfect amount of flare to a hot chocolate-- something I'm constantly craving as soon as the temperature gets below 60 degrees. So, without further ado:

You'll need:

-- 1 cup milk or milk substitute

-- 1 1/2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

-- 1 Tbsp. powdered peanut butter

-- 1 Tbsp. sugar

-- dash of salt

-- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Heat milk on stove or in microwave. Or, if you've got a milk steamer, do that. Combine all dry ingredients in a mug. Pour milk into mug, then add vanilla. Stir and enjoy!