****From Paris With Love****

Holiday Catalog - Free People

****Navajo Dreams - What I Want****

So after merchandising the hell out of the Denim & Supply department at work today, my want list just got a bit larger. Although I've had my eye on a handful of pieces...namely the beacon snorkel above that remains illusive in the states but completely available in the UK which is always the case and always upsetting...I figured I'd share and document it for easy reference in the future...lol

These babies will be mine this week as they are on sale now!!!!

Another illusive piece that I'm drooling over...

And this shirt will also be mine this weekend...another sale item that I can't pass up

Its unfortunate but I am happy to say that my "shopping block" so to speak has been lifted and I am once again hungry for newness in my closet. All I can say is I better start listing some new jewelry pieces on Etsy fast...lol

****The Silent Meow****

From the falling temps on Friday night leaving us severely chilled to the bone, to the all day snow storm Saturday, to the random flu like symptoms starting late Saturday and complete melt down on Sunday, Halloween just didn't happen as planned.  I did manage to check out the best haunted trail ever on Friday night so atleast I can say I did something festive but as for dressing up and going out....well it was a completely flop.  Even with the option on Monday night, after slipping dramatically on ice on my way to the car earlier that morning spilling my coffee allllllllllll over me the last thing on my mind was an overcrowded club.  

With that said I still felt like putting on my costume in the celebration of the thought of Halloween and partaking in the festivities so heres to it....LOL

Jacket - XXI, Shredded Tank - DIY, Leggings - XXI, Shoes - Steve Madden, Necklace - DIY

And I would also like to formally introduce you to my latest addition to the shoe closet...Despite the JC undertones, they are Steve Maddens and I got them for a steal at work after the discount.  These babies alone were worth getting all dolled up for nothing...

Oh and the necklace was made last week after my NYC trip(which reminds me I have a handful of pics that I never posted).  I found a few new amazing bead stores with so many goodies I literally had to smack my hand every time I saw another amazing bauble.  The pendant is bone and was so fitting for the costume I whipped it up the very next day.  I may tweak it a bit but get used to seeing it in just about every outfit post for a while...hehe

****Wool and Leather - What I Wore****

Fall has finally decided to show itself and I have officially began to panic.  Layers and heavy knits aren't so easy for me so to avoid it all I am currently creating a list of must have fall items that should do the trick based off of what I have now and will need later.....a simple task that everyone else does but escapes me every year.  

One good thing, I found these amazing wool shorts from H&M that I purchased last year and maybe wore once. I figured it was safe to pop off the tag (yes the price tag was still on them and what a bargain at $25) and decided they should officially have their debut.  Paired with a tank, my favorite Aldo boots, my go to biker jacket and clutch I was ready to start the weekend.  And what a needed weekend it will be as next week my boss is on vaca putting me in charge of about 10 people...3 of which are new....and a handful of floor moves.  YIKES!!!!!!  Anywho, hope your weekend is going well and c u next post.

Glasses - H&M, Jacket - H&M, Tank - H&M, Short - H&M, Shoes - Aldo

And by the way I have been reverting to childhood pastimes and picked up some clay.  Between that and my sudden need for geometric baubles, my jewelry boxes have gotten a bit heavier.  But more about that and my lovely new ring next week.

**** That Woman Is Volatile - DIY****

Summer is coming to an end here which means the return of layers, heavier knits, black and chunky accessories.  In other words for me, I get to bring back out my inner femme fatale....my colder month bad ass.  Oh sure, during summer I wore my distressed shorts, sleek combat boots, and sheered tanks.  I layered on a few necklaces and definitely took part in the arm party craze.  I still rocked a moto jacket (although in a light cotton) and black but nothing compares to the lengths one can go during the upcoming season. Not only that but with a few of the hit movies soon to arrive flaunting destructive females (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and Columbiana) I'm sure whatever is in the air I breath this time of the year will be taking hold of a few other fashionistas, especially after the looks scene on the runways in February.

From Balmain to Givency to Rick Owens to CA&LOU, many designers have caught wind of this hardcore trend and besides adding to my seasonal shopping list the mood has inspired me into a DIY frenzy.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• a package of bolts and washers
• chain
• pliers
• E-6000 (optional)

After much time in Lowes (one would think that I should know my way around the store not only because I'm a habitual DIY'er but also since my BFF is a manager there...but hey) I managed to come across the kind of bolt and washer kit I was looking for.  Now when you do this DIY it will be a good idea to buy one, bolts or chain, first and bring it with you so that you know what width will be needed.  If not, you'll be left with purchasing a bit more than needed just to make sure of a snug fit.

Measure out your chain to your desired length and gather a couple bolts.  Gently twist the bolt through one of the chain loops

Once bolt head is flush with the chain, begin to add the washer to the back.  With my choice of chain, the fit between the bolt and chain was really snug so when I began to add the washer, I had to ensure that the adjacent links did not shift out of alignment.  You may be able to screw the washer on until flush with the chain but in my case I was unable.  I did make sure it was very secure though.

Now its completely easy from here on out.  Continue adding the bolts in whatever pattern your hearts desire.  I spaced mine out evenly around the center of the chain.

And viola!! A simple necklace with a bit of industrial chic. Especially this fall, the starkness of the hardware will compliment the warm fall tones and add just the right touch to Bad Ass look.

With so much extra materials left over I went ahead and took the simple DIY a step further to create one killer statement necklace...

I wanted to wear it this past weekend with the striped dress pictured above but with the heat and the overall weight of the necklace I saw myself going thru the day quite uncomfortable.  I will be saving this lovely for a night out with cooler temps. 

****Wallet Friendly Lux****

So I haven't even grabbed everything off of this season's want list from H&M and now they already have me looking into my next?!?!?! Summer hasn't even fully arrived yet......