Ballet Style

It was so much fun dressing up as Black Swan for Halloween this weekend. And I realized the ballet aesthetic doesn't just appeal to me as a costume. In one way or another, I've always admired the look of dancers: their strength and grace, as well as their style. I love ballet flats, swishy skirts, off-the-shoulder tops and wrap sweaters. I like pale pinks, soft whites and pretty grays, and anything that shows off the collarbone or back. So gorgeous!

Photos from here and here. 

Happy Halloween!

It's Halloween weekend, and I'm quite excited about it. I love dressing up and going to costume parties. I have a rule about never repeating a Halloween costume, so it's fun to come up with something new each time around. This year, I'm channeling Natalie Portman in Black Swan. I have a leotard from a ballet class I took in college, and I actually wore white ballet slippers at my wedding; all I had to buy was a tutu, some feathery accessories and a lot of black eye makeup. Here's a preview of the look:

* Leotard

* Tights

* Tutu

* Ballet shoes

* Tiara

* Feather brooch

Are you dressing up for Halloween? Whatever your plans, I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Mood Makers

I'd love these home finds from Anthropologie any day, but their ever-so-slightly gothic feel makes them perfect this time of year. Wouldn't any one of them cast a little mystery into a space?

Photos from here. 

See and be Seen

I'm loving this shopbop lookbook. The luxe See by Chloe clothes and the New York City backdrop are a fantastic pairing. They make me wish I were lounging in a posh hotel room and then heading out to see the city.

Photos from here. 

Darkly Beautiful

As Halloween approaches, I'm more apt to appreciate things with a darker, creepier or more macabre side. Perhaps that's why I'm intrigued by these works by EmiPhotograph. I like how x-ray images of human anatomy are juxtaposed with text, maps, equations, trees and even butterflies. And the idea of looking into someone -- and perhaps glimpsing what's hidden within -- matches up perfectly with the mood of the holiday.

Photos from here. 

Currently

This weekend was quite full, even though my husband and I were still feeling under the weather. We went to a wine event, an art museum opening and a friend's birthday party -- and then spent most of yesterday lazing on the couch! Since all I want to do right now is crawl back into bed, I'm going to focus instead on a few little things making me happy lately.

A latte sipped in the sunshine.

My nephew trying to escape a diaper changing.

Arts lovers turning out to see a new museum.

A fire on a chilly autumn night.

My sleepy little pup.

Photos by me. 

Comfort Fashion

Perhaps it's due to the new chill in the air, or maybe it's because I've been hunkered down at home with a cold, but all I want to do is wrap myself in a cozy sweater. The chunkier and softer, the better! I think any of these would feel like a giant hug all day long.

Have a wonderful, warm and cozy weekend!

Photos from here, here, here and here.

Wild

Today, the artwork of Rob Nadeau is really speaking to me. His recent paintings in particular, with their bold colors and assertive brushstrokes, are so energizing. They make me feel like anything could happen today -- and for once, that wild feeling seems freeing.

Photos from here. 

Monday Motivation

It's Monday morning, and I'm exhausted! But it's a good tired because this weekend was so much fun. The gala on Friday night was great (and my sparkly dress and red shoes worked perfectly), and going to the big football game with my friends on Saturday was a blast. And yesterday my husband and I went for a long bike ride. Since I'm dragging a bit this morning, I thought I'd kick off the workweek with some motivation courtesy of words and images found on Pinterest.

Photos from here.

Seeing Red

I live in a big college town. The university is responsible for a lot of energy and forward-thinking in the city -- and quite a few fun events. I'm going to the homecoming football game with a group of girlfriends tomorrow, and tonight my husband and I are going to a red tie gala. I couldn't find a red dress for the occasion, but I did nab a black sequined dress and a hot pair of red shoes. I'm going to keep my accessories understated so the shoes really pop. I can't wait for the weekend to begin!

* Dress

* Bracelet

* Shoes

* Clutch

* Necklace

Priorities

What I like most about this Manhattan apartment, featured on Apartment Therapy, is that even though it's not even six-hundred square feet, it boasts an incredible art collection. I'd give up some square footage if it meant I got to live with paintings, prints and drawings that would inspire, comfort and intrigue me. Wouldn't you?

Photos from here.