Is It Autumn Yet?

Enough said.

I am still job searching, and I think this imaginary outfit I put together is a manifestation of my desire for a reason to get dressed up.  What a joy it would be to live somewhere like DC or NY and be able to take the train to work, with some good reading material for the journey.  Speaking of trains, did y'all hear about that Amtrak writer residency program?  If they do it again next year, I'm applying.

Here's a work-friendly autumn look (though perhaps not for investment bankers and the like):

Asher V-Neck Sweater in Camel by Equipment | Chamberlain Eyeglasses in Saddle Sage by Warby Parker | Sydney Satchel in Raisin by Fossil | Sydney Zip Multifunction Wallet by Fossil | Midi Sunray Kilt by J.W. Anderson | Heart Earrings by Catbird | Moonstone Deco Ring in Rose Gold by Datter Industries | London Scarf in Maroon from Need Supply Co. | Elinore Jacket by Steven Alan | Holt Booties by Matt Bernson | BB for Lips in Deep Purple by Bite | Ombre Nudes Eye Palette by BECCA | Modern Love Nail Polish by Deborah Lippman | 2015 Planner by Poketo from Anthropologie | Charleston: A Novel by Margaret Bradham Thornton

I'm looking forward to reading that novel pictured above, after I finish the 15 or so books I have in my queue already :P.  Right now I'm reading Gone Girl so that I can see the movie, because it's just wrong to see the movie first.  I did the same with This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper (the movie was a bit of a letdown, minus Adam Driver).  There are a lot of movies I want to see this fall.  Yay, Oscar season!  What movies are y'all looking forward to?

Also digging lately:
-Bad Feminist, Roxane Gay's collection of essays. Her livetweets of Barefoot Contessa are hilarious.
-El Pintor, the new album from Interpol.
-Urban Decay's Vice3 eyeshadow palette. Coveting it so hard.
-Project Runway. Last week's episode was wild (and at times cringe-worthy).
-I want to try this Seed Stitch Wrap knitting pattern by Purl Soho

An Autumn Outfit + Mixtape #10: Late Night Music

Summer just seems to drag on forever when you live in South Central Texas.  I don't know how many more 100 degree days I can handle.  To make matters worse, all the shops are getting their pre-fall merchandise in. For someone whose favorite season is autumn, it's like torture buying new sweaters and boots and knowing I still have at least a month before I can wear them.  The struggle, y'all:  it is real.

But a girl can dream... and I daydream a lot about autumn outfits.  You could say I'm a glutton for punishment, or you could say I just like to be prepared.

Here's a wishful thinking outfit to whet your appetite for fall:

Striped Top by Heidi Merrick | Jeans by Le Garcon at Steven Alan | Knot Earrings by Project Dahlia on Etsy | Leather Tote by Gap | Booties by Rachel Comey at Frances May | Linen Sweater by Demylee | Two-tone Waffle Cowl by Gap | Riley Watch by Fossil

I love the look of navy and rose gold accessories together.  That boyfriend style watch from Fossil is high on my wishlist at the moment.  This would be a great look for going to class, for all of y'all still in school.  I will admit that part of me was sad not to be headed back to school last week, but mostly because I missed school supply shopping.  But this would also be a great casual outfit for going to get coffee with an old classmate to catch up :).

And to make up for such a ridiculously long blogging drought (weather pun intended), I have a playlist to share too!

I was listening to my playlist of "late night music" the other night and figured I should share it.  Like most of my playlists, I couldn't really describe the intangible requirements I have for why songs match the theme, but I think it makes sense when you listen.  Anyway, it's a great playlist to listen to while you're working on something, which for me is usually late at night.

Enjoy:

Late Night Music from fatalistpalmistry on 8tracks Radio.

Also digging lately:
-Goodreads' free audiobook club; this month's is California, which has been on my to-read shelf.
-This recipe I made tonight for dinner.  Prosciutto <3
-Great films from the past couple months:  Obvious Child and Boyhood
-And some music I've been enjoying:  Real Estate's Atlas and Devendra Banhart's Mala

Cheers!

Hibernating

The good news is that it's Thanksgiving break for school and I really needed a break from homework and tests!  The bad news is that I didn't pack nearly enough warm clothing and it's unexpectedly cold this week.  Even inside the house with the fireplace going I'm still cold.  So this post is a manifestation of my warm clothing longings :P

I'm on a reading binge lately.  I finished The Cuckoo's Calling the night before I came back to SA for Thanksgiving break and man, I seriously don't think people give J.K. Rowling enough credit!  I have loved all of her books, the HP series most of all of course, but definitely her adult novels as well.  The ending totally surprised me (though maybe that's because I don't usually read mysteries and I'm not trained to guess the killer yet?  haha).  And frankly I think her books are great because they are just plain funny!  That was always one of the things I loved about HP, all the great comic moments.  I also just finished Bridget Jones's Diary.  It was both hilarious and horrifying.  My not-so-inner feminist (it's very outer haha) was cringing for most of the book, but I did laugh a lot.  It's nice to read fluffy books sometimes, you know?

I hadn't been on my Goodreads page in a while so I had forgotten all about my yearly reading goal of 25 books.  I'm only about 52% there!  How pitiful; it's not like 25 books is a lot.  Maybe if I counted textbooks my count would be higher...

But anyway, I got some new literary magazines at B&N the other day (which totally count as books in my opinion) that I'm really excited about (one is published in Austin) and the short story collection pictured below.  I have about five a half weeks left and I am determined to still make my goal!

I've also decided that I need to just shell out the $25 for a B&N member's account.  Free shipping, coupons, discounts... and I'd definitely make up for the $25 through savings in no time.  I was just telling my mom the other night that if B&N went bankrupt like Borders and had to close, I'd be severely depressed.  There is just nothing more relaxing for me than spending an hour or two in the bookstore leisurely picking out some new titles and enjoying all the beautiful covers (maybe that's just the marketing major in me).

I do have some school homework/projects to take care of this break, and I'm working a few days at the La Cantera Anthropologie again (including Black Friday.  Yay?  :P), but otherwise I will be wrapped in a blanket reading the rest of break.  Here are my dream picks for optimal cold-weather comfort:

Casado Cardigan by Saturday/Sunday at Anthropologie
Snowflake Boot Socks from Eddie Bauer (they don't bunch up in boots, they're great!)
Pommed Peak Beanie also from Anthropologie
Ex-Boyfriend Flannel Shirt from Madewell
Classic Banded Sparkle Sweatpant from Aerie
Sunchoke Soup Recipe by Happyolks (really want to try this)
Indigofera Monochrome Blanket via the Dreslyn
Holiday Mercury Candle in Creamy Chai from Anthropologie (smells divine you guys!)
Pumpkin Spice Brulée Tea from Teavana (Mom and I are hooked on Teavana now)
Bobcat short stories collection by Rebecca Lee (currently reading)

Seriously kicking myself for not bringing any of my sweatpants home with me.  Especially my comfy lounger pants from Anthro :(.

Also digging this week:
The Anthropologie blog.  I know I'm biased because I work there, but... yeah :P
The baby blanket in this post is responsible for me caving and creating a baby board on Pinterest.  It was just too cute not to pin.
This Kat Von D liquid lipstick.  It lasts forever, even through eating and drinking.  I wear it to work :)
This Sufjan Stevens Christmas cover (I got his Christmas songs boxed set!):


Stay warm, friends!

DIY Spa Day & Mixtape #6: Unwind

I've been out of school for two full weeks now and yet I still feel exhausted somehow.  It definitely wasn't the best semester in terms of my stress levels, so perhaps I just need some more time to recover.  What better way to do so than with a relaxing spa day at home?

Here are some of my favorite beauty products for a personal spa day, and a couple that I am excited to try.

From top right and spiraling clockwise:
The robe is no longer available, but it was too darn cute not to include! // Voluspa Japonica Mini Candle from Anthropologie // Godiva Chocolate-Covered Strawberries (stores only) // Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel // Tazo Calm Chamomile Tea // Soap & Glory Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em Body Buff // Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Lament // Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet Bubble Bath/Shampoo/Body Wash

Let me begin by saying that that candle is one of the best I have ever smelled.  I love the Murad peel for its brightening qualities and great smell (scent is important to me, obviously).  My mom used to have this great scrub for hands, legs, and elbows, and this Soap & Glory product looks like it would be a close replacement.  I smelled it in Sephora the other day and it had a nice scent, too.  Speaking of my mom, she has me hooked on these Illamasqua nail varnishes now.  The colors are all beautiful, and the varnish is incredibly long-lasting.  I'm talking a week plus without any chips (or that weird cracking that some nail polishes do after a while).  I have yet to use that Philosophy body wash as a bubble bath yet, but it's on my to-do list.  Finally, some hot tea and a few chocolate covered strawberries would make a great snack while you're kicking back.  Or chocolate of any kind, really.  One can never have too much chocolate in my opinion.

Just add a nice book to read and you're all set.  At the very least, you will smell great!  Haha.

Some bonus links:
-I love the idea of a mimosa bar if you wanted to do a spa day with some friends
-Or you could do epic reflexology foot massages with your partner. Date night!
-If you're on your own, try these unsightly but effective pore-purifying strips
-Here's an easy-to-make but filling salad (yay, kale) if you get peckish

I've also made a playlist of summery, relaxing songs to enjoy alongside the mini-spa.  I may or may not have included some Hawaiian music from the Spongebob Squarepants soundtrack.  I definitely did not rip said music from YouTube.  Just between you and me.

This playlist would also be great to listen to while chilling poolside.  Let's pretend that college doesn't exist for a couple more months, shall we?  (If you're in summer school, I am so sorry.  Stay strong!)

Unwind from fatalistpalmistry on 8tracks Radio.

Positive vibes, everyone.  Enjoy :)

Poolside

School is over!  For a few months, at least.  I'm back home at my parents' house for the summer and enjoying the relaxation.  It helps that they have a pool in the backyard.  Summer comes early to Texas, and the pool water should be warm enough by this week for us to start swimming.

Using some new tops and swimsuits I got from Aerie as inspiration, I put together a couple poolside outfits and accessories:

From top to bottom, left to right:
Aerie Perfect Boyfriend Tee in Hurricane // RayBan "Chris" Sunglasses (also available at Target, which is where I got mine) // Aerie Light as Air Tank in Lemon Lime Infusion // Aerie "Juliet" Printed Balconette Bikini Top and Floral Ruched Bikini Bottom // Fieldguided "Endless Bummer" Tote (she has a great blog btw) // Aerie Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit in Hurricane (just ordered this and really hope it fits!) // Mossimo Women's 3.5' Inseam Colored Rolled Cuff Denim Short in Mint // Mossimo Lavinia Slide Sandal in Black (I have these in red as well and I love them) // Fossil Girlfriend Short in Vintage Indigo Denim

I thought I would make a more realistic dream outfit post for once.  I own all of these items except for the Fielguided tote (which I actually might order because I love its simplicity) and the Target shorts.  Those Aerie shirts are so comfortable and lightweight--perfect for summer in Texas.  It's already in the 90s here.

Also digging this week:
NPR's first listen of Laura Marling's new CD
These pants from Anthropologie (and this romper)
How to make banana bread in a jar as gifts/favors
My new iPhone case!  Love the textured sides.
This maxi dress I got at Nordstrom.  Perfect.
Watching blogger Sara Sherman's cabin renovation progress.

Hope y'all are enjoying the summery weather!

Wishful Thinking #2: Classic Black

It is a universal truth that black never goes out of style.  It is timeless, seasonless, and effortless.  Not to mention flattering!  This is a simple ode to the color black, Wishful Thinking style.

Clockwise from top left:
AÃRK Collective watch
Mille Dørge iPhone case design via Society6
Shoes are sold out from Topshop, but I see that style everywhere (here's a pricey example from Chloé)
Kaweco fountain pen with screw cap
Kate Spade purse
Brooklyn Cruiser bike

School should be calmer for a couple weeks, so hopefully I'll be able to post more regularly for a while.  This is a rare weekend when I'm not going to visit Josh or vice versa, so I have a lot of free time on my hands.

Have a great weekend!

Spring Fever Pt. 3

Here's the last part of the Spring Fever series, Design.  We're experiencing a cold spell in Dallas right now so this is especially wishful thinking.  And here I thought spring was right around the corner...

Letterpress fill-in invites by Pei Design
Part of a poster by Allan Peters for Artcrank 2012
Logo design by Oscar Morris for the Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (the aquifer beneath my home town!)
I don't have a credit for the last image unfortunately.  I particularly liked the color scheme though, so I had to include it.

I think the groundhog decided spring was coming early, right?  Let's hope so!  I can't wait to break out my tank tops and shorts.

Spring Fever Pt. 2

Here's the second post in the Spring Fever series, Living.  Plus, a (very loose) smoothie recipe below.

If only vintage cars like that were fuel efficient, eh?
The washi tape is still available at Madewell; I saw it the other day when I was there.
I wish I had an occasion to make a fancy cake for!  That decoration is so beautiful.

Part 3, Design will be up some time after Sunday.  I'm in San Antonio this weekend for my Dad's birthday and therefore without Photoshop.   Luckily I don't have too awful much homework this weekend, so I'm mostly relaxing and enjoying spending time with my parents.  Sometimes I wish my college wasn't so far away from home.

My mother and I made pretty delicious smoothies tonight for dinner, since we had a big lunch out (Alamo Café, my favorite Mexican restaurant in SA).

Here's a quick and easy recipe:
1 cup Italian soda blend from HEB in Fruita D'Isola
1 Sambazon frozen açai smoothie packet (any variety will work)
1 cup frozen mixed berries (ours had strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
1 fresh kiwi, peeled and sliced
Just a smidgen of honey.

Blend and enjoy!
 
I'm hoping I can find the Italian sodas at Central Market in Plano too (they're owned by HEB) because it really was a nice addition.  If you are not lucky enough to live near an HEB, you could just as easily substitute vanilla soy milk and I'm sure it would taste great, just not as tart and fruity.  I'd also recommend any type of simple fruit juice, maybe orange or apple.

What are some of y'all's favorite smoothie combinations?  One thing I really want to try is incorporating greens into the mix.

Wishful Thinking #1: Cozy & Comfortable

In a perfect world, this is what I'd be wearing/eating/reading by the fireside.  Living in south central Texas, we don't get a lot of opportunities to use the fireplace, but it's been pretty chilly here lately.  I've been getting good use out of my Ugg Australia black Channing leather boots, which you might still be able to get for about $100 less at Nordstrom Rack (that's where I got mine).  They are so comfortable, and they have fur lining inside for extra warmth.

This segment is called Wishful Thinking because let's be honest, a college student living on a small scholarship stipend can't afford Isabel Marant clothes or fancy home goods from Steven Alan.  But I can dream!  One of the reasons I love websites like Pinterest and Polyvore is that you can get a lot of inspiration even from clothes that are well out of your price range.  I'll never own that Isabel Marant cardigan, but I know I've seen similar ones at American Eagle and Forever 21.  I like to think of them as shopping tools.  But if you are lucky enough to have the funds, I have provided the links to buy everything.

If you looked in my real closet you'd see mostly Gap (the best store for basic tees and sweaters) and sale-priced Anthropologie.  I've been living in various colors of the Eversoft circle hem sweater from Gap the past couple of weeks, as well as the boyfriend v-necks from last winter.

With that disclaimer out of the way, here are some fantasy picks for a cozy night by the fire, curled up with a good book and some delicious Bacon Cheddar Biscuits (can't wait to try this recipe!) and tea.  And don't forget the schnauzer!  My family has three miniature schnauzers, two black and one white.  I cannot wait till I can have a dog of my own, or maybe even a cat if my allergies have lessened enough.

Shirt:  A.P.C. Baggy T-Shirt in Bordeaux

Cardigan:  Étoile Isabel Marant Kiliann Oversized Cardigan
Sweatpants:  Aerie Dormwear Skinny Boyfriend Pant in Charcoal Sky
Socks:  Monki Marita Socks in True Kiss Red
Blanket:  Khadi and Co Multi Plaid Blanket
Recipe:  Bacon Cheddar Biscuits at Frites & Fries
Mug:  Room Essentials at Target Espresso Mug in Black
Tea:  Tazo Blush Berry Black Loose Leaf Tea
Teapot:  Teavana Claire Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser
Book:  St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell (great short stories collection)

I'm seriously considering ordering those Aerie sweatpants tonight.  They were all out of my size in store today.  I used to be pretty anti-sweatpants, but it's hard to feel motivated to walk to the campus gym in 50 degree or less weather in running shorts.  Do y'all have a favorite brand, preferably ones that are long enough for those of us who are tall?

In other news, I found a pretty nifty French press coffee maker and tumbler combination at Sur La Table last night.  I used it this morning with a Bavarian Hazelnut blend we found at HEB and it was pretty tasty!  I want to try making tea in it tomorrow.  It's nice that you can make the coffee in the same container you'll drink it from.  And it's dishwasher safe (but what isn't these days?).

Stay warm!