Happy Halloween!

For a few years, Frida Kahlo has been on my mind as Halloween costume inspiration.  I decided to take the plunge this year, when portraying Frida turned out to be the easiest of my choices!  The only things that I bought to complete the costume were red lipstick and false eye lashes. 

Click through for instructions and a more complete look at the costume. . . .

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

Busy, busy it's been around here.  For me, the weekend will involve friends and finalizing my Halloween costume.  Till now, it's been just an idea (a very simple one :), so it's time to assemble the pieces and determine details.  I'm looking forward to the fun, low-fuss project, which may evolve into something with more pizazz than originally planned.  We'll see....

What are you up to this weekend?  Whatever your plans, I hope you have fun and enjoy browsing a few bits from around the web.  xo

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A dating site sees a spike in D.C. activity, thanks to the federal shutdown.

Local chefs look forward to new players in the District's restaurant scene.

Graphite drawings that the artist says are the product of "daydreaming and keeping track of it."

I found these German chocolate-glazed gingerbread cookies in the grocery store, and they are SO delicious.  Maybe a little early for the holidays, officially, but the delicate warmth of the spice is so lovely for fall.

Quirky DIY kids' Halloween costumes that will make you giggle.

I may be coming around to the idea of the heeled bootie.*  A refined ankle makes all the difference.  These and these and these pass muster.

A slouchy silk sweater that looks like it would be nice to live in. 

Would you order a custom-blended lipstick? 

This gnocchi looks like a hearty, indulgent weekend meal.

For the Why Didn't I Think of That? file: apple cider sangría.


*Yes, I know that they have been a thing.

(Image via The Editorialite, gnocchi recipe via Epicurious on Pinterest.)

Diane Keaton on Style

Diane Keaton in Los Angeles, 1975, via Diane Keaton Fan.

People recently featured a great mini-interview with Diane Keaton.

I've always appreciated Diane's style point of view -- she seems practical, irreverent, and unabashedly herself.  Amidst a 1970s sea of bold-print polyester, Diane chose muted menswear.

Photo via Yahoo! Shine.

In her People interview, Diane articulated her preference to wear color in brief shots:

"Colors as accessories punch more.  If it's the whole show, count me out.  I don't want to be in that show.  I mean, do you?" 

Diane's stance on color speaks to my own affinity for neutrals.  This topic probably deserves a post of its own, but, to give you an idea, an overwhelming proportion of my closet consists of neutrals.  I, too, prefer wearing color in concentrated doses. 

Do you have style "rules"?  Do any of them fly in the face of trend or convention?

The Michelle Obama Look Book

Um, I'm not sure how I missed this.

Mrs. Obama, wearing Naeem Khan at the 2012 White House Correspondents Association Dinner.

What's your favorite style statement from Mrs. O?