Nothing says fall like a pumpkin patch, and after living in Northern Virginia for over six years now, I was determined to find one this year. On Sunday, we piled into the car {with Ella, of course!} and headed out to Virginia wine country to check out the closest dog-friendly pumpkin patch.
Sweater: Nordstrom {available in 5 colors & under $40 — oversized fit, I’m wearing the medium} | Leggings: Zella | Hat: Hinge, last season {similar HERE & HERE} | Riding Boots: Tory Burch | Leopard Scarf: J.Crew, old {similar HERE} | Bag: Tory Burch | Lips: mixed #10 & #47
I was actually surprised that every pumpkin patch that was close to us was not dog-friendly. But I had heard wonderful things about Great Country Farms, so we didn’t mind the drive through Virginia’s mountains. And since Saturday was a complete rain-out, Sunday was the only option…I guess the other several hundred people there Sunday morning thought the same thing! Between all the people, Ella acting like a crazy pup and 45 mph winds…it was an interesting outing! We were shocked that we were able to get these pictures, and in the end, I think they turned out pretty cute 😉
Now onto the outfit. I saw this mock neck sweater a few weeks ago online and thought it looked so warm and cozy — a perfect fall sweater, right? Initially, I loved this color, but I was afraid it would be too light in color with my hair and skin tone. But when I saw it in store, I fell in love with the color even more and decided to go with it. Now, I want it in every color they make! I love the comfy, oversized fit and the mock neckline allows you to easily pair it with blanket scarves or statement necklaces, whichever you prefer.
As for the rest of the look, I went with my go-to leggings, riding boots and leopard scarf. Although it was incredibly windy and I did manage to lose my hat a few times, I’m so glad I went with the hat because my hair would have been all over the place. This was definitely the perfect look for pumpkin patch-ing: comfortable and warm!
Thanks for stopping by and see you back here tomorrow!
I’m switching things up a little this week and making Wednesday Wishes more like Monday Musings. Since a lot of people are off for Columbus Day today {unfortunately, I’m not one of them!} I wanted to share some fall color inspiration for those who have shopping planned for their day off. I know this color is by no means revolutionary for fall — in fact, it’s probably the most quintessential color of them all — but, I have been seeing more burgundy than ever this season. I know I touched on this fall trend in one of my fall trends under $100 post, but there have been so many new pieces that have arrived since then, I could not resist sharing a few of my current favorites. From lace dresses to sweaters to accessories, this color is literally everywhere. One of my favorite burgundy finds of the season has been this turtleneck sweater. Although simple, it’s a great staple piece and perfect for layering with vests, jackets and blanket scarves {it’s also available in other colors if burgundy isn’t your thing!}. I bought the sweater last year in a bright pink and it was definitely a favorite.
Accessories are one of my favorite parts of creating a look and this selection of burgundy accessories are some of my favorite. I always love a good hat or blanket scarf, but this suede bag is truly stunning. As for shoes, these pumps with the semi-opaque detailing are just gorgeous and could be worn all through winter — how perfect would they be with a Christmas dress!
A few other burgundy items for fall:
I have had my eye on this coat for a while now. I love the draped lapels, wrap style and of course the color. It’s finally on sale for under $200. And I love the name 😉
Looking to add something burgundy to your husband/boyfriend’s closet? This shirt is one of my husband’s favorites — he has it in a few colors!
As I mentioned in last week’s Wednesday Wishes, I have been searching for fall candles for our house. I just discovered this one and I’m dying to smell it. I would be perfect for the holidays, too!
Thanks for dropping by and see you tomorrow for an all new recipe!
When I first saw this floral print at J.Crew a few months ago, I was smitten by it. The ruffle around the neckline was subtle and on-trend and there were so many pretty colors in the pattern, I knew I could style this several ways, even into fall. Last weekend in Pittsburgh, I wore the blouse with the perfect fall layering piece: a faux leather jacket.
Floral Blouse: J.Crew {extra 40% off with code YESPLEASE} | Cropped Jeans: cabi c/o {similar style HERE} | Faux Leather Jacket: BLANKNYC | Flats: Sam Edelman | Statement Earrings: old {similar style HERE} | Monogrammed Clutch: Mark and Graham {on sale!} | Rings: HERE & HERE | Nameplate Bracelet: Elizabeth Cole | Lips: #31 & #205
You may remember a few weeks ago in my fall trends under $100 series where I wrote about ruffles and mentioned that I had recently purchased a ruffle top {gasp!}. Well, this is it! And I have a confession: I have been wearing this blouse constantly over the past few weekends. It was cool to wear when we were having the heat wave in September and now that the nights are turning a little chilly, I’ve added the jacket. I bought the blouse when it first went on sale and shockingly, it’s still in stock and has been reduced even further. It is true to size and the perfect length {I am about 5’8 for reference}.
I couldn’t pass on the chance to pull the pink shade from the blouse into my accessories, and these pink suede flats and my favorite monogrammed clutch were a match. I bought these suede flats during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and they are also still available. A cute and comfortable flat that comes in a few other colors as well!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. We are going to Mt. Vernon for a Virginia wine tasting on Saturday evening, which happens to be outside, so we are hoping Hurricane Matthew stays far away. Stay safe to those of you that are in it’s path!
With the exception of Christmas, fall is definitely my favorite season for decorating. Now that it’s officially October, it seems like it’s socially acceptable to start pulling out the autumn decor pieces. We have been gone for what seems like every weekend for the past few months, but this weekend we are actually at home and I am so looking forward to decorating the house. Although, not looking forward to potentially dealing with Hurricane Matthew. I might be waiting until next week to get the mums if a hurricane is on it’s way…
These are a few of the fall decorations I have been eyeing to add to my collection this season. At the top of my list are white pumpkins: they would be so cute to add with the traditional pumpkins both indoors and outdoors. Also at the top of my list are festive kitchen towels. I love changing these towels out every season and the pumpkin pie and apple streusel towels are too perfect to pass up. Lastly, I have been searching for a fall candle for our living room. My husband finds the Bath and Body Works candles to be too overpowering, leaving us both with headaches, so we have been trying different brands. We just finished off this candle in amber and we loved it. I’m going to check out this one I mentioned above because not only does the pumpkin scent sound amazing, but I love the packaging!
Here are a few other fall finds to add to your kitchen:
Have you started thinking of fall pie baking yet? These autumn pie crust cutters would be such a wonderful presentation.
Happy Monday and October, friends! Can you believe it’s already the tenth month of the year?! Serious question: where did September go?? And speaking of September, it was a rainy end of the month for us in Northern Virginia. After having hardly any rain all summer, we got enough last week to more than make up for it. The one good thing about all this rain was the opportunity to break out my favorite rainy day gear: Hunter boots.
I wore this look for the drive to Pittsburgh over the weekend and it was the perfect combination of cute and comfortable. I’ve had a serious thing for plaid lately, so when I saw THIS tunic {it comes in a TON of colors!} I knew it would be a great shirt for fall. And it’s ridiculously soft — it feels like a sleep shirt! I paired it with my absolute favorite leggings {I have a workout and non-workout pair!} and my floppy hat — there was no point in styling my hair in the rain because it would have been curl city!
We are heading home from Pittsburgh today since it was a late night last night for Sunday Night Football! I always love going back to Pittsburgh, but it’s funny how much a city can change in such a short time. I lived in Pittsburgh for four years during college and in the past six years, I can’t get over the changes…for the better! There are SO many great restaurants that did not exist when I was there {which is probably for the best!} and so many things that I wasn’t able to enjoy while living there as a student.
Would you be interested in a city guide to Pittsburgh? My first post EVER on ABM was about Pittsburgh {you can read it HERE} and I feel like I could definitely update it with new and exciting things. Let me know in the comments or by e-mail if that’s something you would be interested in reading. Have a great start to the week and see you back here tomorrow for a yummy pumpkin recipe!
When I bought THIS cardigan during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I knew that it would be a staple in my closet during the fall. Not only is the color perfect for the season, it’s soft and cozy and can obviously be worn several different ways {last seen HERE}! I’m always attracted to these longer, oversized styles, and this one is no exception…
There is something so comfortable and relaxed about these long and oversized sweaters. While this is more of a dressed up look with the heels, it could also be worn more casually with flats or even sneakers. This particular color is sold out {it’s still available in a few other colors}, but I did link THIS almost identical cardigan if you are looking for something in the olive green color.
We all know how much I like to mix black and camel and the leopard pumps are the perfect way to incorporate both colors into the look. Although these leopard pumps are a find from last year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I linked a super similar pair that is the same lower height, but the heel is just a little different. As for my other accessories, I went with my favorite everyday tote and monogrammed necklace.
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend! We are heading to Pittsburgh for the Steelers game {it’s the Sunday night game!} this weekend. I’m looking forward to stopping by my old college stomping grounds and eating at a few of our favorite restaurants! Be sure to follow along on Instagram {rach.mccarthy} and Snapchat {rach.mccarthy7}! See you back here on Monday!
Happy Wednesday! The last two mornings have been CHILLY! Like when a jacket is a necessity, not an option kind of weather. Although, I’m not complaining. This cooler air is a welcomed relief after the hot {and long} summer we had. But, these cooler temperatures do have me thinking of one thing: cozy sweaters! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite styles for this fall, and they are all under $100!
1. Off the Shoulder Burgundy Sweater: a mix of two of fall’s hottest trends {burgundy and off the shoulder}, this ribbed sweater would be perfect dressed down with jeans or dressed up for date night. Also available in a dark grey.
2. Hot Pink Mock Turtleneck Sweater: Talk about hot pink! This mock turtleneck sweater is oversized and can be styled with skinny jeans or leggings. Although it’s super dramatic, I think it’s such a fun fall pieces that would also be super cozy. And you can’t beat that pink color 😉
3. Ribbed Mock Neck Pullover: I’m only on sweater number three and I’ve already talked about two ribbed sweaters — which is funny because when I was younger, I absolutely despised any article of clothing that had ribs! But this sweater is a great staple piece for your closet: available in 5 colors, under $40 and cute side slits. A great casual sweater that could be paired with jeans for a comfy weekend look.
4. Leopard Pullover Sweater: You can’t have a list of fall sweaters and not include something with leopard! I have this crew neck sweater in a few solid colors and I love layering it in the fall with shirts, jackets and blanket scarves. Style this leopard sweater with jeans or a colorful pair of pants or dress it up with a skirt for the office!
5. Cowl Neck Split Back Sleeveless Tunic: Another layering piece for fall, this sleeveless tunic could also be worn sans-layers for the warmer transitional temperatures. Wear this tunic with a turtleneck underneath all fall and winter — it would be so cute with leggings and riding boots!
6. Cable Crewneck Sweater with Bell Sleeves: This sweater has one of the fall trends I talked about in my mini-series written all over it! {see ruffle post HERE, bell sleeve post HERE} Whether the sleeves are ruffled or bell sleeves they are the perfect feminine take on the classic cable knit sweater. Available in 5 colors, this sweater could be worn alone, under a blazer or with a shirt underneath.
7. V-Neck Sweater: A cozy v-neck sweater is definitely a fall closet staple. It’s easy, casual and can be styled with a scarf, statement necklace or statement earrings. I also love THIS olive green v-neck sweater {priced at $59!} and THIS striped high-low shirttail hem sweater.
8. Sweater with Ruffle: Another ruffle sweater! I love that this sweater is a pretty basic style but adds the fun element with the ruffle. And how gorgeous is this green color?! It would look fabulous paired with black — pants or a skirt — and for a more casual look, distressed denim and booties!
9.Geo Print Knit Cardigan: I’m always a sucker for a long cardigan. Aren’t they just the definition of cozy on chilly days?! With the black and white geo print, it’s screaming for leggings and riding boots for a relaxed weekend look.
What are your favorite sweater styles for fall? I would love to hear in the comments section below. Thanks so much for stopping by and see you tomorrow for an all new outfit post!
Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a great weekend! I’ve been looking forward to sharing this post with you for over a month now and I’m so excited the day is finally here! Since the beginning of August, I have been trying a new beauty line, IT Cosmetics. As you may remember from earlier beauty posts, I have pretty sensitive and dry skin and I am usually hesitant to start using new products. But, I really liked everything I had read about IT Cosmetics {you can learn more HERE} and decided to give it a whirl…
For those of you who are not familiar with IT Cosmetics, here is a little background. First and foremost, I want to say that although I was sent a few products {that’s how I found out about IT!} from IT Cosmetics to try, this is by no means a sponsored post. I have been using the products since the beginning of August and have already used up a few of the products and bought more for myself. Here on ABM, I only share my honest opinions with you and just want you to know that I really love this beauty line!
Ok, back to IT Cosmetics. “IT” stands for “innovative technology” and was developed by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. IT Cosmetics believes that great makeup can give you great skin, which I love! Each product is developed with good-for-you ingredients that make your skin beautiful so you will be getting compliments on your skin, and not your makeup!
Now for the exciting news! As of yesterday, IT Cosmetics is now sold at Sephora! Having secured the coveted space on Sephora’s shelves, you will be able to shop these products online and at your local store! Below, I am reviewing the items from the IT line that are exclusive to Sephora. I will also mention that one of my favorite products, which is sold elsewhere and Sephora, is the CC+ Cream with SPF 50+. I have gone through an entire bottle and absolutely love it. And the best part, it is one of the only foundations I have tried that hasn’t caused a bad reaction on my skin! If you have sensitive and dry skin, although it does work for all skin types, I would definitely recommend this CC+ Cream!
Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream: I’m not a huge fan of eye cream — honestly, I really haven’t had one that has blown me away. A few years ago, I tried an avocado eye cream and it completely dried out the skin under my eyes and my skin became red and irritated. Since then, I have kept my distance from eye creams! But, I’m looking forward to everything THIS under eye eye cream promises: brightening and reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness and perfect for all skin types. This can be applied both morning and evening.
Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Color Awakening Lip Treatment: I’m always on the lookout for a hydrating lip treatment. And so far, I’ve really been loving THIS formula. The color-infused balm provides hydration and a naturally flush lip color. The promise? The formula reacts with the warmth of your lips to create a beautiful color that lasts all day. I will say that for me, this has been pretty true. I’ve put it on in the morning and it has lasted until at least lunchtime {while drinking coffee and water}. But what I loved most was the moisturized feeling throughout the entire time it was on. This will definitely be a staple as we head into the colder months — and I love that it gives you just the right amount of color!
Bye Bye Makeup Melting Balm: Ok, now this stuff is incredible. When IT came up with the name “melting balm” they were spot on. And it’s a 3-in-1: cleanser, makeup remover and anti-aging serum. The first time I saw a demonstration of the “melting” I was absolutely amazed! You apply the formula to dry skin and wipe it off with a face cloth — and that’s it! You can use warm water and pat dry if you would like, but a face cloth is all you really need! It literally melts the makeup off your face, leaving your face feeling soft and clean. I love the concept of including a makeup remover with a cleanser — it would have especially come in handy for me a few weeks ago when I ran out of makeup remover wipes!
Bye Bye Pores Primer: Oh, primer. I have had a love/hate relationship with so many primers over the years. With such dry and sensitive skin, I’ve tried my fair share of products. You may remember me talking about a coconut water based primer from THIS post that I discovered a few months ago. I used it for most of the winter and spring, but stopped when the summer heat started. THIS primer from IT is oil free and a super light formula, two of the key things I look for when purchasing primer. Unlike the coconut water based formula I was using, Bye Bye Pores Primer is more of a matte finish, which I think is ideal for creating a perfectly smooth canvas for applying your foundation. This primer can be applied either over your moisturizer or on clean skin, underneath your makeup.
Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination: Now, to my second favorite IT product! As I mentioned above, I have been using THIS CC+ cream and can’t get enough of it! But THIS Under Eye Illumination is a close second. This full-coverage, anti-aging and waterproof concealer is amazing. My go-to concealer has been a MAC formula and most recently a NARS formula, but honestly, this IT Cosmetics formula takes the cake! I can’t get over how much brighter by under eyes look after using this product — which also can be used as a concealer for other blemishes — and how long it lasts! To apply this concealer, tap with your fingertips onto the under eye and blend.
CC+ Skin Perfecting Brush: Last, but not least, a brush that will help to apply your makeup for a flawless finish. I will say, I have a few of IT brushes {I love THIS concealer/foundation brush} and I have been super impressed with the quality. THIS skin perfecting brush is infused with anti-aging collagen that will improve the look of your skin and give you that promised flawless finish. To apply, buff the makeup onto your skin using circular motions for a smooth finish.
Here are a few snaps of my results with these products. There is a before picture with no makeup {and no editing!} and an after pictures with makeup {and no editing!} I’ve link the products I used to achieve this look below:
Whew! Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to share as much information as I could about each of these products. I have truly been loving my experience with IT Cosmetics thus far and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the products. To see IT’s exclusive line of products for Sephora, click HERE.
Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great start to the week!
Each fall, one of the things I get most excited for is to break out my scarves. I have a pretty extensive collection that I have collected/accumulated over the years and each year, my excitement never seems to fade. Scarves are one of my favorite fall accessories because they can instantly change a look, add a fun statement piece to the outfit and even dress up a plain shirt or dress. And although I have plenty of scarves, there was one scarf that I had my eye on since last fall that needed to be added to my collection…
I spotted THIS scarf last year online and fell completely in love with the bold and dynamic fall colors. But, by the time I went to order it, it was sold out. I kept checking back each week to see if more came into stock, but to no avail. A few weeks ago, while dreaming of fall temperatures, I remembered this scarf and thought I might as well check to see if they brought it back for this year — after all, it was apparently popular! Much to my surprise, it was in stock! Needless to say, I learned my lesson from last year and ordered it immediately. To make a long story short, after some delays with shipping, the scarf finally arrived on my door step and I was ecstatic! Since the scarf has so many colors {which are even more gorgeous in person!} I have a feeling I will be wearing it all fall long. Now, if only the fall temperatures would arrive…
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! My mom and I are playing in a doubles tennis tournament on Saturday, so we are both looking forward to that! And the temperatures are suppose to be cooling off here in Northern Virginia by Sunday, so maybe I won’t have to wait too much longer to break out all the blanket scarves! See you back here on Monday!
Happy Wednesday, friends! I’m back with the last part of my Fall Trends Under $100 mini-series and today it’s all about ruffles. Over the past few weeks, we have migrated from ponchos/capes and the color of the season, bordeaux, to off the shoulder tops and dresses to fall florals and bell sleeves last week. I thought that since this is the last week of this series, we would go out with a bang {a bright and colorful bang} to talk about a trend that I am surprisingly excited for: ruffles.
I am by no means a ruffle girl. Don’t get me wrong, I love ruffles on other people and think it’s such a cute and feminine look. Most of the time, I even love ruffles on the hanger! But, when I try it on, it just isn’t me. Especially dresses. I feel like I look like I’m wearing a tennis dress when I wear a ruffle dress — and that’s just not the look I’m going for! A few weeks ago, I purchased my first ruffle top and I’m actually obsessed with it. I would say it’s more of subtle ruffle, which is totally doable for me. A few more “subtle ruffled” pieces have caught my eye recently, like THIS blouse — not only is the color gorgeous but it would be a great layering piece for the office {more on fall workwear HERE}.
As much as I love this ruffle top, the thing I love most about this look is the mix of styles — a little girly and a little edgy. Enter THIS faux leather jacket. I must confess, I do have a thing for jackets, especially leather jackets, and I love all the zipper details on this one. Leather jackets were made for the fall and with the under $50 price tag, you won’t want to miss scooping this up!
What was your favorite of the fall trends? For me, I will always have a soft spot for ponchos/capes and that gorgeous bordeaux color, but I’m most excited for my new-found love of ruffles. Subtle ruffles 😉
Have a wonderful Wednesday and thanks for stopping by!
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