:: just a little plaid... ::

I have to confess, I'm not a huge plaid fan. It just makes me feel like a boy, or someone who's trapped in a hunting lodge. Or in Scotland or something. But I have seen so many cute plaid collars peeking out from underneath big cream-colored sweaters lately and I have to say, I kind of like it.

But not enough to go straight up lumberjack on my closet. So I found a little number below that makes me feel like I'm in on the trend, without fully embracing it. Cute, right?

Any other ways for me to wear plaid without feeling like I'm back in high school and listening to Nirvana?

just a little plaid... 

Cardigan long sleeve top, $300 / AG Adriano Goldschmied rolled cuff jeans, $200 / Splendid platform high heel boots / Rampage blue purse / Michael Kors heart jewelry

:: fall + fashion + fitness ::

It's finally starting to feel like fall. And it's so bittersweet. Autumn is truly my favorite, but it's followed by that cruel mistress we call winter. But she's still far off in the distance, and I'm hoping to keep it that way for as long as possible. I could do this year round:

So in the meantime, while there's still some glorious outdoor activities to be had, I'm enjoying the crisp air and my new outfit from the City Sports CS line. I'm so impressed that they somehow sensed that purple is my favorite color.

Moving forward, I'll wear this trio running, but couldn't resist a little canoe trip for their debut.

First up is the City Sports Paramount tight ($54) in Charcoal. There are tons of great features on it, including a tagless label (so simple, but SO annoying otherwise), a reflective logo and side seam and a great length that hits me just above the ankle (I'm 5'10").

Here's a close up of a few of the other extras:

 

That's a zippered pocked for an ID, or your iPod, as well as a drawstring waist and an internal pocket for a key. Or an Advil (these knees are getting up there).

The City Sports See Me Go 1/4 Zip Up in Royal ($55) is the perfect match, with thumb holes (love) and moisture wicking fabric. And it's loose enough on my torso that I don't have to keep tugging it down. Which is my number one complaint with some other popular zip ups (that cost double this one, at least). Here's a back view, with some water spots...things got dicey out there:

And finally, the City Sports Core Long Sleeve Crew, also in Royal ($25)...the perfect layering piece:

There's so much time left to be outside! Summer may be over but fall sports and fall fashion are just beginning...

:: Fall florals ::

Even though I love flowers, I totally shy away from floral prints. They just seem grandma-ish. I see Alexa Chung and Lauren Conrad and everyone else totally all over them, but it just never feels right for me. So, determined to pick a floral print that I could maybe make work, I came up with this one from Forever New. At $28, if I end up wearing it to bed, so be it.

Fall florals by mascaraordie 

And while they're usually so springy, these prints can totally be brought into fall with some more rugged footwear and maybe a pair of cords. Come January, I'll probably be begging for all the color I can get.

Any other florals worth considering?

:: stepping up to the beauty counter ::

I get that there's bad stuff in our beauty products. And I get that putting weird chemicals in my armpits and near my eyeballs and all over my skin without really knowing what it is/does, is probably bad. And I've heard how Europe has banned 1,100 chemicals in beauty products and the U.S. has banned...10. But it's SO HARD to read all the labels and figure out what's healthy and what's not, all while also making sure the products I buy actually work. As in, I refuse to buy "healthy" deodorant if it's safe but I now stink like crazy. Vain? Yes. But it's the truth.

So, earlier this summer, I visited a health fair and learned a bit about Beauty Counter from one of their reps, Lexie. We chatted about the products and she shared with me how the company has voluntarily banned over 1,500 chemicals from their products, all while ensuring that the products actually perform and are still as indulgent as any luxury brand of shampoo, lipstick or oil on the market.

I tried out the Peppermint Lip Balm (because I'm an addict) and the Anytime Eye Cream (because time marches on):

The lip balm (below) is actually one of my new favorites. It absorbs well and is pepperminty in an herbal way, not a sugary/artificial way. It includes avocado oil, shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil and jojoba seed oil, all which possess natural, regenerative properties. The tingle comes from both peppermint and rosemary leaf oils. I use it during the day but also at night right before bed.

I'm usually not an eye cream fan. Not because I don't think I need it, but because it's one extra step. I buy the cream and then never use it. But I've been pretty diligent with this one so far. It's thick but absorbs quickly, so I forget I even have that extra layer on. And it has no scent, and includes aloe, organic coconut oil, as well as geranium, lavender and green tea extracts. I use it at night, but it's great for touch ups as well. 

I keep telling myself if I'm all over the kale smoothies to keep myself healthy inside, I should probably get a little more serious about what my body is absorbing from the outside as well. I'm so glad I discovered this little gem in the world of heavy scents and bright colors and chemical overload. It's an oasis!