:: currently coveting...athleta ::

I've been POURING over the fall Athleta catalog. I know a lot of people feel differently, but I think their stuff is so much better than Lululemon. And much more appropriately priced. The sales staff at their Newbury Street store are so helpful and friendly, that I find myself wandering in there on autopilot.

These are the items that I'm in love with for autumn. And isn't that mulberry color just the best?

Also, I'm a huge fan of buying workout clothes that can double as real clothes. It helps me justify my purchases and it also allows me to be lazy and go right from work to the gym without changing. Sad but true. Anyway, those Bettona Classic straight leg pants are exactly what I'm talking about. Work meeting to yoga class, no problem.

currently coveting...athleta featuring a slouch beanie

Athleta top / Athleta clothing / Athleta brown top / Athleta infinity scarf / Athleta slouch beanie

:: grog for a rainy night ::

It has been raining for DAYS here. Jeez Louise.The only thing that has made it even bearable are these two cocktails below:

They're from the newly reopened Tap Trailhouse in Faneuil Hall and people, they're both autumn in a glass. The one on the left is Cold Apple Pie (apple pie cordial, cinnamon, Bantam Wunderkind Cider) and the one on the right is Old Grog (Privateer Silver Rum, black tea, cinnamon and lemon). The perfect thing to warm a cranky Bostonian up on a cold, rainy day.

And the soft pretzels with grain mustard and red onion marmalade didn't hurt either.

:: goldtoeing it around the hub ::

My size 7.5s are in rough shape. I hoof it all over the hub and it shows. And while me feet definitely take a beating, one thing I refuse to do is put them into ballet flats naked. For a variety of reasons. But most of the little half socks I buy either flip off inside my shoes or cut off the circulation in my big toes. And I also don't like showing too much of the sock once my shoe is on. So yeah, finding the right fit is a tall order.

GoldToe send me these and I happily tried them out. They're whisper thin and my pack came in nude and black. Totally long enough for my feet without being too long, and also perfectly line my flats, without making it feel like my shoe underwear is showing.

And seriously, six pairs for $8? There is no better deal.

Another favorite is the sloppy boot sock. It's a cotton blend and thick enough to make me feel cozy without being too bulky in my boots or booties. And the Aquafx woven in wicks away moisture, which is great for my skintight Hunter boots. Oh, and they're $4. Crazy.

And as if that wasn't cheap enough, now through Tuesday, October 14, GoldToe is having a sitewide 33% off sale, clearance included! Click here to shop the sale.

Happy weekend!

:: what i wouldn't give for a little shut eye... ::

and these five items, on my body ASAP.

It's only Thursday...how can it be ONLY Thursday?! Maybe it's because it's been so dreary in Boston this week, but all I want is my bed and some white wine and a book. And maybe a roaring fire, but that might be asking for too much.

These earplugs are amazing, BTW.

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:: 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?