Fall Television

My Generation

Lone Star

30 Rock

90210

Gossip Girl

Modern Family

Every year in September I set my dvr to record almost every new show and give each one about 10 minutes to prove itself as a contender. Needless to say, during the month of September I'm very busy watching lots of television. But over the course of a few weeks, I sort through them, weed out those that have lost my interest, and set my official Fall television list. These are the shows on my current dvr list. What's on yours?

My Generation
Lone Star
30 Rock
90210
Gossip Girl
Modern Family

Tucker for Target

Tucker for Target dress, Rag & Bone wedges, Giorgio Armani sunglasses, Banana Republic broach, Michael Kors watch, Forever 21 clutch

I originally heard about the Tucker/Target collaboration from Carrie (the Tucker expert) and didn't think much of it. I've seen numerous other designer collaborations that left much to be desired and didn't have any expectations that Tucker would be any different. But it was. As I cruised up and down the aisles of Target, I was shocked and impressed with the quality, shape, fit, and prints of all the Tucker pieces. What was most impressive (and different from other collaborations) was that the pieces were wearable, current, and almost identical (with the exception of the fabric) to the actual Tucker pieces. I was completely satisfied when I picked up this Mrs. Roper-esque dress and wore it one of the warm Indian summer nights we had recently. I'm already looking forward to wearing it with tights and boots when the weather cools down again.

Football for Girls

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As football season is upon us, I'm sure I'm not the first girl to admit I'm not a huge fan of the game. Gabe and many of my friends love football, so I often find myself watching anyway. And while I have no interest in the sport, I actually enjoy "watching" football. Part of it is probably the tradition that surrounds the sport, the rituals involved, and the fact that football season seems to mark the beginning of Fall and a nostalgic feeling about the upcoming holidays. But beyond that, there are many reason I love watching football which include my own rituals for the game. What do you love about watching football?

1. Barbecues at Bunz' house- Bunz is an excellent cook and his barbecues always involve a lavish spread of chef quality food. Food makes me happy.
2. Reading gossip and fashion magazines.
3. Watching for celebrities in the stands (more specifically, Gisele).
4. Eating my weight in chips and dip and for some reason not feeling guilty about it.
5. The commercial game (guessing what they're advertising before it's shown-I clean up at this game).
6. Did I mention the food?

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies were a childhood favorite of mine. My mom and I would make them whenever we wanted a homemade dessert but didn't feel like spending hours in the kitchen. They have only four ingredients, take about 5 minutes to prepare (8 minutes to bake), and taste amazing. It's definitely the easiest dessert I've ever made and one of the most delicious.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Combine ingredients and drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.

Buy This, Not That

Old Navy Women's Long Button Front Trench Coat $49.99
French Connection Macks Trench Coat $298

The classic trench coat is something that had been on my wish list for years. However, in Southern California, a long coat isn't usually necessary so I didn't want to break the bank for this trend. I found the perfect tan trench over the summer at Banana Republic at a major discount, which helped justify the purchase. I later found out it was on back order and is being sent to me in a few weeks. In the meantime, I've spotted this Old Navy trench that's making me second guess the one I bought. Either way, I'll be excited to wear this with my Hunter boots on many upcoming rainy days.

Guilty Pleasures

Candy

Gossip Girl

Prank Calling Bachelor Pad
Bubble Gum Saved By The Bell
Us WeeklyBonne Bell Lipsmackers

While we all have guilty pleasures that make us happy, most of us wouldn't dare discuss them in public for fear of embarrassment, shame, and the inevitable pointing and laughing. I'm the first to admit I have many guilty pleasures that I should probably work harder to keep under wraps. But it feels liberating to throw them out there and see who else feels the exact same way (but wouldn't admit it until you did). These are my biggest guilty pleasures. What are yours?

my US Weekly subscription
Gossip Girl, 90210, and many other shows that I'm probably too old to watch
prank calling
Saved By the Bell reruns
bonne bell lipsmackers in Dr. Pepper
Reality TV (my most recent favorite was Bachelor Pad)
excessive amounts of candy, ice cream, chocolate, etc.
bubble gum

The Cuff

1. Report Ariella $150

2. Very Volatile Cloak $60

3. Steve Madden Carlsen Slouchy Booties $89

4. Vince Camuto Alician Wedge Boots $198

5. Kenneth Cole Reaction Youngstir $159

6. Kors Michael Kors Leather and Knitted Platform Boots $295

From the first time I saw these Modern Vintage Boots, I was immediately drawn to the cuff and have since become infatuated with all cuffed boots. Tall or short, leather or suede, I love them all. Although I decided on purchasing these, here are a few other pairs that caught my eye.

Stripes and Booties

Steve Madden booties, Urban Outfitters top, Forever 21 skirt, Gorjana bracelet, Anthropologie bag
my new booties

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I caught up with girlfriends on Sunday at Sonoma Wine Garden in Santa Monica Place and it was just as fabulous as I had hoped. The outdoor deck, scenic views, wine tasting, and exceptional food (make sure to try the arugula and white truffle oil pizza) established it as a new neighborhood favorite of mine. The girls and I had a great time and I'm already planning my next visit with Gabe.

The Meatloaf

I don't think I'll ever eat meatloaf again without thinking of this scene from Wedding Crashers. It's one of my favorite movie scenes and always makes me laugh out loud. So when I made meatloaf last week, this definitely came to mind. I used this recipe for Italian Meatloaf with ground turkey and it tasted like an enormous meatball. It was exceptional. The best part about making meatloaf is using the leftovers to make meatloaf sandwiches the next night. Delicious!

Weekend Plans

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Happy Birthday, dad!
Happy Birthday, grandma!
photos via Raya Carlisle

After what seemed like a very long week, I'm so thankful that today is Friday. This weekend I'm planning on having dinner with girlfriends, practicing yoga, reading Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella, getting a facial for spa week, and organizing my closet. What do you have planned for the weekend?

I also want to wish my dad and grandma a very happy birthday! I love you both and can't wait to celebrate with you next weekend.

The Ultimate Dry Shampoo

While the dry shampoo phenomenon is relatively new, I've been using some form of dry shampoo for many years. It all started with baby powder. Then I realized that an old bronzer (that I no longer used on my face) worked wonders on yesterday's blow dry (Hula by Benefit to be exact). Then I graduated to Buttercream Cosmetics shampowder and then onto Ojon and Bumble and Bumble products. But only recently have I stumbled upon the ultimate dry shampoo. It's Oscar Blandi's Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray. It's an aerosol with a very light lemon scent that works on all hair colors. In my opinion, it's definitely the best one on the market. It doesn't leave my brown hair looking white and powdery, it smells nice without being overwhelming, and it adds volume and freshness to a day or two old blow dry. I'll give Buttercream Cosmetics hair powder an honorable mention because it was my number one pick until I came across the Oscar Blandi product and I still use it from time to time. Try them out, you won't be sorry.

Fall Fashion

leather (jacket, skirt)

cozy sweaters

pretty blouses

sequins

boyfriend blazers

lace

military inspired

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm trying to buy only a few items this season and transition to cooler weather with the clothes I already have. I showed you my wish list yesterday and today I'm sharing some of the items I already have and can't wait to wear for the upcoming season. What are you wearing for Fall that's already in your closet?