October sunset

Cardigan: H&M, Shirt & skirt: J.Crew, Tights: Hue
Shoes: Aldo, Necklace: self-made

Autumn sunsets are oftentimes the best, are they not? The colors of the sun blend effortlessly with the vibrant foliage and the dry grasses. Evening walks are illuminated with light that doesn't quite seem real or should exist only in dreams... or in poetry. As for a well-thought out line of prose, I cannot help but share again this favorite of mine by Nathaniel Hawthorne: "There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."

How perfect a declaration! It echos in my thoughts all month long. October is generous in the joy it gives, from the chill at the tip of my nose to the sensation of cold grass squished beneath my stockinged feet. Which, silly as it sounds, feels pretty good. However, when you're suddenly blasted by a gust of wind at the same time, shivering and laughter will ensue and sometimes it's even captured on camera (as evidenced in a photo above). Oh, October :)

Thoughts on saddle shoes

Oh, black and white saddle shoes. How classic you are. A bit of sweet, fun, preppy, and rockabilly cool all wrapped up in one. After recently reviewing a pair of brown saddle oxfords, I thought it might be fun to style up a traditional pair. You see, what ultimately helped aide my decision in choosing the brown pair was the fact that I can't fully separate the charms of the saddle shoe from bygone eras. Most often all I see in my head are images of poodle skirts, bobby socks, and vintage frocks. Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys made a good point in saying that black and white saddle shoes look a little weird with most modern outfits. They certainly can and often do. From what I've observed it's chiefly either a) because we're so dead-set in associating them with the past or b) that they're worn exclusively with vintage clothing. Neither of these have to be so! That isn't to say that if I bought a pair of black and whites I wouldn't wear them with some vintage duds - I probably would! However, I've set out with these Polyvore sets to create some modern looks that, I feel, embrace the traditional saddle oxford as well as if they were a pair of classic black flats or heels.

Saddle Shoes 2 by TranquilEmily featuring j crew tops

Saddle Shoes by TranquilEmily featuring oxford shoes

What are your thoughts? Do share!

Giveaway Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered to win the $60 gift code from CSN Stores! Chosen at random, the winner is erin3199! Congrats! At your convenience, send me an email so I can get you set up with your gift code! :)

A Week in October

Some good things from this past week:

• finding $17 tucked away in a wallet I hadn't used for a few weeks
• homemade cream of mushroom soup
• fires in the wood stove
• taking a leisurely drive through northwestern Massachusetts, southern Vermont, and back into New York

Above photos taken in Bennington, Vermont

• donning my favorite cozy sweater once again

Cozy knit cardigan (old) & shoes: H&M, Vintage tunic/girls dress,
Leggings: Target, Sunglasses: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx

Tell me, what good things came your way this past week?

Film photos from Ocean City, Maryland

I've been delayed in sharing my recent vacation photos, but alas, here is a small sampling of photos from the beach on which my friends and I stayed. I was tempted to bring both of my film cameras + my digital, but decided against it. I suspect my friends would have thought me quite nutty for constantly switching back and forth between three cameras. That said, I only switched between two and often had to call out, "Hey, wait for me a minute!" or "I'll catch up with you guys" or "Just a sec, I have to load another roll!" Haha. Anyway.

Isn't dune grass pretty? I love the way it's cast upon the blue sky and how it sways in the salty wind. Its slender shadows exude an elegance reserved only for those shoots springing forth from the sand. It is the envy of all other grasses.

I took quite a fancy to both photographing and collecting seashells on this trip. I had a few projects in mind and will share more on one of them another time.

Sandpipers! These cute little sea-faring foragers always make me laugh. The way they scurry about! I tried to get some photos of them running, but was unsuccessful. I am pleased with this stationary shot, though!

I'll be sharing more photos from my vacation within the upcoming week. I have another batch of photos from Ocean City as well as some from a few day trips we embarked on.

Camera: Nikon FM 10
Film: Fujicolor Superia X-tra 400

Bird's Eye View

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." - George Eliot

Dress, hat, and shoes: H&M; Tights: Target

Giveaway with CSN Stores! CLOSED

You've heard me talk about bathroom vanities, bookends, dutch ovens, saddle shoes, and now console tables -- yes, CSN Stores has them, too! For as long as I can remember I've wanted my future home to boast pieces both antique and modern, rustic and refined. Here are a few examples from allcoffeetables.com that caught my eye:

Quite often the focal piece of a room, coffee and console tables offer up a myriad of decorating and living ideas. I've always imagined that I'll use mine for displaying books, vases and the like. They're also great spaces for setting up a board game. Gah, I have to stop with all this daydreaming and tell you what's in this for you!

I've teamed up with CSN Stores again to bring you all another great giveaway! This time they are generously offering a $60 one-time use gift code to any of their 200+ stores! That's right, you can use it toward anything your little heart desires! I may be talking about tables today, but this offer is good for much, much more! If your item of choice is $60 or under, you've covered! It can also be applied to larger ticket items good for $60 off the total price. It's completely up to you! So, take your time and explore the sites. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what's available!

I will keep it simple again for entering this giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post! For a second entry, leave a link (in a separate comment) to an item from CSN Stores you like and would use the gift code for! Please note: only 2 entries per person and remember to include an email address (if your link does not direct to one) where I can contact you upon winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only and will run until Friday, October 15, 2010. A winner will be chosen at random the following day.

If you have any questions about this giveaway don't hesitate to email me at the address in the left sidebar. All pictures are from allcoffeetables.com and link to their respective pages.