Happy Halloween

Working with kids, I get to wear my costume to work. This year, I'm going to be a ballerina. I told one of my favorite kids that, and the adorable 4-year old looked at me with a funny look and said, "A big ballerina?"

Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

I am not kidding. These super lightweight layers come in every style (long-sleeve, sleeveless, turtleneck, tanks--you name it). Wear them under sweaters and you'll never be cold or itchy again. Oh, by the way, they're called autrepeau.

I Heart Chocolate (Vietri)

My mom and I love some Vietri. And so does my favorite Food Network chef, Giada de Laurentiis. The chocolate and cream setting would be especially nice at Thanksgiving. And I love how the Food Network stylists added the touch of rosemary.
{images: vietri, food network}

World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

In honor of the Georgia-Florida game this weekend, a new twist on an old favorite, with a touch of red, of course. Also appropriate for bridesmaids' luncheons, as so well-made by Susanna last weekend.

Cosmopolitan Champagne Cocktail

1 1/4 cups Cointreau
1 1/4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
3 Tbsp. superfine granulated sugar
4 cups chilled champagne

Stir together Cointreau, juices, and sugar; Cover and chill for 2-6 hours. Divide among 10 champagne flutes and top off with champagne.

{recipe: epicurious}

An Apple a Day

I've become especially fond of apples this year. While I missed this year's Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay (ella-jay), I've done okay just getting mine at Trader Joe's. If you need a new way to use them, try this delicious Apple, Walnut, and Endive Salad, from last month's Body and Soul magazine.

Marge + Weston, Part II

The wedding, it was perfect and beautiful. And nothing beats a bunch of thirtysomething bridesmaids on stage with the band.

Live Like Aerin

I love Aerin Lauder. Love her clothes, her hair, her houses, her make-up...I could go on and on. But I won't. So you can imagine how happy I was to read at Fashion Week Daily that she is launching a lifestyle line exclusive to Bergdorf's. The Private Collection Boutique will include everything from Lanvin flats to makeup brushes to candles, and will debut next month. Maybe I should go ahead and book a flight to NYC.

{image: harper's bazaar}

Marge + Weston, Part I

South Georgia has a reputation for fine hospitality, and Mary Margaret and Weston's rehearsal dinner was no exception. A very fun barbecue, complete with sweet tea in Mason jars, beer in the brown bottle, and gorgeous sunflowers atop red and white checkered tablecloths. Dinner was followed by some real, live square dancing. If you've never given square dancing a try, you should.

Louise Taylor Turner

My friend Susanna's grandmother, Louise Turner, was a wonderful artist who died in the Orly Air Crash of 1962, along with many civic and cultural leaders of Atlanta. The group was returning from a European museum tour with the Atlanta Art Association (eventually to become the Atlanta Art Alliance, which would administer the High Museum of Art). Mrs. Turner's paintings were those of a woman who truly knew and loved the Deep South and its people.

{images: southeastern color}

Laura + John

Before I head off to my college roomate's wedding this weekend, some pretty pictures from last weekend's lovely wedding in Jackson, Georgia. Well done, Libba.

Cute Moms

I work with kids, and in this neck of the (Atlanta) woods, most of them have cute moms. One of the cutest was wearing this headband yesterday. And she could have gotten matching shoes.

{image: j.crew}

Wrap It Up

If brown is the new black (I hope so), then scarves are the new necklaces. They can completely change an outfit, and usually for the better. Not to mention they are actually functional, and the stores are covered up with them right now.

{images: top, banana republic; middle and bottom, the sartorialist for style}

Beauty Essentials

Lipstick and blush may come and go, but there are three things that I always seem to keep around: Trish McEvoy's Base Essentials keeps my eyelids from looking purple, Cover Girl's Volume Exact Mascara brings my invisible eyelashes into view, and you just can't go wrong with Cherry ChapStick. Especially since you can pretty much get it in any drugstore, grocery, or gas station in America.

Gwyneth's Overnight Bag

I read in House and Garden that for overnight trips, Gwyneth packs her Lanvin flats, Stella McCartney dress, and toothbrush into her L.L. Bean tote. Check on the toothbrush and tote, and maybe some J. Crew flats and a Susana Monaco dress will work just as well.

Walter Inglis Anderson

While in Ocean Springs, Mississippi for my friend Carrie's wedding, we visited the enchanting Walter Anderson Museum. Born in 1903 in New Orleans, Anderson spent his adulthood capturing the natural splendor of the Gulf Coast. He was prolific with his watercolors, but also devoted much effort to linoleum block prints and murals. Anderson wanted his art to be accessible to all, and his family runs a shop devoted to that purpose. More good information about him here, and the memoir by his wife is an excellent read.

{top image: walter anderson museum}

Alice Waters + Chez Panisse

I am excited to learn that Alice Waters, of Chez Panisse, has written a new cookbook, The Art of Simple Food. Known for her exquisite use of fresh ingredients, she is one of the most important chefs of today. On one our first dates, my husband made her Long-Cooked Broccoli from Chez Panisse Vegetables. I knew if he could make broccoli taste that good, I should probably keep him around.
P.S. The Chez Panisse website sells the wonderful restaurant posters by David Lance Goines.

Isaac Mizrahi's Style Book

That Isaac, what a wacky and wonderfully talented guy. He published two free (or $3 shipping) Style Books, that have since "sold" out. But you can download them both here, and they are definitely worth the loading time. Great articles, and beautiful, beautiful pictures.

Move In Ready

I adore Gwyneth's Hamptons home, featured in this month's House and Garden (of course my subscription ran out last month). I just think it is perfection, although Trey would never let me get away with that much pink. Habitually Chic has a behind the scenes look, too.

{images: house and garden}

Ear Candy

Since we're headed to that time of year when my wardrobe choices come down to a black, white, or brown turtleneck, I'll probably need to infuse some color with accessories. These Lee Angel earrings should do the trick.

{image: twist}

Manhu Designs

I keep having run-ins with this lovely monogrammed dinnerware, in the unlikeliest of places. I think we're meant to be. Manhu Designs specializes in handmade custom dinnerware, "from a small town in South Georgia to a rural village in Tuscany." You'd be surprised how much those two places have in common.

{images: manhu designs}

Loud and Clear

Sometimes jewelry speaks louder than clothes. From Marni, Missoni, and the streets of New York.
{images: top, middle, Don Ashby & Olivier Claisse for style; bottom, the sartorialist}