Elum Poppies & Posies Writer’s Block

Along with day planners, stationery and books, note pads are archaic accessories I’m clinging to despite this increasingly digital age.

Some enjoy storing schedules on a smart phone and devouring bestsellers on a Kindle, but I prefer monitoring my month-at-a-glance via an old-fashioned calendar hanging next to the fridge and relish the crack of a book’s binding as I read.

Maybe the Poppies & Posies Writer's Block is another sign I’m fading farther from today’s cutting edge, but some habits don’t die. The block is perfect for capturing directions, dates or times while you phone chat, or wish lists as you web surf.

photo courtesy of papyrus.com

While it has practical functionality and is made with environmental sensitivity, I propose purchasing the compact cube of 700 sticky notes simply for the smart, literary motif it inherently lends to your working, cooking or lounging space. Elum is renown for designer paper products that transform stationery into art, and this artistic tool beautifully lives up to the brand’s high-style reputation.

I love my iPhone, but when it comes to this Writer’s Block, I’ll take antiquity.

OBEY Varsity Lover Jacket

At my high school, no one wore letterman jackets. Now, what was ubiquitously un-cool is fresh and fashionable.  

photo courtesy cosmopolitan.com

As Taylor Swift and the H&M Autumn 2012 Look Book prove, sporting a varsity jacket is no longer an announcement you’re trend illiterate – or play trombone in the school band.

The vintage, lightweight coats are making a comeback Romy and Michele style. But unlike the deceitful roommates, with the OBEY Varsity Lover Jacket around your shoulders, you won’t have to pretend you invented Post-its to score cool crowd cred.

The faux leather jacket comes ready-to-rumble with snap & zip closure, soft hoodie lining, and slit pockets. Ribbed knit cuffs, hem and shawl collar authenticate the look, but a fitted silhouette separates it from the oversized boiled wool versions of old.

photo courtesy urbanoutfitters.com

The style, available in 3 colors, is an attractive alternative to denim and anorak. Arriving on runways last fall, the look is hitting streets this year. Slide one on while it, unlike high school, is still relevant.

Want to up your game? View a slideshow of Refinery29’s 6 Pitch-Perfect Varsity Jackets for fall.

The Shops at Target: Round 2

If it wasn’t the killer pair of suede and lizard Kirna Zabête Chelsea boots in the September InStyle, the barrage of TV commercials would have reminded me: the second installation of The Shops at Target drops Sunday.

So far, I want the Kirna Zabête tweed jumper with mod zippers. Heed the Soho boutique owners' motto "more is more" by layering it up with patterned tights, a knit scarf, bright blouse or cropped cardi, and the dress will log many miles this season.

photo courtesy abullseyeview.com

While shopping is a somewhat self-centered occupation, in the real world, it pays to give some thought to others. So, when you boot up your computer Sept. 9 to nail down your Shops selects, consider picking out 1 or 2 Odin New York articles for the man in your life.

The Odin brand is defined by the intersection of “refined and rugged” and pays special attention to fit and quality. My favorite pieces are the sweaters, and I’ve always been partial to a guy in an unintentional, fitted henley. The sweater below combines both of these appreciations.

photo courtesy abullseyeview.com

The oatmeal pullover with buttoned placate offers a casual and comfortable look that simultaneously satisfies a masculine need for ease and your feminine inclination that appearance is everything.

Sometime this week, flip through the look books over your lunch break so you’re ready to browse & buy purposefully come the collections’ release [available in all stores and online].

Kirna Zabête Look Book. Odin Look Book. 

September 2012 Vogue back cover ad

Shades of Light Concentric Diamond Rug

A rug is often the finishing touch that pulls a room’s many components together in a comfortable, this-is-home way. Wooden floors look barren, furniture scattered and disjointed until a runner, bear skin or area oriental is rolled out.

Even if you have a carpeted living space, a rug enlivens and unifies what’s within your walls. The sometimes woven, braided, hooked or tufted accessory affords multicolor depth just as a wall painting grants character.

The Concentric Diamond Rug from Shades of Light [offering unique high-quality lighting, rugs & furnishings] stands out against cream, beige or brown furniture, but the earthy green color still complements a neutral theme.

photo courtesy shadesoflight.com

Warm up your dining or living room, patio or deck as summer cools to fall with this woven indoor/outdoor rug, suitable for all seasons.

See more colors and shop other trendy & exclusive styles here. 

Tarte Lipsurgence

While normally considering the topic at hand during work meetings, last week I was distracted by a colleague’s berry lips. As I sat there naked-mouthed, feeling faintly elementary-school, I fervently pledged to incorporate the step into my beauty routine.

A pop of color on the mouth sophisticates & transforms your look two steps at a time. Even if there’s little else on your face [even eyeliner in daytime feels garish for me], a lively lip saves you from looking washed out and run-down at the end of a long day. More than that, there’s something satisfyingly indulgent about a dressed-up pucker that can be a small source of happiness through spreadsheet wrangling and database management.

Testing colors and product technology is a time-consuming task I never seem to schedule into everyday errands. Luckily, The Cut did the work for me. You can read the full matte lipstick report here, but I’ll cut to the chase. Tarte Cosmetics Lipsurgence™  beat out the best of them.

Gloss is great for summer, but fall calls for a matte finish. The chunky Tarte pencil has a smooth application and the saturated tint won’t fade throughout the day like your motivation. The product is infused with peppermint to help keep you kickin’ from 9 to 5, and peptides in the formula provide a plump appearance. The pencil packs serious moisture, so once it’s on, there's no need to give your face a second thought, freeing you up to focus on what brings home the bacon.

photo courtesy tartecosmetics.com

A deep plum like Envy will complement your cozy fall layers and graduate you from the schoolgirl pack sooner than you can say See you in second period.

p.s. In addition to berries and burgundies, a splashy orange lip is a fun way to light up your look this fall. It may seem summery, but orange is the color of harvest, pumpkins and autumn leaves. Couldn't feel more timely to me! 

photo courtesy maybelline.tumblr.com