Brunch So Hard

I look forward to breakfast on the weekends more than anything. You can eat it as late as noon as it's still considered brunch which is quite the opposite from weekdays where breakfast is grabbed in a zombie-like state on the way out the door or thrown together in a blender the night before. I enjoy the slow pace of brunch...you can sleep in, throw your hair in a messy bun, pull on yesterday's knit and sip on multiple cups of coffee without the worry of rushing to be somewhere. 

Alright, who are we kidding, I'm always rushing to be somewhere, even on the weekends...but those rare (rainy) Sunday's without plans are my favorite and given the time/choice, I would always choose this place...the brunch nachos and blueberry bellini's are my jam. 

Where is your favorite place to grab brunch?

Blazer: Target

Tank: Target (Love this one too!)

Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: Sole Society

Bag: Shop Lately (Similar for under $40!)

Necklace: Mirina Collections

Sunnies: Karen Walker (Use code SISTERSMARIE to rent these for free!) 

When Life Gives You Pumpkins...

"Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents..."

I agree with Charlie Brown...Picking the right pumpkin is essential, almost as important as selecting the best Christmas tree (but that’s another story for a colder month). Our family has always taken the painting route vs. carving so I had never taken a knife to a pumpkin until a few years back when my husband (then boyfriend) and I started our own competition which turned quite competitive (as we're STILL talking about whose was . I do prefer painting because it opens up so many more options, plus I’m a better artist than a handyman…though the year I used the drill to create a disco ball pumpkin, I may have even impressed myself ;)

If you haven't decorated yet, there's still time! Here are a few fun ideas, I love #2 & #5! 

Sweater: Target (LOVING this Knox Rose line!)

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Sole Society (On sale!)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker (Use code SISTERSMARIE to rent your first pair for free!)

Hat: Purchased at a tiny shop in Galway, Ireland (Similar)

Necklace: T+J Designs

Have a wonderful Halloween!

Xo,

Fauxhawks & Foliage

With so many weddings on my calendar this year, I've been trying my best to remain budget-savvy (did you catch that, husband?) so for the last one, I thought it was smart to try out a dress for a few days rather than years when it may not even get another wear. I'm always checking the new arrivals on Rent the Runway and this Nanette Lepore style popped right off the page...I loved everything about it from the sheer polka dot top to the full skirt and mix of fall floral colors. 

[P.S. Get 20% off your next RTR dress with our special code: RTRFALLSTYLE2E35DD]

As my 7th experience with RTR (my first rental in 2012!), I can tell you I've had success each time thanks to the helpful reviews on the site, a great company policy (free backup size and returns!) and the option for a style swap..if you don't like your original dress choice, RTR will let you swap it out in time for your event. I got so many compliments on this dress but the truth is, it only felt complete with the addition of one thing...

My new favorite braid or what I lovingly refer to as, "the dino." My friend is the master behind this piece which is actually a series of small pony tails turned into knots to imitate an (amazing) braid. I have a slight obsession with long hair and fat braids...No joke, I just about lose it over every single Instagram shot of Amber. Her Elsa-esque braids are out of control and one of the reasons I long for the return of my extensions so to say I'm obsessed with this faux hawk meets Jurassic Park up-do is an understatement. With the graphic triangle drop earrings and mix of patterns in the dress, I felt an edgy hair look was the ideal way to seal the deal. 

Look for a dino braid tutorial coming to the blog soon! ;)

How have your RTR experiences been? What's your favorite braid style?

Dress: c/o Rent the Runway | Clutch: c/o Rent the Runway | Earrings: c/o Rent the Runway

Sunglasses: Karen Walker - Use code SISTERSMARIE for your first pair free on Ditto! 

Bracelet: Forever 21

Lip color: Crush by Glominerals 

Heels: ASOS

Lady in Red

It was one of those meant to be moments - I had a best friends wedding coming up and no dress in my closet that I deemed "Fall appropriate" enough (#champagneproblems as Blake says) Or better said, no dress that hadn't been photographed a few times already...My husband thinks this reasoning is totally absurd (and it is) but you ladies understand, right? 

That said, the event snuck up on me and I ran out of time...come the day before with one free hour in my schedule, I made a quick trip to the mall (what is life without online shopping!?) and stopped in virtually every women's store in the building...the adorable girls at Francesca's and I chatted about our love for braids and half-up buns....the lovely associates at LOFT explained that it's tough to find a good wedding dress right now, as most stores are in that awkward in-between seasons phase...a few stores and disappointing glances later, I decided to head back to my car, resolving to make something work that I already owned (the horror!)...

I reluctantly trekked through Forever 21 on the way out and seconds before reaching the exit door, came across this red lace beauty...it was the only one on the rack, peeking out from between fringe vests and suede skirts. It was clear that one of these things did not belong and even more clear I had been in the right place at the right time. 1 dress left, in my size, in the exact style I was going for. Fashion, meet destiny... ;)

Dress: Forever 21 (splurge / steal) | Shoes: ASOS | Necklace: T+J Designs (Under $25!) | Earrings: Forever 21 (similar)

Sunnies: Karen Walker (Try them for FREE! Code: sistersmarie on Ditto.com!) | Bracelet: LOFT 

Do you ever find exactly what you were looking for after you've stopped searching? :)