open roads and moto skirts

That just doesn't sound like a safe combination to me....

printed tee :: maurice's | lace camisole :: maurice's | white faux leather moto skirt :: forever 21 (sold out but I love this one too) | dotted tights :: H&M | bag :: maurice's | studded wedge pumps :: kardashian kollection (similar) | sunglasses :: my dad's | scarf :: love culture (similar) | earrings :: forever 21 | silver wrist cuff :: forever 21 | black leather wristband :: c/o salvage west | brown leather wristband :: c/o salvage west

How is it October already???

I feel like this year has utterly flown by, punctuated by prolonged moments of sharpest pains and sweetest memories. Perhaps it's a bit early to be singing odes to 2012, but fall always brings with it a sense of endings for me. The chill of winter begins to slowly seep in despite our warmest bundlings; fashion changes, vacations end, seasons change and the Wheel turns a bit further. Sometimes its inexorable roll in one direction feels a bit overwhelming to me.

These photos are from a recent sojourn to Evanston, Wyoming and the Bear River. No particular reason for the trip other than the burning desire for the open road, with a few random stops along the way. Echo Canyon has some really pretty rest stops.

If you don't already own a white moto skirt, I highly suggest you acquire one. As in, right. this. second. If moto isn't your style, any sassy skirted silhouette in an ivory to cream to white hue will work - just bear in mind: the sweeter the shape, the spunkier the accents. Paired with a vast assortment of patterned, sheer and solid tights in an array of colors and boots of varying heights, it's pretty much perfect weekend wear for fall. #seriously. See what I mean on this Pinterest board, and shop the look below.

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pretty in pleats

gray & blue pleated dress :: kling, from q clothing boutique (buy kling @ q here) | wedges :: charlotte russe (love these ones) | clutch :: vintage (similar) | collar necklace :: forever 21 (love this feather version) | cuff :: forever 21 (try this tribal one) | earrings :: forever 21 | sunglasses :: charlotte russe

This dress is one of three acquired at Q Clothing's Kling sample sale Thursday night; the pleated gray chiffon and navy blue suede-like accents make this dress perfect for the last hazy days of summer. Come fall, layers will include tights and an elbow-patched cardigan from Zara that's been anxiously awaiting a soulmate for its own blog debut. The navy clutch with orange embroidery was encountered by chance on my way out the door Friday afternoon - laying atop a dresser, forgotten, until my fingers happened upon it while hunting for something else. Kismet. It belonged to my mother, when she was younger than I am now. A child of the 70s, perfect for a late afternoon outing in a canyon above a reservoir.

My momentary excitement over summer has faded; I desperately want it to be winter, though I'll settle for fall. The oppressive heat and lack of storms is depressing... I feel worn down by the dripping sunshine and ominously blue sky. Despite Weather Channel app promises of mid-80 degree temps, the thermometers still read 90+ most evenings as I drive home from work. Disappointing.

I used to be a summer child; I'm not sure exactly when I changed so much that I now find summer almost unbearable, but sometimes even the prospect of yet another long, sun-drenched day threatens a panic attack. Call me dramatic, if you will, but there's got to be more to it than that. Seasonal Affective Disorder, in reverse.

Despite my impatience for the arrival of autumn, its impending arrival brings with it a sense of loss for this summer in particular... The last few months years have been rife with emotional turbulence and life upending pronouncements, and I'm not sure that I've accomplished much in the way of actually living my life. My list of Epic Shit To Do has been a way to partially combat this sometimes overwhelming feeling of stagnation, but summer's imminent death means drastic measures must be taken to truly relish what's left of the warmth. Enter:

epic shit to do :: sudden death

september 2012

an odd assortment and varied collection of random challenges to be completed before the official commencement of fall.

1. Go stargazing.

2. Watch the sunrise on my roof with a cup of tea.

3. Road trip.

4. Discover someplace new.

5. Find a new restaurant.

6. Ride a rollar coaster.

7. Go for a walk on the beach.

8. Go swimming.

9. Go hiking.

10. Have an adventure.

What adventures are you going to accomplish before the end of summer?

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