Fall Florals

Miranda has a point. But what about florals for fall?

Flowers are abloom in apparel everywhere this season. So how do you pull off blossoms when the leaves are starting to fall and crunch beneath your feet? Go bold. Pick vibrant, deep hues with exotic flowers. Think mums, poppies, and vines - this isn't the trend for shy violets or delicate daffodils. Choosing textured material such as velvet, knits, and embroidery also add weight and seasonality. Any of these dresses could be layered with a moto jacket and some suede boots to put a spring into your autumn routine.

1. Floral Smocked-Waist Midi Dress - Old Navy
2. Ali & Jay Floral Maxi Dress - Nordstrom
3. Silk Poppy Dress in Cactus Flower - Madewell
4. Plenty By Tracy Reese Aleah Dress - Anthropologie
5. Maeve Printed Maxi Shirtdress - Anthropologie
6. Poppy Crochet Sweater Dress - Kate Spade
7. Free People All I Got Printed Maxi Dress - Macy's
8. Who What Wear Long Sleeve Wrap Dress - Target

Shower Shelfie - Fall 2017

I'm always being asked, "Lucy, what products are in your shower? I must know your secrets to getting fresh and clean each day!"

Just kidding, no one asks me that.

Well...two people inquired about such things and I aim to please, so here is what lurks behind my shower curtain. Enjoy, (you two individuals).

Welcome - come on into my shower! But no funny business, people. This blog is rated PG.

Kaiku Shower Curtain - Marimekko

I continue to have this bizarre phenomenon where my shower product packaging is only green, white, orange, or black. I swear, it's not done on purpose. I must have some sort of subconscious color coordinating thinking when it comes to achieving cleanliness.

Nature's Gate Revitalizing Shampoo Jojoba + Sacred Lotus - Smells heavenly. Gentle and leaves my usually frizzy hair smooth & full. Plus Jojoba is fun to say. Jojoba!!

*LUSH Big Shampoo - I have a special place for this overpriced tub of salt. Take a small size of the mixture and apply it to very damp hair to work properly. It will give major volume and really clarify any built up gunk on the scalp.

Yes to® Naturals Calming Scalp Relief Conditioner - The packaging is troublesome as you have to work hard to get the conditioner out, but the goods is light enough to be used daily and does give my scalp relief during the change of seasons.

*Amika Intense Conditioning and Repair Nourishing Mask - Another product that I would purchase for the scent alone. But it also gives a non greasy result when you want a more intense conditioning treatment.

*LUSH Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - I wish this wasn't so spendy because it is a very unique concept. You apply the conditioner to your body at the end of your routine and rinse off. Your skin is left smooth and soft, with the most perfect whiff of sweet rose lingering for hours.

LUSH Ocean Salt - Also spendy (what are you doing to me, LUSH?), but very effective. This lime and salty fine exfoliator makes you feel like you spent the afternoon in the sun, sand, and surf with a margarita. This can be used on the face or body, but I find it best for less sensitive areas.

Trader Joe's Moisturizing Cream Shave Honey Mango - A cost-effective and simple cream that gets the job done and I like shaving with something that doesn't smell like Raspberry Dreamland.

Ole Henriksen Pore-Balance Facial Sauna Scrub - This facial scrub will throw you for a loop as it warms and cools during a massage. It really is like a mini spa treatment, right in the comfort of your own shower.

Raw Sugar Macha Green Tea, Lemongrass & Ginger Body Scrub - I'm in love with the packaging and the scent, but the scrub does leave a certain thin film behind that I'm not fond of. I'm up for trying other products in the line.

Kiehl's Ulta Facial Cleanser - I've been cycling through various facial cleansers. A little goes a long way with this Kiehl's version, but those that tend to dry out might want to opt for something more moisturizing.

*L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil - After a few trial-sized bottles, I splurged for the real deal. The oil foams as you activate it and can be used as a shaving product or just a luxurious finishing step. The almond scent is so yummy and it leaves your skin fully moisturized without feeling too sticky or slippery.

*Korres Basil Lemon Shower Gel - Not too sweet, not too cologne-like, and a great texture to lather up and wash away.

Malin + Goetz Body Wash, Sage - I like having this woodsy & herbal body wash for days that I'm not feeling my usual almond or citrus.

Plant Mini Body Wash, Get Happy - Funny story: I bought this because of the peppy packaging and name and didn't look much further. When it arrived I was shocked to see it was the size for a smurf and would maybe wash my elbow or my ear, but not both. But, it still makes me happy, so I guess the marketing worked!

*Yes to® Shower Cocktail Hydrating Body Wash - The cocktail shaker-shaped bottle matches the fruity, tropical gel wash inside. The Yes to...brand always proves a quality purchase for a reasonable price. And I just might shake this like a bartender before use...

LUSH Happy Hippy Shower Gel - Zesty, grapefruit gel that will leave you squeaky clean.

AHAVA Mineral Botanic Cream Wash, Hibiscus & Fig - Rich and velvety, this locks in the hydration.

I want to be that person who has a streamlined curated arsenal of shower products, but try as I may, I end up with a menagerie of bottles and potions to mix and match each day. What about you? Do you have a limited number of old standbys or do you fill your tub with the latest releases or hotel samples that you smuggled home after vacation? Or are you one of those magical unicorns that uses one multipurpose soap for all things cleansing?

*potential holy grail product that I would definitely recomment and plan on purchasing again

Friday Feels - Volume V

Another week filled with extremes.

I had a fulfilling (especially in regards to my stomach!) day at the Minnesota State Fair. Lots of highlights, but I have to say that the Giant Egg Roll On-A-Stick lived up to fair food expectations, wasn't that expensive, and probably could have fed a family of four.

Giant Egg Roll On-A-Stick, Que Viet - Minnesota State Fair

For those that are too hard on themselves (which is everyone, no?):

@alasdair_h - Instagram

Speaking of E.T. - it may be one of my most favorite movies ever. Have you seen this clip of Henry Thomas's audition? Spoiler alert: He got the job.

Henry Thomas audition för E.T. "Ok kid, you got the job" - YouTube

At times, I feel like this is my life (on a good day):

This Is The Most Chaotic Pet Show Ever! - YouTube

The recent Whitney Houston documentary was heartbreaking. Such pure and powerful talent bursting then fading like the true star she was.

WHITNEY. "CAN I BE ME" - Showtime

It reminded me of other films documenting the rise and fall of musical geniuses, like AMY (Amy Winehouse) and Little Girl Blue (Janis Joplin). Why does it seem to be fate that those who shine so brightly end up being destroyed?

And of course, Houston.

photo: REUTERS/Richard Carson

I've been seeing a lot of lists of ways to help Hurricane Harvey victims financially. If you are able, please consider aiding one of the organizations listed HERE.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

- Maya Angelou