These days it's hard to escape the bursts of orange here and there. With the signature deep Hermès orange to the bright, happy labels of on the Veuve Clicquot bottles, it seems that perhaps this season, happiness just requires the right shade of orange. Maybe a simple accessory, a dress, a coat of paint or the perfect coat is all it takes to set you off in the right direction. Go ahead and get that Hermès box - and just say you're being festive.

The coming chill has got me thinking about the perfect coat in the warmest shade to usher in the new season. My mind immediately goes back to a perennial favourite - Audrey Hepburn's beautifully tailored piece from Breakfast at Tiffany's. I love the cut and the small details of this coat - very elegant and ladylike but the punchy colour prevents it from being boring or too predictable.

Unfortunately I don't possess the Willy Wonka-esque powers to reach into the screen and steal my perfect coat - so here are some alternatives.

At Kate Spade

and J. Crew

As much as I've tried to resist it, it's becoming increasingly apparent that autumn is on it's way - the nights are a little bit cooler, there's a bit of a chill in the air, and here and there I'm starting to see tiny bursts of orange. I have to admit, autumn is one of my favourite seasons - I love the cloudy skies and the gorgeous fanfare of colour in the falling leaves, fresh bouquets of new pencils and stationery, baskets of apples and books, books, books!
Now I'm just searching for the perfect cozy spot to enjoy it all!

Javier and I were enjoying a beautiful walk outside in the crisp autumn air when I saw it - floating above us like a lovely Hermès balloon - one lone autumn leaf - bright flame orange, so delicate and perfect in every way.

The perfect farewell to a magical autumn.

{Photo: Hermesad2006}

Weekends always hold such an air of excitement and freedom that you can never really achieve on any other week day. All of a sudden the door is open to fun and frolic.
But first, there's important business at hand.
On my weekend list of things to do:

1. Lots of calls to make, catching up with old friends and preparing for a night out.
(Disco dancing this evening.)

2. Patrolling the park in a leopard print coat and eating Cracker Jack.
(I'm on squirrel duty.)

3. Finally finding the perfect hat.
(or lamp shade)

4. Putting my best face forward and hitting the town in style.
(arm in arm)

5. Perfecting the pillow fight
(and later - the pillow talk.)

A woman's work is never done...

Hope you're off to a sparkling, fun-filled weekend!

The beautiful sunny afternoons we've been enjoying far too quickly fade from the softest mauve to a dusky storm greys, with everything in between in soft shades of lilac and lavender. These tones always carry a nostalgic air ranging from soft and romantic pinkish lilac to deeper, sultry lavender and and amethyst shades. Softly seductive and alluring. Both are perfect paired with the lovely bright metallics that are starting to pop up everywhere ahead of the holidays. Within a soft purple glow is the perfect place to settle in and take in the bright light or moody shadows of autumn.

Lately we've been enjoying some lovely mild weather and sunny autumn afternoons. The leaves have turned to golden brown and all around the earth seems to glow with a warm radiance. Now is the time to gather around you all the things that warm your heart and home - a plush, soft scarf, a delicious new tea to try, comfortable cushions and blankets - and if you're lucky enough a lovely spot to curl up indoors and enjoy the warm autumn sun.

The last of the autumn leaves are floating through the air. Bright, burning bursts of flame against the cool blue and grey skies. Each gently falls towards the earth to join the collection of others forming a delicate carpet across the lawn. Nature is tucking itself in for the cold winter ahead. Rich amber and copper intertwined with scarlet - one final thrust of colour, and a spectacular show at that. Our walk through the park today reminded me of how beautiful and fleeting the autumn months are, and to take advantage of every opportunity to be outside enjoying the last of the autumn colours in the afternoon sun.

I keep coming back to this rich, sophisticated combination whether it's warm, gold hardware on a plush, black leather handbag, guilded moldings and sculpture or the honey gold hued leaves in the streetlight against the dark night there's an allure about this combination that draws you in. Classic, sophisticated luxury. Now I'm thinking about replacing the buttons on my black jacket with classic, gold crested ones...

Now it's my turn to pass it on to some other lovely blogs...
- Plush Palate-
- Apt #34-
- Avante Garde-
- Gathering Spriggs-
-Chichi and Luxe-
-SimplySeductive-
-automatism-


As a big thank you to all readers of A Life More Fabulous, I'll be giving away a beautiful set of Thank You notes from Linda & Harriett. Gorgeous, thick letter press cards with beautiful calligraphy by my favourite calligrapher, Jenna Hein. A really lovely way to surprise someone you know with a card to let them know you appreciate them, or just because...

Now enter the give-away by leaving a comment below...
{Give-away to be randomly drawn, Monday October 19th, 5pm EST}

{Photos:1,2 MichaelWeschlerforCountryLiving, 3,4 Linda&Harriett}

The cool grey skies of autumn are a stark contrast to the earth below - golden fields and amber leaves provide a warm glow to the cooler weather. Suddenly I'm craving the comfort of warm wood tones - soft amber and golden honey.