halloween themed party: girls night in

One of my favorite things to do as an "adult" is to entertain. I love getting my good friends together cook for them, provide copious amounts of wine and just hang out in a comfortable environment. Because nothing says the "holidays are near" like food, friends and libations on a chilly fall night! 

This particular get-together was a Halloween themed, pizza making and movie night in. Who doesn't love a good theme? Before the girls got to my place I decorated appropriately, and had prepared a few rounds of homemade pizza dough. When the guests arrived I had them roll out the dough and top the pies with their choice of ingredients- because in my experience if the guests get to do some of the cooking, they enjoy their creation more! 

So there we were four girls drinking good wine, getting dough all over the place and just hanging out. Of course I made the girls play dress up, and try on my new Goorin Bros. fascinator- it is a Halloween party after all. After most of the pizza was gone we sat down to watch the "scary movie'"-- The Addams Family! I actually can't stand a real scary movie, so this was me trying. 

Hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween!

top three: favorite fall outfits

Some of my favorite fall outfit include lots of layering, plenty of textures and of course, lots of different styles- one day I'm into menswear, and the next I'll want to wear a vintage sequin evening gown (in the appropriate environment of course!) The San Francisco Bay Area's fall weather is pretty fickle, one day it's gorgeous and the next it's overcast and super gloomy. So I wanted to show you my top three favorite ways to dress for fall, in not so straight forward weather. 

First up is the ubiquitous gray sweatshirt that seems to be making it's way round the fashion circuit with tons of different printed slogans, a chambray top buttoned all the way up, and a glamourous brocade skirt in a bright jewel tone- a jacket thrown over your shoulders just so, and of course some gold bling around your neck.

Next is the 'devil may care' look in a comfy rock tee thrown over dark wash skinny jeans, and a casual yet glamourous leopard cardigan. Rock this statement getup with a dark burgundy lip, a messy faux bob, and some embellished pumps like these. 

And finally, a preppy and polished work appropriate look. Layers, over layers, over layers is one of my  favorite fall outfits to don especially when multiple prints, textures, and fun embellishments like- a hat, flower pin, and foxy leather gloves are involved. 

 Do tell, which of these three is your favorite?

all aboard the hat train

 {thrifted dress and shirt, Gap hat, boots unknown, Zara handbag, SEE glasses, Stella & Dot wrap bracelet c/o, Swarovski bracelet c/o)

Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned on Instagram (@allergictovanilla) that I was on the hunt for the perfect conductor's cap? Well I think I've found it! This navy gem was at our trusty Gap store- don't you just love that place!- where I picked up a few more great fall pieces that I can't wait to share with you.

And speaking of great fall pieces, can we talk about hats for a moment? Is is just me or are hats so much better, and versatile in the fall? Fedoras, beanies, newsboy caps, to turbans and trappers, I love them all. And can't wait to sport every last one of them.

P.S To all my SF blogger friends reading right now...woohoo, we did it, World Series Champs, baby! #SFGiants

houndstooth//mixed media + a giveaway

{Zara jacket, thrifted button-up, J. Crew jeans, Nine West via DSW boots, sisters scarf}

It's only fair to feature my mom's photography skills after I showcased my dad's handiwork, here. I wore this casual outfit to a low key Sunday date with my best gal, hence the unmade up face, and thrown back hair. Because sometimes it just nice to not feel so made up, right? Well minus a good pair of brows, a swipe of Benefit Browzing really does make all the difference for me.

At the end of the day, whether I wear makeup or not I always wash my face. Lately I've been using The Aveeno Daily Cleansing Pads, and they work like a dream. On one side there is the "exfoliator" side and the other side is a smoother, finer feel to simply wash away debris. I'm giving away about $100 in Aveeno and J&J products to one lucky winner this month- just leave a comment below. Good Luck! 

the little details

1. J. Crew boys shirt, BCBG collar necklace, Hollister jacket

2. J. Crew jeans, and Valentina heels

3. Nicole by Nicole Miller sweater and Ann Taylor necklace

While a statement outfit is more my speed, sometimes there just isn't time and effort to pull it all together, and thats when the little details really count. The tousled cuff of your favorite jeans, a necklace that shines just so in the light, a doubled up collar- all little things that really make an outfit stand out, in my opinion.

What are your favorite noteworthy details when you want to add a special something to your outfit?

daddy's little girl

{Princess by Vera Wang jacket, H&M button-up, NY&Co dress, F21 necklace, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent belt}

My dad took these images of me. While they may not be the most clear of outfit shots- hello shadows. I sure do love the guy who took them! 

dia de los muertos

This Marie Claire October 2012 editorial literally moved me. There I was on the treadmill huffing through 3 miles, when I turned the page and saw this! It was brilliant, beautiful, and reminded me of an old Halloween costume I tried to pull off years ago (don't judge). Regardless if your Mexican or not you can appreciate the beauty of this spread. The colors are intense, the model is stunning, and hello, big brows are so in right now. 

Halloween is next week, what are you dressing up as? Or are you "too old" to dress up?! 

casual camouflage

{Zara moto jacket, Proenza Schouler x Target sweatshirt, Gap pants, Nine West boots, SEE sunglasses c/o}

While everyone knows camo is having a moment, I am super stocked I scored these hot pants last year at a mere $15 when the army-esque print wasn't so hot. The darker hue almost makes the pants seem black or forrest green. I wore this casual outfit for Sunday brunch at one of my favorite breakfast (with bottomless mimosas, of course) spots in San Francisco- Radish. And of course, it wouldn't be Sunday Funday without libations after brunch, so off to Zeitgeist and the always entertaining, Biergarten to end the Oktoberfest weekend. 

Isabel Marant

{image via ShoeRazzi}

The Isabel Marant hype has caught up with me, and while I always thought her stuff was super chic and unique to those in the know (and in the budget!) I've finally come across a pair of her shoes that I could actually see myself investing in.  These fabulous, seemingly walkable shoes were seen stomping down the runway at her Paris Fashion Week show. I'm leaning towards black, which color would you get?!

prints charming

{Asos blazer, Banana Republic sweater, Paige denim c/o, F21 necklace, Sneacy's purse, Steve Madden boots}

Hi, I'm Carlina, and I'm a print-aholic. There I said it. The shame is easing up. But seriously I have no shame leaving the house like this, I almost felt since the colors were in the same family that it was like rocking one big neutral! Not even sure how that adds up, but it did at the time. 

I wore this getup to the cinema where we saw Looper (it was pretty awesome.) One of my favorite guilty pleasures is going to the movies with my beau and ordering a junior popcorn with butter- because you can't go to the movies and not get popcorn! Enough about me, what are some of your fave guilty pleasures on the weekends?

this month in mani's, and a cool new iPad app

1. Green 5 by Urban Outfitters w/ Loud Love Jewelry ring, and vintage bracelet

2. Bikini So Teeny by Essie, w/ BR top ring, nOir, Swarovski- check out their new iPad app**; J. Crew bracelets

3. Light Blue by F21 w/Love Me Pretty Eagle claw

4. Kiss-n-Tell by Dashing Diva w/ Stella & Dot

I'll let you in on a little secret: I'm not one to go bare nailed, like, ever. If this is the case, then I am having a really off day. I do my own mani's (lucky ladies that actually have the time and cash to get them done!) and rotate the colors weekly. I don't get too fancy with the nail art- just a single but vibrant color, and a great base and top coat keep my digits looking fresh. Currently I'm slowly transitioning into the darker hues but still have an affinity for my pastels- I'll most likely keep it that way and integrate some glitter during the holiday season!

What are you currently wearing on your nails?

**By the way, the Swarovski Elements for iPad Magazine App is a monthly free app that you can download for your iPad and it includes a ton of freebies like:
-Photo galleries and videos
-The seasons hottest trends and MUST-have pieces in the Swarovski Crystallized jewelry guide
-Products made with Swarovski Elements.

So what are you waiting for? Download the app today!

currently coveting: zara home

With the fashionable social set getting all hot and bothered with the arrival of Zara home online, it was quite appropriate to do a little post on what I am currently coveting from this ubiquitous brand. As my wardrobe is generally loud, and at times gaudy, I could see my home decor reflected in my outfit choices for the most part. My studio is comprised of a good mix of eclectic objects, faux fur throws, gilded vases, and dark wood finishes. I love picking up home accents that remind me of travels or look like they were from another country and time. In the set I created above I ended up with a look that reminded me of my time in London, I like to call it McQueen meets the English Countryside!

1. Montze Globe, $79.90

2. Ross Vase, $59.90

3. Skull Pillow, $35.90

4. Pedro Candle, $25.90

5. Bea Basket, various prices

6. Vernon Tea Pot, $59.90 

7. Black Vanilla Scented Candle, $35.90

8. James Tray, $35.90

Do tell, what are your fave picks from the online Zara store? I know you already have them bookmarked!

getting in the spirit

{Peppermint jacket, Life Clothing tee c/o, Forever21 skirt, necklace, and hat, Steve Madden boots, Essie nail polish- Bikini So Teeny}

This tee has been on a weekly rotation ever since it found it's way in my mailbox. It's one of my favorites and is completely comfy! The muscle tee cut and silk screen print of the hat toting skeleton head is so cheeky for the season. I love glamming it up with a busy necklace, under a chic blazer, and if the weather calls for it- a breezy skirt. But, in the coming weeks I'll definitely be donning it with rolled up skinny jeans, blazers in every color, and a top-hat for good measure as the temperatures decline. Definitely expect to see this tee again, it's so "Dia de los Muertos" chic!

style challenge: fall hues- oxblood

{Gap sweater, H&M pants, Nicole Richie for Macy's shirt c/o, Zara pumps, Milani "White on the Spot" polish, Velvet Heart coat}

I love trying out new trends- it's all the better when it's actually something I'd want to wear on my own. The oxblood hue is slowly trickling into my closet and after our giant heat wave I couldn't be happier to cozy up in a soft sweater, with these slick pants of the same hue. I wore this matching set to a scotch tasting and think the color choice and edgy button-up kept the look appropriate yet smart.