Happy Halloween everyone! I’m going to keep this post short and sweet because in addition to prepping my kids (and a few of yours) for Halloween, my family and I are undertaking some renovations at our house. This means that our home is filled with boxes, and our lives with a little more chaos than usual. But I couldn’t let this most sweet and spooky holiday go by unnoticed. So to get in the spirit, I put on this super cool, easy costume-alternative from ModCloth. I figure that way, when I take my kids door to door in search of candy, I might have a shot at scoring a Kit Kat or two. Happy trick or treating!

With love,

Amanda

More to love… ModCloth Skull Jumpsuit; Missguided Devil Horn Bodysuit; H&M Skeleton Sweatshirt

When I’m feeling blue, which I sometimes do, I think of Dory. Don’t pretend you don’t know Nemo’s best friend. The blue fish with the short term memory loss (something we have in common) and the heart as big as the ocean? Her powerful words, “just keep swimming,” made as much of an impression on me as any other piece of great advice I’ve ever received, from a fish or human. But words of wisdom aren’t always so easy to embrace. I mean it’s HARD to get up every morning and put a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart. (Thank you Carole King for that last sentence.) But get up and smile we must. Because when we do the world will smile back and maybe that’ll be enough for one day, or maybe you’ll have a stroke of creative genius that will improve the lives of all humanity. Or perhaps you’ll just send your kids off to school with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Both are solid wins, and both start with a positive attitude and a desire to push ahead and spread good vibes. So no matter how the world tries to get you down — and between this wacky presidential race, the wars in the Middle East, and natural disasters aplenty, there’s no shortage of effort — we, the good people of the world, have got to keep on swimming. Forthwith, a series of smiley photos to help give you a boost.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Piper Navy Blue Sanor Dress; Zimmermann Scrunch Dress; Zara Dress with Ruffle Hem; Aldo Studded Ankle Boot; Isabel Marant Grover Boots

Tom Ford’s Fall 2016 collection, which he showed with much deserved, and appreciated, pomp and circumstance last month in New York City, made more than a nod to the best of 70s fashion. At least that’s how it looked to me, watching as I did from the comfort of my office in Los Angeles. I was captivated anew by the oft-referenced decade and inspired to put my own modern spin on that heady time in fashion history. Enter this fitted, ribbed turtleneck sweater and these flared trousers from DL1961. I accessorized these simple pieces with a leopard print, just as Mr. Ford did a few weeks ago. This look is maybe more of a hat tip than a whole nod to the decade of bell bottoms and free love, but it’s enough for me to feel in the swing of things. Want to join the party? See below for a few key pieces you’ll want to wear right now.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Hudson Flared Jeans; Club Monaco Turtleneck Sweater; Maison Margiela Leopard Print Bag