It’s hunting and hiking season up here.  The woods have been ablaze with turning leaves and ‘Hunter Orange’.  When we share the woods at this time of year wearing some bright orange is a must for most areas. Unless, of course, it’s Sunday or you’re in a state park {no hunting then or there}. On any other day, in unprotected areas, I’d definitely wear something along these lines…

This is a classic, wear-it-every-hunting-season jacket to throw on for a safe hike from Hunter Boot:

Since bright shades of coral and orange have been on the fashion scene for awhile you can find everyday looks from stores like J.Crew that will take you from the streets to the trails {this would look great with the L.L. Bean ‘Cresta Hiker’ — a boot I’ve been wearing for the better part of ten years}:

For ease and comfort, a cozy fleece like this one from Patagonia is always a good choice:

Check out these trees!  They are at their peak in this photo, but already the cycle is winding down and most of the leaves are on the ground– especially after Hurricane Sandy.  Things weren’t too rough around here, though. Mostly windy with bouts of heavy rain and temps in the 60’s.  Beats last year when we got a huge snow storm and Halloween was postponed. This year the trick-or-treaters are out in full force.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

You know how some clothing brands have ‘pop up’ stores around big cities that are open for a week or so and then close down?  In smaller cities like Portland there are local versions of these ‘pop ups’, too. Last week we left our wheelbarrow out in the yard and it filled with rain creating a ‘pop up’ birdbath for the neighborhood beauties.  It must have been a welcome surprise to them!  Luke happened to catch sight of the bathers and got some great photos.  They made a splash!

Have a lovely weekend!

Somewhere in the past couple of fall seasons the poncho and the cape reemerged. How this happened I’m not even sure. I’m liking the hybrids out there like the one above by MICHAEL Michael Kors for $175.  The knit gives it a softer drape so it isn’t too overwhelming and the leather & gold toggle closures add some rich detail.  Right now sweaters are all about texture–found in the yarn like the marled version above, in the knit with mixed stitches and in the details like those toggles. I can imagine wearing this often, as a sweater coat at first, then on colder days as my cozy go-to.

If you’re not sure about investing in this trend, try an inexpensive, good-looking version from Target for $29.99 :

The cape as a coat is a fine idea.  The military-inspired version below is from Anthropologie $198. and since this is an outerwear piece it is one way to wear the trend without having to wear it all day.

For a pop of pattern I like this oversized chevron in navy and charcoal from Anne Klein at Macy’s $229.

Who’s to say how I’ll end up going for this trend- in sweater or coat form- or if I will at all.  As a petite gal this is one style that can’t be even slightly out of proportion for me or I’ll be swallowed up in wool, but I’ve got to say I’m intrigued and the right one just might float my boat. Are you wearing a cape or poncho this season?