Weekend Wardrobe: Unconventional Colors Cool Weather Basic 4x4 Wardrobe

From Mango

The usual suggestion when putting together a basic wardrobe is to select a favorite neutral and build from there, but what if you are not a fan of black, grey, navy, or any of the other usual suspects?  The simple solution is to find a color or colors that you do like and use those choices instead!  It may be a bit difficult to build a wardrobe around a color that is not considered a neutral as apparel will probably be harder to find, but if that is your preference just go for it!

I am basing today's wardrobe on the striped sweater in brilliant cobalt blue and emerald green shown above.  It caught my eye immediately as I was browsing the Mango website, and with a bit of searching I was able to come up with enough items to create a basic wardrobe.  These colors are certainly not for everyone, but if they make you happy then that is all that matters.  I added a bit of white for some contrast, but other than that small amount of neutral color this wardrobe is all about just two bright hues:

Let's start with the first set of four which includes the inspiration sweater:

Clockwise from top left: Boden Short Sleeve Breton Top in Soft Blue/Ivory; Hanes Relaxed Fit Women's ComfortSoft V-Neck T-Shirt in Deep Royal; Mango Striped Cotton Sweater in Green; Uniqlo Women's Drape Wide Pants in Blue.

The second set of four focuses on the emerald green:

Clockwise from top left: Land's End Women's Relaxed Short Sleeve Supima Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt in Bright Sea Blue; Land's End Women's Print Pique Mesh Polo Shirt in Grass Green Print; Uniqlo Women's Extra Fine Merino Crewneck Cardigan in Green; H&M Paper-Bag Pants in Emerald Green (no longer available).

We return to the cobalt blue color in the third set of four:

Clockwise from top left: Saint James Unisex Minquiers Moderne Striped Sailor Shirt in White/Light Blue; Land's End Women's Shaped Long Sleeve Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt in Vibrant Blue; Land's End Women's Performance Cardigan in Dark Cobalt Blue; Busy Clothing Women's Smart Trousers in Royal Blue; 

The last set of four introduces a skirt, white jeans, a top with all three wardrobe colors, and a bit more emerald green:

Clockwise from top left: Land's End Women's Relaxed Long Sleeve Supima Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt in Vibrant Clover; Boden Mollie Top in Greek Blue Bloomsbury Spot; Boden Hampshire Ponte Skirt in Sap Green; H&M Skinny High Ankle Jeans in White Denim.

And here is the complete 4x4 wardrobe:

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Quite the colorful collection, but I think it works just fine as a basic wardrobe even without a traditional neutral shade.  Next week I will add accessories to this collection, which could be a challenge.  I am not sure what colors I will use for these accessories, but I will try to make them unique!

Foodie Fridays: Mediterranean Green Bean Salad

Summer may be over, but the weather here in Georgia is still hot.  I am eating main dish salads for dinner on a regular basis, and one of my new favorites combines green beans with Mediterranean flavors.  This salad is simple to throw together and requires minimal cooking, which is always a plus when the weather is warm as far as I am concerned.  Best of all, the recipe makes a generous amount which keeps well in the fridge, so you have an instant meal available whenever the mood for salad strikes!

Mediterranean Green Bean Salad

8 oz. green beans, cooked, cooled, and cut crosswise into thirds
4 C. grape tomatoes, halved
1 large bell pepper (any color), diced
1/2 C. halved and pitted Kalamata olives
4-6 oz. crumbled feta cheese
3/4 C. lemon vinaigrette*

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Serves 6.

I used Marzetti Simply Dressed Lemon Vinaigrette.
             

This 'n That Thursdays: Pumpkin Spice Everything!

Images from Food Network, Republic of Tea, and Walmart

Now that summer is over and my search for new favorite fall flavors has begun, I noticed that Food Network has compiled a list of 65(!) 2018 pumpkin spice products available to try right now.  Since I do like this blend of spices, I intend to sample at least some of them.  Here is my list of the items I have either already bought or hope to find/purchase in the near future:

1. Thomas' Pumpkin Spice Bagels (I have already tried these and love them, although they are too sweet for me to eat on a regular basis)
2. Thomas' Pumpkin Spice English Muffins (ditto for these)
3. Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
4. Williams Sonoma Spiced Pumpkin Braising Sauce (savory rather than sweet - yes!)
5. KIND Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice Bars
6. Siggi's Pumpkin & Spice Yogurt
7. Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies (I rarely eat cookies any more, but I think I will make an exception for these)
8. Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar (I don't know if this is available locally, but I will look)
9. The Republic of Tea Pumpkin Spice Black Tea Bags (not on Food Network's list, but could this be the perfect pumpkin spice tea I have been searching for but have yet to find?)
10. Fresh Express Pumpkin Panzanella Salad Kit (I could not find any links to this one, but I do hope it comes out soon!)
11. Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares
12. Chobani Pumpkin & Spice Greek Yogurt (not on Food Network's list, but I have tried it and it is good)

Not surprisingly, most pumpkin spice edibles are sweet, and since I have drastically reduced my sugar intake for health reasons I cannot try all of the items on the Food Network list that might otherwise have tempted me.  I will sample the goodies I selected sparingly, however, and I will enjoy every limited bite!

Happy pumpkin spice season!
(from Kiwi Report)

             

Seasonal Style: Autumn Southwestern Denim

From Chico's

I have had our potential move to New Mexico on my mind lately, so for this year's autumn seasonal style post I have selected an outfit that combines a southwestern-looking print with casual denim.  The warm autumnal colors of the long cardigan are balanced by the soft blues of the faded denim shirt and jeans.  The image of the bedroom below achieves a similar look with a southwestern geometric pattern in warm hues on a light denim blue background, all against a backdrop of a warm neutral wall color, rug, and furnishings:

From Canadian Log Homes

We are still waiting for fall weather to arrive here in Georgia, but are starting to notice a slight cooling trend - I am so ready for fall!
               

Wish List Wednesdays: Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Are you a pumpkin spice fanatic?  Since I don't drink coffee I have never been interested in the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte craze, but I do love the flavors in a pumpkin spice blend, so I am always willing to try any pumpkin spice product (except pumpkin spice potato chips - yuck, never again!).  I have never been able to find a pumpkin spice tea that appealed to me, but I do think the Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate ($19.95) from Williams Sonoma sounds delicious, so I may just have to order a tin.  It is only available for a limited time, and shipping is free at the moment, so I think now would be a good time to order.  And if you are a true pumpkin spice addict, check out the other edible offerings from Williams Sonoma here.
             

Current Events: The Lingering Stench

Created using SuperLame! with image at left from Rogue News and
image at right from Daily Express.

The lingering stench from the Washington swamp will not go away until you get rid of its source, Mr. President.

             

Weekend Wardrobe: "She and Her Owl" Art-Inspired 4x4 Fall Basic Wardrobe Accessories

This week I am adding accessories to the art-inspired wardrobe shown above from last week's post.  Some of the accessories were already chosen in the travel wardrobe post from two weeks ago, so I mostly just tried to add some pieces in the new colors of blush pink and light aqua.  I also decided to add some gold-toned jewelry to the copper pieces already found, mostly to add some variety because all of the jewelry pieces are owl-themed!

Let's start by taking a look at that owl-inspired jewelry:

Clockwise from top left: Coldwater Creek "Who's There" Earrings in Antique Metal; OffTheGridDesigns Copper Owl Earrings; Tamarack Shack Antiques Solid Copper Perching Owl Pendant; KitVogue Owl Cuff Bracelet; Ring to Perfection Lava Stone and Matte Animal Owl Bracelet in Gold Lava Stone; Coldwater Creek "Who's There" Necklace in Antique Metal.

Next up are some pretty scarves, all but one of which are also owl-themed:

Clockwise from top left: Ladybird Print Scarf in Pale Aqua/Gold Metallic Foil; Vida Copper Owls Modal Scarf; Aspinal of London Owl in the City Silk Scarf in Champagne and Deer Brown; Chloe Owl Print Silk Scarf in Ideal Blush.

Here are the handbags for this collection:

Clockwise from top left: Duluth Trading Company Women's Lifetime Leather Medium Sling Bag in Cognac; EliseLeathercraft Genuine Leather Handmade Owl Wristlet in Black; Halogen Leather Zip Around Wallet in Black; Logan+Lenora Convertible Clutch in Painterly.

Shoes for the wardrobe are next:

Clockwise from top left: H&M Ankle Boots in Black; Coldwater Creek Pintuck Leather Flats in Copper; Skechers GO STEP Mesh Slip-On Shoes in Light Blue; New Balance Women's Leather 928v3 Walking Shoes in Black; Coldwater Creek "Wayfarer" Suede Flats by Walk With Me in Blush.

And finally I have added a good selection of outerwear, in anticipation of much cooler temperatures ahead:

Clockwise from top left: H&M Denim Jacket in Black Denim; Coldwater Creek Uniquely You Trench Coat in Deep Blush; Marmot Women's Nitra Vest in Blue Tint/Dark Charcoal; H&M Short Coat in Black; Belstaff Women's Sidney Biker Jacket in Dark Copper.

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I think this basic wardrobe is off to a good start.  The judicious addition of apparel in the appropriate colors would round it out quite nicely, but while searching for those perfect pieces one could make do quite nicely with the collection just as it is.

Next week I will either get a head start on the holiday season, or choose another unusual color combination for fall (both ideas are planned for future posts, but I haven't decided which one will come first).
               

Foodie Fridays: Pomodoro Shrimp with Creamy Corn Polenta

Unlike my husband, I have never been a big fan of shrimp and grits, a popular specialty here in our neck of the South.  However, when I saw the recipe for Basil Pomodoro Shrimp with Creamed Corn Polenta on the Half Baked Harvest website, I decided to to give it a try even though it sounded suspiciously similar to our local version.  I modified the recipe a bit based on what I had on hand, and used a different recipe for the polenta since I did not have the instant type (a variation of the recipe for Creamy Corn-Studded Polenta from Epicurious).  I did not have any wine open except for some port, but it was an excellent addition to this dish.  I think sherry or marsala would work as well, or of course the white wine or chicken stock suggested in the original recipe.

One bite of the resulting dish and I grudgingly have to admit that I may have been wrong about shrimp and grits all these years.  It helps that the tomatoes and basil in the sauce are fresh, and the addition of corn to the polenta provides some needed crunchy texture.  I thought about adding cheese, but it really did not need any.  Even though there are several steps to this recipe it only took about an hour to make.  This will be a great recipe to make when the weather turns cooler, and I will definitely make this again!

Pomodoro Shrimp with Creamy Corn Polenta

For the shrimp:
3 T. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1 lb. medium shrimp (51-60 per lb.) shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 C. (2 pints) grape tomatoes, halved if large
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 C. port (or any wine you have open, or chicken stock)
1/2 C. water
1/2 tsp. Wondra flour (optional)
1/2 C. fresh basil, roughly chopped

For the polenta:
2 C. whole milk
2 C. water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. polenta
2-3 C. fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
2 T. butter

For the shrimp: Heat 1 T. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the shrimp and 1/4 tsp. salt and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through.  Remove to a bowl.

Add the remaining oil to the pan.  Add the tomatoes and 1/4 tsp. salt and cook until they soften and burst, about 15 minutes.  Stir in the garlic and cook one minute longer.  Add the stock or wine plus the water and continue to cook for another 15 minutes, until the liquid cooks down and the sauce thickens.  If the sauce is still too thin, add about 1/2 tsp. Wondra flour to thicken the sauce.  Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shrimp and basil.  Set aside.

For the polenta: Heat the milk, water, and salt in a large saucepan until the liquid comes to a boil.  Slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps (some small lumps may form, but they will disappear as the polenta cooks).  Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the corn.  Increase the heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the polenta is soft, thick, and creamy, stirring often.  Remove from the heat and stir in the butter.  Allow the polenta to cool a bit (it gets thicker and creamier as it sits).

Spoon a serving of polenta into a bowl.  Reheat the shrimp slightly if needed and spoon a serving over the polenta.  Serves 4.

Note: I would recommend halving or at least piercing the tomatoes before cooking them, because when the whole ones start to burst in the pan hot oil will go flying everywhere!  If you have a splatter screen, you may want to use it.
             

This 'n That Thursdays: Anthropologie-Inspired Botanical Bedroom

Brilliant Poppies Rug

It has been a while since I have done an interior design style board so, inspired by some beautifully botanical décor and furnishings from Anthropologie like the rug shown above, I put together a fun floral bedroom design.  I think this collection would work well for a guest bedroom.

Clockwise from top left: Carved Frond Bed; Betania Hourglass Side Table; Mikayla Lamp Shade; Flower Garden Wall Art; Helios Mirror; Prana Live-Edge Six-Drawer Dresser; Tulip Chair in Cayman Slub Velvet/Brass Metal; Lulie Wallace Floral Sham; Lulie Wallace Floral Quilt (no longer available); Lillian Farag Painterly Pillow (no longer available); Center: Brilliant Poppies Rug.

And should guests be arriving, what better way to welcome them to their bedroom away from home than with a lovely box of good quality chocolates, like the ones shown below (the Harrison Howard Bird & Butterfly Tin complements the botanical theme, but there are quite a few other attractive tins as well):

From Louis Sherry

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This style board is a final salute to summer, which will be over in just a few days.  Summer's floral profusion will soon give way to the first flush of fall foliage, so let's enjoy those last blooms of the season while we can!

                

Wish List Wednesdays: Moose Appliqué Throw Pillow Cover from Pottery Barn

As the first day of fall rapidly approaches, I am starting to think of ways to change up our indoor décor to reflect a cozier season.  One idea would be to change the covers on our living room sofa throw pillows.  I really like the Moose Appliqué Pillow Cover ($29.50) from Pottery Barn.  They are supposed to be Christmas pillows, but I think they would work for any time of the year thanks to the neutral colors and theme.  They would be especially appropriate for cooler weather as they are made of a wool blend.  The price is reasonable and I already have inserts, so these pillow covers will probably find their way onto our sofas in the near future!
             

Current Events: Fear and Loathing in DC

Created using SuperLame! with image from American Institute of Physics.

What Trump thinks he is signing:

Image from CNN

What Trump is actually signing (thank you, adults in the room - thank goodness Trump never reads):

Image from CNN

😱😱😱 Is this any way to run a presidency? 😱😱😱

From 104.5 WJJK

Have a nice day!

                

On the Homefront: A Little Rain, Finally Finishing the Deck, and My Second Pumpkin Harvest

We are enjoying a gentle soaking rain today, thanks to the remnants of now tropical depression Florence.  We will get nothing like the inundation suffered by the North Carolina coast (where I hope everyone is as safe as possible now), and we really needed the moisture to remedy the recent dry spell we have been experiencing.  Fortunately we did manage to finally get our new deck stained and sealed during that dry period:

We chose a light grey color for the stain, which will be a challenge to keep clean but does lighten and brighten the deck.  Since we are surrounded by large oak trees this light color is a welcome relief from the sometimes gloomy shade they can cast!  We also had the older part of the deck finished as well, so the whole wraparound deck got a much needed thorough cleaning, just in time for the torrent of leaves that will soon be dropping from those oaks (sigh!).

I decided it was time to harvest the pumpkins that were ripening out in the pasture.  I planted a different variety this year, so the pumpkins are smaller but there were a lot more of them.  I think they add a very attractive touch of fall to the front yard:

Our dog Madison always insists on being in every photograph!

For now this is as far as my fall decorating has progressed - it is so hot here in Georgia right now that I will probably not even start thinking autumnal thoughts until the official change of seasons a week from today.  Our rain did also usher in some slightly cooler temperatures, and I am thankful for that, but we are in for more heat later this week.  I hope you are happy with whatever weather Mother Nature has decided to send your way today!
             

Weekend Wardrobe: "She and Her Owl" Art-Inspired 4x4 Fall Basic Wardrobe

She and Her Owl by Catrin Welz-Stein

Last week's wardrobe post featured a weekend travel wardrobe based on two colors chosen from the fabulous artwork shown above.  This week I decided to use the same art, select two more colors, and create a basic 4x4 wardrobe for fall incorporating the nine apparel items from the travel wardrobe (I excluded the jean jacket as I consider outerwear part of the accessories collection rather than apparel items).  In addition to the black and copper from last week, which I decided would be the predominant colors, I chose the blush pink and pale aqua found in the image as secondary colors, still with a tiny bit of white as an accent:

Then I arranged the apparel I found into four sets of potential outfits, which is the way I usually try to sort out my 4x4 basic wardrobe collections.  Each set of four almost always includes one bottom layer and either three tops or two tops and a cardigan or sweater for layering.

Here is the first set of four, which only includes the original colors:

Clockwise from top left: Coldwater Creek Suede-Touch Stretch Tee in Copper; Coldwater Creek Destinations Two-Button Cardigan in Black; H&M Striped Jersey Top in Black-White Striped; H&M Straight Regular Jeans in Black.

The second set of four adds the aqua color:

Clockwise from left: Coldwater Creek Knit Denim Straight-Leg Jeans in Copper; Coldwater Creek Essential Supima Boatneck Tee in Aquamarine; H&M Cotton T-Shirt in Black; Vince Classic Striped Crewneck Top in Coastal/Copper. 

Blush pink makes an appearance in the third set of four:

Clockwise from left: Coldwater Creek #Best Cotton Leggings in Black; H&M Glittery Sweater in Copper-Colored; H&M Cotton T-Shirt in White; Coldwater Creek Crossover V-Neck Pullover in Blush.

The final set of four adds even more of both the aqua and the pink, including a lovely pair of blush pink corduroy pants, a blush pink dress, and a button-front aqua cardigan that can be worn alone as a top or as a second layer:

Clockwise from left: Coldwater Creek Pinwale Stretch Corduroy in Blush; Land's End Women's Supima Cotton Cardigan in Aqua Bay Donegal; Echo Knit Cross Over Vest in Black; H&M Sweatshirt Dress in Powder Pink.

All 16 pieces come together to create this basic 4x4 fall wardrobe:

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I was not sure these four colors would work together, but I rather like this unexpected combination of colors for fall.  Next week I will pull together some accessories for this collection.  I hope to find more owl-themed items!
             

Foodie Fridays: Small Batch Chocolate Chip Muffins

I had half a bag of really good quality Ghirardelli chocolate chips that I wanted to used up, and a recipe I found recently for Ridiculously Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Muffins on the In Jennie's Kitchen blog was the perfect solution.  I made a few minor changes, swapping out the butter for coconut oil and the buttermilk for kefir, but otherwise I followed the original recipe.  These muffins are great as a snack or for breakfast if you don't mind eating chocolate in the morning (I don't mind at all!).  Just remember, as my husband discovered, that if you reheat them you will likely get gooey chocolate all over your fingers!

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 C. flour
3 T. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 large egg
2 T. butter or coconut oil, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 C. well-shaken buttermilk or plain kefir
3/4 C. good quality chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.  In a small bowl, beat together the egg, melted butter/coconut oil, vanilla, and buttermilk/kefir with a fork.

Pour the liquid mixture over the dry mixture.  Stir until just combined (do not overmix - the batter will be thick).  Gently fold in the chocolate chips.  Spoon the batter evenly into a paper-lined 6-cup muffin tin.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, until the muffins are a deep golden brown.  Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.  Serves 6.

Note: To make ahead, let the baked muffins cool completely.  Wrap individually in plastic wrap, store in a tightly sealed zip-top bag, and freeze.  Take the muffins out the night before you plan to eat them and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
             

This 'n That Thursdays: A Few Treats I Have Been Enjoying This Summer

From The Good Samaritan Health Center

Summer will (hopefully!) be cooling down and tapering off into autumn soon, so I thought today would be a good day to list some of the treats I have been enjoying this summer.  All of them can be eaten any time of the year, but I have found the following four foods and beverages to be especially delightful during the height of summer.  Here is my list:

1) Kroger Naturally Flavored Lemon-Lime Seltzer Water

On a really hot day, a tall glass of this refreshing zero-calorie carbonated beverage over ice really hits the spot!

2) Hail Merry Meyer Lemon Cups

I really love refreshing citrus flavors when the weather is sweltering, and these luscious little lemon cups (available at our local Publix) are the perfect summer dessert.  They taste just like lemon bars but are relatively low-carbohydrate treats as they contain no flour (my definition of low-carb is less than 20 grams per serving).  Best of all, one package (2 pieces) is one serving, so if you are feeling indulgent you can eat both without guilt, but if you are feeling virtuous eat one and save the other for another time!

3) Old Barrel Tea Company Loose Leaf Coconut Black Tea

Even when the summer weather is stifling, I still like to sip hot tea for breakfast.  I no longer sweeten my tea, and lately I have switched from tea bags to loose leaf tea because the flavor is so much more intense.  I discovered this loose leaf coconut tea when we were in Santa Fe, and it is the best that I have found.  By adding some light cream my morning beverage becomes a truly indulgent treat.

4) KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt Bars

My husband recently brought home a box of these bars, which are easily found in most supermarkets.  I tried one the other day and I am hooked!  Relatively low in carbohydrates, these intensely chocolatey bars are chock full of crunchy nuts.  Put one in the fridge to enjoy later as a cool and satisfying snack.

🍸☕🍫🍪🍸☕🍫🍪🍸☕🍫🍪🍸☕🍫🍪🍸☕🍫🍪🍸☕🍫🍪

These are four of the treats I have been savoring this summer.  Do you have any favorite summer indulgences?  Now I need to focus on finding some fabulous flavors for fall!
             

Wish List Wednesdays: Sundance Catalog Chevaux Cardigan

I do not plan to add too many new pieces to my fall wardrobe this year, so I am checking out all of the options and trying to narrow down my selections.  One contender is the Chevaux Cardigan ($98) from the Sundance catalog.  It is reasonably priced for Sundance apparel, and of course I love the horse print and the fact that it is cotton (a better option than wool here in Georgia).  The colors, while not usually those that I look for, are bright and cheerful and might be a good way to liven up my usually more muted autumn apparel.  I may wait to see if Sundance offers any discounts for purchases (free shipping would be nice!), so this cardigan is on my list of potential purchases for the season.
             

Current Events: Asleep at the Wheel

Trump falls asleep at his own rally - a good place to nap!
 (from Huffington Post)

Donald Trump claims he fell asleep while watching a recent speech given by former President Obama.  Well of course you did, Dozing Donnie - everyone knows you have the attention span of an infant.

The real reason plaid shirt guy was told to leave Trump's rally
(created by SuperLame! with image from Second Nexus)

Apparently this is not the first time Dozing Donnie has fallen asleep on the job:

A G7 Summit is a good place to nap too!
(created with SuperLame! with image from Punch)

But maybe that is a good thing - after all, the adults in the room can get real work done while the infant sleeps.  Nap on, little Dozing Donnie Trump, nap on!
               

Weekend Wardrobe: Art-Inspired Black and Copper Owl-Themed Weekend Travel Wardrobe

She and her Owl by Catrin Welz-Stein

I am absolutely enthralled by the digital artwork of Catrin Welz-Stein, and find the image shown above to be particularly lovely.  I decided to base this week's travel wardrobe on just two colors selected from this work.  I was drawn to the rich copper-colored locks of the woman in the picture, so I chose copper and black from her hair and added just a small amount of white for contrast:

As always, we start with the outfit to wear in transit for this weekend getaway:

Clockwise from top left: Coldwater Creek Suede-Touch Stretch Tee in Copper; KitVogue Owl Cuff Bracelet; H&M Denim Jacket in Black Denim; Rockland Sonic Hardside Spinner in Brown; Duluth Trading Company Women's Lifetime Leather Medium Sling Bag in Cognac; Coldwater Creek Pintuck Leather Flats in Copper; H&M Straight Regular Jeans in Black.

And now for the rest of the wardrobe to pack:

Clockwise from top left: Tamarack Shack Antiques Solid Copper Perching Owl Pendant; Vida Copper Owls Modal Scarf; Echo Knit Cross Over Vest in Black; OffTheGridDesigns Copper Owl Earrings; H&M Glittery Sweater in Copper-Colored; Coldwater Creek #BestCotton Leggings in Black; H&M Ankle Boots in Black; Halogen Leather Zip Around Wallet in Black; EliseLeathercraft Genuine Leather Handmade Owl Wristlet in Black; New Balance Women's Leather 928v3 Walking Shoes in Black; Coldwater Creek Knit Denim Straight-Leg Jeans in Copper; Vince Classic Striped Crewneck Top in Coastal/Copper; Center: H&M Cotton T-Shirt in White and Black.

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Did you know that Wausau, Wisconsin, hosts an art extravaganza called the Artrageous Weekend every September following Labor Day weekend, and that one of the main attractions is the "Birds in Art" exhibit at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum?  What a perfect destination for the woman who wears this owl- and art-inspired wardrobe!  Next week I may expand this collection into a basic 4x4 wardrobe for fall by adding shades of pink and aqua from the artwork that started this whole post.  I have no idea how or even if that combination of colors will work, but I will give it a try and hope for the best!