. . . fun, fun, fun with polka dots and appointments, photo shoots, to-do lists, dinner reservations, and answering thought-provoking questions about design -- and later, a stunningly pretty give-away . . .
{image: tim walker for vogue italia via starbucks & jane austen + julia}
. . . while summer is weekend carry-alls and light-weight luggage, fall comes with deeply-hued and heavier pieces such as the always classic LV and stylishly cool Globe-Trotter in maroon, perfect for autumn adventures . . .
{via vogue paris}
While it may be true that shall never tire of Paris or the south of France, always ready for new adventures and sometimes fun to go somewhere completely different, and on the last long weekend of the summer: The Windy City . . .
. . . despite there being not much use outside the hotel lobby for gold strappy heels, sequined jackets, and silk and linen dresses -- all of the things in my carrying cases -- there were, happily, fresh lake breezes and miles of beaches, afternoon boat rides and expansive parks, marble fountains, and art and architecture . . .
cloud gate, outdoor sculpture by british artist anish kapoor
endless summer, navy pier
toasted coconut & strawberry marshmallows
dusk
frank gehry-designed jay pritzker pavilion in millennium park
cocktails + view from the ninety-sixth floor
the modern wing of the art institute of chicago, designed by pritzker prize–winning architect renzo piano, whose work includes the centre georges pompidou in paris; the art institute's impressionist & postimpressionist collection is considered the most important outside of france
buckingham fountain, made of pink marble and modeled by edward bennett after the latona basin at versailles
afternoon on the water
{and afterall:} pink cotton candy, afternoons along the beach and on the water, a late-summer picnic, sipping champagne in the courtyard of the art institute by moonlight -- and especially -- all the time in the world together on the last long weekend of the summer . . .
{images: 6, 12, 13 - this is glamorous; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14 - p for this is glamorous; 10 - via renzo piano}
. . . a bit of a late start this morning and after the weekend, an undeniable change in the air -- leaves are falling and it's afternoon walks in overcast skies, warm knits and satin blankets . . .
. . . the runways of milan were wispy pink, ivory and ecru, in linen and tulle and ruffles and frills, all mixed with softly frayed edges, loosely piled hair and high, high heels wrapped in bows . . .
{p.s.}
. . . another whirlwind week has come and gone and this weekend is tall boots and fallen leaves, brisk afternoons and warm tartan blankets, and in the evenings, tulle dresses and moonlight . . .
{p.s.} more stacks of freshly chopped wood
. . . ending London Fashion Week with softly falling metallic confetti, Burberry Prorsum's reinvention of the trench coat in shades of camel and nude was luxurious, short, and draped loveliness . . .
. . . and for a last look at New York, more draping at Reem Acra, mixed with soft, floaty silks and satins and handfuls of princess jewels . . .
friday's happy weekend posts have somehow fallen away to weekend plans -- sometimes suitcases to pack or dinner reservations, but always excitement for the days ahead -- this weekend was moments in the still-warm september sun, afternoons in dusky cafés and evenings in candlelight, remembering rustling leaves and starlight and enveloped in the magic of autumn . . .
{a wrap-up of the previous week:}
. . . bursts of tulle and organza mingled with structured yet playful shorts suits and all "with a little something to make you dream" at j.mendel . . . and ruffles and beautifully blurry silk prints from childhood memories of cherry blossoms at erin fetherston . . . 
{images: style.com}
