As far as baked goods are concerned, it doesn’t get much better than homemade chocolate chip cookies.  At least that’s what I thought until I made these.   The cookie itself has a great, cake-like texture, but its rich, chocolately flavor is more reminiscent of a brownie.   I used this recipe and I also added a teaspoon of instant coffee (it boosts the chocolate flavor and doesn’t actually make them taste like coffee) and made sure to take them out of the oven just before they hardened.   These are, without a doubt, my new favorite dessert.  Just keep the cookies relatively small since they’re quite intense, in the best way, of course.

Last fall I practically wore down the entire five-inch heel of my Steve Madden booties (seen here, here and here) since I rarely took them off.  They’re made of suede, completely versatile and they’re certainly my go-to boot for colder weather.  This year I’m looking for even more texture and Givenchy’s calf hair ankle boots pretty much top my list.   While I love the sleek design and the delicate ankle strap, Senso’s Wilma is equally chic and the extra wide opening will be sure to make legs look long and lean.

Urban Outfitters Blouse and Shorts, Forever 21 Headband, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage Jewelry, Foley + Corinna Bag, Prada Heels

I’ve always loved the idea of owning an oversized button-down that I could just as easily wear to bed as to brunch the next day with some skinny jeans and flats.  I’ve stolen several out of my boyfriend’s closet over the years, only to find them too long in the arms and far too boxy.  I bought this one at Urban Outfitters and am utterly obsessed with its relaxed fit and soft fabric and it could certainly double as a nightie if I wasn’t worried about wrinkling it beyond belief.

When things are particularly hectic, it’s nice to be reminded of the little constants in life.  Like the way Luna will always interrupt an intense session on her scratching post to help me with laundry.   This includes burrowing under towels, attacking loose socks and playing hide and seek inside the basket while my hot clothes become increasingly wrinkled.    I’m looking forward to the weekend that will include other traditions like cooking up a big breakfast with my boyfriend, shopping with girlfriends and celebrating the first night of Shark Week.

{D.L. & Co. Skull Stationery – purchased through Gilt Groupe}

It goes without saying that certain weeks are just tough.   Take yesterday, when I crawled into bed for a midday nap, and woke minutes later to find water spewing out of the bathroom sink creating a massive waterfall onto the carpet.  Or when I was dashing out of the apartment on Tuesday afternoon and got my foot stuck under the door, ripping apart my brand new leather sandal.  As an extra bonus, I managed to back my car right up into the wall of my garage last night as I was making the same exit I do everyday (both me and the car are fine).  For weeks like these, I think it’s entirely justified to spoil myself with little gifts that make me feel infinitely better.   Here are a few of my latest purchases.

{Gingham cupcake holders from BakeItPretty}

{The best concealer I’ve ever tried, with two complementary shades}

{Teeny pave diamond rings from XIV Karats (pictured here)}

{Deep burgundy-colored vintage sunglasses}

I realize that a couple of weeks back I was complaining about L.A.’s oppressive heat, but I certainly wasn’t wishing for the dismal, gray weather we’ve been experiencing as of late.  The mornings are cold, the air is thick and it’s altogether uninspiring.  Instead of fighting against it with neon nails and jewel-colored gems, I’ve decided to embrace the moody tone in the form of clothes.  Here are some of my favorite items that encapsulate the dreary days that will easily transition into fall.

1. Helmut Lang Open-knit Wool-blend Sweater, $290
2. All Saints Gregory Skirt, $150
3. Kain Silk and Modal Tank, $85
4. Stella McCartney Triangle Bra, $150
5. Michael Kors Runway Watch, $106
6. Mulberry Margaret Mini Bag, $2,350
7. Topshop Waterfall Trim Shrug, $55
8. Jeffrey Campbell Pixie, $180
9. Topshop Horn Button Hareems, $80
10. Retro Super Future Black Lucia Glasses, $185
11. Topshop Cross Over Pleat Shorts, $40

Though I kind of detest the term, I certainly consider myself a “foodie.”  I relish in all things food-related, but I think there’s typically a level of prestige and snobbery associated with the term with which I disagree.   I have no problem eating from a truck (as seen here and here), so naturally when I found out there would be 100 of them in one place at the L.A. Street Food Festival, I bought tickets immediately.  Though it looks like I only visited the dessert carts, I assure you that I also consumed some actual food, all of which was phenomenal.