It's 5pm Somewhere ...

Am I off the dork charts since I had never really heard of a champagne tasting before? It makes total sense, but it never occurred to me that these existed considering how much I hear about wine tastings. Somehow I picture some of you trying really hard to hold back a snarky eye roll. Thank you. But really, have you been to one? What do you prefer, wine or champagne?

Speaking of wine, once fall rolls around I tend toward the ol' wine bottle more at dinner time. Is it just me? Tis' the season I suppose. It's like my body telling me to warm up for the holidays. And to that I say, "bring it!"

Happy first day of fall everyone! Hope you all have a great weekend. I promise to have the usual links next week–got busy this week. Group hug:)

Photo: Isabelle Bertolini

The Crew ...

Hands down, three of my favorite looks from the J.Crew spring '12 RTW collection. Love all the pattern and color mixing going on. I think the first outfit is my favorite out of the three. And I think all of these little outfit icons needs to be a poster.

Images: Style.com

Just Because ...

Simply put, I want to stay in this country house and ride those bikes. For nothing more than the pretty growth on the wall, those wood shutters, the style of the bikes and their easy on, off capabilities (it's always been hard for me to look cool getting on or off a boys bike). Oh look, there's a bike for you. You in?

Photo: Isabelle Bertolini

Chocolate / Peanut Butter Goodness ...

Are you seeing this? I thought it my civic duty to share with you a most fabulous brownie that I made for the first time over the weekend. The peanut butter chip & swirl brownie. You're welcome. I discovered this bad boy over on Siri's blog (girl is always concocting the best stuff). I had bookmarked this recipe ages ago and decided to make them for my dad's birthday since he, like myself, is a huge peanut butter/chocolate fan. Needless to say, they were a hit. And they're huge! Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The only bummer is that the left over ones and I have been having this crazy staring contest. I might have to give in ... again.

Blog Anniversary ...

It's hard to believe Happenstance is two today. To think that when I did my first post back in 2009 I had no idea where this road would travel. My goal back then was to post at least 3 times a week and just have fun with it. That's it. I also remember saying that if I got to 20 followers I would be so happy. And I'll never forget when the little faces in my followers grid started to become unfamiliar. Total strangers were starting to follow my blog! Talk about a fulfilling moment.

I also had no idea that what started out as a simple creative outlet, would lead to meeting great friends near and far, and provide such fun opportunities. This blog experience has been nothing but positive and pure fun for me. It's absolutely amazing when I get comments and emails telling me how much this blog inspires you. In turn, your words inspire me. So thank you for reading this blog and I look forward to many more years of inspiring each other:)

Photo: Angela Bax

It's 5pm Somewhere ...

1| Hamish at Tory Burch 2| Model at J.Crew 3| Backstage at Zac Posen 4| Rachel Zoe & Joe Zee playing around 5| Bee Shaffer (Anna Wintour's daughter), Lisa Love, and Grace Coddington at Band of Outsiders 6| Anna Wintour (next to Nicki Minaj) at ODLR 7| Molly Sims backstage at Rachel Zoe 8| Backstage at Tibi 9| JT at ODLR All Photos: New York Magazine

I don't know about you, but I think every other tweet I got this week was tagged #NYFW ... A) Made me realize just how many fashion peeps I follow on Twitter, and B) Each tweet was a glaring reminder of how I wasn't there. Boo. But it was fun getting all the trend updates from all of my fave editors. Have to admit though, I did throw up a little when I saw the tweet about acid jeans being a trend again. Really?! Being that I love behind-the-scenes so much I decided to do this collage of some of my favorites from this week. I hope you like. Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend! Group hug:) Some weekend links for you ...

These look so, so good (+ a recipe)

I heart Bruce and Esther forever (scroll to video)

Intense gazing, awesome hair, and incredible fashion (Kelly Rippa in the beginning there)

Really liking this and these

Love these photos by Anna Bauer

*JT on Happenstance two days in a row? You're welcome;)

JT & Amanda ...

Can't wait for this October issue of W to land in my mailbox. I never would've thought to put Justin and Amanda (like I know them) together, but they work. I think they look great as the "picture-perfect political couple." In Justin's Q&A he tells how he was once put on a bill with the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, the Guess Who, and Rush! First of all, who on God's great earth would put JT on a bill with these guys?! And second of all ... I would've gone:)

Photos: Michael Thompson (via HuffPost)

Orange & Stripes Party ...

I have to say that I was pretty hyped when I saw Marissa Webb's (J.Crew head of womenswear) stripes on stripes style–it works so well! Her sweater is Michael Kors and the button down is J.Crew. But this party got really good when I noticed the pairing of the orange Mona pump with the blue, black, and white stripes. This entire outfit has me fall inspired for sure.

Photo: Page Six Magazine

Home Style ...

Was flipping through the current issue of C magazine last weekend and I really took a liking to Jacqui Getty's Hollywood home. The natural lighting coming from the bedroom ceiling (skylight? lighting?) is amazing. Such a great filter to walk into. The lamps, that throw at the foot of the bed, all so great.

The left image is her bedroom sitting area. I thought it was interesting that the monkey drawing was a gift from skater Mark Gonzales. Love the cane chair and settee. And I'm a huge fan of a picture wall (right image) complete with tear outs and family photos. See Sofia and Thomas in the bottom photo there?

Photos: Douglas Friedman

Monday Cake Day ...

I ran into these yesterday and thought wouldn't it be fun to shake up a Monday and take one of these pretty cakes into the office? Everyone needs a little out of the ordinary fun for a Monday, right? Plus, they really do look so good and so pretty! I love the dark chocolate contrast with the soft pink frosting and the asparagus one looks so real! Here's to a pretty, sweet week;)

Photo: Sweetapolita