I am so busy this year that Halloween is having to take a lower priority than I usually would give it. I go ALL out for Halloween and always have an annual Halloween party, make several costumes to wear to parties and work, and go crazy with pumpkin carvings and pumpkin patches (last year I bought 12 pumpkins from our local patch. I may have a problem). However, this last month I've barely had time to sleep, let alone do all that. I bought some mini pumpkins from Trader Joe's while doing the only grocery shopping I've managed all month and haven't even had time even think about sewing a costume. So this year I'm making my own "Lazy Girl's / Super Busy Girl's / Last Minute Guide to DIY Halloween Costumes. Because, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Wednesday Addams by theabstractlife

See how I put this DIY costume together in real life here: DIY Halloween Costume: Wednesday Addams

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Frida Kahlo by theabstractlife

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Anna Wintour by theabstractlife

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Burglar by theabstractlife

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Rosie the Riveter by theabstractlife

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Snow White by theabstractlife

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Morton Salt Girl by theabstractlife

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Breakfast at Tiffany's Holly Golightly by theabstractlife

Lazy Girl's DIY Costume Guide: Jessica Rabbit by theabstractlife

Most of these are all things you could put together from your closet or get from Amazon or by making a quick run to H&M, Target, or a Thrift Store if you are ambitious. You don't have to fight the crowds of last minute shoppers at Halloween Costumes Hell to find the picked over sad costumes no one else wanted to wear. It's the perfect solution to flex your creative muscles while not having to take up time you don't have in your busy schedule right now. OR, if you are lazy (AND who isn't every now and again???), it doesn't have to take away from your time watching Halloween Wars and waiting for your delivery to arrive. Hope it helps you!

PS: This post was originally going to have these breakdowns as well as pictures of me wearing each of my own versions of it, however, somethings just have to give sometimes. #Priorities

Do you dress up for Halloween? 
Do you wear different costumes for work and for the weekend? If so, is it because it's more appropriate or because you just want an excuse to wear more than one costume this year (like me)
Do you have any of these items in your closet that you could throw together for a last minute costume?  
What are you dressing up as for Halloween?  
What last minute costumes have you worn before? (I've done Wednesday Addams, Morton Salt Girl, Rosie the Riveter, & Holly Golightly)

Where I Wore It: To see comedian Jim Gaffigan's "Fully Dressed" show at Nob Hill's Masonic Center in San Francisco and a cocktail hour beforehand. Check out my recommendations and tips on things to do in the area before or after seeing a show HERE.
Get the Look: 
This is a very affordable outfit with versatile pieces that you can easily count as staples in your wardrobe to mix and match (I consider stripes neutrals!!! BUT that's just me).
You can invest in a nice piece from a higher end retailer like Anthropolgie, J.Crew/Madewell, or Nordstrom and wear them for years to come. However, if you like to shop more frequently-or just have different budget-then you're in luck! H&M, Topshop, and Target always have items like these for a steal of a deal. With this "Smart Casual" outfit of the day I was budget friendly and layered pieces from Loft, H&M, Target, and Nordstrom Rack (you can find some really great labels and designers here at a fraction of the cost).

If you like bargain hunting or shopping on a budget, check out my 7 Budget Shopping Tips post and learn how to dress like a fashion blogger at half the cost.



        




Casual Friday by theabstractlife

Personally, I like to mix "high / low" pieces together or hunt for bargains and no one is the wiser. Unless I blog about it like I am right now. WHELP! Secrets out people. ;) Allow me to spill my secrets...

Budget Shopping Tips:

• Mix High/Low:
  Buy statement or investment pieces from quality merchandisers or designers (rag & bone, Burberry, Acne Studios, Anthropologie...) and fill your wardrobe gaps in with low cost (Target, H&M, Zara...) to mid-tier retailers (Loft / Lou & Grey, Madewell, Banana Republic...). Few people can notice you mixed your Elizabeth and James coat with a J. Crew blouse and Topshop jeans.
  Buy layering pieces-like tank tops or plain tees-from low cost stores. Usually unseen, they serve as function over fashion. Reserve investments for long wear items that stand out for quality and tailoring-such as coats, dresses, or shoes.
  DO NOT splurge on trends. Fashion comes and goes; style stays consistent. If you MUST wear the latest trend of body suits, chokers, etc, buy it from a H&M-like store. These items typically last as long as the trend does. 
• Shop Between Seasons:
  Look for deals during the few weeks when stores transition between seasons. I bought these end of the season Loft white slip on sandals for < $4 (originally ~$50). Many stores try to clear out end of season merchandise to make room for their shiny, new pieces. You may not be the first of your friends to have "that one new piece" but you'll save loads of cash...and isn't that kind of better? 
• Small Holidays Deals:
  Keep an eye out for promotional discounts around smaller holidays like Labor Day, Columbus [Indigenous People] Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc. Retailers love to entice shoppers to their stores or websites with holiday discounts and specials. I typically see anywhere from 20%-60% off and sometimes even free shipping (all the better to do online if you can avoid the crowds and find the exact size / color you need). 
• Off-Price Retailers:
  Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, Ross, Saks OFF 5TH, Burlington Coat Factory, Big Lots, Filene's Basement and DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), etc... These guys usually sell an inconsistent assortment of off season brand name or designer fashion / home goods at low prices.  You can get Ralph Lauren or Rebecca Minkoff 20%-60% below department and specialty store's regular prices. In short, high quality + off season = $ cheap.
• Thrifting:
  If you like to hunt for items and aren't afraid to try, and try again...this is the method for you! Never the same and always a scavenger hunt, you must go regularly to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or thrift store and search through the most recent hauls. Stores like these get their goods from donations so it's best to go early in the week after their heaviest donation traffic (weekends).
  If you target donation centers near affluent neighborhoods (stay with me here) you can sometimes score designer or new clothes with the tags still on. I've bought Burberry, Oscar de la Renta, and even a brand new Banana Republic suit all under $15.
  Always keep an open mind and eye to see something for its potential (Read: quality items that just need to be painted, washed, or ironed. Don't buy junk just because it's a deal!).
  Bonus: Sometimes you can find a really unique piece that no one else has AND you are helping non-profits and the environment (fast fashion isn't so great for the earth). 
• Tax Free Weekends:
  If you live in a state that has back-to-school tax free weekends wait to shop till then. Stores regularly attempt to drive consumer traffic to their brick and mortars by giving additional discounts on this mini-Black Friday. Buy your laptops, clothes, etc and forget about the tax! 
• Sign Up for Store Emails:
  I know, I know. I hate digital clutter as much as the next person. However, if you sign up for store emails you get the occasional free shipping plus 40% discount-which is pretty great if you're keeping an eye out for something to go down in price. 

           



The Event: 
We recently had the great pleasure of seeing one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, at Nob Hill's Masonic Center in San Francisco. The "Fully Dressed" show was so much fun. I laughed and smiled so much that halfway through the show my cheeks hurt and my mouth was dry from smiling and laughing so hard (#happypeopleproblems). Check out his tour dates HERE if you'd like to try to catch one of his shows.

We went up to the city early and found free street parking a few blocks away. Since arriving early we lazily enjoyed listening to the fountains while people (and puppy) watching at Huntington Park across from Grace Cathedral before going to the Fairmont's Laurel Court Bar for quick cocktails prior to the show.

Where to Go: 
Check out these things to do directly in the area before or after going to a show in Nob Hill.

Nob Hill Masonic Center
1111 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 776-7457
sfmasonic.com

Huntington Park
Fountains, grassy areas, park benches, and a children's fenced in play yard. This park is perfect to sit and enjoy people watching or just relaxing while listening to the fountains with a book or picnic. 
At the corner of California St & Taylor St, (across from Grace Cathedral and diagonal to the Masonic Center)
San Francisco, CA 94108

Grace Cathedral
Take a tour and visit Grace Cathedral. An all inclusive church with absolutely stunning Gothic Revival and French Gothic architectures. 
1100 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
www.gracecathedral.org

Laurel Court Bar & Lounge 
Grab dinner or a cocktail inside the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco and see where they serve "high tea." Tip: Sit at the bar if you're going directly to a show afterwards, to ensure you have prompt service so you're not rushing to close out to make it on time.  
950 Mason Street,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5260
Dress Code: Smart Casual

Top of the Mark - The InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Take in the 360 view from above in the penthouse lounge while sipping artisan cocktails. Since opening in 1939 it's been a popular spot to enjoy tapas, cocktails, and listening or dancing to live bands and jazz music.
999 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-3434

Thai Thai Noodle 
Offers delicious noodle bowls and unbeatable Thai cuisine in Nob Hill. 
1400 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 441-5551
www.thaithainoodlesf.com

The Big 4
"Classic American dishes served in a clubby space with dark wood, white tablecloths & piano music." Named after the reputed “Big Four” industrialists – Collis P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford and Mark Hopkins-the businessmen and philanthropists who built the Central Pacific Railroad. It's a very elegant restaurant that harks back to the grandeur of victorian San Francisco. 
(Located inside the Scarlet Huntington)
1075 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 771-1140
www.big4restaurant.com

Nob Hill Cafe 
"This relaxed cafe serves Tuscan pastas & pizzas in a quaint space that recalls old San Francisco."
1152 Taylor St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 776-6500
www.nobhillcafe.com

Have you ever been to see a show at the Masonic Center? 
What are some of the things you did in the area before or after the show? 
Would you like to try any of these options? 
Are you more of a dinner or cocktail hour person before seeing a show? 
Do you like having other options outside of food/drinks like the park and cathedral? 
What is your favorite kind of show to see live (comedians/music/dance, etc)? 
Do you have a favorite comedian? 

Autumn in Napa is full of gorgeous fall foliage and flowers, grape harvests, deep sunsets, and less crowds! That's right! Things slow down a bit in Napa Valley between Halloween and the first half of November. So plan your day trip or weekend away this fall when you can enjoy the wonderful colors and sweet scents of harvest without the it feeling like adult Disneyland.
Looking for ideas of things to do in a short amount of time or decided on an impromptu day trip and didn't plan ahead? Here are some things to do in Napa Valley that are either free, quick, or easy to pull off with little to no planning.

Day Trip Agenda

Wine Tasting Class:
Even though I couldn't drink the wine I learned so much from the class and smelling the wines. AND the education goes far beyond tasting. We learned about the history, agriculture, engineering, and distribution of the wine making business. Some places offer a free wine tasting class with the purchase of a bottle of wine. I bought one to give as a Christmas present and was all the richer from the experience.

Winery Tour:
Some wineries will take you behind the scenes and show you their manufacturing process and tanks. We got to take short, private tours with both a small, family operated winery as well as one of the largest sparkling wineries in the area. I recommend seeing both so you can appreciate the different kinds of scale and business practices-based on the size of the winery. You could call ahead to ask about seeing the "behind the scenes" tours or just smile really pretty when you get there and ask nicely...like we did. ;)

Play Tourist: 
Create the perfect playlist for your car and just drive around Napa's countryside. We did this for nearly half the day, stopping alongside the road whenever the mood struck or there was an amazing photo opportunity. We loved the views and wineries and couldn't get over how truly beautiful it was.