simple pleasures -- halloween.

ATTAINABLE: J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Blackwatch Plaid
www.jcrew.com; sale (now) $89.99
I'm obsessed with this skirt. I wish that was an exaggeration. I tried int on a few weeks back and can say that the photos on the website definitely don't do it justice. I love the dark plaid print in green and navy and the button detail at the top is fantastic. The pleats are fun and it has such a great back-to-school feel that I'd love to carry into the full year.

Though it's definitely not my favorite holiday, I have to say that there are some things I really like about Halloween. Watching "Hocus Pocus" and "Double, Double, Toil and Trouble." Getting to be someone else for a night. Dressing up in creative costumes. Kitschy decorations. Beautiful fall weather. Getting to feel like a kid again. And, of course, the candy. So much candy. As an extra Halloween treat, I'm thrilled to announce that the winner of the Shabby Apple necklace giveaway is the incredibly sweet Tamra of walks with Bella! Be sure to stop by her blog for some fabulously fashionable inspiration.

{i've never been a big fan of pumpkin-carving, but these sparkly pumpkins definitely have some appeal}

{kitschy treat recipes like these}


{surprisingly sophisticated and very spooky decorations}


{glamorous costumes}

{reese's pumpkins and milky ways -- my greatest weaknesses}

Wishing you all a safe and happy Halloween -- how are YOU celebrating?
xo Josie
Thanks to J. Crew, Pinterest, Jenny at Picky Palate, Cupcakes and Cashmere, FanPop, and Dylan's Candy Bar for the photos.

good enough to eat -- dulce de leche cheesecake squares.

{wipe a sharp knife clean between every cut for perfect squares}

I'm a self-professed cheesecake addict. Especially when there's a graham cracker crust involved. When I saw this recipe, I knew that I needed to test it out immediately. The sheer indulgence, impressive layers, tiny, precise squares, and high-quality ingredients were all incredibly appealing to me, and I knew that it would be the perfect delicate dessert to spend a Friday making. I'd never tried dulce de leche before and though I cheated a bit (I was too nervous and impatient to try baking or boiling the sweetened condensed milk myself, so I took the easy route and bought a can at Target), the canned stuff was so delicious that I'll definitely be doing it myself next time around.

{chopped bittersweet chocolate for the ganache topping}

{dulce de leche filling dripping from paddle attachment}

{shiny chocolate ganache spread over dulce de leche cheesecake}

{adorable plates won in carrie's giveaway}

What have YOU been cooking up lately? And don't forget that this weekend is your last chance to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway!
xo Josie

for a cause -- breast cancer awareness month.

ATTAINABLE: Cooperative Blouson Dress in Red Multi (also in Blue)
www.urbanoutfitters.com; retail $59
I spent a lot of time in my childhood resisting dresses as casualwear. Though I've thankfully conquered that phase in my life, they still tend to be a spring and summer staple for me rather than extending through the rest of the year. I'm now constantly on the hunt for pretty frocks to wear with tights and boots to stay warm in fall and winter without sacrificing my newfound love of dresses. This cute Cooperative one would be ideal with a pair of chocolate-brown tights and caramel-toned boots. I love the bright red shade and the fun print, though the blue version comes in as an extremely close second.

{via}

October is coming to a rapid close -- but there's still plenty of time to remember Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dozens of brands and companies have come together with breast cancer charities in order to create special products or donate at least a portion of proceeds to support research and awareness efforts. From Bloomingdale's to Tory Burch to KitchenAid, these companies are out to make a difference for an extremely important cause. And if we can help out by just by shopping, I'm all for it.

for a cause -- breast cancer awareness month. by jfranske featuring rubber boots

What are YOUR favorite causes to support? And don't forget to enter my necklace giveaway!
xo Josie
Thanks to Urban Outfitters and WeHeartIt for the photos.

giveaway -- shabby apple necklace.

COVETING: Shabby Apple Fitzgerald Dress
www.shabbyapple.com; retail $92
How darling is this little twenties-inspired Shabby Apple dress? I love the flirty tiers and floaty shape, and I think that the black grosgrain ribbon detail is so incredibly charming. And the sweet little cap sleeves and V-neck are adorable. This would be so chic for holiday parties with a pair of opaque black tights and killer pumps.

Do you all know about Shabby Apple? This fabulous little online boutique makes the prettiest dresses and some seriously gorgeous jewelry. I love the slightly vintage-inspired pieces and beautiful simplicity and touch of whimsy of everything in the shop.

One of my favorite pieces from the Alice in Wonderland-inspired jewelry collection is the Unlock the Queen's Castle necklace. The keyhole is adorable and would make such a great addition to any simple look. And the fantastic people at Shabby Apple have been kind enough to offer to give away this pretty gold piece to one reader!

Details to Enter:

1. Must follow "with a wink and a smile."
2. Must like Shabby Apple on Facebook

All entries MUST be in by 11:59 PM Eastern time on Sunday, October 30. Random.org will help me select a winner, to be announced on Monday, October 31.

For extra entries (let me know in your comment):

Like "with a wink and a smile" on my Facebook page
Follow "with a wink and a smile" (@winksmilestyle) on Twitter
Follow Shabby Apple (@shabbyapple) on Twitter
Follow the Shabby Apple blog
Blog/tweet about this giveaway

Good luck -- I can't wait to see who wins!
xo Josie
Thanks to Shabby Apple for the photos and for sponsoring the giveaway.

inspiration -- autumn leaves.

ATTAINABLE: Forever21 Mesh & Tulle Skirt
www.forever21.com; retail $19.80
I'm absolutely in love with this pretty little Forever21 skirt. It's just so feminine, being made of the softest, prettiest mesh-tulle mix and is the perfect shade of creamy, peachy nude. I love the flirty A-line shape and think it would pair beautifully with a soft, slouchy gray sweatshirt and a killer pair of pumps.

{via}

There's something about slowly drifting leaves that just screams "fall." They have such a beautiful texture, and the colors are of course phenomenal. Reds ranging from washed-out shades to deep Merlot tones, wine-y purples, pale yellows to deep mustards... Everything that's good about fall color palettes is so nicely encompassed by these little falling pieces of autumn. And in every imaginable piece, from skinny corduroys to pencil skirts to fabulous shoes and bags, these shades are perfect to add to the crisp autumn vibe in the air.

inspiration -- leaves. by jfranske featuring tote handbags

What's inspiring YOU this weekend?
xo Josie
Thanks to Forever21 and WeHeartIt for the photos.

obsessed -- juicy couture.

ATTAINABLE: J. Crew Thin Hand-Enameled Bangle in Fresh Strawberry (also in a number of other colors and sizes)
www.jcrew.com; retail $20
I spotted these enamel bangles at J. Crew yesterday and I'm kicking myself for not picking up a handful. I'm quite legitimately obsessed with them. From the delicate, thin shape (which would contrast perfectly when added to one of the thicker bracelets) to the huge array of candy-inspired colors (so fun and unexpected for fall), there's just nothing to dislike about these pretty enamel bangles. What a great way to inject a little extra color into days that are growing increasingly dreary.

I'm not normally a huge Juicy Couture fan, save for the pieces that are truly exceptional or classic (like this bracelet, which I wear at least three times each week). I'll admit that the name evokes images of Paris Hilton and velour tracksuits. But that's a very early-2000s way to look at it, and I think I'm finally ready to move past my eighth-grade mentality. Between Emily's beautiful collaboration with the brand and the killer collections they've been putting out lately, I think I may be ready to look at the brand in a whole new way.

Juicy Couture 3/4 Sleeve Guipure Lace Dress
www.shopbop.com; retail $328
I'm always a fan of anything involving lace, and this dress is nothing short of stunning. I love the easy, pretty shape and the fact that it has sleeves but doesn't sacrifice dressiness. Best of all, the lace has a structured feel to it so the look doesn't come across as being too flimsy. Perfect to pair with tights and pumps or booties.

Juicy Couture School Girl Stripe Top
www.shopbop.com; retail $118
I always love stripes but fear that nautical-inspired ones can occasionally have a Labor Day expiration date. By swapping out navy for black, this charming top avoids that pitfall. The sailor bow is too adorable, and I'm convinced that this would look as phenomenal with a high-waisted black pencil skirt as with skinny jeans.


Bird by Juicy Couture Certosa Wool Trenchcoat
www.neimanmarcus.com; retail $728
The Bird by Juicy Couture collection is a little higher-end, and it's not hard to see why: everything is impeccable. Thus, I'm literally in love with this coat. The black wool. The classic shape. The sash. The seaming. The slightly puffed shoulders and capelike detail. There's just nothing not to love. It would be the perfect all-occasion winter topper, pairing beautifully with everything form jeans and boots to sparkly cocktail dresses.

Juicy Couture Bracelet Sleeve Vintage Blouse
www.shopbop.com; retail $178
How pretty is this simple, floaty sheer blouse? I love the light color and easy shape, and the sleeves are utterly gorgeous. I think best of all is the pintucking on the front, which gives the whole look a truly ladylike, feminine appeal.

What are YOU obsessed with right now?
xo Josie
Thanks to J. Crew, Shopbop, and Neiman Marcus for the photos.

get the look -- paillettes.

COVETING: Leifsdottir Pthalo-Blocked Blouse
www.anthropologie.com; retail $198
For me, interesting textures epitomize fall. That's probably why I was so drawn to this gorgeous short-sleeved blouse. The contrast between the silky cobalt fabric and black lace is fantastic, and I love the dipped yoke and exposed zipper in the back. I can perfectly imagine it under a black suit, with the jacket taken off immediately after the workday ends, or tucked into a pair of dark skinny jeans.

I frequently worry that paillettes have gotten a bad rap. And I'll admit: their spangly, sparkly appeal definitely had its time in the 1980s, and their continual use in jewelry by low-end brands has caused them to frequently look, well, cheap. However, I'm always looking for fun new ways to inject sparkle into my wardrobe. And I'm convinced that they can be worn two ways: subtly and all-out, and either is totally appropriate when you allow the paillettes to be the star of their own show. You may have to shell out a little to ensure that you don't look like a Cirque du Soleil extra, but I personally am convinced that it's totally worth it.


DEAL: J. Crew Paillette Sailor Tee
www.jcrew.com; sale (now) $99
Maybe my favorite paillette piece on the market right now, this little tee is too sweet to resist. With pretty Breton stripes and a simple shape, I'm convinced that the rows of gold paillettes take this top to another level entirely. They're the perfect detail to add a little something extra to an utterly classic and chic piece.


EXTRAVAGANCE: Prada Paillette Ballet Flat
www.nordstrom.com; retail $650
Although these darling little flats do take the word "extravagance" to a whole new level, they're utterly stunning. The stripes are fun without being so trendy that they overshadow the sparkle, and I love the little bow. The colors are perfect for fall, and these would pair so nicely with a killer pair of skinny jeans or denim leggings.


DEAL: Gap Paillette Cardigan in Clean Coal (also in Tahitian Pearl and Slick Rock)
www.gap.com; sale (now) $39.99
If you're looking for subtlety, here it is: the spangles on this darling cardigan are barely visible through a fine knit layer over the pockets and trim, but I think that's what's so great about this piece. The tiniest hint of sparkle is clear when the paillettes hit the light, meaning that this sweater is appropriate for just about any occasion.


EXTRAVAGANCE: Marc by Marc Jacobs Gladiola Embellished Sweater
www.nordstrom.com; retail $298
Another pretty embellished sweater, I love this one for its incredibly cozy appeal. The paillettes in the flower detail are chunky enough that it doesn't feel overly precious, and they bring out the subtle shimmer of the metallic stripes perfectly.

Will YOU be wearing paillettes this fall?
xo Josie
Thanks to Anthropologie, J. Crew, Nordstrom, and Gap for the photos.

fair october.

J. Crew coat (similar), Ann Taylor Loft sweater (similar), Gap jeans, Steve Madden boots, DSW bag, Merona watch (similar), Juicy Couture bracelet (similar), vintage earrings and ring

After a little early-October heat wave, it's finally starting to feel like fall... And not just because of the Halloween candy display at Target (my greatest weakness). It's time to jump in leaves, pick apples, break out the plaid shirts, and build fires. I'm back home for a few days and am loving that I can take advantage of the crisp weather and crunchy leaves in sweaters (like this pretty green Fair Isle one), light coats (isn't the lining on this one so fun?) and boots because, to be entirely honest, it's about time.




Hoping you all have a beautiful fall weekend!
xo Josie

obsessed -- rebecca taylor.

COVETING: Elizabeth and James Deco-Texture Chandelier Earrings
www.neimanmarcus.com; retail $150
I'm dying over dangling earrings right now, and this Elizabeth and James pair is adorable. I love that they take a new spin on the chandelier shape. The little diamond-shaped droplets are so pretty and contribute beautifully to the shape overall, and the pattern is simply to die for. These would be so perfect with a little black dress or for day with a blazer and killer pair of dark jeans and heels.

Rebecca Taylor, how I love thee. This is most definitely one of my all-time favorite brands. Every piece is pretty and chic, never sacrificing femininity but always staying sophisticated. The dresses are perfect for evening due to their flirty shapes and touches of sparkle, and the knitwear is to die for -- with the onset of chilly weather, I never say no to cozy, pretty pieces. There's a kind of ethereal vibe to this line, and I'm completely obsessed with it -- just subtle enough to make me feel as if I'm bringing fairytale land into the real world.

Rebecca Taylor Halter Dress with Lace Detail in Frost (also in Soot)
www.shopbop.com; retail $395
I love, LOVE when I can't decide whether I like the front or back of a dress better. This one is just such a frock. The open back is absolutely beautiful with its crossing lace straps, but the front is so different. I love the high neck and tiered skirt, and the lace panels spread throughout the dress are absolutely fantastic. And if this pretty blush shade or the black one don't tickle your fancy, there's a stunning teal version available as well (here).

Rebecca Taylor Sequin Boucle Dress
www.shopbop.com; retail $425
I need this dress. Immediately. I love the mix of tweed and sequins --two incredibly rich fabrics that together create a beautiful texture for fall. I love the contrasting waistband and neckline, and the exposed zipper and little slit in the back are simply to die for. The details are what truly make this dress perfection.


Rebecca Taylor Cable-Knit Pullover
www.neimanmarcus.com; retail $350
And you thought I was harping too long on the cozy knitwear -- you didn't know this was coming. I'm legitimately in love with this chunky cropped cable-knit sweater. The color is perfectly versatile and the shrunken shape is killer. It would be perfect with jeans or a skirt and opaque tights, and would layer beautifully over a button-down or under a pretty winter coat.

Rebecca Taylor Beaded Strapless Dress
www.shopbop.com; sale (now) $346.50
I know it's a little early to be talking holiday partywear -- but this is just too perfect. The color is unique and would definitely make you stand out in all the right ways at a cocktail party. The metallic sparkle adds a special quality to the frock and the feather-inspired bustline design is so ethereal and beautiful. Perfect to pair with nude pumps and long, dangling silver earrings.

What are YOU obsessed with right now?
xo Josie
Thanks to Neiman Marcus and Shopbop for the photos.

good enough to eat -- fall cooking.

ATTAINABLE: BB Dakota Audri Dress
www.tillyboutique.com; retail $68
This little dress is so chic and perfect for fall. The bold red color is to die for, and it's perfect with tights -- a must when temperatures begin to drop into the autumn zone. I love the belted silhouette and pleated skirt, and the high neckline is positively to die for. Perfect with long, loose curls and a stack of pretty bracelets.

There's something about fall that just makes me want to cook. And bake. And just spend a lot of time in the kitchen generally. Maybe it's the changing weather; all I know is that the leaves start changing and I start craving hearty comfort food. Unfortunately for me, I'm not a big pumpkin fan (just a personal preference), and a lot of fall baking revolves around the pretty orange fruit. Luckily, lots of my favorite food bloggers have some seriously incredible-looking recipes which are perfect for autumn even without the addition of pumpkin... Here are a few dishes that I'm looking forward to trying out this year.

{As a recently reformed cheesecake fan, I think that this Autumn Apple Cheesecake from Fresh from the Oven is a brilliant way to add a little fall to my dessert repertoire}

{Brown sugar bacon waffles from Joy the Baker -- as far as I'm concerned, it just doesn't get better than hot waffles and bacon... perfect for a hearty brunch on a chilly Sunday morning}

{I have a serious weakness for Halloween candy of all varieties, and I think it would be even better stuffed into a chocolate chip cookie... Like these Picky Palate Candy Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches}


{Peanut butter and jelly in combination screams "back-to-school" to me, and these Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie Bars from BrownEyedBaker are such a fun take on the classic}

{I'm always looking for a way to work apple flavors into savory dishes, and I think that this Cider-Glazed Chicken from Mag-Pie's and More is the perfect way to do it for fall}

What will YOU all be cooking up this fall?
xo Josie
Thanks to Tilly Boutique, Mandy at Fresh from the Oven, Joy at Joy the Baker, Jenny at Picky Palate, Michelle at BrownEyedBaker, and Molly at Mag-Pie's and More for the photos.

all tied up.

French Connection blouse (similar), J. Crew skirt and bracelet, Vince Camuto heels, Marc Jacobs bag, vintage earrings and ring (similar)

This top always makes me think of fall. It's plaid, which is my favorite quintessential fall pattern, and the colors remind me so much of falling leaves that it's hard to resist. Despite my wishes for crisp fall weather, we're in the middle of a miniature heat wave this week. No complaints -- it could be raining -- so it only made sense to pair my autumn-inspired shirt with bare legs and my favorite nude heels.



Wishing you all a very happy weekend! I'm featured as Blogger of the Month over at Sprinkles in Springs, so be sure to check it out!
xo Josie