What about this is a fantasy.

Since we last talked, I enjoyed a fabulous long weekend in the paradise known as Newport Beach. Since I've been home, I've entered a whole different paradise - that oxymoron known as "Fantasy Football." Why, oh why, is it called that? Let's talk about it.

First off, the husband convinced me to join a "Couples League." He also convinced me to invite all my girlfriends. Since we (clearly) run the households and the lives of our significant others, this was already a strategic play. (Little did I know I was being taken advantage of early on in this so-called "game.") All the girls and their respective guys joined in and boom! We had a league. Thinking this would be  a fun way to "connect" with the husband every Sunday (and Thursday, and Monday and every other day this sport continues to pop up and interfere with life in general), I gleefully registered and named my team the "Downward Dawgs." In truth, I wanted them to be called "I'd Rather Be Keeping Up with the Kardashians," but that name was too long according to the (rude) rules of Yahoo Fantasy Football. Let's be honest though. Who would pick football over Kourtney K giving birth to Penelope? That's what I thought.

I absolutely despise this logo.
Especially because I feel like I can see it even in my sleep!

So, there we are, a few weeks later, and I'm drafting the Downward Dawgs for what I expect to be a successful season. Another wrong on my part. Super convenient that the WIFE of the COMMISSIONER is second to last to draft! Really? I get NO perks for being married to THIS? Long story short, I draft a VERY mediocre team. If that. I primarily picked based on a few factors: 1) player's names (do they sound cool? Last name is Best? Must have. Benjarvis for a first name? Can't beat that.) 2) player's looks (do they look good? literally - let's look at their head shots and see if they are worthy! who is cute and who is not? with the exception of Tom Brady; I refuse him based on the principle that he dumped Bridget. But everyone else is fair game!) 3) the advice of the husband. This turned out to be a little less consistent once I remembered he is IN the league and for the first time ever, he does not have MY best interests at heart! That's right - this guy is in it to win it and I am definitely one of his pawns! Picking Peyton Manning? Totally his advice. Did I know that Peyton Manning had not played professional football in a year? Noooooo. I thought that sweet man who put a ring on it actually wanted me to WIN! Silly, silly girl. They are right - love is blinding! 

Fast forward a couple more weeks. That all-star they call Peyton Manning has the worst game of his life. I wish he would have just stayed home. And THEN I found out he is a swinger! Really?! You play horribly AND you have gross habits? This has gone from bad to worse. In the meantime, my Sundays have been utterly stressful. My nails (I always do mani/pedis on Sunday nights) have completely gone by the wayside, I have  a stack of magazines waiting for me, in addition to Gossip Girl episodes on Netflix which are frankly not going to watch themselves. This is what people call fun? This crappy team that gives me headaches is called a "fantasy?" I think not. 

The only perk of this has been the trash talking with my girlfriends (their teams are equally fabulous with names like the "Wifebeaters" and "The Peanuts"), and gorging on delicious football food. I love being in what I call red-wine mode - cozying up on the couch, candles lit, wine in hand, guac and chips or my favorite Papa Murphy's take and bake pizza on the coffee table (it's the Thin Delite Mediterranean and you must try it - this pizza will change your life). Truly, those are yummy Sundays. What would make them better? Gossip Girl, for sure. But, if I want my team to be the "comeback kids" that I am assuring everyone they will be, I have a few (or a million) more Sundays to go. In the meantime, here is what I spend these lazy days in. My team may be the worst in the league, but I'm still hoping there is a best-dressed award...

• Zella Live-In Leggings: I own 3 pairs in 2 colors. Favorite leggings EVER. Reversible. Affordable. Do not pill. Do not stretch. Do not fade. You really can "live" in them! 
• Rubbish Chambray Shirt: Another "live-in" item. So comfortable, but still trendy. Roll the sleeves up or down, pair with a scarf or wear on it's own. Great with colored denim as well as leggings. Cozy up in this with a cami underneath for extra warmth. 
• Nordstrom Wool/Cashmere Scarf: For an extra piece, I never leave home without this. It comes in a million and seven colors, and wearing it casually for Sunday football is easy. Wrap it around and go! Learn different ways to tie it here. I have worn my black one with my chambray shirt, and then worn it a week later on Saturday night as a wrap to a wedding. Definitely multi purpose! Wear all-year-round in climates like Seattle.
• Vera Wang Flats: Want a little sparkle? These are the perfect flats. You can show off your pedicure AND be comfortable! I love these because they are like jewelry on your feet. No need to add additional accessories to your outfit. Wear your bling on the bottom and walk (or trot!) proudly. 

gooooo team FALL FASHION!

This fashionista spent too much time shopping and not enough time sleeping these last couple of weeks, because yesterday I caught the most dreadful cold. I came home from work early, ready to rest up, but first catch up on all my favorite shopping websites, sales, blogs, you know the drill. I opened my precious Mac to find the desktop a complete mess… filled with fantasy websites popped up here and there, freaky spreadsheets of NFL players and their stats, and all kinds of “very important information” that I promptly closed. Why? Because it was in my way! As is basically all of football season, which, oh so blessedly, began this week. And, as the chubby hubby was quick to point out – will last all the way until January.

At first, this sounds like an ideal opportunity: more time for the girlfriends, the spa and of course the shopping. Even better – every time I do come home, he will either be at boys’ house who have DVR and every channel under the sun, or he will be so glued to our (lame, cable-less tv) that he would never notice me bringing in bags (and bags) of new purchases. But then, things get tricky. Apparently, I’m actually expected to PARTICIPATE in this insane season! The trickier issue is this – what do you wear to hang out with a bunch of boys drinking beers, Sunday after Sunday? Not to worry. I have solutions for us fashionistas who would rather NOT live in their pajamas from now until January, even though their significant other… will.

Let’s get exited for a teeny, tiny second: the best part about football season is that it marks the beginning of our FAVORITE fashion season: FALL! Fall is when all the best collections come out; each and every designer – from the high to the low – really pours their heart into the fall wardrobe. But even if we’re not buying designer, everyone can still appreciate the chunky knit sweaters we cuddle up to as the leaves change, the luxurious cashmere scarves we wrap ourselves in, those fabulous coats with the loveliest buttons that keep us warm but also darling… oh how I love them all! So, let’s embrace these faves for our football lives too. I just stocked up on my pre-season wardrobe this week, and here are my must-haves:

Long-sleeve tees – this crew neck is my favorite basic, and super affordable.

Chunky knit open sweater

(this is waaaaay cuter on in person - take my word for it. get it in "briar" and wear it open - not buttoned - over a black tee with denim and black flats - adorable.)

This one is also a great neutral and easier to layer with. Plus, it's super soft and comfy - perfect for snuggling on the couch and watching your team win!

Scarves in every color (maybe even to represent your favorite team? That might be going too far…) I think these ones are perfect, because you actually could rep a team, but still look adorable. For solid colors and more lightweight ideas, check out BP at Nordstrom. They have TONS of options, and most are around $18ish.

The perfect boyfriend jean - try it in grey for fall!. I recently picked up these ones by Cookie Johnson, Magic Johnson's wife! I had the chance to meet her, and not only is she a lovely, humble person, she also happens to design great denim, in coordination with the designers for Rich and Skinny. I am especially loving Love it!

So, after picking up all of these, I am quick to reprimand myself. Football season IS fun!

{pictures courtesy of... you know who. the football-happy husband.}