Check It. Striped tops.

I have been stripes-obsessed for quite some time now. It's great to see that this trend is still in full swing for fall, judging by J. Crew's current collection. Stock up this week with a free shipping offer on their women's tees and knits - offer though Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The Long-stripe boater tee pictured is $72. Their Vintage cotton stripe shoulder-zip tee ($42.50) in 'spicy cinnamon' would be perfect gear for casual fall cooking nights with friends and good red wine.

Gap's Supersoft striped crewneck T is also a great basic striped top. Petit Bateau's Women's marinière too.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: J. Crew

Etc. End of Daylight Saving Time.

Clocks "falling back" is such a luxury just when it's appreciated, in mid-fall. What did you do with your extra hour on Sunday? I slept!

All day Sunday, with various clocks in my apartment telling mixed times (BlackBerry and laptop had auto updates, and bedside and wall clock were waiting on me to do it) I kept remembering the new time, and appreciating the extra hour. Out and about, everywhere seemed bustling, with people making the most of their extended days, at the mall (which maybe had to do with it being the last day of Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale) and at the grocery store.

On early dark evenings, there's plenty of time to make a good casserole or Texas Beef Brisket Chili.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: orangebeautiful.com

Eat In. Porotos con riendas.

As far as I'm concerned this is the perfect fall stew. It has all the delicious conventional ingredients and combines things you normally wouldn't expect in a soup. This super nutritious stew's actually "beans with reins" (like horse reins) for the long spaghetti noodles that are in it.

What you'll need:

1 bell pepper (you choose the color), chopped finely

1 carrot, chopped finely

2-3 cloves of garlic, halved or quartered

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 cup Great Northern white beans (any beans will do really, but these really compliment the dish)

2 cups squash, cubed

1 packet of spaghetti

4-6 cups vegetable broth

What you'll do:

This is actually quite a process. Neither beans nor squash cook up very fast, so soak the beans overnight, or you can flash prepare them, but that requires a lot of adding water. Separately, boil the squash until just before it's tender. Also, prepare spaghetti in a separate pot.

While this is happening, start sauteing the garlic, onion, carrots, bell peppers, celery, and the now-ready squash, with whatever seasonings of your choosing. Merken works well with this, or even just salt and pepper would be fine.

Add the broth to the sauteed vegetable mix, and noodles, and beans to your discretion.

-- Lauren Williams

Photo credit: Chile al Mundo.