May 2013
18 posts
4 tags
Cheers to a Colorful Weekend!
Forget the stodgy crystal glassware. Summer soirees are going to be a lot more fun with this colorful set of tumblers courtesy of Buyer At Large.
Buyer At Large is an online boutique brimming with unique gifts for women. While there are plenty of jewelry and personal care gifts, my favorites are the kitchen and dining options. How cute are these cheese plates? Pair those with a slate cheese...
6 tags
Friday Find Under $50
Ruche dress, $48.99
Look poised and polished in this easy-to-wear print dress. I have a hard time not introducing color into a black and white ensemble, so I’d add cobalt sandals. Perhaps this pair?
Congratulations to Andrea D. for winning the NOVICA giveaway! And a huge thanks to everyone for entering and continuing to support this blog! There’s another giveaway coming up that you...
9 tags
Currently Coveting
Right now, I’m coveting:
A coat of glossy turquoise painted on a ceiling
A simple shift in a punchy hue
This colorful cluster of gems
A gilded lily candle holder
Flamingo glasses that are motivating enough to brave the crowd at Ikea (thanks to Laura Bear’s post!)
Updating tuxedo pants with a floral lace stripe
A turquoise statement necklace
Remember the pineapple stirrers from...
5 tags
In the Know
I usually buy a new travel-size perfume before we head on vacation. It’s a small (yet effective) way to bring back vivid memories of the getaway long after we’ve come home. It’s also why Philosophy’s margarita body wash conjures up memories of a harsh California sunburn and Pucci’s Acqua 330 takes me back to the first vacation I took with Dave just months...
10 tags
For Home | For You
I was ecstatic to see that Kate Spade’s “Queen of the Nile” clutch ($129) was part of the surprise sale that launched last night. So much so that I actually yelled for Dave to grab a credit card (any credit card!) so I could order it as soon as possible. (He handed over his own AmEx and told me it was an early birthday present.) I had fallen for the clutch last year, added it...
13 tags
Color Crush: Banana
Shop It: Miu Miu sandals // Alexis Bittar bracelet // Issa dress // Lulu & Georgia vases // J.Crew top // Mulberry key fob // A.J. Morgan sunglasses // Kate Spade earrings
Giveaway Reminder:
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.
3 tags
Bauble of the Week
I have a huge crush on this JewelMint necklace. It’s a bit like a Lulu Frost piece with the metal leaves and crystal elements, but for much, much less. (If you’re not already signed up for JewelMint, you can do so here.)
Giveaway Reminder:
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.
5 tags
Friday Find Under $50
LOFT dress, $47.70 (use code LOVEMOM to take 40% off the original price of $79.50)
This shift dress has a lot going for it: pockets (!), a bias-cut inset that creates flattering lines, and it comes in saturated hues of violet or navy. It’s under $50 with the current promotion, which is a steal for a dress that goes from the workweek to the weekend with ease.
Giveaway Reminder:
Win a $40...
14 tags
Currently Coveting
Right now, I’m coveting:
A set of colorful cordial glasses
The pretty print along the top of this shell
A unique pair of earrings by House of Lavande
A pair of woven flats for just $52
Emerald wallpaper in an Art Deco design
Pineapple cocktail accessories
The geometric design on this beaded clutch
Giveaway Reminders:
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.
Congratulations to...
9 tags
Behind the Baubles: Julie Vos
It’s not a secret that I adore Julie Vos’ jewelry. (Actually, “adore” might be too subtle. “Covet,” “obsessed with” and “head-over-heels for” are more accurate.) Julie expertly mixes colored gemstones with classic styles to create pieces that look like precious souvenirs from a faraway marketplace.
Keep in touch with Julie on...
6 tags
Splurge or Save?
I’ve always been fond of Lemlem’s multiple stripes and color combinations, but $170 is a bit steep for a gauzy scarf. Get the look with this Mango version for a fraction of the price. I also found lovely versions at Gap ($29.95) and Old Navy ($12.94).
Giveaway Reminders:
Win two bangle bracelets (your choice!) from Sequin. Enter here.
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter...
9 tags
Perfect Pairings
Shop It: J.Crew heels // Tory Burch tunic // Zara tunic // Dolce & Gabbana flats
Giveaway Reminders:
Win two bangle bracelets (your choice!) from Sequin. Enter here.
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.
7 tags
Bauble of the Week
A statement pendant is a key layering piece for summer and I love the colorful rhinestones crowning the top of this one. It’s a steal at just $24 with LOFT’s current 40% off promotion.
Giveaway Reminders:
Win two bangle bracelets (your choice!) from Sequin. Enter here.
Win a $40 gift certificate to NOVICA. Enter here.
4 tags
Win $40 to NOVICA
Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be a challenge when something from a large retailer doesn’t seem special enough. I usually plan months ahead and purchase gifts from art fairs and galleries to tuck away for special occasions.
Luckily, the need to stockpile presents is lessened with NOVICA. In association with National Geographic, NOVICA features the work from artisans...
9 tags
Friday Find Under $50
Zara clutch, $35.90
Contrary to popular advice, I don’t mind investing in a trendy statement piece when it’s something so perfect for my closet that a cheaper alternative just won’t do. My standout was a YSL arty ring long before Yves was dropped from the name. $195 was a lot to pay for a metal and glass cocktail ring (now it’s $290), but it was “the one” and...
11 tags
Currently Coveting
Right now, I’m coveting:
A woven clutch for just the essentials
Pointed tips on a pair of retro-inspired shades
Dainty enamel floral studs
A sneak peek at Lulu Frost’s summer line for J.Crew
A refreshing summer cocktail
The goldenrod background of these floral pants
Last year’s must-have sandals in a wear-with-everything hue
Jonathan Adler for JCP (especially this pillow)
...
8 tags
Instant Replay: April 2013
Went mod. Admired the first signs of spring. Enjoyed a clear day after weeks of rain. Spent an afternoon at local watering holes. Finally found the perfect pair of pointy black flats. Scooped up a pair of floral shorts. Went to Milwaukee for an overnight getaway. Visited the Milwaukee Brewing Company. Giggled my way through Mindy Kaling’s book. Adored a surprise bouquet of daisies from...
7 tags
Behind the Baubles: Loren Hope
Created by Loren Barham, Loren Hope is a jewelry line best described as a modern - and colorful! - approach to vintage. An array of rhinestones, semi-precious stones and Czech glass embellish Loren’s hand-crafted designs. It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite from her collection, but the darling sunburst studs in malachite top my list.
Shop the Highlights: Collette...
April 2013
32 posts
6 tags
For Home | For You
Love graphic patterns with a touch of neon? Get your fix with this beach towel (a steal at $36) or splurge on a new pair of sandals ($170).
Reminder! Win a pair of bangle bracelets from Sequin!
9 tags
Sartorial Spending: April 2013
I think it’s fairly obvious by now that I don’t set a budget for my purchases. As long as I’m not in debt, I give myself the freedom to buy what I like. It’s the perk of not having major fiscal commitments yet. However, I would like to be more conservative with my sartorial spending since I’m looking for a new car. I currently drive a 2002 Honda Civic that needs...
8 tags
Giveaway: Sequin Jewelry
Summer is the perfect time for a stack of carefree bangle bracelets, like this pair from Sequin. The jewelry company sent over a few items for me to try last week and I fell for these hinged bangles. I have such a small wrist that it’s hard for me to find bracelets that don’t slip off. There’s a colorful array of options to choose from (even though I’m drawn to...
8 tags
Bauble of the Week
Tortoise shell isn’t a material normally used for warm-weather jewels, but the tropical flowers of this bracelet keep it from looking too autumnal. J.Crew is continuing its 25% off sale through the end of the day, making this stunner just $66.
5 tags
Friday Find Under $50
Dorothy Perkins dress, $29
If my love for scalloped edges wasn’t obvious by the sunglasses in this post, this dress should make it even more evident. The texture on this darling frock is made up of little scalloped edges.
10 tags
Currently Coveting
Right now, I’m coveting:
Breezy dresses in crisp shades of green. This Tibi dress is gorgeous, but I’m also a fan of this budget-friendly version from LOFT.
A woven tote for the farmers’ market (it’s just $32!)
An elegant malachite bowl
Prefer to wear malachite? These sunburst earrings are lovely.
Palm-print pajamas
An unexpected noir cake stand with a dainty scalloped...
2 tags
In the Know
I know there have been a lot of product posts this week, but I want to share one more that I’m raving about: Kushyfoot.
Kushyfoot carries an array of specialty socks that slip discreetly into a variety of shoe styles. I wore a pair of their ultra low-cut socks with my boat shoes last weekend, but my favorites are the padded styles with a little cushion under the ball of the foot....
4 tags
Review: eShakti
Monday was the swinging sixties and today I feel like a ’50s housewife in this dress from eShakti. eShakti offers an array of vintage-inspired designs that are fully customizable.
Every item on the site can be altered to fit your exact measurements. You can also alter hemlines or remove pockets (although, I’m not sure why anyone would forgo pockets). I actually chose a standard...
6 tags
Review: DITTO
Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to invest in a new pair of sunglasses. I always thought that an in-store visit was the only fool-proof way to find a flattering pair. And, really, that was the case until DITTO came along. DITTO is revolutionizing the way we shop for sunglasses by allowing customers to virtually try them on.
Before we get into what...
11 tags
Outfit: Mod Squad
I had this dress bookmarked for awhile, but was hesitant to pull the trigger since it’s unlike anything else in my closet. But that’s exactly what I love about it. The a-line shift style is unbelievably comfortable and the lightweight jacquard is a nice option for whenever the weather finally does warm up. (I put a coat on right after we snapped these photos.)
On another...
8 tags
Bauble of the Week
I bought a Kiel James Patrick rope bracelet last year (I couldn’t pass up the anchor closure), but this Jeweliq bracelet is a more affordable alternative. It’s just $17 with free shipping and is also available in red and navy.
13 tags
Friday Find Under $50
Rampage bow sandals, $24.99
I promised myself that I wouldn’t post another pair of sandals for this week’s Friday Find Under $50, but I couldn’t pass up these pretty bow sandals that look like the Kate Spade pair I yearned for years ago. I’m debating between mint and red. Which color do you fancy?
You can find the sandals at a few retailers, but Belk (linked above) is...
16 tags
Currently Coveting
Right now, I’m coveting:
An easy shift dress in stripes, of course
A pretty porcelain tray to corral gems
A set of mint julep cups, just in time for the Kentucky Derby
Contrasting bowls stacked in the cupboard
The Egyptian-inspired print on this airy scarf
Mirrored shoes with a criss-cross ankle strap
A cheerful cherry red purse
6 tags
Why don't you...
Why don’t you…
Refresh your lingerie drawer by getting rid of anything that doesn’t make you feel sexy. Upgrade your basics and buy a few candy-colored sets (like this hot pink number). Protect your investment with a lingerie bag.
Pack a picnic basket and head off to a local park. Don’t forget to heed Monday’s advice.
Stop lamenting rainy days. Usher in May...
5 tags
Sponsor Welcome: Lilac Bijoux
A warm welcome to my newest sponsor: Lilac Bijoux. This source for on-trend, affordable jewelry features designers like Gorjana, Loren Hope, and Betty Carre. Here are some of my favorites:
Pink Studs, Loren Hope, $32
Pendant Necklace, Loren Hope, $78
Ring, Betty Carre, $58
Pyramid Studs, Cheap & So Chic, $20
Bangle Set, Rosena Sammi, $77
Resin Necklace, Towne & Reese, $44
8 tags
1 Dress, 2 Ways | The Wedding Guest
Between the wedding venues, dresses, cake samples and late-night Pinterest inspiration, nuptials are certainly stressful for the bride-to-be. But once invitations start landing in mailboxes, the stress is passed along to friends who are now standing in front of their closets wondering what to wear.
Buying a new frock for each event isn’t realistic for most of us. It’s a much more...
7 tags
Quotable
Who are we kidding? Any lawn game is more fun after a bottle of wine (in this adorable Kate Spade case, of course).
7 tags
Bauble of the Week
I’ve been seeing Lele Sadoughi’s jewelry pop up at more retailers lately and I’m thrilled that she’s getting the recognition she deserves for her incredible line. You can even preview her new celestial-inspired collection on Moda Operandi. I’m smitten with the “Meteor Shower” necklace. I can’t afford it now, but it doesn’t mean I’m not...
12 tags
Statement Studs Under $100
I’m guest posting at Christine in Color today while she’s in Paris (lucky gal!) with a roundup of must-have drop earrings for under $100. For ladies who prefer stud earrings, there are plenty of stunning pairs for under $100.
Top Row: Charter Club, $20 // Christina Defalco, $45 // Juliet & Company, $40
Middle Row: Topshop, $25 // Melinda Maria, $75 // Lulu Frost, $76
Bottom...
8 tags
Friday Find Under $50
Zara sandals, $39.90
If I didn’t already purchase a pair of blue sandals in anticipation of summer, I’d definitely be adding these to my wardrobe. They’re the most irresistible shade of sapphire.
17 tags
Currently Coveting
Right now, I’m coveting:
Kate Spade’s new woven clutch in either burnt sienna or navy
A pair of turquoise and crystal earrings
A swimsuit straight out of the ’70s
Tropical sandals in an eclectic mix of shells and raffia
A quartz cuff that looks like sea glass (or rock candy)
A breezy tunic in an ocean hue
This bright botanical rug
8 tags
Perfect Pairings
Shop It: Nine West pumps // Juicy Couture clutch // Sophia Webster sandals // Zara shopper
8 tags
Behind the Baubles: ASHA by ADM
Ashley Dodgen McCormick, CEO & Creative Director, ASHA
Ashley Dodgen McCormick started her line in 2005, pulling inspiration from her time living abroad in Florence and Paris while earning her art history degree from Georgetown University. Focusing on top-quality craftsmanship, the artistry of Ashley’s pieces could compete with fine jewelry. I’m particularly drawn to the...
13 tags
Giveaway: JewelMint
My week is always brighter with a new piece of jewelry, so I’m especially thrilled to bring you a giveaway from a beloved site: JewelMint.
JewelMint is a free, members-only site with personalized recommendations based on your style profile. Every piece is priced at $29.99, making it an affordable way to add a bit of luxury to your wardrobe (and I assure you that they look pricey in...
6 tags
Snapshot
I’m enjoying a lazy Sunday seeking inspiration in a coffee table book, admiring my new sunglasses (yesterday’s T.J. Maxx find for $30), and applying a bright, red-orange lacquer. What are you up to?
6 tags
Bauble of the Week
Continuing with Thursday’s blue and green color scheme, I’ve got my eye on this pair of Erickson Beamon earrings.
5 tags
Friday Find Under $50
Dorothy Perkins, $39
I irrationally avoid wearing black and white stripes so I don’t look like a convict, even though no one would get that impression from this feminine skirt. Not sure how to wear it? See how Christine from Christine in Color would style it in her Parisian inspiration post.
14 tags
Currently Coveting
Right now, I’m coveting:
A bright blue bag for under $50
A tropical skirt - all it needs is a white tank and simple flat sandals
A little lime in the form of this J.Crew bracelet
An ikat tee that will go with [almost] everything this summer
This blue batik tray
Napkins monogrammed with playful three-letter words
Statement earrings that look carefree, thanks to clear crystals
9 tags
Splurge or Save?
Would you splurge or save on an orange Lucite clutch? While I appreciate the clear border on the CC Skye version, the Zara clutch is my pick for this trendy accessory.
2 tags
Five Things
I adore the “Five Things” meme that’s making its rounds. I’ve learned more about the ladies behind my favorite blogs in one post than from years of following. I’ve got Megan of Closet Fashionista to thank for tagging me in her post and encouraging me to share my own five things:
I took Dutch for two semesters in college. Even though I had fulfilled my foreign...
9 tags
For Home | For You
Welcome spring with a dash of bright, lemony yellow. You’ll reach for a set of acrylic tumblers ($6.90 each) or a lucite bangle ($58) throughout the season and well into summer.
4 tags
Instant Replay: March 2013
Treated myself to a bouquet of tulips (my favorite flower). Indulged in the prettiest Lilly Pulitzer dress (seen here). Rediscovered an old JewelMint necklace. Spent a sick day curled up with Bacon. Welcomed this Wendy Mink necklace into my wardrobe (c/o). Tried a new brewery town. Sipped a refreshing cocktail on St. Patrick’s Day instead of drinking green beer. Couldn’t believe my...
