[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]I[/dropcap]still have photos to share from Brussels, Ghent, and Amsterdam and reviews of three great getaway products, so I’m devoting this week to travel posts. And, what better way to get in the wanderlust spirit than with a pair of tropical earrings from Tory Burch’s spring 2015 runway show? The sculptural design captures the monkey’s playful spirit without sacrificing elegance. They’re now available for pre-order with an estimated ship date of Feb. 2015.
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Now that the iPhone 6 has been released–and retailers will soon switch to manufacturing phone cases for the new version–I’m on the lookout for a new case to hold me over until I make a phone upgrade (which probably won’t happen next year). The Tory Burch case I featured last week is a top contender. Cusp sent over a coupon for $25 off a purchase of $50 or more after purchasing the Ted Baker skirt. At least that would bring the price down to something more reasonable.
I may have found a new wallet already (it’s on my fall must-have list). This Coach wallet is small, sleek and ultra practical. It comes in a couple of bright colors, but I like the neutral option best. However, I really would have preferred it in black.
I’m also crushing on this sultry nail color for autumn.
[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]S[/dropcap]ix months have passed since I did my last wardrobe planning post. Even though I put a lot of thought into the basics my wardrobe needed, the pieces that caught my attention, and the color scheme I was gaga for, I strayed from my plan almost immediately. I’m not sure why, but I suspect it was because a rigid checklist took a lot of the fun out of shopping, especially when I was trying it in conjunction with The French Wardrobe Challenge.
I’m taking a different approach this season with a seasonal budget of $1,500 and plenty of flexibility to buy more statement pieces than basics, if that’s what my heart desires. However, I’m still incorporating two important principles of The French Wardrobe Challenge: purchase quality over quantity and make sure my wardrobe has a solid foundation of well-made basics. In an effort to keep my purchases somewhat reasonable, I did put together some thoughts on the colors, silhouettes and individual items I’d love to add this season.
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THE BUDGET
I’ve started with a seasonal budget of $1,500. I consider blog revenue and eBay sales to be “fun money” and may add a portion of that additional income to my overall seasonal budget. I’ll record any budget increases or expenditures each month. (There will also be my annual “Tax Refund Splurge,” but I’ll devote a post to that in January.)
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THE COLORS
I’m looking forward to a fall color palette of saturated colors like burgundy, navy, and emerald, with a jolt of fuchsia. I hadn’t really considered bright pink to be a fall favorite until I came across this pair of shoes. It’s such a classic pump that the shocking color doesn’t look garish on them. I’d also like a pink coat to combat the dreariest winter days.
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THE SILHOUETTES
I spent some time looking through my Pinterest boards for fall style inspiration and these four picks sum up the silhouettes I’m looking for rather nicely. They’re all classic shapes and styles, but attention to detail and crisp, refined styling keep them interesting.
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THE WISH LIST
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I keep a secret Pinterest board of all of my potential purchases. Once I add an item to this board, it sits for a few weeks while I consider whether or not it’s worth it–and many times I fall out of love with the item before I’ve actually taken the plunge. It’s basically a cooling off period. I’ve found that I’m much happier with my new items after I’ve given them plenty of thought. (If you’re curious about any of the items, click away: shoes, top, sunglasses, earrings, skirt, bag, clutch.)
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THE MUST HAVES
And now we’re on to the fun part: the items I’m anxious to check off my must-have list! You can view all of the items I add to my wardrobe over the next six months here.
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YOUR TURN
Have you started thinking about your fall wardrobe? What are your must-have items?
[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]B[/dropcap]efore the days of unbridled Internet shopping (high schoolers and college kids have it good these days), I looked forward to visiting my Aunt Linda. She always had a stack of the best catalogs to pour over: Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and, of course, UncommonGoods.
Founded in 1999, UncommonGoods was a mission-driven company before Toms and Warby Parker made it a popular business venture. The company was founded with the mission to provide “unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people.” Most of the available products are made in the U.S., half are made by hand, and a third incorporate recycled or upcycled materials. And now that e-commerce has made made significant leaps since the late ’90s, it’s even easier to find a unique, unexpected gift for yourself or others.
The jewelry on UncommonGoods stays true to the retailer’s roots with personalized items and handmade pieces you can’t find just anywhere. I’m most drawn to the astrology lockets handcrafted by artist Julie Nolan. A series of dots create constellations to subtly share your sign.
If you’re on the lookout for gift-giving ideas and the woman in your life isn’t won over by jewelry, UncommonGoods carries plenty of alternatives. Try a perfectly preserved dandelion poof paperweight for the romantic, the cutest baby booties for the mom-to-be, embroidered state pillows for the traveler, or dish towels with a convenient wine pairing cheat sheet for the gourmand. Take a peek at the full lineup here.
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Sponsored by:
[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] W [/dropcap]elcome to the new blog! I had no intention of ever leaving Tumblr for WordPress until my previous platform had a falling out with Bloglovin’, preventing my new posts from showing up. Even thought I hoped for a resolution between the two companies, moving over to WordPress was probably the best outcome I could have asked for. Dave and I spent most of Saturday and Sunday making tweaks to create a site I’m really excited about.
A few things to note:
Thanks again for reading! You gals are the best!
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