Spring Cleaning (aka Shopping) March 17, 2010

I am in full swing with my spring cleaning… if by cleaning you mean shopping.  I believe in spring cleaning as far as it extends to lovingly folding my sweaters away for next winter and reviving my wardrobe with some fresh spring picks.  Here’s a peek at what’s on my shopping (and beauty) list for spring.  As I check them off, I’ll fill in the “where to buy” details:

1. The perfect shade of coral/orange nail polish.  – Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Orange Sunset.  Surprisingly shiny.
2. I want to dye my hair red.  (I’m obsessed with Grace’s hair from the Mentalist.)
3. Cropped safari jacket  Amazing Steal!  Forever 21, $15.  I get endless compliments on this jacket.  It makes absolutely everything look “this season”.  Next outfit… olive green mini dress with this jacket and black booties.
4. Lace up booties
5. Anything lavender
6. White skinny jeans
7. White boyfriend blazer – Amazing Steal! Target (Merona) for only $29, complete with pinstripe lining for rolling up your sleeves.  I have a very long torso and small bust, and I have endless trouble finding blazers.  I’m getting this one taken in a teeny bit in the body, but I’m still blown away by the cut and the price.
8. Striped tees, aviator shades, wrap hoodies, anything that I could wear on a yacht in a JCrew ad.

Proenza Schouler Neon Bags February 4, 2010

Nothing says summer like neon.  My current obsession is the oval neon bags from Proenza Schouler.  They’re compact, but will still function as an everyday bag… but with a little more sass.  I love the versatility of the shoulder strap and the shorter hand strap.  Plus, they’re just fun.  This is my pick for everyone who loves bright colors and celebrating summer!

Frey Wille

Vienna is for lovers.  Jewelry lovers, that is.  Frey Wille is the best thing to come out of Austria sinceVienna Sausages (?!  Ok, maybe he’s best thing to come out of Vienna period).  His jewelry can truly be considered an art.  On first glance, his colorful enamel creations look like Vera Bradley and Banana Republic teamed up for a new project.  The fanciful patterns and bold styles are reminiscent of the mod designs of the 60’s, but also take on a vintage feel, especially with the Venise collection.  You’ll fall in love instantly if your look is bohemian or preppy.

Frey Wille has a global and cultural focus, including collections inspired by history from all over the world, like the Poseidon and Sphinx collections.  These mythical elements only add to the fun.  

I Shop, Therefore I Am January 17, 2010

I just discovered Vivre.com and I’ve spent hours looking at absolutely EVERYTHING.  Its extremely unique, and sometimes random collections remind me of an upscale Anthropologie.  Looking through the website is like discovering the exquisite pieces from a lifetime of world travels in an archaeologist’s home.

Sterling Apollo Brooch Patricia von Musulin

Silver Log Ring Daphna Simon

Vermeil and Green Enamel Ring Asha by ADM

Agate Geode and Diamond Ring Lotus Arts de Vivre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The collection of jewelry completely blows my mind.  I’ve never seen so many unique pieces.  If you’re stumped for a gift for anyone, this is the place to go.  I also love the home decor section and the library category.  This website is the antidote to a cookie cutter shopping experience.  If standing out from the crowd is your fashion mantra, you’ll be right at home here.

The shop boasts some of my favorite designers, like Matthew Williamson and Aurelie Bidermann.  This is the perfect place to find fun travel items, scarves, unique home accessories, and anything else you might be searching for.

The New Vintage January 9, 2010

J Crew

 

 

 Thanks to Mad Men, the ’50s and ’60s are back.  Now you can get that vintage look without scouring vintage shops for finds still in decent shape.  One of my favorite pieces is this nubby wool tweed chain link evening bag.  This vintage look makes you look and feel like a lady, while still keeping up with modern trends like the chain strap bag.

 

You can recreate the whole look with a pencil skirt, a cardigan, and some pumps, or reach for this bag in your leather jacket and jeans.  You can never go wrong with an elegant accessory.

These Boots are Made for Loving

Marc by Marc Jacobs

 

 

 Luckily for boot lovers everywhere, the stores are full of every shape, size, and color this winter.  But once in a while, you come across a pair that was made for you.

 

I am in love with this pair by Marc by Marc Jacobs.  They are about as close to perfection as a pair of boots can come.  I love the rounded toe, architectural heel, rich chocolate color, and tortoise and gold hardware.  They remind me a little of riding boots and a little of motorcycle boots, but they’re still easy to dress up.  Sophisticated, yet funky, and a nice change from the standard brown boot.

 

Shopping bonus:  They’re on sale at Zappos.com.

 

Music bonus:  Check out the newest anthem for boot lovers everywhere:  Boots and Boys by Ke$ha, off her new album, Animal.

Resolution Schmesolution January 3, 2010

This year I resolved to stop shopping so much (I know, what was I thinking?), a resolution I promptly broke on New Years Day for this lovely thing of beauty.   My first fantastic buy of the year was the Maxx New York Barrymore Magazine Tote.  True to its name, its big enough to fit magazines, folders and books, plus the rest of my life that I tote around with me on a regular basis.  The structured style and winter white make it very polished and appropriate for work, but the studs give it a fun edge.

Before you laugh at me and my resolution that lasted about 4 hours, I don’t think I completely failed.  I snagged my new favorite bag for at TJ Maxx for only $39!  (original price tag:  $225).  I would like to point out that this is a whopping 83% off the original price.  If I wasn’t a TJ Maxx convert before, I definitely am now.  They’re carrying a lot more expensive bags at fantastic prices.  I also have my eye on a purple Michael Kors bag that wants to come home with me.

There are two morals to my New Years Day story:

1. Shopping less was a silly resolution; I am convinced it cannot be done.
2. You can’t really feel guilty for any purchases you make at 83% off the original price.

Happy New Year and Happy Shopping!

I’m Like A Bird December 27, 2009

Fossil

My new favorite accessory is this bird necklace by Fossil.  (I found it at Dillards, they have amazing jewelry sales!)  I’m really into rose gold right now because it looks a little vintage-y and its a nice change from plain gold or silver.

I absolutely love Fossil jewelry.  It’s always sparkly, fresh, and the kind of pieces I picture myself wearing when I’m on a ranch in Arizona with the wind whipping my perfectly tousled curls while I pose with my perfectly bronzed skin and a white button down shirt, designer jeans, and cowboy boots.  (Way to go Fossil marketing!)

They’re the best “oh, I just threw this on, but it looks great, because I only own fashionable things” accessories.  And since I’m not going to be starring in any Abercrombie commericals anytime soon, I’m going to keep wearing my bird necklace.  It makes me feel free and beautiful and that’s exactly how a piece of jewelry should alwas make you feel.

Lucky Charms

I recently came across Page Sargisson’s beautiful jewelry.  Her creations range from lucky charms to wedding bands to mother of pearl casino chips, all in brushed gold, sterling silver, or oxidized silver.  You can find a unicorn charm with pink sapphires, necklaces and cuff links to mark a special day, a lucky number charm, and an assortment of other unique pieces.  She sprinkles her trinkets with diamonds, sapphires, and topaz to mix whimsy and fun with elegant style and design.

Finding the Perfect Leather Jacket December 26, 2009

Finding the perfect leather jacket is a fashion quest that can take years.  This is one classic staple that is versatile, sophisticated, and will never go out of style.  There are so many cuts, colors, styles, and lengths to choose from.  I am completely obsessed with the white Chanel leather jacket Anne Hathaway wore in Get Smart.  (Seriously, ask my friends.  I bring up this jacket ALL THE TIME.  They tease me  about it now.)  White can be worn with fur in the winter or over a sundress in the summer.  I love the asymmetrical zipper and the blazer collar underneath.  It’s absolutely perfect.

My favorite styles have a slim silhouette and a blazer-like cut, or fall into the moto jacket style.  The Balmain leather jackets are definitely at the top of my list.  I’m also intrigued by the leather hoodie.  I love hoodies, so the thought of combining a leather jacket with a hoodie seems like a logical choice for me.  Kristen Stewart has been spotted sporting a Juicy Couture leather hoodie, and I also love the one by Mike and Chris Maxwell.

Juicy Couture

Juicy Couture

Mike and Chris

Balmain