Fashion

Arm Party Edition: Like it. Love it. Buying it.

Everybody loves an arm party. Bracelets have made a serious surge to the top of the accessories popularity list – and I am loving it. Even in 20 degree temperatures, I want to roll up my sleeves to show off my bejeweled bangles. And no, I don’t recommend it.

I can’t resist stacking an assortment of gold, leather, rhinestones and enamel on my wrist. I stocked up on some pretty pieces before the new year, but I’ve got my eye on a few really gorgeous pieces I have to scoop up as soon as February hits!

Like it.

This leather and gold skinny bracelet is perfect for stacking. It comes in several colors and is 20% off if you buy two or more!

Banana Republic Leather Skinny Bracelet | $25 (20% two or more)
Banana Republic Leather Skinny Bracelet | $25 (20% two or more)

Love it.

A little bling is the perfect addition to any arm party. This narrow rhinestone and gold bracelet gives a little sparkle without taking up too much real estate.

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Ann Taylor Loft Single Row Gem and Chain Bracelet | $29.50

Buying It.

I geek out over anything chevron. If I could have an entire room decorated in chevron, I’d be one happy girl despite the unavoidable headache from print overload. So, why not settle for decorating my wrist with a little chevron?

Adia Kibur Chevron Enamel Pave Bracelet | $29.50
Adia Kibur Chevron Enamel Pave Bracelet | $29.50
 

Snow Day

This pending winter snow storm has me wanting to pile on all of my favorite cold weather accessories. The temperature isn’t even that low yet, but there is just something nostalgic about frolicking in the snow decked head to toe in winter gear. It kind of makes me feel like a kid again.

I’m secretly hoping we’ll be treated to a winter wonderland, even though I know we’re only slated to get two inches. Even if we get no snow at all, it won’t stop me from breaking out my scarves, hats and gloves to keep warm and cozy.

Keep Warm
Keep Warm by kerrychannon featuring ear flap hats
 

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

After the trifecta of Miss America, the Golden Globes and upcoming Inauguration celebrations, I’ve been reminded just how important it is for a girl to have an evening gown in her closet. It might not be used more than once a year, but trust me, you will be thankful it is there for that inevitable moment of need.

I love BCBG dresses because they just make women look good! With a lot of different styles and silhouettes, ranging from demure to downright sexy, BCBG’s evening gowns aren’t cheap, but they are much more affordable than some of the alternatives. And, since I’m always out for a bargain, I’ve bought every evening gown I’ve ever owned at a BCBG outlet. I’m still on a self-imposed shopping hiatus, but I’ve picked out my favorite BCBG evening gowns.

Like it.

Anything in the mint to aqua family is bound to be a favorite of mine. The main attraction of this dress, however, is the gorgeous lace back.

BCBG Karey Lace Detail Evening Gown | $338
BCBG Karey Lace Detail Evening Gown | $338

BCBGKareyLace back

Love it.

High halter necklines can be incredibly flattering, particularly for anyone with broad shoulders. The black and white print accented with a chartreuse panel is so darn chic. This dress is fancy enough for any black tie affair, yet still manages to be fun and unique.

BCBG Constantine Pleated Maxi Dress | $448
BCBG Constantine Pleated Maxi Dress | $448

BCBGConstantineBack

Buying it.

I love so many things about this dress, I’m not sure where to start! The bright coral accented with fuchsia is showstopping. The sophisticated, structured silhouette reminds me of the early 90s, yet also is somewhat futuristic. With a sleek updo, dramatic earrings, a detailed cuff and some gold heels, this would be quite the head-turning look for any event!

BCBG Two-Tone Cutout Evening Gown available at Neiman Marcus | $338
BCBG Two-Tone Cutout Evening Gown available at Neiman Marcus | $338
 

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

I’ve made a pact to refrain from shopping for the entire month of January. Crazy? Yes. Worthwhile. You bet. What better way to start off the year than by saving some money, making the most of the wonderful Christmas gifts I received and engaging in some good old fashioned closet reinvention?

That being said, there is no harm in sharing the items on my wishlist!

January is the best month to shop for a deal on a few specific items, one of which is the New Years Eve outfit, post New Years Eve. Anything that’s little over the top, including sequins, glitter, leather or any other type of embellishment, is going to be drastically discounted. There is no rule that says you can’t wear some of these pieces all year long, so why not take advantage of a fantastic discount?

Like it.

This metallic print shorts are an excellent buy. Add some tights, a cute top and a blazer and shorts can be a winter staple. This pair can also make its way well into summer.

Dylan and Rose Metallic Jacquard Shorts | $39.99 (on sale from $56)
Dylan and Rose Metallic Jacquard Shorts | $39.99 (on sale from $56)

Love it.

Sequins can make an outfit. I love pairing something as fancy as sequins with laid back pieces. I’d pair this cardigan with boyfriend jeans and white tee. To dress it up, try black pants and a black cardigan.

Zara Printed Sequined Cardigan | $69.99 (on sale from 189)
Zara Printed Sequined Cardigan | $69.99 (on sale from 189)

Buying it.

I complied my list of sequined skirts a few weeks ago, but I actually wore this one on New Years Eve. I wore it with a black sleeveless top, but if I’d been better prepared, I’d have paired it with a plaid shirt. Such a feminine skirt would be perfectly balanced with some lumberjack plaid.

Free People Sparkle and Stripe Skirt | $64 (on sale from $128)
Free People Sparkle and Stripe Skirt | $64 (on sale from $128)
 

Green with Envy

I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus during the holidays, but I’m back and excited for all that 2013 may hold!

It’s relatively old news that Pantone has declared Emerald the color of 2013, but I think its fascinating how quickly retailers begin pumping out the emerald-hued merchandise. As Irish as Irish can be, I’ve always been a lover of all things green, so this is one trend I am totally on board with.

GreenwithEnvy

1 – Madewell silk charmeuse shirt in dotdash for $94 (on sale) | 2 – J. Crew collection pencil skirt in tile sequin for $425 | 3 – Old Navy boatneck 3/4 sleeve shift dress for $20 (on sale) | 4 – Forever21 floral print flowy top for $19.80 | 5 – Gap printed flare dress for $59.95 | 6 – J. Crew toothpick jean in stripe for $135 |

Hunter green was one of my must-have fall colors, so I’m excited to branch out into emerald and kelly green hues for spring. The Gap dress is the perfect casual dress that will last through spring with a pair of flats, summer with some fun sandals and fall with brown riding boots. Looks like we’ll have plenty of green to choose from for St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Holiday Dressing

I don’t know about you, but all of my holiday parties were all squeezed into last weekend. That isn’t going to stop me from scouring my favorite sites for pretty holiday frocks and frills. Who knows when a party might pop up and New Years Eve is just around the corner. Not to mention that from now through the end of the December is the best time to find a great deal on a fancy dress.

Case in point:

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BHLDN Nexus Dress | On sale through today for $72
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BHLDN Twinkle Dress | On sale through today for $168
Aryn-155324-BLCK-a-l1
South Moon Under Aryn K Mesh Cut Out Dress (check stores)
SangeetDress
Anthropologie Sangeet Dress | $49.95
Paillette Flutter Mini Dress
Anthropologie Paillette Flutter Mini Dress | $139.95
Sapphire Lace Dress
Anthropologie Sapphire Lace Dress | $89.95

Anthropologie, BHLDN and South Moon Under are offering up some gorgeous options, with almost all of them on sale! Merry Christmas to you! You just can’t go wrong with lace, sequins, sheer paneling and bold colors. The bow back on the red Nexus dress is prettier than any Christmas wrapping job I’ve ever seen. Royal blue is a too often overlooked color for winter. With black lace detailing, the Sapphire Lace Dress is a unique and fun option for New Years Eve, coupled with a pair of sky high heels and some serious bling.

 

Kate Spade: Like it, Love it, Buying it.

I’m a day late, but late is better than never…right?

As an admitted accessories lover, I have a divine devotion to pretty purses. Lucky for me, Kate Spade is feeding my addiction with an oh-so-fabulous sale – happening now! I’m just window shopping for now, as I’m focusing my own funds on gift-giving but I just had to share these finds with you. They just so happen to be great gift ideas too!

Like it.

A Hunter green purse was on my wish list this fall. This two-tone version would have done the trick!

 

GroveCourtLargeMaise
Grove Court Large Maise | $269

Love it.

I fell in lust with this bag the second it came out. Available in red, hunter green, polka dot and this version below, the shape of this purse is ladylike and chic. The smaller size makes it ideal for everyday use. I recently took inventory of all of my bags and realized that I have entirely too many oversize bags, so I’m looking to downsize.

 

PostStreetLittleNadine
Post Street Little Nadine | $224

Buying it.

Ta-da! The perfect option for a smaller size bag. Worn as a crossbody bag or as a handheld, this bag is just as feminine as the option above. However, the unique color will easily carry through winter, spring and even summer.

 

BrightonParkCarlyle
Brighton Park Carlyle | $243

 

 

 

Pretty Plaid

Plaid is all over the place this holiday season. Preppy plaid, flannel plaid and even ruffled plaid are dominating the racks at some of my favorite stores. One of my go-to, staple items is a plaid button up shirt.

Doing casual plaid is easy. Throw on a plaid button up with a pair of jeans and boots. It looks polished, yet still relaxed. Throw on a puffer vest to keep warm or just to “rugged-up” a look. Layer a plaid shirt with a striped or polka dot sweater to create a more preppy, playful outfit.

Dressing up plaid is so much more fun! In fact, I’m hosting a little get together this week and am planning an outfit around a plaid button up from J. Crew. I still haven’t gotten my hands on a sequin skirt but absolutely love the idea of pairing plaid with sequins, sparkles or any other type of fancy skirt. Here are some of the looks I’m striving for with my plaid .

PrettyingupPlaid

American Eagle: Plaid Flannel Western Shirt | $39.50 | J Crew: Perfect Shirt in Ivory Tartan and Tartan | $88 (30% off today!) | Calvin Klein from 6pm: Sequin Skirt | $45.33 | Madewell: Dotted Sequin Skirt | $118 | Halston Heritage: Silver Pleated Lame Skirt | $64.99

 

Sparkly Shoes

Today is my Friday, so I’m in a great mood! I’m headed to NYC after work today and am so excited for all of the possibilities at hand!

Given my jovial affection, the National Christmas Tree Lighting tonight and my general love for holiday attire, I’m in the mood for something sparkly. Cue the footwear!

I’ve rounded up the best sequined, glittery shoes around to bring a whole new definition to the word “twinkle toes.” This fab footwear collection spans everything from heels to flats to oxfords, as well as prices ranging from splurge to steal. The Unisa option from DSW is dead ringer for a pair of Kate Spade’s that I deliberated purchasing for my wedding for the better part of a year.

SparkleSequinShoes(1)

1) J Crew Collection Etta Sequin Pumps | $350 + 30% off! 2) Madewell Teddy Loafer in Glitter | $158 + 25% off! 3) Madewell Anniel Glitter Oxfords | $221 on sale for $175.50 + 25% off! 4) Nine West Aldenia Flats | $49.99 5) Nine West Caress Pump in Gold Glitter | $79 6) DSW Unisa Bard Sandal | $49.95 7) Target Mossimo Osanna Flat | $17-$19

What’s your favorite pair?

Quick Tip: Don’t be too hard on shoes with glitter or sequins as the embellishment can come off pretty easily. Keep the box the shoes come in and store them in the box in your closet to help them last longer.

 

Like it, Love it, Buying it: Sequin Edition

It’s been awhile since my last post, but I’ve been sick as a dog the past few days. I’m finally back to my old self and have lots of exciting things to post, so stay tuned!

As I’m starting to prep for upcoming assorted festive occasions, visions of sugarplums, stilettos and sparkly outfits are dancing in my head.

In my opinion, any night out between December 1st through January 1st warrants some kind of glitter, sequin or other metallic accent. The sparklier (not sure that is a word), the better. I typically opt for dresses and tights even in frigid temperatures, but I’ve always secretly pined away for a sequined skirt.

Since most sequined skirts fall in the mini-variety, I can never seem to find one that fits just right, or looks quite how I want it to. But, this season, sequins are everywhere, so I think I’ll be able to find tons of options. A holiday outfit is a perfectly justifiable reason to shop during the season of giving…right?

Like it.

Can we just give Lands’ End a little round of applause here? Way to jump headfirst into the trend pool! This little gold number is a fantastic option that can be dressed up or down, as shown.

LandsEndSequinMini
Lands’ End Sequin Mini Skirt | $90 (plus 40% off any one item right now)

Love it.

This skirt is to die for. I love the tribal design and unexpected color combo, which makes it wearable in the summer and spring, too.

Express Sequin Embellished Mini Skirt | $59.90
Express Sequin Embellished Mini Skirt | $59.90

Buying it.

I’ll be waiting for this to go on sale because let’s face it, we all know it will. I love the A-line, slightly flared cut of this skirt which will make it a super-flattering option for a girl with some curves (like myself).

MadewellSequinMini
Madewell Sequin Mini | $118
 

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