In My Shopping Bag

J.Crew introduced their newest collection recently and I have finally gotten around to posting about it. I have a habit/guilty pleasure of faux online shopping. What is faux online shopping, you ask? Well, it is pretending that I have an outrageous income that allows me to add everything that strikes my fancy to my online shopping bag. I then stare longingly at the list of fabulous items and imagine where in my closet I would place them all. Sometimes, at the end of my little shopping adventure, have found only two or three things added. This morning at J.Crew was no such occasion. Seriously, way to go J.Crew. I always loved you but this collection catapulted that love into a serious obsession.

Here is my shopping bag:

Sequin Scarf Cardigan in Pink Champagne - because I am obsessed with cardigans and sequins

Golden Cocktail Skirt in White Gold - with tights this would be perfect for a casual Christmas party. 

Sequined Starland Tank in Gold Peach - with shorts (see below)  and a cute little cropped jacket. 

Denim Cut-Off Short in Jaded Wash - I never would have thought that I would go for these but, with the cuff at the bottom, a cute pair of tights, and maybe a sequin tank (see above) it would be perfection. Unfortunately, they are back ordered until December 25--bummer. 

Annalise Ruffle Cami in Whisper Pink - I love how feminine this top is. I have a few J.Crew ruffle Cami's from past collections and I just love them. 

Silk Pajama Pant in Warm Shell - Everyone needs an elegant pair of pajamas if for no other reason than Christmas morning pictures (you know they happen, lets just make sure they aren't as tragic this year). 

Sparkle Bib Necklace in Dusty Blossom - This is the perfect addition to any look (whether casual or otherwise) to give it the perfect amount of glamour. 

Infinity Necklace in Crystal - I love a little sparkle and this is simple and pretty much goes with everything. 

Crystal Malibu Necklace in Dark Fog - I love the different textures and mix-match effect. Of course, the bows are perfect. 

Infinity Bracelet in Dried Orchid - I love a pop of color at a sleeve and I think this would achieve that perfectly. 

Pearl Jewel Box Earrings - I am obsessed. I love how vintage they look. So perfect. 

Shimmerveil Charmed Mini Bag - Because chain bags are where it's at right now.

Belle Fleur Mirror Ballet Flats in Metallic Silver - Ballet flats are my fave and I love the flower. 

* All images via jcrew.com

Book Worm

I love reading. My bedroom is pretty much overflowing with all sorts of literature. While I am a definitely inclined to curl up with a lengthy novel, I often delight in coffee table books full of gorgeous photos and creative illustrations. You might be surprised to find-with all my talk of wearable fashion-that some of my all-time favorite gifts to give and receive can be found at Barnes & Noble. These are a few selections that I will keep in mind for my style-minded friends and family this holiday season.


* All images via BarnesandNoble.com
The World In Vogue : People, Parties, Places
      by Plum Sykes, Hamish Bowles
Influence
     by Mary Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen
The One Hundred
     by Nina Garcia
Vanity Fair: The Portraits: A Century of Iconic Images
     by Graydon Carter, David Friend, Christopher Hitchens
Chanel and Her World: Friends, Fashion, and Fame
     by Edmonde Charles-Roux

Everyone Loves a Party (Dress)!

There are few things I love more in this world than the perfect party dress for a fab occasion. Seriously. Love it. During the holidays, evening soirees abound and so do the many opportunities for a new party dress. Here are a few that are definitely on my wish list. 
* All images via NeimanMarcus.com

This Alice + Olivia Embellished Party Dress is definitely number one on my list. Love. It. I would hang it in my room like art--when I wasn't wearing it to ferosh parties, of course. 

Again, Alice + Olivia sure can do a party dress. This Sequin Strapless number will turn heads in the best way. It is classic but the sequins on the top keep it so relevant. 

This Velvet Cascading Sequin Dress is just ideal with a black stiletto and tights. My legs are probably five shades lighter than this model's so you can imagine why I'm obsessed with tights. 

I heart Marchesa and their many delightful frocks. This Side-Bow Dress is no exception. I love a bow and the color red is so in right now and perfect for the holidays. 


Happy holiday party dressing!! 

Dear Kate Spade,

Can I just say, your apparel and jewelry designs over the past few months have done nothing but aesthetically delight me?

Imagine my joy when I opened an email from Neiman Marcus touting your latest collection. My anticipation could not be contained as I waited for my slow-as-molasses internet to load. 

Luckily, I found your beautiful pieces of fashion that speckled my screen well worth the wait. So, today I would like to take the time to make an ode to you, my dear stylish lady. 

Without your classic frocks and elegant baubles, my days--filled with unemployment--would be a little drearier. Thank you, Miss Spade, for all that you do for the Classic Closet girls of this world. You go girl!
* All images via NeimanMarcus.com

A Prohibitionist Halloween

*Image via CWTV.com
For those of you who don't know me, I am pretty obsessed with mobster movies and the prohibition era. Yesterday, I was informed that I will be attending a Halloween party on Saturday night. After clarifying that I was actually required to wear a costume my little mind starting ticking. I always like making my own costumes so I looked around and decided that a flapper costume has the most potential. The boyfriend is going to be a mobster so I think we will make a pretty cute pair. Last night, almost as if a sign from God, Gossip Girl's halloween episode had a prohibition themed party. This gave me ample design inspiration. 


In other Halloween related news, I am going to carve a pumpkin later on in the week! I love carving pumpkins. Happy Halloween planning everyone!! 

And They Lived Happily Ever After...

*Photo courtesy of Jane Weigel Barbosa

This weekend was one of the best in a while. My beautiful cousin tied the knot in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday afternoon. Everything was beautiful. The dresses were divine, the flowers were fabulous, the view from the reception was to die for, and the look on the groom’s face as he watched his bride walk down the aisle was indescribable.  It was so nice spending time with my cousins and reminiscing about our childhood shenanigans. Though it was hard to say goodbye, the great thing about a wedding (as I learned from my sister’s wedding in June) is that we will relive it through memories almost every day. 

Now, down to business--the décor of the event. Here is the low-down: 

* Photo via Hyatt Pier Sixty-Six

The location for all of the wedding weekend festivities (except for the ceremony that was held at Little Flower Catholic Church) was the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six. It was a fabulous location and very convenient for those of us who stayed at the hotel. The reception was in the Panorama Room. It spinned throughout the party and gave great views of the city and the Intracoastal. 

* Photo courtesy of Tom Weigel

This is a photo of one of the tables at the reception. The flowers were gorgeous and I loved the pink sashes on the chairs and the menu cards. 

* Image via AlfredAngelo.com
The bride’s dress was exquisite. It was from Alfred Angelo’s couture label. Kimmy was the epitome of a regal bride, complete with a tiara (note: this isn’t the actual dress). The bridesmaid dresses were also gorgeous. They were gold silk with a really pretty rhinestone accent on the lower back. They had a small train and were strapless. 

* Image via BathandBodyWorks.com

The lady’s room had Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea hand soap placed at each sink. Kimmy also told me that her mother, my Aunt Kathy, had designated certain hotel staff to spritz the reception room periodically with Sweet Pea spray as well. Who would have thought of that?

* Image via MarthaStewartWeddings.com 

I loved the monogrammed cocktail and lady’s room napkins. These are a cute version that I found on MarthaStewartWeddings.com but, in my opinion, a monogram like the one Kimmy used just can’t be beat.

* Image via Moet.com

In lieu of a guest book they had a giant bottle of champagne that everyone signed (note: this, again, is not a picture of the exact champagne they used). I thought this was such a good idea. I wonder how Kimmy and Chris will display it in their house.  

As parting gifts, guests were given a crystal heart wine stopper in a little bag with the photographer’s card. The photos should be up by Saturday, I can’t wait!

* Photo courtesy of Tom Weigel

Here is a picture of the boyfriend and me at the cocktail hour on Saturday.  

Sale Ahead

Never mind the economy, the savvy shopper always tries to find ways to save. Yes, that designer blouse is super cute but is it really worth paying full price when you know you will find it on sale next month? I know, I know. It can be hit or miss when it comes to holding out for a sale. Will they have my size? Will it be used and abused after so many people have tried it on before me? And always the dreaded question, why is it on sale. Here are a few current sales items (all under $150) that have my mind preoccupied with what, where, and when I can wear them, leaving no room for pesky questions.


On Sale @ Neiman Marcus: 

*Image via NeimanMarcus.com
What: Theory Belted Vest
Price: $108
Size: 2 and 6

* Image via NeimanMarcus.com

What: Nanette Lepore Zeus Cardigan
Price: $125
Size: Extra Small and Small

* Image via NeimanMarcus.com
What: Marc by Marc Jacobs Cecilia Knit Top
Price: $69
Size: Small

* Image via NeimanMarcus.com

What: Nanette Lepore Cyprus Jacquard Ruffle Skirt
Price: $125
Size: 8, 10, and 12


On Sale @ J.Crew:

* Image via JCrew.com

What: Cashmere Cherie Crewneck
Price: $99.99
Size: Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large

* Image via JCrew.com
What: Paradise Jacquard Clea Jacket
Price: $99.99
Size: 0, 2, and 4


On Sale @ Shopbop.com

* Image via Shopbop.com
What: Sue Stemp Peg Top Shorts
Price: $105
Size: 4, 6, and 8