Best of Burgundy

Besides nude, petal pink or red, burgundy has got to be my all-time favorite nail color. The color burgundy is decadent and luxe.  Not to mention, styles well with other colors and accessories.  These four shades have caught my eye!

Essie // Lacy Not Racy
OPI // In the Cable Car-Pool Lane
butter LONDON // Tramp Stamp
Dolce & Gabbana // Dahlia

Make sure you extend your manicure by using this top coat and this quick dry.  You won't be sorry!

Quintessentially Plaid

Here's a few of my favorite plaid pieces at the moment:

1. Target Merona Plaid Blazer; $35

2. Burberry Brit Perfume; $64

3. Old Navy Plaid Scarf; $17

4. JCrew Factory Classic Button Down Shirt; $45

Plaid is hot on the scene right now and I loving every second of it.  Plaid is equal parts prep and punk and I am blown away by its versatility.

Months ago, this pattern could have been coined “dowdy or stuffy” or “something found only in your grandma’s closet”... not the current banter of… “this is so chic, gotta have it!”  

Plaid is easy enough to wear as an accessory (think: scarf, iPhone case, etc.) or you can go all out with a bold jacket or pant. 

I would start with a scarf and build out from there.  A scarf is a low-cost option for testing the trend without having to spend an arm and a leg.  My advice when picking out plaid: think Burberry, think London, think uber-classic and uber-chic.  Perhaps try to stay away from colors other than the originals: red, navy, hunter green, beige, black.. etc. (you get the picture!)--the point is to keep this look classic.

What are your thoughts?  Are you amped for plaid this season or do you think the pattern should remain in granny's closet?

J.Crew: the Etta

What is more gorgeous than statement jewelry?  A statement shoe, of course!  I am in awe of the Etta collection available now at J.Crew.  The Etta pump stuns with a mix of luxurious patterns and luscious texture.  I can't get enough.  Styles retail exclusively at JCrew.com from $150 to $375.  

Color Inspiration: Yellow

How cheerful is the color yellow, anyway?  I am feeling inspired.  How about you?  Oh, and I'll take two of those Prada bags pictured above.

Here's to sunshine and happiness my friends.  

From L to R // T to B:
Art // Emily Rickard
Wisdom // Walt Whitman
Flowers // Sunflowers
Dress // Lisa Perry
Earrings // Elizabeth Cole
Bag // Prada

xo

Bejeweled

How cute are these necklaces from Molly Suzanne Jewelry?  Fabulous looking jewelry at an affordable price--you've got me sold.  The sale prices will drop your jaw, consider yourself warned and have a little fun browsing this fun site!

Pictured above are a few of my favorites, which one is your favorite?  Hard to choose.  

MAGGIE NECKLACE - WHITE $25

THE TAYLOR NECKLACE $30

BRIGHT LIGHTS NECKLACE - YELLOW $21

H&M Roll Call

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Fall is at our back door (dear God, say it isn't so!) and these new H&M pieces will help you transition from summer to fall with ease.  Plus, who can possibly say no to screen-printed kitties on a tank top?  What do you think of this summer to fall line-up?  I think it's pretty fab!  

The list:
1. A funky, statement blazer
2. Some vintage inspired sunnies
3. Rock-solid studs
4. Sexy, metallic sandals
5. A tank packing some major sass
6. A gold, under-stated bracelet
7. A utilitarian and roomy bag
8. Distressed boyfriend blue jeans

What's better?  All items shown above are less than $40 dollars a piece!  Visit an H&M store location near you to pick up these super cute essentials online with H&M's new e-commerce capabilities!  Amazing...

A Fresh Home Accessory

Pike Place Market Sketch and Peonies

What is a more beautiful home accessory than a fresh bouquet of flowers?  

One of my favorite flower variety is the peony and they just so happen to be in season right now in the Pacific NW!  Last weekend I walked down to the Pike Place Market in Seattle and picked up a very gorgeous mixed variety bouquet for under $10 dollars.  The assortment of fresh flowers at the Pike Place Market will never cease to amaze me, no matter the season!

Last night on an evening walk with my dog I passed by a Trader Joe’s and they had fresh bouquets of peonies for only $7 dollars.  Depending on where you live, the peonies may have already hit peak season but here in the Pacific NW they appear to be widely available.  You have my permission, indulge!

Sensible Summer Reading

Don't forget to pack your sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and an ice cold drink!

1.  The Secret Life of Bees;  Sue Monk Kidd from $5 on Amazon.com

2.  The Glass Castle; Jeannette Walls from $10 on Amazon.com

3.  The Paris Wife; Paula McLain from $9 on Amazon.com

4.  Half Broke Horses; Jeannette Walls from $13 on Amazon.com

5.  The Great Gatsby; F. Scott Fitzgerald from $7 on Amazon.com

A Little Slice of Heaven

Question: Definition of heaven on Earth?  

Answer: J.Crew Factory online

Below is a good representation of what I'm going ga-ga over at the moment. Granted, space is limited so these are just a few of my favorites.

Also, why just browse when you can get 30% off using the code "SPREE" at checkout.  Hurry fast!  Promo ends soon.

1.  FACTORY RIPSTOP UTILITY JACKET; $98
2. STRAIGHT AND NARROW JEAN; $74.50
3. FACTORY NEON CRYSTAL FAN NECKLACE; $44.50
4. FACTORY PRINTED TEAGAN RUFFLE POPOVER; $64.50
5. FACTORY PRINTED PHONE CASE FOR IPHONE 5; $14.50
6. FACTORY VERO CLUTCH; $68
7. FACTORY EMERY FLATS; $68

A Little Bit of Sparkle!

Add a little bit of sparkle to your usual beauty routine by embellishing your nails with glitter nail polish.  

Depending on the look you are going for; glitter nail polish can be worn as subtle or bold as you intend it to be.  I am sporting a look similar to trend No. 3 (as charted below) using a light pink Essie nail polish with a bold gold/silver glitter accent polish from OPI.  I have been adoring the look as the week goes on and honestly; who doesn't love a bit of glitz and glam?

Glitter and sparkles are all over the map this holiday season and this is the perfect way to ease yourself into the holiday spirit.  Start with a neutral application if you are averse to the bold look and build out from to where you are comfortable.  As a subtle reminder: a little goes a long way!  

Shine on!

1. Neutral nail polish with a single coat of large sparkle polish
2. Neutral polish with a light dusting of sparkle polish just on the tip of the nail
3. Neutral nail polish with bold sparkle nail polish on ring finger of both hands

7 Fall Finds Under $100

I am just ecstatic about this concept board.  Shall I dare discuss Fall fashion yet? xo

1. Earrings   House of Harlow 1960 - Sunburst Button Earring   $30.00

2. Blazer   Ark & Co. - Pop Blazer   $59.00

3. Ring   Sabine - Faceted Statement Ring   $24.00

4. Blouse   Collective Concepts - Color Block Blouse   $69.00 

5. Jegging   Free People - Biker Babe Legging   $98.00

6. Bootie   Michael Antonio - Moxby   $59.00 

7. Cuff   Hive & Honey - Geometric Stretch Bracelet   $28.00 

Find all of these fabulous finds at Piperlime.com! 

Put the Clutch In

A vibrant clutch adds the perfect amount of flair to any summer outfit.  Realistically, size does matter.  The BIGGER the better.  Don't be afraid to make a serious statement when selecting this must-have summer accessory.  Dare to be bold and invest in an over-sized, envelope-style; neon, floral or sparkly metallic clutch.  Tis the season to strut your stuff; why not carry an attention-grabbing clutch while you're at it?

Neck Candy

Shopbop

Particularity Blog

Stella & Dot

The statement necklace is an investment and a power-piece in any woman's wardrobe.  The statement necklace provides the finishing touch and the perfect element of pizazz to make an outfit pop!  Therefore, I honestly believe you should own at least three key statement necklaces and wear them religiously (I am not kidding, wear them everyday).  

Statement necklaces do not have to be overly gaudy or bulky; they just need to serve their primary purpose: to make you feel unique and confident.  A common misconception is that the statement necklace should only be worn for special or "dressy" occasions.  In fact, the opposite is true.  You can take an incredibly causal look and enhance it with an outstanding piece of neck candy.  Yeah, I said it . . . neck candy.  

Available in so many mouthwatering colors and styles; it's an accessory you shouldn't be without.  Try paring a statement necklace with a basic cotton tee or chambray button-up.  Go ahead, treat yourself to a beautiful statement piece.  You won't regret it!

A Nude Palette

Perfect nude eye shadow palette

Bobbi Brown 'Ultra Nude' Eye Palette, $45

Nordstrom

Here is yet another neutral eye shadow palette that has hit the ground running.  Featured in Bobbi Brown's new collection, Neons & Nudes, this comprehensive compact looks as if it can deliver everything you'd ever want in a nude eye shadow palette. . . and more!  This 'Ultra Nude' palette comes equipped with a dual-end eyeliner/angled eye shadow brush and mirror for convenient application.  With six fresh colors to blend and play with, you simply can't go wrong!  

On another note, it is LIME TAG sale at Piperlime for another 3 days.  Get up to 40% name-brand, designer clothing, shoes and accessories with an additional 20% off using the code: LIME at checkout.  

And for those looking for a fresh new start in the undergarment department, look no further than the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual sale that started in-stores Monday.  You can also buy online and all orders over $50 ship free.

As for me, Santa royally hooked me up this year and so shopping isn't quite on my immediate agenda but a slamming deal is a deal.  Right?

Bracelets & Bangles

DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet

DIY utilitarian-style bracelets!

The wrap and utilitarian, chunky-style bracelet is totally in right now.  I especially love the look of using metallic bolts (i.e. this DIY project!).  What a creative and inexpensive way to wear one of this season’s hottest jewelry trends!  

The same genius blogger who posted the pictured DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet has also posted instructions on how to create another DIY gem, the DIY Embellished WrapBracelet.  I think the wrap bracelet would be especially fun because you could find some real rustic-looking leather rope and pair it with some statement beads (glass, metallic… your options are essentially endless). 

Besides the feeling of accomplishment after completing a DIY project, these featured DIY bracelets would make fantastic holiday treasures or birthday gifts.  Seems like the perfect opportunity to spoil a loved one and be creative without breaking the bank. 

Best of all, these DIY bracelets look almost identical to what are being sold in specialty boutiques and high-end department stores; at fraction of the cost!