March 10th, 2010 by Catherine
After four years of dating, my boyfriend and I are taking the plunge…and moving in together. With a new job on the horizon, the timing is right, and while I’m excited about this big step, I’m even more delighted by the idea of redecorating. While we’ve yet to settle on an apartment that works for both of us (and our commutes), that hasn’t stopped me from “playing house” and imagining what our rooms will look like. My current obsession, as mentioned before, are rumpled-let-structured duvets, like this one from West Elm. It’s neutral enough to suit my man’s taste, but darling enough to appease my girly side.
{Organic Cotton Pin-Tuck Duvet, West Elm, $15.00-$119.00}
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March 10th, 2010 by Ruth
I seriously have not bought one single, solitary piece of clothing or shoes all winter. I’ve been relying on past wardrobes and do my best to make my style relevant. Well, after all this saving and refraining from materialistic acquirements, I think I deserve a little somethin’ for keeping my belt tight. I’ve made my choice, and will bring one of these lucky pairs to join my closet one day soon!
Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Rose Thong Sandal in Ivory, Barneys.com, $650
These have such tough-guy-meets-girly-appeal. I’m seriously in love with them and am dying to wear them with a cute pair of short baggy denim shorts, and a light flowy tank.
Chloe Ankle Cuff Sandal, Barneys.com, $595
I want these guys to be the everyday sandle. You know, the flip flops that you begin to wear with everything, even your nicest summer dress. These will definitely be summer’s new everyday flat!
Miu Miu Studded T-Strap, Barneys.com, $575
There’s just something I love about these flats from Miu Miu. Perhaps it’s the embellished-but-not-overdone stones on the toe, or maybe the studded details that have got me lusting after them. I can’t pick a favorite element!
Tags: Barney's, Chloe Ankle Cuff Sandal, Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Rose Thong Sandal, Miu Miu Studded T-strap
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March 10th, 2010 by Catherine
{Floral Print Halter Bikini, Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, $17.99}
{Floral Print Bikini Bottom, Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, $17.99}
Since my weekend trek to Target, I haven’t been able to quit thinking about my absolute favorite purchase of the year from Jean Paul Gaultier. Like designers before him, this collaboration with the store hasn’t disappointed, with easy-to-wear, high-style pieces, affordably ranging in price from $19.99 for tops, and $199.99 for leather jackets. My find, a floral print bikini (pictured above), lives up to the Gaultier standard, with bold color and details (including a scary/but-not-really spider on the back of the bikini bottom). With a vacation to Aruba planned at the end of May, I’ve got my sights set on its island debut!
Tags: Jean Paul Gaultier, Target
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March 9th, 2010 by Catherine
There’s only one thing I love more than the beach itself – a giant, plush beach blanket to loll around on all day. Having never been a fan of narrow towels, I rejoiced last year when I came across Target’s own brand of oversized, 6′x6′ blankets, marked down to $4 at the time. I bought the last two in August 2009, and have been on the hunt for them again ever since. This year they’re back (hurrah!), and despite being full price, I stocked up on two to keep me and my beach bum friends comfy for as long as they last (which by Target’s high standards, seems to be forever).
Update: I hunted and hunted for a link on Target’s website, but it isn’t up yet. Check your local store for now, and keep coming back here for when the website is stocked, too.
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March 9th, 2010 by Ruth
Manolo Blahnik Faleri, Barneys.com, $825
I’ve never been one to indulge in the Manolo Blahnik craze. Perhaps it’s because I could never afford them, nor did I ever feel like I couldn’t live without a pair of his shoes. However, I’m feeling a change of heart. There is something these shoes have that makes my heart skip a beat. I’m dying to wear them with boyfriend jeans, a see through white tee, and a long casual cardigan. I can imagine the feeling I’ll get when putting these on: love, strength, power and energy. Oh beauteous shoes, you will be mine.
Tags: Barney's, Faleri, Manolo Blahnik
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March 9th, 2010 by Catherine
After a particularly rough week, I’m delighted that things are beginning to turn around. The weather, too, seems to be taking a turn for the springiest, making me a happier camper. All around me, flowers are beginning to break though the ground, people are generally much more pleasant, the sun is shining, and it’s even providing some much-needed warmth to my winterized skin. My refreshed happiness has me thinking of all the simple things in life that bring a smile to my face, some of which I’ve spelled out for you below.
- Reading a book so good, you become part of the plot and forget about your own world.
- Rainy days, but only when you don’t have to be anywhere but home, watching movies and relaxing.
- This product line’s fragrance.
- Laughing so hard my cheeks and sides ache.
- The arrival of Easter candy.
- Proper road trips.
- The kindness of strangers.
- A grande Americano from Starbucks. I consume them daily, so even when times are really tough, I’m guaranteed a little sunshine each morning.
- Playing Scrabble with my main competition and boyfriend.
- The anticipation of a vacation.
I’m curious about your own simple pleasures. Chime in!
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March 8th, 2010 by Catherine
Ever since first learning about the Rabbit Run Inn, I’ve been obsessing over a trip there. Nestled 90 minutes outside Chicago, within Michigan’s Harbor Country, the inn is incredibly modern and plush, with a finely-tuned balance between nature and luxury. With only four rooms available year-round, charm is definitely not something the establishment lacks. I’ve got my sights set on a long weekend away this summer, splitting time between Chicago and this darling little spot.
Room rates vary between the seasons, maxing at $235.00 per night during the summertime. For more information on booking your stay, click here.
Tags: Harbor Country, Rabbit Run Inn
Posted in Chic Escapes | No Comments »
March 8th, 2010 by Catherine
Confession: I’m one of those consumers who definitely judges a book by its cover. A product’s packaging has to have something worthwhile to draw me in (whether it’s fancy or simple doesn’t really matter) to learn more. But that’s usually where the allure stops. Having worked in some capacity within the beauty industry for 7 years now, I’ve become immune to the hypnotic effect so many products have, and in the process have saved myself (and my wallet) from frivolous spending.
{Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, Hourglass, $26.00}
Such was not the case when I spied Hourglass’ new Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss. The sleek, thin tube is super futuristic-looking, and the gloss shades are to die for. There are six in total, all of which promise to glide on sheer, without the goopy tack that accompany so many other formulas I’ve tried. I haven’t stopped craving the strawberry-hued Pulse, and am stopping by Sephora tonight after work! Spring has sprung on the east coast, which means it’s time for a poppy new lip color.
Am I the only one who craves a beauty overhaul when the weather gets nicer?
Posted in Chic Appeal, Daily Diamond | No Comments »
March 8th, 2010 by Catherine
I’ve got a thing for lace, and I can’t wait for warmer weather so I can frolic about in one of these minis. There’s something so sweet and sophisticated about a simple silhouette of intricate late, but what I love even more than the girly factor is how well it pairs with tougher elements. Leather jackets, biker-inspired boots, denim, and even men’s Hanes t-shirts are the perfect contrast to this spring staple.
{Crochet Pencil Skirt, Kimchi Blue, $68.00}
{Tiered Lace Mini Skirt, Haute Hippe, $395.00}
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March 7th, 2010 by Catherine
{Plissé Double Layer Silk Maxi Dress, Halston Heritage, $895.00}
I didn’t know these feelings lurked within me until I spied this dress on Net-A-Porter. Now all I want to do is go ballroom dancing and drink Sidecars. Perhaps it’s the Oscars that have sparked my craving for a night of playing ‘dress up’; maybe it’s the zesty orange hue of this dress that’s got me all excited. The reasons, however, don’t exactly matter when the price is far, far from my budget limitations. A girl can dream, though, right?
Posted in Chic Frills, Daily Diamond | No Comments »
