Archive for March, 2010

Daily Diamond: J.Crew Hats

March 31st, 2010 by Catherine

With my upcoming trip to Aruba rapidly approaching (hurrah!), I’ve been on a mission to find a stylish topper to shield my face from the sun. My parents just returned from the island, and reported the sun to be the strongest they’ve ever experienced. Given that Aruba’s located quite close to the equator, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but I wasn’t prepared for their reports of purple-looking tourists who spent way too much time tanning, and too little time sunscreening.

{Summer Straw Hat, $34.00}

{Summer Straw Hat, $34.00}

Both of these options from J.Crew are so incredibly chic, I might have a hard time deciding which one I like best. Do I go for the glamourous floppy hat with the wide brim? Or opt for a fedora-inspired straw trilby? I’ve got about a month to make my decision, but have a feeling I might be bringing them both home…

{Straw Trilby Hat, $40.00}

{Straw Trilby Hat, $40.00}

Dancing shoes.

March 30th, 2010 by Catherine

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Is it me, or does anyone else get a crazy urge to go dancing in these shoes? Maybe it’s because the new season of Dancing with the Stars just began, but there’s just something so sweetly retro about these heels that make me want to snap them up then hit the dance floor (in significantly less glitter than the show’s contestants).

{Wild Card Heels, Seychelles, $90.00}

Daily Diamond: Ad Hoc Chocolate Frosting

March 30th, 2010 by Catherine

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It’s far from a stretch to say that I’ve got something of a sweet tooth, and although I tend to forget about it when I’ve got my mind focused on other things, it becomes tough when searching for an anniversary present for my foodie boyfriend. While trolling my local Williams-Sonoma, I fully intended to focus on grilling accessories, but somehow wound up in the baking section and directly in front of this yummy-looking frosting. I don’t believe that a $20 topping is any better than a $3 tub from your grocery store, but anything with “award-winning” written on its label will have me clambering for seconds.

I’m just hoping my beloved won’t judge if he finds me eating it out the jar with a spoon.

{Ad Hoc Chocolate Frosting, Williams-Sonoma, $19.95}

Cozy couch.

March 30th, 2010 by Catherine

0004180855913_215X215For our new apartment, my boyfriend and I have bought a neutral sofa for our living room, and plan to brighten it up with cushions and throws to avoid the hassle of painting (and then repainting when our lease is up). I’ve scoured every home design shop I can think of, and have gradually stocked up our couch with awesome, affordable finds. These pillows just arrived today, and I’m over the moon with how great they look. After searching about for an online promotional code, I ended up paying just $18.00 for two. Not too shabby, huh?

{Embroidered Lattice Pillow, Walmart, $13.00}

Dying in a Rachel Zoe-kind of way.

March 29th, 2010 by Catherine

Picture 1As a devoted follower of the gospel according to Rachel Zoe, I tend to gravitate towards anything she recommends. I truly admire her fearless approach to fashion, which, to a certain degree, translates quite well in real life. Her line for QVC is a perfect example of that translation. Everything is super wearable, but priced accessibly for those of us without the budget of Rachel Zoe. My top pick from her new line is this gorgeous Slouchy Square Hobo in a zesty Burnt Orange. What a great find for spring! It’s roomy enough to tote around all my stuff, without looking as though it needs wheels to lug everything.

{Slouchy Square Hobo, Rachel Zoe for QVC, $74.82}

Daily Diamond: Ant’s Art Apron

March 29th, 2010 by Catherine


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Despite my own musings, my boyfriend refuses to believe I’m any sort of domestic goddess. I’ve got a feeling that if I arm myself with an apron like this one, looking the part might help my cause.

{Art’s Ant Apron, Anthropologie, $32.00}

Sweet dreams.

March 29th, 2010 by Catherine

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Since first smelling Love’s Baby Soft in the sixth grade, I haven’t encountered a more darling, delicate fragrance. Don’t get me wrong – I’m hooked on my signature scents that tend to be a mish-mash of spicy florals, but I remain a sucker for childhood-invoking perfumes. Johnsons’ Baby Bedtime Wash smells so lovely, I wish I could spritz it around my house instead of just using it in the shower. It doesn’t smell too babyish, just lightly sweet and ever so delicious.

{Johnson’s Bedtime Bath, $8.29}

Polished and prepped.

March 27th, 2010 by Catherine

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With an important business meeting coming up in a few days, I needed to nab something meeting-appropriate that wouldn’t just look professional, but also tailored and stylish enough to work for less buttoned-up days, too. I found this incredible number from Bloomingdale’s, and I can’t remember the last time I got this excited about a meeting. I’m particularly fond of the figure-flattering belt, but also its goes-with-anything khaki fabric and classic cut. This dress won’t just get me through next week; I expect this will become my next new go-to outfit when I need to quickly get dressed.

{Cotton Belted Sheath Dress, Calvin Klein, $129.00}

Do good.

March 26th, 2010 by Ruth

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I’ve made it my mission to be a better person. Now, you ask – What does that mean? It means that I’m trying to take better care of myself and make small changes that can make a big difference.

Here’s my list:

1. If I can’t make it to the gym or get a run in daily, it doesn’t matter because I take a walk to and around the park with my dog every day after work. Not only do I get my exercise in, but my dog also gets a way to release pent up energy.

2. If you don’t know already, I am constantly having a love affair with Manhattan and Brooklyn. So when my girlfriend asked me to do the 5 Borough Bike Tour on May 2. What better way to challenge myself and experience the sites than biking the boroughs with a fabulous friend! While regular and VIP entry spots are at capacity, you can still sign up and register with a charity group.

3. Catherine and I are supporters of the fight to eradicate Breast Cancer. That said, I think one of the perfect opportunities to show my true colors is by participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This two day, 39 mile helps raise money to win the fight against breast cancer. Since the walk’s inception in 2003, the Avon Foundation for Women has raised over $320 million for breast cancer research, treatment and prevention.

For a limited time only, Chicskates can sign up for a reduced rate of $45 (reduced from $65) now through Wednesday, April 14th. Visit inittoendit.org and promo code walk3 to receive the discount.


Daily Diamond: Noble Youth Ibiza Skirt

March 26th, 2010 by Catherine

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Given my love for the sport, I’m often found in running gear at the weekends, either wrapping up a workout or psyching myself up for one. I’ve always been hyper aware of my taste in sweet, girly clothing, but prefer to keep my sneakers close at hand to inspire me to get out and run on even the most sluggish of days. But then a skirt like this one comes along and changes all I knew about existing weekend plans. Now, I’ve got brunches and leisurely strolls on the brain, without much thought given to the miles I should be running. I can just picture myself pairing this with a lightweight, black T-shirt and these heels for a simple ensemble with a perfectly-tuned balance of sweet and sassy.

{Ibiza Skirt, Noble Youth, $147.00}