As I walked down the romantic cobblestone streets of Florence, Italy six years ago, I wandered into a small boutique and laid eyes on this white tank. Tissue soft, delicate and finished with a ruched flower, impulsively, I purchased the 60 euro shirt. I have to say, after all these years, the shirt has held up and it is still one of my favorite pieces.

Purchased for no more than $20 at the J.Crew outlet, I adore the yellow and white pattern and the short crop of the pant’s hemline.

While on a business trip four years ago in Florida, I discovered Dillard’s. A well-kept southern secret, Dillard’s has stylish, well-known and obscure brands at affordable prices. The shoes, exclusive to Dillard’s were a mere $40 and have stood the test of time.

Thanks to Casey Carter of Casey Culture for taking these pictures and for lending me the cruiser.  The splashes of yellow, green and teal make me feel happy and content in my life on Lafayette.

Every once in awhile my dear, dear friend and colleague, Jessica Bacharach Goldberg of Fitness and Frosting, likes to surprise my coworkers and me with some Baked by Melissa morsels. These bite size cupcakes are delectable pieces of heaven. Available in endless amounts of creations, my palate is satisfied as I experience flavors including Mint Chocolate Chip, Smores, Chocolate Chip Pancake, and Cookie Dough. Because these are the size of a quarter, no joke, I get to taste an array of flavors without feeling a ton of guilt. Thanks for the extra special love, Jessie! XoXo

Photo credit: BakedbyMelissa.com

Favorite Flavors on a John Derian by Target plate

As a former Wilhelmina model and constant Swarovski crystal lover, I think it’s only fair that I share the below Fashion’s Night Out invite with you.

Get the chance to meet the uber-talented, Grammy nominated artist, Estelle and chic celebrity stylist, Laura Lightbody at Swarovski’s Madison Avenue & 58th St. boutique.

You’ll have a chance to sip champagne and enjoy decadent Vosges Haut-chocolat. Plus, you could win some FAB prizes. Not too shabby!

Susan, former agent, will you be there?

I tend to rarely purge my closet. Reasoning being, I am notorious for pairing oldies with new gems. I purchased these white bermuda shorts a few years ago for under $50 at Nordstrom, scored the top and Coach heels at Macy’s for $40 and $100, respectively. Both fantastic, smart purchases, the shoes can be worn from spring through the end of summer and when paired with gray pants and a casual blazer, the shirt will take me into the winter.

Photo Credit: Casey Carter of CaseyCulture.Tumblr.com

There’s nothing more exciting than uncovering a treasure trove at an estate sale. At a reasonable price, antiques, heirlooms, and keepsakes can be found to freshen your lifestyle. Recently, I came across the below, beautiful glassware. Trimmed in 14K gold, these brightly colored bowls and drinking glasses make a colorful, classy addition to my cupboard.

What kind of treasures have you found at sales?

We’re mixing things up a bit. After a brief hiatus, we’re coming back in May, bringing with us some changes to our beloved site. Don’t worry – we won’t be gone too long.

Live well, spend wisely.

Happy Earth Day! Interestingly, forty years ago, 20 million Americans joined together for the first time to demonstrate for a healthy sustainable environment. And now, with a broad spectrum of  companies and eco-friendly news outlets targeting every type of consumer, there is absolutely no reason for you to not make a conscious effort to reduce your eco-footprint. If you’ve been following us on Twitter (@chic_thrills), you will see that we’ve shared a number of every day green tips. Now, I’d like to share a few of my favorite pretty green products.

The Body Shop Spa Wisdom™ Morocco Black Olive & Argan Oil Scrub, $28

I’ve been using this smooth, luxurious exfoliant scrub for about 3 weeks now. Every time I open the jar, a burst of luscious, deep, intoxicating scents reminiscent of days spent on the Bosphorus and at the Dead Sea take over my senses. I find it leaves my skin smooth, silky, and refreshed after each use. Plain and simple – I’m obsessed! And then when I found out that The Body Shop partnered with Earth Aid, I was even more infatuated.

For those of you who don’t know, find out. This D.C.-based energy start-up is the first and only service that enables households to track all utility usage and savings in one place and online. Yes chicskates, the service is not only free but for using it, you accumulate Earth Aid Rewards points that can be utilized at The Body Shop! For every 75 Earth Aid Rewards points earned, The Body Shop offers $10 off any purchase of $50 or more! Sign up here.

L'Oréal Professionel The Serie Nature Collection Abondance de Cacao

When I first saw the L’Oréal Professionel Abondance de Cacao shampoo I was a little hesitant to use it. I mean, who wants a brown shampoo that smells like chocolate in their shower? Well, I pushed my apprehensions aside and used it and fell in love – again. Silicone free and 100% natural color, this revitalizing shampoo releases a bouquet of cacao, not chocolate, and fresh mint straight off the sprig during each use. I mean, the second you squeeze the shampoo into your hand, there is this waft of deliciousness that fills the air. It leaves my baby fine hair manageable, full of body and light.

Demeter Dirt, $10

Believe it or not, I’m an “outdoorsey” person. I frequent parks, botanical gardens, and flower shows often. To me, there is nothing that smells more natural and fresh than the great out doors and this Demeter Naturals Dirt embodies this. Made with 100% all natural essential oils, Demeter Dirt  consists of 95% natural ingredients and are earth friendly. Available at a price that any chicskate can afford, Dirt and other Demeter scents are a no-brainer.

After seeing this compelling video of the Avon Walk for Cancer kick-off at the Houston Walk, I became inspired to become involved. Not only is it coupled withone of my favorite, inspiring songs, but the images encourage and pull at my heart strings. The Avon Houston Walk raised $2 million to advance access to care and find a cure for breast cancer. More than 1,000 participants from 33 states and Washington, D.C., including 97 breast cancer survivors, participated. During the Closing Ceremony, a five-year breast cancer survivor was one of the several speakers who provided an immediate reminder of the impact of breast cancer and the importance of taking action.

As a reminder, tomorrow (4/14) is the last day to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer at a discounted rate. Show you’re In It To End It by signing up for $45 at avonwalk.org, using promo code walk3. Avon Walks of 2010: Washington, DC (May 1-2); Boston, MA (May 15-16); Chicago, IL (June 5-6); Rocky Mountains, CO (June 26-27); San Francisco, CA (July 10-11); Santa Barbara, CA* (September 11-12); New York, NY (October 16-17); and Charlotte, NC (October 23-24).

If you’re a serious reality TV watcher like my boyfriend and I, then you can definitely appreciate the fact that Bluefly exposed the closets of Christian Siriano, Kelly Cutrone and Harley Viera-Newton. As of today, Bluefly gives us access to the inside of these hot fashion and celebrity icons.

Featuring exclusive documentary-style short films directed by award-winning MTV alum, Lena Beug and produced by Moxie Pictures, these videos sheds light on their fashion and closet. Go ahead, get inside these celebrity’s closets and check out the fabulous shoes that temporarily hospitalized power publicist Kelly Cutrone, learn about fashion designer and Project Runway alum Christian Siriano’s “Tommy Hilfiger moment,” discover the feline style icon that inspires Manhattan DJ and Dior Beauty Ambassador Harley Viera-Newton, and get a look at Nicky Hilton’s massive shoe collection.

The interactive portal for fashion interaction, BlueflyClosetConfessions.com, allows fans to watch each video, post comments, featuers a live Twitter feed and so much more! Join the conversation by using #bfclosets.

Win? Closet Confessions is also hosting a monthly contest where fans are invited to upload the “Fly-est thing” in their closet” for a chance to win a  $500 gift certificate to Blyefly. Free fashion -Any chicksate can appreciate that!

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.