Archive for the ‘Daily Diamond’ Category

We work hard and are in need of an occasional treat from time to time. The Daily Diamond is a splurge-worthy item related to fashion, beauty, lifestyle, home goods or dining out.

Daily Diamond: Kenneth Jay Lane Multi Stone Earrings

April 2nd, 2010 by Catherine

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I’ve got a major crush on these danglers from Kenneth Jay Lane. With an anniversary coming up, perhaps these would be a great way to celebrate four years together…?

{Multi Stone Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, $242.00}

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}

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}

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}

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}

Daily Diamond: MICHAEL Michael Kors Watch

March 25th, 2010 by Catherine

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It’s always a sad day when a beloved item has its last moment of wear. I’ve long been without a dressy watch for this very reason, and with my new job’s start date looming ahead, it’s time (no pun intended) for a new one. After reading countless reviews, I’ve narrowed down all my choices to this one from Michael Kors. I love its oversized face and simple design that’ll work with absolutely anything I choose to wear. I feel like my first day of school is quickly approaching with all the outfit planning I’ve done for my first day. This watch will definitely be part of whatever ensemble I choose.

{Women’s Chronograph Goldtone Bracelet, MICHAEL Michael Kors, $250.00}

Daily Diamond: Fresh Sugar Pin-Up Lip Gloss

March 24th, 2010 by Catherine

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I’ve become quite the picky consumer when it comes to choosing a new lip gloss. It must provide adequate shine, without looking like I’ve coated my lips in glass. It shouldn’t be too tacky, so in the event I’m caught in a windstorm, my hair won’t end up shellacked to my face. And as a bonus, it should taste good, although it’s not a high-priority requirement. I tried Fresh’s Sugar Pin-Up Lip Gloss over the weekend after honing in on the gorgeous crimson hue. I rarely wear bold lips, but have gradually begun to incorporate them into everyday life. This gloss is the perfect starter for the timid, because it gives just enough color to look polished, without the worry of looking too bold. And yes, it just so happens to taste like a lemon dipped in sugar. Yum!

Daily Diamond: WaterLeaf Interiors

March 23rd, 2010 by Catherine

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My train of thought seems to loop these days on one theme only: home design. Stumbling upon interior designers’ websites doesn’t help much either. These homes, created by the team from California’s WaterLeaf Interiors, are nothing short of elegant and stunning, and unfortunately, completely out of my own interior design budget. At least I can seek inspiration for my own home!

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{Images all courtesy of WaterLeaf Interiors}

Daily Diamond: Dolce Vita Pela Crisscross Wedge Sandal

March 22nd, 2010 by Catherine

0469643422165R_300x400Okay, fine – I’ll admit I may have more of a shoe fetish than I recognized. I discovered these beauties while looking for basic everyday sandals, and had to seriously give myself a pep talk before scooping them up straight away. But seriously – how fun are these shoes from Dolce Vita? The bright pink just screams springtime, but will look shockingly awesome come wintertime, when paired with a black dress and opaque tights.

{Pela Crisscross Wedge Sandal, Dolce Vita, $170.00}

Daily Diamond: House of Harlow Shoes

March 19th, 2010 by Catherine

I like shoes just as much as the next girl, but typically, I tend to spend the bulk of my clothing budget on clothes, rather than accessories. But all that changed with the launch of Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 shoe collection. I quickly fell in love with the vintage charm and accessibility of her super-stylish wares. And while I had a really hard time playing favorites, I’ve got my eye on these three picks below, all of which are major contenders in my quest for a new addition to my own shoe family.

{Woven Moccasins, Saks Fifth Avenue, $178.00}

{Woven Moccasins, Saks Fifth Avenue, $178.00}

I’ve got a serious crush on the bright orange of these moccasins, which amp up the cool factor with daring texture and contrasting brights. I want nothing more than to wear these with jeans and a white tee, and allow the shoes to stand out.

{Pearl Peeptoe Platform, Bloomingdale's, $225.00}

{Pearl Peeptoe Platform, Bloomingdale's, $225.00}

It doesn’t get more polished or chic than this stunning platform with fish scale texture. I can imagine these shoes with almost everything in my closet, from fancy dresses and more casual skirts, to jeans and even shorts.

{Saloni Flat Sandals, ShopBop, $168.00}

{Saloni Flat Sandals, ShopBop, $168.00}

The beaded detail livens up what could otherwise be just another simple sandal. I particularly love the ankle strap, which will really draw attention to the shoe.