It’s been nearly 12 years since I last received any form of a monthly allowance from my parents, but I’ve never lost the lessons that came from having to budget my tiny little cash flow. Perhaps that’s why I’m so fond of this darling pouch from designer Rebecca Minkoff. In a way, my own grown-up budget is something of an allowance each month, so why not celebrate it with a sophisticated accessory?

{Allowance Pouch, Rebecca Minkoff, $50.00}

We’re long past our Greek life days, but she’s applying her talents elsewhere by opening a shop on Etsy. With darling accessories available for under $12.00, she’s constantly replenishing the store with cuter-by-the-day pieces. I’ve put to rest my own crafting days, but can’t contain my college-level excitement about these pieces here.

{Black Zipper Flower Headband, $12.00}

{Felt Flower Totebag, $12.00}

{Double Felt Flower Headband, $6.50}

*For any girl who’s been a part of Greek life, you’ll understand what it’s like to sustain glue gun burns and spend way too many late nights painting photo frames.

{Short Sleeve Romper, DKNY, $245.00}

I’m loving the soft draping of the neckline, and the fabric color. Navy is such a standout hue for every skin tone.

{Cargo Romper, Rachel Rachel Roy, $74.50}

This one, from Rachel Roy’s line for Macy’s, would be ideal for dressing up or down, since it’s minimally embellished and in a fabric that can work well for day or night.

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}

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!

{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!

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.

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.

1. Reading a book so good, you become part of the plot and forget about your own world.
2. Rainy days, but only when you don’t have to be anywhere but home, watching movies and relaxing.
3. This product line’s fragrance.
4. Laughing so hard my cheeks and sides ache.
5. The arrival of Easter candy.
6. Proper road trips.
7. The kindness of strangers.
8. A grande Americano from Starbucks. I consume them daily, so even when times are really tough, I’m guaranteed a little sunshine each morning.
9. Playing Scrabble with my main competition and boyfriend.
10. The anticipation of a vacation.

I’m curious about your own simple pleasures. Chime in!

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.

]]> http://www.chic-thrills.com/2010/03/08/run-rabbit-run/feed/ 0