Glee Me!

I found and plucked this sweet vintage enamel Pin off Etsy last weekend and can't wait for it to arrive.

IMO it's perfect combo of classy-yet-quirky. And of course, Emma P. wore a similar Red Poinsettia Brooch on a recent episode (image courtesy of lovely blogger WWEPW).


I actually saw a red poinsettia brooch at a vintage store around the corner from my house, but was pleased when I stumbled across the white version since it'll fit into my wardrobe with a little more ease.


I can't wait to wear it over the upcoming holidays!

OMG. I die.

I saw the On the Job dress on Modcloth and had to have it. It so Mad Men and the color is so up my alley.


Swoon.


And I can't wait to wear it with my new Kate Spade Bow studs.
I'm on a bow-bender, that's for sure.

Love at First Site

I saw the adorable Fuchsia Rhododendron Flower Heels made by Miss L Fire (an Anthro brand I adore for her quirky but classy vintage designs!) on Modcloth, and just had to have them. Nevermind I'll be wearing nothing other than snowboots outside of the office in the near future (dear Chicago, your weather kills me!), but nevertheless, the image of me wearing these with black skinnies and a ruffly black top to NYE was enough to make me click purchase. The heel is short and thus super comfy, and the shoe fits TTS in my opinion. I'm quite pleased with these, and would love to get my greedy little hands on the black version, but appears I can only buy them from a boutique in the UK (uhm, yeeps on the shipping!!). So Modcloth, please release the black version? Stat. Grazie.

Anthro Doppleganger: Gary Pepper

Saw this and had to share.

Modcloth cracks me up with their item names. Meet the Gary Pepper Dress.


The Gary Peper is a dead ringer for the beautiful but sold out Anthropologie Discovered Lace Dress. The only differences I see are maybe a slightly more rosey-ish gray and the overall length. Both versions are delightfully neutral, however the Anthro version was 36" whereas the MC version is 2-4 inches shorter. For me, that's potentially a deal-breaker, but I'm very anti-higher hem-lines! If you missed out on the Anthro beauty, might be worth a look for the price, given it's under 50 bucks. Perhaps pair it with a cute slip to add an inch or two to the hemline?

The Original, which sold for $158.

I cheated, and I'm not ashamed!

I loved loved loved the absolutely adorable Dusky Begonia T-Strap pumps as soon as I spyed them on the Anthro site several months ago. I'd be panting over finding the perfect blue pump to add to my collection, and while I adored these t-straps, felt they were a little too funky given the color AND the rosette (I mean funky and awesome, but not sleek-yet-versatile blue pump I've been dreaming about).

So the T-straps have sat in my cart for months.

Then yesterday, I decided to take a peek at Modcloth.com after reading a post from one of my fave fashion bloggers and seeing an adorable coat she'd mentioned from them. Well, the Haworth coat, erm which is really a cape (I know, I have a problem!), is fabulous, just wish there were a few more reviews to better understand the weight of the coat... erm, cape. That being said, let's face it, the price is great, love the gray neurtal color-way and it looks so darned snuggly... so I need to at least order it and try it. But before I did, I took a quick peruse of the show section... never really looked at the mMdcloth shoes before as I assumed they were dupes, too, not the real brand name shoes that you find (and buy) at other stores. And alas, look at what I came across! Meet the Dusky Begonia's in Light Gorgeous Gold, AKA the Chicka Chicka Noir Bloom Heel. The same Miss L Fire shoe, in a Gold colorway with a delicious red and black florette.


Ah! There were only 3 left in my size, shipping was free, AND they were even less than the original blue version offered by Anthro. So I bit. Or I bought. Or both. Now, I just hope MC ships these puppies out fast and that I'm able to rock them with my black skinnies and a new black lace top I picked up with intentions to wear to our team holiday party.

Eeek. Love when the stars-align like this!

PS - the Blue version are also on the site for about $30 less than Anthro.... in case you're interested.

Eye Candy: Boots Galore!

Gilt Groupe is having an exciting Faryl Robin shoe sale today. I have been holding these booties in my cart all morning, not sure it's the right time to buy yet another pair of shoes, what with Xmas coming up, but they are so adorable. And minty!



I recently picked up some cute military-chic boots off ebay to wear with skirts/skinny jeans... I heart ebay and how I can find fab deals on Anthro/JC items I may have missed out on.




What do you think? Would they be too much with my new Anthro D'Armee Dress? I'd soften the outfit up with some sparkly jewelry.

Do you use ebay to subsidize your closets?

You are the light in a dark room and I'm the moth who can't resist it

Some new Anthropologie roll-outs came online last night, and I fell immediately in love with a skirt I had to buy right then and there. The Soft Sakura Skirt is definitely priced higher than I'd like, but I have a feeling this skirt will go the way of the Fulmar sweater skirt of last year, and wouldn't make it to my greedy greedy little hands, much less sale if I held off and waited. Who knows, I could be wrong, but I love the print and sweater skirts are amazingly comfortable and easy to pull off.

And that coral pink lining? Drool.



So I bit the bullet and ordered it. Full-price, no reviews. Eek, and i can't wait for it to arrive!

I *might* have also threw in the D'armee Dress and this gorgeous green glass bead necklace I think will look smashing with it! Hey, I had my reasons: it got me free shipping, I was sold when I saw the awesome OOTDx5 stylings post from the fabulous blogger Wardrobe Review, AND the splurge quenched my need for something military-esque.

I'm a Caped Crusader

UPDATE: Cape update - it arrived and I *love* it. I'm typically I size 10 in tops, went with the M/L and it's plenty roomy so if you're smaller, consider sizing down to the S/M. I love the detailing on the shoulders, and the material seems study and soft :) Thumbs up from me!

I'm on a crusade to end crappy meetings. Crappy meetings which wouldn't have happened if you'd been given all the info available prior to said meeting taking place.

LOFT (or ATL as I still fondly call it) is a fab place when a girl is in need of some plain and simple retail therapy. The clothes are cute, decently made, on-trend, but wont break the bank. so when you have a tough day and need a little pick-me-up but your nails are already done and you've already maxxed yourself on vanilla lattes, stroll on over (or log on) to Loft.

I picked up this lovely cape to add to my ever-expanding coat collection (hey, I live in Chicago, it's only fair I get to splurge on cute coats!). At 20% off and free shipping, I think the cost/wear totally excuses this mid-day shopping indiscretion.

I heart you...

Now this gives a whole new meaning to green thumb.

Make going green a little more chic with the Growing Ring designed by Haffsteinn Juliusson. Each ring is part jewelry, part plant, and a touch of couture. Here's the catch for folks like me: Like any plant, the ring will need to be watered and nurtured to be at its best.


I love this idea - so creative! Unfortunately, I still recall my failed herb-garden, and wont be indulging in and plant-baubles. Don't you smile at that Hubs.

I heart you...

This is so "me" and its not because my name is Emily. But rather because I love me some slumber, and I'm a total weenie about waking up.

The "Emily" is an alarm clock, built to be wall mounted. The clock's old school red LED display reads sideways, so that you can easily read the time with your head still resting on the pillow while trying to catch those last few blinks.

Genius!

When the stars align....

20% off, free overnight shipping, 7.5% cashback through ebates AND one left of this insanely needless bag that I want so much. Holy smokes, did this just make my whole week. Month really.



PS: the code isn't working when you try and apply it online, but if you call Endless they will apply the refund within the day.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe??

Whats a girl to do??

I must have some blue shoes. Must. And not suede (so not Chicago-weather friendly!). I want blue patent shoes with a small but adorable heel. A bright blue heel has been on my 'wishlist' for eons, and these have been on my mind for months, but if I haven't pulled the trigger yet, doesn't that means something? Its not like I haven't placed about a half-dozen Anthro orders in the past couple of months.



And if only these sensible heels would have a baby with this amazing electric blue 4 inch heel... then I'd be getting that match made-in-my-heaven.





On the other hand, isn't it possible I need to wait for the peeerfect blue pump, and instead fill my black-bootie void?

I totally heart these boots but wish I could see them in real life before splurging. Do they look a little orthopedic? Oh Chie Mihara, why do you have to be so pricey?




Thoughts?

Whaaaaa?!?!?!

Seriously? I love you Anthropologie, but it's clear you're buyers are guilty of occasionally smoking hash, or something stronger. These just-released booties are incredibly hideous and freaking 700 bucks. On the pro-side, they are an online exclusive so you'd have to pay for shipping!!!

Good grief.

Help wanted!!

Happy Thursday all. This has been one of the longest short-weeks I've had in a while. Busy bee at work, and been staying on track with my very new workout goals (nothing I should brag about, but does require a 5am alarm)...

It was also a great week because my new Anthro items arrived. As suspected I puffy heart love the Dwarf Quince cardi, and even got several compliments the day I wore it (which, was the day after I received it, so should say something about how gorge it is!!).

My sale items are lovely little steals, so excited I snagged those.

Which leaves me with my dilemma I need your help with...

I loved the Frontrunner Blazer the day I saw it pop up on the website. Because I've been a little iffy of late in my sizing and how I've been wanting clothes to fit (read: I'm getting older and I realize form-fitting is definitely not alwasy appropriate), so I went to try it on, but it wasn't in-store when I finally made my way over to local Anthro. Boo. So I ordered it. Full price AND shipping. And it arrived and its adorable. I love the gross-grain ribbon bow embellishment, and the burlap-with-gold-speckled fabric you'd only find at Anthro. Fit is nice and comfy -- nothing crazy like super long or tight arms, BUT, I'm on the fence about whether I should go one more size down. Right now, it fits like a charm buttoned. And I think the blazer looks super cute buttoned. But if I wanted to wear it open, it definitely looks a little overwhelming on me. Just drapey in a not good way.

The product shot is of the blazer buttoned, but will that be comfortable for an all-day outfit? I sit at a desk for most of the day, and wonder if I wouldn't rather it open, and then I probably ought to size down. These are my trials and tribulations.

z

So what do you think? Do you wear your blazers open, closed, both? Thanks for the help!!

'Tis the Season

I don't know where 2010 has gone. I'm super bummed that I feel like I worked/stressed/hurried myself through summer. But before I get too down about time passing and me growing older (and colder with the upcoming Chicago weather about a day and half away I'm sure!), I do have a couple of things to keep me smiling. Ladies (and gent/husband), it's time for.... Friends & Family discounts! Woot woot! I am a sucker for the F&F sales every year, but since they're so perfectly tied to the holiday season, I at least use them to buy things for people other than just greedy little me.

I received my first F&F email notification/invite and thought I'd spread the joy:



Oh, how I love Kate Spade. I mean, literally, I love love love her. Her style at least. She mixes feminine and quirky in a perfectly harmonious way. I'm not huge into the handbags, but her clothes have ,r drooling. But with amazing style, comes the price tag. I mean this coat is to die for. But the price? Husband would kill me. And I'd kill my adorable little dog if she ever got hair on it or snagged it while jumping on me (she's cute -- and I'm not just saying that because she's mine, I swear -- but she is a giant FAIL in the manners department. Or wait, does that make me the fail?).

Anyhow, so the Studio Mona Coat is never going to make it's way to me greedy, itchy little hands, but check out the typewriter bag. I definitely don't have one of those, so Husband can't say I'm being a spendaholic.


And I still want one of those book clutches. Since I still want something months after posting about it, does that mean it's worth the splurge?


I don't know. Weigh in... will you be getting anything with this 25% off deal from Ms. Spade?

My latest acquisitions: pretty as a picture

My Anthro items landed on my front stoop today, so I'll be trying the new goodies on and posting reviews asap. In the meantime, wanted to share two new non-Anthro and non-shoe (gasp!!) items I bought recently that I heart.

First, I travel for work. Not every week, but enough that it matters what I'm traveling with. Speed and comfort is key, and having a great carry-on can make or break my week. If for some reason I have to check my bag and wait at O'Hare for it to finally hit baggage claim, which usually takes around 45 minutes from landing, well, let's just say it can spoil my day. Or days. So I've been searching high and low for something function (read: small and with good pockets) AND me (read: cute and makes me smile, even when my flight is delayed). I also didn't want to break the bank on something that will only get banged up with every use.
So I started my search at the obvious retailers: Target and Amazon. I couldn't find anything but the blah at Target and Amazon was just a maze of options with ambiguous reviews. So I decided to take a look at ebags.com, and boy am I glad I did.

Meet my new travel-pal, the Diane Von Furstenberg 21" Runway Carry-on. It's light-weight and fabulously chic with its olive color fabric and bronze metallic trim and gold finished hardware. So me. And with ebags fab pricing, the ebates rebate I recieved, I scored this lovely little thing for around 60 big ones. The reviews are strong, so while I wish the pull handle felt a touch sturdier, I have high hopes for this new purchase.





I also have a new ebay score to brag about. I missed out on the Anthropologie Moulinette Soeurs Sabine Dress so naturally I was freaking thrilled when I stumbled upon it NWT on ebay. In my size! So I placed my bid, and waited patiently (or rather impatiently htting refresh about 1,356 times a minute) until the action closed and it was mine! So hooray for finding a new Anthro dress to pep up my wardrobe. I am looking forward to winterizing this one with tights and a cardi.


That's it for now. Stay tuned for my reviews on a few Anthro items!

Anthropologie, you kill me!

I hate that Anthro took away their free shipping code and THEN waived some amazing fall new items and super-duper mark-downs right in front of my greedy little face. I tried to stay strong, but since the weather has been changing, I've been consistently annoyed with my wardrobe every morning, and just couldn't help but indulge in a little online shopping.
At first I had about 8 things in my bag, so the fact that I narrowed it down to 4 items, and two of them were mega-steals (30 measly bucks a $178 for a top that looks like it'll be a luxe little staple!!??).

So here's what's currently on its way to my apartment. Who knows. I've been having some bad luck with new clothes of recent (returned the mui muis because they HURT. BAD.), so maybe these wont end up being what I'm hoping for and I will have to make another trip to the store (why can't one be closer to my home??) and I'll have to force myself to exchange for something else...

Bah.

The posy top was totally not a 'need-to-have', but on sale for $19.95 so I pulled thetriger. It also looks super cute paired with the Aniseed skirt (a lovely CS had me try it on when both were in the stores). So I got it.

And I've been wanting to jump on the blazer bandwagon, and I've been eyeing the Frontrunner Blazer since it debuted as part of the fall collection. Gold specs. A bow embellishment. Ah. So me. So me.

And lastly, the Dwarf Quince Cardigan. Love it to pieces and I can tell a lot of others do as well based on posts across blogger-land, so I was simply scared it would sell out before it ever hit sales.

So there you have it. I'm weak and clicked buy. But boy, I can't wait until I get that package on my front steps!

So much better in theory...

I ordered and bought the new-ish Terrace House Jacket from Anthropologie. Didn't even hesitate to buy it on FP, because in my mind I was going to pair it with so many cute outfits with dark jeans. And my new designer back would complete the ever-so-chic ensemble I was imagining.

I couldn't wait for it to arrive. What a let-down this jacket is. And a good laugh. First off, its not super giving in fit, but most importantly from the side I distinctly resembled a giant empanada wearing jeans.



Back it will go.

Lustworthy Peeps

I'm drooling over these Miu Miu Camel Glitter Patent Ankle Strap Wedges. Gorgeous and sassy, but not tacky. AND a designer heel I can handle.

Mwah. I need them in my life.



How amazing is the back-zip detail?


Miu Miu was the only designer store I wanted to visit while in Italy, and sadly I never made it to one! Maybe I should make it up to myself with these fab shoes?

Buon Giorno! A sneak peek of my Bella's...

Our trip to Italy was amazing.

Beautiful weather, amazing sites, delicious meals of pasta and tasty house wines... oh and some unforgettable shopping. We found (and purchased, cha-ching) my first year wedding anniversary (which is right around the corner since we opted for a delayed honeymoon), and I also picked up a couple of other amazing jewelery pieces and two great bags, including a 60s-style one-of-a-kind pocketbook, from a well-known artesian in wonderful, wonderful Firenze. The bag is, as I type, currently being custom-made for me in Florence, and shipped in early October.

How freaking amazing and decadant is that?

Through one of my many guidebooks I came across a Florence-based leather store, Cellerini, which has been around since the 50s, and are known for their impeccable quality, Hermes-style bags (but not Hermes-style prices), and their high level of customization. Upon finding the store, I worked with the lovely and debonair Allesandro (such a delightful man!), to select the style, leather, color, color of stitching (seriously?!?!), and length of strap. And voila, my purse goes into the creation stage. Needless to say, I can't wait for it to arrive, and will post pics asap.

In the meantime, wanted to post my other treasures I picked up along our Italian adventure. Obviously, I went the jewelry-route, but in addition to my Cellerini bag, also picked up an amazing Balanciaga dupe.






Apologies for the uber-grainy amateur photos... obv don't do the goodies the justice they deserve!

That's it for now. Blog will be back up in running now that I'm home... thanks for sticking it out while I was traveling!

Goodbye for a few weeks

Hi all,

I'll be traveling Italy for the next two weeks, so the little blog will be going dark until mid-September. Once I return, I'll be sure to post about our adventures... including any/all treats I pick up while there!

Caio!!

Emily

These shoes are made for.... walking???

We're T-minus 48 hours until we depart for our Italian adventure, and I think (read: better have) found some shoes that work on both the comfy and cute factors. I while ago, I came to grips that I needed some functional shoes for the trip (though I plan to bring several pairs of my Chie's for the evenings). So sad. But finally, after hours of searching have decided on and ordered these Ecco sandals. Good lordy, they make me cringe a bit, but I know if I don't wear something practical (boo), I'll be paying for it dearly (or at least the hubs will with all my moaning and groaning.

First, the bronze version


Second, a lovely light neutral patent


Ecco=old lady, but I'm hoping these are old and wise, not old and shameful.

I like the bronze and pale gray patent colors, and hope they look tasteful in real life. In fact, the metallic pair are faintly reminiscent of some adorable Corso Como's I have that are fab... until I walk a few too many blocks... I guess, at the end of the day, it doesn't entirely matter, so long as blisters or achy feet don't put a damper on our big vacay :)

PS. I also scored these on 25% off AND 12.5% cashback... not too shabby for an old fuddy-duddy.

A.T.L. Babyyyy!!!

Nope, that wasn't a typo. While I'm publicly admitting that I l.o.v.e Jersey Shore (well except for Sammi the stinking-whiner), I'm not a believer of The Situation's gym-tan-laundry rules. Nope, it's just not for me. In fact, I'm pasty, more jelly-ish than I'd like, and hate to wash OR fold. That being said, I DO puffy heart ATL. ATL, that's Ann Taylor LOFT, and we've been calling in that way before Mike the Situation even thought about waxing his chest.

You can find some really versatile and cute wardrobe pieces at the LOFT. The fit isn't always the best, but the cost is super fair, so on more than one occasion I've bought something full-on intending to tailor the heck out of it. And it's been worth it. Totes. Italics or ON today, readers.

Below are some cute options on the site right now. And if you buy one FP top, you get 50% off another ... I love solid reasons to buy MORE.

The ruffle hemmed bubble top is crease-resistant, machine washable, and FREAKING adorable. I dig the burnt orange, it's very ala J Crew's sepia colorway from last fall.






And when this Sequined Shell is finally available for purchase, I will for sure be clicking and buying. The price is right, and the shape looks super flattering for gals with hips like this moi.


And while the Flutter Sleeve Charlotte Dress isn't on sale, I simply adore the color and think it'd look fab with dark tights and black patent shoes come winter.


And that's a wrap. This is Emily and I'm a supporter of the GFF.

Spaghetti and Sequins

Happy Thursday, y'all!

Sorry I've been a neglectful blogger of late. Life has been... busy. Good busy. But nevertheless, busy. And some things have fallen to the wayside, like blogging. And ironing. Yea, I said (read: typed) ironing. In fact, as I was trying to find something to wear today, I literally felt shame when I realized just how wrinkly everything in my closet is right now. And on my walk to the train, I actually put a notice on my blackberry for Saturday morning, to IRON.

Yes, I am lame.

And OCD.

So this little busy-bee has been slowly checking off the to-do's to ready me and hubs for our upcoming trip (yippee!!). If I haven't talked about it enough already, here's the scoop: we're taking our delayed honeymoon and heading to sweet, gorgeous Italy. Ah, I can't freaking wait to drown myself in a bottle of wine AND a bowl of pasta. At that same time. Every night for the 2 weeks we're there. So, in the anticipation of what is easily the biggest daddy of a vacation we've ever taken, I've been collecting travel-sized toiletries, researching for the best most functional bags we can carry, AND of course stocking up on a new wardrobe... just for this one trip. And one of my favoritest, yes favoritest, purchases is this fab gold sequined scarf. I know for travel, comfort rules. Comfort and neutral ... so I thought this adorable, trendy scarf would be the perfect little accessory to take my daytime duds to something fun and suitable for an evening out of gnocchi and Chianti.



Sequins are all the rage right now, and I personally love the trend. I don't want to overdo it with the glitter, no way, but I have to admit, I now own 4 sequined items in my wardrobe - a cardi, a scarf (see above), a fab top from Tory Burch, and a funky little tank from JC... Please note, if more than one of these come with me to Italia, I swear an oath to all that I hold holy, that I wont wear more than one piece at a time.

Anyhow, back to where I was going. Besides overdoing it with the sparkles, you can also go wrong when playing with sequins. And for your reading pleasure, I've also identified some other unforgivable sequin "don'ts":

First, this hat. Other than a headband, ladies (and gents I guess) do NOT put sequins on thy head. Of note, this hat was being sold on a Disney website (I wont name it, so as not to incur the wrath of the mouse, but I just had to chuckle because I'm sure there are several people at the Magical Kingdom RIGHT NOW wearing this hideous fashion fug.


And then, I found this puppy. And guess what readers, this sweet thang is on sale! For just $524 you can own this designer gold sequin jumper. Holy cripes. Need I say more?


That's all I've got for now, though I could go on and on. Do any of you have the same affinity to sequins that I seem to have? Or do you think I need an intervention given my expanding sparkly wardrobe?