The Itsy, Bitsy Spider

I didn’t think it was possible for me to love a spider, but this Betsey Johnson Polka Dot Spider Ring has proven me wrong. Reminiscent of a demure ladybug, this itsy, bitsy spider is an alarming shade of red with a dash of perky pink, and features fashionable white polka dots along her circular head and body. The colored enamel leads into a gold band, six little curved gold legs, and gold tentacles that give this girl personality galore. Oh how I long to wear this spidery goddess on summer picnics complete with ice cold lemonade, floral sundresses, and, of course, cupcakes! Can you just imagine the impression she would make on fellow picnickers?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Betsey Johnson for the picture.

Smitten Saturday

♥Ribbons, and Rhinestones, and Romance, Oh My! While I am a self-professed fashionista, I am a broke fashionista; so I have always turned to rhinestones as a way to satisfy my diamond-laden dreams. It was not until I spotted this Rhinestone Satin Necklace from Forever 21, however, that I realized just how much of a statement a few well-placed rhinestones, and an exquisitely colored piece of satin or ribbon could make when draped about a swan-like neck. I am now eyeing this Miu Miu Satin Bow Necklace, this Vera Wang Lavender Label Crystal Triangle Necklace which can double as a belt (!), and this Victorian inspired Jewels & Lace Ribbon Necklace from Forever 21. I can just picture the romantic excursions that may take place when donning one of these gems!

♥Shopping Sprees & Chocolate I am a girl; thus, there are two things that make me over-the-top happy...shopping sprees and chocolate. So it is no surprise that I am hungry (no pun intended) to find a way to merge my two passions together. And I have. Gayle’s Chocolates has brought edible footwear to my attention via the Chocolate High Heel Shoe which is, quite possibly, the most delicious piece of footwear I have ever laid eyes on. The question is...would I be able to eat such a glorious sweet without feeling guilty.

♥Buffalo Bill I have just made a splendrous new discovery in the form of Buffalo Exchange. No, it is not a place to exchange buffalos, or other large breeds of cattle; nor is it a stagecoach stop located in a prairie someplace in the middle of nowhere. Rather, Buffalo Exchange is a place for fashionista’s (like you and me) to trade clothes and accessories that we’re completely bored with for new pieces, or, even better, cash! It’s like a thrift store that caters entirely to the fashion obsessed; and, if you’re not as excited as me already, today is Dollar Day! What if I find a Chanel Quilted Handbag, or a cute Coach Cuff Bracelet for just a buck? It would be the highlight of my day. Scratch that...the highlight of my year. I’m about five seconds away from hopping in my car and gunning the engine...ladies and gentleman please kindly move out of the way, I’m headed to Buffalo Exchange!


♥Suspended! Suspenders have always been synonymous with the nerdy Steve Urkel, and large lumberjacks. But high fashion is changing that; attaching them to pencil skirts and short shorts that provide a throwback to the days when wearing overalls wasn’t solely for farmers. Which is why...well...I seriously want a pair! These Twinkle Jewels Entwined All Shook Up Suspender Shorts in Black? Kind of the most amazing pair I have ever laid eyes on. They retain that office-attire sophistication with a splash of fun – it just depends on the top you pair with them! Blame it on a childhood of reading The Little Engine That Could over and over again, but I’ve always harbored secret dreams of becoming an engineer or train conductor. My lack of math skills prohibits such a career; but it doesn’t prohibit me from traipsing around town in these super McQ Sale Engineer Shorts with Suspenders 016W. And this Betsey Johnson Show Off the Shoulder Ruffle Dress? It simply brought a new way to wear suspenders to my attention in a form that I absolutely adore.

♥Lipnotize Me Sally Hansen has seemingly been around forever, but only just recently did I unearth Lipnotic Gem Gloss. Take it from someone who has not only tried almost every lip gloss known to man, but carries no less than five tubes of lip gloss in her purse at all times; this is the lip gloss only found in dreams. I have been perusing Treasure (# 10) over the past few weeks, and have never been happier. Smooth, shiny, shimmery, long-lasting...it’s like diamonds for your lips. And we all know that diamonds are a girls’ best friend.

♥Lanvin Lust Over the past few weeks I have noticed a pattern in my fashion cravings. They have all been released by the luscious Lanvin. What better way to display a little journalistic integrity than by toting your much-needed pen and paper about town in this lovely; aptly titled The Reporter? How can you possibly embrace your inner-socialite without these Swarovski Crystal embellished Satin Ankle-Strap Pumps adorning your tootsies? How can you even begin to contemplate making it through the day without this Smokey Crystal Ring sitting pretty on your finger? Yes, I’m lusting over Lanvin, and there’s no ending in sight!


What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and Revolve Clothing for the pictures.

Tuxedo Mask

I have always loved the clean lines, and dapper, yet completely chic look of tuxedos. Unfortunately, I can’t say that I necessarily fancy the menswear look on women. There is a solution, however. Both Silence & Noise and Betsey Johnson have released the most darling tribute to tuxedos – for females! They are feminine and dainty; lacy and silky; and, my personal favorite, quite kind to the wallet.

In all of my twenty-something years, I have never worn a halter top, but this fabulous little Silence & Noise Tuxedo Halter Dress has made me eager to change that. The button top is not only preppy and classy, but trendy and rocker-esque if worn for a night out on the town. And the sheer black lace overlay? It makes me weak in the knees. At $59.99, I can’t help but think that this sassy frock would make for the perfect investment!

I’m so used to Betsey Johnson adding little splashes of pink into each and every one of her designs, so when I spotted this Color Block Jumper Dress, I was shocked to see that it was simple, sweet, and...black and white. The almost-off the shoulder top is delicate (and reminds me slightly of the getups those German Beer Maids pop up wearing during Oktoberfest); but it’s the suspenders and babydoll-like appearance that really catch my eye.

I would love to have both of these tuxedo-inspired dresses peeking out of my closet; but since I can only have one, I’ll go with…you tell me! Which is your favorite?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Urban Outfitters for the pictures.

Smitten

Despite a few minor technicalities with my cell phone yesterday, I am smitten with everything surrounding me and have been all week. I’m smitten by the new office I will be sitting in at work that is slightly reminiscent of the color pink, which totally reminds me of Hello Kitty! I’m smitten with the Bear the Beagle necklace that came in the mail yesterday from ShopHullabaloo. And I’m smitten with the fact that I aced my first ever Accounting test. These are just a few of the other things that I’m smitten with this week...

Futuristic cocktail rings.

Geek love in the form of a book.

A headband made for romance.

Scrummy muffins in a can.

Wedge sandals that are pink, perky, and absolutely perfect!

Sixties-inspired coin purses.

An elegant hiding place for your teeny tiny treasures.

Robot love.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Little Boat for the picture.

Phone Home

I’m well-aware of the fact that Betsey Johnson is full of clever – and often wacky – design ideas; but even I couldn’t imagine her coming up with something as kitschy as the Betseyville Call Me Purse. The pink leopard print patent vinyl is adorable on its own; but it’s the detachable black toy phone (with faux cord), along with the dial design that adorns the front of the bag that puts it in a league of its own. This is something that I could totally see Barbie toting about on her dates with Ken, but it’s also perfect for the rest of us because: a) It’s small enough to be thought of as a clutch, making it the perfect tagalong for girls night out; b) The colors can easily be paired with just about anything in your closet; c) It’s tres unique, fashioning the perfect conversation piece. This is one purse you’ll be phoning your friends about.

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Fred Flare for the picture.

Moody Judy

I can’t tell whether it’s the fact that the weather has suddenly gotten warmer, making it a necessity to cast my much-beloved chilly weather wear to the depths of my closet, or the realization that my Spring Break is quickly slipping away, and that the return to homework is fast approaching. No matter the cause, I have a case of the “moodies” that I just can’t shake. Luckily I have these things to keep a smile – even if it is, at times, a fake one – in place.

Books about Writers Running Wild in the Twenties.

A wearable rose.

An assortment of picnic baskets to fit every mood, season, or personality.

The ideal skirt for a spring, or summer, fling.

Cupcake making kits with the power to bring out the amateur baker in all of us!

Affordable and adorable cocktail rings.

A guide to the perfect girls' night in.

Socks fit for a wannabe ballerina.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Apartment # 34 for the picture.

Bubble Pop Electric

When my mother was a child she convinced her parents to paint her stark white bedroom walls a lovely shade of lavender. After a few years she was thoroughly disgusted with the color and spent as few waking hours in the bedroom as possible. Somehow I don't think that my reaction to bubblegum pink walls would be the same. In my opinion, this is the stuff cotton candy dreams are made of. Besides, if Barbie and Betsey Johnson are able to survive in pink splendor, so can I!

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Psycho Glitter for the picture.

Glove at First Sight

I can’t feel my hands, my fingers are practically immobile, and my fingertips are blue. There is an upside, however. Something to remedy the situation, if you will. Gloves!

I haven’t worn gloves since my last stay in New York City . Face it, this is Southern California , why would I even need them? Well…I do. Thus, the time has come to bring a pair of brand spanking new gloves home. I can already picture unwrapping them from their shop box. Slipping them on. Fawning over them. But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves; first I need to make the tough choice. Here are some options...

Betsey Johnson Baby Strip with Ruffles Gloves - $30. Ruffles, enough said.

Lowie Red Fingerless Gloves - $61. I understand that fingerless gloves aren’t the most practical selection as they are, well, fingerless. But who doesn’t want to be the proud owner of a pair of red gloves. Besides, look how sweet the cable knit and bow detail is. Those features alone would keep you warm – at least on the inside!

Ralph Lauren Rugby Fair Isle Wool Gloves – were $65, on sale for $24.99. I don’t think it’s possible to not love fair isle wool gloves, and the fact that these: a) are adorned with beautiful colors – gray, pink, purple, black; b) have little bow ties; c) are longer than your average glove, giving you warmth all the way up to your elbow; and d) have a matching bucket hat and scarf – just in case you want to splurge for a set – make them one of my faves.

Delia’s Cherie Flower Glove – were $12.50, on sale for $5.99. The baby pink. The flower. It’s just so…French.

Aqua Women’s Intarsia Bow Wool Glove - were $68, on sale for $47.60. There’s something so dainty and cute about these, yet completely simple and sophisticated. My only problem would be choosing a color – though I’m favoring the black and white.

These PUMA Fairisle Mitts in Ribbon Red have completely caught my eye – perhaps because they remind me of Valentine’s Day – and at $18 they’re a total steal, but…with these I’d be unable to move my fingers. They would be trapped in a chicly mittened prison that would make me incapable of completing even the simplest of tasks. Therefore, they have made it to the “admire from afar” list. But they’re still adorable!

Decisions, decisions…which would you choose?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to ShopStyle, FarFetch, Rugby, Delia's, Bloomingdale's, and PUMA for the pictures.

Strawberry Fields

"Let me take you down
Cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real
And nothing to get hung about
Strawberry Fields forever"
The Beatles, "Strawberry Fields Forever"

Maybe it has something to do with the unseasonably warm weather, but there's a part of me that can't help but imagine tossing on my cotton paisley print babydoll dress, and skipping through a strawberry field. My hair being tousled by the breeze, a red stain on my fingertips from picking (and eating) too many berries. It just sounds like the absolute perfect way to spend a warm, sunshine-filled afternoon. But, since I'm currently eating lunch, behind a desk, inside an office, the closest I can get to strawberry fields is my imagination - and these adorable strawberry-printed fashions that I'm just dying to get my hands on!

Nothing reminds me more of the summertime than gingham and bikinis. This Strawberries and Gingham Black 2-Piece Halter Bandeau Tie Side Bikini from Fashion Bloom USA combines the best of both worlds, and even goes so far as to toss in an adorable pink and red strawberry print that is good enough to eat!

Rings have been one of my favorite things since birth. I used to pair them with every outfit. This particular Strawberry Ring from Cherry Red Boutique brings back such memories. It also reminds me of my childhood hero - Strawberry Shortcake.

Even when it comes to strawberries, I can't deny my inner Blair Waldorf, which is why I'm absolutely craving this Betsey Johnson Strawberry Hard Head Band. The strawberry looks so lifelike, and the colors are enough to make me swoon. I could see it looking absolutely darling with the Betsey Johnson Strawberries Babydoll Dress, Betsey Johnson Strawberry Daisy Chiffon Trapeze Mini Dress, or even just a solid-colored frock or jeans.

Naughty Secretary Club's Strawberry Bangle is the perfect accessory if you're simply looking to add a splash of juicy, fresh-picked elegance to your ensemble. It also possesses the childlike playfulness that I love to embrace.


Necklaces and the color pink are just two of my passions. In fact, you will rarely see my neck bare - it's always adorned by a scarf or a necklace. Which is why I was so taken by Max & Chloe's Sydney Evan Pink Sapphire Strawberry Necklace. The pink sapphires and gold are a nice contrast to one another, while the little gold leaves add an undeniable sophistication to the piece. It may cost an arm and a leg - $1,685.00 - but, like they say in the L'oreal commercials, "because you're worth it."

Earrings, earrings, earrings. Is it just me, or do you feel like your lobes are naked when they aren't adorned with earrings? Well, for the strawberry lover I have found the most precious Glass Strawberry Earrings by Elizabeth Johnson Art Glass that will make you feel all dressed up - even if you're simply lounging around the house in your sweats!


Sometimes I feel as if "vintage" is my middle name. I absolutely adore anything that looks handcrafted, or a little old-fashioned, which is why I'm so taken with this Berryliscious Bracelet from Naughty Secretary Club. The buttons, the silver tones...they're absolutely precious. I could honestly see anyone from June Cleaver to Gwen Stefani rocking this darling accessory.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Rob's Plants, Amazon, Betsey Johnson, Max & Chloe, and Naughty Secretary Club for the pictures.