Gift of Good Style

As a wife – to say that I am thrilled with the most fabulous piece of jewelry I’ll ever own…my engagement ring would be a massive understatement {ok, well, to be fair let’s also include the 4 dreamy diamond and sapphire wedding bands that Sucker Husband has added to my ring finger over the last couple of years}.  I’ve told The Man that {for now?} fancy jewelry does not need to be in the gift giving rotation.  And why not, you ask!?  Because there are perfectly fantastic cheap options out there around every corner, allowing me load up on ridiculous accessories each season.  While you may frequent Topshop, J.Crew or Forever 21 for flashy faux jewelry – one can never have too many resources when a bargain is involved.
Recently I’ve stumbled across Swell Caroline for darling pieces for myself and for stylish gifts.
These stud earrings would add the perfect pop to a simple turtleneck sweater this fall.  Very Lily van der Woodsen…
These darling enamel studs would be a charming hostess gift {pineapples are the symbol of hospitality, of course}.  And at $25, you can’t beat it with a bottle of champers in tow!
Or load up on all sorts of varied bracelets for an arm-full of action!
There are even a handful of statement necklaces to add to your collection.  
I always appreciate a bridesmaid gift that is thoughtful – a gesture of gratitude and appreciation rather than a gifted sash that everyone has to wear on her wedding day.  With a variety of options and styles, you can choose a gift that really is reflective of each of your girls’ style and personality.  And with such bargain price-tags…you can afford to still cover the cost of the mandatory up-do or lame flower-pin they all are required to don.  
PS:  I also thought these totes would be a simple way to allow the girls to collect all of their belongings {flip flops for later, pashmina, make-up, yoga clothes they wore to the hotel etc.} and stash under the head table or in the bridal suite.  {I always look like a bag lady on wedding days carrying dozens of purses, shopping bags etc. and would absolutely die if a bridal party came prepared with cutie manageable totes of personal belongings like these!}   
{image credits} all images from swell caroline with the exception of stylish bracelet girl taken from classy in the city

Glitter In My Blood.

I had a doctors appointment earlier and had some blood work done.  I was in a better-than-avarage room with actual windows that allowed the abundant Chicago sunshine to join us.
As I was almost finished, the cutie nurse said, “Well, look at this.”  
I was nervous.  “What?”
“It looks like you must have glitter in your blood.  It’s beautiful.”
{She was referring to the way the light caught hold of the vial she was collecting.}
“Why yes.  I suppose I do have glitter in my blood.”
{top left: favim.  top right: pinterest, bottom left: pinterest, ohhellofriend}
{top left: celebinspire.  top right: zara.  bottom left: reasontobreath.  bottom right: tumblr}
{bottom left: tigfashion.  middle left: wearohsopretty.  top left: pinterest.  right: pinterest}
{left: pinterest.  middle: livecreatingyourself.  right: tumblr}

…Case in Point…

Emmys 2011 Red Carpet Review

While there were a handful of beautiful gowns at the 2011 Emmys – I wouldn’t say I was blown away.  I don’t have a clear favorite or massive obsessions.  That said, here were the dresses that I believed were certainly noteworthy:
I loved Lea Michelle’s Marchesa dress from both the front and back.
Nina Dobrev’s bold red beauty by Donna Karen was another winner.
While I normally am on the fence about Sofia Vergara – I think this coral {?} Vera Wang dress was beautiful.
I think I may be crushing Kerry Washington, in general, more than her Zuhair Murad gown…but she looked stunning!
I really liked Anna Faris’ Reem Acra gown – like a piece of art!
Cat Deeley’s Monique Lhullier gown was even more beautiful live {and by live I mean on TV, of course…}
I am seriously loving Aubrey Plaza’s Juan Carlos Obando’s sophisticated ivory number.
And I thought Christine Baranski’s navy Zac Posen was super age appropriate and incredibly chic.
And, while I always hate to end on a sour note…These two pastel looks are quite simply laughable:
{image credits} photos taken from getty images and startraks photo

Life’s A Beach.

Relaxation has been penned into my diary for the weekend.  A must.  Perhaps I’ll take a trip to the beach – where I hope to look as serene as these gorgeous girls.


{image credits} source unknown

Glorious Goldens!

Sunday was marvelous.  I spent the day, alone, working on a bit of a project in the guest bath…A dear friend and favorite client once referred to powder rooms as ‘Little Gems’ because in a teeny tiny space you can dream big and bold without over-committing.  Well, it was time to take my b.l.a.h. guest bath to a new level.  {Stay tuned…}  
Additionally, I finished my project {for the moment} in time to actually sit and watch the Golden Globes – the first true opportunity I’ve had to watch an awards show in what must be years.  The red carpet was inspired!  I had a handful of absolute dreamy favorites, a smaller handful of those who I thought may have played it safe {with no major offenses} and a few that I thought were simply lame…here is my personal recap.
The blissfully beautiful…
Obsessed.  Emma Stone wore Calvin Klein Collection in the most bold, brave coral/apricot.  The sleek silhouette was the perfect compliment to the bright hue.
{photo from harper’s bazaar}
Angelina is rarely at the top of my list, but I loved the retro style of her emerald green Atelier Versace gown.
{photo from life}
Claire Danes donned an electric pink gown also by Calvin Klein Collection.
{photo from life}

Anne Hathaway’s Armani Prive was spot on for the classic beauty.  Loved the rose gold hue with her dark locks!
{photo from in style}

I adore the soft pleats of Dianna Agron’s simple and elegant J. Mendel gown.  I see Grace Kelly in this.
{photo from in style}

Kyra Sedwick looked stunning in of-the-moment orange.  The Pucci gown looked beautiful paired with her drop earrings.
{photo from harper’s bazaar}

And the looks I felt were just a bit too safe...

Carrie Underwood’s Badgley Mischka Couture gown was beautiful, but quite simple and needed something more show-stopping with either accessories, make-up or hair.
{photo from harper’s bazaar}
Mila Kunis’ Vera Wang left something to be desired…again, no major offense.
{photo from harper’s bazaar}
While Leighton Meester made many ‘worst dressed’ lists, I thought her Burberry Prorsum dress was well suited for her.  Perhaps for a premier as opposed to the Globes…
{photo from Harpers Bazaar}

And the downright disappointing…

Sweet Michelle Williams’ Valentino seemed a bit more Drew Barrymore circa 1995.
{photo from Harpers Bazaar}

Halle:  We know you have a fabulous figure…but there are classier ways to showcase it than this Nina Ricci number.
{photo from Harpers Bazaar}
What a mess.  That’s all I can say.
{photo from harpers bazaar}