Hearts all Around!

dvf iphone case / hanky panky / archie's girls collection / lip slip / bangle / baby love tee

 

i surprisingly am not a huge fan of v*day.  never have been, never will be. 

 

what i do love about v*day however is the abundance of hearts, pink and cinnamon candy that you just can't seem to escape. 

 

if i were to expect sweet b to buy me surprise me with a prezzie this thursday however, any of the items above would tickle me pink!

 

however, it should be noted that even once february 14th passes, i do intend to still wear a lot of pink, hearts and eat cinnamon candy. 

 

xoxox

Gift Guide 2012 ~ Nifty Gifty Under Fifty

 

a fifty dollar present is generally reserved for those that you care about.  you are looking to impress and the items above are all guaranteed winners!

 

donner skirt / backup battery / loafers / champagne flute / xo circle necklace

 

nest votive collection / sequin clutch / bralette / bracelet

 

happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

Gift Guide - Under $30

 

my roomie and i were just talking the other day about how hard it is to find presents under $25 for gift exchanges or coworkers. 

 

have no fear, after some searching i found all the items above for under $30!

 

cinnamon buns ornament / homegrown monogram mug / after dark holiday gift set

 

glitter iphone 4 case / metallic polka dot cosmetic pouch / mini emergency kit / bracelet

 

Forever Frugal Friday

 

i recently picked up this iphone cover in gold from the jcrew outlet in palm springs and have received numerous compliments on it (surprisingly mostly from men?) and while i am seriously in love with it right now, i am always keeping my eye on what cover will replace it.  the only problem with constantly replacing your iphone cover is that these suckers don't run cheap!  thank goodness forever has jumped on the bandwagon and is carrying their own affordable trendy cases. 

 

i am a sucker for anything with hearts and am loving this metallic heart phone case.  ever since i saw design love fest's  gold chrome iphone case, i have lusted for my own, and this metallic case would work just fine.  lastly, looking ahead into spring, this ombre metallic case is just gorgeous. 

 

best part...they are all under $10!  they would make a great gift for your office secret santa or as a stocking stuffer!

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Sensational Stripes

this past weekend in whistler i tried on the lululemon stride jacket above and fell instantly in love.  not much of an impulsive shopper, i thought it best to wait and pickup in the states.  dumb move.  it is no longer available and if i want to make it mine i have to buy it on ebay.  tear.

also, i am loving this topshop giant pansy stripe bodycon dress which was in 3 magazines i read over the weekend.  don't worry...sold out as well.  mother trucker. 

those two sold out striped goodies got me in an all things stripe mood and has me thinking i shouldn't delay in purchasing the stripes below.

diagonal stripe 4 / skipper beach duffle / stripe bandeau bikini top / striped cotton dress

V*Day Lovelies

one/two/three/four/five/six/seven/eight

v*day is here and while i love all the hearts, pink and cinnamon treats, i am not really one to celebrate this holiday. 

but if i were to receive a gift from cupid, any of the items above would surely make me quite twitterpated!

B*Day Wishlist Part III

well, i am officially 5 hours and 40 minutes away from turning 32! 

which means my wishlist is getting down to the wire. i present you with my last, greatest desires...

hot dot scarf by marc jacobs.  do i even need to explain why?  just look at it.  a beauty.

i have been hesitant to buy an iPhone 4 cover because i could never find the "perfect one".  stop the presses, found it!  thank you rebecca minkoff!

ever since i smelled it for the first time at bergdorf's in nyc, i still crave creed's virgin island water.  vacation in a bottle.

trust me when i say the dl & co thorn apple signature collection scallop candle  is worth every penny.  not only can you light it around the house for a little piece of heaven.  but you can also dab a little on your wrists for a sexy scent-sation that stays with you all day long.

i have a fetish for mustaches.  no joke.  and i am really excited by this jonathan adler muse bottle opener.  tmi?  sorry, must be my old age...

to help with my resolutions to travel more (and the overnighters at b's) this deux lux felix weekender duffle is perfect amounts of chic and flashy.  yum.

weird.  a piece of jcrew jewelry that i am dying to own.  that's a first!  NOT. 

feel free to come to mama pave chain link bracelet.

last, these aqua boho drops are the perfect accessory for spring.  the colors are so bright and cheery and would look fabulous with just about anything.

and that my friends sums up my b*day wishlists.  it has been fun imagining receiving any of these items, but i must admit, just spending time with friends, family and loved ones is the best gift of all (i know it sounds cheesy but i mean it).  i am off now to enjoy dinner with b at a surprise location (let's just hope it isn't magic castle). 

see you all tomorrow when i am a whole year older and wiser...err something like that.

xoxo

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Orange Crush

As I look at the window and am greeted with fog, it has suddenly dawned on me that fall has arrived and with fall comes new scents, flavors and a color palette.  And since we are in the month of October (and I did just return from Amsterdam where the color of the country is orange) I decided I should really try to incorporate the color that I despise so much into my wardrobe. 

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clutch, watch, bangle, ray-bans, earrings, iphone cover, gloves

I think the easiest way to incorporate orange for me would be in accessories.  Accessories allow you the luxury of being bold and bright without being too trendy or over the top.  I am loving all these varieties of orange goodies but am most definitely favoring the iPhone cover, as I am about to make the switch from blackberry to iPhone.  It's a little bit edgy, fun, punk and perfect to set me apart from other iPhone users. 

(click to enlarge)

sweater, blouse, ruffle top, pumps, dress, scarf

While the easy and safe route would be accessories, I would like to own one orange staple item.  However my fair skin and light hair are not complimented by orange.  So the trick is to find the right orange for you!  For me, I veer towards the coral and the red-orange options.  But if you are gonna go full out orange a scarf or shoes would be another great choice. 

This fall I am really going to try face my fear of looking like a pumpkin and try out this orange trend.  With options like the ones above I am pretty sure I can't go wrong!  What are your thoughts on orange? 

Gung-ho or steer clear? 

Summer Essentials Series ~ La Vie...J'aime

Happy Hump Day!  Today the awesome Jaime from La Vie...J'aime joins us to share her summer essentials.  I have been following Jaime's blog for 3+ years now and the blog is just overall awesome.  My favorite feature is her Friday Faves and just about anything she shares.  This Boston local is always attending fantastic events and sharing all things wonderful.  If you aren't already following, be sure to sign up! 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

My iPhone — from finding out the UV index with the SPF app, to communicating with friends in a group text, to posting my fave pics on Facebook, I cannot be without it!

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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A tan! Well an airbrush tan to be specific. I burn very easily and am in 3 weddings this summer. I decided to get airbushed tanning done and love the results—easy & healthy! If you are in the Boston area, try Perfect Tan.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

"Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO

Thank you so much Jaime for being part of the series again!  I am one of the few people I think who still operates on a blackberry, but I have an Ipad and love all the goodies that come with it.  That SPF app sounds right up my alley, may need to speak to B about downloading it!  And a perfect spray tan is the best!  Healthy and glowing my absolute favorite! 

Tomorrow, I am excited to share Live.to.the.point.of.tears summer list!  Don't miss it!

I'm Lovin' It

I opened the cupboard in our kitchen at work and noticed this AWESOME mug staring back at me and I just smiled so big.  I have been trying to figure out who the owner is so I can give them a big hug.  It has had all of us gals giggling this week, and for that I love it. 

Have Mercy!

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I would do just about anything to call this my bathroom.  The pop of yellow, the bright white and light = right up my alley.

My iPad will be taking its first flight on a plane this Sunday and I am thinking I really wish I owned this Vivienne Westwood Derby tartan leather iPad case.  Love that it's pink and leather. 

I have been house sitting for my boss this past week at his gorgeous house on a walk street in Venice and have been loving the evening walks with B down the boardwalk to enjoy a beer at the Venice Ale House and the Waterfront Cafe all while enjoying the sunset.

My thoughtful and sweet coworker left me these lovely and fragrant roses on my desk Tuesday morning with a note that read, "Congrats on your promotion! Very well deserved".  Instantly brightened my mood.

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  I purchased  My Private Jet back in the end of February and just got around to painting them this past Sunday and loved the results!  It lasted almost without a chip for 4 days and really sparkled in the sunshine.

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This picture is really accurate of how it turns out and shines.  The color will soon be added to my must always have a bottle of collection.

And now I need your help, should I repaint my nails My Private Jet for San Francisco or go bright and bolder for my weekend?  I am on the fence - any polish color that I should absolutely pick for the trip?

Gift Giving Guide Day #1 ~ Techy Love

Happy Holidays all you YBB readers!  The time has come for me to begin sharing some of my favorite gifts out there on the market to give or receive! 

Today's gift guide is dedicated to all those "Techy" gadgets out there.  Whether you are using an iPhone, an iPad, a Kindle , iPod, Blackberry or a regular old computer like moi, I have something below for everyone!

For the avid Kindle user, this Rebecca Minkoff Alligator Book Worm Kindle Sleeve is sure to please.  It's kind of like when you used to have to cover your books in school with brown bags and design it yourself, only it's way cooler than a brown bag and requires no further design modifications.

I do not own an iPhone and am quite content with my Blackberry, but will say that Blackberry needs to improve it's design case options, as the iPhone is kicking ass in design selections.  If I did own an iPhone I am 99% sure that this Case Mate 'Barely There' iPhone 4 case in gold would already be on my telephone. 

I have been trying to get my work to supply me with an iPad (no luck thus far) and have been admiring all my friends, and think that this DANNIJO Reid iPad Case is just gorgeous.  This gift would be great for that aspiring fashion, design student, or really anyone who admires patterns and great colors.  It is also sure to be a conversation starter for any meeting you walk into or present at.

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I have two girls at work who have been heavily hinting that these Marc by Marc Jacobs Silicone iPad Sleeves would be pretty spectacular to own and use on their iPad's.  I am loving the bright bold colors and subtle logo these sleeves possess.  These sleeves would be perfect for a high schooler or college student who isn't necessarily using their iPad's for presenting, and more for leisure.

Again Blackberry, iPhone has really raised the bar in phone protection accessories.  This Kate Spade Hard Cover iPhone 4 Case is perfect for any woman in your life.  Mom, co-worker, boss, secret santa, whomever is sure to love this classic and simple cover.  Also would work well for any Kate Spade lover you may know that won't break you at the bank.   

This Quilted Shimmer MP3 Speaker Wallet is just right for the girl on the go.  Just pop in your MP3 (iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, Zune) and turn up the volume and it is an instant party wherever she may go.  Perfect for the girl who is always in Vegas, the beach or any after party. 

Who says your flash drive is the only thing that can be flashy?  Jazz up any home office or desk with this sparkly Blinged Out Wireless Mouse.  Perfect for the girl who is all about sparkle and glamour. 

Last but not least, my favorite gift of all, Gap's Smartphone Gloves.  I mean whoever thought of these is BRILLIANT!  Now you can keep your hands warm and still communicate via text or touch screen as these gloves have special tips that allow you to not miss a step communicating while you keep your mits warm.  These are sure to please any texter who lives in non-Cali climates. 

Be sure to keep checking back for some great holiday gift ideas and please leave me a comment with your own great finds to share!  'Tis the season to share and be jolly!