Large necklaces

The trend for large, chunky necklaces doesn't appear to be going anywhere this spring.  I recently spied these necklaces at World Market (for $25, I believe) and thought that they would be a great way to incorporate the big jewelry look at a reasonable price point. You can give your necklaces a new look for spring by layering them over a patterned top or by buttoning up a shirt all the way and tucking the necklace under the collar.

The only question is: red...

...or blue?

I debated, imagined outfits for either option, and ended up buying neither. Maybe I'll go back to the store this week and see if they're still available. Which color do you prefer?

Thrifting finds

I stopped by my local consignment store last week and picked up a couple little items.

How could I not buy this vintage trinket box dotted with my initial (especially when it cost less than $5)? I think it will be perfect for storing jewelry or makeup.

I also picked up a large vintage scarf that reminds me of a combination of Brunschwig & Fils "Les Touches" fabric in red, Louis Vuitton's leopard print scarf, and Kenzo's tiger apparel and accessories. Once the scarf is all twisted and looped up, the bits of leopard peeking out should be a fun look!

Total cost: about $10.

And since we're discussing budget shopping, did anyone pick up some good finds at the Prabal Gurung for Target event? I got a pair of black sandals that will be much used this spring/summer, but the shoes I really wanted are only available online (here and here). My initial impression: the shoes ran a bit small (maybe 1/2 a size), and the clothes weren't really designed for petites. I did love the colors and patterns, though.

In the clutch

This brown clutch is on my wishlist for fall.  Yes, fall.  I know it's 100 degrees outside, but I just finished school supply shopping for James, I'm wrapping up my fall schedule and syllabi, retailers are advertising the tax-free, back-to-school shopping days, and I guess I'm looking forward a bit to the cooler weather.

I like the brown wool-like fabric and the geometric print (and the $14 sale price).  It is fairly large: I think I could fit in my iPad, pen, attendance book, and keys...so theoretically I could even use it for work.

Cool product of the week

I found this little bowl down at Kitchen Collage this weekend and wanted to share.  The top holds snacks, and the bottom holds the leftover shells, pits, etc.  Perfect for eating cherries, olives, or nuts!

No more messy mingling of the opened and unopened pistachios--what a great invention! Get your own here.

Summer accessories at Target

Browsing through Target last week, I found several fun accessories that would be great for the summer.  Lots of great straw textures, bright colors, and ethnic patterns, all for around $13 - $30!  Happy accessorizing!

From top: fedora, backpack, scarf, zippered bags set, straw tote, straw clutch

Which is your favorite?  I love the blue clutch--could be a keeper!

I heart Ann Taylor shoes

Now that my finals week has wrapped up, I have to admit that it is actually (technically) summer!  That's hard to believe when we're barely into May, but I did go ahead and buy a couple new pairs of shorts and (of course) some new shoes for the season!  Read on for the new additions...

I've been looking for some new black heels for a while, so I was happy to see these pop up in Ann Taylor's final sale.  The combo of suede and polished leather is fun, as are the little cut-outs.  I can attest to the comfort of these shoes.  I wore them all day on Wednesday and they only started hurting at the very end of my day (that was after 5 1/2 hours of college commencement, including 45 minutes of walking to my car, which I consider to be a reasonable amount of pain to endure if you're wearing heels).  I don't see this exact shoe on the website anymore, but they were still available in our local store the last time I checked.  Here's the same style in a fun orange texture.

Since I was feeling the consequences of walking in heels for 13 hours the day before, on Thursday I dressed down and wore these sandals (also available in pink/orange, silver, brown, and cork).  They are a good way to introduce a little color through the neon yellow strap.

And last, I got these beige flats with neon toes.  The other options were pink (which I would have purchased, but they were sold out in my size), yellow, or basic black.  I envision getting a lot of use out of these as well, since blue is one of my favorite colors.  I've noticed a few of my favorite bloggers wearing these as well, and they are a fun way to introduce a trend into a work-appropriate outfit.  If you like these, check your local store since they are marked down lower in the store than online.

What about you?  Have you started shopping to fill out your summer wardrobe yet?

Cute rain shoes

I've been waiting for a rainy day to break out these new rain ballet flats:

I have a couple pairs of rain boots, which are terrific, but these flats are a little more work-appropriate than having to take off a huge pair of boots at your desk!  :)  I wore them today dashing between buildings to teach my classes.

A few options online now:

Kate Spade (also in pink or navy)

J. Crew (also in black and blue)

Cole Haan

DKNY

Looks like we'll have plenty of opportunities to wear these this weekend.  Lots of rain in the forecast!  Hope you have a good one!

Tassels

I've been noticing tassels popping up everywhere lately.  Below, a few of my favorites, at a variety of pricepoints.  First, some more understated or neutral options:

1 shoes / 2 necklace / 3 bracelet / 4 bracelet / 5 clutch

For days when you want to dress colorfully:

6 neon bracelets / 7 scarf / 8 scarf (similar)  / 9 bag



Tommy Hilfiger heels

How great are these shoes from Tommy Hilfiger? They are so many crazy colors and patterns that they would match everything!  I would definitely wear these, and I especially love the triple gold bands running through the heels!

Check penny loafer, Sandal, and Patent penny loafer

They're not cheap, but you can get 40% off with the Friends and Family discount through today (RTMNFAM40).

Have a lovely Easter weekend!

In stores now -- white porcelain collection

I was in Target yesterday and ran across a new display of white porcelain serving pieces.  It's no secret that I love white--we have white stoneware, white china, white everyday porcelain, and white glassware in our kitchen cupboards.  By keeping all my dishes one color, it's easy to mix and match when setting a table.

What I liked about this new collection is that there are four styles of dishes (square/modern, scalloped, beaded, and ridged), all of which could be used individually or with another pattern.  Prices ranged from $2 - $25, and my local store had a nice variety of pieces left (serving bowls and platters, pitchers, salt and pepper, bread bowl, spoon rest, coffee mugs, etc.).

 I almost bought these ramekins, but the tag only says they are microwave and dishwasher safe, so I'm assuming they're not oven safe.  I wish they were--these would be so cute for creme brulee or mini cobblers.

I thought these scalloped edge coffee mugs were really pretty, and they meet my mug criterion (generous handles so knuckles will not be burned!).  They would make a great gift for a friend--a couple of these, along with a favorite tea or coffee blend.

 

 Here you can see a few more pieces.  The serving bowls on the bottom would be especially multifunctional, but I also liked the simple white tea pot and sugar and creamer set.

I ended up just buying one beaded bowl (for $4).  I can think of a lot of uses for this: serving candies or mixed nuts at a party, holding jewelry in my closet, or even filling it with water and floating a single large bloom inside.

I'll definitely keep an eye on these; if they get marked down in a few weeks (which many times seems like the case at Target), I might pick up a couple more pieces.

 

Ann Taylor shoes

Ann Taylor has been killing me lately with their shoes.  They have some great styles that would be perfect for work, but their prices are a bit steep for me.  I almost got a pair during their 50% off sale on Black Friday, but they were out of my size in the store.  I'll keep checking their website, as I'm sure they will be running some holiday sales.

Below, some of my favorites, paired with an inspiring interior, just for fun!

Flats, Heels, Room: Hemphill's Rugs

Booties, Room: Mischka and Badgley, Elle Decor

Platform heels, Room: Stephen Shubel, Domino Mag.

Platform wedges, Room: Ashley Putnam/Lonny Mag, via DecorPad

Shearling booties, Room: Versace Home

Which is your favorite?  I'm partial to anything leopard print, but the color of the blue wedge is beautiful in person, and I think the black and brown bootie would be really practical.

Sketchy dots

I like polka dots (see the end of this post), but sometimes they feel a bit too whimsical.  That's when these "sketchy dots" are perfect.  They're a little messier and less childish but still really fun.  See illustrations below:

Kate Spade iPhone 4 cover

Boden skinny belt

Brunschwig & Fils "Les Touches" fabric on a pair of H & H Home pillows

This blurred snow leopard pattern also looks great on a pair of wingback chairs in designer Tommy Smythe's living room:

Image via Apartment Therapy

World Market napkins

Ann Taylor scarf (on sale in stores now; not available online)

See, this is such a fun pattern, right?

And I know I said this post was about messy dots, but how cute is this polka-dotted clutch from Anthropologie?

In stores now -- Pier 1 Imports

Yesterday I dashed through Pier 1 looking for a seat cushion.  They normally have a few colorful rows of options.  I didn't find one that worked, but I did find some other fun items.  Usually I associate Pier 1 more heavily with the "Imports" part of their name, focusing on carved wooden tables, rattan chairs, bright silk pillows, imported art and masks, etc.  So I was surprised to find a few options that I would categorize as belonging to a more "traditional" style, or at least ones that would add a bit of that vibe to an eclectic decorating scheme.

Below, a few items I liked:

 This coat rack was really pretty with the combination of the turned wood stand and the metal hooks.

These horn handled accessories would class up your desk for sure.  Would owning a letter opener make it more glamorous to open your Valpak coupons?  I think so!

I realize this lamp might not be to everyone's taste, but it was pretty in person with the painted birds and flowers.  If you like the chinoserie look, this is an affordable option (on sale for $80), and I always like a lamp with a black lamp shade!

Two sets of mixing bowls, each reasonably priced at under $30.  The set on the left has four bowls of different solid colors (red, green, yellow, blue), while the set on the right is two patterned bowls.  A fun surprise is a little pattern centered on the inside of each bowl.

These mugs have a removable tea infuser basket inside, but I'd probably just use them for coffee.  The lid is handy for keeping liquids warm, and I like the green geometric pattern.  These are pretty generously sized too, and at under $10, they would be good stocking stuffers!

Okay, so this little owl wasn't traditional, but he was really cute and soft!!

Also, all the Christmas ornaments are in, so if you feel like getting your senses overloaded with scents and glitter, you should check out your local Pier 1 asap.

Bow rings

At many price points...

1. Kate Spade

2. ASOS

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs

4. Whimsy Wire and Wool

5. Unwritten

6. Tiffany & Co.

A nice way to wrap up your week.  (ha!)