Spring Fever

With today’s highs in the low 70s, I’m itching for spring more than ever.  Though this heat wave will leave us in a couple of days, I’m in spring mode and it’s here to stay.  And with each new season comes a new wardrobe.  This is the perfect time to begin scoping out the new delightful spring trends that are showcased everywhere, from shops to the streets.  I’ve already got a head start and picked up items similar to 3, 4, and 8, but here is my entire top 10 wish list for this year’s lovely spring trends. 

What trends are you most looking forward to this spring?

1. Bandeau Top, Anthropologie $38

2. Scalloped Edges, Topshop $70

3. Brightly Colored Trench, LC Lauren Conrad $57.99

4. Fushia Lips, Dior $30

5. Striped Nautical Shirt, Joie $338

6. Pleats, Topshop $56

7. Cat Eyes, Forever 21 $5.80

8. Cropped Trousers, Sanctuary $98

9. Nude Wedges, Franco Sarto $79

10. Tribal Jewelry, Ann Taylor $58

Peak My Pintrest

Remember those cork boards that we all hung in our college dorm rooms for posting class schedules, assignments, or more likely than not party photos with friends?  Well just like everything else, out with the old and in with the new, virtual version.  Pinterest is essentially the equivalent of an online cork board or inspiration board that allows you to “pin” recipes, quotes, diy tutorials, and photos of the things you love.  I’m absolutely obsessed and this has quickly become my number one time waster, but it’s totally worth it.  Simply create an account and start pinning, and while you’re there check out my boards.  Here are a few of my favorites from my Whimsy (above) and Fashion (below) pinboards. 



Start The Week Off Right

Photo Compliments of flickr.com

Over the past few chaotic days, I have been anxiously awaiting a rejuvenating lazy Sunday spent baking cookies and watching Netflix.  However, these things never go quite as planned, and instead my Sunday was spent playing candy striper for my boyfriend who suddenly came down with a nasty fever.  Hopefully I’ve done my job so that tomorrow he’ll wake up feeling refreshed and healthy.  To help you get your week started off on the right foot, here are some links from around the web that are currently making me smile.

so many great songs on Glee last week and this was my absolute fav

loving the delicate nudes and scalloped edges in H&M’s spring collection

speaking of H&M, guess who’s finally adding online shopping for US customers by early 2012

these adorable cupcake plates would turn anyone into a baker

Jason Wu wows at Fashion Week especially with this little number

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For The Ladies

With 4 days to go, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  To compliment the Valentine’s Day gift guide for men (here), today’s post features gifts for the ladies.  However, I post this with one disclaimer so pay attention men, ahem ahem:  women LOVE flowers.  It’s really as simple as that.  A beautiful bouquet of red roses or bright tulips goes a long way.  But if you want to get a little something extra here are some ideas to help you out, and they're all under $75!  But more important than flowers or gifts, remember to spend Valentine's Day showering the important people in your life with love and kindness. 

1.       Miss Dior Cherie perfume, $60

2.       River Island handbag, $71.72

3.       Kate Spade champagne flutes, $60

4.       The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior book, $19.95

5.       Kate Spade necklace, $75

6.       Jessica Simpson Collection teddy, $60

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For The Men

February generally brings two things to mind – the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day.  With the first now behind us (sorry Steelers fans), we can focus on the holiday of love, or the holiday that everyone loves to hate.  Valentine’s Day for me has always been fun but never over the top, whether spending it watching rom-coms with my girlfriends or making a delicious homemade dinner with my boyfriend.  My boyfriend and I don't traditionally exchange gifts, and the couples I know who do often feel pressured to find the perfect gift.  So if you’re in a bind and still looking for a gift for your boyfriend, husband, father, son, or whoever, here are some gift ideas that are sure to please.  And remember that the most important thing about this "Hallmark holiday" is showing to that special person how much he or she means to you, even if you can't afford the snazziest gift.  

1.       Michael Kors Watch, $195.00

2.       Boss Dopp Kit, $145.00

3.       Polo Blue Cologne, $79.50

4.       Mr. Beer Premium Home Brewery Kit, $49.95

5.       Alps Mountaineering Tent, $139.99

6.       Banana Republic Tie, $59.50



Raise A Brow

Adriana Lima - Spanish Vogue

The times are changing in the fashion world for eyebrows once again.  From thinly plucked in the early 2000s to bushy and untamed in the later half of the decade, the Spring 2011 runways showcased entirely new trends in eyebrow grooming.  On one extreme we have colored eyebrows and on the other bleached, even shaved(!), eyebrows.  Call it eyebrow envy, but I always notice a great pair of eyebrows when I see it.  Never a fan of my blonde brows, practically unnoticeable without horrid eyebrow pencil, I much prefer full, dark and defined eyebrows a la Adriana Lima.  Sadly, colored, bleached, and shaved seems to be the emerging trend.  Hopefully this is one trend that stays on the runways and doesn’t seep its way into mainstream.  What's your take on the old versus new trends?

Lily Donaldson - Harper's Bazaar

Crystal Renn - Harper's Bazaar