Latest Trend in Embellishments: Studs

The fashion world has seen lots of embellishments these past few seasons. From sequins and rhinestones to chains and beads, it’s all about adding that extra bit of flair and incorporating statement pieces. The latest development in embellishments takes a more masculine turn with studs.

(And who doesn’t want to be surrounded by studs? Am I right?)

They’re a little bit military, a little bit punk, and a little bit biker chic, all rolled into one. Studs look great with wardrobe basics, the safari trend, and are especially delightful in contrast to more floaty, feminine pieces. They can be flat circles and grommets or raised pyramids and spikes.

Here are a few of my favorite studded pieces. What do you think? Is it a hit or a miss?

(You’ll notice the distinct lack of pants and jeans. I don’t do embellished pants. And you shouldn’t either.)

• Studded Leather Biker Jacket $320
• Mohan Leather Jacket $210
• Studded Blazer $86
• Studded Boxy Tee $39
• Studded Knit Top $13.80

• Triangle Big Stud Earrings $18
• Enzo Angiolini Studded Booties $39.98 (ShooWoo online is going out of business and these booties are a ridiculous 70% off! I have a pair and they are fabulous. They also have these and these for a steal.)
• Micael Kors Uptown Astor Tote $460 (I received a purse and wallet from the same line for Christmas and get so many compliments. It was from the outlet and half the price so check if you have a Michael Kors outlet near you!)
• Studded Sunglasses $5.80
• Michael Stars Double Wrap Studded Belt $78
• Michael Kors Studded Gloves $29
• J Crew Studded Anklets $13 (Sorry! These are sold out online, but I got mine at the outlet for $5!)
• Grommet and Studded Wrap Bracelet$45

10 Stocking Stuffers for Her Under $15

I like trinkets and trash, so stocking stuffers are my favorite part of Christmas. Have fun, don’t over think it, and take a look at ten of my favorite stocking stuffers for her (for the most part – some things are fun for all!) for under $15.

10 Stocking Stuffers for Under $15

1. Poochi Mini Pouches $10.50 – Super cute silicone pouches old-school bead closures that come in a rainbow of bright colors. Perfect for loose change, cosmetics or keys.

2. Snow in a Can $4.99 – Don’t live in a winter wonderland? Just add water and you’ve got yourself a white Christmas.

3. Jelly Camera Phone Filters $15 – Most of us use our camera phones more than our cameras, so why not take our camera phone photography skillz up a notch? These starburst, kaleidoscope and wide angle filters attach to your key chain and fit any camera phone with reusable gummy rings.

4. Holly GoNightly Sleep Mask $14 – Catch some zzz’s in this iconic sleep mask.

5. ila Pebble Personal Security Alarm $14.50 – Attach this little beauty to your key ring and if anyone calls your bluff just push the button and pull the ring to emit a 130 decibel siren that will sound continuously for 10+ minutes.

6. Sephora Color Wand Lipgloss $10 – Six mini lipglosses in one mega lipgloss wand? Yes, please! Comes in three color pallets and smells like mangos!

7. Holiday Smencils – Smencils make me feel like a kid again – and their holiday collection is irresistible! Smencils are made from recycled newspaper and packaged in biodegradable tubes so that holiday scents like sugar plum, holiday cheer, gingerbread, cinnamon, and candy cane stay fresh for up to two years!

8. Self Adhesive Mustaches $5.25 – Best. Holiday. Photos. Ever.

9. The Indie Rock Coloring Book $9.95 – Because coloring is soothing. And trippy. Don’t forget the crayons!

10. Holiday Socks $12.99 – No stocking is complete without goofy holiday socks for the entire family! Or you could get her something she wouldn’t beat you over the head with – like these moisturizing gel socks from Bath & Body Works.

7 Must-Haves For The Holiday Season

Can you smell it?  Mm mm.  I CAN!  The holidays are upon us!  Who needs some gift giving ideas? (Paging my husband…)

7 Holiday Must-Haves

Dance Central for XBOX 360 Kinect.  Because WHO does not love to dance, while losing some extra weight in your own living room, while Also being able to upload your super hot dance moves to All of the internet.

‘Wish for The Perfect Pout’ set of 6 Smashbox lip glosses (from Sephora).  If you didn’t know already, I am in LOVE with lip glosses.  The addiction started with a multitude of chap sticks as a kid, and then I moved onto the gloss.  I just can’t. help. myself.

‘Skinny Italian,’ Teresa Guidice’s cookbook.  Love love love her!  My inner table flipping Jersey girl (who happened to actually be born & bred in Rhode Island) needs. these. recipes.  Who couldn’t use some Healthier Italian recipes to boot?

‘Cold Beverage Jar with Stand’ from Crate and Barrel.  OK, that one doesn’t sound so fantastic, but go on – LOOK at it.  Can you not just see your homemade sangria in that?  Can you hear the ooohs and aaahs from your guests?  (Red wine, I like Red Wine!)

And then there’s what I like to call the big guns.  Shoes and pocketbooks…  oh my.

Uggs! ‘Women’s Ultimate Short’ in sand or chocolate (did I mention my size would be an 8?  Yes, their sizes run a bit different – just in case you were wondering – or wanted to send me some).  Oprah may have just given away the glittery ones as a favorite thing, but I am still partial to these.

‘Madison Dotted Op Art Swingpack’ by Coach in silver/khaki/mahogany…  OR in brass/mahogany…  you know, depending on what color my Uggs are.  I like my colors coordinating, what can I say.  Then again, the all black one would pair nicely with:

Jessica Simpson’s ‘Tessie’ Boot in black new bomber.  And did I mention while they may retail at $210, boots are currently $50 off through 11/30 with coupon code ’50BOOT’ -AND- they happen to have Free standard shipping!  Woo hoo!  Merry Christmas!

Those are My 7 must haves for this holiday season.  (And if still in doubt, you can never go wrong with a gift certificate to your favorite girls hair salon or wherever she gets manicures and pedicures!)  Happy shopping!

Photo by: Nicole
Feature photo by: Kevin Dooley

My new cute white purse!

I think every woman needs a cute white purse.  A great white handbag is as versatile, and necessary, as a black or brown bag – especially in the spring and summer.

My go-to white purse was in sad shape after much use and abuse over the last three years, so I decided it was time to replace it.  A few weekends ago I found this beautiful white satchel by Dereon (Beyonce’s brand) at TJ Maxx.

I am in love with this bag.

You can’t tell from the picture, but when carried it’s got a great slouchy look and super cute knots on the side.

I was so excited to share it with all of you – and then I couldn’t find the damn thing anywhere online.  I finally tracked it down on the Dereon website – and it can be yours, for only $119.

Um, yeah.  I paid much, much less for this bag at TJ Maxx.  Unfortunately, you never know what your local TJ Maxx will have in store because inventory varies from one store to another.

So maybe you can’t have this exact white purse.  I’m sure you’re crushed.

But!  Wait!  I’ve found a bunch of other cute white purses for you to choose from!

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Friday Flops: Laptop Bag doesn’t fit laptop

I hate it when the things I buy for myself don’t work out as planned.

I was so excited to find this Relic Laptop Bag at Kohl’s.  It was on clearance sale for $11.00 and it seemed like the perfect fashionably geeky tech gift for myself.

I have to take my laptop back and forth to work.  It’s a pain in the ass.  When I saw this laptop bag I figured at the very least I could save myself some hassle by being able to use it as a computer bag and a purse, as opposed to lugging a laptop bag and a purse back and forth to work.

And it’s cute.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t actually hold a normal sized laptop computer.

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