Bright notebooks

Love the bright pops of color on these Julia Kostreva notebooks!

Images courtesy of Julia Kostreva

What's on your holiday wish list?

Our family celebrates Christmas, and though we're by no means frantically in to the holidays like some families I've seen in the neighborhood (decorating their entire home from rooftop to garden), we still try to keep to the tradition of giving gifts and keeping presents a surprise.  More importantly, it always feels like a lovely time to slow down, stop, step away from the crazy pace of NYC life and just enjoy the company of family.

Some of the things currently on my own Christmas wish list:

A beautiful, shimmering gold scarf.

A sexy striped bikini.

A hip-length puffy winter coat that keeps the wearer warm without having to don a giant, ankle-length down coat every time.

A flat, almond toe boot great for walking around the city, and in a light camel to counter balance all the black in a New Yorker's wardrobe.

The sweetest little play suit for a niece that I'm waiting to welcome in to the world.

 Lucky boy Sunday doll made of baby alpaca for aforementioned niece, for her to cuddle at bedtime.

Another Minkoff ladylike black satchel that matches everything, to replace my adored Rebecca Minkoff that I spilled coffee inside last year. That traveler mug was not spill proof as advertised!

What's on your holiday wish list?

Images courtesy of the Scarf Shop, Shopbop, Scotch & Soda, Zara,and Line + Liv

Big baubles

Amazing statement necklaces from Parisian jewelry designer Shourouk Rhaiem. Not quite sure how wearable these babies are, but they're certainly gorgeous to look at!


Images courtesy of http://knstrct.com

Jaunty jewelery

I love jewelry and have an ever-expanding collection. While I was never one for accessories growing up, something happened in late teens and now into my twenties I have drawers overflowing with baubles of all kinds, from the delicate gold chains to large, oversize statement pieces.

Right now I've noticed an array of delicate, incredibly pretty pieces being written about and posted around the blogosphere.  Some of the pieces that have especially caught my attention:

From top to bottom: Hammered gold bangle by CocoBjiou; Minoux Skyline necklace; El Dorado multilayer bracelet by Kris Nations; Superstar necklace by uppermetalclass

Images courtesy of CocoBijou, Minoux, Kris Nations, uppermetalclass

Warding off winter chills

How amazingly perfect are these gloves by Madewell for winter? This is one of those things where you never even think about it, and then when you see an item, you can't believe you didn't think of inventing it first!

The long, to-the-elbow ribbing protects arms in the winter without being as stiff or cumbersome as long leather gloves, while the leather glove portion retains the sleek look. Genius!

Image courtesy of Madewell

Gold and glamorous

There's something so fun and uplifting about staring and gold and glittery objects, especially as the weather turns cold and gray here in New York. Gold accents are such a great way to add a dash of pretty to even the most mundane of daily objects. Some of the recent gold-splashed faves that I've spotted online:

 

From top to bottom: Gold zigzag tray by upintheairsomewhere; Domino gold flatware at Gilt Groupe; Sephora gold nailpolish; One Kings Lane gold glasses; Nixon gold watch


Images courtesy of upintheairsomewhere, Gilt, Sephora, One Kings Lane and Nixon

Stockings for the Stylish

How incredibly adorable are these polka dot Christmas stockings? Sold by Etsy seller maze and vale, I love how they buck the traditional reindeer, snowman, Christmas Santa imagery...


Image courtesy of maze and vale on etsy

If price was no object

I'd snap up this navy doctor's bag by Ernest Alexander...

Image courtesy of http://www.ernestalexander.com

Fedora style

Overt at the glitter guide, an entire Fedora style guide:

Image courtesy of the glitter guide

Gifts for her

With the holidays coming up, store shelves and online stockists and overflowing with nifty gift items. Since I'm trying to watch my spending (I know, shocking) more than I have in recent years, I've been on the lookout for pretty, thoughtful gifts that don't break the bank. Some items I've spotted that would make lovely gifts:

For her:

1. Tiniest gold letter necklace, simple and delicate enough for everyday wear, $25. 

2. This glittery skirt by Mikkat Market is great for a New Year's bash or a girl's night on the town, and it clocks in at an affordable $60. 

 

3. Kate Spade's 'Rainspot' iPad case is an adorable way to keep your iPad protected and scratch-free, $50.

Images courtesy of Verabel at Etsy, MikkatMarket and Kate Spade

Steven Alan love

I've been in love with all things Steven Alan since I was about 13 and my sister first took me to one of their infamous NYC sample sales, hosted at their store in Tribeca. The store's well-curated selection is a mix of gamine-slash-tomboyish, city girl style.

Years later, it's still one of my favorite places to shop and I would pretty buy everything in sight there, if I didn't care about things like savings, paying bills, getting to eat out occasionally, etc. etc. The last time I stopped by the store, Steven himself was there, which was extra fun!

Casually browsing the site, I spotted this J.W. Hulme bag! I absolutely love the almost buttery shade of camel of the leather...

Photo courtesy of Steven Alan

Gold bracelet for summer...

Loving this delicate gold bracelet; the perfect accessory to floaty dresses, and delicate tops and shorts for summer!

Bellissima bracelet, available at elephantine.

Photo courtesy of elephantine at etsy

Red jeans and hippie bags

Love these red jeans, currently at Need Supply; a co-worker and I were just talking the other day about how cute red pants/jeans are when paired with something really clean and simple, like a white button down or tee, and a crisp blazer.

There's something strangely appealing about this canvas and leather bag; there's a loose, hippie-ish quality that would make it a great bag to tote around in the summer.


Photos courtesy of Need Supply

Striped backpacks

Adorable striped backpacks from Poketo...wouldn't these be perfect for bringing along during a day trip or spring picnic?


Striped fleece backpacks, available at Poketo.

Photos courtesy of Poketo

Shopping to feel good about!

While a little bit of retail therapy never hurt anyone, I recently spotted a site where consumers can feel genuinely good about purchases.

Altruette features sweet charms, bracelets and necklaces, and 50% of the net profits from each sale go to different nonprofit organizations.

I love organizations that dream up innovative, fun ways to engage the public AND support a good cause, and the charms are so adorable, it's easy to want to buy them. I love the elephant and camera charms pictured below, and knowing a sizable chunk funds go to help others make these charms all the more appealing!

Elephant and camera charms, available at Altruette.

Photos courtesy of Altruette

Spring bags, but no spring?

New York has been stuck in a week-long stretch of wet, dreary weather; for every day of sunshine it feels like there's about a WEEK of rain! Ugh! Like many, I crave sun and warmth, so the weather lately has been a total downer. Maybe that's why I've seen a sharp up-tick in my shopping-cravings!

Speaking of shopping cravings, I would love to scoop up this Rebecca Minkoff bag (pictured above). I bought a Rebecca Minkoff satchel last year and absolute love it; it goes with absolutely everything, and fits a surprisingly large amount. While traveling in Latin America recently, Dan and I took a weekend trip in which I was able to squeeze almost everything for a 3 day trip in just the 'Morning After' satchel.

Rebecca Minkoff 'The Affair' bag, at shopbop.

Photo courtesy of shopbop

Fall into winter

Love this fall/early winter look; a cozy navy peacoat, jeans, a slouchy bag and booties...

Image courtesy of http://yooooogurt.tumblr.com

Houndstooth chic

Though not usually a huge fan of either Juicy Couture or houndstooth, I find the line's 'Malia' messenger bag (pictured above) absolutely adorable. With a bright red winter coat, a mini, tights and some schoolgirl-ish booties, it would make for the perfect, ladylike-yet-girlish outfit.

Juicy Couture 'Brogue Houndstooth Malia' Messenger Bag, at Revolve Clothing.

Image courtesy of Revolve Clothing

Bags galore!

Loving the collection from emerging handbag designer Laura Vela..

Images courtesy of http://lauravela.com

Blue haze

French connection Silk Stitch clutch, $138.00.

*Photo courtesy of French Connection