Mixed metals

I've come to the realization that I really don't post too much about my jewelry pieces - so I'd love to share some of my favorite and most worn items with you. It's a collection of silver, white gold, and yellow gold. I used to primarily wear yellow gold (my grandparents are old school and always believed that its not real gold unless its yellow...) but as I've gotten older I've gravitated more toward white. And I've started to mix and match pieces without feeling as if its against a fashion code.

My everyday wear on my left arm



Since I'm right handed my left wrist bears my watch and my engagement ring. A few years ago I decided that it was time for a grown up watch and I saved up to get my beloved Michelle diamond CSX. I love this thing. Just the perfect amount of bling and it's still grown up. Plus it has the date. Love! And of course, my most favorite piece of jewelry - my tacori engagement ring.

I got the silver knot at one of the bay area's many arts and wine fairs that pop up during the summer. I'm blanking on who its by, but I love it because its so simple yet feminine at the same time (I found this similar one but in yellow gold through Dogeared). And the fearlessness necklace was a present from my soon to be mother in law when I graduated college. Whenever I feel as if I have a daunting task ahead of me I put it on to remind me to not let fear stop me. But what's really awesome about this necklace is that the proceeds benefit Mariska Hargitay's foundation for assault victims. Click here to purchase this necklace.

Two more dainty pieces. D for David - another purchase from an art and wine festival. I was wanting something with his initial on it and I searched and searched until I found this one. The gold one is a piece that I got off etsy with my first ever big bonus from work. It's a bit of a reminder to myself of how hard I've worked and to not forget that. Purchased from Three Black Cats - Karen is an absolute gem!

My charm bracelet - which I recently dug out of my my jewelry pouch and have decided to start wearing again. Pictured are charms for my high school and perochial school graduation as well as a sweet 16 charm. I also think I need a few more charms for it though, such as 2007 for my college graduation and perhaps a 2012 one for getting married. Or maybe a cat. Opinions are welcome!

As for earrings, I usually have on a small pair of diamond studs that I got on my 13th birthday which are set in yellow gold.

And that's some of my favorite stuff... what are some of your more often worn jewelry items?

PS: Stay tuned.... I'll hit 100 posts soon and am planning a giveaway!

Purple and gold

I have to admit that I've been on a scarf kick lately. H&M has had some nice finds recently - including the one I'm wearing today. I love it already after my first time wearing it - my mom treated me to it yesterday. Thanks mom! I've also decided to start stashing some cash aside for our honeymoon in Europe to treat myself to something nice - I haven't decided what it is yet - but I've been tossing about the idea of an awesome pair of prada shoes from Italy or an Hermes silk scarf (brand new, perhaps?). I started an ING account that's separate from my savings and add a few dollars to it at a time.

Blouse: Banana Republic. Slacks: Gap. Sweater and scarf: H&M. Shoes: Nine West

Again, I apologize for the awkward bathroom shots. I didn't get much time today to take any pictures since I'm training my replacement at work (woohoo!). 

I'm also realizing that I dress way conservative on Mondays and Tuesdays and taper off the rest of the week. Wonder why. Does that happen to anyone else?

So since I'm currently obsessed with scarves... is anyone else on a binge of a particular item lately? I'm also lusting after a blouse with a metal tipped collar, but we shall see.  Fingers crossed for better light tomorrow - I'd love to share some of my favorite scarves on Wednesday!

Black Friday/Why i cannot shop anymore

I got up early, I braved the lines, I conquered Anthropologie's Black Friday sale. In 32 minutes. And got everything I wanted. So here's a roundup of everything that I got this past Black Friday/Bargain shopping weekend.

From Anthro:

the item that I wanted the most was the Ihrin shirtdress. While everyone was mobbing over shoes (i have never seen anything like it in my life) I nabbed two sizes of this to try on. I did have to size up since the 8 seemed a little tight in the bust area but grabbed this is a gorgeous purple hue. Love! Sale price: 49.99 on Black Friday, item 22806756 (check stores).

i'm fairly sure this is the instant class tee in stripes, but i may be wrong. saw this on my last browse through the sale room and nabbed it like it was going out of style. purchased in a size M for 14.95, item 22519847.

tried this on and grabbed it without thinking twice... so i'm not sure if this will stay or not but i think the pattern is adorable and something a bit out of my comfort range. also unsure of the name of this but purchased in a size small for 19.95.

accessories:

looksmart ipad case and passport holder (19.99 and 9.99), raccoon ring holder (3.99), and grove new york goats milk lotion (4.99). I have to tell you... the raccoon ring holder was the second item on my list. i was so happy when i saw an abundance of them at my local store. i also love the pattern on the ipad and passport case... i love matching items. and the smell of the grove lotion is amazing! 

Plus look at how adorable he is close up!

After I finished up at Anthro I made my way back home and straight to bed. Gap was a madhouse and I couldn't stomach  much more than a few minutes there.

Macys.

I had seen this out with my mom in law, sister in law, and best friend. Alas, none in my size. Until I saw this at Macys. For 50% off. And I had an additional 20% off coupon. MINE! Michael Kors toggle front cardigan. 60.00 at Macys, check stores.

Later on that day I headed over to Nordies..

Once I saw this and then tried it on I really had a hard time taking it off to ring it up. I've been searching for something similar to replace some of my older end of life items in my wardrobe and this warm wrap totally fits the bill. I was torn between the grey and the cream but ultimately the grey won out. Bobeau asymmetrical wrap cardigan - 39.90, nordstrom.com or check in stores.

In case you haven't heard, I adore sweaters. I kinda live in them. Especially because I'm normally one of those people who are constantly cold. I saw this and when I first tried it on I wasn't thrilled. Until I paired it with the long sleeved shirt I was wearing and then I loved it. Kensie cowl neck fair isle sweater, 49.90, in stores and nordstrom.com

I kinda have a thing with shoes. I tend to wear the same few pairs over and over again. I had tried these on with a friend and passed. Then I saw them marked down more this weekend and pounced. I love that I can wear these to work as well as with jeans on the weekend. Corso Como Vineland flat in pewter (the black is also a great color!), 72.90 in store and nordstrom.com.

After seeing this pair on a friend I decided that I needed these. Once I saw them marked down I knew I really needed them. Plus a nude patent flat - who doesn't need that in their wardrobe? Very excited to break these in..... Vera Wang Lavendar Lillian patent ballet flats. 96.90, in stores and nordstrom.com (also in black!).  *Thanks Mom!

Black pumps... not something that I really own. I mean, I have two similar pairs in patent peep toes, but nothing plain... nothing I can depend on. Then I saw these. Love. Now here's to hoping that I get over my fear of wearing heels and make these a staple. Cole Haan Air Talia mid pump in black leather, 129.90, in stores and nordstrom.com (and in brown leather, too!)

And another fun pair of black pumps. Mom saw the price on these and since they fit couldn't resist. Love the detailing on the front and the thicker heel. So excited to wear these out! Miz Mooz Felicity pump in black. 59.90, in stores and nordstrom.com (also in purple and grey!)

Major congrats if you've gotten this far. And now, I am banned until sometime next year and desperately praying for a holiday bonus. Or a money tree. Yanno, whatever comes first. Feel free to share your black friday/cyber monday goodies!