Friday Finds - Blogroll

Have I mentioned how much I love the internet? I am, without a doubt, obsessed with it. Full on love affair. There is no boundary to what can be found on the internet, and I love knowledge. Knowledge is power! I have a google reader full of links to a lot of really wonderful places on the internet....a lot of them are boring old business blogs and websites....but here are a few of my favorite eye candy/mind candy blogs that are always a great place to go to unwind after a long day...

la sirene de boston

Written by a part time jewelry maker and full time lover of fashion and decor, la sirene de boston is simply written in a way my long winded self envies. It doesn't hurt that Anne seems to always find the most intriguing and beautiful photographs to accompany her words. 

Ki Designs

I am insanely jealous of Kimy's artistic talent as well as her gorgeous product pictures and funny little blog posts. She owns a little shop in South Tampa (visit her facebook page here) that is stuffed full of great little gifts for just about anyone and for just about any occasion.

Keiko Lynn

I became obsessed with the "What I Wore Today" blogs a few months back, and Keiko Lynn's is by far the best with the most depth. While I would never dream of wearing 95% of the outfits she puts together, I love her sense of style, her make up tutorials, and how glamorous her life seems to be as an outsider looking in. Hello..she went to NY Fashion Week....how awesome is that? Realistically, I'd probably be bored out of my mind...but I'd like to think I'd find it at least a little interesting.

Dooce

I'm not really sure why I love this blog so much, since it is at times, very mommy bloggerish (not something she would appreciate being called at all, but for someone who has no kids, no matter what, any blog post about kids is going to seem mommy bloggerish). But Dooce (aka Heather Armstrong) is quite possibly the most hilarious human on the planet, without really ever seeming to try. I mean, I would assume there is a bit of embellishment for the sake of hilarity, but honestly, I just think some people have the knack for turning something ordinary into something extraordinary, and if you can do it with words, then I'm doubly in awe. 

Stratejoy

This blog is written by a bunch of different twentysomething women who are confronting the phenomenon of a quarterlife crisis head on. I love this blog for so many different reasons. I think it gives a voice to a plethora of different feelings, issues, and questions that each and every woman has or faces at one point or another in their lives, and yet, we each feel as if we're on an island of sorts and the only woman to ever feel a particular way about a particular event. I really love the last two blog posts Self Awareness: The Anti Adventure and Love & The Single Girl but regardless, this blog is always good as a reminder that you're really not alone and that you are justified in feeling the way you feel.

Happy reading ya'll! Have a wonderful FALL weekend!! (Finally)!!

Friday Finds - Breast Cancer Awareness

Happy Ta-Ta Month!!! Not to get too personal on ya'll, but I will admit that I'm rather lax on the self-examination front. So Breast Cancer Awareness month is a way to re-educate and remind myself about the importance of self examination for early detection. Breast cancer isn't 100% preventable....but it's certainly treatable if detected early.

Still a little fuzzy on exactly how to perform a self breast exam? Fitness Magazine posted step by step instructions on their website here and even provides a link to illustrated instructions if you're like me and do better with visuals....

So don't hide your head in the sand...this month in particular. And don't think because there isn't a history of Breast or Ovarian cancer in your family that it can't happen to you....only about 10% of women that actually get Breast cancer have the genetic predisposition for it. Educate, protect, and prevent.

Have a phenomenal weekend everyone!!!

Friday Finds - Online Designer Deals

Like every other female on the planet, I love to shop. I will also cop to being a bit of a label snob when it comes to certain items....I'm a Coach purse girl all the way and I secretly get a little thrill out of being able to tell people that those shoes they just complemented me on are Michael Kors. Childish, superficial, and immature...yes I know...but I fully realize that and accept it.

Unfortunately, I'm also like a lot of women in that the only thing standing between me and a closet full of designer label clothing is severe lack of funds. More often than not....the designer items in my closet have been the result of very generous Christmas or birthday gifts from my parents.

So what's a girl to do when her bank account doesn't cooperate with her need for those new True Religion jeans or Juicy bag? Get on the internet of course!!! There's been a huge increase in online, exclusive members only shopping websites. Truthfully...the "exclusive" and "members only" titles are a bit of a joke, meant, I would assume, to lend each of these sites some....well exclusive feelings for their members....but honestly...all you really need is an email address...joining each of the sites below is completely free, although sometimes by invitation only...so what are you waiting for? Get joining and start saving!!

Haute Look
This site doesn't limit themselves to just clothing, but holds continuous, 48-hour sale events with the world's top fashion, accessories, beauty, kids and home brands. Each day, HauteLook offers discounts of 50 to 75 percent off to millions of their members.

ideeli
Features the most sought-after brands in fashion, home and beauty–at prices up to 80% off.  New brands are featured each day in sales starting at 12 p.m. EST. Sales last 40 hours, or until items are sold out. They also have weekly giveaways which has a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases).You can also refer friends and receive a $25 shopping credit for each friend that buys. Free Money!!!

Rue La La
Membership at Rue La La is shaped by it's own current members. Membership is free, but is by invite only from a current member. Invite a friend that buys and you'll get a $10 credit. Rue La La's boutiques consist of some of the top fashion brand names in the industry, as well as accessories,  home, health and beauty, AND travel.

Beyond the Rack
Another by invitation only site, Beyond the Rack is a private shopping club for women and men who want designer brand apparel and accessories at prices up to 70% off retail. They obtain authentic designer merchandise and provide it exclusively to their members through limited-time events. Each event starts at a specific time and typically lasts only 48 hours. After each event ends the merchandise is no longer available. Members are notified by email in advance of each upcoming event according to their preferences.

Gilt Groupe
Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer.

Trend Tuesday - In the Army Now

Recently all I can think about is how over my summer closet I am. I walk in there every morning and stare helplessly around me at the masses of clothing that I no longer have any desire to wear. I am SO over summer. Summer clothing, summer weight, summer colors...remind me of this fact in February when I'm complaining about how cold I am, but I'm ready to move on and moving on means updating my closet. 

So, I was at the gym last night and "In the Army Now" with Pauly Shore became absolutely instrumental in helping me get through 45 minutes on the elliptical. Since I got home, now all I can think about is hunting down and adding some cute, military inspired items of clothing to my closet....here are a few of my favorites....

 Skinny Cargo Pant with Destruction & Embellishment from Victoria's Secret - $88

I love this next jacket...the 4 in 1 Cargo Jacket from Victoria's Secret. The sleeves can come off to create a vest or you can unzip the two front panels to make it a short jacket or a short vest....super cool and economical!

 

 Melissa Slim Cargo Pants from Anne Taylor Loft - $39.99

 Fifth Ave Cargos from Anthropologie - $118

 

 O'Reilly Jacket from Anthropologie - $128

 Staring at Stars Henley Tunic from Urban Outfitters - $54

 Urban Renewal Cuffed Army Shorts from Urban Outfitters - $38

And now I have a little shameless self promotion....Why Not Boutique has begun a Customer Rewards Program. Here's the details.... 

Every time you buy something at Why Not Boutique, we'll record your pre-tax purchase amount on an index card with your name on it (don't worry...we'll keep it here at the boutique!). Once you've made six purchases, we'll add them all up and give 10% of your cumulative purchases back to you in the form of Why Not Store Credit....simple as that!

All you have to do is follow this link HERE, fill out the form, and your rewards card will be waiting at the shop the next time you stop in...check it out...you can't lose!! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!! 

Friday Finds - Skinny Love

I've been on the hunt for a great, flattering pair of skinny jeans now for almost a year. I tried to avoid the trend for as long as possible, I was convinced it wasn't going to stick around plus...frankly....I'm a woman. I gots me some womanly curves and some not so super skinny thighs. To be honest, I was completely petrified of what trying skinny jeans on might do to my self esteem. I just envisioned gathering the nerve to take a pair into a dressing room and then having them get stuck with the waistband around my knees. Bikini season is bad enough thank-you-very-much. 

So....I'm almost afraid to say this in a public forum, but I'll do it anyway....I'm a dedicated shopper of the Target clothing department. I love that place. Granted...pretty much 100% of everything they sell there is made in China, but honestly, I don't make a lot of money, nor do I want to spend a lot of money on trends that are going to go out of style in a few months, but at the same time, I still want to look and feel hip and put together. I was strolling through the clothing department last week looking for black clothing to wear this weekend (long story involving a bachelorette party) and literally tripped over a pair of black, skinny jeans from Mossimo on the floor. 

I figured it was fate. That these jeans had literally been dropped in my path and so I had to try them on.

LOVE. So in love with these jeans. Bought them in black and in a dark wash with some silver studding. 

I wore them this weekend with both heels AND with flats and they were awesome both ways. The best part....they're $25. I'm. Not. Kidding. I'm so enamoured by these jeans, I might go back and buy the gray wash pair they have as well. 

The only thing missing now is the fall weather for me to wear the stitching out of these babies! But for now, I may have to suffer through the heat and wear them anyway!

Have a great weekend ya'll!!

Trend Tuesday - Wearing Your Watch Around Your Neck

As I was surfing around the internet the other night for Friday Finds inspiration, I started noticing a trend - Watch Necklaces. Am I the only one that thinks this is the best idea since cell phones and Facebook? I haven't worn a watch since 2001 but what better way to get back into the habit that than adorning yourself with one of these timepieces? So 19th century of us...

Watch Globe Pendant by Urban Outfitters - $34.00

 Toucan Tell Time Necklace by ModCloth - $23.99

Wind Me Up Necklace by Modcloth - $24.99

Timed Race Watch Necklace by Modcloth - $27.99

Time Flies Vintage Brass Owl Watch Necklace by RingRingRing on Etsy - $28.00

Skeleton Key Watch Necklace by TheBumblingBird on Etsy - $25.00

Romantic Cluster Clock Necklace by Urban Outfitters - $28.00

Friday Finds - Awesome Necklaces Under $50

I freely admit that when it comes to my jewelry, I'm a boring traditionalist. Same necklace, same earrings, same rings. Nothing fun or exciting about my jewelry collection what-so-ever. In spite of my boringness, I'm always browsing the jewelry sections in all my favorite shops, looking at all the eye candy in preparation for the day I decide to step outside of my oh so square box and here are a few of my faves.....

Leaf an Impression Necklace by ModCloth - $16.99

Cutenkhamun Necklace by ModCloth - $21.99

Floral Layered Necklace by Forever 21 - $10.80

Fairy Pearl and Copper Necklace by uniquejewelrybygigi on Etsy - $30.00

Chain and Pearl Necklace by cloverbyritasiemion on Etsy - $42.00

Disc and Bauble Chain Mail Necklace by Bebe - $44.00

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Trend Tuesday - Oxford Shoes...without the Poodle Skirt....

I know. I know. We're late again. Maybe we should just call this week Trend Thursday instead of Trend Tuesday....it would be more accurate! As anyone who has been in the shop over the last few days knows, we're having some computer issues. Poor little guy picked up a virus and unfortunately it's not the kind that a little bit of nyquil and cough drops will fix. Lucky for us, we have a very generous IT guy in the family (Monica's super awesome hubby Louis) who has so wonderfully donated a few hours of his already limited free time towards helping us. Fingers crossed, everything should be worked out by the end of today.....

So let's talk about a shoe trend that I'm totally hating right now, but seems to be carrying over from summer and is firmly entrenched in all the fall fashion mags....the Oxford shoe. 

 Image from Urban Original

 I admit...my hatred of this particular shoe may stem from the memories it invokes....think saddle shoes, Catholic school uniform, and wool sweaters...ick. 

Regardless of my personal feelings on this particular style, it's pretty much impossible to deny that the trend has grown some legs and seems to be sticking around. So here are a few of, in my opinion, the lesser evils out there right now...

 "Goolia" by Aldo $50

"Lubbs" by Aldo $90

"Lady Stardust" by Modcloth $59.99

"Scholarly Method" by Modcloth $119.95

"Candy Dipped" by Modcloth $64.99

"Off the Lot Oxfords" by Anthropologie $198

Happy Shopping Ladies!!

Friday Finds - Operation Beautiful

I was at the gym the other day, painfully attempting to pass the time by rapidly flipping through magazines and watching lame daytime tv when I stumbled upon a tiny little blurb in...I think...the September issue of Self magazine for this movement/website called Operation Beautiful. The goal of Operation Beautiful is to put an end to all that internal negative "self-talk" us women do, through leaving anonymous notes in public places (public restroom mirrors, the scale at the gym, etc) that are meant to encourage and motivate the reader.

I LOVE this website. Let's be honest....every now and again, we all need a little bit of a pick me up that can only be delivered through a kind word or deed. Here are a few of my recent favorites from the Operation Beautiful website...

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

Trend Tuesday - What we saw at Market

Yes, yes...I know...today is Wednesday not Tuesday. So sorry about that! I seem to be having trouble getting back into the swing of things after a weekend of no holds barred shopping at Atlanta Market. Monica and I came home with about 15 extra pounds of cash and carry jewelry in our suitcases! Everything else that we ordered will begin to be delivered around the middle of September, but in the mean time....here are some trends we noticed emerging for fall:

• Camo green, skinny cargos, and anything military inspired. 
• Lace. But subtle lace. Think sleeve detailing or simple ruffles.
• The updated sun dress. Dresses never go out of season, but we saw the turquoise from summer morph into a rich teal for fall. Purple is here in a big way as is greens and browns of course.
• Embellishments. But again in a subtle way. Sparkles and/or sequins on cuffs or hems. Ruffles and sassy bows. 

And that's that! Keep an eye out on our facebook pages here and here for new merchandise pictures in the very near future as well as party announcements (we have one planned every month through December)!!

Happy shopping!!!

Friday Finds - Love and Wine

It's pretty obvious that I have an obsession with all things fashion related. It's also very clear from previous posts on restaurant reviews that I am dedicated to the pursuit of great food and local eateries. However you may or may not know that I am also passionately addicted to wine. OK let's be honest anyone who knows me well knows that I am a complete and total wino. I only regularly consume 3 things on a daily basis. 

Coffee, water and wine! 

Due to my pretty much daily habit I am always on the hunt for great affordable wines. I wanted to share with you my current favorite budget picks. While some people fall into the category of white wine or red wine people, I don't discriminate. I like them all!

Layer Cake, Malbec 2008

This is my number one go to wine these days. It's smooth and silky with notes of blackberry. This wine is elegant with a touch of sultry. It's like your best LBD (little black dress). It's a steal at $15. It really tastes like a $30 bottle. Best place and price to find it, Fresh Market in South Tampa. Watch out folks this one is dangerous, I for one can't get enough.

Louis Martini, Cabernet, Sonoma County 2008

I usually stay away from Cabernet. They tend to be too tannic and full bodied for my palate. But this easy drinking Cab has me singing a different tune. It's soft with flavors of red fruit. I was at a wine tasting recently where they paired this wine with chocolate. Now if that's not a way to wind down the day I don't know what is! I also had the pleasure to visit the Louis Martini winery on my honeymoon to California. If you ever get a chance to visit this vineyard, Go! You will not be disappointed. These people make some fantastic red wine! This one runs about $12 to $20 retail. Sam's Club has it now for $11.78!

Whitehaven, Sauvignon Blanc, 2008

I love, love Sauvignon Blanc wines in the summer. They are light, crisp and refreshing. Every time I serve this wine at an event at the boutique I have women commenting on how delicious it is! Its a fruit forward wine with apples and a little lemon tartness. Perfect with spicy food or at a back yard BBQ. The guys at my favorite local wine spot, Wine Warehouse turned me on to it. They usually have it in stock for around $14. Toast the end of summer with this gem!

"Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” 

-Benjamin Franklin

Trend Tuesday - Act Like a Girl, Fight Like a Girl, Dress Like a Girl

I don't know about the rest of you, but today is really feeling like fall for me. Kiddos are back in school. The weather is iffy. Makes me want to go rake leaves (something I've never done), and eat a freshly picked apple (I don't even like apples). 

But since I'm feeling like it's fall....I'm going to talk about a fall trend I'm seeing in a lot of the fashion mags this month...frilly, lady like styles with just a touch of coy and sexy. I'm definitely not what you would describe as "girly" or "frilly" but if I was...here's a few things I would be in my closet in a heartbeat!

I'm in love the flowy, bubbly shape of The Ellipsis Dress from ModCloth. With just a touch of retro, it's an updated, 1950's debutant look that I just adore. 

Frankly, the idea of an actual corset just scares the living daylights out of me....but I think I could possibly manage to face my fears with these corset inspired tops from Anthropologie...

 Corseted Cypress Blouse $168

Bayou Gingham Cami $178

And my personal favorite...

 Wildflowers in Flight Top $78

I'm one of those very unfortunate, short-waisted women who has a VERY hard time finding any sort of dress or top that flatters my natural waist instead of accentuating the fact that I really don't have one. Lucky for me, girly fall fashions are all about faking an hourglass shape with waist cinching styles...

Traced Twirls Dress from Anthropologie $158

The Marion Dress from ModCloth $54.99

The color of this Betsey Johnson dress is a bit much for me, but I love the contrasting black band which breaks up the bubble gum pinkness AND creates a waistline...

Evening Sweet Caroline Strapless Dress from Betsey Johnson $425

Delmy Zip Vest from J.Crew $128 

And my absolutely personal favorite..... 

Reina de la Fiesta from ModCloth $89.99

And of course...what better way to dress up something simple than with a few well placed, girly accessories...

Unicorn Princess Heels from ModCloth $119.99

Love Me Knot Printed Platforms from J.Crew $295

 

The Antique Mall Necklace from ModCloth $23.99 

Docile Bloom Bracelet from Anthropologie $30

Happy Shopping Everyone!!