HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: $25 and under

 

Happy Saturday! Did you know that it is 14 days until Christmas? That’s only two shopping weeks left. I hope you are all getting your Christmas shopping done early this year and not leaving it until the couple of weeks before, like me. But to be honest with you and it may not come as a surprise, but I LOVE shopping so I don’t mind taking it slow and finding the right gift as I come across it for the right person.

 

One thing that is very helpful with Christmas shopping is doing research prior online for gifts. It is easy to just go and pick it up in stores, but nowadays stores have so many great promotions going on online during the Holidays that you can usually find whatever you need for less online including free shipping. This is nice because it saves you the hassle of braving the cold and the crowd and I always love it when I receive a package at my door steps. Have I also mentioned money saving websites like Ebates or My Lucky Rewards and Shop At Home? Not only can you find useful coupons on these sites, but you can also get money back with each purchase you make online. All you have to do is set up a free account with either of these sites and before you make a purchase you go to either of these websites and search for the online store you are making your purchase from. If the store is listed, it will show what percentage of your purchase you get back. You then click on the link that leads to the online store and continue checking out like normal. That’s all you have to do. Sometimes its not much back, like 3% or something and other times it is 12%, so some stores are worth it more then others. I like Ebates the best because they offer the largest selection of stores, usually have the highest percentage back, and also mails out checks faster then the other sites. You can also set up your PayPal if you have one through Ebates and they will just deposit it into your PayPal account to use. It is so convenient! I still like using the other sites because they offer some stores that Ebates does not have and also a higher percentage cash back sometimes, especially with Shop At Home. This is just something I found earlier this year and I love using it. It saves me a little money here and there and all I have to do is to take an extra step and shop through these sites.

 

Well, here is a little Gift Guide with everything priced at $25 or less. I’m a little behind on these, so please forgive me. This is my favorite time of year and I have so much going on. This Gift Guide is perfect for friends, co-workers, as stocking stuffer, or white elephant gifts. These are a few of my favorite things and they are mainly for all the lovely women in your life. I think that each item is an amazing find, especially for $25 or less. Those Kate Spade Polka Dot Coasters in particular are fabulous and that Merona gold watch too. What a steal right? Isn’t it great that Jonathan Adler offers such wonderful chic gifts for such a great price? Love Love that umbrella. I also adore those Penguin Hardcover Classics Book. My favorite one is Pride & Prejudice of course! Mike got me several of them as our paper gift for our first year anniversary and I absolutely love them. I want every single book that they have, but I need to finish reading all the ones I have first. They are just very beautifully designed covers that are so sweet. I plan on having these forever and passing them on to my kids. Not only are these books classic stories that will be continued to read and loved by everyone for years to come, but they also have a special meaning for us. I am sure any friend would love to receive one of these book. Especially if you know what their favorite book is. Enjoy!

 

Products left to right:

• Forever21 Extra Soft Knit Scarf – $9.80
  
• Jonathan Adler Carnaby Hollywood Mug in Turq – $18
  
• Tarte “Ring It in Cheek Stain Set” – $25
  
• Kate Spade Polka Dot Coasters – $20
  
• Gap Pom Pom Slippers – $24.50
  
• Merona Boyfriend Style Faux Multifunction Watch – $12.99
  
• Lush Christmas Cracker Gift Box – $14.95
  
• Jonathan Adler Aztec Diamond Umbrella – $24.95
  
• Gap Cableknit Pom Pom beanie – $24.50
  
• Forever 21 Sequin Tri-Fold Clutch – $15.80
  
• Chloe Rollerball – $25
  
• Penguin Hardcover Classics Books – $20
  
• Goyard Bowl -$7
• Stila Holiday Lip Glaze Collection 2010 – $25

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Love,

K

 

Pretty little charms

 

 

This post is a little late, but here it is as promised. I really didn’t do any shopping aside from the Burberry makeup while in Chicago, so I was a little disappointed since I had been saving up for awhile for a little splurge. I was considering purchasing a new handbag since I had my current one for awhile now and an over the shoulder bag would be a nice change. So when I went into my local Louis Vuitton to try out a few styles I have had my eyes on for a few months now, I found out that everything was sold out. Needless to say I didn’t walk away with the bag I wanted, but I did happen to stumble upon this special little something. I have to admit that this wasn’t planned, but I have never been more happy with a purchase. Just looking at it right now while I am writing this post puts a very big smile on my face. Well I have been keeping you in suspense for long enough. Here it is!

 

 

 

 

Louis Vuitton Pretty Charms Key holder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous right? These bag charms are meant to be used a key chain or  hooked onto the handles of your bag, but they also look really cute on just like a charm bracelet. I just adore each little charm. They are so delicate and adorable. It’s not the most practical of purchases, but it makes me love my bag even more then I already did before. I also think they will look great with whichever bag I decide to get in the future.

Here is what they look like on my bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think they look amazing against the Damier Ebene print and adds a fun pop of color to my bag. LV also has a few other styles of bag charms too that are very adorable, but I fell in love with this particular one. I also think that the size of the charms goes perfect with the size of my bag. I really like this bag charm too, but I found the charms way to big.

 

 

Looping Chain Key Ring

Last photo I promise!

 

 

 

 

 

How about you? Any recent splurges or fun purchases?

 

 

Love,

K

MULBERRY FOR TARGET

Many of you already know and are waiting for the highly coveted Mulberry for Target line to hit Target stores any day now (October 10th to be exact). But I wanted to tell you that your wait is over! I heard from Couture and Crayon that the line has arrived in stores. I don’t know about you, but I am definitely checking it out tomorrow. I know that many people are disappointed in the quality of the bags (faux leather, patent leather and denim), but I think that you get what you pay for. If you want the real thing then you should save up and shell out the money for it. Of course I’m very disappointed, along with others that there will not be a replica of my favorite bag, Alexa available, but a girl can dream.

Emma Hill, the creative director of Mulberry with the Oversized Alexa looking very fashionably chic.

ALEXA

OVERSIZED ALEXA

Here are some photos from when GILTGROUP.COM had a flash sale of Mulberry for Target back in August, so you can get a better idea of what they look like.

Here is a picture from Couture & Crayon’s blog of the black tote.

I don’t care much for the denim or leopard print bags, but I wouldn’t find picking up the cute black leather (faux leather) cross body bag or the black “Bayswater” satchel or the tote from Couture & Crayon. The tote would be a great work bag I think, but I would definitely take off all the charms.

Here is an interview that Target did with Emma Hill (the brains behind the operations) that I thought you might enjoy. She talks about the brand and their collaboration with Target.

Q: How would you describe the personality of the Mulberry luxury brand?

A: Mulberry may be a luxury brand but we are not uptight or self-conscious. We are laid back, nostalgic and eclectic, with a healthy dose of quirkiness and English spirit! We are friendly and fun, responsible and authentic, and we love tea and cake!

Q: What was the inspiration behind the Mulberry for Target collection?

A: At Mulberry we believe in fashion that feels good, and our inspiration for Target was to create affordable bags that represent our Mulberry style and character that channeled our funky, English cool! We were inspired by fabulous prints and texture. Pink leopard print is a funky update for everyday totes, and there are also bags in black patent or velvet: luxurious feeling and amazingly affordable. We kept the general spirit of Mulberry

in all the bags by utilizing our own existing iconic shapes and always using our classic postman’s lock, which we altered to read “Mulberry for Target.”

Q: Help give us a preview of what’s to come. Describe one of the handbags in the collection and where you take it.

A: For complete “wow” factor, the Large Satchel in pink leopard print is fabulous: roomy enough for all your everyday essentials (and more!) and a secure style to tote around from day to day. For total Mulberry cuteness, the Cross-Body bag in denim is adorable—perfect for chucking on wherever you go, and a great option for taking you from day to evening. The denim version is exclusive to Target.com, so keep an eye out for its arrival!

Q: How would you define the Mulberry girl?

A: The Mulberry girl is playful and creative. She is quietly confident and will make you smile. She enjoys fashion but hates pretentiousness. She is intelligent and generous but a little bit cheeky, with bucketloads of English charm! She loves beautiful things and is generous, friendly and warm. She knows who she is without being arrogant.

Q: We adore the tiny pups that were onsite for the Mulberry for Target photo shoot. What’s the connection between Mulberry and K9s?

A: At Mulberry we love our furry friends! The pooches on the Target shoot were French bulldogs, but we love pups in all shapes and sizes and have been producing clothes for them for a couple of seasons now. This winter we have a fantastic coat and snuggly jumper for cold days, so your pets can look as stylish as you do! People are really embracing our pet wear, and if you visit our Mulberry Facebook page you can coo over customers’ Mulberry-clad pooches in our photo gallery!

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t find having Emma’s job! It was really fun to read about the Mulberry brand and it makes me like them even more. Everything that they say about the “Mulberry girl” is how I feel about fashion and life. They are definitely becoming a favorite brand for me. I can’t wait to see what they have in stall next this season as well as the pet ware. I bet it will be adorable. I hope you enjoyed reading this. Hope you have a great weekend!

Love,

K

Lusting after: The New Coach Madison Gathered Leather Collection

All I can say is wow. I am very impressed with the new Coach Madison gathered leather Sophia Satchel and accordion zip wallet. I got to see both of them this past week before it goes on sale this Friday and all I have to say is that they are GORGEOUS! The leather is so beautiful and soft. The gathered leather is such a fun detail that I am really loving right now. I don’t really like any of the Coach signature handbags or accessories, but I do have to say that their leather handbags are always very nicely made. I thought that I’ve grown out of Coach, but this bag reminds me that I can always rely on Coach for a nice beautifully designed handbag. Even though I’ve been eyeing other handbags with a much bigger price tag, I think I might have to make an exception for this one.

This is the Madison gathered leather Sophia Satchel. Isn’t it so beautiful? My favorite is the black leather. But it also comes in a rich purple color and beautiful light grey. I wouldn’t mind having this particular handbag in every color.  It comes in two sizes: the smaller size retails for $498 and the larger is $598. Please note that there is a very big size difference between the two. I thought that the large size might be too big, but it is not at all. But then again I am a big handbag type of girl. Don’t you love the styling of model’s outfit too? Very MadMen and Blair Waldorf. Love. Love.

 

 

Here is the matching accordian zip. I love the size and feel of this zip wallet so much. And take a look at all the compartments and credit card slots! So beautiful! It would be great as a going out clutch on its own too. Retails for $248.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am really loving the deep lush purple color also. It would be perfect for Fall.  Those leather studded gloves are pretty awesome too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you coveting any new handbags this season? Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love,

K

Dreaming of……Paris

I really adore this picture and I think it really captures the beauty and essence of Paris. Mike and I spent a part of our honeymoon in Paris and every now and then I daydream about our wonderful time there and all the great memories we had. It always puts such a smile on my face and a skip in my step. I hope you all have great memories like this to cherish and look back upon.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our honeymoon thanks to my amazing husband. He is a very talented photographer. You can see his work here.Thanks for reading!

Love,

K

Fall Favorites

Here are some of my favorite pieces for Fall. Enjoy.

REED KRAKOFF BOXER I

JUICY COUTURE BROGUE DUCHESS BAG

BD DAKOTA HINSDALE

J.CREW PLAID BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN

ANTHROPOLOGIE FLOWERING PASTURE BLOUSE

BDG RUGBY STRIP SWEATER DRESS

LOWIE HOODED CABLE KNIT CAPE

LAUREN BY RALPH LAUREN KNIT CAPE

JUICY COUTURE HOUNDSTOOTH NECK WARMER

J.CREW ZIP LEATHER GLOVES

TIFFANY KEYS FLEUR DE LIS KEY NECKLACE

MICHAEL MICHEAL KORS WATCH MK2205

COACH TEAGAN HEEL

STEVEN BY STEVE MADDEN ‘IDEN’ KNEE HIGH BOOT

Love,

K

August Faves: Chloé Eau de Parfum

Wow. Can you believe that its already September 1st? This Summer has really flown by for me. I am sad that Summer is coming to an end, but I am also very very excited for Fall! I have already picked up a few essential pieces for Fall that I can’t wait to do a post about. There was also some awesome sales going on recently at Bloomingdales and Piperlime, so I will post what I order once they are delivered. While I am waiting for my packages I know that I have one key item that will take me from Summer into Fall……..my Chloé Eau de Parfum!!

I have been coveting this perfume ever since it came out in 2008, but I already had too many perfumes at the time to purchase another one. I was really in love with Chloé bags then and I especially liked the simple and sweet design of the new Chloé bottle. After smelling the sample in a magazine, I knew that I would love it! Well skip forward to July 2010 and I finally ran out of my favorite perfumes, I decided to make a change and take a chance on this one. I even went to my local department store, which surprisingly carried Chloé (FINALLY!) and tested it. I even wore it for a whole day to see how long it would lasts and if it would still smell as nice after it mixed with my body chemistry. Well luckily for me, it did! The Chloé Eau de Parfum is a very light and floral scent. It is sweet, but not overwhelming at the same time. A perfect scent that lasts all day.

This is from the Sephora.com:

Top notes of pink peony, freesia, and lychee embody subtle freshness. At the heart, midnotes of magnolia flower, lily of the valley, and rose rise to sublimated femininity. A base of velvety elegance comes to fruition through cedarwood, amber, and honey.

I usually gravitate towards very light floral scents and this one is exactly that. And how perfect is this? One of my favorite flowers are peonies and I love Lychee (especially Lychee cocktails)! Others that I have used in the past are Dior Addict 2, Gucci Envy Me, and Juicy Couture, just so you can have a reference. One of my all time favorite fragrance was Burberry, but sadly they don’t make it anymore.

I purchased the fragrance from Sephora.com. It was very fast service and I also got free shipping. What I found most helpful was reading the comments and reviews that other customers wrote. They even had a special gift with purchase going on so it was a done deal! The gift set included a mini Chloé Eau de Parfum, 1 oz Perfumed Body Lotion, and a makeup bag. For some reason I thought that the Body Lotion and Eau de Parfum would be larger. Maybe because the picture made it look like Body Lotion is almost as big as the makeup bag. I knew that 1 oz is very small, but the picture was a little deceiving. They are both very very tiny, but I am not complaining. Free is free. The bag is cute. The top portion is a linen material and the base is a suede like material with the words Chloé stitched into it. The bottle itself is GORGEOUS in person. I absolutely love the shape of the bottle and the feel of the grooved glass. It is so sleek and elegant. And lastly to give it a feminine touch, it is topped off with a hand-tied beigey-pink ribbon. It was overall a great deal and a very good purchase! I absolutely LOVE it!

The other perfume I was debating on was Juicy’s Couture Couture. I really liked Juicy’s Couture Couture, but in the end I decided I loved Chloé even more. I might still pick up Juicy’s Couture Couture in a few months so that I can have a different smell to choose from. I also really love the crown top. I’m such a sucker for beautiful packaging! It’s like artwork to me. This fragrance is much stronger then the Chloé. It’s a lot deeper and richer, but still very nice. I think it would be nice for Fall, especially to out at night.

From Sephora.com:

This scent opens with a top of succulent pink grape accord frolicking in a field of natural orange flower and mandarin. A heart of blushed plum and honeysuckle flirts with bold star jasmine. At back, creamy sandalwood lazes with moist amber in a haze of rich vanilla.

I even picked up a roll-on bottle of Juicy Couture Couture to try out and am really loving how portable and convenient it is! It doesn’t provide a nice coverage as a simple spritz from the bottle, but it is nice to have if  you want a nice pick-me-up if your going straight from work to dinner or out. I usually put some on around my neck and on my wrists. I really wished they made this cute handy bottle for Chloé too! It is such a great way to try out a perfume without having to commit to big bottle. I have so many bottles of perfume that I got sick of after wearing it a few times.

I hope this post was fun and helpful for you!

Love,

K