Elephant Locket

(Image Credit: Freshy Fig's Etsy)

Isn't this vintage locket lovely? I've never seen anything quite like it.

An Eye for Design: Vintage Suitcases

 (Photo Credit: Emily Schuman)

I loved Cupcakes and Cashmere's retro-chic alternative to a bedside table yesterday so I scoured Etsy for the cutest vintage suitcases I could find. My favorites are pictured below. I think I might have a DIY project in my future!

 

 ($58)

($55)

 

($32)

($30)

($55)

Japanese Relief: Nan Lawson

 It is far too easy to become trapped in the bubble of college life where breaking news consists of midterm exams and fraternity parties, but every so often a major event, like the recent tragic earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan, is able to break the metaphorical bubble. I hope, if you're able that you will give to the relief effort. One stylish way to help is by purchasing this gorgeous 5 x7 print by Etsy illustrator Nan Lawson. Each print is $10 and all proceeds go directly to relief efforts in Japan.

It's almost spring break...

 (Photo Credit: Etsy-Don Shan)

and I'm going to Mardi Gras! Right now I'm in the middle of midterms, but come Saturday, I'm headed to the Big Easy. I've never been to New Orleans before, much less Mardi Gras so I'd appreciate any and all advice (especially about what to wear)! Leave me a note in the comment section!

College readers--Where are you headed for Spring Break?

All You Need is Love: Countdown to Valentine's

1.) Heart Headband (ban.do ($35)
2.) Arrogant Cat Heart Back Sequin Dress (Asos $114)
3.) Pink First Base Murfee Scarf (Lilly Pulitzer $118) 
4.) Gumdrop Stud Earrings (Kate Spade $38)
5.) Olive Heart Pillow (Etsy $26) 
6.) Old River Road Valentine's Day Copper Cookie Cutters (Amazon $12)
7. )The Sonnet's and a Lover's Complaint (Amazon $13.60) 

Can you believe it's already the fourth of February? With only 10 days to go, the countdown to Valentine's has officially begun. If you're feeling prematurely lovey dovey, check out these fun Valentine's-inspired goodies. I especially love the heart-shaped cut out on this dress.

Maybe I'll have to try out my DIY skills and transform a t-shirt a la A Pair and a Spare.

Readers--do y'all already have Valentine's plans?

a maGREAT gift idea for an art nerd

Pardon the pun, but how cute is this laptop decal? It's such a clever play on Magritte's famous "Son of Man" painting, and at $4.50 plus $3 shipping, it's not breaking anyone's budget. Click over to DecalMax's Etsy shop and order one today for your favorite art history nerd!

Ways to Procrastinate During Exams

After finishing my last final yesterday, I'm finally headed home to Nashville to celebrate the holidays with my family. Exams were rough, and I can't imagine going through them again, but for those of you still stuck in University libraries nation-wide, here my favorite procrastination websites:

College Humor--Okay, so some of the jokes are a bit questionable, but the site's definitely good for a laugh when you're stressed out. Parodying college life, this multimedia website was started by a Wake Forest alum, Ricky Van Veen, so you know it's got to be good.

Orisinal's Winterbells-- Winterbells is not your typical computer game. Soothing music plays are you navigate a bunny through the sky, collecting bells as you go. Lose a round? No problem, the bunny falls peacefully to the snow-filled ground. There's no animated violence, no aggression, no simulated bunny death, just good clean fun. Be careful though, it's addictive.

Pandora--For those of you who can't study in complete silence, I recommend Pandora. Just plug in an artist or song you like into this online radio and you'll be instantly serenaded by only the music you like. It's my favorite place to discover bands I might not find otherwise.

Sporcle--Whether you're cramming for a History final or just a Harry Potter fanatic, Sporcle has a quiz for you.  My favorite trivia games? Historical Tweets, Harry Potter Top 200, and Famous Faces Badly Drawn.

Online Shopping--Even as my bank account inches closer to $0.00, I find myself scouring the internet for this season's latest trends. My favorite one-stop shops with lots of inventory include: department stores like Bloomingdale's, Etsy, Shopbop, Bluefly, and online sample sale sites RueLaLa and Gilt.

Readers what are your favorite websites to procrastinate on? Besides blogs of course!

An Alternative to the Monogram?

I grew up in a culture of labels. No, not stereotypical teenage name calling, my upbringing was filled with monograms. The southern all-girls school I attended was dotted with students who loved initial-smothered picture frames, backpacks, tote bags, jewelry, pillows and towels. If you could embroider or engrave it, someone found a way to slap her monogram on it.

Don't get me wrong, I like monogramming as much as the next preppy southerner, but in excess, it can seem a bit pretentious. That's why I'm loving these initial rings from Etsy--they're edgier, more unique versions of the traditional signet ring. Not to mention they're much more affordable!

Readers what do you think of monogramming? Are you a die-hard fan? Or do you prefer something off the beaten path?

1.) Pebble Initial Ring $24
2.) Antique Typewriter Key Ring, $40
3.) Square Block Ring, $24 
4.) Rustic Tab Ring, $36 
5.) Just an Initial Ring, $15 
6.) Custom Initial Ring, $26

Tea Time!

When it's bitter cold outside, there's nothing better than a piping-hot cup of tea. I think it was my semester across the pond got me hooked on the British pastime of afternoon tea, but to be perfectly honest, I'd drink practically anything out of these gorgeous sets from Anthropologie!

Readers how do you like your tea? Do you take one lump or two?

(Image Credit: all from Anthropologie Home)

Tweet Tweet!

It's official. I gave in and joined the twittosphere. In honor of my surrender to the gods of pop culture, I put together some of my favorite Etsy finds inspired by the twitter bird. If you'd like constant updates on my life in statements of less than 140 characters, feel free to follow me. Twitter name: challemann.

1.) Black Bird Hooks ($40) 
2.) Love Birds on Branch Necklace ($23)
3.) Birds on Branch Hand-Stamped Silver Post Earrings ($13)
4.) Rustic Cottage Birdhouse ($15)
5.) Keep Calm and Tweet On Print ($8)

In the comment section, I'd love to hear your thoughts about incorporating Twitter into a blog. Do y'all find that interesting? Useful? Obnoxious? What blogs do you read that use Twitter? Weigh in below.

Obsession of the Moment: Capes

My top trend this fall is definitely the cape. I'm obsessed with all the pieces pictured below, especially the Anthropologie look. Readers what are your favorite trends for fall?

(Clockwise from top left):
Everything in Place Cape: Anthropologie ($198)
Alice and Olivia Emory Cape: Shopbop ($495) 
Navy Wool Capulina: Etsy ($56)
Ultimate Military Cape: Topshop ($190)

 

Clockwise from top:

Hand Carved Set of Rubber Stamps (Etsy: $15)

Splash of Sunshine Umbrella (Modcloth: $29.99)

Eileen Fisher Weather-Resistant Hooded Raincoat (Bloomingdale's: $218)

Hunter Original Gloss Rainboots (Zappos: $125)

After breaking North Carolina's record for most 90-degree days in a year just last week, Fall has finally come to the Forest. Unfortunately, cooler temperatures were quickly followed by monsoon-like rains. With such dreary days its hard to pull myself out of bed, but if I had a chic rain outfit it might be a little easier. I love the idea of wearing bright colors in the rain, but I haven't quite convinced myself that Hunter Boots are worth the $125 price tag. Readers, what are your thoughts on the Hunter Boot phenomenon? Are colorful wellies worth over $100?

P.S. Today's the last day of  the Anna Dillard Designs Give Away! Click here and leave a comment to enter!

Style of a 20 Something's Newest Sponsor!

Readers, I'm so excited to announce our newest sponsor- jewelry designer Anna Dillard! Anna is a Wake Forest student who started her own jewelry business last year. She creates beautiful (and inexpensive!) rings that add a touch of glam to any outfit. Please check out her Etsy site here and stay tuned to style of a 20-something for a contest featuring one of Anna's designs later this month!

Beeline A-Lines

While exploring East Nashville's Tomato Art Festival this weekend, I stumbled upon what has now become a favorite Esty site. Beeline A-Lines is the product of Meg Giuffrida, a sewist from Nashville who creates one-of-a-kind skirts from vintage fabrics. I wasn't able to try any of her products on, but they sure look cute! A-line skirts are universally flattering, and I'm certain these are no exception. Retailing at $65 a piece, these skirts would make a unique addition to any wardrobe.

Readers who are your favorite Etsy sellers?

Inspired by: Bastille Day

I know it's the tail end of July 14, but I thought I'd throw up a quick post. Here are a handful of French-inspired pieces in honor of Bastille Day!

1.) Chanel Hydrabase Lipstick ($65)
2.) P. Saint Hilaire Fine Sailor Scarf ($16)
3.) Fleur de Lis Bobby Pin Set ($5)
4.) Love in Paris Zip Pouch ($18)
5.) Black Beret ($32)

Links to Beat the Monday Blues: July 5

Readers--I hope you had a wonderful July 4th holiday! If you were cheated of a day off since Independence day fell on a Sunday this year, here are some links to start the work week off right:

What a wonderful way to start the day.

Still feeling patriotic? Try this belt on for size.

Twihards, the amount of Twilight-related paraphernalia available in the wake of Eclipse is almost unfathomable. My top pick: this t-shirt from Mighty Fine. "I Love Boys Who Sparkle." How precious.

If you're less than enthusiastic about the teen vampire craze, check out Colt Ford's music video spoof. Hilarious.

A sneak peak of Madonna's new line for Macy's.

All the fun of poker without the risk.

So many literary-inspired films are coming out later this year: Eat, Pray, Love, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and the third installment in the Chronicles of Narnia series:  The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Click the links to view the trailers. Do you think these films will live up to the books?

Doesn't this peach sangria sound refreshing on a hot summer day?

(Image Credit)

Links to Beat the Monday Blues: June 28

I feel like I'm the only person who hasn't seen Toy Story 3. Hopefully I'll get a chance to catch up with Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang soon. In the mean time, I'll have to settle with looking at these cake pops from Bakerella.

The show doesn't premiere until tonight, but I can't help but nervously chuckle every the commercial comes on. Really ABC Family? You're going to name a show about fat camp, Huge? Does that make anyone else kind of uncomfortable? Maybe it's just me.

I'm a self proclaimed "Janeite," with an affection for Earl Grey. This Etsy seller must be my kindred spirit.

Looking for a way to help those affected by Gulf Coast oil spill? Kenneth Cole recently launched a line of custom t-shirts with 100% of the proceeds going to disaster relief. Click over to his Facebook page for more details. The shirts are only $35 and feature slogans like, "I clean up well."

Lucky Magazine reported on the ladies of the Twilight series and their fashion choices for the Eclipse premiere. Who do you think looked the best on the red carpet? My vote goes to Ashley Greene.

These new arrivals from Anthropologie are swoon-worthy.

I'm considering making this post a weekly thing. Readers-what do you think?  Let me know in the comments if you'd like to see more of this series. Happy Monday :)

Twilight-Inspired Scarves

The Twilight series is my guilty pleasure. For a while I tried to deny it, but I can no longer hide my allegiance to Team Edward. Sure, the films are cheesy and the books are less than Pulitzer Prize worthy, but I have to give the wardrobe stylist some credit. I absolute love this look of Alice's from New Moon. Eclipse doesn't premiere for another week, so I've been getting my Twilight fix scouring the web for an Alice-inspired scarf. Check out my picks below:

1. Madewell ($38)
2. Hermes ($375)
3. Vintage Vera Neumann ($12)
4. Anthropologie ($28)
5. Otrera ($195)

Readers--Are you all excited about Eclipse? Do you consider yourself Team Edward or Team Jacob?  

(Alice Image Credit: Fan Pop)

Splurge or Save? The It Bag

Splurge?

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 ($690)

or Save?

nosideup Etsy It Bag ($25)

When I saw this Etsy bag featured on I am a Greedy Girl, I thought it's cheeky design was darling. While I don't support counterfitting or abuse of copyright, I feel this bag demonstrates the designer's hilarious aptitude for artistic liscence. At 25 dollars, it's much easier on the budget than the original, and the bag is made of 100% unbleached cotton so it's vegan friendly!

(Image Credits: Louis Vuitton, nosideup Etsy)

Graduation Gift Ideas

It's that time of year, again. Vitamin C is playing, caps are flying and cigars are smoking. It's graduation season. As a rising senior in college, I get the following question often: "What is a graduation gift that will actually get some use once the recipient goes off to school?" Here are my suggestions for gifts I would have loved to receive the summer before my freshman year:

$25 and under:Extra cups always come in handy around the dorm room, making a personalized Tervis Tumbler a great gift idea for a high school grad. Not only are these cups microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, personalization is only $5 extra and will help ensure the cup doesn't mysteriously walk away from the owner at the end of a dinner party. ($16 plus $5 personalization)

No matter how good a school's cafeteria is, the food is bound to get old about halfway through second semester of freshman year. That's where this next gift idea comes in handy. A recipe book, like this one from Etsy, filled with some dorm-friendly recipes provides a perfect alternative to the monotony of the dining hall. ($15.95)
Like the Tervis Tumbler, a set of microwave-safe bowls are perfect for everything from ice cream to Campbell's chicken noodle. I'm partial to these Latte Bowls from Anthropologie. ($20 per set of 4 bowls)

$25-$50:Making a trek to the community bathroom is made much easier and more stylish with a
monogrammed towel wrap. I received one before I went to college and it has been my most-used gift by far. ($45)
Pearl studs are a fashion choice that instantly adds a touch of class to any outfit. Not to mention, they go with everything from a little black dress to a t-shirt and jeans. Overstock.com has several options available at heavily discounted prices. ($29.49 and up)

Over $50:

I'm not tech-savvy, so I won't make any suggestions as to which brand is best, but having a laptop computer with me at college has been unbelievably helpful. If at all possible, I suggest bringing one with you to school. That being said, it would make a great graduation gift.

Any denomination:
College students are notoriously broke, so monetary gifts are always warmly accepted, regardless of denomination. The same goes for gift cards. Specifically, cards from Target, Walgreens, Office Depot, local grocery stores, gas stations, or favorite clothing stores would all be great gifts.

PS I just figured out how to check the traffic for this blog and I'm so excited you all are enjoying my site! I'd really appreciate it if you'd become a follower-- in the future I hope to have a contest that will be exclusive to followers of style of a 20 something like this one over at anthrosdottir! Thanks for reading!