Sneak Peek: Kate Spade Meets Elizabeth Bennet

 (photo credit: Kate Spade)

I'm officially an English nerd-- I was so excited when I stumbled upon this photo of Kate Spade's newest book clutch. Pride and Prejudice is a personal favorite, and I'm always happy to see the title referenced in pop culture (especially when it looks this chic!). Hopefully I'll have a spare $325 to make this purse my own when the new collection of clutches hits Kate Spade stores in the fall of 2011.

Readers--what novels would you like to see made into a clutch?

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?

Gift Guide #1: Stocking Stuffers

With my exams almost finished, I'm finally starting to get into the holiday spirit. This post marks the first in a series of gift guides I'll be writing to help last minute shoppers find the perfect presents for their loved ones. I figured I'd start small, so today's guide is all about stocking stuffers!

Row 1 (L to R):
Taylor Swift's Speak Now (Amazon, $8.99)

Bliss Grape Seed Hand Cream (Sephora, $8)  
Behind the Hedge Cuff (Lilly Pulitzer, $68)

Row 2 (L to R):
Jeweled Headband (J. Crew, $26.50)
Tory Burch Leather Wristlet (Nordstrom, $125)
Milk Chocolate Gingerbread Man (Godiva, $6)

Row 3 (L to R):
Minnie Muse Notepad (Forever 21, $4.80)
Set of 6 Polka-Dot Coasters (Kate Spade, $20)
Set of 5 Fifi Lapin Notecards (Fifi Lapin, $15)

The blog world is abuzz with discussion of Kate Spade's newest book, a collection of "inspirations, intriguing bits, and other curiosities" inspired by the much-loved section of the brand's retail website, "The Things We Love". While The Things We Love is not yet available for sale to the public, I decided to create my own edition, The Things I Love, for today's post. Enjoy!

Here's a consolidated list with links:
1.) Ballet Slippers
2.) Keith Haring
3.) Capri Blue Candles
4.) Hidden Messages
5.) Bows
6.) Aphrodite's Pink Nightie Nail Polish
7.) S'mores
8.) Starbucks Holiday Drinks
9.) Fifi Lapin

PS Click here to watch a special on Kate's house on Plum TV!

Kate Spade Fever

Last week I was so excited when my friend Emily sent me this link announcing that Kate Spade, the New York designer best known for her colorful accessories, printed stationary and feminine silhouettes, is launching a new bed and bath collection this spring! The line will include the bold prints and bright colors consumers have come to expect from Kate Spade. Not sure if I'll be able to afford it, but I can't wait to see the complete line!

My Kate Spade frenzy continued when I saw that the brand uploaded images from their Spring 2011 collection onto their look book website. I love the Iris top ($245), Hand in Hand bangles ($48 each) and the Samantha bag ($575)

Readers, what do you think of Kate Spade's spring ventures? What other designers' collections are you looking forward to this spring?

Sorry for the lack of posts lately! I've been so ridiculously busy with midterms and school work that I've barely had time to think, much less blog. School wise, things have finally calmed down so I'll be back to posting regularly! The weather outside was dreary today so I thought I'd pay homage to Lox Papers and create my own college-inspired Rain Check. Readers--What do y'all like to do when it rains?

Image credits: (Scarf, Pumpkin Spice, Cozy Blanket, Emma, Kate Spade Stationary, Hunter Boots)

Fashion Goes Gaga for Gatsby

Murder, sex, wealth, booze, elegant soirees and sordid affairs. Sounds like a list ripped from the headlines of a celebrity tabloid, no? Well, not quite. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby has more scandals than an E! True Hollywood story, which might explain why in today's celebrity-obsessed society the classic novel remains a cultural phenomenon. Eighty-five years after it's first publication, Fitzgerald's flowery narration of Gatsby's lavish life of despair remains relevant in pop culture, forever en vogue.

Pictured above:
Kate Spade's autumn 2010 handbag collection includes several "Book of the Month Clutches," with designs based on classic novel covers. The Gatsby edition retails for $325, is made of laminated silk twill with a metallic cowhide trim, and includes the following quote on the back cover: "'The Great Gatsby' is an American masterpiece. A magical world filled with lawn parties and lavish affairs, champagne and caviar--it's Camelot pre-Kennedy...a rare novel that successfully captures the indulgence of the Jazz Age at its most decadent." Other "Book of the Month" handbags include clutches featuring Charles Dickens' Great Expectations and Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.

Last week, Racked New York reported that Marc Jacobs opened a book store, aptly named "Marc Jacobs: Bookmarc" on Bleeker Street in New York. One of the products mentioned in their review of the shop is a cheeky journal featuring the title of Fitzgerald's most famous work, only slightly re-worded. "The Gay Gatsby" journal will sit aside other blank notebooks with similarly sassy titles: "Moby's Dick (LOL)," "As I Lay Tanning," "My Grapes of Wrath are Tasty and Delicious" and "Huckleberry Finn is My Homeboy."

Back to School Dream Shopping

If budgetary concerns weren't an issue, back-to-school shopping would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, I live in the real world where my wardrobe is more Target than Tibi.  Here's what I'd buy if I had a Bill Gates'-sized bank account:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag ($228)
2. Anthropologie Fleur De Lys Dinner Plate ($16)
3. Tory Burch Leather Elle Boot ($495)
4. Kate Spade Bow Ring ($75)
5. Susana Monaco Billow Sleeve Dress ($172)

Readers, what big ticket items are on your wish list for fall? 

Private Sale Alert Kate Spade Starts Today!

Kate Spade for your eyes only private sale June 17-20 up to 60% off.