Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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? 

Monday, August 9, 2010

Inspired by: Eat, Pray, Love

This past weekend, jewelry was one of the only things that wasn't considered tax free. Naturally, I gravitated toward bling every time I stepped foot in a store. It quickly became necessary to satisfy my jewelry craving before I blew my entire back-to-school budget on bangles from Kate Spade, so I popped into 10,000 Villages.

With over 70 retail locations across the US, 10,000 Villages strives to provide fair income to Third World artisans by marketing their products to shoppers in the US and Canada. It's always my go-to store for affordable, eye-catching jewelry. This trip I came home with two unique bracelets.

Both bangles were made in India and have a very Eat, Pray, Love feel to them. One is beautifully hand painted with an intricate design, and the other, a simple pewter bolt.  At $10 each, I challenge you to find a better deal. To shop online or find a store near you, click here to visit the company's website.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Catalog Living

Looking for a laugh? Head over to Catalog Living. My friend Hadley blogged about it a few days ago, and I've been hooked ever since. The satirical blog delves into the fictional lives of people who live in catalogs and their ridiculous home decor. Absolutely hilarious.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Fall Fashion Inspiration

 
(Nanette Lepore Fall Fashion Sketch) 
Earlier today, my sister introduced me to Pantone, a digital report showcasing this fall's hottest colors and trends from some of fashion's most well-known designers. Trust me when I say it's slightly addicting. I've literally spent hours pouring over the sketches, color pallets, designer must-haves and quotes displayed in a magazine-esque format. 
 
Before you blow those summer paychecks on back-to-school fashions, I recommend consulting this colorful style forecast. Need a brief summary? Focus your funds on pieces featuring icy grays, deep plums, warm coppers and rich turquoise blues. 
 
Readers, will y'all be sticking to the trends of Pantone's fall color report?

Click below for more designer quotes and sketches of this fall's trendiest looks:

 
David Rodriguez cites "Smoke Pearl" as his signature color for this fall's collection. I love the pattern on his sleek top.

Designer Amy Smilovic lists her many inspirations for Tibi's  fall line: 
"The romantic standard of masculine and feminine, hero and heroine, Napoleon and Josephine, Samson and Delilah; the works of Peter Beard led to the ethereal nature and feel of prints and palette, as supple hues merge and slide, appearing cracked and crumbled, fusing animal prints, natural textures and shadows of the wild"
Elie Tahari's copper tones and warm neutrals are complemented by his signature color(s):"Varying shades of Blue that invoke feelings of optimism." How poetic. 


I've always been a fan of Rebecca Taylor's whimsical ruffles and feminine color pallet, and this sketch for her fall collection is no exception.
Prior to discovering Pantone, I had never heard of Tadashi Shoji or his fashion line. Now I can't wait to see more. His must-have item, a "Blue Coral silk georgette and lace tiered mini dress" is to die for, no?
(Image Credits: Pantone)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Summertime Peaches

There is absolutely nothing better than peaches in the summertime. For dinner tonight my family had them sliced with a black-grape garnish. Doesn't that look fun? What are y'alls favorite summertime meals?

Tax-Free Shopping

Readers, I am counting down the days until this weekend. No, it's not my birthday, and I'm not going on an exotic vacation. It's tax-free weekend in Tennessee. With a 9.25% sales tax, Tennessee is less than shopper-friendly, so once a year the Volunteer state offers a sales tax holiday to help with back-to-school shopping. Sound too good to be true? Well, there are some limitations- It's not a free-for-all. The tax exemption applies to clothing under $100, school supplies under $100 and computers $1,500 and less. Click here for a complete list of items eligible.

I'll mostly be using this weekend to stock up on pencils, pens and other school supplies, but I wouldn't be surprised if I came home with an addition to my wardrobe, especially since I found out about local boutique Two Elle's Tax Free Extravaganza. Everything in the store will be under $100 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Readers, would a sales tax holiday impact your back-to-school shopping?

Monday, August 2, 2010

Spotlight on Nashville: Happiness Place

Saturday was my last day working in retail for this summer. Perhaps it's a bit early to be waxing nostalgic, but I wanted to go ahead and dedicate a post to my former place of employment. Happiness Place, located on Bandywood Drive in Green Hills, is the perfect place to pick up a quick gift, outfit your living room or simply find some inspiration. My boss, owner Judy Carroll welcomes everyone into her store as if they're an old friend, and is quick to offer decorating tips. I had a great experience working at Happiness Place, and if you're ever in the neighborhood, I recommend popping in to the shop. Whether you're looking for a complete home makeover, or just a hostess gift, you won't be disapointed

Click below for my top picks of the store's inventory.


This quaint bird-adorned mirror adds the perfect touch of whimsy to any room. At $54 it's affordable enough for even this college student. I took one home and can't wait to hang it in my room at school.

Faux flowers are an inexpensive way to brighten up any space. This hot pink arrangement is costs only $25.

How cute is this frog wine caddy ($35). It'd make a perfect hostess gift- don't you think?
 
These super comfy cream and green pillows just went on sale for $150 each.

Wristlets are the perfect accessory for a college girl. Just large enough to fit the essentials, these beaded clutches ($28) would be perfect for a night out.