For the love of pistachios

At my house, over Christmas, there's one gift that always appears beneath the tree: Pistachios. They've always been my dad's favorite snack, but as the years have gone by, all of us have come to love them, especially my sister. That's why I laughed out loud when I stumbled upon this cute, pistachio-themed necklace over at Food 52. The perfect gift? It just might be!

How's your holiday shopping going?

(Images via Food 52)

Because I love elephants

I've been on the hunt for something festive to wear to after-work holiday events or parties and had my mind set on a new dress. Then, I saw this origami skirt from J.Crew. The elephant print in gold metallic is so fun! I also love that you can dress it down a bit with an oversized sweater. 

What do you think? Would you wear this skirt?

PS: For elephant lovers (like me!), here's a way to donate to a good cause.

(Images via Fit Fab Fun Mom)

Lace and Chambray for Spring

A few weeks ago, I did a deep dive into my closet to get a jump start on my spring cleaning. After weeding through (and bringing several pieces to Good Will), I figured I deserved a treat! I fell in love with this pretty dress from Brooklyn Industries. How gorgeous is the combination of lace and chambray? The material is so delicate and lightweight—perfect for a warm spring or summer day. I bought it in blue, but the pink is also really nice. 

How about you? Have you done any shopping for spring?

(Images via Brooklyn Industries)

J.Crew, London-style

'Tis the season in New York where we're gearing up for all those gorgeous Madison and Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. In the meantime, I can't help but tune in to a shopping fete happening across the pond to mark the arrival of J.Crew in the UK. This week, the first J.Crew women's shop opens at Brompton Cross in London, and the brand is pulling out all the stops to celebrate. For example: Complimentary (and colorful!) bouquets of fresh flowers with any purchase, plus cascading bursts of balloons to welcome new customers in. 

It's so festive and pretty, don't you think? Totally makes me want to go shop!

More J.Crew here, here, and here.

(Image 1, 2, and 3)

Kate Spade Saturday

Have you spent any time perusing Kate Spade's new Saturday collection? I'm a little obsessed—mainly because it combines my two favorite things: Colorful fashions and an appreciation for the weekend. :) Even more exciting, Saturday has decided to make it's New York brick and mortar debut with four pop-up shops in the city. The kiosks combine a little bit of everything: Window and virtual shopping, and free delivery of anything you purchase from the site in one hour or less. Only in New York, right?

My friend Kristen and I checked it out over the weekend. I want to buy this, this and this. 

What do you think? Will you shop Saturday?

(Image 1, 2)

Jackie O would approve

Yes—as anyone who lives in New York can attest—it did snow yesterday. But that isn't going to stop me from thinking about spring. :) Which brings me to the pretty (and ladylike) bags pictured above. New York magazine did a round-up of the best, and while a couple are a wee bit out of my price range (hello, Valentino and Christian Dior!), they're still far too lovely not to discuss. More and more, I really like the structured look. It's so polished, and reminiscent of designs worn by former First Lady Jackie O.

What do you think? Would you splurge on a spring bag like this?

PS—Here's another option that comes in a more affordable price range. So cute!

(Image 1, 2, and 3) 

Treasure hunting

I love this post from A Girl, A Style about the art of collecting, and seeking out all kinds of big and little things that make us smile every day. It got me thinking about my favorite finds from May—the items that I didn't know I wanted, but were definitely a delight when found! From top to bottom, Regina Spektor's new album (available today!), Bobbi Brown's Beach body oil that absolutely smells like the beach, the June issue of Easy Living with Debra Messing talking about Smash, and this gorgeous spearmint skirt from J.Crew.

Tell me — what's a recent (and unexpected) splurge that made you smile? 

(Image 1, 2, and 3)

Framed shopping bags

What do you do with the limited edition (or classic) shopping bags you take home after purchasing something at your favorite stores or boutiques? I always hold onto mine, but this brilliant idea gave me a new and creative way to feature every artful design. After all, most shopping experiences are usually marking an occasion. To me, framing each bag is a lovely reminder of that outfit, that memory, that style.

What do you think? Would you try this design idea at home?

(Image 1, 2 via Style Redux and Pinterest)

Gold baubles

If you're dressing up for New Year's, the Aurous Tune Necklace from Anthropologie is the perfect way to add a touch of sparkle and shine. I love the size of each bauble, not to mention the soft, black suede tie. What are you wearing for New Year's Eve? Are you going fancy or casual this year?

More Anthropologie accessories I love: try this or this to brighten up any look.  

(Images via Anthropologie)

Inside the offices of Kate Spade

Last weekend, my friend Kristen surprised me with a long overdue visit to New York. We caught up. We brunched. We paused — despite the rain — to peek inside Kate Spade. But our brief moment inside the store on Fifth was nothing compared to the experience had by From Me To You's Jamie. She went behind the scenes at the Kate Spade offices to view the spring collection and understand exactly how inspiration strikes for the most colorful designer in town. Her photos are stunning and every look pops! Tell me — what's your favorite Kate Spade color? Which accessory do you love the most?

PS — Don't miss Kate Spade's redesigned website. More color! Yay! 

(Images via From Me To You)

Skirting around

Here it is, one of my first big purchases for fall! Don't you just love the layers on this skirt from Banana Republic? They are cut just right so the skirt is slimming, not voluminous, if you know what I mean. I picked out this top to go with it. What do you think?