Perfect Skippers

Happy Sunday everyone!  I’m really sad that the weekend is over.  Do you ever feel like you need one more weekend day?  I know that I do.  Even though I’m not feeling good, I managed to run quite a bit of errands over the past couple of days.  Yesterday, I cleaned my apartment, went to a co-worker’s baby shower and later met my sisters and mom for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.  Today, I did some laundry, went grocery shopping and went to work for a few hours.  Anyways, I wore this outfit yesterday and I loved it.  My favorite part of my outfit was the Perfect Skippers necklace from Anthropologie.  I was able to score the last necklace in the store for $9.95.  Woohoo!  For some reason the necklaces were coming up full price in the store, but on sale online.  I don’t know why there was a conflict…hopefully, that mix up didn't prevent any of you fromt getting this piece.

Shirt: Anthropologie Echoing Folds Cowlneck

Skirt: JCPenney East 5th Belted Pencil Skirt

Necklace: Anthropologie Perfect Skippers

Shoes: Gianni Bini Gold Flats

Fresh Picks to Follow: Bag Envy

Happy Friday!  I’m sorry that I was MIA this week.  I have been a little under the weather due to my allergies.  Hopefully, I’ll be back to my old self soon. 

Do you own a fake handbag or are you thinking of buying a fake handbag? If so, please reconsider.  I wanted to bring to your attention the Harper’s Bazaar Fakes Are Never in Fashion™ campaign.  It’s an amazing campaign that is dedicated to exposing the criminal activities connected to the sale of counterfeit luxury goods—child labor, drug trafficking, and even terrorism.  A designer knock-off may be priced right, so that the average person could purchase it and stay in fashion; however, the business of fake luxury comes at a great cost. Counterfeit goods have become a $600 billion industry and is responsible for 750, 000 jobs lost in the United States.  No matter how appealing the cheaper version is, there is no replacing the real thing.  Please check out the website for more information.  Okay, that’s enough from me about the fakes…I just wanted to make a quick PSA about counterfeits. 

Well, I don’t know about you ladies, but I love a good designer handbag.  And anyone that knows me, knows that I have plenty of them in my closet and that I love to change my purses often.   A designer handbag generally reflects a woman’s personal style.  Some women love to carry classic handbags like Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Chanel and some like trendy, edgier handbags like Coach, Juicy Couture or Kate Spade.  This spring, there are five handbag trends that include the north/south tote; the long shoulder strap; the daytime clutch; the large soft hobo; and the tassel.  This week’s Friday Fresh Picks to Follow is a look at some of my favorite Spring 2011 handbags.  

1. Coach – Kristen Elevated Leather Sage Round Satchel…$698.00

2. Diane von Furstenberg - Penny Medium Shoulder Bag …$565.00

3. VBH - Pellicano Python Tote…$4,650.00

4. Yves Saint Laurent - Roady Large Hobo, Flame …$1,295.00

5. Coach – Kristin Leather Willow Small Shoulder Bag…$298.00

6. Mulberry – Alexa Satchel…$1,150.00

7. Anthropologie - Caning Clutch…$118.00

8. Gucci – ‘Handmade’ Medium Shoulder Bag…$2,500.00

9. Chanel Python Timeless Clutch…call Chanel at 800-550-0005 to inquire

10. Chloe - Aurore Pure Paddington Tote …$1,795.00

miscellany monday

happy monday everyone – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} hot and spicy.  i’m watching the food network’s the best thing i ever ate: hot and spicy.  and i want to try everything that they are listing...it all looks really good.  i love spicy foods, not fire engine hot, but something that has a little kick.  do you like spicy food?  my favorite foods are from Jamaica (i.e. jerk chicken or pork)…most of the meals have a little heat to them.  i also love thai and indian curry entrees…i love the flavor and the spices. 

{two} working out.  i went to the gym after work today and had an amazing workout.  in my opinion a good workout is when you workout your entire body and your clothes are covered with sweat.  i went to a class tonight that combines martial arts and self defense movements with cardio training.  i left the gym feeling physically exhausted, but i was happy that i burned a lot of calories.  i’ll be back to running tomorrow.   

{three} giveaways.  i’m super excited to let you know that there are 3 giveaways going on right now for various gift cards.  good luck everyone.

sara from you, me & anthropologie celebrated her birthday in style by hosting a giveaway for a $50.00 gift card to either anthropologie or j.crew.  check out her blog here for details on how to enter the contest.  this giveaway will end on sunday, march 6^th at 11:59 p.m. est.  

tara from little girl big closet is hosting an anthropologie giveaway where she will pick 3 winners. i know...this was not a typo.  there are 3 gift cards available – one for $50.00 and two for $25.00 to my favorite store,  anthropologie.  check out her blog here for all of the details on how to enter.  this giveaway ends on sunday, march 20^th at midnight.

kathryn and carol from in pursuit of pretty things are also hosting an anthropologie giveaway in honor of their one year blog-versary.   these ladies are very generous because they are giving away a $100.00 gift card to anthropologie.  please check out their blog here for all of the details on how to enter.  this giveaway will end on wednesday, march 9^th.

{four} the bachelor. the newest bachelor, brad womack, is down to two (2) ladies – emily and chantel o.   the finale will air on abc in two weeks.  i can’t wait to see who he picks and if he actually follows through with a proposal. 

Favorite Dresses – 83rd Annual Oscars

I just finished watching the 83rd Annual Oscars ceremony and I think that Anne Hathaway and James Franco did a pretty awesome job.  I especially enjoyed the co-hosts in the pre-taped spoof of this year’s top movies.  Did you enjoy this start of the 83rd Oscars? How would you rate their performance?  I’m also excited that Natalie Portman won the best actress award for her role in Black Swan.  Did you see the movie?  She had an amazing performance for her portrayal of a tortured ballerina.  And bravo to Colin Firth for winning the best actor award for his role in The King’s Speech.  I didn’t watch The King’s Speech yet, but it has definitely moved up on the top of my movie list. 

Most people watch the Oscars to see which actors, actresses and films will win this prestigious award.  I, on the other hand, watch the ceremony for the fashion first and then the awards.  Each year, female celebrities opt for glamour, gorgeous full-length gowns, pretty updos and the perfect embellished accessories.   When I was younger, I used to be inspired by this show to sketch and create my own ball gown designs.  I really enjoy seeing what each actress is wearing, how it was styled and finding out which designer created the dress.  So, I wanted to share a quick post about my favorite dresses during this year’s Academy Awards.  Here are my top 5 favorite dresses (in no particular order).  Did you have any favorite dresses? Let me know.  (Photo credit: People.com)

HALLE BERRY in Marchesa

NATALIE PORTMAN in Rodarte

SANDRA BULLOCK in Vera Wang

JENNIFER HUDSON in Atelier Versace

HILARY SWANK in Gucci Première