splurge vs. steal

I love back to school shopping – in fact it was one of my favorite things to do with my mom and sister’s before starting school in the fall. Everyone loves a good deal, so today we’re sharing some hot finds for the fall at a fraction of the designer cost. Happy shopping.

That polka dot sweater is SO calling my name.

Mossimo Kasey Boot {Target} vs. Also ‘fastrost’ Boot {Nordstrom}

Chambray Work Shirt {Anthropologie} vs. Chambray Western Shirt {American Eagle Outfitters}

Owl Detail Cashmere Sweater {Burberry} vs. Mossimo Long Sleeve Owl Sweater {Target}

Collection Cashmere Polka Dot Sweater {J. Crew} vs. Women’s Boatneck Sweater {Old Navy}

1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans {GAP} Colored Jeans vs.  7 for all Mankind Slim Illusion Overdyed Skinny Stretch Jeans {Nordstrom}

{images via Nordstrom, Target, America Eagle Outfitters, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Old Navy, BurberryGAP}

great gatsby style

The glamorous, modern and elegant style that made its way into the fashion world in Paris in the 1920’s is making a statement again…and we LOVE it. Bringing back the Great Gatsby style makes us {especially Jenna} happy.

1. temperley london web sequined tulle dress, net-a-porter {$2,095}
2. art deco sequin mini skirt, express {$59.90}
3. fan the breeze bracelet, modcloth {$15.99}
4. fairest of them all vanity table, urban outfitters {$269}
5. duran heel, vince camuto {$149} 
6. oscar de la renta tassel clip earrings, net-a-porter {$395}
7. emory bar cart, horchow {$1,400}
8. kimchi blue art deco jeweled clutch, urban outfitters {$49}
9. art deco cuff gold, vince camuto {$98}
10. lodis deco buckle elastic belt, zappos {$46.99}

If your in the bridal dress market, these 1920’s style dresses from the johanna johnson zepphora collection are stunning.

{images via Express, Vince Camuto, Net-a-Porter, Zappos, Urban Outfitters, Johanna Johnson via issuu, Modcloth, Horchow}

push gifts

I never heard of a ‘push gift’ until I had my first child. Now, I am fully aware, and a fan of the idea. Of course, a healthy baby is the ULTIMATE AND BEST gift, and second to that is help, love and emotional support from a partner…but if anyone deserves a little pampering, it’s a new mom who just survived labor!

For those of you who do not know what a “push gift” is, let me educate you…it’s a present your hubby or partner gets you for carrying and generally pushing the baby out (C-section moms definitely deserve one too).

I jokingly asked my hubby before the birth of our son, “What’s my push gift going to be?” At the time, he was building our first home, so he simply and confidently replied, “A house.”

Okay, so that was more than enough and I LOVE our home. It’s beautiful.

Well, now I’m a candidate for a “push gift” again as I just had our 3rd child. So, I’m on the look-out for that sweet, fabulous and WELL-DESERVED “push gift.”

Here’s what I came up with…

{I’d love to hear if you’ve received any great “push gifts” and what they were…please share!}

Diamond Stackable Band
If you have the budget for it, I love the idea of adding a diamond band above or below your wedding ring for every child, or designing a “mom ring” with all the children’s birthstones in one unique design.

Calendar Bracelet, Dalla Nonna Jewelry, $125
{necklaces available too}

Numeric Stackable Ring, Gorjana-Griffin {$30}
{buy the number of kids you have…or will have post birth} 

Birth Photographer or Newborn Photography Session
{if she is open to people being in the delivery room, having a professional photographer capture all the unforgettable moments during labor and the first moments you meet your new baby is priceless}

If she is not open to having her birth documented, a newborn photography session is a wonderful gift idea and a nice way to capture a newborn sweet face, cuddle poses and the moments of sweet new life…which moms know doesn’t last long!

Art Date Print, The Memory Gallery via Etsy

Cartier Love Bracelet, $5,575
{a girl can dream, right?}

Designer Diaper Bag, Kate Spade, $348
{help the new mom feel fashionably fabulous with a designer diaper bag}

{images via Harry Winston via Pinterest, Meredith Moran PhotographyDalla Nonna JewelryThe Memory Gallery, Cartier, Gorjana-Griffin, Kate Spade}.

iconic ikat

We’re loving one of this summer’s trends: ikat {pronounced “ee-kot”) . I had no idea what ikat actually meant, but it didn’t really matter because it looks good and I like it!

However, after wanting to learn something new today, I learned ikat is a fabric in which the yarns have been tie-dyed before weaving.

We found some home and fashion finds so you, too, can have a little ikat in your life.

IKAT TO SPICE YOUR WARDROBE

1. Marisa Wide Leg Pants in Ikat, Ann Taylor LOFT {$65}
2. Bright Ikat Butterfly Cover-Up, Echo {$48}
3. Poketo Ikat Scarf, Poketo {$24}
4. Soludos Pico Flat Espadrille, Shopbop {$42}
5. Toms Cenna Sandal, Nordstrom {$68.95}
6. Kushcush Bali Bikini, Shopbop {$75 and $71}
7. Ella Moss Ikat Maxi Dress, Shopbop {$188}
8. Sequin Ikat Medium Enamel Bangle, Nordstrom {$30}
9. Ikat Print Sunglasses, Topshop {$32}
10. Wild Ikat Chino Short, J. Crew {$59.50}
11. Boni Beach bag by Roberta Roller Rabbit, Piperlime {$67.99}
12. Haute Hippie Silk Peasant Dress, Nordstrom {$395}

IKAT FOR THE HOME

1. Ikat Table Runner, Pinterest
{I don’t know where to find these runners, so if anyone knows, please fill me in. I love the way they are used at each place setting, rather than 1 long runner down the length of the table}
2. Armless Upholstered Slipper Accent Chair, Target
3. Iman Ikat Pillow Cover, Stitched Nestings on Etsy {$45}
4. Ikat Ogee Linen Window Panel, West Elm {$69-$84}
5. Ikat Placemats and Napkins, Neiman Marcus {$45-$60}
6. Ikat Nesting Bowls Set of 3, C. Wonder {$58}
7. Ikat Dot Organic Sheet Set, Pottery Barn Teen {$32.50-$119.00}
8. Ipanema Ikat Slanted Party Tub, World Market {$13.99}
9. Ikat Picture Frames, Dana Gibson {$55-$65}
10. Ikat Medallion Drum Lampshade, StudioJOTA on Etsy {$99.95}

{images via Nordstrom, LOFT, Echo, Poketo, Shopbop, Topshop, Piperlime, PinterestTargetNeiman Marcus, World Market, C. Wonder, West ElmPottery Barn Teen, Studio Jota, Stitched Nestings, Dana Gibson}

fashion week {fall}

Happy Fashion Friday!

Last week, we needed to refer back to the NY Spring Fashion Week held in September. We are a little excited about dressing for Spring {and a little sick of the cold, snowy weather}!

Now, we are ready to reflect on Fall fashion shown this month at the NY Fall Fashion Week. Gorgeous, simple, geometric and lots of black/dark colors. Happy dressing for 2012 everyone!

Tory Burch

tory burch

tory burch

tory burch

tory burch

tory burch

tory burch

BCBG Maxazria

bcbg

bcbg

bcbg

Carolina Herrera

carolina herrera

carolina herrera

carolina herrera

{images via NY Fashion Week}