Giveaway alert!

I'm giving away a pair of earrings over on my friend Betsy's blog, Straight Up with Olives.

Click here to enter

Gifts under $25

It's that time of year again! Was it just me, or did 2011 fly by? I'm often told that I'm hard to shop for, and while I wouldn't say this is my Holiday wish list, I certainly wouldn't be disappointed if I found any of these under my tree Christmas morning:

Gifts under $25 by eecummings 

LULU wrap scarve, $18
Bare Escentuals?? 'Big, Bright & Bold Eyes' Collection (Online..., $19
Set of 6 Travel Plates | Crate&Barrel, $25
Capri Blue Mercury Glass Candle, $25
With A Twist Teacup, $12
Semi-Opaque Taper, $24
"I Love Bacon" in Gifts Under $25 | Crate&Barrel, $20
Amazon.com: Belkin 3-Pack TuneTie for iPod/MP3 Player Earbuds (Green,..., $9.95
F. Scott Fitzgerald : CB-SMITH BOOKS
Clothbound Series 1 : CB-SMITH BOOKS


I have to say, the Coralie Bickford Smith books are gorgeous and a great gift for anyone who is into books, decor or fashion. They will certainly add punch to any bookcase, or end table. The F.Scott Fitzgerald series just screams Fitzgerald-flapper chic, and anyone who loves The Great Gatsby, could appreciate this collection. 

Anthropologie is another great store for unique holiday gifts for the hard-to-shop for. I often buy Yankee Swap (aka White Elephant, depending on where you're from) gifts from Anthro because I know they'll be useful and not a typical run of the mill swap gift. One of those mugs, a box of tea, and you're in under $20!

The Belkin Tune-tie for iPod, would make a great stocking stuffer, $10 for a set of 3, you could easily break it up and distribute as needed. I know I for one am constantly fighting and un-knotting my earbuds.

Do you have a go-to store for gifts? I'd love to hear!

I've Got the Blues

Sometimes a post title is the hardest part of blogging.

Lately I've been obsessed with deep blue colors. Cobalt blue, Royal blue...love. Next to pink, rich shades of blue are probably my favorite color and it has been popping up everywhere! For starters, my car is bright blue--"Winning Blue" as Mazda puts it. Since my car is slowly dying I could perhaps be displacing some of the loss I'm feeling from replacing him into my current obsession of this color. I've recently made 2 bright blue purchases, and there's so much more I want!

My purchases:

Zara $79.90 (100% silk)

Nordstrom $42 (Juniors--I was uncertain how often I would wear them, but I love them!)

If I'm uncertain about investing in a trend, and lets face it, brightly colored pants will likely not be around next year, I try to find and inexpensive substitute. The Nordstrom Juniors department is usually a good source.These are actually good quality, not low rise, and really flattering.

My other current crushes:

Madewell Skimmers $88

Target BodyCon Dress $22.99

Target $17.99

While looking on Target's website, I also came across these but they're out of stock and online only.

I've also been painting my nails this color, but wouldn't wear this color if rocking any of my recent purchases:

OPI Roadhouse Blues (it looks great with Essie's Matte top coat, too)

What color have you been crushing on lately? Sparkle season is in full swing, and I'm loving all the dresses, nail polishes, shoes and accessories that are completely bedecked in glitter. I've got a post in the works for Holiday sparkle (although I am a big fan of sparkles year round and for any given day, personally).

Photo Diary: November 4

A few pictures from this week:

chaos

the result of chaos

seasonal confusion

more seasonal confusion

much needed drink with Betsy

happy birthday, husband

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Peplum and Pussybows

I feel like I should break out into a Sound of Music song right now. Peplum and pussybow blouses are my current obsessions. I can't get enough of them. I have a small fall shopping list and these two are topping the list. Lets take a look at some of my favorites:

Zara

Anthropologie

ASOS

H&M

H&M (and top of my list currently)

Mod Cloth (Love polka dots!)

Old Navy

H&M

J Crew

Marc Jacobs (if only...)

ModCloth

Victoria's Secret (love it)

Old classic silhouettes are making a comeback, but when I see things like this...clothing in styles that are modern with the classic silhouette is it really a comeback? Or is it just that a classic has caught the eye of the majority? I'm drawn to bows, and I've got a pussybow top I bought at Old Navy back in 2003, and a peplum jacket that I just donated to a swap that was from 2006, so these styles have always been in. I think Rachel Zoe says it best, they're having a major moment right now.

Versace for H&M

Designer collaborations are everywhere. It's a great way for designers to introduce themselves to markets that may be unfamiliar to them. After the Missoni for Target debacle, I'm weary. (Although I still managed to land both my flats, and the heels at a later date at my local Target!)

Versace for H&M was much talked about, and well...now that it's available online (way earlier than expected, I should add). I'm not loving it. Donatella is innovative. These pieces just don't call to me. Let's look.

$199

$99

$129

$149

$199

$249

$49.95

$79.95

$129

I like the colors in the bustier top, but not at that price...and I'm not much for bustiers. Had it been a tank, or even a floaty top, I'd probably be mildly interested. Instead, I'll be sitting this collab out. This is just a small touch of what's available. To check out all the flops, head on over to the H&M site.

What's your take on collaborations?

A week in pictures

Trying out something new here. I take a lot of phone pictures, but don't often tweet/share them. These pictures reflect what's been going on in my world, and I'm experimenting with sharing them almost photo diary style.

Things are going to get sparkley!

A nice delivery!

Coming soon to my shop!

Magnetic nail polish (please disregard my awful cuticles, it's dry here!)

Honeycrisp apple season!

Close call. (My husband would not approve!)

Today's outfit. I'm in love with these shoes!

 Happy Friday, everyone!!

Shoe Imposter: Miu Miu Glitter Bootie

One of the big pairs of shoes making its rounds are the Miu Miu glitter bootie. Lets take a peek.

Miu Miu $890

While these shoes won't work with my wardrobe, I have to say, there's something sexy about the curve of the heel. We also all know how much I love all things sparkle. These shoes are kitschy and scream high fashion and have the price to go with it. If Sex and the City were still on the air, I'd imagine Carrie Bradshaw would rock the hell out of these shoes. And really, if anything, this shoe is awesome shoe porn.

I then came across these on Endless. (Which I then found on sale on the Steve Madden website...ladies let this be a lesson, always shop around on the interwebs!)

Steve Madden Hastt $100

These...well, they're still not working in my wardrobe, and scream a bit Gaga meets Elvis meets Go-go dancer, are close to the Miu Miu's. They are T-strap, not cross strap, beige not a pinky coral shade, and have a major platform. Far less sexy, and not at all what I'd consider shoe porn but if you were drooling for the Miu Miu's on a smaller budget, these bad daddies are for you.

Lets close out on one last look at those Miu Miu's, shall we?

DIY: Bow tie necklace

I've been coming across a lot of bow tie style necklaces lately while browsing stores online. I am loving them. Bow ties are huge right now. Headbands are adorned with them, shoes are bedecked with them, and the pussybow blouse is having a moment. It was decided. I, too, would take on the bow.

The inspiration:

1. Asos 2.Max and Chloe 3. Modcloth

What you'll need:

1 Bow (I found this at JoAnne's)

Chain (to the length you want)

Clasp

4 small open jump rings (I used 3.5mm)

2 slightly larger open jump rings (I used 4mm)

1 closed jump ring (I used 5mm)

Pliers

Bead reamer (or pin/needle)
I happen to have jewelry making supplies on hand, but Michael's and other craft stores sell these supplies.
Be aware most craft stores won't have sterling silver, which is my preference. You'll most likely need to go to a beading store for sterling, or order online. 

Pierce hole on the side of your bow (for the connections).

Repeat on other side.

Open your larger jump ring. 

Using both pairs of pliers, find the seam and push/pull in opposite directions.

Place smaller jump ring on the open one.

Attach through the hole you made, close jump ring.

To close, repeat how you opened it, be sure to make sure there's no gap.

Repeat Step 2 and 3 for other side.

Measure your bow.

Based on the size of your bow, determine the amount of chain needed.

I wanted my necklace to be about 16 inches, so I cut 13 inches of chain.

Be sure to keep in mind the clasp will add some slight length as well.

Cut the chain into 2 equal lengths.

Open smaller jump ring and attach a piece of chain, then close tightly.

Repeat for other side.

On one side, attach another smaller jump ring and your clasp.

Close tightly.

On the other side, attach the smaller jump ring and the closed one.

Close tightly.

Voila!

And on. 

Please pardon my no makeup'd Sunday crafty self.

If you do this for yourself, I'd love for you to share it with me! What's your stance? To bow or not to bow? I'm excited to wear this with tees, button ups and dresses. I mean everything is classier when you're wearing a sparkling bow tie necklace, right?