Reason I love pinterest # 39291

Alright, I'm a Pinterest addict. I'm okay with this. The day I found out there was an app for Droid (finally) was a great day. Now, I can browse while I wait for the train, or any other reason. I pinned this, because Gerard Butler and beading? I'm in heaven. Which lead me to this Tumblr that is filled with awesome AND Ryan Gosling. What?

Check out Handmade Ryan Gosling. Just a little bit more dreamy. Although, there needs to be a Bradley Cooper one...while he's talking in French. *le swoon*

Jason Wu for Target

Another lookbook for a Target collaboration has been released. This upcoming collab is with Jason Wu, and is slated for release on February 5. Wu was sprung into fame when he designed First Lady Michelle Obama's Inaugural gown (remember that gorgeous white, one shoulder number that started many women's arm envy--her arms are hot!).

After the Missoni for Target disaster, I'm apprehensive about this launch. The Versace for H&M was greeted similarly, and I think that this has the same potential outcome. Especially since prices are reasonable, ranging from $19.99-$59.99. I've got my eye on 3 pieces, so I'm hoping it isn't. But hopes aside, lets take a look.

L-R: Shift dress-$40, Poplin Navy dress-$40, Pale Blue cardigan- $40 w/Dot dress $40

 

L-R: Sheer blouse- $35, Blue stripe skirt- $30, Yellow sleeveless blouse- $33, Black pleat skirt- $30

My Picks, L-R: Sleeveless top- $27, Pleated Floral skirt- $30, Cream Dress- $60

What are your thoughts on another Target collaboration? Has the hype faded, or has the lack of Missoni only added fuel to the fashionista-on-a-budget fire?

My 12 in 12

I know I'm a little tardy for the party, but I was having a nice little 2 week break from work, and since I was placed in an Air Cast boot to heal a serious sprain in my ankle, I was forced to take it easy. The horror! I'm back at work now, and it's...chaotic. Nothing like jumping right back into it!

2011 was a good year for me. I made a new friend (and she will totally catch a reference in the above paragraph), worked on growing petal & pink, joined IFB, was smarter with my shopping, ate better, and overall improved just about all aspects of my life. I also turned 30. When I was 25-26, 30 seemed so scary to me, I dare even say I thought it was old. As I turned 29, I had a more "bring it on attitude", and now that it's here, I'm bringing it. I'm excited at all the things I have planned, and hope to grow and take in so much more than that.

I'm not one for resolutions. So, instead of making those, I'm making a list of things I'm looking forward to, and even sharing here on this blog. I'm calling it "12 in 12", because I like to give things corn-ball titles. So here goes:

12. Run an uninjured 5k (see air cast mention above).
11. Take in more outdoor activity. 2011 was marred by a rained out camping trip, too few hikes, and even less bike rides.
10. Expand petal & pink. Big plans you guys, stay tuned!
9. Take a photography class. To be honest, I use my camera so much on jewelry pictures, I haven't even scratched the surface of what it can do. I will learn more!
8. Build quality into my wardrobe. I have a good functioning closet now. It's time to up the ante and start investing! (I'm looking at you, coveted MBMJ bag)
7. Start a garden. Okay, so this will probably be husband's doing, but I will contribute by picking veggies.
6. Get 100 more Etsy sales. I hit 100 sales this holiday season* and now I want to bust my booty to carry on the momentum!
5. Celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary with a grilled dinner at our house.
4. Buy a house. (Which is why a lovely grilled by husband dinner would be amazing. We miss charcoal grilling.)
3. Get a dog!
2. Visit Paris (and London, too).
1. Be more open to where this year will take me! I've got such big plans in 2012, I don't want to over look the smaller things, those can turn into the big memories of life.

*to celebrate my 100 sales, I'm running a 10% off promo in my Etsy shop. Enter "Happy12" at checkout! Ends January 10th.

Zoya's doing it again!

Just a little FYI.

Zoya is once again offering free nail polish! This time, it's 2 free polishes, you just pay shipping ($6.95 for regular shipping, $8.95 for expedited). I'm guessing that once again, this render a huge response and shipping times will be delayed while they fulfill the orders. Just enter the code "Zoya2012" at checkout.

My picks:

Laurie

Kristen

So, if you're a nail polish fiend like I am, go and enjoy! And, Zoya is "Big 3 free" which means it's better for you. I am a big fan of their polishes, and the base coat and top coat work so well (although I do find they don't get along with Essie). Offer ends on January 9th, see here for details.

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).