All Hours of the Night

It's about 3:00 am and I am sitting in bed trying to force myself to get to sleep (I might be a wee bit jet lagged), which is obviously not happening so I grab my laptop. If your up you might as well be productive right?

One of the things I do when jet lagged is discover new online shops. This doesn't mean I am buying, mostly window shopping actually, but I like having new options to find new and interesting pieces at. It's also a plus that a few of these shops offer unique items, because who really wants to have exactly what everyone else has?

Relique
This shop is entirely made up of vintage and repurposed "interior accents". I could spend hours on this site looking at all of the cool and interesting items. If you want something unique and definitely not something everyone has, this is your shop.

Wanted item:

Set of 5 Vintage Monjonnier Milk Test Bottles
Image via Relique

The Impeccable Pig
I found this through the Penny Pincher Fashion blog and I was hooked immediately. They offer fun prints, easy styles and good pricing. I can't wait to order and check out the quality.

Wanted item:

Black and Cream Dress
Image via the Impeccable Pig

Uncovet
This is just fun stuff. Uncovet is a design centric shop that offers one of a kind products at discounted prices for it's members. Don't worry, membership is free and easy to get. The prices are completely reasonable and the items range from jewelry to art. Gotta love a little bit of this and that.

Wanted item:

Arrow Bracelet
Image via Uncovet

Questhaven Fashions
Need a little pick me up without spending a ton of money? Questhaven may have just what you need. Investment pieces definitely not, but a splash of trend to make your outfit pop absolutely. These kind of sites I tend to stick with accessories or the vintage items, but there are some cute tops that I am tempted to try.

Wanted item:

Brisbane Satchel
Questhaven Fashions

Well I am going to give sleeping another try. Happy Shopping!

FNO

For years I worked a corporate suite at the US Open Tennis event during the semi-finals and finals week in NYC, which if you are not aware is immediately followed by Fashion Week NY. While I never was able to sit front row next to A-Dubs aka Anna Wintour I at least got to explore New York during Fashion's Night Out. For me FNO is basically a free pass to spend a stupid amount of money on things that I am convinced I need because I have consumed a few cocktails. The next morning I usually feel a little guilty, but then purge my closet of a few items that I donate to a good charity and then all is right in the world again. At least that's what I tell myself.


It all started four years ago when V (my FNO partner in crime) and I were walking down 5th avenue and checking out the shops. We knew FNO existed but it was the first year out so we had no idea what to expect. Then there it was, a curious smell of cheap boy toy cologne half a block away, followed by ear splitting music and then finally the half naked Abercrombie & what's it boys in the flesh. This is when we knew that this was more than just a get out and shop event, this was marketing genius. The boys were posing near the front entrance of the door and those who dared to enter could have their photo taken with them. As tempted as I was to have this happen, V convinced me that I couldn't have my first FNO experience be a place that only has clothing sizes for midgets and tweens. So with a wave and a giggle to the boys we continued on down the street ending up at Prada, which in our estimation would be quintessential FNO party. Boy were we wrong. We ended up standing around with a whole bunch of people exactly like us, sipping drinks and pretending that we can afford to even shop there (no amount of alcohol will convince me that the Prada 2009 is worth that amount of money). After we finished our drink it was decided that the best parties would most likely be downtown, as opposed to midtown, but that was going to take too much work (you know, getting a cab and then deciding where to have it take us) so we decided to duck into our favorite restaurant and have some fantastic wine and tapas. Much better than having to pretend to like some ugly shoes just for some free champagne.

The next year we perfected it and so did a lot of the retailers. It was loads more fun and there were way more celeb and celeb wanna be's out and about to keep us entertained. Then the following year my corporate event didn't need us anymore onsite. So last year was my first year not in NYC for FNO. Of course I kicked it up at a party near me in Seattle, because I do still enjoy champagne and a good evening of retail therapy, but it was just not the same.

This year I was a little sad that I wasn't in the US for FNO. I had thought about heading up to LA for a few parties I was invited to, but being in the Netherlands makes the trip to LA a little hard. Then I started noticing online that the FNO has spread to other cities and countries, including Amsterdam (September 13). While it's not quite the same star studded level that NYC & LA seem to put on, it is still quite impressive with fashion shows and sales galore. Which if you think about it is all that matters, unless of course you are into sipping champagne at every store and gawking at Kimye, which is actually what V and I would have been doing if we were in NYC this year.

Last night was FNO NYC and instead of spending it at the local shops I ended up polishing off a bottle of champagne with the BF and the BF's mother while shopping FNI, Fashion's Night In. Which is basically just shopping online, but the perk is that I find it way easier to say no to items online than in person so I had no guilt this morning. Next year who knows where I be. I officially have a year to plan and save.

So did you do anything FNO related or did you stay in and watch the DNC or VMA's?

Cravings

August is officially over and the first breath of fall starts breathing down our necks. It was fun while it lasted, but I guess it's time to get out of the pool and back to work. Crap.

While it's still pretty warm in California, here in the Netherlands (if you have been following along on my photo journey I just arrived in the Netherlands for a few days) you can start to feel the change in the air. I am a sucker for fall and love starting to cover back up a bit after the sundresses and sandals of summer. It's been close to 15 years since I have been in southern California for a fall/winter and I am looking forward to the extra, but not super extra, layers I will get to wear there. Meanwhile I will have the advantage of being able to wear my favorite wool coats whenever I visit the Netherlands. Best of both worlds for sure.

To start my first day back to more than just a photo post I thought I would share what I have been contemplating, purchasing or contemplating about purchasing for fall. Hopefully you may even find an item you need to add as well.

Hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend, now get back to work!

And just for fun don't forget to check out the latest in my photo a day challenge by clicking here.

View this SkinnyScoop List

Balance

This may shock all of you, but when I am stressed, sad, upset or just feeling down I turn to shopping for relaxing. If I buy something, it is a bonus for sure, but definitely not the intention. The actual browsing, trying on and walking around my favorite stores is the actual therapeutic part for me. It is my time to be alone (I do prefer to shop alone) and let my mind stray from the daily crap we all deal with. This week in particular has been a long one for me, we have had so many things going on that it has been going in 5th gear all week. To try and re balance myself last night, instead of working or spending time with the family (I know this sounds bad, but really it was for the best), I did some online retail therapy. While it doesn't have the same feel as doing it in person it definitely satisfied that bit of me that loves looking for that special piece that my closet, kitchen or house is missing. Here are some of my favorite pieces that I may or may not have purchased.

J.Crew Linen V-neck Cable-Knit Sweater 
This mint sweater is perfect for those chilly spring
and summer nights.
image via J.Crew

Elizabeth and James Milo Crop Pant
A total splurge I know, but this is the only pant that
I have found that is pale pink and not super skinny.
Image via Piperlime

Old Navy Chambray shirt
This will help balance out the total
costs don't you think?
Image via Old Navy

Annie Asymmetrical Ballet Flat Sole Society
These are so perfect and Sole Society is my new
favorite shoe store. I will let you know more once my
first order arrives before I give a final stamp of approval.
Image via Sole Society

Love.
Image via Zara

Do you see an outfit too or is it just me? Maybe I do need to purchase it all...

Have a great weekend!

Wu for You

In case you haven't heard Jason Wu is the latest collaborator with Target. While his collection debut did not crash the site, I think it is an incredibly wearable, cute and most importantly affordable. When the Missoni debacle happened I really thought to myself why in the world is everyone freaking out. There are some cute items, but I am not going to fight people in the store to get it. With the Jason Wu collection there are a few items that I might get a little grabby over. Like this dress for example. How cute would it be with flats and a cardi?

And this yellow is a great pop of color for any outfit. You can tone it down by using a jacket or cardigan with it or wear it on it's own with a pair of jeans. Perfect.

And this trench. I love it!

It's definitely worth a glance if you happen to be in the Target area or just want a few inexpensive fun pieces for Spring. If clothes aren't your thing there are accessories too. Everyone needs a kitty bag, right?

The not so Shabby Apple

Over the past few months I have gotten some requests for an update on the Shabby Apple dress that I got back in November. I wanted the first time I wore it to be in the sun (and not cold) so I have been waiting until I got to La Jolla and physically well to try it out. Finally the perfect day came last week so I put it on and took a few pictures. It was different than I expected fabric wise, but lightweight with some stretch to it (follow their ordering advice and order smaller than normal). It fit quiet well, but I added on a wide brown belt (after we took the photo) to add a bit more definition to the waist since stripes are always tricky. It was fun to wear and as a girl that loves dresses it was great. The one thing that I would change about it is add a lining especially with white on the bottom. While no one saw my knickers I think it's a good idea to double up under white so I purchased a slip to go under it!

Bottom line - I totally plan to order a few more items from Shabby Apple, which just so happens to be having a site wide sale. I suggest you get on it!

Cozy Up

So I am off to Amsterdam today to catch up with some friends and do some super touristy stuff around the city. I will definitely post some photos tomorrow or Wednesday. In the meantime I cam across this totally helpful tutorial (via the Average Girls Guide) on 25 ways to wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes. It's getting colder out and I love accessorizing with scarfs. They add that little bit of cozy and warm I almost always require (forever cold no matter where I am). I am rocking the men's tie today, tomorrow infinity. WooHoo.

Return of the lady like elegance

A friend of mine recently went shopping with me and was mentioning that we are really starting to see the return of lady like elegance. Well I love the thought of that (since you will find me in dresses more often than not) so I put together my wish I could have it dream outfit for fall. I love the combination of colors and would totally rock this out. You could also change this up with tights and brown boots (or booties) for a slightly edgier (blatant use of overused word) look.

Oh also someone showed me Polyvore. It's like showing your cat where you hide the catnip and walking away. I will be on this site until I pass out from the high I am getting from creating outfits!

Green tank dress, Funnel neck coat Anthropologie $168, Zara high heel pump shoes, $50, Friis Company beige bag, €70

Kate Spade layered jewelry, $103, Wrap jewelry, $58


I may need an intervention.

The Naked Dress

Sex and the City. You watched it. If you didn't catch it on HBO you watched it on DVD, E! network or just saw the movies. If you watched any of these things you most likely have seen the naked dress that Carrie wore. If you have lived under a rock here it is:

OK so now we are all on the same page. That dress is very much for the size 2 and under. I agree. But there has to be the dress for the rest of us that has the same WOW factor? Yes. I have found this lovely dress by Alice + Olivia that screams it needs to be in my closet. While this may not be for everyone, I do think this could work on almost any body type and look amazing. It's sold out today on shopbop, but is available on Bluefly and it is a splurge I am willing to cut into my wine budget for. It is that awesome. For some reference here is what it looks like.

You, yes YOU would look AMAZING in this. I love it! Treat yourselves ladies and wow the man in your life with a dress that simultaneously leaves everything and nothing to the imagination.

BeJewel Me

I love jewelry. Rings, earrings, bracelets, necklace, you name it I have at least 10 of each (if not more). I have noticed that as I get a little older I do tend to gravitate towards better made items. Don't get me wrong it's not like I am swinging around with 2 ct. tennis bracelets, but I will spend a little more to get a nicer quality silver necklace as opposed to spending $6.80 at Forever 21 for a necklace that will last about two weeks. Cute, yes. Long lasting, not really. So I was a intrigued when I heard about JewelMint. It's a service similar to the Shoe Dazzle or Just Fab in that each month you get a showroom, but this had jewelry (instead of shoes), that is made just for you based on the answers to the fashion questions that they serve you during the initial sign up. Kind of cool right?

So I signed up and had had my eye on a pair of earrings that I kept going back to the site and looking at. They were totally me, BUT I have been on a strict budget and $30 for awesome earrings were just not in the budget this month. Then came the coupon code. I swear sites know me. Give me a coupon code and I will order that and the other item next to it. Yes I am that girl, judge away. So the price was right and the earrings were purchased. I was excited to get them, but prepared to be disappointed. I mean really could earrings that they give me at that discount really be worth having? Well in short answer, yes. They were well made, hefty in weight, but not too much so that my ears hurt. They sat well on my ears and didn't turn them green and went fab with about 20 outfits. I would say I scored. Here is the evidence. Do you disagree?

They are great little deco like earrings!

Bollywood Dreaming

My newest obsession is India. I have always wanted to go and funny enough my BF goes frequently for business, but I have yet to accompany him there. Soon my friends it will happen, mark my words! Until then I am at least able to have some great Indian food available to me here and watching Bollywood movies that are filled with bright colors, flowers and beautiful clothes that the Indian women wear. 

The other day I received the new Anthropologie catalog in the mail. It was filled with the beautiful views that I imagined India would be like (I know it's never like the movies or the catalogs, but still I can dream). As pretty as the pictures are the clothes, shoes, accessories and home items are amazingly bright and scream summer from the first page to the last. Since I am on a strict budget none of these will be bought from me until they are on sale, but there are a few items that I would love to get in my closet sooner! Here is a link to the online catalog, I think you will enjoy it.

This swimsuit is a must have!