Mother's Day is almost here!

Mother's Day is right around the corner!  Don't forget to snag a little something for your mom this week that she will be sure to love!  Or if you are a mom yourself... email this link to your husband as a reminder!  I know I absolutely loved getting spoiled on Mother's Day! I take full advantage of sweet kids and my husband being eager to please.

Here are my top picks for mom this year at all prices points...

Marc Jacob Mouse Jellies

I just LOVE the Marc Jacob Mouse Flats... but they are very pricey, this option is a little less expensive and perfect for rainy spring days.  Pair them with cropped pants for fun and stylish spring look!

Swarovski Stud Earrings

Swarovski makes gorgeous crystal stud earrings at a great price... they aren't the "real" deal - but they are JUST as pretty and still make a great keepsake!

Voluspa Macaron Candle

My pal Jackie got me hooked on this scent... it is SO delicious! Any mom would love sprucing up her home for spring with this yummy scent!

Kate Spade's Twirl

This scent is so sweet and girly, I just love it's mix between carefree and sophisticated - which is something the Kate Spade brand can always be counted on for!

White Apple iPhone

This was actually *my* Mother's Day gift... my husband surprised me with it last week and I am in love! The great camera and video camera is reason enough to snag this gem - what mom doesn't love taking photos and videos of the little ones.

Jess LC Diversey Paisley Necklace

Pretty much ANY piece you find at Jess LC will be an instant hit - and a timeless classic!  This just happens to be my favorite!

Vintage Scarf American Apparel

This past weekend Linda and I discovered the vintage scarves at American Apparel - they are SO cool.  Check their stores or website for availability (they go fast!) but most are under $20 and really unique gifts!

And don't forget to check out the amazing offerings from my sponsors... including some sales!

shopping guide: gingham!

You can run, but you can't hide... this stuff is every where.  Gingham first started hitting the stores this winter here and there and for spring it is out and about everywhere! I will admit I was skeptical at first... but the more I see of it, the more I love. And is it not the perfect print for spring and summer?  It reminds me of a picnic blanket... in a summery sweet way.

(pink top, earrings, trench, green lounge shorts, beige top, bow clips)

So do you have gingham on your spring wish list?

shopping guide: florals!

I'm loving all of the florals that I am seeing this spring... they are not your grandma's florals though!  Think feminine and flirty and definitely fun. Check out some of these fun picks that would be simple to integrate into your spring wardrobe!

(1. Scarf, 2. Flats, 3. Pajamas, 4. Wallet, 5. One Shoulder Romper, 6. Headband, 7. Belted Tunic, 8.  Belt, 9. Tote)

shopping guide: neon!

I am loving small pops here and there of neon for spring and summer... what better way to brighten up your outfit in an unexpected way!  Here are some of my top picks!

(bathing suit top & bottom, clutch, bracelets, sunglasses, watch, cardigan, scarf)

Will you be adding some neon to your wardrobe this spring??

shopping guide: pantone color of the year!

When Pantone named "honeysuckle" the color of the year... many were scratching their heads in response thinking "really?" Here's how Pantone describes their choice:



And when they put it that way, well, I think I get it. It is a gorgeous color and bold choice for sure. Plus, the colors were all over the runway... see here, here and here. So if you want to incorporate "Pantone Pink" as I'll call it into your life... here are some fun and easy ways to do it.

(1. City Flat, Gap, $39.50 2. Goldfish Wrap, Banana Republic, $49.50 3. Essential V-Neck Sweater, Lands End Canvas, $39.50 4. Lolia Candle, Neiman Marcus, $32 5. Venus Wristlet, Dooney & Bourke, $55 6. mod squad, essie, $8 7. Contrast Waist Dress, Lucca Couture, $41.40 8. Bow Belt, Gap, $24.50 9. Lace Back Top, Forever 21, $19.80)

shopping guide: kelly green!

This will be the last of my shopping guides leading up until Christmas... if you haven't seen my previous shop-by-color shopping guides check them out: navy, gold, white, berry & black!

It only seems right to end with green... the color of money and oddly enough, also of Christmas. Although it likely has to do more with Christmas tress than money, right!?!

(details: 1. Treasure Island, Crewcuts, $20, 2. Sprout Eco-Friendly Watch, Lord & Taylor, $65 3. Pantone Mug "Pea Green", Velocity Art & Design, $11 4. Fleece Blanket, American Apparel, $28 5. Hour & 15 Minute Glasses, CB2, $29.95 & 9.95 (respectively) 6. 'If Color Could Talk' Necklace, Anthropologie, $36 7. Madison Leather Clutch, Coach, $58 8. OFFI Tiki Stool, 2Modern, $69 9. Chamonix Puffer, Boden, $98)

shopping guide: navy!

This year I am doing my gift guides by color... for more shopping inspiration in these last days before Christmas, check out gold, white, berry & black!

Today's color is NAVY!  When Kate Middleton stepped out in that gorgeous navy dress to announce the royal engagement she may not have known that she pretty much sealed the deal for the color navy for years to come.  Of course it's a regal and classic color, one that exudes sophistication and timelessness.  Snag a few of these navy colored gifts for the loved ones on your list!

1. You can always count on Juicy for preppy-chic pieces... my iphone would look fab in this case, as would anyone's on your list! Juicy Couture Phone Case, Zappos Couture, $28

2. Bad name aside (like really, RL?), the Big Pony line carries four manly-man scents that I really like.  Check one out for your guy! Big Pony Men's Fragrance, Bloomingdales, $50

3. This cape looks so cozy warm and the best part it's not super size specific so it's easy to buy for a pal even if you don't know if she is a solid small or sometimes a medium. Knitted Cape, Topshop, $90

4. These coasters are gorgeous... just gorgeous! Perfect for a hostess gift or a friend with a new pad to decorate! Celestial Coasters, Anthropologie, $32

5. What says winter-chic more than a little tartan? Dooney & Bourke Wristlet, Macy's, $75

6. For the ultimate girly girl... Enamel Bow Ring, Coach Poppy, $68

7. A cloth napkin or two can come in handy for throwing in a basket with a hostess gift or wrapping up a bottle of wine.  These are super cute! Mateo Cloth Napkin, Crate & Barrel, $2.95

8. As Kanye would say... "look at this peacoat tell me he's broke..." Nothing like a man in a peacoat.  Men's Peacoat, Gap, $99.99

9. Mmmmm.... midnight nails.  A stocking stuffer for any chic lady!  Essie Midnight, beauty.com, $8

shopping guide: Santa Baby!

Swanky renditions of Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" never get old to me this time of year... and while yes, my endless Christmas wish list does happen to include a deed to a platinum mine, a ring (and I don't mean on the phone) and a '54 convertible, too (light blue) - the short list looks something a little bit more like this:

(1. Classic Trench, American Eagle, $79.50 2. Wood Grain Peep Toes, Charlotte Russe, $40 3. Faux Fur Throw, Pottery Barn, $149 4. Snow Blossom Scarf, Madewell, $43 5. Chanel Chance, Nordstrom, $65 6. Suede Buckle Bag, Urban Outfitters, $68 7. Striped Boat Neck Tee, Gap, $24.99 8. Duck Boots, Lands End Canvas, $69.50 9. Sequin Sweatshirt, JCrew, $98)

shopping guide: slick black!

This year I am doing my holiday shopping guides a little different: by color! Today's funky and modern picks are all in black... fun! Today is black... a bold and sophisticated color. Who would have thought there were so many great gift options in this color scheme?

Previous shopping guides can be found in gold, white & berry!

1. I don't know about your guy... but mine is impossible to buy for. A practical gift like this great wallet would be just up his alley. Jack Spade Wallet, Zappos, $89

2. Black TOMS Glitters. Need I say more? Perfect for the stylin' lady on your list! Plus, don't forget that every time you buy a pair of TOMS, they donate a pair to a child in need! Win-win! TOMS Glitters, Nordstrom, $53.95

3. I am in love with Stella & Dot... these simple and stylish wrap bracelets are perfect for any gal on your list... especially the teens to college age gals! Wrap Bracelet, Stella & Dot, $59

4. I am LOVING all of the faux fur coats around this season... they are super luxurious and such a great gift! Tinley Road Faux Fur Jacket, Piperlime, $98

5. For the ultimate foodie... the Cadillac of all kitchen accessories! In black lacquer of course! KitchenAid Stand Mixer, Crate & Barrel, $299.95

6. No matter what your budget you can find a fashionable gift for the ladies on your list... this scarf is only $4 and I can't imagine a lady that wouldn't love receiving it! Chunky Stripe Sheer Scarf, Forever 21, $4

7. This ornament would be a great small gift for teachers or book-club buddies. Or tied onto a package in lieu of a bow! So chic! Silhouette Ornament, Jayson Home, $10

8. I love fun little tea towels... this birdcage decal is just adorable and would brighten up any kitchen. Birdcage Tea Towel, Velocity Art, $19

9. Watches are another great gift for anyone on your list... this bold and modern style would be fun for a guy or a gal! Parreno Watch, Aldo, $40

shopping guide: winter white!

Looking for the perfect gift this season? This year I am doing my gift guides by color... today is winter white... check out GOLD and BERRY too!


1) I always seem to have loose change floating around the house... this stylin' piggy bank should take care of the problem! Any person that is hard to buy for would love a cute pig like this! Juliska Charity Piggy Bank, Bloomingdales, $48

2. I think a nice wool coat makes a great Christmas gift... it's practical with a bit of luxury thrown in and each year when your recipient brings it out of the closet they will think of who bought it for them! Faux Fur Wool Blend Coat, Old Navy, $98

3. I am head over heels for this scent from Chanel... it is simple but sweet with a touch of indulgence. It's perfect for every day wear! Chanel Chance, Nordstrom, $65

4. Slippers are a necessity each year for me... it seems the year before they get so worn out. I could spend the winter in these and I'm sure any lady on your list could too! Fur Trimmed Slippers, Gap, $29.50

5. For the gal or domestic guy in your life that has EVERYTHING... I can bet that they don't have bust bud vases yet. These are so fun and quirky - add a few blooms and voila! Nip it in the Bud Vases, Wisteria, $19

6. There are some people on your list that are the name brand gift-recievers only, no? This simple but chic scarf would be perfect for any Coach enthusiast. Op Art C Scarf, Coach, $98

7. The Capri candles from Anthropologie are my number one favorite scent... and they have the most gorgeous packaging too. Snatch up a few of these for teacher or Secret Santa gifts! Capri Mercury Glass Candle, Anthropologie, $25

8. mmmmm... a sweet and cozy night gown. Need I say more, your girlfriend or mom would love this little number under the tree! Ruffle Neck Night Gown, Gap, $29.50

9. I love this fold over tote... perfect for a college or high school gal that always has to lug a lot of stuff but insists on doing it in style! Fold Over Tote, American Eagle, $39.50

shopping guide: berry!

This season I am doing my gift guides a little bit different... last year I believe I did them by "recipient" (like brother, sister, etc). This year I am going to do them by color. Something fun and different!

So whether you need a gift for a certain someone or holiday wear for yourself you will find something within these shopping guides for everyone! Plus, everything you find will be under $100! And many items will be under $50!

Today I chose berry pink as my inspiration. It's such a sweet and inviting color and a welcome pop of color during winter! Check out these great finds!


1. I drink coffee made from a press pot every morning at home. It's such a fun and delicious way to make coffee. Any coffee buff on your list would love this fun kitchen gadget! (Bodum Coffee Press, Crate & Barrel, $19.95)

2. What gal doesn't love a new pair of pajamas... I love the shorts/long sleeve top combo here and the colors are so festive! (Polka Dot PJ Set, Forever 21, $12.80)

3. Gifts needn't be expensive to be thoughtful and stylish - take this scarf for instance! Any gal would love to find this pretty scarf under the tree! (Extra Soft Scarf, Forever 21, $9.80)

4. Cozy sweaters make for great gifts... they last for winter's to come and are just about as practical as a gift can be! I love this simple but gorgeous turtleneck style! (Turtleneck Sweater, Gap, $34.50)

5. Mmmmm.... slippers, need I say more? These are just SO cute too! (Floral Slippers, Gap, $24.50)

6. Jess's new line of jewelry features many fun berry pink pieces... these are so fun and would be a great gift for a girlfriend or one of your children's teachers (or you!). (Diversey Enamel Earrings, JessLC, $25)

7. Spoil your name-brand-loving girlfriend or sister with this adorable Tory Burch hat! (Knit Jacquard Hat, Tory Burch, $85)

8. I love this dress for a holiday or New Years party... and HELLO! The price is right... (Satin Bubble Dress, Forever 21, $14.50)

9. Again, sweaters are a great gift. Doesn't this one look so super cozy? (Cable Knit Sweater, Old Navy, $30)

shopping guide: gilded!

We all know that all things take their turn in the trend position and move one... time after time. Gold is in just that position right now... whether you love it or not, it's here for a bit. So why not enjoy the glow of gold on your skin or even in your home these days. And who wouldn't loved a gilded gift under the Christmas tree this year?


1. I love this simple but chic little necklace... what a fun addition to jeans and a tee! (Gold Bow Necklace, Charlotte Russe, $8.50)

2. Be holiday part ready with this fun little mini-skirt! (Gold Brocade Skirt, Delias, $39.50)

3. This gorgeous scarf would make any lady in your life happy on Christmas morning... and it's a great neutral that could be easily added to any outfit! (Partly Cloudy Scarf, Anthropologie, $48)

4. A gold sweater? Yes, please. How fun is this to brighten up your winter? (Sparkle Pullover, Madewell, $68)

5. I bought some gold nail polish recently and it is so fun to wear! Your nails will surely be New Years Eve ready in these! (Vernis Gold Nail Polish, Dior, $21)

6. I love giving nice little cosmetic bags and pouches for gifts. Everyone can use them and they usually are the perfect price point! (Foiled Again Pouch, Kate Spade, $75)

7. A sweet little headband that would easily add sweetness to any outfit! (Rhinestone Gold Headband, Arden B, $19)

8. I love gold watches lately... this wrap around one is a unique design and the price is RIGHT! (Wrap-around Watch, Urban Outfitters, $38)

9. Splurge on some gold eye shadow this season... what better time to wear it than the holidays? (Metallic Gold Eye Shadow, Bobbi Brown, $20)

shopping guide: warm up!

Brrr baby! The temps are dropping... it's time to warm up in style with these fun cold weather accessories! I find each season I need to refresh my scarves, gloves, mittens and hats. They tend to get A LOT of use through out the season. These fun pieces would add tons of fun and personality to the coats and jackets you already own!

(1. Ribbed Beret, JCrew, $39.50 2. Chunky Arm Warmer, Topshop, $24 3. Faux Fur Trapper, Gap, $24.50 4. Slubby Snood, Topshop, $36 5. Faux Fur Wrap, Limited, $39.90 6. Popcorn Knit Mittens, Gap, $24.50 7. Minimalist Effort Gloves, Modcloth, $47.99)

shopping guide: orange-you-glad?

It's Halloween week and not only are my kids already buzzing on candy (that is probably my fault!) - so am I! How can you resist those miniature bites of sugary goodness? If you have read this blog for a while you know that one of my obsessions is candy. This year I am particularly enjoying the Sponge Bob Crabby Patty gummis. I know, 32 going on 7. That's how I roll.

I thought it would be fun to do an orange themed Shopping Guide this week... in case you are going to be stylishly dressing the part. I don't usually do costumes... but a touch of orange I can definitely do!


(details: 1. Flamingo Flat, Seychelles, $90.65 2. Merino Wool Sweater, Forever 21, $24.80 3. Nixon Time Teller, shopbop.com, $60 4. Essie Nail Polish, beauty.com, $8 5. Time-In Time-Out Belt, Anthropologie, $30 6. Cotton Desert Shirt, JCrew, $65 7. Cambridge Shawl Collar Sweater, JCrew, $59.99)

How do you celebrate Halloween!?!?

shopping guide: fun flats!

Flats are a great shoe going into fall and even for winter (if there isn't too much snow!)... and even in the winter I like to wear boots and then slip a pair of flats in my purse for where ever I am going. These styles are SO fun and all of them are under $50! You can thank me later... now it's time for the eye candy!

1) I love this snow leopard print flat from Target... they actually are pony hair (synthetic?) like the high end brands but for waaaay less. (Snow Leopard Flat, Target $24.99)

2) Chambray + Rhinestones... um, yes please! These flats would look SO cute with jeans or leggings for the fall and your favorite cozy sweater. I really love these! (Rhinestone Chambray Flat, Gap, $49.50)

3) Glitter, glitter, glitter! It seems glittered shoes are popping up every where... and while some are quite high priced, these are just the right amount of glitter and the perfect price! (Multi-Glitter Flats, Gap, $49.50)

4) I am unexpectedly drawn to this creamy brocade pair... they are so chic and seem like they would be very versatile. Aren't they pretty? Every gal needs pretty shoes! (Brocade Flat, Charlotte Russe, $22.50)

5) A close second to chambray + rhinestones is CAMO + rhinestones. These would be a fun (and maybe a little rebellious) addition to any outfit! (Camo Rhinestone Flat, Charlotte Russe, $22.50)

6) Pink pom poms? Need I say more. Yes and yes. (Pom Pom Ballet Flat, Old Navy, $22.50)

shopping guide: puffers!

A few weeks back I featured some great winter coats that were dressier. I like to have a few styles in my arsenal and a puffer coat is definitely one of them. They are so warm and cozy and this season I am loving the slimmer and sleeker versions that I have been seeing. Here are some great examples. I would wear EACH of these... they are all so cute!

(1. Lodge Puffer Vest, JCrew. $118 2. Puffer Vest, Gap, $59.50 3. Coffee Shop Puffer, Target, $59.99 4. Callie Nylon Puffer, Delia's, $69.50 5. Long Belted Puffer, Gap, $128 6. Puffer Jacket, Gap, $98)

shopping guide: camel!

The color camel has long been a classic (think London Fog or Burberry). And it's making a swing back through "trend" status this season. I still have some camel pieces from the last go round (which was maybe only 6 or 7 years ago?!). Pieces like scarves, shoes, classic sweater silhouettes and wool coats are great investments in classic colors like camel. They will NEVER go out of style and are always easy to incorporate into your everyday wardrobe.

I happen to love this color... it's very "fall in Paris" to me. Plus it's a great neutral - it's a true win - win. So invest in a new camel piece for your wardrobe this fall or bring out an oldie-but-goodie!

(1. Ultra Soft Cardigan, Gap, $49.50 2. Vintage Bateau Top, JCrew, $42.50 3. Square Hold All, TopShop, $70 4. Corset Peacoat, Express, $148 5. Lightweight Scarf, Forever 21, $5.50 6. Fitzwell Leslie Pump, Zappos.com, $62.10 7. Shawl Collar Belted Sweater, Express, $78)

shopping guide: faux fur vests!

Faux fur vests seemed to poke their head out last year... but this year they are back with a vengeance. They are available at all price points and several styles and have a very "off duty model just stepped off the runway/Rachel Zoe/Olsen twins" vibe to them. I happen to like this type of je ne sais quoi relaxed but chic look. Plus they look super cozy!

And if you are at all interested in how I would style one... well DO check back! I found one second hand and diy-ed it a bit to get it where I wanted it and will be showcasing it here on the blog very soon!

It's almost impossible to choose a favorite here... so many great options!

(details: 1. Faux Fur Vest, Old Navy, $29.50; 2. Eight Sixty Faux Fur Vest, Piperlime, $92; 3. Faux Fur Vest, LOFT, $98; 4. Faux Fur Belted Vest, Rachel Roy, $149; 5. Janika Vest, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $69; 6. Charlize Vest, JCrew, $595)

shopping guide: coats!

As the weather continues to cool off it is time to start thinking about your most important accessory for winter - your coat! Depending on where you live you may need more of a jacket than a full-on coat. But if you are like me living in Michigan or really any where in the Midwest or East Coast you need a virtual arsenal of coats and jackets to keep you warm!

I like to have a really practical coat that is super warm. For that I depend on my puffer coat - for trips to the bus stop with the kids... and of course for the yearly Christmas Tree hunt! But, I also like to have a nice tailored coat or two hanging around for making me feel like a lady (and not just a girl wrapped in a sleeping bag) during the colder months.

Any of these options would be great investments for this winter... which one do you love?

(1. Cropped Trench, Gap, $79.50; 2. Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat, Old Navy, $89.50; 3. Minus the Leather Jacket, Express, $98; 4. Corduroy Blazer, LOFT, $69.50; 5. Jack Plush Coat, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $70; 6. Wool Blend Trench, Old Navy, $99.50)

shopping guide for fall... boots!

I have gotten tons of reader emails about boots lately... what are the fall trends for boots? how do I wear boots with skirts? boots? boots? boots? I thought I would lay out a few of my favorite styles and shapes for fall this year in response to those questions.

Speaking of reader questions... I just completed an FAQ page (found here) featuring commonly asked questions, it also addresses how I manage all the nice (ahem, and some not nice) emails and questions I get from you all. Read up!

1. I love a simple wedge suede boot like this one this fall. I would pair these with cuffed jeans that just reached the top of the boot. So cute! (Chinese Laundry At Once, Piperlime, $89)

2. Fold-over boots like these are popping up at several retailers... sometimes boots can look very "dressed up" - I love that these have a slouchy relaxed feel to them. (Steve Madden Carlsen, Piperlime, $89)

3. Over the Knee (OTK) boots are super popular this season. And this pair has a fun equestrian feel to them. (Restricted Marine, Piperlime, $99)

4. I am in love with anything Minnetonka this season! This little zip bootie looks comfortable and chic... it would be fun with a dress or with jeans! (Minnetonka Short Boot, Net-a-Porter, $45)

5. I love this semi-slouchy mid-height boot style, this is a carry over from last season... so you may already have a pair of these in your closet for this year! (Sam & Libby Profess Boot, DSW, $49.95)

6. Wellies are not only super cute, but are also very practical for cold and wet fall days. These have a touch of sophistication with the herringbone fabric. I really love this pair! If you are a soccer mom like me you know you need something warm and dry for rainy games! (Chooka Herringbone Boot, Footnotes Online , $70)

7. Booties are just as popular this season as they were last year. These would be great with cuffed jeans or a sweet floral dress and tights! (Enzo Anglioni Rachey8, Zappos, $79)