The Pendant Necklace - Springs Must have Accessories

Many of us are very familiar with the delicate nature of the pendant necklace.  However, in the last few seasons the saying has been, the chunkier the better.  Well, for the spring and summer it's back the pendant - and there are definitely lots of options out there.

So for this post, I'm just going to show you some of my favorites.  Jewelry is definitely dependent on the individual, so hopefully with lots of options you'll find one you love!

Sydney Evan Wishbone & Diamond Pendant, $350

Ippolita Turquoise, $295

Gorjana Love Knot Charm Necklace, $70

Gorjana Astrology Charm Necklace, $45

Alexis Bittar 'Dust' Teardrop Pendant Necklace, $185

Nadri Medium Key Pendant Necklace, $68

So many choices...I think I'll take them all :) 

XOXO, Allison

The Chunky Heel - It's Come Back

Don't you remember when the thought about heels was the thicker the better?  Well...it looks like we may be heading back in that direction.  This season designers are emerging with chunky heeled sandals, pumps, and boots - who would have thought?

When choosing a chunky heel, look at the height.  The higher the heel of this style, the more casual it's going to be - but that can also be fun!  For example, check out this 5" knock out from Tory Burch.  They just make me want to throw on some bellbottoms and a crocheted top and hit the town!

Tory Burch Tatum, $350

If you are looking for something a bit more delicate, go for a lower heel.  I've had my eye on these Louboutins for awhile.  I don't like the price, but I like the concept.  The cutouts and shape of the shoe modernize it, but the colors allow it to be a more classic style that will be around for years.  

Christian Louboutin Creve Couer Cutout Pumps, $695

Now don't get rid of your stilettos just yet...who knows long the chunky heel will be here to say.  As long as they don't come back with the heeled jelly I'll be okay!  

Yuck - I can't believe I WANTED these!

XOXO, Allison

Celebrity Fashionista of the Month - Kate Middleton

In honor of Kate's upcoming nuptials, she seemed like a fitting choice for April's Celebrity Fashionista of the Month.

Kate has been in the spotlight since she and Prince William started dating in 2001.  However, it wasn't until their official engagement announcement in November 2010 that she came under the critical public eye.  Fortunately, Kate (who has been compared to the late Diana) has an efforless style that is chic yet conservative - perfect for the future Princess.

In case you haven't noticed, everything that Kate has worn in the last several months has been flying off the shelves - taking brands like Issa of London, Luisa Spagnoli, and and Reiss to the top of the most wanted list.  Her now famous $600 sapphire blue Issa dress - that she wore for the engagement announcement - sold out in hours and is now gong for twice the price on auction sites like eBay.

The natural beauty is always looking gorgeous - seeming to never have a bad hair or make-up day, and pulling off those big hats like she has been walking the runway for years.  Her engagement pictures were enviable - wearing an Ivory Reiss dress that set off her beautiful sapphire engagement ring and looked amazing with her brown hair.  

So here's to looking forward to Kate's upcoming looks.  With rumors swarming about her upcoming wedding dress selection I personally can't wait to see what she decides.  However, that girl could show up in a potato sack and still look beautiful.  Fortunately for her, she now has a lot of people in place to make sure that doesn't happen.  

XOXO, Allison

Piperlime - A Site Worth Looking Into...

Some websites are so overwhelming so when you start perusing through them you find a dress or top you love only to find out it's $200.  How frustrating!  That's why I am a big fan of Piperlime because they definitely have the consumer in mind.

In the last several years, Piperlime has gone from a site that sold shoes and accessories to a site that has it all.  They offer just about everything you need to step out into the newest season looking FABULOUS!  

Piperlime has several sections that are bananas!  Why do I say that?  Because celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe actually contributes to the selection at Piperlime and has her own section on the site for her picks.  Every season, she goes through the new collections and selects her must have items - and normally she is dead on.  One of her current favorites?  This adorable embellished top.  However, as you can imagine, many of Rachel's great picks are a little pricey - so beware!  

Love Sam Embellished Top, $183

One of my other favorite sections is coined, Girl on a Budget.  This is great for those trendier items that you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on.  Sometimes they also have great classic pieces that are so affordable you can't pass them up.  I'm a big fan of this Collective Concepts ruffle dress.  Price?  Only $49!  

Lastly, they always have a trend guide for the season, and the Spring Trend Guide is amazing.  In this case, they have chosen 10 big trends for the season which include colorful dresses, wide leg jeans, ladylike jackets, and wedges.  I love this linen jacket, and it's a great buy for $94.  

Aryn K. Linen Fitted Blazer, $94

So that's your quick tour of Piperlime's amazing website.  Trust me, if you are looking for something new to enhance your wardrobe - this is a great spot to go.  One of my favorite things about the site?  It seems like they have some of the same items as department stores...and Piperlime tends to put them on sale faster!  Oh how I love a good deal!  

XOXO, Allison

An April Favorite - Maxi Skirts

Calling all hippies - the 70s are back and they are taking over the fashion world.  One of my personal favorites?  The maxi skirt - chic and comfy this piece can be dressed up with wedges and a cute blouse or for a more casual look pair with a t-shirt and leather flip flops.  With this easygoing look you can't go wrong - anything goes!

I used to think that I could never do the maxi skirt because I'm short and have no legs.  However, these styles are great pieces for everyone.  If you're more petite, you will want to pair the skirt with a more fitted top to accentuate your waist.  In most cases you will want to pair the look with wedges.  This could avoid the costs of alterations and lengthen your leg.  As for you tall people or the ladies with long legs (ugh) you can pair it either way.  Just make sure that the skirt won't hit you at an awkward place if you are going to wear wedges.  I always like to try on these types of items with the shoes I would probably be wearing.  If you don't have them with you - no problem.  Most stores will sell a similar wedge or at least heel of the same heights to give you an idea of what it will look like.

One of my favorite more casual brands is Joie.  It's a California-based company that eludes easy style - perfect for the Cali girl.  They have this gorgeous Eunice Cotton Maxi skirt that I am drooling over.

I don't really care for the top that they paired it with, but I love the skirt.  Here's something to consider though.  Maxi skirts are a trend right now...they could be out next month, next year - you never know!  Therefore, this skirt, at $188 may not be your best bet.  

That's why I would probably be more willing to opt for this Forever 21 Ikat Maxi Skirt.  At only $19.80 I won't feel guilty if this look gets thrown to the Goodwill pile next year.  Plus, I love how they have accessorized this look.  The skirt is definitely the focal point and I love the addition of the belt and boots!  

If the pattern is too much for you - no problem!  There are lots of options for more classic looks.  I like this black piece from Express.  The tiers give it a little something extra without being as overwhelming as a bold pattern.  And for a more versatile look, the price tag of $69.50 makes it more worthwhile then some of the other splurge pieces.  

I can't wait to wear my maxi skirt out to all sorts of functions - work, a nice wine bar, summer weddings...the possibilities are endless.  Heck, I would probably sleep in it - that's how comfy and chic these pieces are!  

XOXO, Allison

My New Favorite Toy - Temptu Airbrush System

If you have never gotten airbrushed make-up you are missing out!  The first time I ever got airbrushed make-up was for my engagement pictures and I could not believe the difference.  I had a lot of coverage - which was perfect for the pictures - but I felt like I was wearing nothing.  It was just so light weight and it seemed to last throughout the day.

The true test for airbrushed make-up was during my August 2010 wedding.  It was extremely hot and I tend to sweat a lot.  However, my make-up still looked fabulous by the end of the night and I was hooked!  

Recently, I started doing make-up for other people (check out Belle Dame if you are interested), and realized that I needed to invest in an airbrush machine to keep my customers happy.  As I started to do my research I came across the Temptu Airbrush System - an at home system with airbrushed foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighters available to provide the same look that professional make-up artists use on celebrities.  

TEMPTU Airbrush System

The system uses interchangeable pods to apply different shades.  It also has an adjustable notch to determine how much make-up you want to apply. 

Because I shop too much at Sephora, I had managed to accumulate a lot of points in my Beauty Insider bank and wanted to put them to good use.  After doing some research on the TEMPTU system at home, I also wanted to see an in store demonstration.  Daphne (the make-up artist who assisted me) was great.  She helped match my skin tone to the perfect shade and applied the make-up accordingly.  She told me what I would want to do to if I had a blemish or wanted more coverage.  She even provided me with some helpful tips to keep the machine in good working condition.  

Since I am a VIB, I got a great deal on the system and purchased it immediately.  Right now, the system goes for $225 which includes the system and pod of your foundation shade.  There are deals available though so be on the lookout!  (Side Note: if you ever shop at Sephora, join the Beauty Insider program.  It gives you lots of points to be able to redeem for great stuff) 

Any who, I've been using the system for a few days now and I LOVE it.  Definitely a great addition to my beauty regiment.  I don't use it every day, but I will probably use it in the summer when I want more coverage from the heat!  It also gives me an opportunity to be able to use it on other people and play around with new looks.  Super exciting!  

So if you love beauty products and are looking for something that provides great coverage without that heavy feeling, this is a great opportunity to do just that.  It is an investment up front, but a pod normally lasts 3-6 months which could save you on foundation, and if you need special occasion make-up this is a great way to get the same effect.  If you assume that many professional services charge $75+ for make-up services you could pay for this system after 3 applications!  

XOXO, Allison

Perfect Bags for Less

Yesterday was a big day for me.  In case you haven't noticed - I have expensive taste.  When it comes to clothes or trendy items...I can normally control this taste.  However, when it comes to handbags I have a hard time settling.  Perhaps it's because I love the smell of the real leather and the soft feel of it.  And I love all of the little details and the wonderful compartments.  Handbags make the world go round for me.

I blame the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis for this.  The mall (my go to spot for everything great) is filled with fabulous shops and anchored with Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue - i.e. a recipe for disaster.  When I moved to Memphis, one of the most disappointing aspects was that there was no longer my Fashion Mall - and therefore none of my favorite shops.  My husband and mother seemed excited about this; they both like to give me a hard time about my champagne taste.

Well, since I'm here in Memphis by myself and need something to do, I sometimes go to the nearby mall.  It's a nice, roomy mall with an amazingly huge food court and some common stores like Forever 21, Ann Taylor, and Gap.

While I was at the mall yesterday (looking for goodies for my April Giveaway) I walked by the Aldo window and did a double take.  In the window was this fabulous looking bag and I just had to go in and look at it.

Aldo EREKSON Crossbody Bag 

I picked up the bag from the store display expecting to be disappointed with the quality.  However, I was shocked with how buttery and soft the leather felt and how well done the hardware was.  "Great," I thought, "even great stores like Aldo are carrying expensive bags now."  - Right?  I mean, I assumed for a bag that looked and felt this nice had to be at least $150 - if not more.  So, that's when I nearly passed out when I saw the price tag - $45....$45!  You don't even want to know the last time I spent $45 on a handbag!  I was flabbergasted and bought the bag right away before they decided that the bag was worth more.  

Doesn't the bag look familiar?  I thought so too.  So when I came home from the mall I immediately got online and found the below - one of the structured bags I mentioned in my post a couple of months ago.  The price tag?  $365!  And I have seen this bag in person...and from the horse's mouth...no noticeable difference in quality.  

Badgley Mischka Melissa Bag

So, I learned a big lesson today (that I'm sure some of you savvy fashionistas already knew) - some stores offer the same fabulous looks as the higher end brand at a similar quality level for 1/10 of the price!  Man...now I can buy like...10 handbags!

XOXO, Allison