Working Girl, part deux

I have finished (hopefully successfully) my first week of work at Nordstrom's and I STILL LOVE THAT STORE...and my job...

In fact, I should be receiving my first paycheck pretty soon - which means that the only problem will be making sure that the paycheck actually goes towards saving for the future and not towards all of the beautiful clothes and shoes and accessories and purses...oh dear...I can see already that this might be a problem. The consequences of working at your favorite place to shop...

For some reason, I thought that working retail would take the magic out of shopping - or at least make me not want to shop as much. But alas, this job has done the complete opposite: I'm surrounded by millions of potential outfits! It's like being a kid in a candy store!

BUT at least I'll get to use my employee discount, which means that I will come out somewhat ahead...and really, since I spend eight hours a day racking and organizing and making outfits with all the lovely merchandise in the BP, it's only natural that I'd want to SHOP for all those clothes! I resolve to be prudent...however, what should my first purchase be? A new black maxi skirt to be worn with a boxy crop top? Or splurging on a pair of Revas? 

The job has also reassured me that this is what I want to write about in the future: style and seeing the art form of fashion and the social and cultural weight of what we wear. People often dismiss fashion as frivolity - but in the larger scope, fashion is an integral part of who we are and how we identify ourselves. It's limitless and multi-faceted and unique to each individual. It's a daily visual of our society whether we are aware of it or not. - C

Half-yearly sales ALWAYS have happy endings

Half-yearly sales always have happy endings - case in point: the latest additions to my shoe family! It's my first pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes and I love them! The photo above doesn't really do these shoes justice; Jennifer was the photographer, the camera was temperamental (not including the fact that we used a point-and-shoot instead of an SLR), and the lighting was meh...which means that we have 1. a picture that doesn't show just how adorably cute my new shoes are or 2. a picture that looks like a hipster took it. Since Jenny is the farthest thing from a hipster, I think it's safe to conclude that we're just bloggers who, unlike Rumi Neely and her photographer/S.O. Colin, are seriously challenged when it comes to producing original images or having people who are skilled in that department and willing to help us. Anyways, I've decided to show these lovely pumps in all their lovely, professionally photographed glory here, thanks to the Nordstrom website. - C

image from: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jeffrey-campbell-situation-pump/3198186?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=1645

 

Happy, happy, happy!

After three interviews, numerous phone calls, and an application process that started this March, I am happy to announce that I will be starting work at Nordstrom's this summer! I'll be working in the Brass Plum section (which is where I spend most of my time anyways...) and I'm eagerly anticipating the challenges that this new adventure will bring. Besides, a summer job at Nordstrom's can only bring good things - this is Nordstrom's, after all. Now the only problem will be ensuring that I don't spend all my paychecks on the merchandise...oh, and making my commission quota -  which means that everybody should visit me when they go shopping at the BP in Nordy's!

But before I begin my job, I have a little time to enjoy some summer laziness, which I will be indulging in tomorrow with Jenny! We've got a day planned that begins with a little trip to our favorite place in the whole world (or at the very least, our favorite shopping haven from the mean reds) to partake of half-yearly sale loveliness! We'll keep you posted about the bargains we find! - C

Working Girl?

image from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=185468578149132&set=a.151144484914875.25121.151124571583533&type=1&theater

Apologies for not posting in nearly a month - Jenny and I are college students, and when the going gets tough, the tough hit the books and study, study, study! They may also resort to online shopping in the early morning hours...but that's another story for another time. Thankfully, school's out now and summer brings sunshine, breakfasts at Nordstrom's for us, and....possibly a job at Nordstrom's?

One would hope so. Today, I had an interview for a job at my local Nordstrom's, where I told them all about my deep love and devotion for their fabulous store and my longtime loyalty to their shoe department, among other things (my very first pair of shoes came from Nordy's children's shoes department - I mean, really, my mother shouldn't be dismayed with my affinity for Nordstrom's, since she obviously encouraged and fostered this obsession in me from an early age).

Of course, I'd LOVE to work at Nordstrom's, that venerable place of sartorial happiness that can cure even the meanest of the mean reds - but do they want me? Meeps! I let them know that being the slightly competitive person that I am, I'd be a prime candidate for the commission-based work environment. However, despite being rather competitive, I can also still play nice with the other kids (a.k.a. fellow employees), and that more importantly, I have an obsession with their store, to the point that I have a BLOG named after it! 

In a week, I'll know whether or not I got the job. Time will tell. There are pros and cons to either outcome; if I get the job, I'll get to experience the shopping environment at Nordy's from the other side! Also, I'll get to spend oodles of time at one of my favorite places ever. However, it might also show me the dark side of retail therapy - I might even - gasp - grow tired of Nordstrom's! On the other hand, if I don't get a job at Nordstrom's, I won't have a job - which would be very, very nice, considering the costs of being a college student. I did realize, however, that if they don't give me the job, Jennifer and I will be able to wake up at the crack of dawn and snatch all the amazing deals at half-yearly, as opposed to me having to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to work the half-yearly sale...

My mother also pointed out that even if I did get the job at Nordstrom's, I'd probably still love the store and I'd just spend most of my paycheck buying the clothes. Touché. Mother always knows best. First thing I'm investing in as either a celebratory OR consolation prize is a boxy top, like this pretty one from Joie:

Image from www.nordstrom.com

 I can just imagine it dressed up with a pencil skirt or worn casually with some high-waisted denim shorts - so hipster chic! - C

Unforgettable in Every Way.

"Unforgettable  

In every way, 

And forever more 

That's how you'll stay."  

- "Unforgettable," Nat King Cole.  

Evening dresses are so memorable, because the dresses have such class. Now, my memory is good, but remembering who wore what to the Oscars is not something I can exactly remember for the rest of my life. However, there have been dresses that I have remembered and loved for a long time, and I am sure I will probably never forget. I thought that I would share with you dresses that have been memorable in my own opinion. If you have a most memorable dress moment, share a picture of the dress in the comment box – even if it is yourself at Prom or someone on the red carpet! We look forward to reading your post!  - J

Well, Audrey Hepburn in herself is so memorable, but Hubert de Givenchy + Audrey Hepburn is unforgettable forever. Hubert de Givenchy designed this dress for Hepburn for Sabrina in 1954. I love the whole shape of the dress! The dress is so beautiful, and she is so beautiful. 

Well, most of you have probably never seen Hello, Dolly in 1969 with Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau. Honestly, I am most likely featuring this dress, because Hello, Dolly is one of my favorite films. I love this glamorous dress for its intricate beading and the glitz. Little joke here (although partially serious!): I told my mom that if I could ever get my hands on this dress, I’d wear it to my wedding, and I’d incorporate songs from the film into the wedding, “Hello, Dolly” would be walking down the aisle, “It Only Takes a Moment” would be our first dance, and I’m sure I could fit all the other songs into appropriate times. It would be cheesy and hilarious, but I know I could do it classy and unforgettable – just like this dress. 

There are more beautiful evening dresses on the red carpet than there are fashion regrets on the red carpet, meaning that I pretty much love all evening dresses. However, when I first saw this dress on Anne Hathaway, I instantly loved it. She was so classy with her red lips and this slick white dress with its many sequins. She’s worn many gorgeous dresses, but this is definitely one of my favorites. 

Now, like I said, this article is about the most unforgettable dresses that I have seen, and this Escada dress is somewhat hard to explain why it is on my list for the most unforgettable dresses. I am going to guestimate that I was 10 years old when I started purchasing fashion magazines and in one of my first fashion magazines (guessing it was either InStyle or Vogue), I saw this Escada advertisement, and I will be honest, the advertisement isn’t a good representation of the dress. The top half is simple, but I’m not even sure all the ruffles are part of the dress – maybe she is just lying on the pink ruffled silk? Still, I have always remembered this dress, and I still love the color and the beauty of it. 

Hats off to Audrey!

 

The iconic Audrey Hepburn wore a vast collection of gorgeous hats throughout her life and career, and she pulled off even the most extreme hats in the most beautiful and graceful manner. Don't you think she looks gorgeous in all those photos from above? Such a glamorous and exquisite woman from beginning to end! 

But hats are not simply a fashion statement, but to maintain healthy skin, we need to protect our skin from the harmful sun rays! Luckily, designers have created a beautiful selection of hats to choose from, and I have chosen an assortment of the most noteworthy hats for the Spring/Summer of 2011, all under $100! - Jenny

I love feminine details, such as this huge bow featured on such a simple straw hat. In fact, I plan to take a trip to Nordstrom to buy this hat! I think I am in love! 

Nordstrom 'Side Bow - Large' Floppy Straw Hat in Natural, $48.

The midnight blue and white accents make this fedora such a beautiful hat! Perhaps, I like this hat, because I am reminded of a nautical color scheme. Sadly, I am not one of those who can pull of fedoras, but I definitely recommend this hat! 

Nordstrom Two Tone Straw Fedora in Mood Indigo, $29.

Oh, Kate Spade, you have done it again! This cheerful sun hat is so playful and adorable! 

Kate Spade New York "Hello Sunshine" Straw Hat, $95.

Have a hat that you love? Share a picture of the hat in a comment! 

Urban Jungle

Diane von Furstenberg released her DVF Home Collection about a month ago.

I had thought that Diane von Furstenberg was simply releasing a bedding collection, but the esteemed designer released an entire home collection, including bedding and kitchen accessories. Her bright and colorful collection comes in many graphic designs on plates, duvets, etc.

As I have said in my blogpost "Spring Stripes," I believe her to be the Queen of Stripes, and I was surprised (and slightly disappointed) that her graphic black & white stripe wasn’t incorporated into a duvet, because I would have simply loved to see the vivid print paired with a colorful collection of pillows. While I do note, she features a black & white stripe rug in the promotional picture for her “Urban Jungle” bed collection, I fail to find where the rug is being sold! If you come across it, let me know! Again, I am missing her graphic black/white stripe print!

Other than that, DVF has combined bold prints and geometrical shapes into a very daring Home collection for the modern woman. 
- J

DIANE von FURSTENBERG "Miro Flowers" Dinnerware Collection, $18-$110

Note the unusual shapes paired with her bold print.

DIANE von FURSTENBERG "Gold Leaf Wood" 3 Piece Salad Set, $180

I love the touch of gold leaf in the earthy wooden salad bowl and serving utensils. 

DIANE von FURSTENBERG "Urban Jungle" Bedding, $79-$335. 

Like I said earlier, I love that black & white stripe rug, but I also love the "jungle" colors and the zebra duvet! 

Pictures from bloomingdales.com, for a direct link to DVF's home collection, click here.

Ahoy, Matey!

It seems that the nautical trend rings true every spring season, and Spring 2011 is not an exception. Not that I am opposed, because I am particularly smitten with the classic navy/white stripe boatneck shirt. However, the nautical trend is so much more than just sailor stripes! Inspired by sailor ropes, espadrilles with their heel of braided rope are gracing the feet of women with their casual appeal. Stuart Weitzman has introduced his own take on the trend, a sky-high espadrille heel with braided straps, and this year, designer Michael Kors has incorporated the “ropes” into shoulder straps for his casual bags. 

MICHAEL Michael Kors Marina Large Shoulder Tote: Sun, $198.

Stuart Weitzman Womens "Alex" Sandals: Ivory Crochet, $365.

And of course, the most notable, the classic navy and white stripes have been fashioned on shirts and dresses. I have many navy/white striped shirts and sweaters, but I will probably purchase more as the season continues! Like I said, I’m smitten by the stripes! I love this Lucky Brand dress from Nordstrom's paired with the brown belt and sandals! So adorable! 

- Jennifer

Lucky Brand Stripe T-Shirt Dress from Nordstrom: American Navy/Wild Oats, $59.50. 

Could she be any cuter? A look at Alexa Chung

picture from www.guardian.co.uk

 Alexa Chung is without a doubt, one of my foremost fashion inspirations. Not only does she have the most fabulous wardrobe with a quirky chic/tomboyish/cheeky school girl bent, she's also a television host/model/British Vogue contributor. Not to mention the fact that she's dating Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys but her cool factor has definitely upped due to the fact that she has joined the ranks of it girls like Jane Birkin with an eponymous purse designed by Mulberry with her as inspiration and namesake. Also, I love her winged retro eyeliner and chopped, chin-length bob - let's face it: she's adorable. She makes style effortless, classy, but also playful in an elegant gamine way. In a recent question and answer session with The Guardian, she proves yet again why she's somebody to watch. Responding to a question of how she wanted to be remembered, Chung stated, "As someone who inspired women to dress for themselves." With the bevy of admirers that she has, her success professionally and her growing fame as a sartorial star, I think she's already accomplished that.  - C

Spring Stripes!

I have always loved stripes, especially contrasting color combos, such as black and white, navy and cream, and true green and white. This spring, I have noticed that stripes are being used, and I love the lines that stripes create when incorporated in small and large pieces! Here are just a few pieces that I love with stripes!

I have an obsession with hair accessories; I am always searching for a new hair clip or headband that won't clash with my flaming red hair. In the Nordstrom March 2011 catalog, they featured this Cara skinny headband. I love the black and white headband but I think all the colors are so vibrant and so fabulous for Spring! 

Nordstrom: Cara Accessories Skinny-Bow Headband, $28.

I do not like rain, but if I bought this umbrella, I'd want it to rain all the time! I love the cherry red accents  on this graphic umbrella.

Kate Spade Umbrella, $75.

I love the lines that DVF uses in this retro-inspired swimwear! I have always associated great stripes with DVF; I truly believe that DVF uses stripes better than any other designer. She understands them, and she speaks their language. 

Diane von Furstenberg Maryelle Striped Swimwear, $125-$135. 

-J

Let's PLAY!

picture from www.katespade.com

I'm obsessed with the new PLAY option on the kate spade website. Simply go to the website @www.katespade.com and click on PLAY to look at a variety of items related to kate spade spring-summer 2011. This is a great option for me - it allows me to have all of the fun of the whimsical, lovely kate spade merchandise without actually having to buy things (which, thanks to spring semester's academic costs and my mid-term celebration/consolation shopping spree, is my sad reality). I especially love the new advertisement campaign that they have this spring - Bryce Dallas Howard looks winsome and ready-for-spring! Another great feature is the inspiration board, which was compiled by creative director Deborah Lloyd. But I think my favorite feature of the kate spade spring-summer 2011 campaign is their short film Seven Henrietta Street, which is beautiful and reminiscent of Breakfast at Tiffany's with a quirky hipster prep vibe. Basically, it's stinkin' ADORABLE and epitomizes that classy playful element that IS kate spade.

 

 Go PLAY on www.katespade.com - it's the perfectly capricious way to welcome Spring! - C

Alexander McQueen Polyvore Set

A recent Polyvore set that I made :) 

I love this black/nude Alexander McQueen short dress.

Plus, the Yves Saint Laurent clutch is super cute! 

AND I totally want that Chanel nude nail polish! 

- J

Link to the original Polyvore set:

Click Here to be Directed to My Polyvore

It has been a little while since I have posted a blog entry, but I have been so busy! First semester of college was cake, who knew that the second semester would be harder? I didn't!

I've been falling behind on informing, but Cady and I both have a Twitter now. Follow us on Twitter to get daily insight into fashion and shopping-related news.

Follow me: www.twitter.com/the_purchaser
Follow Cady: www.twitter.com/cadylang

I had an interview at Ann Taylor LOFT today, and I hope I get the position! If not, better luck next time :)

Love, Jenny 

Ithaca is STILL SNOWY - WHY?

Snow day this morning. It's the week before spring break, which equals lots of stress. In fact, as I write this, I am trying to avoid thinking about my two essays, loads of reading, and quiz that will basically embody my midterm grades (along with the two exams and quiz I took last week). But back to my thoughts about snow days - at first, I was enchanted by them. Then I realized that having a snow day actually inhibits my productivity - I sleep in, instead of doing homework or studying, which, if I had attended my 9 am class, wouldn't be the case because I'd be forced to be awake. Personally, I think I'm just bitter that most of my shoes are ruined by the double evils of snow and salt. Also, I'm slightly miffed that it's STILL SNOWING. It's now the month of March, which means that SPRING is on the way, right? Wrong. It's currently 18 degrees outside, and contrary to what my fellow students may believe - THIS IS NOT WARM. Let me reiterate my sentiment from before, once again - IT'S THE WEEK BEFORE SPRING BREAK. SO, WHY IS IT STILL SNOWING? Also, I've become - gasp - practical (read: boring) when it comes to my footwear. I find myself shuffling through snowdrifts wearing Uggs day after day - shoes that were once reserved for swim meets and casual dressing. I'm quite sure that if my mother read this right now, she'd feel very smug - she told me that I didn't need to bring every pair of shoes that I owned (which of course, I did and now regret - but don't tell her that.) And this is why people wish that all girls could be "California girls" - because California girls don't have snow days when they should be having spring weather AND their shoes aren't ruined with salt, which makes for very cheery dispositions, as opposed to disgruntled ladies living in upstate New York. Instead of being bundled up the way I am in the picture above, I'd much rather be wearing this dress right now:

 

But enough of my venting - what are your plans for spring break? And more importantly, what are you planning on wearing during it? - C

That's Haute! HiFashion Studios first annual fashion show at Ithaca College

My college's fashion-minded student organization, HiFashion Studios at Ithaca College hosted a fashion show this Monday and it was breathtakingly stunning and surprisingly professional. I had initially previewed it for the school newspaper, which made me want to check it out all the more. The night of the show, however, the lobby in front of the venue was packed - in fact, I was incredibly blessed to have gotten the last two VIP tickets for me and my friend John (who graciously played fashion photographer with his iphone). The VIP tickets were definitely worth the extra cost - we sat in the front row that was lining the criss-crossing runway (when I spoke to the creative director, Pedro Maldonado, he said that it was inspired by Prada's Fall 2010 NY Fashion week metro-inspired runway), and saw every model first as he or she started walking on the runway.

The show itself struck a nice balance between high fashion and pret a porter - after all, the audience was mostly college students. The theme of the show was "Strangers Into the Night", a nice play on word on the Sinatra's "Strangers In the Night"; however, the collections featured were clever interpretations of gender roles and constructions. Two of my favorite themes of the night were the 50's themed collection and the Androgyny themed collection - I could sense Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 in the former collection, as well as the understated elegance of Jil Sander, while the Androgny collection had Pierre Decarnin and Riccardo Tisci influences.

However, it was the student collections that blew me away. Designer Hayley Nickerson's outfit of plum harem pants paired with a sheer lace blouse that had puffed sleeves a la Dynasty was so gutsy chic that it would have even made the Man Repeller swoon. Bianca Lupi's art history inspired designs were structural and made me think of origami/Francisco Costa at Calvin Klein. However, it was Jane Wong's etheral gowns that took the cake - floaty, airy florals in sheer fabrics that rippled down the runway. Her designs are the ones featured in the photos above - truly gorgeous, completely feminine, but with quirky little touches, like a daringly low back or unexpected detailing on a plunging neckline.

All in all, it was a lovely show. Props to Pedro and the rest of the HiFashion executive board - I can't wait for next year's show! - C

P.S. You can read my coverage of the show for the Ithacan by clicking here

Roomies in Red

 

"For I conclude that the enemy is not lipstick, but guilt itself; that we deserve lipstick, if we want it, AND free speech." - Naomi Wolf, The Beauty Myth

I've been obsessed with wearing red lipstick lately; maybe it's the way it complements my winter clothes perfectly or just the fact that it's effortlessly glamorous in a classic, Old Hollywood way. However, it's completely wearable on an day-to-day basis, if you pair it with low-key eyes and simple hair (as illustrated by my lovely roommate, Kristin - on the left - and myself in the pictures above).  Kristin is wearing Lancome Color Design lipstick in Candy Apple while I'm wearing Nars lipstick in Red Lizard. As for Ms. Wolf's wise words about lipstick, I believe that women DO DESERVE LIPSTICK! Wearing a beautiful lip color that makes you feel confident about yourself can be incredibly empowering - after all, it takes a little spunk to wear a bold lipstick. Treat yourself to a bright, cheerful lip color - and celebrate confidence! - C

 

What a very unforgettable 4-day weekend! I bought my first Louis Vuitton, and I am very pleased. I think this is the first time I successfully saved for something! I will post pictures with it soon! :)

Something that I find just so strange: usually after purchasing something, I find something else I want almost immediately, but since this purchase, I am relieved to say that I am very content. It's a lovely feeling.

It's a four-day weekend -- yay! I am very pleased that a four-day weekend has come up. We all need a holiday here and there. I am very excited to say that my mother surprised me with a vacation to our favorite spot.
Today, my mother and I will be heading out, and on the way, we will be stopping at the Outlets.
Let's cross our fingers that there will be great deals and much to buy!

- J

Kate vs. Cady

I came home between two classes today for a lunch break, and in the mailbox, there was a surprise -- a Nordstrom's catalog for Spring 2011! Very exciting. So instead of doing homework before my next class, I flipped through the glossy pages to discover what I should buy next. (Sadly, I didn't see much. Well nothing that trumped my wishlist Louis Vuitton, and I am still saving.)

So I am flipping the pages, and I come across Cady! 

Okay. . . Cady wasn't in the magazine, but her outfit that she wore back during Christmas break was! I was with her, and I kept telling her how good she looked and that her outfit was so Kate Spade-ish. 

Glancing at the magazine, I look at the designer of the outfit, and it was Kate Spade! 

Surely, someone important saw Cady's outfit and was inspired to recreate a very expensive Kate Spade version. I am sure of it. 

Cady, do you remember the outfit that I am speaking of? However, you were wearing a beautiful green cardigan instead. 

I think you should take a picture of that outfit and compare it with the Kate Spade version! Prices, cuts, and all! 

Love, J

I love camel-colored handbags, and I am currently crushing on this feminine Valentino "Aphrodite" Top Handle Satchel!" - J

Valentino Aphrodite Handle Satchel, $1995. 

With a four-day President's weekend coming up, I hope that you are going on a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation. It's always nice to have a long weekend, but it is magnificent to pair that weekend with a fabulous trip with the family.
Whether you are flying or driving to your destination, we have the list of the must-haves to bring for your personal travel set for Spring 2011.

A large tote to bring in the car or on the plane with you is a must, because you can easily put many items all conveniently in one place. I love this DVF tote for its black and white palm tree leaf design. Plus, DVF provided a key ring with it!
Diane von Furstenberg Mariela Printed Tote, $195.

This true red cosmetic case pops by the DVF tote! The quilting on the exterior is feminine, and there are two zippered compartments. Don't forget to put your preferred brand of loose powder, lipstick, blotting papers, face moisturizer, mints, and a small rollerball perfume in the case! 

Kate Spade Marivaux Cosmetic Case, on sale $66.50 at Bloomingdales. 

Refresh your skin from the stale air provided by the plane or car. This is one of my favorite scents, and I love the matching perfume. Throw this fresh floral hand lotion into your cosmetic case! 

LoLLIA 'In Love' Shea Butter Hand Creme, $24.

Cashmere is so luxurious, and I love this blanket travel set by Sofia Cashmere. The set includes a big cashmere blanket, an eye-mask, and if you bring a small pillow, put it in the zip case (otherwise, use the included case to store the blanket and eye-mask when not in use). 

Sofia Cashmere 3-Pc. Travel Set, $300. 

In your bag, include your favorite scarf! If you arrive later in the day, you might be happy to wrap yourself in a scarf. My favorite scarf is Nordstrom's Cashmere Tissue Weight Scarf for $98. 

Plus, remember a book to read in the car, at the airport, or by the beach!

And never ever forget a favorite pair of sunglasses. Currently, my favorite pair is Marc by Marc Jacobs Vintage Inspired Oversized Sunglasses for $98.

Enjoy your vacation! - J 

Wednesday, where did you go?

My first post in a while - now that classes are in full swing and I've finally adjusted to my new school schedule, I resolve to post much more frequently. Today was my very first SNOW day (California girl that I am) and I enjoyed it wholeheartedly, sleeping in until noon. But, alas, it's now 8:00 pm - where did my day go exactly? I still have tons of homework for this week....which is exactly why I'm blogging right now - procrastination is, after all, the key to academic success...

But despite the snow, when I'm cozy and warm indoors, I've still tried to make sartorially wise choices - as you can see from this little snapshot of my feet. I'm wearing a lovely pair of Kimchi Blue T-strap, peep toe heels (which I got at Urban during their always-awesome-but always-a-bloodbath holiday clearance sale) with a pair of denim wide leg trousers, channeling the seventies with a tinge of Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde. - C

Let's Celebrate with Luxury.

With Valentine's Day approaching, you may find yourself in the Table-for-One blues, or perhaps, you are one of the lucky that will be cuddling with your Lovey Dovey. Either way, we need to be treated. I know this, and you know this. Treated with a gift. Whether you are indulging yourself or your partner is surprising you with a gift, let's celebrate with a luxury.

Top Five Buys for Valentine's Day 2011.

Let's realize that as beautiful as roses are, the rose that we really want is Rose Gold -- especially Rose Gold with sparkling Swarovski crystals.
Michael Kors 'Small Madison' Twin Row Crystal Watch, $225. 

When I first saw this Chloé bag, I instantly loved this luxurious item. This Chloé shoulder bag is so stylish with its texture, details, and perfect true red shade.

Chloé 'Marcie - Medium' Calfskin Shoulder Bag in Ruby, $1650.  

I treasure Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flats with their ostentatious logo on the front, and so I had to choose a pair to be featured. I flip-flopped between a gold glitter pair and these, but this magenta pair won my heart. They are a great pair of flats to wear on Valentine's, but they are also a beautiful pair for the spring and summer season! 

Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flat in Magenta, $195. 

In the words of the fierce Beyonce, shall we pray that he "[puts] a ring on it" this season? Yes, let's, and while we're praying, let's pray that you have the perfect mani as you are showcasing your new ring. 

Sephora by O.P.I. Nail Polish in And a Cherry on Top, $9.

Maybe it isn't the ring, but this Kate Spade ring is such a delight! A trendy, whimsical piece in a one size fits all package, plus it comes in about 7 colors! How fun! 

Kate Spade New York "Date Night" Floral Ring in Pink, $55. 

Kiss, Kiss - J. 

Mmmmm... accessories. Accessories spice up any outfit from a t-shirt with jeans to a black sheath dress. Own many accessories, but I believe that you should only have the accessory if you know you are going to wear it. Don't buy the headband with the peacock feathers for $60 if you have nothing to wear with it -- what a waste. If you aren't going to splurge on clothing, splurge on accessories. Accessories can add luxury to even a plain t-shirt.

Some accessories that I recommend:
- A boyfriend watch (Adds some heft and substance to jeans and a t-shirt)
- A pair of pearl or diamond earrings (Very classy for going out to dinner, to a play, to a museum, etc.)
- A beautiful brooch (You can add pizazz by hooking it on a long strand of pearls or simply pin it on a sweater.)
- A patterned or solid scarf (Cozy. I enjoy scarves that are a little more substantial so the material doesn't snag on anything if I throw it in my purse.)
- A well-made handbag (For sure, for sure!)
- A large statement ring (I have one that I bought for $14 at Nordstrom's, and holy moley(!), it adds so much glitz to outfits)
- Statement jewelry (Huge pendant, a large ring, noticeable earrings, anything that enhances an outfit.)

- J


Michael Kors Chronograph Watch, $250.
Ann Taylor LOFT Double Strand Rose Pearls and Gems with Ribbon Tie, Gift.
Nordstrom 68" White Faux Pearls, $58.
Nordstrom Bow with Ribbon Brooch, Gift. 
Nordstrom Tissue Weight Cashmere Scarf in Tapestry Teal, $98.