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. 

To be practical or to be happy - that is the question.

As is evidenced above, I’ve always had a tendency to over-pack… I HATE when I want to wear a particular shirt or scarf and I’ve left it behind; thus, I simply pack for ALL occasions and possible weather fluctuations. Needless to say, this is a bit of a problem since my home is in the beautiful Bay Area, California, and my school is located in Ithaca, (upstate) New York – the drastic weather difference almost encourages me to over-pack. However, it can be tiresome to lug all of my favorite clothes/accessories/shoes back and forth just for my peace of mind (although it’s strangely satisfying). It’s actually presented me with a bit of a conundrum when it comes to packing for my treks, especially when I think about my shoes: since I’ve never experienced a truly snowy winter, I’m still debating whether or not I should still bring my favorite shoes back with me to Ithaca for the spring semester (since January to early March is supposed to be freezing). To be practical with sensible shoes (pros: toasty warm feet, cons: the style quotient of the wardrobe of “Fargo”) or to be happy with pretty, albeit snow-and-salt-shy shoes and cold feet (pros: pretty shoes, plus the assurance of knowing that I will have the appropriate pair for each event/outfit/mood that I come across, cons: frostbite) - that is the question.  - C

Kate Spade iPhone 4 Hard Cover, $40

I envy any beautiful soul that owns an iPhone 4, because Kate Spade has designed the most adorable hard cover in a brilliant Granny Smith apple green. Being a valued Verizon customer, I have carried the Verizon torch, even though, Mr. AT&T carried such a beautiful phone. Finally, after years of waiting, Verizon has given a gift to the dedicated customers --- the iPhone, but essentially, the Kate Spade iPhone 4 Hard Cover, because that is what it comes down to. Kiss, kiss - J

© picture from Kate Spade

Nordstrom's Tissue Weight Cashmere Wrap, $95

When I want to wear something every day (resist the temptation), I know that I wisely spent a good dollar on a luxury. There are few pieces that I treasure, and the Nordstrom's Tissue Weight Cashmere Wrap is one of the loves in my life. I purchased the scarf in Violet Jewel (shown above) about a year ago, but I recently purchased Tapestry Teal.
Living in California, scarves are not the ideal piece of clothing, but these wraps are so soft and light that I find myself wearing my scarves at least once a week -- which is pretty huge (I try not to wear the same thing twice in a two-week span; thank goodness I have two colors). I love throwing the cashmere scarf in my Billberry Longchamp and heading out. Kiss, Kiss - J

Linking you out! You are one step closer to buying yourself a luxury by clicking here!

© picture from Nordstrom's 

The internet is for...shopping

Right now, I'm supposed to be buying books for my next semester's classes...but I keep getting distracted by looking at this classic trench by London Fog! As a student at Ithaca College, I'm no stranger to the rain. Although it's snowing in Ithaca now, I'm anticipating a rainy spring, which means that a lovely little trench coat would be both practical AND chic for gray Ithaca weather (and a perfect complement to my favorite pair of tall black Hunter Wellies!) - C