Wish List Wednesday: Jewelry

Today is officially the beginning of my Thanksgiving vacation. I feel slightly guilty for ditching the office in favor of cozy sweats and daytime TV - especially because I'm not actually traveling until tomorrow morning. But, this does give me the perfect opportunity to scour magazines and the Internet in search of fantastic holiday gift ideas (for myself and others).

Next week I'm planning a series of holiday gift guides, but I'm dedicating today's post entirely to jewelry. Costume baubles are one thing, but I rarely purchase fine jewelry for myself during the year. I leave that to my boyfriend and parents to splurge on the contents of a tiny, perfectly-wrapped little box.

Here's a collection of faux and real jewels to add to your wish list.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Asha by ADM, Crystal and Lemon Quartz Earrings, $495
Ice.com, Diamond and Tiger's Eye Necklace, $225
Fred Flare, Dangling Paper Airplanes Necklace, $68
Alanna Bess, Smoky Quartz & Pyrite Necklace, $48 (on sale)
Ice.com, Diamond and White Gold Ring, $295
Jean Paul Gaultier, Pendant Earrings, $389
Betsey Johnson, Large Snowflake Studs, $55
Kate Spade, All Wrapped Up Idiom Bangle, $78
J.Crew, Shadow Facet Necklace, $150
Guess, Avery Triple Hoop Rhinestone Earrings, $58
Banana Republic, Glam Leaf Earrings, $50
Daphna Simon, Large Silver Log Ring, $340

Win It!

Few things are better than free jewelry! Head over to Savvy Mode's giveaway to win a trendy little pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs stud earrings.

Holiday Dress-ing: Realist Edition

Yesterday's post left me fantasizing about layers of chiffon, yards of silk and piles of sequins. I've since wiped the drool from my keyboard and came to terms with my bank balance. Owning a dreamy Marchesa dress isn't exactly in my foreseeable future, so I've sought out affordable options for holiday cocktail parties. Each dress below rings in at under $150.

Snow White
(left to right)
BCBG Max Azria, Satin Halter Dress, $135.90 (on sale)
Topshop, Brocade Tube Dress, $90
Cynthia Steffe, Floral Clip Cotton "Fatima" Dress, $130 (on sale)

Bright Night
(left to right)
Banana Republic, Twist Wrap Dress, $125
J.Crew, Silk Taffeta Strapless Sanglé Dress, $59.99 (on sale)
Ralph Lauren, Shannon Silk Ruffle Wrap Dress, $119.99 (on sale)

Black Tie
(left to right)
Rachel Rachel Roy, Belted Matte Jersey Dress, $129
Maggie London, Matte Jersey Sheath Dress, $98
BCBGeneration, Metallic Tiered Ruffle Strapless Dress, $112

Nip & Tuck
(left to right)
Max & Cleo, Pleated Taffeta Strapless Bubble Dress, $107
Arden B, Taffeta Shine Bow Tube Dress, $78
Blondie Nites, Strapless Dress, $139

Sparkle & Shine
(left to right)
INC International Concepts, Sequin Sleeveless Stripe Dress, $99
Arden B, Bow Front Sequin Tube Dress, $88
INC International Concepts, Open Back Sleeveless Sequin Sheath, $99

My favorite is the black Rachel Rachel Roy dress. Which one(s) do you like?

Holiday Dress-ing: Fantasy Edition

I've come across many gorgeous cocktail dresses in my search for holiday attire - and have become heartbreakingly aware that many of my favorites will never hang in my closet. Each of the frocks below are out of my price range, but a little Monday morning eye candy has never hurt anyone.

Snow White
(left to right)
Jason Wu, Embroidered Chiffon Drape Dress, $2,350
Marchesa, Organza Jeweled Strapless Dress, $1,980
Temperley London, Mini Bea Silk Dress, $1,795

Bright Night
(left to right)
Mark + James, Strapless Beaded Bodice Mini Dress, $485
Notte by Marchesa, Ribbon-Trimmed Silk-Chiffon Dress, $695
Vivienne Westwood, Rill Silk Asymmetric Dress, $1,100

Black Tie
(left to right)
Marchesa, Sequined Strapless Dress, $4,620
Alice + Olivia, Bustier Satin Dress, $525
Matthew Williamson, Jewel Detail Black Dress, $2,217

Nip & Tuck
(left to right)
Preen, Fountain Cotton-Jersey Dress, $350
Marchesa, Embroidered Silk-Organza Dress, $1,725
Marc Jacobs, Duchesse Satin Zip-Embellished Dress, $1,900

Sparkle & Shine
(left to right)
3.1 Phillip Lim, Silk Sequin T-Shirt Dress, $895
Alexander Wang, Draped Pailette Dress, $1,152
Hervé Léger, Sequined Bandage Dress, $2,300

What's your fantasy cocktail dress for the season?

Hangover Helpers

I apologize for being such a lame blogger this week. I've been busy with networking functions and social gatherings that left me a little exhausted and a little hungover - and there's a good chance that holiday parties will leave me sluggish for much of December. Fortunately, even a holiday hangover can be a little glamorous.

Choose loose garments in calm colors, like this silk slip and oversize cardigan, and give your tired feet a rest in a pair of chic cable knit slippers. When you're ready for a nap, block out the morning sun with a satin sleeping mask and cozy up with a plush throw. Use an eco-friendly glass water bottle to wash down a few pain killers. Once your stomach has begun to settle, order a pizza or head to the nearest Arby's for my favorite hangover cure: a non-diet soda and curly fries.

Wish List Wednesday: Springcart Designs

I recently stumbled upon Springcart Designs and found an online boutique filled with a well-edited selection of affordable home goods and accessories, including charming tea towels and jewelry. Here are my favorites:

Large Fulani Earrings, $30

Monogram Tea Towel, $12

Sunset Necklace, $14

Vintage Hot Air Balloon Tea Towel, $8

Sweet Feet

I love sequins as much as the next gal and I'm sure I'll have plenty of sparkle-infused posts before the holiday season is over. But right now, I'm fixated on a rainbow of deeply saturated hues after falling in love with my new candy-apple red pumps. I'm sure any of the brightly-colored pairs below will also guarantee a cheerful holiday season.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Stuart Weitzman, Jumbo Evening Slingbacks, $325
Ras, Dress Flat with Bow, $109.39
Wet Seal, Satin Bow Pump, $24.50
Bourne, Eva Pump, $244.95
Kate Spade, Gracious Pump, $263
Kate Spade, Fiona Flat, $95

Recent Purchase: Party Shoes

I spent most of this morning and afternoon running errands around the city, including a stop at DSW. I had a $10 coupon and had planned to pick up a pair of tights or socks - just to use the credit before it expired. Instead, I found the prettiest pair of candy-apple red satin pumps by Nina. I can hardly wait to wear them to holiday festivities.