Two Thousand Eleven

{photo via limite magazine}

New Year's Eve Resolutions: sip a glass of bubbly and kiss a potential suitor at the stroke of midnight. Let's start 2011 on the right foot!

I hope you all have a fanciful evening and best wishes for the new year.

Check Mate

My last purchase of 2010 was completely unplanned: a $1,890 Carolina Herrera frock on Gilt this morning for only $119.

A sartorial item that retails for more than my rent, purchased at a price lower than my weekly grocery budget ... I can finally check that one off my 2010 wish list. Phew!

Now I just need a fabulous soiree for its debut.

Tuesday Treats Under $20

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Gold Python Journal, Jayson Home & Garden, $15

Beaded Chiffon Top, Forever21, $19.80

Stud Earrings, Aldo, $20

Spike Ring, Alex and Ani, $20

Sequin Wallet, Forever21, $12.80

{ DIY } Shoe Clips

I don't know how our grandmothers did it; clip-on earrings hurt! But if you're a vintage jewelry aficionado like myself, you've also amassed a sizable collection. And it hasn't been by choice. A handful accompanies nearly every jewelry win at an estate auction and antique stores insist that you can't break up a matching set ... even if it's just the bracelet you fell in love with. Since those baubles aren't going anywhere near my earlobes, I'm using them to adorn my New Year's Eve heels.

Merry Christmas

{image via Department of the Interior}

I hope you all have a very merry holiday season!

Over the interstate and through the woods to grandmother's house I go to overindulge in holiday cocktails and Christmas cookies. After the Christmas Eve festivities, I'm heading to my parents' house to see what Santa left under the tree. I wish you all the best this holiday. Safe travels, my friends!

{ outfitted } Ski Lodge Chic

Old Man Winter and I are looking into a divorce. We were getting along fine for the first 26 years of our relationship, but I've reached the end of my rope this year. Slipping on the ice, cars getting stuck in snow, salt stains on my pants ... well, I'm tired of it. And just when I'm about ready to book a flight to a warm locale, I reconsider my wardrobe. I don't think I could ever retire knits and wool in favor of a bikini (but feel free to twist my arm).

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew*; Earrings - J.Crew; Bag - Foley & Corinna via a giveaway on MyFDB; Skirt - Max Studios; Tights - Simply Vera by Vera Wang; Bracelet - Melinda Maria**; Shoes - Jeffery Campbell

*If you're considering this sweater, go down a size. I'm wearing an XS and I'm a size 6.
**Carrie at This Free Bird is currently featuring a Melinda Maria coupon code for 30% off. Head to her blog for the details. (And follow her blog because she's all kinds of fabulous.)

Tuesday Treats ... Literally

Last weekend, I spent a staggering $70 on baking ingredients. And if you peeked into my grocery bags, you'd quickly realize that I dropped nearly $100 on candy: milk chocolate, white chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, granulated sugar, brown sugar and powdered sugar. All in the name of Christmas. I've since been slaving over a hot cookie sheet, cranking out dozens of holiday cookies. Just two more treats remain before I can hang up the apron for another year.

What's your favorite holiday treat? Share your recipe!

Currently Coveting

{one-shoulder tops}

{tinseled wreaths}

{holiday brights}

{mistletoe kisses}

{bejeweled fingers}

Outfit Notes: Top - The Limited; Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs; Clutch - Banana Republic; Bracelet - Vintage; Rings - Forever21

Deck the Mantel

Digging into a stocking on Christmas morning has been one of my favorite traditions for one reason: immediate gratification. Growing up, my brother and I had to patiently take turns unwrapping one gift at a time to allow for ample photo ops. It's great for family photo albums. It's torture on a child.

This year, I'm yearning for a stocking filled with luxe indulgences.

See what's in my dream stocking at La Vie ... J'aime.

Window Shopping

I'm happy to say that I've finished my Christmas shopping with a few days to spare. This year was exceptionally easy: I took it to the Internet and dodged the Christmas crowds. If you're still in need of a special gift, may I suggest a few drool-worthy items from our sponsors? (Don't forget to check the sidebar to see what discount codes are available!)

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
KM2 Shoes, Stella Pumps, $250
Wendy Mink Jewelry, Diamond Lapis Cluster Earrings, $195 $165.75 with code
GlassesUSA, Romeo Gigli 1017 Frames, $89 $75.65 with code

{ gift guide } Under $50

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Vintage Book, Jayson Home & Garden, $48
Rhinestone Key Chain, Kate Spade, $50
Pyramid Stud Earrings, Juicy Couture, $48
Dress, ModCloth, $47.99
Brooch, Forever21, $5.80
Peanut Key Chain, Carl Auböck, $29.75 (on sale)
Hand Warmers, Juicy Couture, $36 (on sale)
Horn Serving Set, Jayson Home & Garden, $35*
Polka Dot Pillow, West Elm, $34 (free shipping today)
Black Truffle Almonds, The Squirrel Brand Co., $26
Lotus Candle Holder, CB2, $14.95
Bud Vase, CB2, $8.84/set of 3

*After I completed this list, I realized that the serving set is only $15 on Gilt today! Totally worth it. Sign up here if you need an invite.

Have you completed your holiday shopping?

{ gift guide } My Wish List

I was thisclose to be disowned by my mother last week. Despite weeks of inquiries, I still hadn't decided what to include on my own holiday wish list. Many coveted items I'd just buy for myself because I'd feel too guilty asking for an indulgent item. After all, what parent really wants to spend $200 on a cocktail ring that's made from base metal? Here are the more reasonable gifts I hope to find under the tree. (And I'm sure I'll regret not even asking for those Miu Miu's after the new year.)

• Square Plates: I've been using my parents' old dinnerware since college. Definitely time for an upgrade. (However, I won't opt for the square bowls - those feel too pompous.)
• Cozy Cardigan: The zipper on this one makes me especially happy; it can go as high or as low as you'd like.
• YSL Arty Flower Ring: This might be my tax return splurge.
  
• Culinary Torch: New Year's resolution: learn to make creme brulee.
• Flap Mittens: I finally caved and purchased an iPhone after my Razr met an untimely demise. I'm addicted. And tired of taking my gloves off each time I want to play with it.
• Luxe Bottle Opener: Making beer classier one bottle cap at a time.
• Glam Coin Purse: Truth be told, I already ordered this for myself.
• Christmas Ornament: A new bauble bedecks the tree each year.
• Quirky Dessert Plates: Let them eat cake!
• Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses: I asked my brother for these since he's the only one I know who splurges on eyewear.
• Rhinestone Bracelet: I'm transitioning from statement necklaces to statement bracelets ... even if they make typing obnoxious.
  
• Beijing Travel Guide: There's a 85% chance I'm visiting China in June. More on that later.
• Mad Men on DVD: I just finished watching Weeds on DVD and I'm in desperate need of another show to obsess over in the off season (even if I caught most of the shows when they aired).
  

But, most of all, I'm wishing for Christmas greetings from loved ones - and enough sweets to send me down a diabetic path.

What's on your holiday wish list?

{ gift guide } The Glam Gal

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Passport Cover, Graphic Image, $65
Black & White Cookie Ornament, Landmark Creations, $45
Peacock Ornament, Gump's, $16.99 (on sale)
Art Deco Ring, Elizabeth and James, $135
Cocktail Ring, Forever21, $5.80
Martini Glasses, BAR Collection, $54/set of two

Pencils with Rhinestone Detail, DiVoga, $14.99/set of 9
Candle, Annick Goutal, $65
Bird Skull Ring, Rachel Roy, $48
Feather Paperweight, Match, $37
Sequin Clutch, Kate Spade, $97 (on sale)
Makeup Brush Set, Bobbi Brown, $90
iPhone Cover, Kate Spade, $40*
Pineapple Bowl, Jayson Home & Garden, $32
Earrings, Janna Conner, $65

*Unfortunately, this cover is now sold out on the Kate Spade site. A few options come up via the Google shopping search.

{ gift guide } The Homebody

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Pillow Cover, John Robshaw Textiles, $75
Drawer Knob, Anthropologie, $8
Lambswool Blanket, Design Within Reach, $150
Vase, Kate Spade, $75
Match Holder, Eddie Bauer, $29.50
Desk Lamp, Ethan Allen, $299
Calendar, Jack and Lulu, $48
Agate Cheese Plates, Jayson Home & Garden, $60 - $75
Books, Penguin Classics, $13.60
Teacup and Saucer, welovekaru, $35
Antique French Key, Jayson Home & Garden, $8
Shea Orchard Daily Duo, L'Occitane, $25
Pie Plate, Emile Henry, $34.95
Sea Glass Earrings, Coldwater Creek, $9.99 (on sale)

{ gift guide } The Snow Bunny

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Icicle Ornaments, Jayson Home & Garden, $36/set of 15
Tuxedo Pearls Graduated Necklace, Kate Spade, $245
Cool Jewels Ice Tray, Perpetual Kid, $6.99
Snowflake Brooch, Dillard's, $25
Cake Pan, Wilton, $30.95
Snow in a Can, Bibelot, $4.50
Shea Butter Nail & Cuticle Cream, L'Occitane, $18
King Penguin Chicks, Schleich, $3.99
Apatite Green Drops, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $69
Metallic Cosmetic Case, Kate Spade, $70
Snowflake Ring, Betsey Johnson, $55
Faux Fur Wrap, Dillard's, $34
Boots, Sorel, $130
Mittens, Kate Spade, $65
Bracelets, Alexis Bittar, $295 each

{ winner } $45 CSN Gift Certificate

Congratulations to Lydia of Chic on the Cheap!

Thank you all for entering - your continued support and readership make these giveaways possible! And my sincerest thanks to CSN Stores for sponsoring this giveaway!

If you'd like to partner with Style Obsession on a giveaway, please e-mail JessicaStyleObsession@gmail.com.

{ gift guide } The Gardener

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Floral Cami, Ella Moss, $87.99 (on sale)
Watering Can, Gardman, $16.39 (on sale)
Birdcage Necklace, Kate Spade, $125
Trowel Ornament, Sears, $6.99
Bird Feeder, Eva Solo, $50.99
Bird Stud Earrings, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $48
Lotus Serving Set, Michael Aram, $59
Twig Pencils, Amazon, $1.99 each
Garden Stool, Gump's, $295
Gardenia Soap, Fresh, $12
Floral Earrings, Tinley Road, $24
Lattice Cuff, Lilly Pulitzer, $68
Leaf Tray, Michael Aram, $32-85

{ gift guide } The Seafarer

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Crab Necklace, Alex Woo, $158
Hand Towels, Thomas Paul, $48
Bikini Top and Bottom, Diane von Furstenberg, $135 and $125
Shorebird, Brass Binnacle, $18.95
Knot Doorstop, Jayson Home & Garden, $35
Swimwear Care, The Laundress, $8
Piper Bobby Pins, Kate Spade, $45
Piper Cosmetic Case, Kate Spade, $60
Beach Fragrance, Bobbi Brown, $55
Straw Tote, J.Crew, $42.50
Anchor Key Chain, Pelican Bay Nautical Gifts, $17.95
Shell Dish, Jayson Home & Garden, $44
Shell Ornaments (set of 4), Wisteria, $49
Starfish Pendant, Target, $24.99

{ gift guide } The Label Lover

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Umbrella, Diane von Furstenberg, $45
Eye Shadow Duo, MAC, $19.50
Alexander McQueen by Kristin Knox, $29
Buckle Gem Bracelet, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $88
Twirl Rollerball Fragrance, Kate Spade, $18
Cami and Short Set, Juicy Couture, $52.50 (on sale)
Coin Purse, Rebecca Minkoff, $48
Jingle Bell Earrings, Kate Spade, $45
Mini Bag, Rebecca Minkoff, $125
Picture Frame, Kate Spade, $35
Cocktail Ring, Rachel Leigh, $80
Silk Twilly, Hermes, $130

{ gift guide } The Chic Chef

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Chocolate Mousse Mix, Crate & Barrel, $9.95
French Grey Sea Salt, Williams-Sonoma, $7.95
Fortune Cookie Necklace, Jessica Elliot, $75
Moroccan Olive Oil, Crate & Barrel, $10.95
Toile Cupcake Liners, Fancy Flours, $4.50
Chopping Board, Crate & Barrel, $44.95
Leather Bottle Opener, Jayson Home & Garden, $16
Cake Stand, Julia Knight, $90
Bakers Twine, Crate & Barrel, $7.95
Jingle Bell Picks, Crate & Barrel, $9.95
Pear Salt Cellar, Jayson Home & Garden, $45
Wine Bottle Coaster and Stopper, Michael Aram, $89.99