{ friday finds under $50 }

I hope you have a glitzy New Year's Eve! Cheers to 2012!

1. Crystal Arch Statement Earrings, Tasha, $48
2. Royalty Cocktail Picks, Wine Country Occasions, $18.95
3. Sequin Wrap Dress, Jessica Simpson, $148 $39.99
4. Champagne Coupes, Riedel, $49
5. Aqua Single Stone Ring, Lisa Stewart, $38
   

{ how i'd wear } mint flats

Laura of A La Mode et Plus! replied to yesterday's post asking how I'd style the mint flats, an important thing to consider since I already ordered a pair. I'm planning to let the shoes take center stage as the only pop of color in an otherwise neutral weekend uniform.

• Jeans, Topshop, $80
• Metallic Sweater, Madewell, $98
• Chain Link Bracelet, ASOS, $14.54
• Mint Flats, Target, $19.99
• Leopard Scarf, Mango, $29.99

{ tuesday treat under $25 }

I've been wanting to try the smoking loafer trend, but hadn't yet found a pair that caught my eye. But this pair from Target is just about perfect: my favorite color and only $19.99.

Edit: I went to Target and tried on the pink pair (also adorable). I'd recommend sizing down. I normally wear a 7 or 7.5, but the 6.5 fit the best.

(And I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! You can see snapshots from the weekend here.)

{ friday finds under $50 }

1. Wrap Dress, Old Navy, $32.94
2. Coasters, Mikasa, $9.99
3. Earrings, Kate Spade, $45
4. Jingle Bell Ornament, Wallace, $19.90
5. Shoes, RSVP, $28.50
   

{ winner } Taylor Kenney Jewelry Necklace

In the holiday hubbub, I completely forgot to announce the winner of the Anjali Necklace from Taylor Kenney Jewelry. Drum roll, please ... the lucky lady is Meg from Henning Love. Congrats, Meg!

A huge thank you to Taylor Kenney Jewelry for partnering with me on the giveaway, and thanks to everyone for entering and for your continued support.

Happy Holidays!

{ outfitted }

It's no secret that accessories are my favorite part of an outfit, but I hadn't been wearing these favorites as often as I should. There's no better time than the present for mint pumps and a leopard belt.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Skirt - Ann Taylor LOFT (similar); Belt - Banana Republic Factory (similar); Bracelet - Gorjana; Shoes - Kate Spade

{ exclusive discount }

Designer Sophie Blake is graciously extending a 40% discount to any Style Obsession reader who purchases the pyramid stud earrings featured in yesterday's gift guide. The regular price is $165, but only $99 with the discount. Treat yourself to a pair before December 31, 2011.

{ tuesday treat under $25 }

In my purse, tubes of lipgloss currently reside in an ultra-stylish plastic sandwich bag. That will change in 4-8 business days when this sparkly little Kate Spade coin purse arrives (now on sale for only $22).

{ gift guide } last-minute luxe list

Christmas is less than a week away, but there's still time to rush gifts under the tree. Here are a few irresistible last-minute indulgences:

1. Sunglasses, Tiffany & Co., $290
2. 14k Pyramid Stud Earrings, Sophie Blake, $165
3. Fireplace Matches, Thomas Paul, $12.50
4. Leather Pouch, Rebecca Minkoff, $55
5. "I Love You" Ring, Tiffany & Co., $125 (ask your loved one for this - it'll be darling layered with other rings)
6. Gold Wishbone, Jayson Home & Garden, $48
7. Polka Dot Scarf, Topshop, $28
8. Tortoise Watch, Michael Kors, $195
9. Mint Pumps, Kate Spade, $298 (I have these and absolutely love them.)
   

Additional Gift Guides

• Luxe Gifts Under $50
• The Traveler
• The Beach Babe
• The Elegant Entertainer
• The Whimsical Woman
• The Outdoorsman
• The Geeky Guy
  

{ out sick }

I've been down for the count the last few days with a relentless flu. It's rough, but at least it'll run its course before Christmas. Hopefully I'll be back on my feet tomorrow.

{image via Pinterest}

{ minted }

Last weekend, we gathered for our first Christmas celebration of the season. Admittedly, the day snuck up on me - as Christmas always does - but there was just enough time to whip up a holiday classic: peppermint bark. The candy was a hit, and the most audible raves were from my seven-year-old cousin who took more than half of it home with her. I altered this recipe, omitting the oil, adding more peppermints, and melting the chocolate in the microwave for about two minutes, stirring halfway through.

Not sure what to buy the outdoorsman in your life? Check out the gift guide here!

{ tuesday treat under $25 }

Break tradition (or simply embrace procrastination) by sending holiday greetings late this year. This set of Kate Spade cards ($24) will have your friends popping champagne through the New Year.

{ winner } Alexandra Hunt Trading Earrings

Congratulations, Andrea! You've won a pair of drop earrings courtesy of Alexandra Hunt Trading. And a special thanks to Alexandra Hunt Trading for sponsoring this giveaway!

If you didn't win, don't fret. There's still plenty of time to enter to win a necklace from Taylor Kenney Jewelry.

{ gifts under $50 }

1. Lanvin by Elisabeth Barille, $35
2. Curling Ribbon Earrings, Kate Spade, $48
3. Midas Sphere Bib, Bauble Bar, $36
4. Edge Flute, Crate & Barrel, $12.95
5. Glitter Purse, J.Crew, $49.50
6. Lights the Night Top, ModCloth, $39.99
7. Pink Stud Earrings, Betsey Johnson, $22.99
8. Gold Playing Cards, Idea International, $15
9. Nail Polish, Essie, $8
   

{ win it } Taylor Kenney Jewelry Necklace

I've been a fan of Tiffany's work for awhile now and when she asked if we could host a holiday giveaway, I jumped at the chance to offer one of my favorites: the Anjali Necklace. I know that all of you will love her work as much as I do, but don't take my word for it. Visit Taylor Kenney Jewelry and find out for yourself. Your wish list will thank me.

Mandatory entry:

1. Visit Taylor Kenney Jewelry and let me know which items you love!
   

Note: Leave a separate comment for each additional entry for it to be eligible.

1. Become a follower of Style Obsession - new followers always welcome! Sign up at the right via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or by RSS. Just let me know how you follow.
   
   
2. Become an official follower of my new blog, Bedknobs & Baubles at www.BedknobsandBaubles.com and let me know how you follow (either RSS or via Tumblr).
   
   
3. Follow @TKenneyJewelry and tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   
   
4. Like Taylor Kenney Jewelry on Facebook and let me know you did.
   

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to ALL readers. The giveaway period will run through Sunday, December 11, 2011. The winner will be announced the following day. Be sure to leave a blog URL or e-mail address so I can contact you! Good luck!

{ newly minted }

Santa orchestrated a holiday surprise today with @DVF. Yesterday I Tweeted in hopes of winning an item from Diane von Furstenberg's holiday "Glisten" gift guide. And ... dramatic pause ... I won! The gorgeous mint clutch is going to find a loving home in my closet. I'm so excited and a little jittery.

{ wearing } Kate Spade Sequined Pumps

It's time to give the glittery Kate Spade pumps the attention they deserve. I knew they'd be great, but not this great. I can't wait to wear them to every holiday gathering and each sorta-festive-get-together this season. (I'm not picky. I can make anything a celebration.)

Right now, they're barely over $100 on Amazon and many sizes are still available (as if you needed more of a reason to add them to your wish list). I normally wear either a size 7 or 7.5 (really, I'm more of a 7.25) and Kate Spade shoes fit best in a 7. I don't have any problems with the slingback slipping as I walk.

Reminder: Enter to win earrings from Alexandra Hunt!

{ tuesday treat under $25 }

A fuchsia clutch is just the thing to perk up your wardrobe and add a much-needed dose of whimsy to your crimson holiday sweaters.

Reminder: Enter to win earrings from Alexandra Hunt!

{ gift guides }

This year's gift guides have started at Bedknobs & Baubles. Who's on your hard-to-shop-for list? Let me know and I'll see what I can do to help you out! Check out the guides for:

• The Traveler
• The Beach Babe
• The Elegant Entertainer
• The Whimsical Woman
  

Truth be told, I've fallen for the earrings above. What's topping your own holiday wish list?

{ deadline extended }

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and escaped Black Friday unscathed! Since giveaways tend to be overlooked with pumpkin pie on the horizon, I'm extending the Alexandra Hunt giveaway another week. These earrings are simple enough for everyday wear, but would also make an elegant holiday gift for someone special this year.

Enter Here

{ happy thanksgiving }

Happy Thanksgiving!

{ as seen on bedknobs & baubles }

{ Amrita Singh earrings - and my photo on her Facebook wall! }

As a Type A, detail-oriented, planning personality, I don't like being ill-prepared for the holidays - especially when the season seems to come earlier and earlier each year. Much of last week was spent with the holidays in mind: purchasing special culinary touches and rediscovering cocktail-ready jewels. Here's what you may have missed last week on Bedknobs & Baubles.

{ over-indulging on gourmet spices }

{ new additions to my vintage ornament collection }

{ mixing a cozy sweater with a bejeweled bracelet }

{ cocktail hour with craft bitters }

{ tuesday treat under $25 }

A striking pair of cobalt tassel earrings ($14.38) adds the finishing touch to your soiree ensemble.

{ win it } Alexandra Hunt Earrings

The season of giving is right around the corner, which means it's still time to be selfish. You can start by entering to win a pair of drop earrings courtesy of Alexandra Hunt Trading, a company that specializes in global-inspired accessories and textiles. Wouldn't the labradorite drops look elegant with your coziest winter sweater? I thought so.

Mandatory entry:

1. Like Alexandra Hunt Trading on Facebook and leave a note saying "Style Obsession" sent you. Come back and leave a comment here when you're finished!
   

Note: Leave a separate comment for each additional entry for it to be eligible.

1. Become an official follower of Style Obsession - new followers always welcome! Sign up at the right via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or by RSS. Just let me know how you follow.
   
   
2. Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   
   
3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment. Be sure to mention @alexandrahunt.

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to ALL readers. The giveaway period will run through Sunday, November 27, 2011. The winner will be announced the following day. Be sure to leave a blog URL or e-mail address so I can contact you!

{ twinkle toes }

After all of that handbag debate, what did I do? I spent half of my "free" gift cash on this pair of sparkly Kate Spade pumps. As I read through your comments, I still couldn't decide on what I wanted to do, which made me wonder if a handbag was really the best option for me. But once I stumbled across these playful party shoes, I had no doubt that they were the right choice: special and easy to wear. It certainly didn't hurt that the shoes were on sale, leaving me with another $150 to spend.

{ friday finds under $50 }

This is exactly what I'd like to wear each weekend: cozy with a little bit of glitz and glam.

1. Faux Fur Stole, Topshop, $40
2. Evening Fog Sweater, Modcloth, $47.99
3. Drop Earrings, Sabine, $26
4. Glitter Purse, J.Crew, $59.50 $49.50
   

{ this or that }

Over the last year, I've saved gift money to use toward something ridiculously indulgent - and now I'm looking for just the right item. I've narrowed it down to two bags. While this is hardly a problem, I'm a bit torn over which one to splurge on.

In the left corner, we have a Diane von Furstenberg minaudiere ringing in at $285.

Pros:

• Elegant
• Eliminates the need for another evening clutch for a long time
• Smitten with navy and gold
  
• Makes my heart go pitter patter

Cons:

• Will use sparingly
• Tiny - just the right size for lipstick, iPhone, cash, and not much else
  

On the right, a Kate Spade handbag coming in at $295.

Pros:

• Gorgeous color
• Practical
• Daytime appropriate
• Will use often
  

Cons:

• It doesn't feel like a splurge since it's so practical
• Slim - how much will actually fit in it for daytime?
  

What do you think? Or do you have another suggestion in the $300 range?

Check out a holiday gift guide for the Beach Babe over at Bedknobs & Baubles.

{ announcing } Bedknobs & Baubles

I've been a little absent around here and that's because of one very exciting reason: I've been working on a new blog, Bedknobs & Baubles.

Don't worry, Style Obsession isn't going away anytime soon, but lately I felt guilty for posting anything that strayed from the "style" portion of this blog's title. I needed a blog that would give me more flexibility - and an easier platform to work with. And thus, Bedknobs & Baubles was born.

I hope you'll visit and check out the first gift guide of the season!

{ winner } $50 NOVICA gift card

Congratulations, Ami, you've won a $50 gift card to NOVICA! And a special thanks to NOVICA for sponsoring this giveaway.

Thank you to everyone for following and entering to win. We have more giveaways in the works for the holidays!

{ friday finds under $50 }

I normally don't wear yellow, but I'd give the sunny hue a whirl in this dress. It's simple enough to dress down with loafers on the weekend, yet chic enough to pair with sky-high heels.

1. Boatneck Dress, Mango, $49.90
2. Midas Sphere Bib, Bauble Bar, $36
3. Lipstick, Kate Spade, $24
4. Pumps, Nine West, $89 $49.99