Window Shopping

I feel like a broken record lately: summer just can't come soon enough. While I not-so-patiently wait for the mercury to rise, I'm daydreaming about these vintage-inspired items from this month's sponsors. Each piece reminds me of grainy 1950s vacation photos - in the very best way possible.

1. Floral Dress via The 1727, a soon-to-launch online boutique. If you sign up for their e-mail list, you'll be entered to win $500. You must do this before May 6, 2011. Worth a shot, right?
2. White Bone Bird Earrings, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $65
3. Hummingbird Necklace, Third Culture Jewelry, $115
4. Brown Vintage Frames, GlassesUSA, $85

As always, don't forget to check the left sidebar periodically for exclusive coupon codes!

Friday Finds Under $50

Rhinestones can be garish in sultry summer temps, which is why I'm yearning for sleek, graphic accessories this season. Paired with a lemon chiffon dress, a simple bracelet and pair of earrings are ideal for a poolside soiree.

1. Butterfly Kisses Yellow Dress, LuLu's, $35
2. Ella Earrings, Towne & Reese, $29
3. Crystal Martini Glass, Schott Zwiesel, $9.95
4. "With a Twist" Idiom Bangle, Kate Spade, $48

Win an Orient watch!

Fort Lauderdale Recap, Part Two

Why travel by plane, train or automobile when you can take Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi? For $20, bring your cocktail* aboard the boat and meander through the canals of "Venice of America," cruising by multi-million dollar yachts and equally expensive luxury homes. This certainly wasn't a time-efficient means of transportation (it took an hour to travel about three miles), but it was a way to get acquainted with the city - with the opportunity to hop off at any of the stops along the way.

*A generous shot of rum added to a Starbucks vanilla bean Frappuccino is delightful.

Still more to come!

Fort Lauderdale Recap, Part One

Our trip to Florida had been in the planning stage for only three weeks before our flight departed bright and early on April 11 en route to Fort Lauderdale. The promise of 80-degree weather and $208 tickets were too enticing to pass up. We had spent hours researching hotels near the ocean and settled on the Birch Patio Motel - just two blocks from Fort Lauderdale Beach and wallet-friendly. (The vintage keyfob was icing on the cake.)

Given our emphasis on finding a beachside hotel, it's not surprising that spending time on the Atlantic was a priority. After a post-flight run to the liquor store (they don't call it Fort Liquordale for nothing), we headed to Fort Lauderdale Beach where I happily obtained a light, sunkissed glow as a souvenir.

There's more to come!

Lazy Daze

I've been suffering from "vacation brain" all week. It's hard to get in a deadline-driven mindset when the biggest challenge of last week was locating an umbrella cocktail (which turned out to be an impossible task). I reluctantly unpacked my suitcase this morning and brushed away the few remaining grains of sand. Here are a just a few hazy memories of Fort Lauderdale before I inundate you with photos and stories next week.

{ giveaway } Orient Automatic Watches

The convenience of an ever-present iPhone has made a wristwatch obsolete in my wardrobe, but these masculine watches by Orient are just the thing to make me reconsider. Ironically, wristwatches - referred to as "wristlets" at the turn of the century - were originally reserved for women. Men actually preferred to carry pocket watches. (You can thank Wikipedia for today's trivia lesson.)

I realize that it's not always practical to dig through a cavernous purse to find your cellular timepiece, which is why I'm excited to announce that Orient is giving away a watch to one Style Obsession reader! The winner will choose his/her favorite face color from the options featured above. The prize is valued at $135.

Mandatory entry:

1. This giveaway is open to Style Obsession followers - new followers welcome! Sign up at the right via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or by RSS. Just let me know how you follow.
   

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

1. Browse the Orient USA site and let me know what your favorite item is - there are plenty of styles to choose from like CFD0C001B or CETAE004Z.
   
   
2. Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   
   
3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to readers in the United States. The giveaway period will run through Wednesday, May 4, 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!

{ winner } Shabby Apple Dress

Congratulations, Carrie of Read My Life as Carrie! Thanks to everyone for entering! Your continued readership make these giveaways possible - and there are plenty more on the way. Stay tuned.

If you'd like to partner on a giveaway or promotion, please e-mail me at jessicastyleobsession@gmail.com.

Tuesday Treats Under $25

April showers are one thing, but this spring is perpetually hidden under a blanket of snow and sleet. And as much as I've tried to convince myself that summer is only a few short months away, that optimism shattered this morning when my shoe clung to the slushy street, slipped off of my foot, and I landed in an icy puddle. Mother Nature, I am not amused.

If we ever thaw out, here's what I'd like to be wearing:

1. Jersey Sundress, Old Navy, $24.94
2. Crochet Drawstring Purse, The Sak, $29 $19
3. Feather Earrings, Aldo, $10
4. Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters, $16
   

{ currently coveting } Memories of Fort Lauderdale

{tropical foliage}

It's hard to believe that just one week ago we were heading to Fort Lauderdale in search of warm weather and ocean breezes. Like all vacations, it was much too short and I'm not quite ready to head back to the office on Monday morning. I'll share more about the trip later this week - and, yes, I did hold a baby alligator!

{ our motel's vintage key fob }


{ the canals of Fort Lauderdale }

{ traveling by water taxi }

{ morning walks on the beach }

{ colorful umbrellas along the canal }

{ wheels up } Off to Fort Lauderdale

I'm off for a week of umbrella cocktails, water taxis, splashing in the Atlantic, and exploring the Everglades (where I fully intend to hold a baby alligator). I'll see you all on Friday afternoon!

image via Kate Spade

{ giveaway } Shabby Apple Dress

Just because you're not embarking on a Roman Holiday this spring doesn't mean you can't don a ladylike dress à la Audrey Hepburn - and Shabby Apple is giving you a chance to win one! One winner will take home the Spanish Steps frock, one of the beautiful women's dresses you'll find at the e-tailer.

Mandatory entry:

1. This giveaway is open to Style Obsession followers - new followers welcome! Sign up at the right via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or by RSS. Just let me know how you follow.
   

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

1. Browse Shabby Apple and let me know what your favorite item is.
   
   
2. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook (you'll also find promotional discounts here).
   
   
3. Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to readers in the United States. The giveaway period will run through Sunday, April 17, 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!

{ winner } Kendall K. Coat

Congratulations, AJ of Cashmere & Candy! Thanks to everyone for entering! Your continued readership make these giveaways possible - and there are plenty more on the way. Stay tuned.

If you'd like to partner on a giveaway or promotion, please e-mail me at jessicastyleobsession@gmail.com.

Friday Finds Under $50

I have beaches on the mind this week with only (ahem) two days, 10 hours and 59 minutes left until take off. But lounging on an ocean shore doesn't come often for Wisconsin gals; we usually opt for time at the lake - ideally in a feminine bathing suit, offset by a jaunty fedora.

1. Stetson Straw Fedora, Madewell, $60 $49.99
2. Liberty-Print Bikini Top, Undrest, $105 $42
3. Liberty-Print Bikini Bottoms, Undrest, $115 $46
4. Woven Road Bracelet, Banana Republic, $45 $30
5. Beaded Hoop Earrings, Topshop, $20

Last Day!
Enter to win a Kendall K. coat!

{ currently coveting }

{ saltwater-infused fragrance }

{ exercising civic duty }

{ packing an abundance of J.Crew shorts }

{ microbrews shared with a special someone }

{ stringing a necklace inspired by this one }

Reminder!
Enter to win a Kendall K. coat!