{ recent purchase } Anupamaa Tunic

1: tunic | 2: bracelet | 3: shorts | 4: sandals

I know a purchase is destined when I start fantasizing about how I'll wear it. I even start making plans of the vacations it'll accompany me on* - until that heart-wrenching moment when I consider the sticker price. I didn't have the wherewithal to spend $100 on a tunic at the end of the summer, but this Anupamaa version was too fantastic to pass up - especially when I scouted it on eBay for a mere $36. It hasn't arrived yet, but I suspect it'll be perfect for late-summer cocktails and next year's coastal vacation.

1: tunic | 2: swimsuit | 3: clutch

*You know you do it too.

{ wish listed } Diane von Furstenberg Bangles

Behold, my kind of bracelet: bold, sculptural, vintage-inspired and reminiscent of faraway lands. I'm leaning toward turquoise, what's your favorite?

Bracelets: $145 each by Diane von Furstenberg

{ wish listed } leopard print flats

Forget black, I'm on the hunt (pun totally intended) for a pair of leopard print flats. They'd look equally chic with bright-colors and neutrals this fall. My requirements: a classic shape and constructed from calf hair, like this pair from Kate Spade. Are you looking for a pair of spotted flats this year?

1. Loafers, Steven by Steve Madden, $119
2. Elise Flats, Kate Spade, $225
3. Pritah Flats, Calvin Klein, $119
4. Celina Flat, Tory Burch, $265
   

{ currently coveting }

{ new additions to my vintage postcard collection }

I become nostalgic for carefree summer days once September nears. Fortunately, I've made it a point to pick up a few things that remind me of the warm-weather months.

{ nautical pairings }


{ iconic sweets }

{ winner } Jeffrey Campbell's Miller Oxfords

Congratulations to All Things Yummy! And a huge thank you to everyone for entering and to Plum for Polly for sponsoring this giveaway.

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

Tuesday Treats Under $25

Even though Labor Day is fast approaching, there are a few warm days left for nautical stripes and hot pink lipstick.

1. Lipstick, Nars, $25
2. Leather Strand Drop Earrings, Topshop, $20
3. Striped Sweater, Forever21, $11.50
4. Gladiator Sandal, Avon, $24.99
   

{ outfitted } a walk in the park

On Friday afternoon, we went to Governor Dodge State Park. I was lured with the promise of paddle boats and swimming. But when the beach proved to be too crowded, we opted for a walk through the state park - in entirely inappropriate hiking gear. I spent most of the walk looking at the ground to avoid stubbing a toe on wayward stones.

Contemplative? Intrigued? Confused?

Outfit Notes: Top - Banana Republic; Necklace - Forever21; Shorts - J.Crew; Bag - Foley + Corinna; Sandals - Sam Edelman

{ thank you } sponsors

Just a quick thank you to the sponsors of Style Obsession. Right now, I'm coveting this subtle color palette for the last few days of summer.

1. Champagne Dress, The 1727, $159
2. Filigree Drop Hoops, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $345
3. Vintage-Inspired Glasses, GlassesUSA, $85
   

Friday Finds Under $50

I know I should appreciate the last days of summer, but it's hard to resist rich autumnal hues and ornate accessories.

1. Silk Serenade Dress, J.Crew, $138 $29.99
2. Leopard Print Clutch, ASOS, $34.48
3. Link and Fireball Bracelet, J.Crew Factory, $24.50 $19.50
4. Stone Claw Ring, TopShop, $18
   

{ bon voyage } Duluth, Minn.

We thought Saturday morning would be the perfect time to drive to Pattison State Park to see Wisconsin's tallest waterfall and enjoy the warm, sunny weather. But road construction thwarted our plans. When we were two miles from the park, we came to a detour - a detour that took us on a forty minute drive away. By that time, we could see Duluth, Minn. on the horizon and continued our drive to the neighboring state. We only had about 45 minutes to spend in Duluth before we had to drive back to Ashland for "Class Reunion Part Two," but we made the most of it. We purchased Minnesota beer, saw the famous Lift Bridge (appropriately named because it rises to accommodate passing shipping boats) and walked along Lake Superior's shore.

{ bon voyage } Bayfield, Wis.

On Friday morning, I took Dave to Bayfield, Wis., a sleepy tourist town on the shore of Lake Superior. Bayfield's highlights include: calm water for sailing, berry patches and state parks. All of which we didn't do. Instead, we browsed gift shops, purchased fudge and stopped for a midday cocktail - where we met an extremely chatty local.

Outfit Notes: Shirt - Banana Republic; Shorts - Gap; Sunglasses - Ralph by Ralph Lauren; Earrings - Wendy Mink Jewelry; Bag - Foley + Corinna

{ roadside america } Fred Smith's Concrete Park

While my 10-year class reunion wasn't that much fun, numerous roadside attractions and daytime adventures made the trip to Ashland worthwhile. First stop: Fred Smith's Concrete Park in Phillips, Wis. In 1950, Fred Smith, lumberjack and local tavern owner, began construction of concrete statutes embellished with shards of broken glass. The self-taught American folk artist created over 200 sculptures for passersby to enjoy.

Outfit Notes: Tee Shirt - Old Navy; Shorts - J.Crew; Sunglasses - Ralph by Ralph Lauren; Bracelet - House of Harlow; Bag - Foley + Corinna; Sandals - Sam Edelman

{ bon voyage } High School Reunion

I'm heading to my hometown this weekend for my 10-year high school reunion. I'm expecting flashbacks of awkward school dances, gym classes and fish dissections (we didn't do frogs). Should be interesting.

In the meantime, enter to win a pair of Jeffrey Campbell oxfords. It's open to everyone - including international readers!

Bon voyage!

{ win it } Jeffrey Campbell's Miller Oxfords

You can win your very own pair of Jeffrey Campbell oxfords as featured in yesterday's post, courtesy of Plum for Polly. The sweet cutout details will win over even the girliest of readers. Promise.

Mandatory entry:

1. Visit Plum for Polly and let me know which item(s) you love!
   

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. Follow Style Obsession AND Plum for Polly on Twitter.
   
   
3. Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   
   
4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to ALL readers. The giveaway period will run through Sunday, August 21, 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! (Prize valued at $80.)

{ outfitted }

When Plum for Polly asked me to style a Jeffrey Campbell oxfords, I was a little intimidated. Oxfords have never fallen in my sartorial comfort zone. (If footwear doesn't have a high heel, low vamp or delicate strap, it doesn't make its way into my closet.) I also quickly learned I'm not a girl who can juxtapose oxfords with a feminine sundress. (Trust me, I tried.) Instead I opted for a pair of military-inspired shorts and a slouchy sweater - topped with a bit of sparkle. Give it another month and I'm sure this will be my go-to outfit on balmy September days.

I adore the perforated details on the shoes!

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Shorts - H&M; Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell c/o Plum for Polly; Bag - Rebecca Minkoff; Cuff - Melinda Maria; Earrings - My Mother's Jewelry Box