{ style guide } fall footwear

Maybe it's a bit of Mad Men influence or maybe it's just an attempt to get my feet back on solid ground, but this fall I'm relinquishing platform pumps to the back of the closet in favor of ladylike styles. Bring on the slender stilettos, delicate straps and pointed toes! (Of course, I can't afford all of the pairs above. But they do serve as mouthwatering inspiration, don't they?)

1. Classic Black Pumps: Nine West, $79
2. Ladylike Stilettos: Christian Louboutin, $795
3. Colorful Party Pumps: Kate Spade, $335
4. Leopard Flats: Tory Burch, $265
5. Twinkle Toes: Pedro Garcia, $395
   

{ tuesday treats under $25 }

1. Leopard Print Scarf, Old Navy, $12.94
2. Stackable Rings, Stephan & Co., $16
3. Metal Twist Bracelet, Hive & Honey, $22
4. Cap-Sleeve Sweater, Old Navy, $32.94 $19
   

{ supercalifragilipstick }

Brights top my fall fashion priority list. Since I can't wear red pants every day, I'm in need of a lipstick that can lift my mood just as much. Has anyone had a chance to try the lip color collaboration between Poppy King and Kate Spade: supercalifragilipstick?

{photos via It's because I think too much; Blogdorf Goodman}

{ friday finds under $50 }

1. Shift Dress, ASOS, $82.33 $43.91
2. Princess Stud Earrings, Juicy Couture, $48
3. Deco Cuff, National Jean Company, $38
4. Pleated Clutch, ASOS, $54.89 $21.95
   

{ outfitted }

During my commute on Tuesday afternoon, Dave called with a reminder to check the mail. Nestled in the mailbox wasn't a bill or stack of magazines, it was a single note proclaiming that it was the first clue to a scavenger hunt throughout our apartment. Clue after clue led me to an unexpected surprise: the Diane von Furstenberg bracelet I featured last month. Best boyfriend ever.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Shoes - Kate Spade; Pants - Express; Bracelet - Diane von Furstenberg; Necklace - JewelMint

{ tuesday treats under $25 }

There's only a month left until "De-Stressica Vacation 2011," but I'm already coveting luxe lounging and the simplicity of silver jewels. In the meantime, I'm researching our next travel destination: Washington D.C. I'm eager to peruse countless monuments and museums - and even more excited to discover the city's hidden gems. Have you been to the nation's capital? What are your favorite hotspots in the area?

1. Chemise, Anthropologie, $118 $19.95
2. Silver Pave Stud Earrings, Bauble Bar, $22
3. Dome Ring, Forever21, $5.80
4. Parrots Pillow Cover, West Elm, $34 $24.99
5. Tiny Geo Pillow Cover, West Elm, $34 $24.99
   

{ currently coveting }

{ leopard-print scarf }

Lately, Dave's nickname for me - "Stressica" - has been truer than ever. I've had a staggering number of events to organize for work, and little time to stop and smell the, uh, orchids - the flower of choice for this week's event. Event season culminates on October 19th with a business expo, and the next day I fully intend to hop a plane and take a few days to recover. We haven't finalized our plans, so let me know your United States recommendations!

{ this week's event venue overlooking Madison's Lake Mendota and the State Capitol }

{ a little treat from my favorite Madison chocolatier - DB Infusion Chocolates }

{ leopard print and calf hair flats from Kate Spade}

{ sunset shadows }

{ downtown Madison }

{ tuesday treats under $25 }

1. Striped Sweater, Old Navy, $34.94 $24.99
2. Rhinestone Triangle Studs, Topshop, $25
3. Mint Nail Color, Essie, $8
4. Ring, ASOS, $21.95
5. Resin and Horn Bracelet, J.Crew, $38 $24.99
   

{ wishlisted } Bauble Bar

I'm a little late to the party on this one, but I'm happy to say I just signed up for Bauble Bar. It's basically the Web equivalent of a well-stocked jewelry box with everything from fanciful rhinestones to sleek cuffs. I'm crushing on that tortoise shell bracelet above.

{ tribal bracelets }

I was flipping through an old issue of Harper's Bazaar when I spotted an Isabel Marant bracelet that looked just like one I already own. I'm sure the Isabel Marant version is beautiful (especially for over $200), but I prefer the rough-hewn elegance of the buffalo bone and stone bracelets by Bougainvillea Boutique. The boutique offers dozens of color combinations to choose from and each bracelet is only $55.

{ friday finds under $50 }

1. Key Fob, Kate Spade, $50
2. Linen Seamed Tee, J.Crew, $68 $39.99
3. Nail Polish, Estee Lauder, $19
4. Infinity Stud Earrings, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $42
5. Mini Skirt, Topshop, $45
   

p.s. Remember that JewelMint.com necklace I posted earlier this week? The site is now offering 50% off your purchase through the 14th. Visit the original post for details.

{ iStyle }

As if I need more reason to yearn for an iPad. Behold, Diane von Furstenberg's Harper Connect Daybag with a zip pocket made for your tech toy.

p.s. Remember that JewelMint.com necklace I posted earlier this week? The site is now offering 50% off your purchase through the 14th. Visit the original post for details.

{ window shopping } Zara

Zara officially launched its American e-commerce site yesterday. When I visited The Netherlands eight years ago, one of my first purchases was a cream-colored, angora sweater from Zara. I haven't worn the sweater in years - angora aggravates my allergies - and I haven't forgotten how much I loved the smart, fashionable pieces that filled the store. I probably would have purchased much more if my college budget allowed for it! Here are just a few of my favorites online now:

1. V-Back Dress, $79.90
2. Folded Edge Messenger Bag, $49.90
3. Two-Tone Sandals with Tassels, $129
   

{ reviewed } JewelMint

By now, you've probably heard of JewelMint.com, a members-only site that features a jewelry collection designed by Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter. The best part? Each piece is only $29.99. But if you're anything like me, you're wary of another members-only site. Fortunately, this one is refreshingly different.

When you join, there's a style quiz to complete which will populate a personalized showroom with items that suited to your tastes. My quiz results were right: I do prefer classic clothing silhouettes, yet I'm not overly keen on simple, classic jewelry. When this happens, you can peruse the rest of the available jewelry and add additional styles to your showroom.

JewelMint.com offered to send an item for review. I chose a bold, sculptural necklace to add interest to my weekend uniform: a tee shirt, jeans and loafers. While the necklace is impressive on its own - and seems much more expensive than $29.99 - the thoughtful packaging won me over. The piece is presented in a velvet-lined box with a description of the item affixed to the lid.

Have you purchased anything from JewelMint.com? What are your thoughts?

Take 50% off your first purchase at JewelMint.com by using the following link and discount code:

http://jmnt.co/qUm5Un
Code: StyleObsession50

Expires: 9/14/11

{ wishlisted } Fall 2011 Accessories

This fall, I'm looking for updated renditions of classic accessories:

• The ultimate splurge: a Hermes bracelet
  Fiscally possible in 2012 if I save my pennies.
  
• Tortoise shell and rhinestone necklace
  
• Chronograph watch
  
• Bright lipstick
• Leopard-print flats
  

What accessories are you hoping to purchase this year?