{ happy halloween }

{ win it } $50 Novica Gift Card

The problem with going on vacation is that immediately upon return, I'm itching for another getaway - and shopping at NOVICA isn't helping the wanderlust. NOVICA is a free trade website that partners with National Geographic to feature artisans from around the world.

Recently NOVICA sent me a $50 gift card to put toward an item for review. I opted for the painted glass "Floral Muse" tray created by Andean artist Asunta Pelaez.

Each item comes with an artisan story card that shares additional information about the artist and the product.

In addition to home decor, NOVICA offers an expansive selection of men's accessories and women's accessories. How about handcrafted wool scarves for those on your holiday shopping list this year?

In honor of Halloween, here's a little treat for you: Enter to win a $50 gift card to NOVICA!

Mandatory entry:

1. Visit NOVICA 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. 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 ALL readers. The giveaway period will run through Thursday, November 10, 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!

{ friday finds under $50 }

I can't believe it's Halloween weekend already - and I'm without a costume. At this point, it's between wearing a black and orange ensemble or scouring the bins at Halloween Express in search of cat ears and a tail. What are you masquerading as?

1. Quantum Blouse, Anthropologie, $88 $49.95
2. Cat Spatula, Sur La Table, $9.95 $4.99
3. Owl Pendant, L'Noir, $36
4. Sequin Clutch, Magid, $40 $32
   

cold weather blues

I certainly don't mind the crisp weather when it's punctuated with bright-colored pants, like this stunning sapphire pair. I'd love to make these part of my fall uniform with a slouchy sweater, draped necklace and classic pumps.

{ bon voyage } Washington D.C.

After a year of planning, my business expo went off without a hitch! Now, I'm off for a much-needed vacation at our nation's capital. See you on Tuesday!

{ introducing } Kranich's Jewelers

I certainly haven't tired of cocktail attire and sparkling baubles. This weekend, I picked up a pair of oversize rhinestone earrings, promising Dave that I'd wear them to holiday soirees. And now that Kranich's Jewelers came on board as our newest sponsor, I think it's safe to say I won't be retiring glittering stones to the jewelery box until well after the last bottle of champagne empties on New Year's Eve. Besides, how could you resist these yellow diamond pieces from Ritani and those tucked away under the Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings section?

1. Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
2. Ritani Masterwork Yellow Diamond Earrings
3. Ritani Masterwork Yellow Diamond Ring

{images via 1, 2, 3}
{ post sponsored by Kranich's Jewelers, but opinions within are not influenced }

{ inspiration board } glitter

The moment I'm met with a frosty chill in the morning, I remember Trick-or-Treating in blizzards, recall Thanksgiving gatherings, and think of winter celebrations - and all of the wonderfully glittering things that go along with them. But it seems like such a shame to wait until December to appreciate champagne toasts. Please don't judge me when I start holiday yearnings a little early this year. Cocktail rings to work? Yes, please.

1. Semi Circle Studs, Topshop, $18
2. Necklace, Kate Spade, $78
3. Sequin Tee, Calypso, $395
4. Champagne Flute, Riedel, $44 set of two
5. Note Card, Jess LC, $3
   

{ inspiration board } tortoise shell

I absolutely love when classic accessories make a resurgence. This year's tortoise shell trend has been an easy way to add a touch of sophistication for centuries. In its early years, tortoise accessories were made from the shell of the hawksbill turtle. Concern over the turtle's extinction in the early 20th century lead the industry to recreate the mottled black and brown pattern in celluloid. I've been reveling in the print with a chunky J.Crew necklace and even paying homage with a newly curated Pinterest board.

1. Chronograph Watch, Michael Michael Kors, $250
2. Bangle Bracelets, ASOS, $43.65
3. Hinged Bracelet, Sabine, $20
4. iPhone Case, Incase, $34.95
5. Highball Glasses, Furbish Studios, $56
6. Ring, Michael Michael Kors, $85
   

{ tuesday treats under $25 }

An upcoming vacation usually means one thing: I'm on a strict sartorial budget for the next few weeks. It's just enough cash to indulge in a few ladylike basics - and a quirky collar necklace to keep it from being too stuffy.

1. Double Collar Blouse, ASOS, $43.65 $21.83
2. Metal Collar Necklace, ASOS, $20.95
3. Envelope Clutch, Express, $29.90 $20.93
4. Contrast Bracelet, Forever21, $4.80
   

{ currently coveting }

{ blowing glass ornaments at a local studio }

{ a belt that's perfect for visiting the Air and Space Museum }

{ Saturday's beer fest and temporary support for a beloved brewery }

{ fallen leaves after the rain }

{ mercury glass votives for the upcoming holidays }

{ bon voyage } Washington D.C.

In just a couple of weeks, we're heading to the nation's capital. I've never been to Washington D.C. and I'm looking forward to spending a long weekend immersed in United States' history and admiring centuries-old architecture. We've booked our Capitol and White House tours, added stops to an extensive Google map and received great ideas in this post. What's your "must see" in D.C.?

{ images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

{ tuesday treats under $25 }

1. Striped Tee, Delia's, $19.50
2. Resin Flower Ring, ASOS, $10.48
3. Eiffel Tower Kitchen Towel, Sur La Table, $9.95
4. Feather Hoop Earrings, Piperlime, $14
   

{ recipe } apple crisp

Once the thermometer dips, spending hours in the kitchen no longer seems like work - and with an abundance of apples at the grocery store, a rustic apple crisp seemed like the perfect way to welcome autumn. Delicious on its own for dessert, it was also incredible swirled into a hearty bowl of oatmeal the next morning, leaving the pan empty less than 12 hours later.