Azure Skies

I know fall's jewelry trends include topaz, smokey quartz, amethyst and green gems like tourmaline, but once I laid eyes on these Amrita Singh lapis earrings tonight on Gilt Groupe (join here) for only $40, I was smitten ... and now I'm obsessed. I've spent an embarrassing amount of time tonight drooling over rich indigo hues.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

House of Harlow, Cabochon Bangle, $125
Meira T, Diamond and Sapphire Pendant Necklace, $563
ASOS, Oasis Glamstock Blue Biker Chain Ring, $20.22
Nordstrom, Rock Solid Agate Cuff Bracelet, $44.90 (on sale)
Kohl's, Lab-Created Sapphire Studs, $200
Kara Ackerman, Sapphire Ring, $106

Retreat Recap

Dillman's Bay Resort on White Sand Lake, Wis.

Another year, another office retreat, another business plan, and another arsenal of fond memories. Now, I wouldn't go so far as to call it "paradise" like the stairs to the dock proclaimed, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. In fact - gasp - it was kind of fun. Highlights:

• After a hot 'n heavy rendez-vous with whiskey, a coworker proclaimed - no less than fifty times - that she's "pretty [expletive deleted] smart" and has "pretty [expletive deleted] smart ideas." (I'm not sure if she remembers this and I'm not one to bring it up. Yet.)
  
• We played the board game Battle of the Sexes and explained to the men that the number in a bra size (e.g. 32, 34, 36) does not refer to the cup size. (Only in their dreams.)
  
• I spent lazy mornings wading in the lake - and subsequently ripped a leech off my toe. Gross.
• Plenty of nature to tide me over for another year. (That leech did me in.)

Tuesday Treats Under $20

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

ASOS, Wide Links Bracelet, $16.85
Delia's, Katie Solid Thermal, $14.50
Topshop, Rhinestone Square Studs, $20
J.Crew, Buckle Short, $19.99
Old Navy, Cocktail Ring, $6.50

Happy Labor Day

image via dance with voices

While I'm not quite ready to turn away from beachside breezes, I can't deny that there's already an autumnal crispness in the air. Enjoy your last full day of summer!

Friday Finds Under $50

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Penguin Classics, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, $13.60

Hive and Honey, Statement Pendant Necklace, $42
Modcloth, Play Rehearsal Sweater, $47.99
SM, Tuxx Oxford, $49.95
House of Harlow 1960, Tigers Eye Cocktail Ring, $50

Public Service Announcement

Now that it's September, I feel like it's my duty to remind you that candy corn is out in full force. With five different types of sugar gracing the ingredients list, I can almost guarantee a stomach ache after eating a bag. This is why I stop midway through. Just a little friendly advice from me to you.

Outfit Notes: Grandmother's Bracelet

Retrograde

All signs point to an autumn transition: lightweight wool, military brass and spectator pumps. Add the elements to a short a-line dress and we've got ourselves a flirty canvas for piles of vintage rhinestones.

Outfit Notes: J.Crew Dress; J.Crew Earrings won from Goldenmeans; Brooches purchased at antique stores and estate auctions; Bracelets from an antique store and my grandmother; Watches from New York & Co. and won from Chic on the Cheap; Guess Shoes; Revlon "Minted" Nail Polish