Outfitted

A peplum top is an easy way to look polished. Visit Bedknobs & Baubles for detailed photos!

{ Sartorial Summary: Top - Anthropologie; Pants - Express (hemmed to ankle-length); Shoes - Kate Spade; Necklaces - Vintage, c/o JewelMint; Purse - c/o OASAP; Ring - c/o OASAP }

Top 5: Beach Bags

If you're planning a beach getaway (or just looking forward to afternoons at the pool), a new beach bag is just the thing to get you ready for summer. Here are five of my favorites:

1. Best on a Budget: Canvas Tote, Target, $17.99
2. Best for Poolside Parties: Straw Clutch, Poppie Jones, $29.95
3. Best for Weekend Getaways: Sisal Tote, Madewell, $68
4. Best Recycled: Tote, Sea Bags for J.Crew, $168
5. Best for the Glam Gal: Printed Tote, Kate Spade, $328

{photo via} 

PSA: Kate Spade Sample Sale

Kate Spade's online sample sale is back and there are a few pieces that are perfect for spring. My favorites include this floral necklace and mint-colored wallet, both on sale for $79.

P.S.A.

I've been on the lookout for a classic pair of black pumps to replace a few scuffed-beyond-repair versions. I first tried Kate Spade's "Licorice" pump, but the toe box in the pointy shoe was too narrow for my feet, so I opted for a beloved style: the Kate Spade Karolina pumps.

I found the above pair on the Neiman Marcus site for only $134. Other retailers still have the black patent version listed at $298 - including other pages on Neiman's own site. I'm not sure if it's a mistake - or how long the price will be effective - but now's the time to buy them if you're interested.

My pair was just delivered. Visit me on Instagram for a peek at 'em!

{ inspired by }

I'm infatuated with Florence Broadhurst prints after being introduced to the Japanense floral design in Kate Spade's spring collection. It also seems that J.Crew may have found inspiration in Broadhurt's designs. The product description for the "fanfare" design states that inspiration was found from a "big, bold seaside graphic on a salvaged-from-the-'60s shirtdress." I suspect the dress was cut from one of Broadhurst's fabrics.

On Bedknobs & Baubles: an on-trend pair of heels for under $50

{ friday finds under $50 }

1. Shift Dress, ASOS, $62.67 $33.12
2. Crystal Blizzard Bracelet, J.Crew, $68 $49.99
3. Purple Stone Earrings, Banana Republic, $29.50
4. "Hello Sunshine" Compact, Kate Spade, $30
5. Demi Wallet, Kate Spade, $75 $45
   

{ wish listed }

The moment I saw this Kate Spade bracelet, I had a total deer-in-the-headlights moment. Can't. Stop. Staring. This is by far the best nautical accessory I've seen. Summer, are you here yet?

{ outfitted }

It's no secret that accessories are my favorite part of an outfit, but I hadn't been wearing these favorites as often as I should. There's no better time than the present for mint pumps and a leopard belt.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Skirt - Ann Taylor LOFT (similar); Belt - Banana Republic Factory (similar); Bracelet - Gorjana; Shoes - Kate Spade

{ tuesday treat under $25 }

In my purse, tubes of lipgloss currently reside in an ultra-stylish plastic sandwich bag. That will change in 4-8 business days when this sparkly little Kate Spade coin purse arrives (now on sale for only $22).

{ wearing } Kate Spade Sequined Pumps

It's time to give the glittery Kate Spade pumps the attention they deserve. I knew they'd be great, but not this great. I can't wait to wear them to every holiday gathering and each sorta-festive-get-together this season. (I'm not picky. I can make anything a celebration.)

Right now, they're barely over $100 on Amazon and many sizes are still available (as if you needed more of a reason to add them to your wish list). I normally wear either a size 7 or 7.5 (really, I'm more of a 7.25) and Kate Spade shoes fit best in a 7. I don't have any problems with the slingback slipping as I walk.

Reminder: Enter to win earrings from Alexandra Hunt!

{ happy thanksgiving }

Happy Thanksgiving!

{ twinkle toes }

After all of that handbag debate, what did I do? I spent half of my "free" gift cash on this pair of sparkly Kate Spade pumps. As I read through your comments, I still couldn't decide on what I wanted to do, which made me wonder if a handbag was really the best option for me. But once I stumbled across these playful party shoes, I had no doubt that they were the right choice: special and easy to wear. It certainly didn't hurt that the shoes were on sale, leaving me with another $150 to spend.

{ outfitted }

I've been awfully picky with my purchases lately, only choosing quality items that I'm head-over-heels for and passing on the inexpensive quick fix. Take these leopard print flats, for example. Sure, they were a bit of a splurge at $225, but I've worn the pair nearly every day since I purchased them. I want my closet to be filled with pieces like this; well-made staples that look appropriate at the office and can be toned down on the weekend with an oversize sweater.

Outfit Notes: Sweater- J.Crew; Necklace - J.Crew; Jeans- Levi's; Bag - Rebecca Minkoff; Shoes - Kate Spade

{ 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}

{ 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

{ 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 }

{ wish listed } Kate Spade Linette Heels

I've had it bad for these shoes since the Kate Spade's fall preview earlier this year. Plum is a nice color and all, but word on the street is that a dove grey version is on the horizon. I need more cocktail parties in my life. (Oh, who are we kidding? I'd just wear them to work.)

{ currently coveting }

{ vintage hotel ashtray to hold jewelry in the bathroom }

{ flowering chives }

{ the completion of moving day }

{ that Kate Spade pineapple cocktail ring }

{ Kiva loan to Sana'A in Jordan }

{ inspired by } pina colada

I've never been much for piña coladas (or getting caught in the rain), but I am in favor of pineapple-inspired accessories. In fact, I still regret not purchasing a silver pineapple I found at an antique store last year. I don't think I can face the same disappointment and pass up this cocktail ring. Perfect for next year's Florida escape? I think so. (And check out how lovely it looks on MMS over at Southern Vogue.)

1. Pineapple-Hued Sunglasses, Kate Spade, $138 $96
2. Guilt-Free Piña Colada Recipe
3. Pineapple Cocktail Ring, Kate Spade, $125 $87
   

{ inspired by } the beach-ready tote

With the perfect mix of pink and tangerine, Kate Spade's beachy tote is my summertime muse for color-blocked outfits.

1. Pinwheel Tank, Anthropologie, $68
2. Espadrilles, Kate Spade, $225
3. Enamel I.D. Bracelet, Tory Burch, $75
4. White Shorts, Topshop, $76