Love Affair

It was love at first sight. Never had I come across a bag that was undeniably "me" with its classic shape, ladylike crocodile embossing, gold hardware and a healthy dose of cheeky irreverence.

Outfit Notes: H&M Blouse; Old Navy Shorts; Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring; Rebecca Minkoff "Mac" Clutch; Revlon "Minted" Nail Polish

Sew Cute

Remember that Rachel Rachel Roy dress I posted last Friday? Yeah, I couldn't get it out of my head either. So when Jennifer of Hope Studios commented, wondering if it would be possible to sew, it set our wheels spinning. Motivation was pulsing through my veins after six e-mails back and forth, and I was speeding off to the fabric store.

The shape of my final product did transform quite a bit from the inspiration garment. The original was baggier with draped arm openings - which is what I had loved about it online - but all of that excess fabric just wasn't flattering on my frame. I took in the dress and shortened the straps to keep the focus on my shoulders.

If you're a reasonably experienced sewer, you'll find this a breeze to create. Since I wasn't using a pattern, I traced one of my dresses onto the fabric to make sure I had the width of my hips correct. The front panel of the dress was cut out on the fold, but the back does have a seam down the center. The neckline at the back of the dress is almost identical to the front (it's just up a little higher) with a channel sewn in to slide a leather strap through, cinch and tie.

Total investment: $12 and three hours of work.

Outfit Notes: DIY Dress; Jess LC Chevron Earrings; Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring; Guess Sandals

Spring Fling

Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress; Tahari sandals; Simply Vera fishnets; Yves Saint Laurent ring; CC Skye messenger bag

Spring is tantalizing close, even if early morning temperatures haven't shown promise of warmer weather. All week I've left the apartment bundled in a heavy winter coat, clutching a warm coffee mug. Thankfully Mother Nature has been more accommodating during the evening commute, encouraging me to shed the winter layers.

Alice in Chains

Banana Republic Earrings; Diane von Furstenberg Tank; Norma Kamali for Walmart Skirt; Simply Vera Tights; Nine West Shoes; Yves Saint Laurent Ring

In January, I was delighted to win Cafe Fashionista's giveaway with Shopbop. I put the gift card toward the Dalmas Top by Diane von Furstenberg.

The chiffon-wrapped chains are perfectly subtle by day - shimmering only slightly in the sunlight.

But at night, the flash of a camera illuminates an undeniable edge to the otherwise understated tank.

Ring-a-Ling

A Saks box appeared outside of my apartment door on Saturday - and I couldn't contain my excitement for the bauble resting inside.

When I placed my order earlier this month, I braced myself for a long wait. The gem was on backorder until May 25th - I expected it to arrive just in time for my birthday.

After starring in many lust-filled dreams, the Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring is finally nestled into my collection.

Artistic Pursuit

Each year I earmark a portion of my tax return for a slightly impractical fashion splurge. Once my tax forms would arrive in my mailbox, I'll be another step closer to this year's selection: the Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring.

In the meantime, I'll continue to drool over photos of the ring and anxiously wait to order one of my own.






photos via Lala Land, Fashion Coup, Chictopia, What Possessed Me, Jewels File