Friday Finds Under $50

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Old Navy, Belted Trench Coat, $49.50
Mia, Mischa T-Strap Sandal, $37.46
Old Navy, Envelope-Neck Jersey Dress, $15
Linea Pelle, Rounded Pyramid Stud Bracelet, $35 each
Renee's Accessories, Studded Fingerless Gloves, $42

Come on, Vogue

Inspiration is a fickle thing. Just when I think I've seized enough creative juices to pen a few entries, the light is extinguished by job stress, a growing to-do list and humdrum January weather. Flipping through the pages of the latest glossy or browsing runway shows on Style.com doesn't always reignite that fire - at least not in the same way a vintage magazine cover can.

I'm unapologetically in love with Vogue and spent some quality time browsing the Conde Nast Store for vintage covers that sparked a little glimmer of sartorial optimism. Here are a couple of my favorites, along with current pieces to recreate the artists' visions.

Tucker Wrap Jacket ($320); Guess Flower Cluster Ring ($22); Janna Conner Designs Light Blue Quartz Ring ($60); Marc Jacobs Skirt ($438.78); Bally Sandal ($198)

Kate Spade Hoop Earrings ($48); K Karl Lagerfeld Scarf ($65); Tracy Reese Wrap Dress ($175); Silver Playing Cards ($8.88); Gap Sandals ($34.50)

Raindrops Keep Fallin'

It was a wet weekend in Wisconsin with dismal grey skies; and it may have unintentionally influenced today's office outfit. Even the subtle sequins on the Banana Republic top remind me of little raindrops - or, I suppose, dew drops on a more optimistic day.

Banana Republic Silk-Blend Sequin Tee, Forever21 Knot Bracelet, The Limited Skirt, Nine West Pumps

"Buy It Now" Marks the Spot

Rolling out of bed and putting on a pot of strong coffee is part of my daily routine. But leisurely eBay browsing sweetens the pot on weekends. The morning hours tick away as I search for "vintage sequins" or intentionally misspelling designer names to find a hidden treasure.

I'm trying to heed my "buy less" resolution, so I'll pass along a bit of temptation to you.

Vintage Deeply Carved Faux Ivory Clamper Cuff Bracelet
Current Bid: $19.99
Auction Ends: Jan 23, 2010 at 21:07:31 PST

Vintage Emilio Pucci Perfume Store Display Stand
Current Bid: $9.99
Auction Ends: Jan 24, 2010 at 13:00:17 PST

I think this could be repurposed into a bar accessory atop a bar cart. It'd take some work and you might need to remove some of the divider bars, but it could be fabulous.

Vintage Christian Dior Goldtone Belt 1950s
Current Bid: $11.50
Auction Ends: Jan 25, 2010 at 11:06:27 PST

Of course my morning would have been more productive if I had showered when I actually woke up - four hours earlier - but it would have been much less fun.

Friday Finds Under $50

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Bobby Berk Home, Zigzag Throw Pillow, $50
Forever21, Ray of Beads Tunic, $24.80
Amrita Singh, Water Mill Earrings, $40 (on sale)
Diba, Selena Cut Out Platform Bootie, $39.95
ASOS, Rhinestone Encrusted Fish Ring, $20.40

Happy Birthday to Eyeliah of Style Symmetry!

I was so excited when I opened my e-mail to find an invitation from Eyeliah of Style Symmetry to share in her virtual birthday celebration! Eyeliah has a love of vintage finds and keen eye for mixing textures. So, I sifted through my closet looking for patterned pieces to mix - and my favorite vintage bracelet to accessorize with.

Cynthia Steffe Bustier, Ann Taylor Plaid Skirt, Banana Republic Faux Snakeskin Clutch, Vintage Rhinestone Bracelet, New York and Company Rhinestone Watch, Claire's Rhinestone Earrings

For the full outfit, join the party over at Style Symmetry!

Golden Grey

Thanks for your patience on my three-day blog hiatus, darlings. I'm not quite sure where my mind has been, but it certainly hasn't been as transfixed by printed silks and glittering gems as it normally is! In fact, I've been feeling quite uninspired. To help pull out of my slump, I'm turning to an all-time favorite color combination. No, it's not the ever-chic black and white - it's grey and gold.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Mike & Chris, Brent Sleeveless Jersey Top, $54 (on sale)
Marc by Marc Jacobs, Double Breasted Coat, $529 (on sale)
Lauren Merkin, Zip Pouch, $55
Forever21, Studded Hoops, $6.80
Matiko, Studded Suede Tinsel Flats, $65
La Mer, Vintage Double Wrap Watch, $106
Banana Republic, Heritage Walkabout Bracelet, $25

What has been inspiring you lately?