Gift Guide #4 ~ Kate Spade for All!

I am pretty sure if I only received presents from one store this year, Kate Spade would be the place for me this year.  Every single item I am head over heels in love with!  And if you follow Kate Spade on Twitter or Instagram you would see all the fabulous happiness this company spreads to all around!

If you are still stumped on what to get that special lady or bestie in your life, look no further than below!

all wrapped up cards/live colorfully borough coasters/bellevax fingerless gloves/cascade bib necklace

putting on the ritz earrings/this is the year bracelet/cheers necklace/pavé surround large stud earrings

sparkle summit brynn/charm shoe/sparkler gia/gold playing cards (* pretty please santa)

Any of the goods above is sure to make your loved one overjoyed!

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Orange Crush

As I look at the window and am greeted with fog, it has suddenly dawned on me that fall has arrived and with fall comes new scents, flavors and a color palette.  And since we are in the month of October (and I did just return from Amsterdam where the color of the country is orange) I decided I should really try to incorporate the color that I despise so much into my wardrobe. 

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clutch, watch, bangle, ray-bans, earrings, iphone cover, gloves

I think the easiest way to incorporate orange for me would be in accessories.  Accessories allow you the luxury of being bold and bright without being too trendy or over the top.  I am loving all these varieties of orange goodies but am most definitely favoring the iPhone cover, as I am about to make the switch from blackberry to iPhone.  It's a little bit edgy, fun, punk and perfect to set me apart from other iPhone users. 

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sweater, blouse, ruffle top, pumps, dress, scarf

While the easy and safe route would be accessories, I would like to own one orange staple item.  However my fair skin and light hair are not complimented by orange.  So the trick is to find the right orange for you!  For me, I veer towards the coral and the red-orange options.  But if you are gonna go full out orange a scarf or shoes would be another great choice. 

This fall I am really going to try face my fear of looking like a pumpkin and try out this orange trend.  With options like the ones above I am pretty sure I can't go wrong!  What are your thoughts on orange? 

Gung-ho or steer clear? 

Summer Essentials Series ~ Lovely Happenings

Today's fabulous collection is brought to you by the darling Megan from Lovely Happenings.  Megan is always so cheery, fun, light and stylish and always sharing items that I absolutely must have!  This girl holds a special place in my heart with her appreciation of WSU (her sister goes there) and you can't help but leave her blog in a better mood after you visit it.  So without further ado...

Hello, Yellow Brick Blog readers! I am Megan from LovelyHappenings and I am so happy Lyndsy asked me to help out with my Summer Essentials of 2011. I long for the sunny, dry weather in the summer. Portland's rain can get really painful after a while. I take advantage of the sun while I can and these are my essentials this summer... What one item can you not be without this summer?

My maxi dress! At first, I wasn't sure about this trend and how it'd look on me. So I bought a simple, olive-green racer back maxi dress from Forever21 to see how I liked it (sadly, my particular one is no longer available). I can basically say that I am obsessed with my maxi dress now. I need more for my collection! If you haven't tried this trend yet then I suggest you get your little rear end to the store. Casual, totally chic and awesome for a great summer look.

Maxi Dresses by lovelyhappenings featuring a gray dress

What are you craving for summer 2011?
A longer summer! Does that count? No, I'd just really like more time away from work and time with my boyfriend instead. I want to go camping, go on bike rides, walk to the farmers market, concerts outside, BBQ, eat loads of gelato, and trips to the coast with my boy.
 What is your essential summer song of 2011? Well, I can always listen to a John Mayer or Dave Matthews Band song but this year, Mat Kearney is stealing the show. His new album, Young Love, is awesome. The single "Hey Mama" totally puts a smile on my face and I can't help but rock out to this song. Enjoy!

 

 Thank you Megan for sharing your summer picks!  I just love your collection of maxi dresses and jewelry and the pic of you and bf is soo cute!  Be sure to head over to Lovely Happenings for straight up goodness. Check back tomorrow for some more summer essential goodies!

I'm Loving' It

The new Starbucks "Very Berry Hibiscus" Refresher is muy bueno!  I was very hesitant to try this coffee drink that tastes nothing like coffee, but let me just tell you it is so delish.  A grande drink only has 70 calories and it contains freeze-dried berries as well.  Once I finish my beverages, I fill my cup of with water and enjoy my "spa" water at my desk.  If you are lucky enough to have them sampling it at your local Sbux, make sure you give it a try. 

Also loving the Hunger Games Triology.  I am on the final book of the series and trying to find any excuse to read it.   

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This bright, cheery and a little bit nautical look from Atlantic-Pacific.  I mean let's be honest, all of her outfits are lust-worthy but this one just screams glamorous fun in the sun.

Even though I am perfectly content and still loving my Yellow KitchenAid Mixer, I fell in love at first sight with this KitchenAid Artisan Susan G. Komen Stand Mixer in Raspberry Ice.  Not only would it be a brilliantly bold addition to any kitchen, but with the purchase of this mixer you are also contributing to the Susan G. Komen Cook for the Cure®’s efforts to cure breast cancer. 

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This ring and grey nail polish combo.  Whenever I see this photo I instantly want to run to the nearest beauty supply and pick up a bottle of grey polish (preferably chinchilly).  Grey, yellow, turquoise and a little bit of gold...possibly new bedroom color scheme? 

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Visits from friends and babies that include dinners at garlic ball heaven C&O Trattoria in Venice. 

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Holding sweet little buddy Raleigh while soaking up rays, sipping some wine at Sip in Malibu and reminiscing with friends.  This past weekend Coffey and Cabe flew down from Seattle so that many of us could meet little Raleigh as well as the handsome Easton.  It was a weekend of making the best of roadblocks and rules and fully of laughter and smiles.  So much fun!

Forever Frugal Friday

I absolutely need this Layered Beaded Section Necklace this summer.  The perfect statement piece to dress up your simple tank top, maxi dress or anything really. 

Last February I purchased one of my favorite items in my wardrobe a striped blazer from H&M that cost me a whopping $24.  Every time I wear it I get compliments and it is sold out all over from what I can tell.  I forwarded this Striped Knit Blazer over to my coworker and although it isn't exactly the same it is pretty close and still a great deal. 

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Easter Style Under $50

Ditsy Floral Ruffle Dress, Open Side Suedette Heels, Haute Pink Nail Polish, Pressed & Faux Ivory Bangles

In case you are still trying to throw together a sweet little outfit for Easter or just a cute look for brunch with friends, all of the items above will cost you a grand total of $50.20!  They are all easily interchangeable with other items you already own and are perfectly flirty and sweet and just scream spring! 

Gift Guide #4 ~ Nifty Gifty under Fifty

I am dying to own this luxurious Belmacz Glow Lip Balm and I am pretty sure any other gal in your life would too.  It has a pretty color with actual flakes of gold that blend in to make the gloss a shimmery goodness. 

For the hostess with the mostess or the party that needs to get started, the 80's Table Topics will make sure there aren't any crickets present at any future parties.

The Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar not only looks gorgeous when lit but also fills the home with a delectable scent. 

For your accident prone friend, why not help her cover her boo-boos with these cute Cynthia Rowley Band Aids Dress Ups?  My fave is the sequin one, I may have to fake an injury just to use one.

I have been dying to try the EOS lip balm and what better way to introduce yourself or someone you love than this EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Holiday Bag. 

Story of my life.  I need this f*cking bag to use at the grocery store.  Also perfect for the eco-friendly cute boy you have been stumped on what to buy.

Smelling good is never a bad thing, and options are even better.  The Juicy Couture Spray Pen Set is perfect for the gal on the go or to split up and pass along to your coworkers. 

I love the message associated with this Pearls of Love Dogeared Necklace.  Whoever you give it to is sure to feel incredibly loved.

Another eco-friendly and incredibly stylish gift for the go getter is this Red Jonathon Adler To Go Holiday Mug .  Throw in a little Sbux gift card and you are sure to be a favorite.

Last year my gf Christy gifted me this awesome Lash Stash set from Sephora.  They are all travel size mascaras that you can try before you buy.  And let me just say that the danger is finding numerous mascaras that you not only like but LOVE!  The Hourglass and Laura Mercier were my faves in last years batch.  Perfect for the girl who is always up for trying something new. 

Gift Giving Guide #3 ~ Jewels from the Heart

This Jacquie Waif Small Bezel Ring is dainty and oh so perfect.

This Unity Links Necklace is a fabulous statement piece.

I am really hoping Santa drops this Spring Street Adjustable Tiger Ring into my stocking this Christmas.  It's oh so fun and oh so fierce - rahrr.

I love the turquoise and bold gold rose of this necklace.  It would look great with just about anything.

I have been eyeing this Marc Jacobs Katie Bracelet for some time now and just saw it in person on my gf Christy and it oh so wonderful.  A serious stable for any lady.

I just heard Karma Police on the radio this morning and then spied this Karma Necklace by Portobello and thing who ever gives this necklace is sure to receive good Karma for at least a year.  

A dazzling pair of Juicy Couture Princess Studs  for your favorite snow princess.

Last but not least, the Kate Spade This Year I Will Bracelet (which was worn by Lea Michelle I guess and now seems to be sold out)   The perfect gift for the year ahead.  With cute sayings inscribed.  My favorite: Fall Head Over Heels.

A nice piece of jewelry is the perfect gift as the receiver will always think of you when they wear it :)

Don't forget to enter here for a free pair of Gap Jeans!

Forever Frugal Friday

Dear Santa,

I have been mostly good this year and would love to see the following items underneath the tree in two weeks pretty please....

Plain and simple, I want this dress.  I enjoy the cute ruffled sleeves, the cinched in waist and the simple grey.  A winning combination that I could find numerous occasions to wear it to. 

I would also enjoy this lovely Creamy Multi Chain Necklace.  Not to wear with the dress above, but I am sure I can find loads of other outfits to wear it with.

Please and Thank You.

XOXO,

Lyndsy

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Cocktail Party Chic

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1) French Cuff Shirt (Banana Republic) 2) Glitzy Sequined Skirt 3) Beaded Cluster Necklace 4) Paneled Leatherette Biker Jacket

Next Saturday I am attending a cocktail party at my bosses house and then heading to the bars to celebrate my friend taking his LSAT.  Two very different crowds and two very different occasions.  However, I think the outfit above will allow me to transition from each party effortlessly. 

I realize the necklace is a little matchy to the skirt but, I don't really mind.  And the leather jacket will help keep me warm but also add a little fun.  I am also considering bringing a backup White V-Neck to change into for the bars (also in case I spill on myself at the party). 

A little bit of dazzle and sparkle is just what the holidays need and this skirt is sure to get the job done.

I'm Lovin' It

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Rachel McAdams look for the Morning Glory premiere.  Love her hair, love the dress, love the makeup, love her...need I go on?

This incredible My Heart Necklace By Boe.  It's a little bit rustic, a little bit girly and a whole lot of lovely.

(photo courtesy of Richie)

Be prepared to learn of my major obsession with anything and everything Trader Joe's!  This Pumpkin Ice Cream "accidentally" made it into my TJ's basket this past weekend and I accidentally had not one but two bowls of it.  It is divine in absolutely every single way.  I want to top it with some crushed graham crackers and whip cream the next time around.  This stuff is dangerous...consider yourself warned.

A few weeks back in Solvang, we did a tasting at the phenomenal Vineyard Riverbench and though it was my third tasting of the day and I may have had a serious buzz, I do NOT regret my purchase of the Govino Shatterproof Recyclable Stemless Wine Glasses-Set of 4.  My roomie and I were just saying we wished we had "to go" wine glasses for walks at night with the dog and wouldn't you just know that these babies are all that and more.  These glasses would make a great gift for anyone come this holiday season, and to spruce it up, why not add a bottle of buttery goodness alongside of it with the Riverbench 2008 Chapel View Chardonnay.  Easily one of the best Chardonnays I have ever tasted (and I have tasted a lot  few). 

Not Too Shabby ~ Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Hello my luvies! 

I am super excited to to share this awesome contest with all of you readers!  Shabby Apple is a "small company based in Utah and our main focus is to make cute, affordable, and work-appropriate dresses" and let me just say that have fulfilled their focus! 

And guess what!  The lovely folks at Shabby Apple have generously offered one lucky Yellow Brick Blog reader the chance to win this darling San Gabriel Dress! 

Rules to Enter:

Valid only for US readers

Simply head over to the Shabby Apple site, check out all their amazing dresses, and leave a comment here sharing what Shabby Apple dress or accessory that you absolutely adore!  A winner will be selected at random on at 5 PM PST on Thursday September 2. 

*One comment/entry per person*

Be sure to include your email address!

Some of my favorite looks include:

The Consultant

L'artiste

Kai Necklace

GOOD LUCK!!

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Emersonmade

I have been a fan of Emersonmade for quite some time now and been meaning to share all her darling goods with you all.  I was reminded of my need to post this morning when I saw this darling Summer Clutch that is just SCREAMING my name. 

I need, need, need to own this clutch.  The size, color and flower are the perfect for the sunny days ahead. 

Another piece I am coveting is this Flower Chain necklace in White & Ivory.  The perfect piece to dress up the most basic outfit.  I love the way she is wearing it here (in fact I really want to replicate this look immediately) but am also imagining it with for work when I have to wear a suit.  Should help me stand apart from the rest!

And I really wish that I had planned my SATC 2 outfit better, as this Cheeky Dahlia would have been a great tribute to Carrie's revival of the bold flower accessory.  Again, Emerson's look here is spot on and exactly how I would want to wear it.  Although I am loving it worn below as well....

Another great way to bring fashion into the office!

On a random side note, I always think it is so funny how in blog-o-sphere often you are thinking (or working on) the exact same subject, topic, trend as someone else?  Happened to me today over at Jamie of all Trades (she also happens to be one of my favorite girls out there - so be sure to give her some love).  I guess great minds think alike and we are all thinking Emersonmade is pretty damn great!