Collective shoe and accessory haul!

Splurge vs. Save

So beautiful, I could cry.

These are my new obsession. I will hope to get my hands on these for the holidays or my birthday, but for now, it is just an obsession.

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

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Mock Croc

Please excuse my recent absence. I have been so busy and tired lately, that blogging has taken a back seat. I thought I would just gush about my newest desire: the architectural reptile satchel from Deena & Ozzy at Urban. I can't tell if it is going to be too large for me, but by the looks of things, it seems like the perfect structured bag for fall. It can be worn on the shoulder or as a cross body bag (and lord knows I love a cross body bag)! Only time will tell if this makes it into my closet, but it is a huge contender due to the amazing price. Enjoy the lusting!

All Nighter

I am currently back home, visiting my parents. As usual, when I am home my mom loves taking advantage of having a shopping buddy, and last night we hit up the local makeup counters. She treated me to some much needed products, including Urban Decay's All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Spray. I have not found a primer that I absolutely love, and the girl that was assisting us suggested I use a setting spray instead. The spray claims to keep your makeup in place for 16 hours, and keep it from melting or dehydrating in all types of bad weather! What could be better? All Nighter spray is also vegan, cruelty free, and dermatologist tested.

Spotlight On: Free People Jewelry

I was browsing the Free People website and stumbled upon so many great finds, especially in the jewelry and accessories area. I am loving the tribal influence in these pieces, and truly wish I could buy all of these necklaces! Unfortunately some of these are out of my price range, but they are great inspiration for vintage shopping.


Fortunes Told necklace

Fringe necklace

Anhelos necklace

Pocket Knife necklace

Destination Dreaming

Lately, I have been dreaming of traveling. The boyfriend and I keep brainstorming of all the places we want to visit. Although it's not possible for us to go anywhere right now, a girl can dream right? This is what I imagine wearing on our plane trips around the globe!

traveling dreams by ilyssa Brickman featuring Frye shoes

Draped jersey cardigan
$63 - net-a-porter.com
More Splendid cardigans »

AG Adriano Goldschmied The Ex-Boyfriend Crop Jeans
$215 - piperlime.gap.com
More AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans »

Frye 12R Womens Harness
$222 - lorisshoes.com
More Frye shoes »

Large cream suitcase with stud detail
520 GBP - mysugarland.co.uk
More luggage »

Crystalised Ring
$24 - modcloth.com
More rings »

Topographical Map - Paper
$0.73 - scrapbookpaper.com

Black Journal. 3.5"Wx5.13"D
$11 - crateandbarrel.com

Blade Rubber Stamps Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection Writing
11 GBP - bladerubberstamps.co.uk

Om

I love feathers. Whether it be a single one intertwined in a headband, or a feather pattern on a blouse, I can't get enough. Alkemie Jewelry decided to revamp the feather earring of generations past and truly create a statement. Their Om earring will have you breathing deep with excitement. Sitting at 8 inches long, including a reclaimed metal 'om' symbol, this head turner will have everyone in the room asking how to get your style. Meditate on that thought.

Summer Excitement!

On of my best and oldest friends is coming to visit tomorrow, and I can not contain my excitement! She is having a whirlwind summer of traveling the U.S. (you can read about it on her summer 2010 blog). As soon as she arrives in LA tomorrow, we will be having an amazing shopping day! Kim is looking to add some versatile pieces to her current wardrobe, and hopefully we will find some budget friendly options on our adventure. Kim and I are hoping to chronicle our 3-4 days of fun together, so keep an eye out for updates.

Unrelated, but just as awesome as ever.....the shoes video:

Stuff I am loving

Lucca Couture open back sundress, Joe's cuffed denim shorts, Trouve 'Jenna' bootie, Celia blouse, Indio scarf, Fringed chain necklace, Paul Island earrings

Perfectly Pueblo

I work for Anthropologie, and every time I see this dress, I find it incredibly hard to resist purchasing it. By the time you read this, I may have already caved in and bought it! The canvas-like material on the Pueblo dress is perfect for summer, and could easily be your go to dress all season long. I love how this could be dressed up for a party, or worn with casual accessories for an every day look. I always enjoy a hint of rainbow, so the color combo in this dress is right up my alley. I can't say enough about it! The super flattering fit makes this ideal for all shapes and sizes.

Bonus: although it's a strapless dress, it comes with detachable straps so you could add them on for a different look.

Arm Candy

In my childhood, I had a favorite watch. It was a bubble watch with Ariel from The Little Mermaid on it. I loved looking at my watch- pretending to be a big girl (even if I couldn't tell time yet). When I spotted these Marc by Marc Jacobs watches, I instantly had a flashback. The candy colored hues of these watches remind me of the girly watches of yesteryear. I think these would be gorgeous along with an armful of bracelets this summer. Which color is your favorite?

Where to buy: Turquoise, Pink, Purple

Sweet Tarte

When it's sticky and hot out, the last thing you want is your makeup caking up or sliding all over your face. It's all about fresh, lightweight makeup with lasting power. A great product when you are running out the door, but you need something that will last all day is Tarte's Cheek Stain. With 9 shades, you are bound to fall in love with one of them! These stay on your cheeks, and give you a healthy glow. An added bonus? You can use these as lip stains as well! Buy one (or all 9) and stay gorgeous all summer long.

Life is a Carnaval

I don't think words can describe to you the love I have for the Carnaval Bag from Anthro. From the over-the-shoulder shape, to the fringe, to the feathers....it all works! I am on a budget, so I can not splurge on this baby, but I can tell you about it, in the hopes that one of you can call it your own. This bag is so perfect for summer, and just about every activity that goes along with the warm weather. Alright- time to stop gushing! Enjoy the eye candy, and if you can- get your hands on it!

Summer Joys

There is something about spring and summer that makes me shift from more polished pieces, to something a tad more bohemian. Right now I want to be on the beach in Bora Bora wearing all white constantly, and sipping on pina coladas. Although I am not going on a tropical vacation, I can still fulfill my dream of wearing relaxed whites. The Things & Joys dress from Anthropologie is my current love. I will definitely be pairing this with some embellished sandals (maybe with some turquoise thrown in), and a thick brown belt. The dress can be a bit sheer at the bottom, so wearing something like this half slip by Calvin Klein would be a great solution. If you are like me, and adore this dress so much you wish you could have it in every color- get excited! No, you can't get it in every color, but it also comes in a dusty blue- which would look amazing for a summer lunch with friends. Let me know- what is your favorite go-to dress right now?

Images via Anthropologie.com

Cross Body Bags

During the warmer months, it can be a pain to drag around a huge purse. It's warm, and you don't want to be weighed down by a thousand unnecessary items. What's the solution? Small cross body bags! They are stylish, and can hold all the essentials. I really loved this range at ASOS inspired by Alexa Chung. What's so great is that they can easily go from a lazy day at the beach, to a dinner on the patio of your favorite restaurant- without looking out of place. Which color are you loving?

Grey's Anatomy

We are all well aware that neutrals are a huge trend for this spring, and with so much spring clothes in stores, it's hard to resist dressing for 80 degree weather. Because I live in LA, I have the option of dressing for spring in February, but for those of you who are in colder climates, you can easily layer spring items with winter and fall favorites to stay warm. Number 1 is aMetallic popover sweater by Vince. It's lightweight fabric is semi sheer, and will carry you into the warmer months. Number 2 on my transitional spring favorite list is the Relaxing Tee by Madigan (from Anthropologie). This slouchy Tee is perfect for a lazy day, worn with raggedy jeans and a hobo bag, or can be polished with a blazer and a fitted skirt. Numero tres is the gorgeous Dresden Moto Jacket from Mike & Chris. The snake embossing gives this jacket an edge, and more spring ready than your all black or brown jackets. Jeggings are everywhere this spring, and the pair in number 4 are perfect for warmer months. The lighter grey color will brighten up your winter wardrobe now, and will fit perfectly with your neutrals and colors for spring. The cutoff shorts featured as number 5 are by Free People. The dark wash pair can be worn with tights now, and show off your legs as it gets hotter out. I love the studded details on the side! Lastly are the only non-clothing item on this list. The Daryl Zip Wedge Sandals by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent are a great shade of grey, than would look great with nubby tights or socks now, as well as with floaty dresses in the coming months. The gold hardware really makes these a stand out pair.

(Click image to enlarge)

Images from Urban Outfitters.com , Shopbop.com, and Anthropologie.com

When Stars Align

My current obsession? This breathtaking ring by Nicole Richie's line, House of Harlow 1960. It is a new take on her starburst ring with black leather. I adore how bold it is, and the amazing colors. This statement piece add a lot to a basic outfit. Alright- I need to go and clean up the drool that is on my keyboard.

Buy at The Trend Boutique

image source: The Trend Boutique

Tremendously Transitional

Spring is right around the corner...well, sort of. It's close enough that we can look to spring trends and layer them with our cold weather pieces. This lightweight canvas moto jacket would be perfect worn with skinny jeans and boots now, and equally cute with shorts and sandals during the warmer months. The best part? This is not a piece you need to invest a lot into! Can you believe I found this on the American Eagle website for only $69.50? Now go out and get this tremendous transitional jacket.