Quick & Easy (& Cheap) Way to Your Organize Necklace(s)!

I love organizing (though from the current state of my bedroom, you wouldn't know it).  And I'm always searching for new ways to organize my life's possessions.  It was a happy accident that I found this current method of holding necklaces.  Well, actually, just 2 of my necklaces.

Like make-up, I like to collect jewelry but not use it all.  Unlike make-up, it's not that I'm inept.  I'm just somewhat lazy.  I tend to wear my diamond studs (which I don't take off) and 2 necklaces with jade pendants (which I do take off) everyday.  The only thing I actively change are my rings.

Usually, I'll take off my necklaces before showering and leave them on the bathroom countertop.  However, I'm always afraid of chipping/breaking the jade pendants.  I'd put them on a towel but let's be real, there have been occasions when I've almost forgotten them and they've almost gone flying.  Lot's of heart pounding during those moments.

I needed a hook for my shower puff, so I purchased two suction hooks for $4.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Since I only needed one hook, I was left with one extra hook.  What to do with it?  I was pretty sure if I stored it somewhere, it would be forgotten and lost.  Hmm....

I placed the extra hook on the mirror in my bathroom, and presto!  Instant necklace hook!!

I wouldn't put a lot of necklaces (especially the chunky/heavy ones) on this hook, but one or two delicate/lights ones work fine.  And I'm thinking I could place a ring or two on the hook as well.  Let me just stress that this is NOT meant to act as a way to store your necklaces!!  The humidity in the bathroom would kill your jewelry (especially cheap(er) jewelry).  But this is a quick and easy and cheap way to place your necklaces (and bracelets and rings) while you're doing your ablutions or your make-up.  Why didn't I think of this earlier???

BoutiqueToYou.com: Sale On Sale!!

BoutiqueToYou is having a Sale On Sale!!  Take an extra 25% off all sale items with code "25SALE" (expire 08/20/10).  Always on the lookout for a comfy chic "buffet outfit" (i.e., an outfit one would wear when one is expecting to be rather gluttonous...which, for me, always occurs at a buffet), I checked to see what I could pull together in the sale section.  I found this flattering and forgiving-to-the-waistline outfit...here it is from top to bottom: (Note: Prices reflect 25% discount.)

• Karen Zambos Cyia Top ($37.49) in ivory: Yes...this shirt is perfect for when you want to eat a very, very big meal.  Just mind the sleeves.  This is a one-size-fits all top.

• Adina Circle Twist Necklace ($187.49) in gold:  I prefer this delicate necklace rather than the chunky one the model above is wearing.  It's a bit more elegant.

• J Brand 901 Legging in indigo ($74.99):  One word: streeeeeetchy!!! Sizes 24 and 30 are available (as of this posting).

• Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Daryl Wedge Sandals ($109.49) in grey:  At this price, these sandals are a steal!! Size 9 is available (as of this posting).

 [Images Courtesy of Boutiquetoyou.com]

PurdyGirl: Got Me A Purdy Dress and Purdy Bracelet!

One thing that I always look forward to during the summer (call me "cheesy") is street fairs.  I love the fresh lemonade, made-to-order crepes, and cheap trinkets found at every street fair.  This past saturday, Sunshine and I happily came across a street fair on Laguardia Place.  

And what's on 540 Laguardia Place?  Purdy Girl!  

I couldn't ignore the 20% off posters plastered in Purdy Girl's window.  For once, Sunshine was in total agreement that I needed to buy a dress.  Once again, I had dressed inappropriately.  It was cool-ish during the morning, so I had thrown on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.  Little did I know that it was going to be crazy hot later on in the day.  

We had stopped by Urban Outfitters looking for a quick-change dress.  Much to my frustration, I couldn't find anything worth purchasing there.  I was hopeful that I would find something not-expensive-but-fun at Purdy Girl.  And I did!

I purchased the following strapless, ruffle dress in olive green for $60.80 (after the 20% discount).  The belt was included!!  Yes, I know...I usually don't do strapless or ruffles, but the combination on this dress was perfect!  Because the ruffles are big and flattering, it's not girly and rather slimming.  And it's SECURE (I know you know what you I'm talking about).  I did a "jumping" test and the dress passed with flying colors!

I was slightly worried about the armpit area pudge.  But once I had a strapless bra on, the pudge miraculously disappeared.  I'm not sure how that works, but I'm not complaining.  I'm just going with it.  

But a word of advice on belts with a slip buckle.  If you eat (and drink) too much and then inhale deeply, the belt may...unslip from the buckle, despite fitting perfectly earlier.  I provide this advice from personal experience.  (Sunshine and Foodette witnessed this rather mortifying experience and couldn't stop laughing.  The belt just popped open after a huge Korean BBQ meal in K-town.)

To match this purdy dress, Sunshine (big spender that he is...wink, wink) purchased this purdy bracelet for me:

It was on sale for only $10!  And it matches the dress perfectly!!  

Note:  Don't forget to pick up a Preferred Purdy Girl card while you're there.  You get 30% off a non-sale item once a month.

Intermix: Extra 50% Off Sale Items!

Intermix is having a sale-on-sale: take 50% off sale items in-store or on-line (www.intermixonline.com) with code "50SALE".  Promotion ends on 08/31/10.  If you can make it to the store, do it.  There's not too much left on-line but...I did find two very lovely items in the sale section:

• Eugenia Kim Wide Brim Sun Hat ($129.50) in natural: This is the PERFECT sun hat!!  The ivory twine is such a gorgeous and elegant touch.

• Helmut Lang Silk Chiffon Drape Jersey Cami ($39.50) in black:  I like that this sexy, drapey, suggestive-in-the-back, night-out-on-town top doesn't actually show much.  And could the price get any better?  This is something you'll be wearing more than once...or twice. 

[Images Courtesy of Intermix]

WinkNYC.com: Raffia Tote Anyone?

WinkNYC.com is offering 30% off all merchandise with code "DCWINK10" (excludes Hunter, J Brand and Sue London).  After my trip to Fire Island last weekend, I realized that I'm in dire need of a raffia tote for the beach!!  I'm liking these two options from Hat Attack and the prices are looking pretty reasonable to me after the 30% discount:

• Extra Large Raffia Tote ($99.40):

• Mixed Straw Texture Tote ($81.20):

[Images Courtesy of WinkNYC]

ShopGoldyn.com: 35% Off 4th of July Sale...Hello, Tina Tang!!

ShopGoldyn.com is having a 4th of July Sale!! Take 35% off your entire purchase with code "INDIE" (expires 07/04/10).  So what caught my eye?  These delicate but edgy jewelry pieces from Tina Tang: (Note:  Prices reflect 35% discount.)

• Vintage Link Earrings ($31.85) in gold:

• Teardrop Earrings ($44.20) in silver:

• Fantast Forest Bangle ($109.20) in silver:

• Small Spade Leaf Necklace ($74.75) in silver:

Bonus:  If you're a shoe size 9.5 and you've been wanting a pair of Loeffler Randall's Matilde Boots in black (but couldn't find them on sale), grab them at ShopGodlyn.com for $451.75 (Note: Price reflects 35% discount.)!

[Images Courtesy of ShopGoldyn]

AsterAlice.com: End Of The Season Sale!

AsterAlice.com is having an End Of The Season Sale!!  A huge selection of handbags are now 40 - 50% off!  On top of this lovely sale, get a free gift with purchase (a necklace or leather pouch) when you spend $400+ on sale merchandise (GWP offer expires 6/30/10).

Here are my picks:

• Botkier Logan Satchel ($375) in black:  This soft lambskin bag is just structured enough that you can take it to work!

• Botkier Trigger Moto Clutch ($147.50) in silver:  Still looking for a clutch/cross-body bag for  a fun girls' night out?  The Trigger Moto Clutch is a no-brainer.

• Hayden Harnett Biblio Bag ($334.80) in grape shine:  Yay!!  The Biblio Bag is now on sale!  Save your 40% Survey Discount for another bag (to get AA Survey Discount, read this post: AsterAlice.com: Take Survey & Get 40% Off Code!!). 

• Linea Pelle Dylan Medium Tote ($249) in espresso:  This is a great price for the Dylan Medium tote.  Grab this soft and smooshy dark brown tote while it lasts!

• Linea Pelle Dylan Folding Clutch ($97.50) in dark olive:  Sometimes, all you need is a casual clutch/cross-body bag for a day at the park or a stroll around the city.  The Dylan Folding Clutch is a great choice!

[Images Courtesy of AsterAlice.com]

Calypso: 20% Off In-Store Sale on 6/23 (Wed)

Calypso is having a 20% off in-store only sale on 6/23/10 (wed)!  I love their floaty, perfect-for-the-beach dresses.  Plus, they have a fantastic selection of bags and hats!  If I could make it to the sale tomorrow, I would seriously considering the following Grace Sunhat in natura by Flora Bella for $88 (price reflects 20% discount):

[Images Courtesy of Calypso]

Martin + Osa: 50% Off Sale Loot!!

I  usually try not to purchase the same item in different colors.  However, I couldn't resist doing just that with Martin + Osa's Memorial Day Weekend Sale.  50% off was to good to pass up...particularly on items that were already on sale.  I spent $110 ($109.80 to be precise) on the following SIX items:

• Slouchy V-Neck in indigo heather:  I bought 2 of these...

• Slouchy V-Neck in grey: I already have this in grey but I love it so much that I bought another...

• Slouchy V-Neck in white/grey stripe:  I had to switch it up just a little...

• Front Pocket Dress in cricket navy:  I already have this in violet but at $49.75, I couldn't afford not to buy this super comfy silk dress...

• Hammered Ring in silver:  This is the only item that I'm not loving.  Don't be fooled by the pix...it doesn't look as great IRL.  I know it only cost $10.32 but it feels like it cost $5...a bit like cheap aluminum.  For something that retailed close to $30, I am disappointed.

Calypso Me Orange!

When it's gloomy outside or you just need a quick pick-me-up, a pop of orange will brighten any girl's day or mood.  Here are three very affordable picks from Calypso:

• K.Jacques Gange Sandals ($149) in orange:  Just looking at these sandals puts a smile on my face because all I can think about is St. Tropez!

• Keri Sweater ($49) in firebird:  This lovely Scottish cashmere sweater will keep you warm from cool ocean breezes and freezing airplane cabins.

• Eternite Scarf ($29) in watermelon:  This Italian cashmere ribbed-cowl scarf adds a dash of fun to any outfit.

[Images Courtesy of Calypso]

Bonus:  I couldn't resist posting this floaty silk sequin blouse from Chan Luu in rugby ($29).  It's the perfect casual but chic tank top for a dinner on the beach with your sweetie!

[Image Courtesy of Calypso]

Melinda Maria: Personal Adornments Fit For A Goddess

Somedays you just don't feel like being a rocker chick.  Somedays you want to feel like a goddess.  So it's out with the leather studded bracelets/cuffs and in with the gold rings/cuffs.

Take 40% off goddess-worthy jewelry by Melinda Maria at BlueHeavenBoutique.com with code "SALE40":

• Pod Pave Cuff Black Diamond CZ ($105) in gold-plate:

• Ruby CZ Cigar Ring ($66) in gold-plate:

• Grecian Cocktail Ring Black Onyx ($69) in gold-plate:

[Images Courtesy of BlueHeavenBoutique.com]

White + Warren: All-Season All-Stars!

When I start talking about White + Warren, I gush...especially when it's sample sale time!  But if you can't make it to a sample sale, WhiteAndWarren.com usually has a great sale section.  Cashmere and/or cotton scarves, wraps, cardigans, sweaters...I love them all!  But since it's spring (and soon-to-be summer!), I've chosen 3 sale items that you can use now (and then through fall/winter):

• Pima Cotton Travel Wrap ($49) in royal plum (slate, emerald green and tumeric are also available):  I love this wrap in royal plum...such a pretty deep purple!!

• Cashmere Cocoon Shrug ($79) in dusty lilac (moss and mustard are also available):  This is a great alternative to a wrap when attending a wedding or dinner.  You don't have to worry about it falling off your shoulders!

• Cashmere Curve Hem Cardigan ($154) in flaxseed hth (watermelon, macadamia hth and black are also available):  This cardigan would come in handy during the summer when traveling (cold planes) or at work (cold offices)!

[Images Courtesy of White + Warren]

Target: Eugenia Kim

I was excited to check out Eugenia Kim's summer hats for Target.  I've been looking for a summer hat (or two) and so far, the only thing that's caught my eye is a wide-brimmed hat from Uniqlo.  There were plenty of styles on display from the Eugenia Kim for Target collection, but they were either too big or too small for my head.  I did find three, however, that fit nicely:

• 20's Style Straw Cap with Green Trim in natural:

• Straw Fedora with Sequin Trim ($16.99) in black:

• Plaid Straw Straw with Blue Trim ($16.99) in natural: 

The straw material is a little thin/flimsy but at these prices, I don't expect to use these hats for next summer.  KWIM?

LunaBoston.com: Glam Gunmetal

Gunmetal is a favorite hardware color of mine.  It's edgier than silver and goes with a good portion of my wardrobe.  I happily came across these two gunmetal items at LunaBoston.com:

• DVF's Belle Evening Bag ($320) in purple with gunmetal studs:  Purple is one of my favorite colors so this evening bag really doesn't get much better for me!  I also appreciate that there's an optional shoulder strap...those come in very handy at the end of the night.  (A copper version with gunmetal hardware is available for $297.)

• Ted Rossi's Large Screw Ring ($75) in gunmetal:  I like the simplicity of this ring.  It makes a statement in a subtle but off-beat way.  I also like the name...a little naughty, don't you think?  "Big Screw Ring" would have been even better!

[Images Courtesy of LunaBoston.com]

Note:  If you friend Luna Boston of FB, you'll get a 25% off code (but know that Rebecca Minkoff and sale items are excluded from that code).