:: FASHION :: In My Closet - February 2013

Despite my budgetary restrictions, I've still managed to squeeze in some shopping.  Although, that might change very soon.  Regardless, these are a few of my favorite purchases as of late... (FYI, yes -- I'm a J.Crew addict)

1. {anthropologie watercolor weekender}
Seriously, one of the best purchases I've made.  I am completely and utterly obsessed with my purse.  And I usually don't spend money on bags because I change them or get tired of them, but this one was so worth it.

2. {j.crew pavé heart earrings}

3. {j.crew printed leopard iphone case}

4. {j.crew printed hearts iphone case}
These are the best iPhone cases!  Not only are they incredibly cute, but I've dropped my phone a hundred times (it's kind of ridiculous) and it's never cracked or anything.  I'm going to work on the not dropping it part, but for now I at least have piece of mind that these cases provide some shock absorption.

5. {j.crew gold heart ring}

6. {j.crew pavé heart ringt}

7. {j.crew café capri in colorblock}

8. {j.crew leopard belt}
This is another essential purchase.  I pretty much throw this on with every outfit.  Maybe another thing I should work on: variety.  But leopard is a neutral so I'm thinking it's okay to continue to abuse this belt's versatility.

9. {shoedazzle carine heel}
Another solid purchase, and totally budget friendly!  Can you believe these were only $39.99?!  And again, such a great neutral that I can wear them with practically anything.  I have to give myself kudos for super smart shopping with these ones!

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:: FASHION :: Can We Talk About Shopping?

I mean really... Of all the times for me to be on a strict shopping budget due to my current state of blissful unemployment, this is not one of them.  I'm getting the shakes from all of the fashion buzz this week!

First of all, we have New York Fashion Week starting tomorrow, which means inspiration overdose!  Aside from admiring some of the most fantastical invitations I've seen to date, there's going to be a bevy of pins, blogs, Instagrams, Tumblrs and tweets featuring not only the collections, but the NYFW attendee fashions as well.  My shopping drive is going to be so high, I don't know how I'm going to resist taking advantage of some of these ridiculous temptations...

J.Crew Spring/Summer 2013 Preview :: available for pre-order

Kate Spade Surprise Sale :: up to 75% off!

{ends February 6th at 11:59pm pt}

French Connection on Gilt City :: 50%-off or a 66%-off shopping spree for six

PinkClouds :: designer + vintage online retailer

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:: FASHION :: In My Closet - January 2013

I'm a shopper.  Always have been, always will be.  These days, with all my free time and time spent on the internet, it's inevitable that I would occasionally (ahem*frequently*ahem) wonder off to both online and store-front retailers when I needed a break from the job hunt and other business matters.  They say you should give your brain a quick break every 15 minutes to stay your most productive and keep yourself from zoning out.  Ok, I may have made up the 15 minute rule to make myself feel better about the fact that I can barely focus on anything longer than that.  But bottom line, everyone knows you should indulge every once in a while to avoid getting burned out.

Below are some of the latest additions to my closet; my form of indulgence when I'm feeling in a rut or like I'm starting to go crazy.  I've been focused on getting both pieces that are versatile for everyday wear, plus some career pieces that keep me motivated to find the perfect job.  Mom, if you're reading this, it was all on sale...

1. {Hive & Honey rectangular and pyramid stud earring}

2. {Hive & Honey three row cuff bracelet}

3. {J.Crew bow coat}

4. {J.Crew tuxedo pencil skirt}

5. {J.Crew collection skirt in rush hour}

6. {B Brian Atwood Lenoire metallic fringe sandal}

7. {Sparrow french stripes maxi sweater skirt}

8. {Aldo Theorise bootie}

9. {Forever21 studded utility jacket}

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:: HOME :: Fabulous Finds

If you're in the market for some new home furnishings, I hope today's Fabulous Finds offer a source of inspiration, starting with West Elm's Ryder Rocking Chair (below), one item from their Furniture Flea.  Now is a great time to take advantage of their sale and invest in those key pieces you've been on the hunt for.  Scour their floor models (in store only), plus new markdowns and final clearance prices online for up to 70% off!

{ryder rocking chair via west elm}

{tps mint file cabinet via cb2}

{eiffel leather chair in mineral via crate & barrel}

{kavari 3-door cabinet via crate & barrel}

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:: FASHION :: 24 Hour Sale!

If you've been needing to stock up on denim, great basics, or a pair of staple shoes, now's the time to do it!  And quick! (Note: Purely frivolous shopping not excluded.)

For today only, get 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy, or get 35% off when you use your Gap, Banana or Old Navy card.  Also for today only, 20% off at Piperlime.

Enter code 24HOURS at checkout to get your discount on great finds like these...

Offer valid on Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy merchandise purchased online from 1/8/2013 at 12:00 AM ET through 1/8/2013 at 11:59 PM ET in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico)

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:: LIFE :: A Group Worth Joining

I'm know I'm probably the last person to ask you this but, have you heard of Groupon yet?  I've been getting their daily emails for a while now and while they're all fun and intriguing, every once in a while I see one that makes me go "HELLO!"  So far I've purchase Groupons for a massage, a pedicure, food, spa treatments, and even a dental exam.  And I spent at least half as much on each one that I would normally spend for something of the like.  Believe me, when you're unemployed you learn how to get what you want at a low cost ;).  But now that I am employed I can purchase even the frivolous Groupons that I would normally pass up.

Anyway, enough about my spending habits.  You'll hear about that more later, I'm sure of it.  I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Groupon!  I mean really... who wouldn't want to purchase a totally legit, $90 spa treatment for a measly $35?  IT'S A STEAL.  Deals are only available in certain cities, but they are adding cities all the time and the more people who sign up, the wider they will cast their fabulously frugal nets.  So go to Groupon and sign up now!

:: FASHION :: Just When Being Broke Started to Feel Hopeless...

...someone like H&M comes out with their Garden Collection!  Hooray for the stylishly unemployed!  I happened across their new line via Refinery 29 and the surprise was made even sweeter by the headline: "Organic and Sustainable."  Well, if that's not music to my ears...

Naturally, I had to sneak a peak.  Even if I'm "technically" banned from shopping, what was the harm in looking?  Famous last words, no?  If you haven't seen the fabulous line yet, have a gander...

{via Refinery29 from H&M}

Now I don't usually make shopping at H&M a habit, mostly because once I get there I'm generally disappointed in the quality and execution, yet I'm always finding their pieces in magazines looking so darn cute!  So I'll stop in every once in a while, but I usually leave empty handed.  However, come the end of March, when the Garden Collection is slated to arrive, you can find me stalking the doors of my local H&M waiting to (hopefully!) snag some inexpensive, eco-friendly digs!