Leap Frog

My mama. She is a clever one. She suggested a frog theme blog entry on this Leap Year Day. I love it! Since I am a sucker for cute animal icons and graphics, finding a must-have frog accessory was a fun assignment. 

After doing a little research, I came across these frog stud earrings on Etsy (by Kaze Jewellery, $16). Not only are they adorable and affordable, but also trend-right due to their mint green color. 

This is a lighthearted example on how accessories can bring a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe!

Leap over to this link to check out the frog stud earrings:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92345802/frog-studded-brass-earring

"The Pedal Pusher"

   

I don't know about you, but as gas prices continue to skyrocket, I am beginning to consider alternate modes of transportation that don't require a visit to the pump. Riding my bike has crossed my mind, but I have been stumped on how to travel on two wheels with my necessities (i.e. wallet, keys, phone and other random goodies) without resorting to a bulky backpack or a fancy fanny pack. Leave it to lululemon to solve my accessory dilemma with one of their latest products: "The Pedal Pusher."

As pictured above, they have created a functional, cross body tote that attaches to your bike's handlebars. lulu describes this new bag as a "removable basket for your bike." Brilliant.

Happy Pedaling!


"The Pedal Pusher" is just a click away!
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/ride-on/The-Pedal-Pusher?cc=4360&skuId=3443487&catId=ride-on

Bright Baubles

Feeling glum now that the weekend is over? Needing a remedy to cure the Monday blues? Wear bright baubles! We are experiencing an 80s flashback with the plethora of neon pieces in the marketplace lately. When I walked into Target last week, I should have been wearing sunglasses in order to comfortably take in all of the neon brights in the accessory section of the store! 

Jewelry is helpful when you want to add a touch of a trend to your look. Hence, these neon bangle bracelets by Ettika. The colorful ribbons and sparkly crystals make for an eye-catching combination. 

Neon accessories are current and stylish... as well as an antidote to turn that frown upside down :)

Follow this link to explore Ettika's current product offering:

http://www.ettika.com/home.php

Top It Off

Charlize Theron. Michelle Williams. Busy Phillips. What do these lovely ladies have in common? Yes, all three are actresses. Let's take it one step further... as pictured above, each blondie wore a headband to complement their glamorous Golden Globe Award Show look last month. Even celebrities appreciate fashionable and functional accessories!

Headbands: a stylish solution to bring some bling to your wardrobe, while keeping your hair in place... or at least out of your face ;) Nordstrom is currently selling this "Vixen Flower" headband by Tasha:

The nature-inspired design with shimmery beads elevates a simple outfit. As my dad would say, "it picks it up a notch." 

So, as you hit the town or attend an Oscar party this weekend, consider wearing a unique headband to top off your outfit. You will most likely be right in step with those Hollywood starlets walking down the red carpet at the Kodak Theatre on Sunday.

Link to Tasha "Vixen Flower" Headband (in multiple color ways):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tasha-vixen-flower-headband/3208733?origin=related-3208733-6012975-0-1-1

Additional info about the Featured Golden Globe Stars:
http://news.instyle.com/2012/01/16/golden-globes-beauty-trend-hair-accessories/

Flower Power

Dreaming of a warm, sunny, beach getaway? If your dream becomes a reality, you may want to pack this "Guadeloupe Flower" bag, by mar Y sol Tote, with you. I couldn't help but smile when I found this cheery color raffia tote with oversized flower petals. What a refreshing take on a traditional Spring symbol!

Even if a Spring Break vacation isn't in the cards for you this year, at least celebrate the season by bringing a touch of flora to your wardrobe. Just like a breath of fresh Spring air ;)



Link to mar Y sol Tote's "Guadeloupe Flower" bag (in multiple colors):
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/mar-y-sol-tote-guadeloupe-flower?ID=584300&CategoryID=22173#fn=spp%3D26%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D52

Blue Suede Shoes

Blue suede shoes. One of the latest trends. Not to mention a title of a well-known tune sung by Elvis Presley:

"Well, it's one for the money,
Two for the show,
Three to get ready,
Now go, cat, go.

But don't you step on my blue suede shoes.
You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes."

The songwriter, Carl Perkins, scripted an important message about preserving this fashionable footwear in 1955. Fast forward to 2012 and the song lyrics still apply. Blue suede shoes come in different styles today - flats, heels, wedges. One example is pictured above - Madewell's "Suede Sidewalk Skimmer." A bold pop of color that can uplift a neutral wardrobe... score!

Festive shoes only deserve to be broken in with an appropriate dance party. Perhaps to this song. Just make sure you protect your tootsies.



Madewell - "Suede Sidewalk Skimmer":
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHOESSANDALS/skimmers/PRDOVR~64082/64082.jsp

Additional Blue Suede Shoe Styles:
http://fashionetc.com/fashion/shopping/4293-blue-suede-shoes-spring-2012-trend

"Blue Suede Shoes" Lyrics to Entire Song (quite entertaining!):
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elvis+presley/blue+suede+shoes_20049053.html

A Precious Metal

A couple of weeks ago, I watched a segment on CBS' 60 Minutes entitled, "Precious Metal: India's Love Affair With Gold." This program explained the cultural importance of gold in India, the largest consumer of this precious metal. Gold, the most malleable metal on earth, is considered sacred in India. Clips from a traditional Indian wedding were featured, highlighting how gold jewelry is worn to represent wealth, honor and purity. During one of the interviews, a woman said "no gold, no wedding." It was eye opening to me to see how something I take for granted in my accessory drawer has deep historical meaning in the second most populated country (1.2 billion people to be exact!).

Needless to say, I now view gold in a different light. Hence my desire to feature a gold accessory in one of my blog entries. Chloe + Isabel's "Pom Pom Chandelier Earrings" (pictured above, $34) are a fashionable design - one that can be worn from day to evening. Hooray for versatility! While gold metal is a treasure, these delicate earrings are an affordable substitute for the real deal.

As mentioned in the 60 Minutes piece, Indians view gold as an investment, not an expense. Hmmm. Perhaps a viewpoint to adopt. ;)



Watch CBS' 60 Minutes Segment - "Precious Metal: India's Love Affair With Gold":
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7398482n

Check out Chloe + Isabel's "Pom Pom Chandelier Earrings" & the rest of their jewelry line:
http://shop.chloeandisabel.com/products/E062G/pom-pom-chandelier-earrings

A Star in Stripes

The third Monday in February. Presidents' Day. Stars and Stripes.

Not only are stripes represented in the American flag, they are everywhere you turn these days! Bold and thin, multi colored and two tone, allover and small accents.

There are various accessory avenues both men and women can take to feel like a star in their stripes. For example, while at church yesterday, I was momentarily distracted by a gentleman sitting a few pews ahead of me. He was traditionally dressed in a neutral blazer and khakis, but wearing bright kelly green and white striped socks! Maybe they were the only clean pair he had, but I prefer to believe that he was making a playful fashion statement :)

If the ladies are not compelled to go the sock route, they can look to other stripe accessories, such as shoes and purses. Look at the fashionista captured in the above image. Her stripe Kate Spade Karolina heels and bag are... expensive! Noted. But what a classic and clever angle to subtly bring stripes into a wardrobe.

Here's to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and the freedom of expression... i.e. personal style!




Featured Photo From:
http://www.vtwonen.nl/blog/vtwonen-loves-blogs/kate-spade.html

Striped Kate Spade Products:
http://www.katespade.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Kate-Site/default/Search-Show?q=stripes&cgid=kate-spade

Critter Connections

Oh. my. goodness. Yesterday I opened an email from Daily Candy to find these little animals staring back at me. I was speechless. The cute factor is off the charts for these 3-D icon iPhone cases made by Anicase. The company's slogan is "a case for a cause" because 10% of their profits are donated to protect endangered species (whimsically and colorfully represented in the above image). Picture this: an individual having a serious business call on his/her cell phone with one of these creatures on their ear. So good! This phone accessory celebrates novelty, humor and giving back - important elements to keep all of us smiling and connected.


Daily Candy article:
http://www.dailycandy.com/online/article/120216/Online-Finds-Fashions-and-Fodder

Anicase website:
http://anicase.com/

Sporty Spice

"Sporty Spice." One of my many nicknames. I am an active girl who likes to be both comfortable and stylish when exercising. Since many of my fellow female athletes share this attitude, retailers like lululemon, Athleta and Zella (Nordstrom brand) to name a few, have amped up their game by infusing current trends into their product assortments. 

For example, pastel colors are popular this Spring season. It is evident that these lighter hues have extended into athletic accessories with one of my recent discoveries: the Puma Women's FAAS 300 W Running Shoe (pictured above). Regularly $89, this shoe is currently a deal on myhabit.com for $39! Fashion forward and affordable. Evidence that you can spice up your sporty wardrobe at a reasonable price.

Sign up to become a MyHabit member (or sign in if you are already) to view this shoe promotion:
www.myhabit.com

Golden Golf Gloves

Golfers. I have been surrounded by them all of my life. Not to mention, I occasionally attempt to be one. From my experience of watching and playing the game, I have learned that golf is fickle. One day you have the best round of your life, the next day you are spraying balls in every direction, far from the target. Naturally, frustration and anger may arise. So how does one deal with these negative emotions? Why not soothe your fury with fashion - express your personal style while playing the beloved game with colorful golf accessories!

Last weekend I was reminded of this while watching J.P. McManus play at the Pebble Beach AT&T Pro-Am Tournament (pictured on the left). Straying away from the traditional white or black styles, he wore a green golf glove. Love it! Who knows - it may have even contributed to his team win with Padraig Harrington ;)

When I shared this with my family, they reminded me that my late Grandpa Jack Donovan also went the non-conventional route and wore a red golf glove when playing the game (pictured on the right, 1986). This is in addition to playing with his reliable yellow golf balls. Amazing! We are definitely related because we share the chic gene.

So, what can we take away from these two Irish gentleman? The importance of bringing more interest and levity to this tedious game - even in the smallest ways. Cheers to that!



A Selection of Colored Golf Gloves:
http://g-fore.3dcartstores.com/MENS-GLOVES_c_1.html

Article about J.P. McManus & Padraig Harrington's Recent Win:
http://www.mercurynews.com/golf/ci_19952191

Lovebirds

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I wanted to show a little love for one of my favorite companies, Apple & Bee. This Australian owned retailer offers eco-friendly goodies in whimsical designs... evident in the holiday appropriate Lovebirds Cosmetic Bag shown above ($34.95). Even though this item isn't necessarily a trendy accessory, it is just TOO cute to ignore! That alone makes my heart happy ;)

Learn more about this Apple & Bee item, as well as their other adorable products:

http://www.appleandbeeusa.com/make-up-and-toiletry/compact-cosmetic-bag-1/compact-cosmetic-lovebirds-red

2012: Tangerine Tango Time

 

As I watched the music stars walk down the red carpet on E!'s pre-Grammy show last night, one look required a double take... Hellooooo, Fergie! Wow. She sported a black bikini underneath an orange lace mermaid dress by Jean Paul Gautier Haute Couture (pictured on the left). She is one celeb you can count on to grab your attention. And to make a fashion statement.

Fergie definitely received the memo from Pantone, the global color authority, that Tangerine Tango is the 2012 color of the year. As Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explains this color is "sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive." Yessiree.

Trust me - I know that some of us (including myself!) won't be replicating Fergie's bold choice to represent this bright orange hue. What to do? I turn to my reliable accessories! A pop of color with jewelry, shoes, a bag or a belt can be an affordable and unexpected addition to your look. Gap's Neon Orange Patent Belt (pictured on the right, $24.95) is one way to do this. Not to mention, belts continue to be a key player in the style aisle -- used to accent pants, tunics, skirts and dresses.

322 days and counting until the new year. In the meantime, have fun representing the 2012 color: Tangerine Tango.



Looks from The 2012 Grammys - Fergie & more:
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/grammys-2012-what-the-stars-wore-2012122/20703

Additional Tangerine Tango Information from Pantone & Leatrice Eiseman:
http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/category.aspx?ca=88

Gap Neon Orange Patent Belt Product Details:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37894&vid=1&pid=902846&scid=902846002

Ahoy Matey!

Feeling nautical? Stripes, anchors and starfish, oh my! So many ways to sport this current trend. What better way to do it than with accessories?! I am a ring fanatic. Maybe it is because I have long fingers or because I talk with my hands. I don't know. But I am always looking for unique rings that I can add to my coveted collection. The H&M Gold Starfish Ring* pictured above is one of my recent finds. A very authentic design and unbelievable price - only $3.95!

If you are looking for an understated and affordable way to ride the nautical trend wave, turn to your trusty accessories. They will keep you afloat in the ever changing world of fashion.

*Visit the following link to learn more about this featured H&M ring:
http://www.hm.com/us/product/98696?article=98696-A

A Shady Comeback

Look familiar? It seems many folks are sporting a pair of these sunnies, including one of my favorite celebs, the stylish Reese Witherspoon. Since first hitting the scene in the 1950s, the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses have made multiple comebacks over the years. Raymond Stegeman, the American optical designer of the Wayfarer, blazed a trail by breaking from tradition - using plastic instead of metal - to produce his creation.

Many retailers have jumped on the bandwagon and have created knock-off versions of this iconic design. They can be found in different colors and patterns, as well as at various price points, empowering consumers to represent the trend in their own unique way.

Whether you like them or not, you have to admit that the Wayfarer makes a statement. Similar to other accessories, sunglasses are a simple and creative vehicle to express your personal style. Not to mention, sunglasses are a must in order to protect my baby blues from the California sunshine ;)

Intrigued to explore Ray-Ban's product assortment? It is just a click away!
http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses

Chief Shoe Giver

TOMS. A short name, but a far-reaching presence. I spotted the CEO of TOMS, Blake Mycoskie, practicing his golf game at the Pebble Beach driving range for the upcoming AT&T Pro-Am Tournament yesterday (see above photo on the left). What caught my eye was not only his red party pants, but the inscription on his golf bag: "Chief Shoe Giver." What a title! One to be very proud of for sure...

How did TOMS come to be? During his Argentine adventure in 2006, Blake crossed paths with children from the area that were living barefoot. From this eye-opening experience, he was compelled to find a way to brings shoes to them... hence the creation of TOMS. With every pair of TOMS shoes purchased by a customer, the company gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Fast forward to 2010 and TOMS had given over 1 MILLION pairs of new shoes to kids in need around the world. AMAZING!!!

Not only does the company's "One-to-One" mission put a smile on my face, but their products do as well. Their shoes have personality providing the customer a fun way to express her/himself. Look at the below image - many playful and on-trend patterns! Stripes, polka dots and plaid just to name a few. Since beginning business 6 years ago, their assortment has expanded, including shoes for all ages (men, women, children), in different silhouettes (the "classic" as shown above, wedges, ballet flats & more) and in novel designs (authentic patterns, fabrics, bling). Additionally, TOMS now offers eyewear.

TOMS is a breath of fresh air. An accessory company based on generosity, creativity and self-expression is one to be celebrated. Cheers to TOMS, red party pants and the inspiring "Chief Shoe Giver," Blake Mycoskie!

Visit TOMS' website for more scoops about the company and their products:
http://www.toms.com/

A Touch of Dottie

 

Family and friends know that I am a fan of all things round: babies, animals, flowers... and POLKA DOTS! Not only are polka dots classic and whimsical, but they are one of the current trends of the season. Cute and hip at the same time? I'll take it. One example of a way to bring "a touch of dottie" to an outfit is with none other than... a scarf! A scarf is a practical, yet creative way to update your look. I found the above "Chelsey Polka Dot Reversible Silk Muffler" at Nordstrom* (currently on sale for $37.90), available in multiple color ways (as pictured in the left image). The unique reversible feature adds value and personality, helping it stand apart from the multitude of dot scarves in the market today. So, if you want to bring some life to your wardrobe, look no further... polka dots + fashion accessory = a winning combination!

*If you want more information about these Nordstrom scarves, click on the following link:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chelsey-polka-dot-reversible-silk-muffler/3222771?cm_ite=chelsey_polka_dot_reversible_silk_muffler:392721&cm_pla=scarves/wraps/ponchos:women:scarves&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-Saf3ZkGAn9HxRDNBhkG7aA&url=http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3222771?cm_cat=datafeed

Colorblock It Up!

Three of my obsessions: color, tote bags and good deals. I found the bag (a.k.a. "Colorblocked Weekender"*) pictured above recently at Forever 21 for $34.80. Talk about a three for one! Colorblocking is one of the top trends of the Spring season. If you don't want to commit to an entire colorblock outfit, why not turn to your trusty accessories? This tote bag is a great example of how to affordably bring a pop of color and pattern into your wardrobe.

*If you aren't crazy about this color combination, but love the pattern, F21 also offers a black & ivory combination. Check it out!

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_handbags&ProductID=1008585858&VariantID=