Princess for a Day

Blame it on my many re-reads of Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries, or too many years of spoiling myself with Disney fairytales, but I have always wanted to be a modern-day princess, complete with jeweled tiara, elegant ball gowns, and, of course, a handsome Prince Charming. Sadly, wearing tiaras in everyday life isn’t exactly embraced by society, and doing so would make you stick out like a sore thumb. But Jennifer Behr’s hair accessories are the most elegant way to pay tribute to tiaras and envelop the royal in you – even if you’re decked out in denim.

The Encrusted Crystal Padded Headband is, in the words of Mary Poppins, “practically perfect in every way.” Piles upon piles of glimmering Swarovski crystals are hand-stitched to a midnight black padded headband creating an angel-inspired halo effect that is absolutely heavenly.

Maybe Ms. Behr is as enamored with F. Scott Fitzgerald as I am, because this Petite Vined Crystal Headwrap is so evocative of the Roaring Twenties that it makes me slaphappy. To slip this sparkly beauty on while wearing a fringe-encrusted Badgley Mischka would make me feel like a true flapper – a regal one, that is.

Most likely you are ready to wring my neck due to the amount of times I have mentioned the hippie headband, but I can’t help myself, I love it. Almost as much as I love this Knotted Crystal and Chain Headwrap. This piece of dazzling decadence is the princess version of the hippie headband. Laced with crystals and vintage chains, then braided and stitched with a vintage ribbon, this majestic piece can be worn circlet-style or the way of the traditional headband. I want to wear it circlet style, of course, with big, teased hair – it would look so Roman/Greek Goddess inspired if worn in this fashion.

In my world – and it’s a happy world at that – lace = love. And nothing says love like this Wide Crystal Lace Headwrap. It’s ethereal. It’s dainty. It’s sophisticated. I could most certainly see a ballerina wearing this on stage, or the late Princess Di donning one during an opulent ball filled with nobles and dapper gentleman. Oh, how I covet this morsel of magnificence.

I am green with envy over the Giant Crystal Knot Headwrap – especially the emerald offering. Who could possibly pass up the opportunity to flaunt an eye-catching knot of Swarovski crystals atop their head? In the world of make-believe (or reality) it simply isn’t done.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Jennifer Behr for the pictures.

Smitten Saturday

♥Cardy Love Say what you will about UGGS, but I love them. Sure, they may not be the most fashion-forward form of footwear, but they are completely comfy, have an element of messy chic when paired with babydolls, and are perfectly cozy when you’re being smacked around by the cold winter wind. Thanks to this picture, I am currently crushing on Cardy UGGS. They act like a sweater for your feet, and have this very casual, slouchy, carefree look that makes you appear effortlessly gorgeous – even if you just rolled out of bed. Needless to say, I don’t currently have the cash for these beauties, so I purchased these lovelies for $150 less, and worship them just as much. Now all I need is for the weather to warm up just a smidgen so I can pair them with my denim mini and I’ll be good to go!

♥Play with Your Food Do you know how when you were little you always wanted to play with your food? Shuffle it around on your plate. Pick it up and examine it with your fingers. Check its resilience by tossing it against walls, or at your obnoxious older sister’s head. I was scolded for those things, and felt restrained to be reprimanded for doing something so fun. Which is why I think I need to pay a little visit to Lambert’s Café, the home of Throwed Rolls. This is a restaurant where they not only allow customers to play with their food, but encourage it because...well, the servers even get in on the action by throwing rolls at you the moment you walk in the door. Never before have I had such a strong desire to have fresh-baked rolls tossed in my direction.

♥Smart Make-Up Mascara only lasts for three months. Lip gloss should only be used for eighteen to twenty-four months. Liquid eyeliner should never be kept for more than three to six months. Oil-free foundation is useless after one year. Nail polish should be tossed after twelve months. Hello! I am not a mathematician or scientist, nor do I have the time to keep track of how old my make-up is. I mean, I can hardly keep track of my friend’s birthdays. So my discovery of CARGO’s blu_ray High Definition Lip Gloss with Timestrip Technology? All I can say is that it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. The Timestrip inside the cap keeps track of when you first start using it, and alerts you when you should trade it in for a new tube. I’m craving it in Laredo or Halifax , but would gladly take it in any opulent shade.



♥Beat It! Distressed denim may be the big thing right now, but I am currently itching for a distressed bag. Something weatherbeaten yet wonderful. Something grungy yet glamorous. Something that can easily make the transition from spring to summer and fall to winter. This one has an amazing amount of pockets. Plus, there’s something very biker babe about it that I absolutely love. But, alas, it is severely out of my budget. This fulfills my craving for a mustard-colored bag; and can be carried satchel-style or hitch a ride on your shoulder. And this makes me long for my short-lived horseback-riding days. Ah, memories.

♥Coutorture For years I have loved Coutorture and have spent countless hours each day poring over their features. On Sunday I was thrilled to become a part of their community. But Tuesday takes the cake. For on April 13, 2009 Café Fashionista was featured on the fashion loving website. Coutorture is to fashion bloggers what Entertainment Weekly is to an up-and-coming actress; so to be featured there? A dream come true. Thank you Megan! Thank you Coutorture! Thank you everyone! This is a day that will go down in Café Fashionista history!

♥Oh So Olivia Despite the fact that The Hills has always been a guilty-pleasure of mine, I have never so much as seen an episode of The City. Regardless of that, I love socialite Olivia Palermo. She is a doe-eyed beauty harboring the life I’d love to lead: beautiful clothes, beautiful friends, and a beautiful living space located in Tribeca. It is my belief that she is the living, breathing, true life version of Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf; and I adore her.

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Nicoline Patricia and Ron Herman for the pictures.

Aunt Judy Adoration

I’ve always wanted a stylish aunt, grandmother, or distant relative who hoarded clothes from decades ago away in a musty old attic, only to hand them over to me when I was of the appropriate age and size to wear them. Since I don’t have that luxury, I guess I’ll have to live vicariously through the Aunt Judy thought up by designer Heidi Merrick.




Merrick's Aunt Judy Krinkle Chiffon and Aunt Judy Crepe de Chine are two elegant, timeless pieces that I would love to have in my closet. The silk and chiffon textures mingle wonderfully with one another; and their pairing with ruffles and pearl buttons is nothing short of breathtaking. I’m not sure who, exactly, Aunt Judy is, but I certainly wish she were a part of my family.





Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Wishing Willow and Revolve Clothing for the pictures.

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Dressmaker Dreams

I declared that I was going to be a fashion designer at the tender age of six, and was promptly given a Singer Toy Sewing Machine which had non-working moments, moments of violence where it would prick my finger, and moments where it would complete a stitch or two before falling apart. In reality, I believe that what I wanted more than a sewing machine was a dress form. Something lifesize and lovely; similar to the ones I had spotted numerous times during model home tours where they were used as a chic piece of décor. My dreams of being a fashion designer have since passed, but my love for dress forms is still alive, kicking, and ready to be fulfilled.





I am truly convinced that this Vintage Iron Dress Form is destined to reside in a quaint little cottage surrounded by fields of purple and red flowers. The creamy white backdrop is just begging to be decorated with bright colors. I’m thinking that a sash cinched around the waist, or a few faux flowers threaded through its bars may be just the thing it needs to bring this beauty to life.

Bulletin boards are a necessity in my daily life. I use them to post reminders to myself; hang pictures of friends and family, and about ten thousand other things. But those typical cork-made bulletin boards? So boring. I want to use these Dress Forms from PB Teen instead. The colors are very Lilly Pulitzer, while the design is absolutely perfect for the fashionista who wants to organize her life!





This Wrought Iron 33-Inch Dress Form is the epitome of Parisian high fashion. The bodice is covered in vine-inspired scrollwork, while the flared skirt is simple, sweet, and slightly sassy. This is one of those pieces that needs absolutely nothing to enhance its beauty – just a fabulous home to call its own.











I am a ballerina at heart, and have been since birth. Though Babette’s Petite Boutique Dress Form was made with a twirling tiny tot in mind, I believe that it deserves a private little nook of its own in my bedroom. Nothing will adorn this beauty. It will remain as is, and be placed in an area where I can gaze upon it day or night; picturing myself dancing the part of Clara in The Nutcracker.

There is something so necessary about a desk or nightstand embellished with a unique piece that will turn heads. I believe that this Tres Chic Table Dress Form from PB Teen is it. Mimicking the vintage mannequins of Paris , these come complete with loopy wire bows around their waist, and a desire to be trimmed with everything from retro brooches to creamy pearls, and bright sunglasses to love letters.

How will you decorate your dress form?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Iron Accents, PB Teen, Iron Arboretum, and Posh Tots for the pictures.

Bloomin' Belts

I am really not the biggest fan of belts, but I love these flower numbers from ban.do. They remind me quite a bit of the sashes that used to adorn the dresses I wore as a child (which came attached, an obvious indication that even the manufacturers knew they would wind up lost), or the lovely ribbons that you tear to pieces on Christmas morning as you struggle to discover the true contents inside that large rattling box. The colors offered are very muted and ethereal – ranging from ballerina pink, antique rose, taupe, gray... - and would look absolutely gorgeous cinched around the waist of a flowy dress; and, if wrapped a few times, may make for a lovely seventies-inspired headband. I am completely enamored with these belts. So enamored in fact that I am unable to so much as choose a favorite – I adore them all!

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to i ♥ ban.do for the picture.

Bits and Bobbins

I have been eyeing this Hemline Stationary Set from Fred Flare for over four months. Finally, with a $50 gift card in hand, I decided to take the plunge, and, on a whim, purchase not one, not two, but five sets of the seamstress influenced parchment. It just arrived, and I could not be more thrilled.

This is the most clever move in terms of office supplies that I have ever seen. Inspired by the dress patterns of the 1950’s and 1960’s that you purchased at the local five and dime, this pack features four separate paper designs ranging from sketched models wearing pillbox hats and white gloves to bouncy skirts and secretary-like ensembles; along with multi-colored envelopes and stickers depicting the necessities of a tailor – buttons, scissors, pins, pumps. This is the type of stationary I could gawk at for hours upon hours. The type of stationary that makes me feel faint of heart. The type of stationary that will be reserved only for special occasions, and special someones.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Fred Flare for the picture.

Purple Passion

I have a gorgeous white summer dress with an asymmetrical hemline that has been collecting dust in my dresser drawer – tags intact – for over three years. It has never been worn, much less seen the light of day since the day I brought it home, and I am convinced that this has to do with accessories; or, rather, lack thereof. I believe that what this dress needs is a bag that will provide an undeniably bright, passionate burst of color that will make it pop. A bag that will turn heads, and make the eyes of passersby bulge in awe. Luckily, I have found the perfect one for the job. Gryson’s Tutu Double Zip in Purple is equal parts wearable and versatile. Reminiscent of the Balenciaga City Bag (a bag that, to this day, I covet and would snatch up in a second if the price was right), the Tutu Double Zip is just as smart as it is lovely. Featuring enough pockets to make me giddy, a removable strap, and metal silver hardware, this is just the purse to accompany my summer frock as it makes its debut to the world. Sure, it’s a bit high in price ($955 to be exact), but a girl can certainly dream; can’t she?

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Gryson for the picture.

Hop This Way

"Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head..."

I’ve found it. I’ve finally found it. What, you ask? Possibly the most adorable cuff on the planet. This Vintage Bunnies Cuff Bracelet from ShanaLogic is the crowning glory of springtime accessories – not just Easter. The brightly colored flowers provide a very dreamlike atmosphere to the two little “in love” bunnies; while the gold-toned double-metal band and frame paired with the cream-colored cameo background are such a delicious, classic way to dress up your wardrobe in a heartbeat.

Nothing says springtime like: a) The color pink; b) Bunnies; c) Tank tops. So this Shibuya Mon Amour Bunny Tank from Forever 21? Obviously the ideal addition to your spring wardrobe. I want to pair it with black skinny jeans and ballerina flats, layer it for more texture, or maybe even slip it on with cute capris and espadrilles. It’s wondrous no matter how you wear it.

I love bunnies, want to visit Paris , and have a desire to learn French. glitteryblue’s Maybe Yes Maybe No earrings embrace all three of these qualities. I love the use of brass instead of the typical gold or silver as it looks antique-y and absolutely lovely next to the bright white bunnies and powder blue flowers. The very French “oui” and “non” inscriptions on each earring are just an added bonus that make me want to les baisers de coup et saute pour la joie!

Boot-inspired slippers, teddy bear slippers, tiger slippers…all of these have passed through my life at some point in time. Yet I have never, in all my years, owned a pair of bunny slippers. That is about to change. These Bunny Slippers from BunnySlippers.com are destined to be my new best friend. They’re cute, cuddly, and look so real. Plus, they come in adult and kids sizes – I think I’ll buy a matching pair for my little nephew.

There is no better inspiration to eat your veggies than staring at two adorable black and white bunnies munching on carrots while you eat dinner. Thus, these Rabbit Salt & Pepper Shakers from RabbitShop are a true necessity for encouraging you to put down that cheesecake and indulge in a bit of healthy eating.

Happy Easter everyone!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to ShanaLogic, Forever 21, Etsy, Moms Take On Things, and RabbitShop for the pictures.

Smitten Saturday

♥Extra-Long Necklaces There was a time when I would never wear jewelry. Now, I can hardly bring myself to leave the house if not decorated with necklaces, rings, bracelets...These are not subtle pieces, mind you. These are statement pieces – disco ball-inspired cocktail rings, charm bracelets that jingle and jangle when you walk (or wave), and, my current personal favorite, extra-long necklaces. Ones that extend way past the bellybutton, like this 44-inch lovely; or this wow-inducing 38-inch wonder. I have worn one every single day this week, and I think I'll do the same next week.

♥Yogurt Passion On Tuesday a friend at work brought me a quartet of yummy Yogurt Passion flavors – coffee, plain, passion fruit, and taro. It was 7:00 in the morning, and I ate it all. It’s not like an ice cream/frozen yogurt type texture. It’s more like a tart sorbet that is completely addicting. And now it is no more. I mean, the shop is still open, but it’s over 60 miles away from my house, so I will never again have the chance to savor its scrummy goodness. I wonder if they would think me crazy if I requested that they ship it to me. I would be willing to pay top dollar!

♥Razzle Zazzle I don’t think it’s possible to find business cards as cute as the ones on Zazzle. I ordered these, which arrived just last week, and they are the most divine things in creation. Now I’m trying to figure out how I will muster up the courage to part with them – they’re too cute!


♥Double Trouble I have a crush (no, not on a boy – at least not this week), but on two-tone shoes. They are sophisticated. They are chic. And they are dying to be a part of my shoe collection. Not only do these Dolce & Gabbana’s have bows, but I can actually picture the original flapper – Zelda Fitzgerald – trotting down Park Avenue with them adorning her ballet-weary feet. These cute little numbers from Victoria ’s Secret are mary-janes (!) and reminiscent of a pair that I saw Lauren Conrad wearing with distressed skinny jeans and a button-down oxford. A pair that has laced each of my dreams ever since. And these...well, these I can actually walk in without breaking my neck. Besides, they're kind of adorable.

♥Platinum Nail Polish I use Pure Ice: 611 Platinum Nail Polish and it's spectacular. I only have to touch it up once a week, and it's the most decadent blend of snowy white and sparkly silver. The color goes with everything and has such a pretty shimmer. Plus, it looked utterly irresistible paired with my hematite, rhinestone-encrusted cocktail ring. What's not to love?

♥Mail Call If you tell me that you don’t like getting mail, I’ll never believe you. There is nothing more perfect than getting magazines in the mail. Just yesterday, after days of believing that someone else had received my May 2009 issue of Teen Vogue, it finally appeared. It’s a little disheartening that the issue is thinner than usual (first Domino disappears, now Teen Vogue is shrinking?!) but a delightful delivery nonetheless.

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We Heart It and eLuxury for the pictures.

It's Darby, Darling!

Smoke on the water...


Fire in the sky.

Me-lange: Geology A metamorphic rock formation created from sediments and rocks scraped off the top of a downward-moving tectonic plate in a subduction zone.

Maybe it's my lack of interest in geology, but even after that explanation, I truly have no idea what melange means; I do know one thing, however, I'm desperately infatuated with these Melange Rings from my new favorite addiction Darby Scott. The Smoky Quartz Melange reminds me of a strong, caffeine-filled espresso, while the Garnet Melange is reminiscent of a rich red wine; yet either one has the power to transform your outfit with just one look. I'll take them both, please!

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Darby Scott for the pictures.

Bank On It

I need to stop spending money. Putting it away in banks isn’t helping much thanks to two little things called ATM cards and checks. So I thought a different method may be of more use. Piggy banks. Sure, they’re slightly childish, and a little tempting due to the fact that they’re so accessible. But, if you buy one that’s super cute – like all of these – refraining from swiping a little cash from your stash would be a breeze. After all, who could take a hammer to something as sweet, delicate, dainty, and adorable as these little banks?

Now that I have spotted the Piggy Bank Collection from Pottery Barn Kids, I’m unsure as to how I ever survived all of these years without one of these little oinkers taking up space in my bedroom. These are such a tres chic way of saving money; popping up in classic colors such as white with black polka dots, or pink with white polka dots. I have already decided to spring for the Jumbo Pink with White Polka Dots as it is quite possibly the piggy bank of my dreams.

Do you ever get a happy feeling just from looking at an inanimate object? For some reason, that’s exactly how I feel when I look at this Unique Sitting Spot Yorkie Farm Pig from Piggy Bank of America. The expression on his face is just so cheerful and happy-go-lucky that I can’t help but feel absolutely cheerful just from gazing at him. In fact, between his giddy grin and carefree posture, I can’t help but feel as if he’s trying to tell me something. Attempting to convince me to take him home, perhaps?

This Always a Princess Jewel Crown Piggy Bank from Koolkidzstore.com speaks to me on so many levels. Not only is this little piggy wearing a big pink bow, but she is also dressed in black mary-janes adorned with pink bows, ruffled pink socks, and a jeweled tiara. There are also pink rhinestones dotting her body, as well as silver crown motifs. Oh yeah, and she has eyelashes. Enough said. This could be the piggy bank version of myself.

What better reason to keep a piggy bank than for saving money for those rainy days when all you feel like doing is spending a little cash on something that will warm you from your head to your toes – even if it’s just a fancy cup of coffee? That’s the first thing that sprang to mind when I spotted this Rainy Day Piggy Bank from Take A Stroll. The blue raindrops almost look like tears on the cute little piggy’s face; but the pretty yellow, pink, and blue hand-painted umbrellas shed a happy vibe on the entire piece – something that makes me feel good about saving money!

I have always loved the way the colors pink and brown looked together, so falling in love with this Chocolate Piggy Bank from Baby Gift Station was, well, kind of a given. In fact, the color is so rich and decadent that I get hungry just looking at it. Probably just as hungry as she’ll get when she hears me coming towards her with a pocketful of change.

What do you plan on saving up for?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Pottery Barn Kids, Piggy Bank of America, Koolkidzstore.com, Take A Stroll, and Baby Gift Station for the pictures.

Doctor Doolittle

I utilize two tools when deciding whether or not a piece of stationary is absolutely perfect. 1) It has to be whimsical enough to make me as giddy as a schoolgirl. 2) It has to have enough charm to make me contemplate keeping it locked up in a collection as opposed to ever using it. Felix Doolittle manages to fulfill both requirements. His ability to capture the beauty in everything from antique typewriters to fruit, animals to sweets, and anything in-between is undeniable. The use of bright colors and a vivid, childlike imagination only serve to strengthen his offerings, and make him the apple of my eye. When looking for stationary it’s no surprise that Felix Doolittle is just what the Doctor ordered.

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Felix Doolittle for the pictures.

Top o' the Morning to You!

I’ve always fancied myself as someone who would take up residence in a Park Avenue penthouse, a San Francisco firehouse turned trendy loft, a Seattle high-rise situated above a chic café, a sprawling Hamptons hideaway, or a cute cottage in the English countryside – possibly all five. But maybe I spoke too soon. Perhaps my true future home lies more along the lines of...retail. More specifically, the three-story Topshop that has finally decided to open its doors to all of America on New York City ’s Broadway and Broome.


Flowers hanging from the ceiling, tutu-like skirts, and a hippie headband. What more could a girl ask for?


Outside, enough windows to light a palace; inside, enough clothes to keep me satisfied for all of eternity.


Carrie Bradshaw would have a field day in this shoe department. Come to think of it, so would I!


Pristine white fitting rooms that are cutting edge and could easily double as cozy little guest bedrooms should my friends and I decide to throw an impromptu slumber party!


And to top it all off, Topshop’s proud parent Sir Philip Green and a sequin mini. Please Sir, can I have it?

Yes, I believe that I have made up my mind. Topshop NYC is my new home away from home. It is a fashionista’s playground. And now, it is only 2,780.17 miles away from my humble abode – a mere 42 hours and 9 minutes via plane (I should know, I Mapquested it). Looks like a Springtime in New York is in order!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Refinery 29 and My Fashion Life for the pictures.

On the Fringe

I’ve seen it on Vanessa Hudgens upwards of five times. Miley Cyrus has taunted me with it in more than one color. Ashley Tisdale seems determined to flaunt it with a mix of adorable outfits. And countless other celebrities seem intent on flashing the JJ Winters Suede Fringe Bag for the world to see. I tried to contain myself. To turn a blind eye to the flirty fringes. To resist the lure of the plum, black, gray, camel, wine, even turquoise colors it was offered in. But I just can’t help it. I’m on the fringe, and the only thing that will pull me back from the edge is knowing that the JJ Winters Suede Fringe Bag is hanging in my closet, just waiting to be paired with everything from skinny jeans and boyfriend cardigans to flowery sundresses and denim minis.

The JJ Winters Suede Fringe Bag is the most delicious way to adopt the slouchy suede shoulder bag trend. Sporting a braided 36-inch strap, and a double row of fringes, this is the ideal way to ride the hippie boho-chic wave or get in touch with your retro rocker side; and can easily transition from season to season, making it a must-have for every fashionista’s closet. Ordinarily, I would steer clear of any bag that dons such a large shoulder strap, but I am simply in complete and utter awe of this piece, and ready and more than willing to try out something new. I would take it home in any color (though I especially fancy the gray or the camel), and treat it with the tender love and care it truly deserves. Now I just have to find a way to make it mine. And fast. My wardrobe depends on it!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Boutique to You for the pictures.

Nobody Doesn't Like Carolee

My name is Erika, and I am addicted to jewelry. I thought it was just a phase, but my obsession with jewelry has been growing worse and worse by the day. I spend every waking hour thinking of glittering treasures. Lunch at work has been consumed with browsing online websites for pictures of sparkly baubles. Days off consist of drooling over jewelry store window displays. I can’t even escape the lure of precious gems in my sleep, as I do nothing but dream of them. Yes, I am addicted. And Carolee is only fueling the fire.

Carolee is my newest discovery. Her offerings of rings, hair accessories, necklaces, bracelets, even pins have been the apple of my eye for the last few days. I am in utter adoration of her collections – from the turquoise and gem-stoned LUX offerings, to her pearl-infused finery. I love each and every bit of it. But, of course, even I have my favorites...

Ever since spotting Forever 21’s Beatriz Beaded Ring, I have fallen in love with turquoise and coral colors that seem like the most wonderful representation of the Mediterranean; which is why this Turquoise Simulated Coral Citrine and Amazonite Illusion Necklace has truly caught my eye. A) The colors are breathtaking; B) At 68 inches long, this is the ideal necklace for wrapping once, twice, even three times! The only thing I need now is a plane ticket, and the $295 to purchase this beauty, and I’ll be well on my way to endless possibilities!

I don’t think that there is anything more clever than placing the wise words of a well-known, fashion-obsessed writer on a piece of jewelry. Case in point, this Plum Sykes offering from Carolee’s Words to Live By Authors Collection which boasts the phrase “Always wear an unbelievable dress – it’ll get you everything you want” around the sterling silver skinny band. Truer words have never been spoken.

Watermelon is one of the things I associate most with summertime; perhaps even more than lemonade. The colors are just so lovely – from the pinkish hue of the center, to the lovely green of the rind. It’s a fruit that is equal parts yummy and lovely to look at. Maybe that’s why I have fallen – for the first time in all my years – head over heels in love with a pair of earrings. Carolee’s Glass Flower Drop Pierced Earrings, to be exact. The green flower paired with the little reddish/pinkish glass stone hanging right below it is, in my opinion, the most wonderful way to pay tribute to the warmer months that will soon be coming our way.

Paris Hilton once said “The only rule is don’t be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.” Well, I don’t think anything is cuter than this Precious Gems Necklace, and I can guarantee that, when wearing it, you will certainly not blend in. The bright colors truly pop, and the little hanging flowers add a wonderful springtime feel to the piece that make it ideal for dressing up for a special occasion, or dressing down with a simple white summer dress.

If only the prices were lower, I would be purchasing Carolee jewelry all the time, and displaying it with all of my outfits; as a broke college student, however, I certainly do not have the budget for such extravagant accessories. But, alas, there is a silver lining – albeit a short-lived one. The Carolee Fan Page has the greatest, most spectacular, more fabulous than anything contest going on right now. As a special promotion going on for Prom, Carolee is giving away $500 worth of jewelry to three lucky winners. All you have to do is visit the Carolee Fan Page between now and April 30, 2009 to enter. Yes, I know that I’m a bit too old for Prom, but I am on my way to enter that contest right now. After all, how often do you have the chance to win such a fabulously decadent – and fashionable – prize?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Carolee for the pictures.

The Fabulous Imperative

In her book Savvy Girl, Lynn Messina introduced me to the phrase “The Fabulous Imperative.” According to her fictional character Lily, The Fabulous Imperative basically means “Whenever you’re invited to a fabulous party, you’re obligated to go.” No party is involved in this particular equation; however, I have discovered that the term can also be attributed to shopping. As in, if I find a new item that I’m in love with, I’m obligated to buy it. That said, here are my Fabulous Imperatives of the week. A fashionista’s playground. Colorful tea cups with a creative bonus! Cupcakes that bloom right before your eyes. Ring around the...posie? Eat like Ralph Lauren. The one thing you need to turn your kitchen into an at-home café. Bow love. A lamp with nine lives. What are your fabulous imperatives of the week? Fashionably yours! Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.

Tulle Time

I have just found a way to fulfill my lifelong dreams of becoming a ballerina. Forever 21’s Tulle Ballet Skirt is the answer to my prayers. The black tiered soft mesh tulle and elastic waistband bound in black satin is the crème de la crème of skirts. It doesn’t hurt that this is a timeless piece of fashion that can easily look glamorous paired with ballerina flats or pumps; polo shirts or tanks; even tights and tunics!

If you’re teeny tiny, and want a little burst of color, these fuchsia-colored, tutu-inspired pieces from Gapkids (the Tiered Tulle Skirt, left, and the Satiny Waisted Tulle Skirt, right) may just pique your interest. The billowy frills simply make me want to hop on stage and take a bow, or do a little pirouette that will send this bouncy piece of perfection skyward. Yes, it’s certainly time for a little tulle.

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Forever 21 and Teen Fashionista Grows Up for the pictures.

Candy Land

Queen Frostine was always the more elegant and sophisticated character in the Candy Land board game, but I usually found myself eager to play Princess Lolly, as she was sweet, reminded me of gumdrops, and was colorful and kind through and through. Plus, I believe that she would truly appreciate living in the Candy Land inspired house I plan on creating using items from Jellio.

They used to taste like cardboard, and were truly empty calories, but that didn’t stop me from purchasing those dot candies from the corner store when I was younger. Just ripping the rainbow-colored sugar dots from that white sheet of wax paper (which always ended up in your mouth due to the fact that it never truly separated from the candy) thrilled me. Almost as much as the discovery of this Button Bench. The white bench is sleek and modern, but it’s the bright pink, blue, and yellow life-size rubber dots that adorn it which make me hungry for my childhood. Even better is the fact that the dots squish down like a deflated handball when you sit on them, then pop back into original form to add a little three-dimensional flavor to the entire piece.

I’ve always wanted to live in a house upholstered in cupcake material. This Cupcake Seat partly fulfills that dream. The divine chocolate frosting (made out of molded rubber) is lifelike enough to eat, while the selection of cupcake liner colors varies from pink to blue and just about everything in-between. I’ve decided that this would be the most decadent location to flip through Rachael Ray Magazine, watch Food Network marathons, or simply indulge in scrummy desserts. The only thing it needs is a scratch and sniff surface that sends whiffs of sugary frosting into the air whenever you touch it!

Yes, I have mentioned them before, but I simply cannot get enough of these sweet GummiLights. Even if they were simply a room decoration, with no light to expel, they would be one of my favorite items on the planet, but the fact that they double as a lamp makes me eager to make one – or all of them – my very own. If I have to choose just one, of course I’ll go with the pink; but, ideally, I want to take all eight home.

No room is complete without a treasured little table to store fashion magazines on. With that in mind, I have decided that, in keeping with my sweet treats, Candy Land-like theme, this Cupcake Table would do the trick famously. This table reminds me of my childhood dreams where I would wake-up to find a life-size cupcake sitting in my bedroom just waiting to be devoured. Shaped like a giant cupcake liner/wrapper that comes in an assortment of ten colors – orange, red, pink lime green, silver, violet, baby blue, brown, yellow, or metallic silver (I’m sure you know which color I want) – and topped with either frosted or clear glass, this is the type of modern, art deco like piece of furniture that would make your place the talk of the town. Plus, it may just be the ideal hint to your pals as to what you’d like them to bring during their next visit – fresh-baked cupcakes!

Who was your favorite Candy Land character? But, more importantly, how do you think you’d feel living in a sweet treats inspired house?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Jellio for the pictures.

Pretty, Pretty Princess

Do you remember when you were younger and would play the game Pretty, Pretty Princess? How you would struggle to collect each and every piece of jewelry before all the other players just so you could be the one to shout the words Pretty, Pretty Princess? This Leighton Rhinestone Necklace reminds me of those days. The bright candy-colored jewels are just gaudy enough to feel child-like, but the scalloped rhinestone structure provides such an elegant, royalty-laden feel to the piece that you simply can’t help but feel like a Princess when wearing it!

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Forever 21 for the picture.