Gift Guide: Something that Sparkles

Jewelry for a gift is not earth shattering obviously, but picking a unique piece out that is SO her is. Though I am huge fan of classic pieces, when it comes to jewelry something with a statement or x factor is better. I searched for jewels that I think could wow her, now you just have to choose the perfect one. 

1. Show her the love with this sweet necklace. 

2. Bold tassel earrings are perfect for almost everything in her closet. 

3. A love knot bracelet that she will wear every day. 

4. The sweetest diamond star earrings. 

5. A delicate, but statement making bracelet that that she will cherish. 

6. If she loves pearls, this ring is a winner. 

7. Three stone onyx setting that she will die over. 

8. Love this delicate diamond necklace. 

9. Three rings that she can stack in turquoise. (this one is cool too)

10. The perfect set for a tastemaker. Love the ear cuffs. 

11. Another great set that is perfectly mismatched. 

12. And my always go-to wrap bracelet that she will love. 

You can find the other gift guides here. 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide: Lux List

There are always gift fantasies. We all have them. 

This is a serious lust list for those that have been extra nice this year. 

And guys (yes, I know you are reading too), you cannot go wrong with any of these.   

1. Christian Louboutin / 2. Sarah & Sabastian/ 3. YSL / 4. Vita Fede / 5. Proenza Schouler / 6. Mackage / 7. White + Warren / 8. Valentino / 9. EF Collection / 10. Kate Spade / 11. Montcler / 12. Valentino / 13. Alexander Wang / 14. Chloe / 15. Jimmy Choo / 16. Chloe 

If anyone is looking for anything specific for holiday gift guides, please let me know! 

Check out the other Custom Gifts List, here. 

xo

Erin 

Little Blue Box

Though Tiffany & Co is one of the most iconic jewelers in all of the world, it has been some time since I have checked out their goods. In college you craved that little blue box so much and hoped it was holding a Tiffany link bracelet that paired perfectly with your black canvas Kate Spade. And while a link bracelet would still look classic with an arm party today (seriously, dig it out), there are some chic and modern options that will be classics for years to come but have a cool factor that works well with today's vibe. 

The new T collection gives us all something to add to our wish list and I am dying over those green braided earrings. There are some real investment pieces (or should I say pipe dream?) scattered in here, but also some great options for every budget. Like those black onyx drop earrings and the horseshoe necklace. And if I lived like Angelina Jolie, I would snap up those green, diamond encrusted earrings in a heartbeat. Have fun exploring! 

xo

Erin 

PS: Don't forget Mother's Day is coming. hint, hint boys. 

The Layered Look: Necklaces

Do you follow Jen Meyer (aka Mrs. Tobey Maguire) on Instagram? She is pretty much friends with all the cool girls in LA and seeing all her GNOs with them and how they sport their jewels is really fun. Her line is gorgeous and my favorite thing about her pieces is how you can layer them. 

This look could probably be achieved with some necklaces you already have, but putting them together properly can sometimes be trickier than it looks. Luckily some lines have taken the guessing out of it and layered them for you. And at price points that we can all enjoy. 

1. Love the asymmetry of this one from Bauble Bar $36

2.  The different lengths of this Madewell is fun $58

3. Who doesn't love horns? Bauble Bar $20 (on sale)

4. This one has a little pave action Bauble Bar $42

5. Gorjana is a favorite of mine. This bar necklace is perfect $95

6. Simple and chic from J. Crew $34

And if you really want to have some fun, Bauble Bar helps you create a layered look where you can pick each pendant yourself. $78 

Happy layering this weekend, ladies. 

xo

Erin 

Currently Liking

The beginning of this year has gotten me seriously out of sorts. Between travel, sick kiddies, work, there is not a lot of rhythm to my day. But there are a few things right now that I am either enjoying or hope to soon. Some lovely randomness for you...

1. Instagram is probably one of the only social media outlets I check regularly these days and I love @natgeo. Photos and stories around the world each day that inspire and educate you, what could be better? 

2. My beloved little bracelet with my kids initials on it broke. So I am on the hunt for a new one. Thinking this one with both of their initials would be a nice replacement. Bauble Bar $119

3. I am also loving a hat right now. This floppy one from J. Crew looks perfect. $54

4. Reading actual books was a resolution of sorts and I am deep into Unbroken right now. Anytime you need some perspective start reading a book about a POW from World War II. It makes your day, no matter how difficult, feel like a breeze. Love the way she entangles the story of the protagonist and those  in his life. Plus the education on the Pacific theatre of this war is insanely eye opening. Love a good history lesson on this grand old dame of a country of ours.

5. With the influx of new things after Christmas, my mind keeps wandering on how to simplify my life. My house, my mind, my day. This 30 day challenge might be something great for the coming weeks. You into it?  

6. Santa brought a Nespresso machine, which is great, except I do not drinks coffee. But! The milk frother has changed my life. I am perfecting my Chai Latte every day. (ps: the coffee is delicious)

7. That picture is terrible, but Jimmy Kimmel was on the Bachelor this week and it was pretty great. I love how into he is. The above is Jimmy eating wings while watching the Bach and his date make out in a hot tub. Does anyone else still watch? (ps: Melissa, I miss your round ups!) 

Anything cool and exciting that is making your day/week? Would love to hear. 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide 2014: My List

Let's just pretend I was super good this year and Santa was going to drop off a big bag of loot, this is what would be under the tree...

1. I could use a new suit for an upcoming vacay. Love the color block with this top ($44 xs) and this bottom ($40 s). 

2. Ina Garten is my hero and this book is perfect for my life right now. Barefoot Contessa Make Ahead $35

3. This would be a dream. In need of a camel bag. Valentino $2495

4. This romper would also be a fun cover up for my trip. Shopbop $118 s

5. These flats have been on my wish list for awhile. Ferragamo $495

6. I could use a refill of my favorite cleanser. Dermalogica $25

7. This would be an upgrade from my current Camelback. bkr $35

8. This sweater would be so great for lounging around the house. Asos $56 s

9. Always in need of a sweet pajama set. Plum Pretty Sugar $48

10. This soft gray coat is perfect for the winter. J. Crew $395

11. This diamond ring set would be a great stack for my left hand. Gorjana $158

12. I live for my sleep masks and this one is so pretty. Plum Pretty Sugar $22

13. I can always use gift cards to my pilates studio. If you live in or near Barrington, try the pilates or yoga. Amazing. Tensile Strength Studio

I hope this gives you some ideas for your list as well. 

Check out my other gift guides too: 

Girl on the Go

Classic Shoes

Cozy Sweaters 

Bags to Covet 

Lovely & Lounging 

For the Home 

Statement Jewelry 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide 2014: Statement Jewelry

Sometimes a statement piece screams out at you, and sometimes it is the most delicate thing you wear. Either way a unique piece of jewelry for the lady on your list (or yourself) is something that will be treasured for many years. Here are some of my favorites. 

1. This horn and malachite bangle is perfection. Furbish $68

2. Emerald green is certainly never going out of style. These drop earrings are so pretty. Eddie Borgo $125

3. I love the navy update on this classic gold Marc watch. Marc Jacobs $250

4. Nothing is more chic than a gold watch and plain black leather band. This Nixon has great lines too. $125

5. The hassle on this bracelet is so so good.  J. Crew $115

6. I worship a stack of delicate rings all on their own. These have diamonds. Even better. Gorjana $158

Don't forget to check out the other gift guides: 

Girl on the Go

Classic Shoes

Cozy Sweaters 

Bags to Covet 

Lovely & Lounging 

For the Home

xo

Erin 

Diamonds on Monday

Blah, Monday is so lame. So in an effort to make it better, let's looks at some diamonds. I have my radar on some delicate diamond rings as I like something small and femme on my right hand, there was one on my bday wish list. I kind of like them alone, but by starting a little collection you can get a finger party going pretty fast. 

A pretty solo diamond ring is kind of the best, but I like stacking as well. I even mismatched my engagement ring and bands in different metals and styles and I love it. Obviously at any price point diamonds are an investment, so just pick something classic that you can wear forever. 

The good news is there are some fantastic styles of diamond rings under $550 that would be so pretty added into your other rings or solo. A lot of people think diamonds are always in the thousands, but as you can see below, there are some seriously gorgeous pieces that are a great addition to your wish list. 

1. This double diamond ring is so chic. $460

2. Gorgeous update to the eternity band. $534

3. Obsessed with this love knot ring. $506

4. A classic eternity band $395

5. This ring resembles a crown is just so cool $315

6. A cross ring would be fun in a stack $375

7. A mini evil eye ring. Love it so much $465

8. go straight for the stack with Jennifer Meyer $525

9. This braided diamond band is genius. $350

10. Another pretty eternity band $498

11. The filigree on this gold band gives it a vintage feel $250

12. This arrow ring is modern and fun $390

13. So simple, yet so gorgeous. Gabriela Artigas $264

14. This rose gold ring would be perfect solo. $495

15. A cluster of diamonds is always better. Jennifer Meyer $500

Monday just got way better, right? 

xo

Erin 

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Something Sparkly

I was not sure I was going to do gift guides this year, but I looked back on last season and it was a busy time here on the blog. So I put a few together that I hope you all enjoy. Plus, it helped me put my wish list together which I will share with you later. 

Up first are some sparkly and sensible (at least price wise) pieces that every girl you know would love. From Mom to your sister to your friend. I added a couple of them to my list, but truly I want every single one of them! 

Oh and for the boys out there, any of these would be a hit with your lady. 

1. The perfect addition to an arm party by Giles & Brother ($95)

2. This Lucite cuff with studs and crystals is part bad ass, part pretty from J. Crew $126

3. This bow bracelet is so genius by Kate Spade ($78)

4. This bracelet has such a great vintage vibe from J. Crew ($86)

5. I gifted this lovely last year and have one myself. Jennifer Zeuner ($132)

6. These are INSANE and would make a fantastic statement by Dannijo ($470)

7. I love the mix of vintage and neon on these earrings from J. Crew ($79)

8. A new take on the classic studs by Auden ($138)

9. Major statement piece without being gaudy. LOVE it  J. Crew ($96)

10. Something pretty to protect from all the badness out there Bauble Bar ($36)

11. A long gilded horn is classic and fun to mix with other necklaces Kenneth Jay Lane ($88)

12. A fresh take on the signet ring from Bauble Bar ($32)

13.  A delicate ring I am obsessed with from Jacquie Aiche $125

Side note: How great are these jewelry cases from West Elm? Kind of the perfect way to display your fave pieces on your nightstand or dresser. 

Did you find something for a person on your list? Or maybe just forwarding this link to your man? ha

Happy Shopping! 

xo

Erin 

Early Custom Christmas

I feel like there are such cute monogram gifts to give, but that I am always shopping past the date to when they can be ready for the holidays. If you want something done custom, now is the time. 

I have this bracelet with my son's initials and would like this one with my daughter's name from.  

Bauble Bar

This is a fun way to update the traditional monogram ring. 

Bauble Bar

These totes look identical to the Celine one I have. But this one comes in more color choices and a much lower price tag. Bonus is you can monogram it. 

Mark & Graham

Also comes in this shape, kind of perfect for Mom. 

A super soft throw with a cute icon and monogram is great. In stripes, even better. 

West Elm (on sale) 

More colors available

I received the sweetest hat with Mary's initials on it from this small shop. I will be ordering more from them as the kids get bigger and stealing the idea for new babes. 

1 2 3 Exclusively

Not a monogram, but easily one of those perfect gifts that you always wish you had when you you are writing notes and sending cards. A gorgeous return address stamp in fun calligraphy. 

 Etsy Shop AngeliqueInk

Tons of gorgeous styles available

This pillow is a nod to Hermes, you can pick the initials and from over a dozen colors. 

Butterscotch Blankees 

What are some custom gifts you love giving? Would love some more ideas! Trying to get my Christmas shopping done early. 

xo

Erin 

Going Vintage

While I still love a great new piece of jewelry, my focus over the last few years has been scouting vintage gems. The uniqueness of the piece, the thrill of falling in love with something you found, and the fun of incorporating it into an outfit to bring it all together is so satisfying. When it comes to vintage, there are a few tips to share that I have found along the way. By no means am I am expert, but I certainly love the hunt. 

First, you want to find a place that carries a lot of different types of vintage and turns inventory fairly quickly. Find one or two places that carry things you gravitate towards and stick with them. There are so many spots, so having just a couple you go to helps make better decisions.  

You also want to get to know the shop owner. Especially if you are looking for something specific. If they do not have it in the store, they may be able to find it for you. They also should have a ton of knowledge on what they are selling. Some pieces are signed or branded by the designers and some are not. Your shop owner should know all about them, what decade they are from, if it is an original or costume piece, etc. The more they can tell you about what you are buying the better, then check out their story by searching for info online on your piece to make sure they are legit. 

Every shop I have been to have some sort of bargain bin going on and my best advice is to dig in! It is worth going through. You will not find the heaviest, gem laden pieces, but you could find that perfect long necklace for work or a fun bangle to add to your arm party. Some of the pieces pictured were less than ten dollars, can you tell which ones? Exactly. 

Because many of these shops are small businesses and they set their own prices, feel free to negotiate. I have never paid for a piece at any price point for what it was listed for. It works really well if you group together pieces as well and come up with a price for the entire lot. I know it can be nerve wracking, but throw a price out there that you think is fair, it doesn't hurt to try. 

Check out your local antique fairs and flea markets when they pop up. There are always great vendors at them and you might find one you love that has a storefront nearby that you can hit up on the regular. 

And lastly, buy what you love. It is usually something totally unique and different from what I had been looking for that I end up getting and wearing to death. If you fall for something that you can afford and know that it feels special, get it. There is usually no going back to find it later. Anyone can find a Yurman at the mall, but a unique vintage piece that feels totally original will make you so much more happy. 

Here are some of my favorite places that I found all the above at: 

Somewhere in Time, Denver

Coast 2 Coast Collection, Santa Barbara

Lulu's at the Belle Kay, Chicago

Sophia Live Lovely, Chicago

Happy hunting! 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish

Easter weekend and still chilly. Nothing new here in Chicago, but even just the glimmer of the 40s, makes me happy. At least the sun should shine for Sunday and maybe the little guy will be into his first egg hunt. 

In the meantime, I am lusting after this jewelry designer out of Hong Kong that I found on Etsy. Instead of buying a new dress for that wedding you have coming up or maybe you are looking for the perfect statement necklace for your next event, check out these ridiculous pieces from Bayila. They would be absolutely perfect with a dress you probably already own and with this glimmering on top of it, no one would ever notice you wore it twice. 

These last two are what I have my eye on. 

Can you believe how gorgeous? And for the price of what you would probably be spending on that new dress. Going to go through my closet and find the perfect dress to wear these with so I can splurge on one. They are too gorgeous. 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wishes

Just another cold weekend waiting for it to actually be Spring. Ordering pizza with a friend tonight, brunch with friends tomorrow, and the rest of the weekend lazing around with the men in my life. In the meantime, this is what I am dreaming of...

How fantastic is this braided cuff? Perfect with flirty dresses in the summer. 

Bop Bijoux $65

Winter has made me such a hermit that this picture made me crave a dance party. One involving Amy would be peeerfect. 

I pinned this dress and it is haunting me. If you happen to know where it is from or anything similar, send to me! It is gorgeous. 

The perfect nude wedge for day or night. Honestly, I sniff these out every Spring you would think all I owned were nude wedges. 

DVF $295

After the glory of my Shamrock shake on Sunday, I can not stop thinking about a DQ cookie dough blizzard. Thinking another Sunday treat is  in my future. 

I hope you have the best weekend and whatever you are dreaming about today comes true. 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide: Bags, Shoes, & Bling

My last gift guide is for the girl who has everything, wants everything, and is hard to dazzle. You can never go wrong with getting a girl a bag, killer shoes, or something that sparkles. Are you listening boys? 

1. Sapphire studs with no sticker shock, classic and pretty. 

2. Gorgeous leopard tote in calf hair by Michael Kors (on sale)

3. These Brian Atwood fringed numbers are insane and totally hot 

4. These Stella McCartney wedges are A-mazing. Perfect for a get away 

5. A versatile sparkly bib necklace in a fresh hue I have been lusting over

6. I love this classic leather tote from Topshop and its croc finish

7. If you are really looking to dazzle her, this diamond trinity stack is gorgeous

8. This DVF fuchsia snakeskin clutch would be perfection with a LBD 

9. This Michael Kors watch is perfect for stacking, half bracelet half watch

10. I love this color combo on these J. Crew flats 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide: Wanderlust Lady

Whether she is traveling for work or play, here are some ideas for the girl in your life to make her trip chic, yet comfortable. 

1. A large leather tote in camel or bright citron from the Gap makes for the perfect carry on $125 

2. A sweet little sewing kit for mending a snag or a missing button $10

3. A soft and warm coat that is easy to throw on for flights by Joie $327

4. Every key ring needs a suede tassel, right? $25

5. Nothing can replace the weekly organizer, this red one from J. Crew is a great size $25

6. Hand knit cable throw to cuddle up with $90

7.  Made for little girls, this glittery case from J. Crew would be perfect for toiletries $98

8. A cheeky bow tie USB for all her files on the go $50

9. Custom jewelry case (many fabric options) for her baubles $45

10. L'Occitane hand cremes are the right size and my favorite $28 for the set

xo

Erin 

Pretty Little Things

As a complete sucker for monograms and initials, I have fallen for these sweet (affordable) pieces from Jennifer Zeuner. 

A scrolling initial ring...

A sweet love necklace...

An old school, chunky initial ring...

And customizable horizontal bar to say whatever you are thinking...

xo

Erin 

NEAT New House

Moving is a real bitch. 

And though the results are always great after the boxes have been put away and the glasses tucked into a cabinet, the moments before that are a nightmare. Even for the most organized of people (sometimes me). 

Our move has gone off without too many hitches and I am happy to say that I am actually enjoying the space instead of obsessing over it. There is plenty of time to decorate, rearrange the vases, and shop online for rugs. 

But you at least want the spaces that you use everyday to be in working order. I was lucky enough to live close by to our new house and move a ton of items myself. Not having to box every kitchen utensil was a godsend. I was even able to set up the kitchen before the movers even showed up. The nursery was next since even though I could sleep on a couch, the baby needs an actual bed.  

Then there was our room/closet/bathroom. The clothes were shoved into the closet directly from wardrobes and toiletries dropped into drawers. And I kept telling myself....

"I will get around to that."

"I will totally organize all this to fit the new space."

"I will absolutely have the time and patience to organize it all."

Lies. All Lies. 

Because though I am a decent organizer, I am one of those eighty percent organizers. I do a great job up until about twenty percent is left and then hurriedly finish the job. The results are a solid B. 

I really wanted to start off on the right foot for this house and calling in the girls from NEAT Method was the best idea I have had since the move. 

They completely transformed the closet to a place that actually holds all of our clothes and makes sense. Every bottle and brush in our bathroom has a place. It is glorious. 

They transferred all of our clothes onto slim, no-slip hangers and categorized. Shoes are all in a perfect row. Clutches have their very own shelf. 

Jewelry is easily seen and browsed in clear, stackable boxes. Bracelets hang from an easy to see display. 

 I can actually see what is in those normally messy drawers. 

Products have a place that looks great and is functional. 

I highly recommend NEAT for any organizing you need done in your home. They assess what you need, tackle the leg work, and bring all the supplies. 

Plus, they are a ton of fun. Check out their blog, too. 

xo

Erin