professional relaxation

anthropologie blazer by shine, thrifted blouse, tj maxx scarf, banana slacks

It is on a very rare occasion that I dress up (i.e. slacks and a blouse) for work, so I figured I better get it on camera b/c who knows when it will happen again.

I'm off to D.C. this weekend. I hope to get some good pictures to share while I am there :) See you when I return!

In the meantime, check out the competition going on at Lushae Jewelry!

All you have to do is display one of their super cute jewelry badges on your blog, website or social profile page and you will automatically be entered each and every month to win a prize of $5000!!! I’m doing it, and you should too. Use the link below to get more information and sign up!

http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/jewelry-jad.asp?p=Win-Jewelry&xref=simplychic08.blogspot.com

neiman's 2010 trends

I got an e-mail earlier this week from Neiman Marcus outlining what they think their biggest trends for Spring 2010 will be.

They go a little something like this:

Denim Dressing: Band Bleach Denim Vest (Snow Wash)

$45

cottonon.com.au

Relaxed Pants: Diane von Furstenberg Silk-blend cropped pants

$205 $105

theoutnet.com

Arm Candy: ASOS Rock Chick Gold Wristwear Set

$27

asos.com

Great White Shirts: 3.1 Phillip Lim Embroidered lace top

$450

net-a-porter.com

Shorts: Romance Was Born - Seaside Shorts Aqua

$230

wearewere.com

Feminine Draping: Diane von Furstenberg Josun strapless mini dress

$675

net-a-porter.com

Nude Shoes: Jimmy Choo Private patent leather sandals

$950

net-a-porter.com

Blue: Monsoon Accessorize - Chain Handle Turnlock Cobalt Envelope Detail Cross Body Bag

$29

monsoon.co.uk

Novel Tees: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KM05T02 LIGHT GREY COTTON -

$345

farfetch.com

Tribal: Tribal Paint Knit Skirt

$7.80

forever21.com

The Wedge: Jeffrey Campbell Roks Wedge

$150

urbanoutfitters.com

The trends at the top of my list this season are nude shoes, novel tees, shorts and although it didn't make Neiman's list I want more blazers. What about you? What are you craving this season?

all mixed up

(zara leather jacket, american apparel skirt)

I wore the above outfit to a champagne lounge Christmas night and when I put it on I thought "wow, I am all over the place". Tie dye skirt, plaid scarf, polka dot tights...basically every clashing print I could pull out of my suitcase. Haha. And for some strange reason, I didn't feel the urge to change :)

Below is a much more toned down variation of the outfit from last summer.

me and my (j) crew

j crew cords and cardigan, matisse boots, necklace from macy's, essie polish in bachelorette bash

Nothing special...just something I wore to run errands while I was in Cali. Don't really have much more to say. I am engrossed in 24. Jack is back!

a story to tell...

So my most adorable nephew took these pictures for me while I was home, and I told him he is giving my b/f a run for his money as the best photog around. Because he’s a kid, 9 to be exact, he did what kids do and just started shooting with no rhyme or reason and that’s how we ended up with great candids like this

And then, because he is young and cool and up to date on all the latest technology he was able to get some great affects on the pictures…also known as blur and awkward lighting ;)

After he had gotten 15 or more shots, it became a game to him, and I practically had to wrestle him for the camera back, all while he was still snapping away of course!

But in the end, because he took so many pictures I had a lot of great shots to choose from and that is why he just may be my fav photographer ever!

f21 skirt, gap turtleneck, badgley mischka bag, matisse boots, ??? coat

eShakti!

eShakti dress, dolce vita boots

The lovely ladies of eShakti sent me this beautiful embroidered lace dress, and I am enamored with it. The detail in the lace is exquisite! It was clearly made with love. They carry an array of sizes and they will even customize pieces to your liking.

Check them out at http://www.eshakti.com/

Here is the link to my dress http://www.eshakti.com/clothpdpage.asp?catalog=Clothes&cate=a-line&productid=CL0017095&pcat=dresses#

AND until 1/31 they have the following offer available for Simply Chic readers:

'Add items worth $30 to your shopcart and use coupon code uyQlYI at checkout and avail $20 OFF!'

jet lag

old navy sweater, f21 sweater dress, steven boots

I am back from my trip home for the holidays and I am beat! I took the red eye in, and didn't sleep a wink...my body is trying to readjust to a 3 hour time difference, I'm preparing for two major meetings at work and I HAVE A COLD! Ugh! Despite my Debbie Downer tone, I had fantastic time with my family and friends while in Cali! I wish I could have stayed another week.

About the outfit...my b/f's aunt bought me this chunky sweater on Black Friday, and I've worn probably 5 times since. Needless to say, I really like it! It's my go to item on my lazy days.

01.01.10

h&m dress, macy's necklace, dolce vita shoes

With the start of a new year, I eagerly anticipate doors opening wide with new possibilities. I am grateful for new beginnings. I welcome the opportunity to release that which no longer serves me, knowing that life can begin anew for me. I open my heart and mind to receive my good.
~Daily Word 01.01.10~ Happy New Year!!!

cl's for sale!!!!

I got these awesome Christian Louboutin peep toe booties for Christmas and they are too small :( I searched online and in San Fran, and they are sold out everywhere! My heart is breaking, but before I return them I figured I would see if anyone would like them. If you do please e-mail me at simplychic08@gmail.com and we can discuss price. Here's a little bit about them:

Brand: Christian Louboutin
Size: 38/8 (but they are a size too small...fits more like a 37/7)
Heel Height: 4 1/2"
Price Tag: $965 (this is the retail, not my price)
Upper Material: Suede

These are fabulous, FABULOUS booties that are pretty much sold out everywhere. If I can't have them I would love for them to end up with someone who will appreciate them as much as me ;)

cyber monday

old navy sweater, express vest, urban pants, dolce vita boots, ??? scarf

I didn't participate in Black Friday this year (South Carolina isn't exactly known for its shopping) but to make up for it, I did participate in Cyber Monday. I got these Dolce Vita boots, and for a steal I might add. I bought the same pair a year ago in black and paid more than double for them! Cyber Monday is really shaping up to be one of my favorite days of the year ;)

I wish everyone safe travels this Holiday. I'm headed to Cali on Thursday!

jeans and tees

j crew tee, joes jeans, kenzie booties

I typically don't wear tees, but I am all over the embellished ones this fall/winter. I think this one is perfect for the holidays because the design reminds me of a reindeer ;)

12 days of christmas

Day 1- Vintage Green Statement Necklace (from 1928.com, $41) This is the first statement necklace I have seen within my limited budget.

Day 2- J Brand Jeans (from netaporter.com, $170) I really need skinny blue jeans b/c, well...I don't have any! I like J Brand's but I would settle for more affordable J Crew's.

Day 3-Belted Sweater Coats/Cardigans (from oldnavy.com, $26) I can't get enough of these!!!!!!!!!!

Day 4- Harvest Berry Candle (from bathandbodyworks.com, $9.50) I can always use candles....only requirement MUST SMELL GOOD AND STRONG!

Day 5- Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Drawstringy (from zappos.com $528) This bag is calling my name and I really need to answer.

Day 6- Christian Louboutin Miss 120 (from netaporter.com, $1075) I love booties and I love CL. I think these were made for me.

Day 7- Ray Ban Sunnies (rayban,com, $159) I desperately need some sunglasses! Squinting is not cute, and gives you wrinkles.

Day 8 -OPI in Yoga-ta Get This Blue (opi.com, $9) I never thought I would wear blue polish, but I think I am ready to give it a shot.

Day 9 - Polka Dot Tights (oasis.com, $13) American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, H&M...I've heard all these places carry dotted tights and I have yet to find them in any store :(

Day 10- Marc Jacobs Lola (sephora.com, $48) I like the bottle more than I like the scent.

Day 11- Scarf/Shawl/Pashmina (forever21.com, $11) Scarves make everything better. Another item I can't get enough of...

Day 12- Card Case (forever21.com, $4.50) I'm not good with wallets. This is a chic alternative.

**Bonus**- Chinese Laundry Rain Boots (piperlime.com, $60) Every morning that I wake up and it's raining, I wish I had a pair.

black and blue

zara leather jacket, h&m dress, hue navy tights, jessica simpson booties

This is what I wore out a few weekends ago. I've had this dress since the summer, but I've been waiting for cooler weather to wear it because I wanted to pair it with a blazer or jacket. I don't really like the one shoulder look on me (perhaps I just haven't found the right dress) but I still like the look of the asymmetrical neckline peeking out behind the leather jacket.

On a random note...to anyone out there that likes to read, check out my friends website! You can purchase books directly from this site: http://readingbooks4everyone.com/.

thrifted sweaters

thrifted sweater, f21 leggings, kenneth cole boots, badgley mischka bag, michael kors watch

No one has a better selection of chunky sweaters than a thrift store!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I did :)

sky blue

zara blazer, tj maxx plaid top, old navy white shirt, f21 leggings, steven boots

How gorgeous is the blue sky in the last picture? This past Sunday was pure perfection! The sun was shining, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, my boyfriend was in town and I had a yummy lunch at my favorite burger boutique!

Sorry for the picture overload but I feel like I have to take advantage when my photog is in town ;) And even with him being here, I still managed to include a random picture I took myself of my shoes and bag. I guess that is just the control freak in me. Ha!

Happy December BTW. Where in the world has the year gone?