wishpot wednesday: tommy and betsey and rebecca - oh my!

A bit of a name-dropping Wishpot Wednesday this week! I couldn't help myself. There are certain designers that have a very solid reputation with me and when I set out to shop online I can't help but be drawn to them. Contrary to the pinkish hues of last week's WW I've managed to stumble back into my typically monochromatic palette choice. Shall I say it one more time? There's nothing so chic as the contrast between black and white!


Snow Leopard Cardi; $68, Nasty Gal
My curiosity over the leopard print trend hasn't died. Combine that with my love of long cardigans and this one's a hit! I could totally see it paired with leather pants, but not on me. I'm not that daring. I would be apt to wear it with leggings, though.


Dome Three-Finger Ring; $18, Nasty Gal
Another trend I've been loving this year are the multiple-finger rings. I don't always know which styles would look good on me - some of them make me feel like I'm wearing brass knuckles. Not fashionable. I love the softness of this one and the pretty little design.


Betsey Johnson Fleur de Lis Studs; $25, Macy's
Betsey is such a rock star. These fleur de lis studs might be my favorite thing she's ever designed. Aren't they fun? Just the perfect way to add a bit of French flair to any look.


Tommy Hilfiger Argyle Sweater Dress; $35.99, Macy's
Some designers have a way of making you feel instantly at home - the fashion version of comfort food, shall we say? They're designers that you're comfortable with, the ones you know you can trust to bring wonderful quality and strong, appealing designs. For me, that's Tommy Hilfiger. And this sweater dress is just the sort of thing I love from him. It's so cute and preppy and fun - and argyle! Why not?


Rebecca Taylor Anchor Striped Crew Sweater; $275, Shopbop
Rebecca Taylor is a new favorite of mine; her designs are strong, minimalist and always comfortable. This sweater plays to my love of stripes, but I can't get enough of the unexpected elements like the long finger-sleeves and the v-neck ribbing.


Splendid Poorboy Cowl Top; $121, Shopbop
Splendid is just that. Sorry, that was cheesy, but it's true! Splendid is splendid. I want to curl up by the fire in this cowl top with a book and a glass of wine. Stylish and comfy!

What's your heart wishing for lately? And do you have any favorite "comfort food" designers?
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Wishpot.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you create an online wishlist from products you find all over the web. A button added on to your browser lets you add to your Wishpot as you shop. Check it out, and feel free to add me as a friend!

wishpot wednesday: pretty in pink

Contrary to the current look of my blog, I'm not particularly obsessed with the color pink. Actually, I don't think I even have much in the shade nestled into my closet right now. While it doesn't quite suit me - when it comes to clothes I tend to like colors with a bit more substance - I do love dusty, nude shades like the above. And that's why all these items managed to make it into my Wishpot this week! It happened quite by accident, really. I've always had a thing for nude pumps, I think they're quite chic, but I don't own a pair. (Of course, these darlings from Miss Selfridge are currently sold-out, but I can still wish for them!) Then it was the Tom Ford lip, which would look marvelous with some smokey eye make-up. Then it was the dress (the dress! Tucker, you're brilliant, but make larger sizes. I'm really wishing with this one.) and then it was the too-too-cute bag. It all needed just a touch of bling, so I went hunting for a little ring and came across that charming (and cheap!) Dorothy Perkins ring.


So here's the rundown:
Tucker printed silk-georgette dress; $415, net-a-porter
Grosgrain Nude Chain And Bow Long Strap Lock Detail Bag; £26, Topshop
Nude Seam Platform; £40 £20, Miss Selfridge
Tom Ford Lip Color in Pink Dusk; $45, Nordstrom
Ornate faceted stone ring; £6.50, Dorothy Perkins



Black Spotty Mac; £65 £45, Miss Selfridge

And on a completely different note, I also added this darling jacket from Miss Selfridge. This is very "me". I have a thing for black and white polka dots, sure, but I also love-love-love the double buttons and the fact that the belt sash is rather wide, giving a good tug at the waist. I like jackets with a lot of shape.

Did you find anything over the holiday weekend that just needs to be in your closet?

I'm disconnecting for a short time - I'll be back in just a few days - but you can catch me on Twitter. And you should all head over to my friend Heather's new blog Rusty Sarcasm; she's doubting her ability to keep up with blogging, but if we spam her with enough lovely comments she might be well motivated!

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Wishpot.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you create an online wishlist from products you find all over the web. A button added on to your browser lets you add to your Wishpot as you shop. Check it out, and feel free to add me as a friend!

wishpot wednesday: dorothy perkins

I recently made my very first purchase from Dorothy Perkins overseas, the lovely lilac tree print jersey tunic. It's perfection! After the size conversion I ended up getting a size smaller than I tend to wear, but it fit perfectly. That is a very good feeling going into the holiday season, ha. And now I'm rather in raptures over the shop! I went on a Wishpot frenzy over the weekend. Here's what I've added...


Rust Military Button Cape; £65 | Grey Long Ruched Gloves; £7 | Tan Knee High Boots; £55
The site suggested pairing these bits together, and I thought it was such an adorable look. So I added the whole thing! I'm not sure I approve of the "Wear it with" feature because whoever at DP is responsible for styling the pieces is far too talented. I suddenly start daydreaming about the outfits they put together and suddenly each piece just isn't "complete" without the rest of the ensemble!


Rust Georgette Sleeve Top £25
I'm crazy about the sleeves on this top - and also the color. It's a rather elegant color, isn't it? I love the shape of it and especially the length. I always think longer tops have some sort of extra elegance, oddly enough. I like that it's softly sheath-like so the looser sleeves don't make it too overpowering and peasant-ish.


Khaki Lace Insert Top £26
Most people know that I love a good empire waist, as I've probably said it on here a few times already. Certain things I find when I'm shopping online are so "me" that I feel like I already own them. This is one of those! I love everything about it; the detailing and the buttons and the color...


Mink Palazzo Trousers £32
I'm sorry, but what's not to love about palazzo pants? They make such a statement in a minimalist way. I think these are darling, with the little sash belt. I also love the color, I feel like there's so many possible ways to wear it.


Black Round Toe Mid Heel Shoes £25
These were suggested with the palazzo pants, but sadly they're not available in my size. Just the same, I had to add them to the Wishpot because they're so darling. I love the little vintage look, and the button detail is too cute!

What have you been wishing for this week?

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Wishpot.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you create an online wishlist from products you find all over the web. A button added on to your browser lets you add to your Wishpot as you shop. Check it out, and feel free to add me as a friend!

wishpot wednesday: all I want for christmas...

Last week I fawned over my would-be designer favorites, and this week I'm taking a more sensible approach to Wishpot Wednesday. (Sensible, yes, but still fun! Just you wait.) The holidays are here - yes, halfway through November is now The Holiday Season - and that means it's time for a rather gratuitous list of things I wouldn't mind finding under the Christmas tree...


Audrey 100 by Ellen Fontana; $25.82, Barnes & Noble
Audrey 100 is a new photography book focusing on - you guessed it - Audrey Hepburn. I doubt it's possible to fathom the amount of Audrey photo books that are in print, but this one is extra special. All one hundred of the photos were selected by Audrey's family and friends, particularly her sons Sean Ferrer and Luca Dotti. Sean especially has devoted a great deal of time, love and hard work to preserving the memory of his mother; anything relating to Audrey that bears Sean's name is guaranteed to be an honest tribute and a lovingly compiled piece.


the debriefing handbag in taupe; $57.99, Ruche
This bag is lovingly reminiscent of the designer bag of my dreams which I mentioned last week - except that Ruche's Debriefing Bag is vegan-friendly and a fraction of the price. Actually, it's more like a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of the price. I love that it comes with an optional shoulder strap, as well.


212 Carolina Herrera Eau de Toilette (2.0 oz); $65, ULTA
I was given a sample of Carolina Herrera's new scent several months ago and I rather fell in love with it. I mentioned in my Fall Style Wishpot Wednesday that I had yet to find the Perfect Scent. I do believe this is it! 212 is a very fresh, floral scent, but it doesn't reek of flower power. It's musky, but it's light. It's noticeable in the best possible way. I'm not very good at translating scents to words (obviously), but it's really a gem!


Gunn's Golden Rules by Tim Gunn, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson; $8.86 - $15.18, Barnes & Noble
Of course, books! These are a few that I've been wanting for some time. I haven't caught much of Project Runway, but it's impossible not to become acquainted with Tim Gunn when you're interested in the fashion world. He seems to be the classiest personality in the industry, so full of insight and genuine good humor. Who wouldn't want to immerse themselves in a book by such a talent? The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand are acclaimed fictional novels and perfect examples of my unusual tendency to be drawn toward novels with long names. And colorful covers, apparently!


Emma, Northanger Abbey, Little Dorrit; $20.74 - $41.49, Barnes & Noble
I have a rather sizable collection of period drama DVDs from the BBC/ITV/PBS, but these are a few that I'm missing. I'm not one for Dickens usually, but I loved the Little Dorrit miniseries which premiered on PBS's Masterpiece Classic just last year. The performances are all superb (and hey, Mr. Darcy is in it!). Of course Emma and Northanger Abbey are two of my Austen delights. What's not to love about a good costume drama miniseries?

There you have it, my holiday wishlist, all full of geekery and good times. Perhaps next week we'll dabble in some glam to add to the mix? What wonderful things are you wishing for this holiday?
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Wishpot.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you create an online wishlist from products you find all over the web. A button added on to your browser lets you add to your Wishpot as you shop. Check it out, and feel free to add me as a friend!

wishpot wednesday: if i were a rich girl...

I'm not by nature particularly starry-eyed when it comes to fashion; I'm a full-blown Maxxinista, to be sure, but I attribute that to my old-fashioned love of quality rather than a desire for designer brands. I have my favorites, of course, and there is a thrill to happening across an Anna Sui top or a BCBG dress, but I'm just as happy finding something by a label I don't know. However. I'm not immune to the luxe draw of high fashion, and there are a few icon pieces I've fallen rather ardently in love with...


Mulberry Alexa Leather Bag, $1,150; net-a-porter
This bag. Oh, this bag. It's not traditionally my style, and I don't even consider its namesake (English It-Girl Alexa Chung) to be a particular style icon of mine, but there is just something about this bag! It's somehow vintage and bohemian simultaneously. It's at once structured and slouchy. I love the shape, I love the accents. I just can't get enough of it, and I can't help but be my traditional self and desire the most iconic version of it, which is of course the oak shade. I wear mostly black and shades of gray, but the Alexa just looks like it was made for this color, doesn't it? I've seen a few people who have found the bag for a steal on eBay, but I'm not a particularly experienced eBayer and I don't have the easiest time telling the real ones from the replicas. Sigh.


Christian Louboutin Décolleté 100 Jazz Pumps $595; net-a-porter
Call me a hopeless romantic (because I am), but my life somehow won't be complete until I've worn a pair of black Louboutin pumps. This shoe, in my very Carrie Bradshaw-esque opinion, is a completely relevant investment of almost six hundred dollars. If you're the sort of person who has six hundred dollars to invest. In shoes. But really, I don't have a singular interest in being Rachel Zoe or Victoria Beckham and having a collection of Birkin bags (VB apparently has over 100 - Posh Spice indeed). I simply want one pair of classic Louboutins that I can have forever. I think that's a pretty healthy viewpoint as shoe fetishes go. Realistic, for an unemployed, unpublished novelista? Of course not. But it could certainly be worse!



A Fabulous Fantasy Lip Kit $22.50; MAC Cosmetics
Dashing Lassie Eye Shadows $36; MAC Cosmetics
Readers of SHE will already know of my love for these palettes from MAC's Tartan Tale holiday collection.  I'm a big fan of MAC (though I do think I've been spoiled by the baked eye shadows from Urban Decay; can nothing be more perfect?) and the holiday collections are the best time to get great sets at comparatively decent prices. I'm craving the fabulous smokey eye that would come from that second palette and the either nude or dramatic lips from the first. Gimme!

I hope you've all enjoyed this foray into my fashion daydreams. What have you been wishing for lately?

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Wishpot.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you create an online wishlist from products you find all over the web. A button added on to your browser lets you add to your Wishpot as you shop. Check it out, and feel free to add me as a friend!

pretty post and wishpot wednesday

Yesterday I got a letter from Britta of Forelsket all the way from Wales where she's studying abroad. It's the prettiest letter I've ever seen! I couldn't help but take pictures of it. It made my Tuesday and I can't wait to write back. Thank you so much, Britta!

And here are a few things I've added to my Wishpot over the last week, in proper Wishpot Wednesday fashion...


Fair-isle flyaway cardigan; $149, Talbots
After seeing their holiday lookbook I'm beginning to rediscover Talbots. I love the classic comfortable look of this cardigan, and also love their genius idea of adding a skinny belt for some shape. It looks perfect for curling up with a laptop and banging out a NaNoWriMo novel - and so it looks perfect for me right now!


Dolman Tunic with Bow; $98, White House | Black Market
I'm not sure if I could pull this off, but it's so pretty. I love the detail of the bow on the back (also available in pink, I believe). The shape is so striking and chic, but also rather comfortable looking. This is for one of the fancy holiday parties I'll be attending in my own imagination - ha!


Jeweled Clutch; $26, Forever 21
I added this just Sunday, but it's already off the site. Really, it's no use wishing for things on Forever 21 - you might as well just splurge on them as you find them because nothing stays for very long! I love the embellishments on this clutch, it's so rich and unique.


Silver Forest Hummingbird on Cloud Earrings; $13.50 (sale!), Younkers
A little find yesterday was the Silver Forest jewelry collection at Younkers. The majority of it is on sale at lovely prices right now, and everything is so quaintly ornate. I love whimsical designs in jewelry, and these hummingbirds just look fun. I love the layers in these earrings, it provides so much character!

What have you all been wishing for lately?
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Wishpot.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you create an online wishlist from products you find all over the web. A button added on to your browser lets you add to your Wishpot as you shop. Check it out, and feel free to add me as a friend!

wishpot wednesday: frankie, frills and forever 21

Frankie Magazine 12 Month (6 Issue) Subscription; $112.07, magnation.com
I've been in love with this magazine for about two years now, and I've never read an issue. It's difficult to justify that price for only six issues, however magical I'm sure they are. I'd like to begin a mission of trolling eBay for old issues and start building up a collection, but to have new issues delivered to my door would be sunshine, too. I love that they, for the most part, use unknown models on their covers (which also aren't riddled with ridiculous text) and that the contents seem to be a delightful, positive, lovely concoction of all things vintage, silly, romantic and whimsical. What's not to love?


Frankie Diary 2011; #33, magnation.com
In proper Frankie fan fashion, how can I not want the new 2011 Frankie diary as well? (And the cookbook, and the photo book, but we'll save those for another Wishpot Wednesday.)


Quilted Drawstring Shoulder Bag; $25.80, Forever 21
I owe this and the following find to Jen's wonderful Fabulous Finds: Accessories post on SHE last week. I'm obsessing over quilted bags right now, and this one seems a bit reminiscent of Alexander Wang, doesn't it? Love the color, love the style, love the studs. So much fun!


Lace Gloves; $3.80, Forever 21
I don't know that I would actually use these, but obviously they play to my inner Austen heroine. How is an old-fashioned girl supposed to pass up something like that? Do any of you have suggestions on how to - pardon the Tim Gunnism - make it work?


Fan Ring; $5.80, Forever 21
At first I thought this looked like a mermaid's tail, which would be pretty cool in its own right. But when I took a good look and realized it was a replica of a classic fan - - hello again, dear old rococo/Marie Antoinette obsession!


Large Faceted Ring; $3.80, Forever 21
I really don't have a statement ring like this. I love the detailing on the side of this one.



Sweet Hair Pins; $2.50, Forever 21
How cute are these?! I think I'd want two sets so I could use them as matching bows either on each side or the same side of my hair. Wouldn't they be cute stuck into a braid?

That's all for this week's Wishpot Wednesday. What have you all been wishing for lately?

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Wishpot.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you create an online wishlist from products you find all over the web. A button added on to your browser lets you add to your Wishpot as you shop. Check it out, and feel free to add me as a friend!

wishpot wednesday: threadsence

I'm so excited about this week's Wishpot Wednesday! A few days ago yet another Facebook ad caught my eye (The Layered Pancake was right in one of her recent comments - you can find so many great things through Facebook ads!). This one happened to be an ad for Threadsence, a fabulous online boutique that carries many designers you might know - such as Blowfish shoes and Costa Blanca apparel. Love!


Safari Cargo Tunic, $45
I'm not really one for the military trend; I love the look on others, but I never entertained that I could pull it off. Still, I thought this tunic was charming! I was inspired the moment I saw it.


Pocket Tank Dress, $32 $22 (sale!)
Despite that it's labeled as a dress I love the way they styled it on the site with skinny jeans/jeggings, a boyfriend jacket and a big scarf. Such an artsy look. I'm always looking for new things to pair with leggings - because, oh my gosh, leggings! They're pants (kind of) and they're comfortable. That concept translates to sheer and utter genius. (However, I so don't get behind the whole cropped-top-with-leggings thing. We'll just skip past that entire ordeal.)


Plaid Flannel Dress $33 $23 (sale!)
Put on a Bon Iver record, we're bringing out the plaid flannel! I love everything about this dress. Plaid is comforting to me in a way. I think it can be made to be quite fun. I love the shape of this dress, it's very un-plaid-like. The neckline, the belted waist and the big buttons all add a lot of character to it. The neckline even makes it a bit chic, no? Paired with black leggings, kitten heels, sky-high hair ala Amy Winehouse and a bit of the winged eyeliner look. It could be fun!


Empire Bubble Dress $31
I'm a sucker for an empire waist. In style, out of style, I really don't let that effect how I look at my beloved empire waists. They flatter my shape and they're quaintly romantic. And this one is combined with a bubble! I love the unexpected marriage. One could even toughen it up with a leather jacket, perhaps?


Oversized Dolman Blouse, $35
I love dolman tops. There's so much character packed into this one. I think it would look darling paired with something high-waisted like those amazing red pants from ADAM's spring collection.


Double Breasted Coat $68 $54 (sale!)
Really? Just look at that neckline! What is there not to fall in love with about this jacket? The oversized buttons, classic belt, beautifully overstated color. It actually reminds me of one I saw Marilyn wearing in an old photo once upon a time.


Pewter Bow Ring, $10
I only had a quick moment to peruse the jewelry, but this ring caught my eye. I love little bow rings like this, they offer a bit of whimsy while still maintaining the rustic element of the pewter.


Take a peak at Threadsence if you haven't yet. As for me, we've finally got a proper autumn day so I'm off to hang out at Barnes & Noble with a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. Cheers!

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Wishpot.com is an easy-to-use site that lets you create an online wishlist from products you find all over the web. A button added on to your browser lets you add to your Wishpot as you shop. Check it out, and feel free to add me as a friend!