My Favorite Things from Christmas 2010

Even though Christmas seems like a distant memory, I'm still loving some of the gifts that I received.   Here are my favorite new obsessions from Christmas 2010:

Apple TV

Apple TV is in one word,  AMAZING! With a very small footprint, it provides the ability to stream movie rentals from iTunes and Netflix, directly to your tv! Previously, I'd have to watch on my laptop or iphone. But now, I'm streaming HD movies directly to my nice, big flat screen! You can also access YouTube, Podcasts, MobileMe, Flickr, as well your entire iTunes music library. The best part was how easy it was to set up! Seriously, in 5 minutes flat I was up and running!

Le Mer Collections Watch

Although I put this watch prominently on my list, I sort of knew that my family wouldn't go to the trouble to order it. So, this was actually a Christmas present to myself. :) Valerie of  Red Vines for Breakfast owns this watch, and ever since drooling over her's in person, I knew that I had to have one . Now I do!

Sabon NYC - Rose Tea

Everytime I travel to NYC, I always make a point to stop in Sabon. Upon entering the boutique, you're always asked, "have you been here before?" I usually play dumb say no, and then I'm escorted to a round sink where I can try out their various scrubs, lotions and potions.  I'm always amazed at how moisturized my skin feels afterward, and how long that moisturization lasts! But each trip I come home empty handed, due to the lack of space in my luggage. I leave the store telling myself that I'll just order it, but I never do...until now! (Yes, another present to myself) I'm completely obsessed with the Rose Tea scent of the scrub and body lotion, and this combo came just in time to treat my dry Winter skin!

Steven by Steve Madden Sequin Box Clutch

This was a present from my Dad. Even though this glitzy number was on my Christmas list, apparently I had forgotten to note which color I'd like, and there were several to choose from! My Dad took a guess, and he guessed right! This was exactly the bag that I had been wanting, to complete my NYE ensemble! It was perfect!

Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Small Bracelet

Speaking of NYE, this bracelet alone made my outfit feel much more fancy! It's so sparkly, yet I can easily pair it with my Michael Kors watch to make it more casual. This picture doesn't do it justice!

American Eagle Solid Leggings

These are my new favorite leggings! After throwing out several pairs of Massimo's that were falling apart at the seams, I was in desperate need of some replacements! One day I was in a hurry and American Eagle was close, so I ran in an grabbed a pair of their black leggings.  So far, I've been really impressed by the quality as they seem to hold up really well. I was so happy that my Mom bought me two more pairs! I have them in black, but they're no longer available online (only Army Green). If you're lucky enough, you might find them in stores. Sadly, my local stores are all out of my size. :(

Cookie Dough Scoop

This was suppose to be in my stocking, but I asked Santa to make an exception and bring it a little early. ;) (Especially since I was to be in full baking mode the week of Christmas)  A cookie dough scoop is the trick to maintaining that uniform size, resulting in a professional looking cookie. This really came in handy for my chocolate crinkle cookies that I make every year!

What were some of your favorite gifts of Christmas 2010?

Bag Lady

In case you haven't noticed by now, I'm totally obsessed with bags! You know how some people are really into shoes? Well, I'm into those too, but I DREAM about bags! I think I could actually have a whole blog dedicated to them, but we all know how much time that takes. :)

I've been drooling over the now infamous, Alexander Wang "Rocco" for about a year, and even talked about it here. When this year's version included a shoulder strap, it was pretty much a done deal. So, the other day when I was playing hooky to enjoy the sun, I also NEEDED to make a Barney's run! (I just rhymed! lol!)

Introducing my new A.Wang Rocco...

I just love the studded bottom! Form and Function!

This hidden side zip is perfect for easy access to my phone. 

The pebbled leather is soft, yet feels durable at the same time, and the size is perfect for me. It's about the same size as my LV Speedy's, and I can carry it in the crook of my arm, or use the shoulder strap. Louis Vuitton needs to step it up! Sometimes you just need to be hands free!

And, if you think that's the end of my little bag story, you're couldn't be more wrong. 

Last week, I was suppose to go to an Angels game with my Dad. He has season tickets, and I usually go with him a few times during the Summer. So, we get off the freeway, and are heading into Anaheim Stadium, when we realize that something is missing. The people! I checked the tickets, and we had the day right, but the game was over and had started at noon! LOL! Needless to say, there was a change in plans. We headed to the Block at Orange for a little din-din, and then I coerced my Dad into shopping at the newly opened Neiman Marcus Last Call. When I spotted this L.A.M.B. clutch, I knew I had to have it! It's exactly the pop of color I've been looking for, and at 40% off, I couldn't refuse!

I love this leather tassel, and look at how cute the lining is...

and the dust bag matches!

Now on self imposed shopping restriction. (kinda) ;)

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: The Damage

Don't you want to know what's in the bag???  Well, I'm pretty sure you can guess that there's a Rebecca Minkoff bag in there, but which one? It was a tough decision, because in a perfect world, I would've walked out with all four! But yeah...back to reality. It really came down to the fuchsia or the grey. I loved both, but decided to go with this little pretty:

Yay for grey! 

The deciding factor was my cherry red wallet. I didn't like that it clashed with the fuchsia bag.  Is that crazy? Not that anyone is looking in my bag, but it bugged me. I'm not really a matchy kind of girl, but I at least like things to coordinate.  Anyway, here's some more pics of my new bag.

Here it is with the long chain strap (21 inch drop), and while I was in the store, figured out that I could double the strap to create a whole new look!

Definitely more ladylike this way. But then, of course, I can remove the strap entirely to carry it as a clutch. 

Three bags in one! Maybe I should've bought all four! Doesn't the gold look pretty against this dark grey?

Here's a shot of the inside. 

So, I couldn't just stop at one...

My friend talked me into this Christopher Kon hobo bag.

It's a nice, buttery leather, and more casual than my black LV. The braided shoulder strap is sturdy and very comfortable.

I love that the inside is chambray!

The only problem, is now I'm having second thoughts! I like this bag a lot, but I'm DYING for this one:

Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffel $875

I paid roughly $200 for the Christopher Kon bag. If I return it, I can put that money towards the A. Wang. Or, should I keep it and get the Wang bag as well? Do I really need both? They're totally different bags, but I have a feeling if I buy the Wang, I'm going to want to carry it all the time. I think I just answered my own question. :) The hardware on the CK is silver and on the AW it's brass. Oh, I don't know what to do. Help!

I Had Good Intentions

I really did.

I was all set up at my favorite little cafe, with free WiFi, and the yummiest vanilla latte ever. I was ready to start blogging away, when all of a sudden, I accidentally clicked on Nordstrom's website! (ok, maybe not such an accident) ;)  I was quickly reminded of this:

Sorry people.  A sale is a sale, and it's calling my name! What would you do??

I've already been once, and didn't buy anything.  (The horror!) However, this Rebecca Minkoff clutch caught my eye, and it's haunting me. I think I just might purchase if they have any left. The question is...which color?

Rebecca Minkoff 'Mac' Croc Embossed Clutch $219

I like them all, but not sure what I'll use the most.  I love the gold hardware against the black, but this is the safe choice, and maybe a little boring? The dark grey is a nice alternative, and the brown looks so rich! The fuchsia is just a fun pop of color, which I might need. I have black bags, and lots of brown, but zero gray, and almost no color.  

Which one should I get?

Inspiration: Caroline Blomst

Like many of my favorite fashion bloggers, Caroline Blomst has made style her occupation. She works as the fashion editor of the Swedish website Feber.se, and runs the blog StockholmStreetStyle. She also maintains her own style blog, CarolinesMode, where she posts her fashion inspiration, her own "Wearing Today" pics,  and newly acquired shopping conquests. In addition to blogging, Caroline regularly posts images of her outfits to Chictopia and Lookbook.nu.

It's hard to ignore how pretty Caroline is. She looks like a model straight off of the runway, with barely there makeup, and tousled wavy hair.  Caroline's style is simple, and casual, yet she knows how to make a statement with anything from a pink Balenciaga motorcycle bag to a pair of studded Chuck Taylor's. Her accessories closet alone, would make any fashionista green with envy, myself included. But with Caroline, it's not just about high end designer pieces. She typically pairs items from stores like H&M, Zara, and Asos, with luxury brand bags and shoes. Her innate talent for mixing pieces and setting trends is evident throughout her blog.

When giving out style advice, she says it's best not to read too many fashion blogs, or you'll risk losing your sense of yourself.  In this day and age of global fashion via the internet,  I think she's got a point.  While influenced by some of the season's best designs, Caroline's style is undeniably her own. Below are some of my favorite Summer outfits that she's posted recently:

 

All images via CarolinesMode

My First Wearing Today Post

Sort of. While I'm a big fan of  "Wearing Today" posts,  I'm not a fan of the "me being in the picture" part. You see, I'm a BEHIND the camera person. I'm part of the crew, the girl who gets people ready for photo shoots. Not the one IN the photo shoot! But, I do like styling up my outfits, so you might see more of these posts creeping into the blog.

I just bought this romper from Urban Outfitter's, and couldn't wait to mix it in with some pieces from my closet.

 Lucca Couture Safari Romper $58 (not avail. in black online)

Pins and Needles Fedora with bow $28

Linea Pelle shoulder bag (here's the current version)

Brass Clasp Belt $42

Chloe wooden platforms

Banana Republic Midnight ring $34.99

Banana Republic gold necklace

Sometimes hats are tricky for me, but this one fits perfectly.

I've had this BR necklace forever, and I wear it at least once a week! It's my go-to necklace that makes even a basic t-shirt look more pulled together. And this ring that I blogged about here, has quickly become my favorite!

I've worn this belt with so many things! It's one of my most versatile accessories!

This Linea Pelle bag is such a nice change from my usual LV's. The leather is so soft, and this deep honey color goes with everything!

Probably my "most loved" pair of shoes! Perfect height, and SUPER comfortable! I can literally be in them all day.

So, what do you think? Should I do more Wearing Today posts?