Best Under $50

If you have the need to treat yourself to something but don't have a lot of money there's no need to worry.  There's a lot out there under $50 that will satisfy the shopper in you.

Coral Nailpolish - RBG - $14.00 - needsupply.com

http://needsupply.com/womens/new-items/coral.html

Braided Tank Stripe Dress - Aqua - $47.60 - bloomingdales.com

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=534480&CategoryID=8964

Dolly Turn Lock Wallet - Big Buddha - $22.00 - dillards.com

http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502668514&Ntk=all&Nty=1&Ntt=dolly+turn+lock+wallet&N=1000301&search.x=0&search.y=0&R=03532584

Thailand

While I was in China, my travel buddies and I thought it would be a good idea to add a few days to our next trip to China and head over to Thailand.  It's only a 2 hour flight from Hong Kong.  Although, I would go there in an instant even if I wasn't already over on the eastern side of the world.  I have yet to go but it's on my wish list of countries to visit.  The Aleenta Resort & Spa in Phuket is a contemporary hotel secluded on a serene stretch of beach in Phuket.  There are only 15 villas and 15 suites so you don't have to worry about tons of other travelers when you're trying to get away from it all.  The spa will melt your stress away and the food is focused on healthy and local cuisine.  And starting at around $200/night it makes it all the more enjoyable.  I think I found my future paradise.

http://www.aleenta.com/phuket/

Perfect Spring Day

Today in NYC we had an ideal spring day.  It was actually more like a summer day but I'm not complaining.  I'm ready to toss my old winter clothes to the back of my closet.  I hope to never have to pull them out until October.  In salute to the warm temps I'm featuring my ideal outfit.

Pleated Dress - Vionnet - $3219.00 - vionnet.com

 

http://www.vionnet.com/archives/2011/springsummer-2011/look-springsummer-2011/springsummer-2011-collection-look-22

Liza Sunglasses - 3.1 Phillip Lim - $225.00 - shopbop.com

http://www.shopbop.com/liza-31-phillip-lim-db/vp/v=1/845524441887450.htm?folderID=2534374302029451&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12867

Leather Multi-Strap Sandals - Reed Krakoff - $650.00 - net-a-porter.com

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/97158

New York, I love you!

You may have noticed that I haven't been posting in about a week and a half.  I was off to China.  No matter where you travel after a certain amount of time you long for your home.  I get very homesick every time I go there despite the experiences I gain.  The culture, shopping, and food all make for good memories.  But, being homesick can only make you appreciate all that you have.  One of those things is food.  It's something that can bring people together and remind you of past days.  When I come home I crave some of my favorite foods.  And I can find some of the best food in New York City.  Since I live in Brooklyn, where the food scene is expanding everyday, I have plenty of satiating options. DuMont, in Williamsburg, offers creative takes on American food.  It has a hipster vibe in the decor and music (you'll hear lots of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the like).  Try the Marinated Beet Salad, Crispy Baby Artichokes, DuMac and Cheese, and the DuMont Burger.  It'll remind you of how good New York is - and how much you missed it.

For more details and photos check out dumontrestaurant.com

It's Electric

The neon green trend is staking it's claim this spring.  And when worn appropriately and sparingly it can be a great choice to go with a full white ensemble.  The green color ranges from a more subdued citron to a blazing neon sign green.  I didn't even think I'd wear it again after living through the 80's but I was wrong.  You only need to try it in small doses to get that big impact.  Try some of these fashionable pieces.

Pleasure Doing Business - Skirt - $154.00 - shop.pleasuredoingbusiness.org

http://pleasuredoingbusiness.org/collections/spring-2011/

Brian Atwood Platform Pumps - Patent Leather - $535.00 - net-a-porter.com

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/97043#

Kate Spade Lemon Drop Purse - Epoxy Pyramid Stone - $225.00 - katespade.com

http://www.katespade.com/designer-handbags/fabric-purses/lemondrop-small-framed-lella/PXRU2387,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU2387_color=193&start=53&cgid=handbags

A Little Razzle Dazzle

All you need sometimes is one piece of jewelry to make that outfit stand out from the rest of the crowd.  It's super easy to do and can be affordable.  There is lots of costume jewelry that looks as good or even better than the real deal.  Today I'm featuring some eye catching pieces that I'd be happy to wear.

Noir Jewelry - Multi Strand Beaded Necklace - $209.00 - shopbop.com
I love the graphic pattern of this necklace.  How amazing would it look against a plain white t-shirt?

http://www.shopbop.com/beaded-multi-strand-necklace-noir/vp/v=1/845524441899409.htm?fm=search-viewall-shopbysize

Cold Picnic - Printed Tube Bracelet - $50.00 - needsupply.com

I think the African element is so unique yet really wearable.  It would work it with a summery dress and flat sandals.

http://needsupply.com/womens/accessories/jewelry/printed-tube-bracelet.html

Marion Vidal - Collier Pistache Necklace - $378.00 - anthropologie.com

This piece is the ultimate for me.  I just adore a large necklace to set off the fabulous look that I'm wearing.  This piece will garner a lot of interest.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=19234467&catId=JEWELRYACCESSORIES-COLLECTOR&pushId=JEWELRYACCESSORIES-COLLECTOR&popId=JEWELRYACCESSORIES&navAction=top&navCount=36&color=102&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=JEWELRYACCESSORIES-COLLECTOR3&templateType=hybrid

Weekend in Boston

As you may have discovered by now I adore the idea of a long weekend trip out of town.  They give you just the recharge you need after putting in some long hours at the office.  One of my favorite cities to visit is Boston.  It has so much history behind it.  It's absolutely beautiful, clean, and full of places to explore.  I have some ideas on where to stay, eat, and shop while visiting this magnificent small city.

Sleep - Ames Hotel
This is part of the Morgan's Group of hotels.  It's situated near Beacon Hill which is a fabulous location near many historic landmarks, restaurants, and Boston Common.  Rates vary and they do offer special packages.  Please inquire within at ameshotel.com.

Eat - No. 9 Park

This fine restaurant is by acclaimed chef Barbara Lynch and located in a stunning townhouse in Beacon Hill.  The food is exquisite and you really get the feeling how much love and effort is put into making the meal so special.  I recommend having the tasting menu so you see how well the chef showcases what they do best.  The service is outstanding and the staff is quite knowledgeable.  It would be a shame to visit Boston without trying this gem out.  

no9park.com

Shop - Newbury Street

I couldn't just narrow it down to one store on this long strip of designer shops.  It reminds me a little bit of 5th and Madison Avenues in NYC but with a downtown sort of vibe.  You can take your pick from Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Calypso St. Barth's.  Make sure to bring those credit cards since they will be getting a workout.  

   

Tribal Life

Tribal patterns have been showing up lately in fashion and home accessories.  It's so refreshing to see a trend with a global influence.  Nicholas Kirkwood got it right when he produced this magnificent platform sandal.  It's not for the faint of heart so of course I'm drawn to it.  With a shoe like this it's best to keep the rest of your ensemble simple.  I think just a little bit of gold jewelry will set it off right.  It's $775.00 and can be found at nicholaskirkwood.com.

http://www.nicholaskirkwood.com/index.php?section=collection&season=ss11&style=11S0605A0

Citrus Pop

These cute little candle holders come in the boldest citrus hues in the color spectrum.  Their base is made of a material which isn't traditionally used for candle holders.  These are made from silicone and come in 3 fun colors which look amazing together.  Each runs $4.95 on cb2.com which means you get a whole bunch for very little.

http://www.cb2.com/new-accessories/new/cuff-candleholders/f6652

Montreal - C'est Magnifique

For those of you who want to explore old world charm but can't afford to travel to Europe should check out Montreal in Quebec, Canada.  It's a city full of life that just begs to be discovered.  The shopping, restaurants, and museums are top notch.  And, of course, in this beautiful city are some fantastic modern hotels.  One of these hotels is the Hotel St. Paul located in the historic district of Vieux Montreal.  The minimalist design of the space is a stark contrast to the look of the area it's situated in but that's what makes it so special.  Rooms start at $202.00 a night.

http://www.hotelstpaul.com/en/

Splurge vs. Steal - Black & Gold Shoes

Black and gold is emerging as a hot new trend for spring.  A pair of strappy sandals in this color combination is a brilliant way to incorporate the style into your wardrobe.  Whether your budget is large or small you can find a pair that's right for you.

Gucci - Kelis High Heel Platform Sandals - gucci.com - $795.00

http://www.gucci.com/us/styles/265849CBXN04359#265849CBXN01051

Sole Boutique - Thea Shoe - karmaloop.com - $70.00

http://www.karmaloop.com/products.aspx?ProductID=153281&VendorCode=SBT