Nothing like a non-commitment purchase.  A trend is not something you want to spend a lot on.  On top of which Spring is pretty much non-existent these days.  Hello 2 weeks and then Summer?  So trying out new looks can be daring and a waste if you spend a lot and it will just sit in your closet.  Take it from someone who knows...(My friends and family benefit frequently from my shopping habit.)  So- if I were going to buy a few things to update my look this Spring season and keep it budget friendly- this is what I would buy...ahem:

March was a blur for me. I know many who feel the same way. It was hectic but wonderful and I did not have much time to myself but it was well worth it. Coconut barely saw my husband and I - she was not too happy. We made up for it with a lot of extra hugs and kisses though.  Time was so scarce I nearly did not have any time to shop (gasp!) but alas...managed to steal a few minutes online.

So this was what my some of my life (and some of my shopping) looked like for the month of March - and though I did not have much time, I managed to treat myself quite nicely... (And yes the HUZband approved).


P.S. I have a new love for ASOS! You have to check them out if you haven't.

February flew and I spent most of my time indoors partly because it was freezing and my poor lungs could not take it (asthma anyone?) and also partly because of many hours at work. But I did manage to do a little online shopping and a little night time sipping (wine please)!

These are my latest loves and finds...

It would be a little presumptuous to wear big florals and bright blooms just yet.  After all it is 28 degrees here in the North East today.  We are still flirting with snow showers and the wind chill is bitter.  However, before we know it - the time will be appropriate for dresses, maxis and jeans all in...

...wild, bold, seemingly fragrant blooms.  Here's what you will need:

I never thought I would love another gadget more than my IPhone, until I got an IPad that is.  Partly because there are apps that are only IPad friendly (Hello Anthro) and secondly because beautiful pictures are bigger and even more beautiful on my IPad.  My latest addiction (which is gaining on Pinterest) is a new app called Maven.  Did you ever want one central location for all of your favorite blogs, articles, and pictures? Well Maven not only shows me what it thinks I would like but creates a whole array of fashion yumminess for me to sink my teeth into.

It all starts with a few questions to get a feel for what you like and before You know it- You are in heaven.

Check it out on your IPad when you can, until then here is a sneak peek:







What's your Maven?

Xoxo
Michelle

So our guest room is finished (finally) and I am happy to say I pretty much got the look I wanted without having to spend a lot. The room is quite small so the best option for a bed that could actually be used was a day bed with a trundle that pulls out so if more than one of our friends stayed - we would actually have somewhere for them to sleep...

So these are some pics of different views of the room.  It's hard to get the whole room in one shot so I just focused on the parts that I really love.  The overall feeling of the room is welcoming and of course we wanted it to be relaxing so we made the bed cozy with lots of pillows. I wanted a little contrast on the window so I opted for a black and white curtain.  The mini chandelier gives it a chic edge while the bird wall decor adds a little interest.

Not bad for Ashley furniture, HomeGoods, Kohls and Target!

Ceiling view with mini chandelier



Curtain with tie back

Pillows from HomeGoods

Bird Wall Decor- this one is cute too Till next time! xoxo Michelle

My latest addiction is inexpensive, colorful and easily dresses up any outfit.  BaubleBar is an online and now real life store in NYC where you can shop for fun and affordable accessories.  The necklaces are my fave but their bracelets and earrings are making their way into my heart and jewelry box alike.  If you can't make it to their flagship store on 5th Ave you can still shop the look at www.Baublebar.com


Here's a preview:

One of the perks of working with cosmetics is getting to know the best of the brands.  The best for your money and the best of the up and coming.  These are goods you want in your medicine cabinets, your nightstands and on your vanities.  If not for function, just for the sheer delight of it.






1.  An instant EYE LIFT  2. BATH Gel yummy enough to eat  3. A Spa retreat for your SKIN  4.  A sexy looking Candle   5.  A funky EYESHADOW palette  6.  Make HIM over 

Inspiration Shimmer: All things glitter, sequins and shine.  Maybe it's the sunshine, the new season, the fact that I feel better...I don't know.  But I am finding little ways to sneak it into my outfits and into my home.  Not trying to be the crazy glitter lady or anything.  Just trying to add a little extra sparkle in my life...

Sometimes what makes an outfit- or at the very least what drives an outfit to come together is the bag.  A statement bag is the best investment to make at the change of the season.  That's a no fail recipe for a great wardrobe - whether it be classic, exotic or edgy.  A bag to wear with jeans and a blazer, a bag to wear with the LBD (Little Black Dress) or the bag to go with your pencil skirt and button down blouse.  Your bag choice will affect how the rest of your look comes together.  Decide what you want to say...carefully....

The chill in the air is bringing on my desire to wrap myself up in luxe cozy fabrics, warm fuzzy sweaters and wraps.  I know there is still a chance for Indian Summer type days, in fact this weekend is looking pretty sunny and almost Spring like.  But before we know it, it will be hat and mittens time...so why not be prepared?  Like I always say...there a time and place to shop...all the time and every place!!!  (Ok maybe not every time and every place...but almost...) Hey a girl can try right?

The "Signature Look" for Fall- STUDS.  All over the runways and all over the streets.  If you can't handle too much of it at once you can utilize your studs on jewelry, handbags or just on the pockets of sweaters and jeans.  Part biker chic, part rocker dud- but you don't have to be a bad girl to rock this look.  You can actually look quite like the lady...after all- doesn't every girl need a STUD in her life? ...(wink)

Inspiration: Ladylike Rocker- Valentino "Noir" Pump 1. Studded Clutch   2. Studded Faux Leather Bracelet  3. Studded Iphone Case   4. Studded Tank    5. Studded Ballet flat  6. Studded Bootie Till next time Studs! xoxo Michelle

So our vacation is days away and my hubby and I are frantically getting ourselves together, buying last minute items.  It's exciting getting fresh vacay gear - sidenote though- did anyone else know how hard it was to find flip flops the last week of August? GEESH.

I digress, we scored some good sales and I think we are pretty close to ready now... Soon it will be time to pack...(sigh).

Next post will be of vacation pics!