I Blame Nicki Minaj

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I've been glued to the computer all day Christmas shopping. For some unknown reason, I keep coming up with more people to add to the gift list with an increasing number of work colleagues. This has to happen to other people too, right?

All this internet perusing has made it next to impossible not to shop for myself. Among many other things, I've been seriously eyeing this clutch over on Karmaloop. So fun and very Nicki Minaj! She's been on my mind quite a bit after watching this Ellen clip on repeat a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

This Clog's a Stud

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I keep telling myself that I will splurge on a pair of Swedish Hasbeens once I can find a pair for under $200. I made this promise to myself last year, but the wishful price was below $150. Clearly, I've had time to think about this - and alternatives. The Ugglebo Seine Clog is quickly climbing the list of alternatives. Those brass studs leave me weak in the knees! I'm not usually a fan of laced clogs, but in this case they add a certain level of sophistication. Exercising some self-control right about now!

Skirt Flirting

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I love finding pieces like this skirt from Shop Cuffs that are special and versatile... and affordable! Not sure I would go so far as to style this skirt with madras, but any solid or neat polka dot print would certainly do! Check out the site for more of that special something something ;)

Even If I Tried

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If you ask me, fall is the season of pumpkin, spice and everything nice. Remember when teen magazines used to ask you to choose your ideal date? Well, mine would have been drinking hot cider and carving pumpkins outside on the porch while listening to some sweet tunes. Guess what shoes I see myself wearing on this dream date? These babies. And you bet your ass I would be wearing lots of flannel.

Noontime Inspiration

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I adore this picture of Emma Watson in Marie Claire. Such a rogue beauty.

Grab Yourself a Graphic

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Apparently, graphic prints are making a major comeback. And I'll tell you one thing, you won't find this little lady complaining. Pretty much my nineties go-to move back in the day. Here are a couple takes on the trend that have me feeling inspired!

Certainly, Faux Sure

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I love the outerwear coming from v e l v e t this season. Faux fur can look just as good, people!

More Like Outrageous!

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If I hadn't just gone on a shopping splurge this past holiday weekend, I would be finding it much harder to resist these three pairs of shoes from Elizabeth and James on The Outnet. And just for the record, that started out as two pairs, but then I stumbled upon those hot red mamacitas!

Gone Gone Going

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There are many online shopping resources, but few leave me as inspired as ASOS. The European retailer is stylish, extremely affordable, and offers free shipping. Earlier this morning, I saw the above Aztec dress, but I was on the fence. Is the print too bold? The dress was selling out before my eyes so I pressed "Purchase". Keeping my fingers crossed that it looks good!

Giftable Greatness

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Absolutely the best gift for upcoming autumn birthdays. I'm in complete shock that the price tag is a mere $28.00. Microwave safe and oven safe. Consequently, it's safe to say that I will be gifting this dish to myself in the near future.

Hot Damn Territory

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Here it is, my first choice lip color combination. I love a dramatic red lip, but nothing says, "Hey there, fella" like a soft pink lip. Not to mention, a healthy dose of this lip-plumping gloss takes you right into "hot damn" territory. Snob from MAC Cosmetics only gets better as it wears off...

Treat Yourself Nice

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Last weekend, as the East Coast hunkered down for Hurricane Irene, I decided I needed to treat myself to something nice. Well, a few clicks later and I was jumping up and down over Prunella Soap. Vegan and organic sells me on most things, but these soaps arrived yesterday and they're just about the most delicious soaps I've ever smelled. Don't forget to take advantage of the shop's amazing weekend sales prices!

Scandalously Skiing

via la couturier

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Well, summer is coming to an end and I see myself spending much more time in upstate New York this winter. Could it be my time to learn how to ski? I'm not so sure. Back in the day, I smashed into a tree my third time skiing and called it quits right then and there. If I was able to look this good while skiing, I might just start to reconsider.

Saucy Saule Piktys

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I'm constantly searching for affordable, original art. I've even gone so far as to encourage my favorite Etsy sellers to stock more wall art. (The whole nesting instinct overdrive in your twenties is a total phenomenon to me.) Moving right along, these fashion illustrations by Saule Piktys are incredible. The price tag on these ladies is almost unbeatable. Check out UGallery for more inspiring art by Piktys and others!

Newton Takes All

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My idea of the perfect "transition weather" dress. Well, not really mine... Thank you, AIKO!

“If you do shoes, you should do handbags”

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It seems that the co-founder of Pour La Victoire could not have said it better to WWD. The brand's shoe collection has been a bit disappointing the past few seasons, but what an incredible handbag launch. For some odd reason, the real gems of the collection can be found over at Piperlime.

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That's Chicness

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How gorgeous are these VPL leggings? I feel embarrassed to even call them leggings - these bottoms are in a whole other class! I could do without the price tag. On the search for a more affordable pair!

Good Enough

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This shoe by Jill Stuart looks good enough to eat. I need the color eggplant to be the "it" color of a season in the near future so badly!

Running on Fumes

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It would have been far too wise of me to warn you all that summer is the busiest time of year at my day job. The post title says it all - I am running on fumes and fighting off a much needed trip to the chiropractor. I promise to return to my regular posting in two weeks. This shirt from rag & bone is too good not to share.

Next Level

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The neon trend just wasn't enough for me. I want intergalactic planetary to take over in 2012. How great are these pieces from QooQooFashion and how great is that name?! Wondering if I could get the crazies who think the world is ending in 2012 to join my intergalactic planetary team... I guess this is what happens after months of loving soft neutrals.

Stellar Sunglasses

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I'm in desperate need of a new pair of sunglasses. There's no chance of me owning a pair of nice, expensive shades. Between my forgetfulness, lack of coordination and tight budget, there's just no way. In this case, I really don't mind being limited by my budget. It's fun to experiment with sunglasses. I'm looking for my everyday pair so I've chosen a few with a classic shape and fun twist.

Booty Bringing that Basic

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Placing myself on the wait list for this beautiful basic from Jen's Pirate Booty! Definitely a piece for all seasons.

Textured Gold

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I'm sure it's from viewing way too many pictures of bloggers layered in tons of bangles & friendship bracelets, but heavy textured-gold pieces are really doing something for me these days... drawing my blurred out eye, so to speak.

In other news, I'm taking a crack at annihilating the stack of books on my bedside. Just blazed The Girl Who Played With Fire. Now onto Complications. Hurrah!

Oh La La Oulton

Have you seen the collection Timothy Oulton designed for Restoration Hardware? It's pretty much unbelievable. In my dream world, these pieces would be furnishing my boyfriend's home office. Oh the horror of living in a studio apartment... maybe I'll post some studio pictures soon to make up for my long absence.

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Winter Is Coming

Man, it has been too long since I posted! Must be the pressure from my 100th post coming up... right... I have been keeping myself very busy with road trips, subsequent speeding tickets, wasabi rice chips and... wait for it... Game of Thrones. If you haven't started watching the series, start right now! You will not regret it.

Manic Moments

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I had one of those crazy moments today where I thought I hit the jackpot. I saw these bamboo side tables online and I thought to myself, "I've got to have those!" Well, I put on my running shoes and sprinted over to the storefront in this heat wave. Uhuru Furniture, located on 12th and Spruce, is a great resource in support of an excellent cause. As luck would have it, the tables didn't do it for me in person - that won't stop me from circling back to the blog routinely!

New Desire

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These beautiful necklaces from Little Relics Jewelry Studio by Caitlin Whelan are like breaths of fresh air. Every so often I start to feel weighed down by the sparkles and floral patterns that I normally crave. I've been blaming the humidity. There's just something to be said for natural materials, found objects, and simple shapes.

Speaking Sperry

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Dear Sperry Top-Sider,

All my brother can do is talk about how comfortable his Sperrys are... I, myself, love comfort. I also love a good pair of classic boat shoes. Where can I find the Angelfish Slip-On shoe in Sahara? My tootsies need to know!

Kindly yours,
Blossom

Give Me Man Shops Globe

I've never let myself watch an episode of Man Shops Globe because I think it might make me totally crazy with jealousy. However, that might need to change because the promos all look so good. Season 2 starts June 30! The color indigo obsession and graffiti art headboard? Kindred spirit!

Tell Me Why?

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Why, oh why is this dress sold out on Planet Blue? I clearly need to step up my internet stalking/ shopping game... And head on over to purse n' boots for some pure layering inspiration immediately!