The Week I Caught Up On My Online Shopping

Obviously the Accessories are what I'm Most Excited For...

 This rhinestone, crystal, and chain link confection better be half as cute as it looks online.  It should go well over shift dresses and boatneck tops.

I went with a budget version of this necklace, so hopefully it works. Collar necklaces are really versatile this season.

A Gift for my Mom..

Mango Cat-Eye Sunglasses

The Business-Related Purchases

By Joy Cho

Upgraded my Cargo Collective account so I can finally set up some Google Analytics for it!

Shoe Therapy: The Cure to a Long Day

I hope you all like my new look.  I haven't been posting as often with my new job, as you may know, but as with everything, it gets boring. So, I just gave my blog a much-needed 5 minute refresher to its look and decided to write about the only thing that never fails to make me happy: shoes. Down to business, the top five pairs of shoes I wish were in my closet this month.

To wear to a friend's wedding

Gianni Bini Jeanna Platform Heels

To Feel Sassy at Work

Tony Bianco Black Strappy Heels

 

The Shoes Everyone Would Notice 

Badgely Mishka

 

The Vintage Style

Rachel Roy

 

The Absolute Splurge

Christian Louboutin

Stacy and Clinton's Cost-Per-Wear Theory

Of all my fashion shows, "What Not to Wear" is one of my most consistent favorites. Stacy London and Clinton Kelly's infamously quirky program brings fashion back to what it's intended for in the first place, REAL PEOPLE.  In honor of my new job, I'd like to praise pair's the "Cost-Per-Wear" theory and what it means to me.

Here are the problems: I've always loved to go shopping, to a fault, but my current wardrobe plain and simple wasn't built for an office. So my brain quickly does the math that I need a TON of new clothes and my bank account has a decent amount more money in it. All lights say go, TIME TO SHOP!!!  But thankfully, the Learning Channel's re-run's have made me think twice and plan ahead.

Checking Out the Place

Of course with any new job or interview, you want to put your best foot forward, so you do need two-three standard business professional looks in the back of your closet regardless of your work situation. However, every office culture is different, so I made sure to check mine out first before I hit the mall.  Usually the definers are the age of your coworkers and how often clients come in.  At my internship 2 years ago, I noticed about 4-6 people wear jeans every day to a 30-person office, so I wore my dark jeans most days. Mistake! Not that I saw any specific hindrances to my work, but Stacy and Clinton remind us always: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have! Besides, I admit it does feel better to be overdressed constantly than to be underdressed even once. Yes, this means more money, but that's where the budget-crunching theory comes in.

Quantity Vs. Quality

Kate Spade NY-Leading the Creative Marketing Pack

I consider myself a huge Kate Spade fan.  My first knock off purse I bought in New York at 11 was a teeny denim "Kate Spade" shoulder bag with a coordinating multicolor striped wallet. The past year I've lusted for their sunglasses, "sparkler" clutches, bowler-style bags, their sea foam patent leather wallet, rain drop print laptop case, and every single purse they make with chain-detail straps. I seriously love it, but I can only pretend to own such items on my Pinterest boards at my current income level :)  Still, what I adore almost as much as the products themselves is their graphic design and marketing strategies.  I firmly believe this company is on the top of the technology wave through their use of social media, graphic design, and advertising strategies.  A lot of brands should really take note. 

Interactive Advertising Strategies

I'm no advertising major, but it's easy to see that Kate Spade harnesses current technology and uses it to creatively promote their products instead of alternatively cowering away from it and relying on the weight of their name alone like some of their counterparts.

Pinterest Finds: Classic Magazine Covers

If there's ever one thing I collect obsessively, it would be magazines, old and new. It may take me a grand total of 20 minutes to get through one, but I think it's the little graphic designer that reveres all magazines as books of art.  They're also a fun thing to ask people to bring back for you when they travel abroad.  It's always fun to gush over every little clever design choice made.  So until I make my fortune and purchase and frame every vintage/classic magazine cover I see, my Pinterest hoard will have to hold me over for now.
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Get ready for a blast from the publishing past!

Design Crush: Lauren Conrad

A lot of people will be biting their tongue in the near future for thinking this girl is ONLY a celebrity.

Lauren Conrad is most known for her role on the MTV reality shows, Laguna Beach and The Hills, but she is quickly making herself a household name through her creative career pursuits. Why? Because she is ONE smart cookie, and a girl that never let go of her dreams.


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Project Runway Countdown - Quiz!

Take our quiz  Are You a Project Runway Fanatic??

...And get excited for Project Runway Season 10!! Premieres Thursday, July 19 at 9/8c on Lifetime!

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Pinterest Finds: Bold Necklaces

Click on any of the pins below and it'll take you to their original source. 

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The classic bib necklace 

The necklace in a neutral or metallic shade is most reminiscent of mid century style.  It flatters most necklines, it can fill in negative space created by a v-neck or scoop blouse. It can be worn under the an open-collared top, or over a boat neck dress. The ribbon detail makes it seem extra delicate and adorable. http://capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com/

Design Crush: Viktor Luna

A lot of very talented designers have emerged from Project Runway, but one we hope to hear more from, is Season 9 finalist, Viktor Luna. Known for his humble attitude and avant garde use of photographic prints, this New York fashion designer is one to watch out for in Fall 2012.  

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While the PR judges drooled over his fitted jackets, hand sewn mirror-laced top, and the use of his original photographic fabrics, their biggest criticism on the season finale was that there was "too much sheer."  It was very on-trend for Spring 2012 and keep in mind this show aired all the way back in September.

Viktor Luna: Fall Collection 2012

I think myself along with many other Pinterest-fashion obsessed women would seriously debate the idea that ANYONE can really have "too much sheer."  Personally, I think it's very cool that he pulled off a spring collection dripping with black.  Just because the weather is a little warmer doesn't mean I want to wear peach tops and white shorts every single day of the season.  Go Viktor!  I also would like to say that I very much appreciate the fact that he designed clothes with a woman's body in mind, aka, things that can look good whether you're size 2 or size 14, clothes that don't require showing 70% of your skin...