Shine On

I was lucky enough to spend Saturday evening with one Ms. Samantha House, who in addition to being down for a harrowing drive to the near-ghetto only to listen to really awful local bands, also designs the most gorgeous and inspiring (and shiny!) jewelry you have ever seen.

And no, I am not exagerrating.

Her pieces are bold and unique with a little twist of whimsy and they make a statement without being obnoxious or overwhelming. And they all sparkle. Which I love.

Behold, a few of my favorites.










These pieces are a splurge for sure, but I think we can all agree they are a splurge well worth it. This is the perfect jewelry to dress up a casual night-on-the-town outfit, or add the final piece of fancy to a dressed-to-the-hilt (is that a phrase?) ensemble. And you simply cannot beat high-quality, carefully and imaginatively constructed jewelry made by hand, with love, in the heart of New York City.

The mind boggles, I know.

And get this, Samantha is so good, she can make this stuff on the bus, probably in her sleep with all eight of the Gosselin children screaming in the background.

So stop reading this and go get some already!
And once you've had a peek, come back and tell us which piece is your favorite and where you would flaunt it?

Hair Today

I am in the middle of growing out my hair. As a life-long Person With Short Hair, this is a somwhat painful, excruciating process. I have attempted and failed many times, but this time I think I am going to make it all the way. And when I do, I am going to reward myself with one of these stunningly adorable hair accessories from Spellbound.









I am rather partial to the cocktail hat-inspired options, but celebrating Spring with a flock of butterflies in my hair is also a highly appealing option.

If you are jonesing for some hair magic right now, head over to Have A Cute Day and enter their Spellbound giveaway.

You're welcome!

P.S. Also, does anyone have tips for making your hair grow faster? I am already downing the prenatal vitamins but I swear I have the slowest growing hair, like, ever.

Charmed, I'm Sure

I was catching up over on Have A Cute Day yesterday (how do those sisters do it?) when I came across this photo of Kjrsten and her darling state charm necklace, one charm for each state where she has lived.

Jewelry as nostalgia-- I love it!

So I took quickly to the Internet and started a search for a state charm necklace of my very own. I couldn't find anything quite so colorful as what Kjrsten is modeling here, but I did dig up a few options.

For some sleek, silver state charms, check out Victoria's Vintage Charms.



Or, if a ready-made version is more up your alley, check out these loaded bracelets from Eclecticala. Each one has a different theme with corresponding charms, including some state charms and other USA landmarks like Mount Rushmore.

If you are looking for something more colorful, and you happen to be from Rhode Island, you are in luck at at Vintage Charm Jewelry.

And you Floridians might be interested in this brightly colored find.

I loved these next state charms because they had a little more detail inside the state lines (I adore the Colorado cowboy!), but they don't have every state.

I am putting my own necklace together with Utah, Michigan, Virginia, Massachusetts and Colorado.
What would your state charm necklace include?

In The Bag

Let me paint a picture for you.

Me. Rushing out the door. Late for work or a party or to meet people for dinner. Or anything, really. Purse on one shoulder. A computer or a birthday gift or a plate full of cookies in the opposite hand. Keys precariously dangling from a finger. Crouching, squatting, bending trying to lock the front door or open the car door. The purse slips off and catches on my elbow. The computer/birthday gift/plate of cookies threatens to crash to the ground. Exasperated sighs. Mounting frustration. Ultimately, danger and disaster narrowly avoided.

Sound familiar?

Well, do I have some good news for you. This Spring's hottest bags-- cross body purses that act as a hands-free hybrid of messenger and shoulder bag styles-- are all about practicality. Take it from Deborah Kalkstein, owner of Contemporaria, a Georgetown boutique with a little bit of everything, including furniture, accessories and, naturally, Spring's hottest bags! Read more about her take on the season's new cross body purses, and then check out a slide show of some more spring bag trends.

And then tell us, what do you think of cross body purses?

Are you pumped to go hands free, or is the classic shoulder bag more your cup of tea?

Rain, Rain, Come Again

I am learning many things since my recent relocation to the East Coast. One of which is that you should have an umbrella with you all the time. At all times. All the time. No exceptions. It rains here a lot. You might say it rains all the time.

The good news is, while the prim and proper businessmen of D.C. have to carry big, black, boring umbrellas, I can add a little flair with my rain protection. And so can you. Check out these adorable options.

If you want to blend in with what's happening above your head, try this rain drop patterned umbrella from umbrellas.net.

Or if you want to offset the gray skies, try these bright and bold stripes, also from umbrellas.net.



For a little old-fashioned flair, check out these custom umbrellas from signaturebella.com. The pagoda-style canopies have just the right amount of vintage flair, and the handles come separately, so you can mix and match all you want.





And if you want a better view of what's coming down, maybe one of these clear options will appeal to you, both from umbrellas.com. (A little rain and a little love? Yes, please!)

With one of these in your hand, you'll be begging the rain to stay.

And, around here at least, the rain just might oblige.

Use Your Head

I went to see a dinner theater performance of "High School Musical" last night. (Yes, you read that right. And no, it's not really any good without Zac Efron. And yes, saying that makes me feel a little creepy.)

Anyway.

You know that song, "Get Your Head in the Game?" Well, it got me to thinking about heads, and what sort of game they should be in (stick with me, everyone) and that brings me to... headbands!

Voila!

Luckily, one of our totally fabu Shabby Apple interns, Kate, had her head in the same place (that place being the game. Is this getting old?) and put together this totally fabu article all about this year's hottest head-gear trends.

So, get your head in the game and read away! (That was the last one. I promise.)

It seemed the headband might be headed towards fashion extinction.

Headbands came in with a bang (or, shall we say, with bangs. Get it? Joke!) in the mid-2000s with outlets from high-end department stores and speciality boutiques to Target and Claire's carrying the favored hair accessory in wide patent leather, stripes, polka dots and everything in between. Soon, nearly every retail clothing store in the book was carrying headbands, and suddenly what was once hip and cutting edge became expected and overly familiar. Nothing but another headband.

Had this hair accessory reached its carrying capacity in the world of fashion? Would this item’s overabundance lead to the wiping out of the entire headband population?

Such a grim outlook on the headband’s future has been decisively refuted by recent innovations and alterations. In fact, spring 2009 has seen such a complete reworking of the headband’s basic makeup, the season seems to offer the gift of a totally new hair accessory rather than a slightly modified regurgitation of an old staple.

For starters, we have the “headwrap” variation. With one or two bands crossing from the back of the head across the forehead rather than over the scalp, this take on the headband expresses a casual hippie look. Some are thin elastic bands embellished with small stones or braiding. Shabby Apple has also taken up the trend. Our women's accessories include headwraps made of thick and colorful bands of fabric, adorned with whimsical flowers. (You can't say no to whimsy!)


{Like this look? Try Urban Outfitters.}
{Like this look? Try Shabby Apple.}

The “new headband” for spring also appears in ultra-feminine varieties, including skinny headbands garnished with soft petals or bows fluttering near the ear of the wearer and headbands in soft colors, such as pink, and covered in soft materials, sich as satin and chiffon.


{Like this look? Try J. Crew.}

Another innovative take on the headband for spring expresses a vintage, 1920s flair. Colorful feathers decorating headbands call to mind the retro style of the flapper, but you don't have to travel back in time to get them. In fact, you only have to travel as far back as the Shabby Apple Web site for a fantastic collection to get you started.


{Like this look? Try Urban Outfitters.}


{Like this look? Try Shabby Apple.}

So, whether in a hippie headwrap, a girly, flowered skinny band, or a feather-embellished flapper style, the new headbands of spring 2009 can make any look head and shoulders above the rest. (Can you stand the hilarity?)

Looks like headbands might be here to stay after all.

Beach Bunny Bingo

I am just going to put it out there that the beach is probably one of the Top Five most romantic places to fall in love. I am not speaking from personal experience, mind you. I just have a feeling.

The only catch being that you want to look your best while you are falling in love, and looking your best on the beach can be tricky. Unless, that is, the "I didn't shower this morning and just spent half an hour in salt water" look is your best look. But I doubt that it is. I just have a feeling.

There is no perfect solution, but these tips might help speed along your own summer lovin'. You can thank me by naming your first-born child after me. It seems only fair.


For starters, get yourself a trendy suit. One-shouldered suits are hot (or should I say h-o-t-t) this season, as are cut-out bikinis. One-piece cut-outs are a nice compromise if you only want to give away a little peek.

{Photo courtesy of fashionsing.com}

If you are looking for a printed suit, leave the dainty stuff behind and go for bold graphic stripes, colorful paisley or some other stand-out pattern instead. Celebrities are sporting eye-popping hippie-style prints up and down all kinds of coasts.

{Photo courtesy of Glamour Magazine}

This summer is also a great time to experiment with the classic black suit. A saucy cut-out bikini or one-piece is a great option. Or look for basic black suits with some non-basic embellishments such as ring details, a flattering halter top or retro-cut bottoms.

{Photo courtesy of Glamour Magazine}

Next, pick out some swimwear accessories. Remember, that suit isn't just for swimming. (And, frankly, might not be for swimming at all.) Our goal is romance here. And sheer cover-ups, one hot trend for this hot season, have romance written all over them.

{Photo courtesy of fashionsing.com}

Or, you can adapt a non-beach-related trend, such as bohemian chic, and take it to the sand.

{Photo courtesy of fashionsing.com}

Short shorts are also an emerging cover-up trend. Try some sporty shorts or some edgy denim cut-offs. They're the perfect way to get some coverage without leaving everything to the imagination. (If you've got it, flaunt it. Right, ladies?!)


{Photo courtesy of Glamour Magazine}

Short dresses, long shirts and robes are also good cover-up options for this summer.

For the finishing touches, think about a beach bag with a large graphic print or design (again, anything retro is a safe bet this season), and some kind of sun hat. My favorites are straw, in either the floppy or cowboy varieties. A good hat will cover your ocean hair, protect your beautiful faces and make you just the right amount of straight-up adorable.

And then true love can't help but find you seaside.

Planning to hit the beach this summer?

What is your must-have oceanside accessory?

Brooch-ing the Subject

I don't like to judge, but I saw a woman wearing a brooch the other day and it looked ridiculous.

It looked ridiculous because it was a brooch of a friendly bug of some kind, like a little dragon fly or something, and she had it pinned to her shoulder. That's right. Pinned right to the top of her shoulder, as if it had just landed there and decided to stay. But it didn't look whimsical and cute. It looked ridiculous. (Have I mentioned that already?)

So, I got to thinking. How can you wear a brooch creatively? Because perched on your shoulder can't be right. But I have a lovely collection of shiny, vintage brooches from my mother and grandmother and I would love to use them more, while also avoiding the fate of this poor woman. And I bet you would, too.

Can you guess what's coming next?

It's tips! Tips are coming next!

1. Instead of pinning a brooch to your lapel, pin it to a chain and wear it as a pendant. You can also turn brooches into bracelets by attaching them to a cloth wrist cuff (homemade is fine.)

{image from http://www.robincamille.com/}

2. If you are going out for a fancy night on the town (as I am sure you all have hot dates every night of the week), use some bobby pins to attach a blingy brooch to your updo, maybe nestled in a bed of messy curls, as a hairpin in a sleek bob or even attached to the side of a cloth or elastic headband.

{image from http://www.liveweddings.com/}

3. Got a dress that doesn't fit quite right? Gather the extra fabric (under the bust is a great place to do this), and secure it with a large, striking brooch. I have also used brooches to spice up the waistlines of dresses that fit. Other non-traditional placements include at the V of a sweater or shirt, or higher up on the shoulder of a sleeveless blouse or dress. (But, remember, not actually on the shoulder. Because that looks, say it with me, ridiculous.)

4. Another trick I love is using a large, usually round-ish brooch to cover up an ugly button or other closure on a cardigan or shrug. If you have a cover-up with no button at all and you want a makeshift closure, a brooch also comes in handy.

5. You can also ditch the clothes all together and use a brooch to add a little class and bling to an evening bag, a satin belt, a hat or a scarf.

{image from http://www.butterfliesandhurricanes.co.uk/}

6. Also, don't feel like you can only wear one statement brooch at a time. If you have several smaller pins, bunch them together on your lapel or around the neckline of a simple dress or blouse for a new twist on an old favorite.

{image from http://www.jckonline.com/}

Are you ready to pin one on?
What are your favorite tricks for getting the most bang out of your brooch-y bling?

And A Dash of Retro

My mama was in town over the weekend and we decided to tackle a sewing project while she was here. I will not get into the particulars of whether or not this was a good idea, but I will tell you that said sewing project yielded the most delicious retro-style apron, and I have decided that retro-style aprons are totally the new black! Or something like that.

Of course, we all know the practical benefits of aprons. For one thing, they save your darling clothes from being ruined by cooking-time messes such as  flying powdered sugar (or whatever it is that happens to fly around your kitchen). But retro aprons give you so much more. In addition to the necessary kitchen protection, they also add a dash of whimsy and a pinch of adorable to your ensemble, instead of drowning you in frumpy homemaker garb. And, who wouldn't be more excited to roll their sleeves up in the usually mundane kitchen if it meant tying on a charming apron? Well, not me. That's for sure.

If you are a skilled domestic diva, making your own apron is definitely an option. (I used a vintage handkerchief that says, "Feeling Lucky Cowboy?" on mine, and that is sass you just can't buy in a store.) But, if you do go the retail road, here are some suggestions.

You can go dotty, striped or patriotic with these sweet cover-ups from Carolyn's Kitchen. (These sweeties don't even need clothes underneath. Oo-la-la!)

This sweet pink number from Cupcake Provocateur would make the perfect hostess gift. Or, just might turn you into the perfect hostess. I love, love, love the panels and piping.

And this handmade retro-style apron from Etsy shop Boojiboo has it all: sweetheart neckline, circle skirt, fitted bust. Could there be a more flattering accessory? (Answer: no.)

Can't wait to get into the kitchen with one of these confections, can you?

And, am I the only one craving a cupcake now? (Mmm... sprinkles...)

Bathing Beauty

It's a little hard to believe since I am still wearing long sleeves and multiple pairs of socks, but I am already getting bombarded with e-mails about spring swimwear lines. That's right, swimsuit season is almost upon us! And, may I just say, I am loving this new trend of retro swimming suits? I may? Well, thank you kindly. I am loving this new trend of retro swimming suits.

For one thing, they make one-pieces hip again, which is good news for those of us looking for more coverage rather than less. I am especially digging the styles with a lower cut leg. I've got a little junk in the trunk, you know, and I don't need everyone seeing all of it.

But, more than that, these suits are just plain adorable! I adore the flirty ruffles, the old-school prints and the overall classiness. A quick online search will probably bring up dozens and dozens of options, but here are some of my recent favorites.

I just can't get enough of these cheery polka dots.



The ruching and halter top give this retro throwback black swimsuit just the right amount of sass.



If you're looking for something that really makes a statement try this boldly striped suit, just the right mix and daring and demure.


Never mind that I still have to sleep with a heating pad, perfect sunny days by the pool or the waves will be here soon enough, and I think we all deserve a smashing new suit to celebrate. Don't you?

And please, tell us.

What are your must-have features in that perfect swimsuit?

Fly Girl

{BCBG Max Azaria cardigan from Macys.com}

For the past few months I have been obsessing over flyaway cardigans. I love them. I can't really say why, exactly. Maybe it's the creative, hipper twist on an old favorite. Maybe it's that they are so flattering on everyone. Maybe it's because flyaway cardigans are "trendy," to be sure, but I don't think they'll ever actually be out of style. Or maybe it's because Little J. was wearing a totally stylin' striped flyaway cardigan with an edgy rock T-shirt a few episodes ago on "Gossip Girl" and I wanted to look just like that. All the time. Urban. Effortless. Totally cool.

So, I finally went and got a few flyaway cardigans of my own. (One awesome thing ab0ut a down economy is that I don't feel guilty about shopping anymore. It's my patriotic duty!) I think the thing I really do love most about this particular wardrobe item is the versatility. Throw it over a tank or a T-shirt and jeans for flawless weekend casual, pair it with a pencil skirt and a wide belt for office chic, or put it over a summer dress to get some mileage out of off-season clothes. The options are really endless.

And the styles are, too. Check out Express.com for some bold stripes, or here for a slightly softer flyaway cardigan design, or here for a heavier, more textured sweater.

Then tell us, have you caught the flyaway fever?

And what is your favorite way to wear your new wardrobe staple?

Tie One On

{Image from moeys.net}



Whether you live in cold weather (I feel your pain) or warm weather (I hate you), temperatures are bound to drop some time, and when they do, a nice scarf is the perfect accessory to keep you feeling warm and looking good.

And scarves aren't just for outerwear anymore either. A lighter-weight scarf in a trendy pattern (I hear buffalo plaid is in) or a unique fabric (knit! sparkly!) is the perfect accent to a graphic T-shirt or a solid-colored blouse.

Now, if you are like me (and I hope at least one of you is), wearing a trendy fashion scarf is a sort of intimidating proposition. I am always afraid I will look, well ridiculous. But, Shabby Apple friends, never fear! Follow these simple guidelines (with examples set by our celebrity friends!) and you'll look flawless every time.

Do: Choose a classic monochromatic look.

Tone on tone outfits plus scarf look best with neutrals, such as black, navy, camel and cream. Up your sophistication, and keep your outfit from veering to boring, by mixing fabrics, including satin, velvet and wool. {Image by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images}

Don't: Think a scarf can save a bad outfit.

If it looks bad without a scarf, it won't look any better with one. Another hint: save skinny scarves for more fitted tops and jackets.

Do: Wear a flattering color next to your face.

If you wouldn't buy a chartreuse shirt or sweater, you probably shouldn't buy a chartreuse scarf either. But a flattering pop of color can add excitement to a fluffy winter coat.

Don't: Overwhelm your look with a scarf.

If people feel like they need to stop your scarf from choking you, it's probably too big and too knotted. And what is the point of putting on a shirt at all if you are just going to cover it with an enormous scarf? Instead of going for a huge knot at your throat, drape longer scarves, or tie them with a loose not further down. {Image by Amy Sussman/Getty Images}

Do: Make a scarf your spotlight accessory.

A simple scarf in an elegant fabric, such as pashmina or cashmere, is a perfect winter substitute for showy jewelry. Choose a bold, clean color that contrasts nicely with the rest of your ensemble for a winning evening look.

Don't: Throw on a scarf as an afterthought.

You can't just toss on a polka-dot scarf with a cocktail dress and expect anyone to think you put a lot of thought into it. Make sure the style of your scarf matches the tone of the rest of your outfit. And, if the scarf takes away instead of adding, skip it. Just because scarves are stylish doesn't mean they look good all the time.

Do: Wear a scarf for dressy events.

A broad scarf in a classy color, such as red, and a classy fabric, such as pashmina, can add color and warmth to more formal ensembles. Wrap a longer scarf loosely around your neck once and let the ends hang down, or drape a scarf around your shoulders and toss the ends over either side. Use a sparkling decorative brooch to keep it in place. {Image by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images}

Don't: Overaccessorize.

Put a floppy hat with a long scarf and a pair of sunglasses, and you'll look more like a fugitive than a fashion-plate. Remember that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and make sure your accessories are not competing with eachother. (Also, if a hat and a scarf got in a fight, who do you think would win?)

Do: Try a print scarf.

The right pattern can set of your outfit perfectly. For example, a colorful plaid is the perfect compliment to a muted pea coat. And a lighter-weight scarf with a trendy pattern is a great way to spice up a simple black or white T-shirt.

Now, once you have the perfect scarf picked out, there are as many ways to tie it up or twist it around as there are people reading this blog post. (And, by that I mean a lot. There are a lot of you reading this blog post, right?) For example, do you want to wear a scarf around your head? As a belt? Under a coat? If you are looking for a little inspiration, here are some pointers on how to tie a scarf.

Good luck!

And tell us, is a scarf one of your go-to winter accessories?