Obsess: Miansai Bracelets, Not Just for the Boys

While cruising around Brooklyn a few weekends ago, I found myself inside the cute store Bird (right next to Samurai Mama!).  It's easy to get lost in this store, but not because it's big- because it's full of amazing things that I wish I had all the money in the world to buy.

Anyway, as soon as I walked in, I was quickly distracted by shiny bracelets in their jewelry case.  As the salesperson lifted one out of the case, I couldn't take my eyes off it- a simple and structured bracelet of brass.

I'm in love with these bracelets by Miansai.  While it's a pretty simple concept and may seem a bit clunky (bracelet secured with a screw), it's so delicate on the wrist.  I think that they are a great to wear either alone or in a stack of other bracelets.  I've checked out their website and it turns out that they market more to men than women.  Their jewelry seems to have a bit of a sailing spin on it, but it's still really cool and unique for both boys and girls!  Prices are a little high on these bracelets...ranging from $165-$300 depending on which one you pick, so they'll stay on my Obsess list, but Christmas is just a couple days away!  If you're looking for an extra nice gift for that BFF of yours, this could be a good option.

Hope most of you have finished your Holiday Shopping!  If not, there are still some deals out there to be had.  Don't fret.  I'll show you the way.  Stay tuned!

Obsess to Own?? Miriam Salat Sample Sale!

Beautiful baubles from Miriam Salat are going to be on sale today and tomorrow at their first Sample Sale!

If you're not in NY, don't worry.  You can get in on the action on their Facebook page.  This is so exciting, especially since I have a pair of earrings that I have been totally Obsessed with by Miriam Salat (read more here).  Now, I just have to find the time to check this out!  Hope you can make it.

Own: The Yankee Gift Exchange...White Elephant...Whatever!

Getting gifts for people is a stressful affair for me.  I'm completely Obsessed with getting the absolutely, most -perfect, gift possible for each and every person I get a gift for.  So, when I'm confronted with a Yankee Gift exchange (also known as White Elephant), my brain doesn't even know what to think.

What do you mean, "get a generic gift??"  I don't even know how to really do that.  Thus, the birth of this post. I'll admit, it's really for a self-serving purpose that I write this.  I just need to get my ideas out.  I'd even be open to feedback.  I mean, what do you get for a group of guys and girls, especially when you have no idea who's going to be opening your gift?!

Let's venture into this challenge together.

Let's start with the obvious.  Utility.  I want to get something that people will think is useful.  One of the most useful things I think most New Yorkers can agree with is an auto open-close umbrella.  Sounds undesirable, but when you have your hands full of groceries, your gym bag is sliding off your shoulder, and you're trying to open your apartment door on a rainy day, TRUST ME, you'll be glad you have an auto open-close umbrella.  Totes has some that have cute prints and solid colors right in the price range of the gift exchange.

Depending on the friends you keep, gag gifts can get a little tricky (i.e. I have a cousin who received a Dong Bong and, yes, it is exactly what you think it is.  Lucky for the gifter, she thought it was funny), but luckily I have a light-hearted group of friends that's always open to a funny or two.  Mustaches have been everywhere so I want to choose something different.   How about some cupcake floss or some money toilet paper?  Urban Outfitters has an endless array of interesting gifts to brighten up any gift exchange.

Entertainment!  The world has gotten so digital that board games have almost become a relic, but a lot of the fun nights I've had at friends' houses have been playing board games.  Apples to Apples seems to have become a favorite, but if you want something a little more adult, try Cards Against Humanity

Don't want to commit time to a board game?  You can now play passive Scrabble with your roommate with this magnetic version which is pretty brilliant.

Wow guys, thanks for your help.  I've got plenty of ideas now!  Your listening really helped me work this one out.  Happy Monday!

Own: That Holiday Clutch

I've never been a huge fan of clutches, but honestly, that's because I like to stuff as much as possible inside my bag.  Unfortunately, when the Holidays come around and I'm wearing a sparkly cocktail dress, my monster duffel bag seems a little out of place and I'm left wishing that I had a dainty clutch instead.

Well, my friends, not this year because I'll Own that dainty, little clutch already!  If your friends are anything like my friends, all your holiday parties are next week.  The pressure is on!  Let's get that clutch!  Without further ado, let's begin the examination.

This Expressions Silver Clutch is pretty standard.  I've seen this type of clutch at a lot of holiday parties in the past and I have to say that while it's not the most amazing clutch I've ever seen, it's likely going to match any holiday dress you choose- a good closet staple.

If you want something a little more understated, check out this French Connection Velvet Clutch.  The texture of the fabric makes it a little fancier than your average black clutch.

If you don't want to actually carry your clutch around, then opt for a crossbody.  This one from Zara is really adorable and because of its color, you could carry this into the spring, too.

Want something black but not feeling the velvet?  How about this Zara Beaded Clutch?  You might have to be careful with the beading, but it looks like it would go great with any holiday/going out outfit.

AND NOW.  The winner.  This one is it.  The Nali Star Clutch!  I love the adorable shape and I usually prefer something a little more whimsical.  While it might be a little small, what does a girl really need at a party besides lipstick and a cell phone, right? 

The best thing about these cute accessories is that they are all under $100.  I think they're versatile enough that you could use them even after the Holidays.  Stay tuned of the Obsess version of this post next week!

Ogle to Own: Cyber Dream Buys

While I didn't get anything for myself during this Cyber Shopping Frenzy, there are tons of things out there that I wish I had bought!

Ahhh, the glories of having a blog...now I can tell you guys all about it!  Alrighty then!  Let's get started....time's a-wastin'!

These Givenchy Boots.  They're at a great discount and they're an extra 15% off at Yoox.com with the code YOOXTHANKS which brings them to about $370.  This puts them in my Obsess range...but for some of you that might be Own range!  Get them while the sizes are still available.

Nars Bronzer and Blush duo.  I've never been a huge makeup person, but I think that having a great bronzer and blush to shape the face really makes a difference and Nars makeup has the staying power to last all day. They have 20% off with the code NARSFF2012 bringing this duo down to under $33.

Peter Jensen's Fox Sweater.  Otte is putting their whole site on sale - 20% off!  This fox sweater is adorable and whimsical.  Just what you need for a cold winter.  

Bling bling bling!  This feather charmed necklace by Sydney Evan is on Belle and Clive today and they are offering an extra 10% off all purchases.

There are so many other lovely things out there.  Is there something that you're Ogling or Obsessing over??

Ogle, Obsess, and Own: Cyber Wins!

Did you all make it out alive?

In the past years, I've joined the masses at the late night/ early morning sales, but this year I sat it out.

I sat it out in my comfy and warm bed and ponied up for a midnight rush online.  Since we are entering the Season of Giving, I spent no money on myself.  I did get some great deals for my friends, though!

Do you have any great Cyber Weekend/Monday scores??  I'd love to hear your Ogle to Own stories!  Feel free to leave your story in the comments.

Happy Shopping!

Stay up to date on the deals by following me Twitter or Facebook.

More to Own! Thanksgiving Day Sales on Facebook

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Before we get into all this shopping talk, I first want to say that I'm really grateful for everything this year.  I've been really lucky to have a great family, amazing friends, an more than loving boyfriend.  I'm surrounded by support and happiness and I'm utterly thankful for all of it.  Just stopping to think about it all makes me feel pretty peachy.  I'm happy to be in a place in my life where I have the freedom to have this blog and share my wonderful shopping finds with you all.

All that being said, there are so many sales happening right now that I can't possibly keep up with them, so I've taken to Facebook and I'll be updating as much as I can!  Find Ogle, Obsess, Own on Facebook today to see all the sales that I'm perusing.

Happy Turkey Day to you all!

Own Own Own! Sales Sales Sales!

PRE-BLACK FRIDAY IS HERE.

Hey!  Just because it's not Black Friday doesn't mean that you can't get your shopping engines started.  There are so many sites out there throwing sales at you, but don't worry.  I'm here to help.  Let me show you the way.

Yoox.com is an awesome place to find deals if you have the patience for it.  Right now they are offering an additional 15% off on their site with the code YOOXTHANKS.  Here are some choice items on there that I'm seriously considering Owning:

This pair of Chloe Booties are darling and so are these Bimba y Lola gloves

Oh and LOOK!  A dress by Charlotte Eskildsen's Designer Remix!  

James Perse is having an early access sale.  If you love their soft knits and lazy Ts, now is the time to stock up.

I would love to have all the things in this sale but, this faux wrap dress, comfy tank, and military shirt are my favorites.  Let's get three of each.  Yay!

Get on Revloveclothing.com now and like them on facebook!  They'll give you an extra 20% off everything on their site.  This is a great place to cruise for holiday dresses!  Here are some great ones that I found:

A Gothic lace number by StyleStalker, a blingy mini dress by Backstage, or a paired down dress by Torn ripe for accessory embellishement- Revolve has a lot of great options.

I hope this gets your shopping chops going...stay tuned for a rundown on Black Friday of my scores!  Good luck!

Obsess: Smukke! Charlotte Eskildsen

Smukke means beautiful, just like Charlotte Eskildsen's Designers Remix Collection.

I stumbled upon her designs recently floating around the web and I have to tell you about them.

Why?


Because I wish my whole closet was her stuff.  I want to open up my closet and only have Charlotte Eskildsen in it.  It's that good.  It's not over done.  It's simple, but quirky.  It's perfect for the city dweller.  So let's take a look at some of my favs from Designers Remix.

This slightly minty coat.  What a dreeeaaammm.  It's nice to see a coat that isn't black.  I know this would get destroyed in the NYC winter, but I don't care.  I would love to have it.

The obligatory lounge-y sweater.  It's nice and gentle oatmeal color is really versatile and probably something that I would spend my entire winter in.

A cool cardi!  It's easy to fall into the habit of just buying the same black cardigan every season, but this one is so awesome.  It has a funky shape and adds a little texture to your otherwise boring cardigan.

Sleek and work appropriate dress.  It's not just a cookie cutter dress.  It has a cool top which, while being conservative, is unique enough that it doesn't come off uptight.  I love it!  

As you can see, there's a lot to love about this brand and its designs.  Prices are all listed in euro, but the euro is weak right now so go after it!  More good news?!  They deliver to the US and if you order more than 133 euros worth of closet-perfecting duds, they ship for FREE.  YUP.  Anyway, don't let me get in the way of your new Obsession.

Ogle, Unless You're Going to Europe...The Kooples

So about 5 months ago, my dearest friend, the Party Cat, escaped the clutches of NYC and moved across the pond to London.  I was lucky enough to get over there recently to visit her, but it was also my first trip to London ever- oh, and we made an epic stopover into Paris...a city that I've Obsessed about for years.

What was it like?

Well, the weather was pretty mucky, but that was to be expected.  What I loved about it (and maybe what I think is the most alluring thing about living in Europe) was the pace of life there.  Everyone seemed to have an understanding that while things needed to get done, they weren't going to get done at the expense of their own happiness.  I think that's something that New Yorkers should really take notice of.  Oh and the food.  Man, Paris really has that down pat.  It wasn't about anything complicated.  It was the butter.  The bread.  The ANCHOVIES.  Anyway, I digress.  Let's talk about The Kooples.

The Kooples is a store that I saw a few times when we were roaming the streets.  I loved the window displays, but for some reason, I never went into the stores.  I really regret it now!  In the US, you're trained to think that anything you see, you can eventually get online (mostly at Amazon), but when dealing with Europe, that's just not true.  Now I've learned my lesson.  Coming back and looking at The Kooples site, they don't deliver to the US.  Hence, I Ogle.  *Le sigh.*

Let me show you a few reasons why they need to deliver to the US (besides the fact that I would just give them my money):

I love how casual and classy this look is.  It's not anything new- black jeans, a cream blouse and a camel coat.  Done before, I know, but something about the styling of the shirt slightly tucked in and the coat off the shoulders seems so effortless and chic.  See the look and the pieces in their lookbook.

The woman's suit.  This is really hard to find in US, especially one this TOTALLY AWESOME (or as some might say, "totes amazeballs!")  I feel like forest green really made a comeback this fall (um, did anyone see all the coloblocking in the Celine Fall bags?  Yum.) alongside burgundy, and The Kooples has totally embraced that.  The cut of this suit is so right- dressy without being stiff.  See the details here in the lookbook. 

Last, but certainly not least, is their leather jacket selection.  I think there are some amazing options by designers here, don't get me wrong.  But, these are the ones that I would happily plop down the bucks for. Ah quand même....if they would only ship to America!  The burgundy one is so awesome I don't even have words for it.  Also, don't be fooled by the one with shearling and just think that it's normal.  It's actually a long jacket.  See the look in their lookbook.

Anyway, I could probably go on a little more about this, but I'll spare you the torture since you can't get this brand unless you go to Europe...but hey, I love having any reason to go back.  This one and getting myself to the Rue Cambon Chanel store are top of my list right now.  Paris, wait for me!

Ogle, Obsess, Own Now!

See this new feed here on the right?  I've put this here just for you.

There are so many things out there that I see and love and want, but sometimes it's not enough time in the day to write about it.  I don't want it to go unheard!  Now, you can see what I'm Ogling, Obsessing, and Owning in real time.  Check it out- maybe you'll find something you want to Own...don't blame me though if it ends up being an Ogle or Obsess priced item.  Shop at your own risk.  Click through to see the whole list on Pinterest.  Enjoy!

Obsess: Miriam Salat Apricot Earrings

A few weeks ago, I was cruising around Walnut Street in Philly and I came across a store that had a gorgeous pair of earrings in a case.  It was as if I went into auto-pilot when I saw them- I immediately asked the saleswoman to open the case so I could touch and feel (and almost smell, but the lady was standing right there...) these earrings.

Weeks have gone by and the desire to see again is almost insatiable.  Luckily, I am an expert Googler and can find pretty much anything on the internets.  So I present to you, the earrings:

They're SO LOVELY!

After the initial shock of how stunning these were, my eyes moved down to the tiny little hang tag on the back at a pricey $495.  Doesn't stop me from being obsessed with them completely but it did stop me from pulling out my wallet.  They're by Miriam Salat who has a lot of earrings that follow this same aesthetic- straight up girly glamour.  I'll dedicate this post to the Princess List because these earrings look like a lovely and delicate princess would wear them to a beautiful fall, don't you think?  Eek!  If you're feeling like a princess today, you can pick these earrings up here on her site, MiriamSalat.com.

Totally Obsessed: Tsumori Chisato, are you Ogle or Obsess?

I've seen Tsumori Chisato around for a while and I don't know why I haven't been moved enough to write about it.  Her stuff is so cool and awesome and unique.  I hate to say that I've been distracted, but that must be the only reason why I would have put off writing about her and my love for her designs for so long.

Anyway, without much further ado, let's talk about Tsumori Chisato and why I love her stuff.  Being a child of the Hello Kitty era (which is still alive and stronger than ever today), I love whimsical patterns, bright colors and happy faces. I don't know where along the way I lost the urge to wear styles that featured those things.  I still love them.  They still make me really happy when I see them.

Case and point: I've been hunting for a new wallet.  My trusty Miu Miu has finally broken down, but the wide world of wallets, while colorful, isn't really inspring.  It hadn't been until I saw this adorable thing.

It's definitely not your average bear!  It's a pattern of swans with a cat.  I love it.  I would love to have this swimming around in my purse, but at a $300+ price point, it has to be just an Obsession for now.  

Beyond that painfully cute wallet, Tsumori Chisato has a lot of other items that have this same kind of sophisticated, child-drawn storybook feel.  Her clothes focus less on contouring the lines of the body and more around fun patterns and colors that almost tell a story.  Most of her dresses are large sacks of fabric which I would normally be against, but the combination of colors is just so refreshing I can't take my eyes of them.  Here are some of my favorites:

Iceberg Dot Black Dress

Four Trees Print Skirt

Sky and Dinosaur Scarf

Ribbon Dress

The colors are so vivid and different and all would look awesome under a leather jacket for fall.  I'm dying for that Dinsosaur scarf!  As much as I've put this in the Obsess bucket, I feel like it could easily be an Ogle for most people- it is a little wackier than your average dress. 

My Fairy Godmother Did Good.

Turns out, my fairy godmother and her magic wand cleaned me up well for the engagement party.  Ta-dah!  Myself on the left in the awesome Hussein Chalayan Dress, a baublebar necklace and those delicious YSL heels.  A little sea salt spray, bronzer and a baby pink lip worked! 

Love what my friend is wearing?  Well too bad.  Most of it's vintage!  Both her necklace and her leather skirt were her mom's and her top was from Zara.

What a lovely time!

From Ogle to Own, A Cinderella Story: How Chalayan and YSL Became Mine.

I have a lovely friend.  She's getting married to a lovely man.  She gave me a lovely reason to shop because her friends and family are throwing her and her future hubby an engagement party this weekend.

I've thought about this before, but why do people feel the need to get super dolled up for someone else's wedding?  I mean, it's not like the people are going to see you- they're going to see the gorgeous bride and the dashing groom.  Alas, I also fall prey to the school of thinking that you have to look your absolute best when you attend someone else's wedding/wedding events.  Why am I not posting about the dress I'm wearing to the wedding?  Well, I'm going to be a bridesmaid and the bride allowed us to pick out our own bridesmaids' dresses.  Curious which one?  Well, you'll have to wait.  We're going to talk about my outfit for this weekend first.

I know how I want to look at this party.  I want to look like a put together young lady (it's at a racquet club, after all) without being uptight.  I want to be chic, not sexy.  Smart, but not corporate.  Fashionable, without being unapproachable.  Tall order, right?  Or wait- I think this is what I want to look like all the time.

Anyway, lots of styles like this are far out of the price range for one event.  Not saying that I'll only wear the dress once, but we all know that is a possibility (though I'll try it on plenty of times in the future for other events and probably opt to buy a new dress for those events...eeek tsk tsk to myself.)

So let's get to the reason why you're here at all!  THE DRESS.  THE SHOES.  THE LOOK.

First, the dress, of course.  I had a credit sitting on Yoox, so naturally I started there.  After hours and hours of sifting through pages and pages of dresses, I found the One.  This One:

This picture doesn't even do it justice.  When I put this dress on, it cinched perfect at the waist and the slit up the leg was just enough to make me say "oh my."  There are slight shoulder pads which make the dress just a little more "fashion."  The v-neck in the front can be opened up to be more sexy (if I feel sassy) and the whole dress is simple enough that if I wanted to dress it up with some serious bling, I could.  Win.  Win.  Win.  Want more?  Well, when I found it on Yoox, it was at a price so low that I didn't even have to think twice about buying it.  I don't even think I blinked- I just clicked and it was mine.  Later, when I was looking for images for this post, I found it on Opening Ceremony, it was WAY MORE.  I bought it without knowing the original price.  I had found a gem and I didn't even know it.

Then there's the story of these shoes.  It really was kind of a Cinderella/Glass slipper kind of deal.  I walked into the YSL store and immediately saw this shoe on the shelf.  When I asked if they had it in my size, they didn't.  I was ready to walk away when the lady asked me to just try on the display pair since it was the only one they had left.  I slipped it on and IT FIT.  I think my jaw might have hit the ground.  The best part?  The shoe was marked down something ridiculous- so ridiculous that I worry if I tell you, you simply won't believe me.  Just know it was enough to take it from Ogle to Own!  

Now that I have the basis of my outfit,  I just have to dress it up.  I just got painted my nails a deep, deep red in honor of the first day of Fall and I'm so excited to really dress this outfit up with some fall accessories and make up.  Do you guys have any suggestions for lip color??  I'm always terrible at picking the right makeup to go with an outfit.  Any help is welcomed! 

Obsess: Mandy Coon's Spring is Dark and Lovely

When I think of spring in New York, I often get this image in my head of pretty girls rubbing their eyes and shedding all the layers of black that they piled on in the winter.  When the weather isn't quite warm enough, but the sun is shining bright, they emerge in shorts to show off their well-hibernated legs.  They braid their hair and wear beach waves.

Well, Mandy Coon's Spring 2013 collection just slapped me in the face, woke me up, and shoved leather and greased-back hair in front of me.  And I liked it.

You know what else she had in her show??  THE BUNNY BAG!  I love that bag!  It's so lovely and adorable.  It's a nice contrast to the tough lines and the shiny leather.  The floppy ears are awesome. Take a look at my favs:

Loving the slicked back hair, too!  To see the whole show, you have your trusty slideshow on Style.com.

Obsess: NYFW Jenni Kayne Spring 2013

Jenni Kayyyyne.

You've heard me go on about how much I loved her D'orsay flats, but her most recent Spring Runway show has driven me deeper into my love for her design and awesome use of color.  Let me share with you a few of my favorites:

I love the shorts and I love those FLATS (of course).  High-waisted shorts are awesome for shorts girls (like me) AND those lucky, leggy girls as well.  I love the colors and the throwback patterns.  Needless to say, I'm totally excited for Jenni Kayne next spring!  After all this time that I'll have to obsess over those flats, I might just have to Own them (soon).  Oh, and, that pink dress is stunning.  If you want to see the whole collection, you can find it at Style.com.