Cheeky Kate

I'm recently obsessed with Pinterest and Kate Spade products are popping up on boards left and right. I'd forgotten how great the brand was until I saw these cheeky pouches. After stalking the e-store, it's safe to say I have rekindled my love and have a huge new wishlist, starting with this fun tennis ball coin purse (complete with a faux grass tote. seriously).

Pretty Picks: Simple Straps

I've been seeing simple, two strap sandals everywhere and they look so fresh for spring. I love the feminine, pastel versions from Kate Spade and Vince Camuto, and the minimalist pairs with a pop of color from Nine West and Schutz. However, my favorites are the top three with interesting details that make them not so simple after all.

1. Cole Haan, $198
2. Calvin Klein, available at Macy's, $119
3. Zara, $50
4. Vince Camuto, $129
5. Kate Spade, $328
6. Nine West, $89
7. Schutz, $150

Pretty Picks: Neon Accents

The new way to wear neon? Inject your outfit with bold accessories. The trend is still popular, but the chic way to wear electric blue, hot pink, or fluorescent yellow for 2012 is in smaller doses. These amazing Reed Krakoff wedges are the perfect example. Everything below, however, won't break the bank.

J. Crew neon belt, $40
Pink Sunglasses, $9
ASOS clutch, $63
Neon piped cross body, $25
Baubble Bar earrings, $38
Topshop hot pink flats, $32
ModCloth lime green heels, $60
Ann Taylor thin belt, $30
Neon Nail Polish, $6

Zara Spring 2012

I'm obsessed with the new pieces at Zara. They have every spring trend all in one place. I love the pastel blazers, jeans, and dresses, and the cool, graphic florals on bottoms of all varieties. My favorites are this black and white skirt and these shorts. The prints remind me of Piazza Sempione or Prabal Gurung and are edgy but totally wearable. Other standouts are the neon top below, an awesome dress, and tangerine boyfriend jeans.

Zara Top

Lovey Dovey Gifts

This is the last gift idea post, I promise. I love when people make me playlists. They're personal, introduce me to new music, and always say something.  Make your other half a playlist filled with songs that hold meaning between you two. Then add these DVF ear buds as the finishing touch. They're the comfy kind and they're cute.

Heart buds

Lovey Dovey Gifts

Another Valentine's Day gift idea. It's not my fault! Every time I'm shopping online, (which is often... I'll admit it) red and pink products are on the home pages with cutesy slogans. I forget all about what I originally clicked there for, especially when I saw these cat eye sunnies from J. Crew's collaboration with Selima Salaun. I love them in tortoise -so '50s chic- but the adorable red pair makes a unique gift for February 14th.

Sophia Sunglasses

Lovey Dovey Gifts

Another great Valentine's Day gift is this necklace from Stella & Dot. It's more clever than your typical V-Day heart necklace but just as sweet. Stella & Dot sells a range of jewelry and bags, and there's seriously something for everyone. I'm so obsessed with this dainty arrow necklace I just might buy it for myself.

On The Mark Necklace

Lovey Dovey Gifts

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and anything heart-shaped or red is dominating stores. In the midst of all the horrible things out there, I've found some cute gifts too, like these Marc by Marc Jacobs studs. I'm not usually a fan of heart-shaped jewelry but these petite 10-karat-gold earrings are simple, but beautiful. It's a sweet gesture that any girl would love, just make sure her ears are pierced.

Heart Studs

Pretty Picks: Tangerine

Just some great spring pieces in trendy shades of orange.

1. ModCloth Orange Jeans, $83

2. Orange Sunglasses, $4

3. Topshop Retro Bikini, $64

4. Topshop Coral Flats, $32

5. (similar) Patent Belt, $11

6. Essie - Orange It's Obvious, $5

7. ModCloth Orange Satchel, $170

8. Orange Scarf, $50

9. Philosophy Shower Gel, $16

10. ASOS pleated dress $32
p.s. did you guys know Essie has an Amazon store? Orange It's Obvious was sold out online at Nordstrom, so I searched Google and Amazon popped up. They sell discontinued colors so you can find your old favorites and their spring 2012 collection is half priced there!

Look-at-me Lips

I don't wear lipstick often but I've been drawn to it lately. It can be the finishing touch of an outfit and I love buying fun shades. Tangerine Tango is the color for 2012, and make-up is no exception. This MAC lipstick is a mix of coral and red with hints of orange. It sounds overwhelming, but it compliments many skin tones because of the colors.True red's a classic and really popular right now, but the added orange is an updated version that should definitely be tried. Model's red lips were dusted with bright orange eye shadow to make them really pop for Jason Wu's Spring 2012 show. This shade, Lady Danger, is more wearable and one easy step.

MAC Lipstick

'50s Housewife

This apron is too cute. It reminds me of dresses from the '50s with their nipped in waist, sweetheart neckline, and flared skirt. I love the fun, retro look and the classic black and white polka dots. I love baking, but aside from desserts, I'm not too great in the kitchen. This apron wouldn't transform me into a master chef... but I'd cook all day just so I could wear it.

Polka Dot Apron

Tree Hugger

I'm extremely picky when it comes to food and drinks, so I don't exactly have the healthiest eating habits. One good outcome is that I drink tons of water. I go through five bottles a day and have been looking for a reusable one. I came across Bobble and instantly loved the simplistic design and especially the filter. Each filter replaces 300 plastic water bottles. There are a bunch of different sizes and colors to choose from and Bobble is really reasonably priced too. The cute bottle is made in the USA, is BPA free, and can even be recycled if you're ever done with it. It's so environmentally friendly, I'm practically a tree hugger.

Bobble Bottle

Chevron Craving

I'm loving this playful print lately (hence my blog blackground, last post's blouse, and now this chair). Chevron is a twist on the classic stripe and it works in so many color combinations. I can't paint my boring white walls or hang anything that a push pin won't hold... So I'm always looking for fun things to liven up my apartment. Urban Outfitters has an interesting furniture collection with unique pieces that look like they're from another era. This accent chair is the perfect size and the print is bold enough to distract from my bland walls, but not overstated. The teal caught my eye right away, but I also love the super chic gray version.

Chevron Accent Chair

Spring Ahead

It's still freezing here in Chicago, but I can't help looking forward to spring considering how a new season of clothes is in stores. Pantone named Tangerine Tango as the color of 2012. While orange may seem too bold for some, it is actually a color that pairs well and isn't overwhelming. The hue is energetic and fun but its warmth is inviting. It's fresh and sophisticated. This pretty top from ModCloth is the perfect combo with the equally intense shade of pink and a chevron print (the updated stripe). The tie-neck is chic and highlights the face while the bodice floats over hips without adding bulk. Pair with dark denim and gold sandals or go bold with a high waisted lilac skirt for a Nanette Lepore-esque look.

Chevron print blouse

Creative Cookies

Sur la Table is the place to go for anything cooking, baking, or kitchen related. The store has awesome finds and it's having a huge winter sale right now. I'm always on the hunt for unique cookie cutters and Sur la Table has practically every shape from a diamond ring, a dachshund, an anchor, to a stegosaurus. For less than a dollar each, you can get all of your favorite animals, instruments, or holiday themed cookie cutters.

Seahorse cookie cutter

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Interesting Accent

Metallics were all over the spring runways. While it's easy to wear sequins and gold around the holidays, I can't see myself doning a silver skirt mid May. However, metal adorned shoes are much more approachable. Marc Jacobs, the sisters behind Rodarte, and Phillip Lim were stand-out designers for metallic boots, strappy heels, and pumps. The trend easily transitions from runway to street style with metallic accents, instead of all over shine. These ASOS flats have just enough edge, and even though I lusted after Alexander Wang's silver loafers from Fall 2011, I know these cute kicks are more practical and way more budget friendly.

Lula metallic accent flat

There's also a pastel version for anyone feeling adventurous who wants to knock out three trends in one: Color blocking, pastels, and metallic.

Welcome!

Hi there, I'm Marina. I've always dreamed of having a career in the fashion industry and I'm attending art school to reach that goal. College has also given me some free time and after reading lifestyle blogs for years, I'm finally starting my own. Enjoy :)