Currently Obsessing Over: Valentino Studs

Valentino does 2 things really well: red and bows. Studs were added to the mix a couple seasons ago and it’s become so popular, the brand has continued to incorporate them into many of their newest accessories.

I had my eye on the Rockstud dome bag for months. I looked at it every time I went into Nordstrom. Then I was pretty bummed when I stopped seeing it (I assumed it was sold out). But thanks to my amazing mother, she happened to snag one up for me for Christmas (seen here).  So besides this stunning bag, here’s some other studded Valentino pieces I’m currently obsessing over…

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Studded leather and lace T-bar pumps

Photobucket Studded leather belt

PhotobucketStudded Leather Headband

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Studded leather driving gloves


PhotobucketStudded snow boots…these are the ultimate

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What are your favorite pieces from the studded Valentino collection?

Gloves To Love For Fall/Winter 2011

Living in Chicago, I have to make the best of the weather and find the best looking outerwear I can find. I’ve already shared with you my favorite Fall/Winter coats for 2011 and I wanted to dedicate a post to an accessory that can be forgotten about but definitely deserves some attention…gloves! See my favorite gloves (that I hope you’ll love too!) and where you can get them.

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Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Gloves

These are a classic style with the signature Bottega Veneta woven detail that adds a little extra something to the gloves.

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Valentino Leather and Calf Hair Gloves

Cashmere-lined, leopard print, leather and studded…could it get any better? These are just a fun way to accessorize an outfit without having to pile on bangles and rings.

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Rag & Bone Dean Gloves

These are the perfect balance of practicality and style. Not your average looking Winter gloves but not too over-the-top.

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Missoni Striped Wool Gloves

For those that want to stay warm but still want to make more of a statement, these Missoni gloves are the perfect pair. And let’s be honest…Missoni makes everything better 🙂

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Lanvin Long Washed-Leather And Knitted Silk Gloves

These are great for those special occasion nights and black tie events during the cold months. They’re elegant and sophisticated yet unique with the leather and silk combination.

What I’m [Surprisingly] Coveting for Fall 2011

It seems like every other day I’m coveting something new but I wanted to share with you a few Fall items I’m [surprisingly] coveting this season. It goes to show that even if something doesn’t fit with your typical personal style, it’s sometimes fun to go outside your comfort zone and see what you can experiment with.

Here are a few things I’m [surprisingly] coveting for this Fall.

PhotobucketSam Edelman spiked loafers: Who knew I would EVER be coveting a flat shoe? Although these are technically the knockoff of the Louboutin Rollerball spiked flats, I’m actually very into the Sam Edelman version (probably because they’re rosegold and that’s my weakness). Am I starting to like flats?! I bought these Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats this weekend! I guess as long as they have spikes I find them to be acceptable 🙂

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Rebecca Minkoff leopard blouse: For some reason, I’ve never been into animal print. I love it on other people (well, those who do it right) but when I put it on I feel quite odd. This Rebecca Minkoff leopard blouse is a good transition piece because the sheerness makes the leopard a little more subtle. It’s also a great classic style blouse that can be worn for so many occasions. *Add to cart*

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RED Valentino tulle-trimmed dress: If you keep up with my blog, know me in person (or have ever looked in my closet) I am absolutely obsessed with color. However, red has always been my least favorite of the bunch. I guess those tacky shiny red dresses from high school dances (and unfortunately they were present in college as well) really scarred me for life. Thankfully, I’m starting to get over it. With red being ALL over the Fall ’11 runways, it made me think of it in a different, more sophisticated way. This RED Valentino number is the perfect fun yet classy party dress.

Photobucket Alexander Wang Anais loafer pumps: This will be totally contradictory but I will say it anyway…I’m immediately attracted to anything with a tassel but I’m not a huge fan of the loafer pumps (which ironically always have a tassel). But because these are Alexander Wang (meaning they’re awesome), a fun color and a little bit of a twist from the average loafer pump, I’M DIGGIN ‘EM!

What will you go outside your comfort zone and try for Fall ’11? Let me know in the comments section below!

Chi City Closet: The Clean Out

During my seasonal wardrobe transition a few weeks ago, I decided it was time to let go of a few things…or 20. However, it’s of benefit to YOU because you can bid on these great designer items and get them at a huge discount.

I’ve been consigning with eDrop-Off for almost a year now and I thought, why not let my readers get their own piece of Chi City Closet?

Here’s a look at some of the items I have up for auction right now…
[click on the photos below for more information and  to bid on each item]

3.1 Phillip Lim Black & Multicolor Silk Studded Dress

Cerulean Yellow Multicolor Tie Dye Sheer Halter Dress

Designer Mint Green Multicolor Print Studded Silk Dress

Stella McCartney Floral Canvas Platform Heels NEW

Ted Baker Neon Yellow Knit Sleeveless Cowl Tank Top

Valentino Garavani Tan Leather Braided Handbag

That’s just the beginning. Here’s a full list of all of the items I currently have up for auction with eDrop-Off…

Marc by Marc Jacobs Red & Navy Dot Sleeveless Dress

Michael Michael Kors Black & Ivory Sleeveless Belted Dress

Beyond Vintage Black Sequin Silk Cap Sleeve Dress

Marc by Marc Jacobs Red Ribbed Wool Bow Front Long Sleeve Coat

Milly Multicolor Print Cotton Bow Sleeveless Dress

Beyond Vintage Cream Lace Silk Pintuck Short Sleeve Top

6126 Gold Silk Sequined Zip Front Grace Shorts

Alisha Levine Pink & Black Silk Sleeveless Dress

Diane Von Furstenberg Blue & Cream Silk Sun Dress

Alex Lane Silver Metallic Knit Single Button Blazer

Alice + Olivia Green Silver Studded Sleeveless Dress

Alexander Wang Ivory & Grey Silk Neon Lined Dress

Calvin Klein Black Leather Carley Heels NEW

Prada Black Patent Leather White Trim Peep Toe Heels

Prada Pink Metallic Leather Flat Slide Sandals

Giles & Bro Gold Chainlink & Reversible Jewel Necklace

Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Happy bidding! Would love to hear from you if you win something.


Gilt Groupe Happenings: RED Valentino, Mixed Prints & More

Want to get a preview of the best sales happening this week on Gilt? You’ve come to the right place. Remember, these are for Gilt members only, so JOIN NOW and get shopping!

RED Valentino (4/4)- His name is synonymous with elegance and glamour, and Valentino certainly lives up to his reputation here. Choose from dresses and separates marked by sophisticated silhouettes, a refined color palette, and just enough frill.

Vincent Longo (4/6)- What do A-list beauties Molly Sims, Jennifer Lopez, and Monica Belluci have in common? They have Vincent Longo to thank for the makeup essentials that keep them camera-ready even without their makeup artists by their sides. Here, choose from Hollywood-approved favorites like shadows, lip pencils, glosses, highlighters, and face powders.

Amrita Singh (4/7)- A mastery of new- and old-world design, an Eastern-inspired aesthetic and a penchant for the bold have earned jewelry designer Amrita Singh awards and international recognition. And colorful, chunky baubles are nestled in oversize earrings, rings, and necklaces that are truly one of a kind.

Spring Trend: Mixed Prints (4/8)- Gilt’s last feature in this year’s Spring Trend series, the mixed prints sale is not one to miss! Surprising and unexpected mix and match commands fashionable attention. Find cool, floral, plaids, polka dots, leopard prints with large bangles and statement necklaces.