Trend I am feeling: NEON nails!!

Summer has officially started and the colors in the stores are bright and beautiful...and NEON. Whether or not it's easy for you to wear and coordinate bright colors, one easy way to incorporate neon into your daily routine is through your nails. If you don't want your co-workers to see, try your toes first. I was at Walgreens today and found a neon Sinful Colors Nail Enamel collection for $1.99 each! The paint goes on pretty thinly so I would recommend avoiding the neon yellow, but for $1.99 I am pretty happy. For a higher quality check out the O.P.I. brights line or some of the brighter MAC shades like Scorcher, Steamy and Shirelle:)

Enlisting Help from My Superstar friends

Day 2 in Chicago: Now that I found my place, I have a lot of time on my hands. I did two awesome things while here...First, I had a lovely lunch with my great aunt and distant cousins. I also asked my professional designer friend Claire who is quoted in this month's Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine to help me design a living room based on this inspiration board she designed. Isn't she talented?!?! It's perfect for my mood right now. Let me know what you think!! Also, to all my bschool friends who are wondering how to design your new apartment, hire her to help you out before she becomes the next Nate Berkus!!

People who inspire me

Jeff Leatham- I saw him on Oprah's show on people who have their dream jobs. He's the artistic director of the four seasons in Paris, and has a show on TLC called flowers uncut. He creates the most beautiful floral displays I think I have ever seen, getting his inspiration from color blocks. Several of his designs have a slight lean to them as well. I am completely on board.

Janet Goldman-she's the CEO of a store called Fragments on Prince street in New York. I have yet to see a brick and mortar store that sells the latest and greatest designers that are on trend for the season. From everything I can see, this looks like jewelry utopia, and I definitely plan on checking it out during my next NY visit!!

You're Such a Stud!

Enough of the negativity...here's something I do love, studded stuff!!!
Cop some for the summer:)

These clutches are at Aldo for $40!


Or how about this leather stud cuff from nine west.


There are tons of studded shoes out there, many of which are cute, but check out these from rock and republic. I found this pair on endless but Gilt also sells R&R shoes from time to time. The point is not necessarily these shoes but if you want studded shoes with a twist, go for a studded back or heel!

As a final note, I've seen studs with suede, satin and jean. Beware: these versions can look cheap, especially the later two, so stick with leather just to be safe:)

Designer Spotlight: nOir Jewelry

Let your inner rock star out!! nOir jewelry is worn by such mega stars as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce, SJP, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani and more. Here's why I love it:

1) It's full of contradiction!: It's spikey, yet subtle, glam with edge, scary and sweet, all at the same time. You can't be easily compartmentalized and neither can your jewelry. I love a little uneasy contradiction, and this is it.

2) It doesn't look desperate. This jewelry will definitely attract attention, however you won't look like you're trying too hard to be cool and hip.
3) It's reasonably priced! Some pieces can cost $400+, but you could score a necklace or a pair of earrings for a decent price (nothing on this page costs more than $100). Also, nOir is often featured on Gilt, if you're looking for a deeper discount.

Keep your eye out for nOir!! OK, back to my paper:)

A Closet Must-Have: Wire Embellishment

Taking a quick break from paper writing and American Idol watching (goodbye Andrew and Katie) to write about one of my favorite "trends," jewelry embellished with wire. I can hardly call it a trend because I've been in love with it for about 4 years now. I was first introduced to the style when a couple of my friends took me to see "the earring lady" on W. Broadway in Soho and now I'm hooked. Here's why its so cool:
1) It's unique. Wire jewelry is often handmade, so really no two pieces look alike. I haven't seen this style produced en masse, so you probably won't see your jewelry on someone else.
2) It can be cheap. Any up-and-coming jeweler on the streets of NYC can throw together a beautiful piece of artwork made with wire, and they often do!
3) It's versatile! You can wear these pieces to work, to the club, or on a sunny day on the weekend.

They're super appropriate for the spring and summer so get your pair and start rocking them today! Now...back to my paper:)

Summertime Trend: White Bling!

What is a must have for the summertime? A white dress coupled with some bedazzled white jewelry! That invitation to Diddy's Hampton White Party is probably in the mail as we speak and you need to be prepared.

Here are some ideas: A White Bedazzled bracelet or ring would be tons of fun for a party or a day on the town. Check this "Dazzle Cuff" out from Gilt's Miriam Salat Jewelry Sale. A little pricey for me (even after the 60%+ discount) but I'm sure you'll be able to find a pretty sweet knock off at Claire's or Aldo in about 5 weeks. Speaking of awesome, cheap finds, check out this "pave" ring from forever 21. $5.80. That's what I'm talking about. If this thing doesn't catch your eye from across the room, I don't know what will.




Another summer must have: A JEWELED WHITE WATCH. Make it happen. Below is an example of my idea of an ideal white summer watch . BUT if you're on a budget, try this one from Arden B. for $29, or head to Aldo Shoes and snab this $35 flexi watch. 5x the flexibility and 1/9th of the price:)

Home Accessories Anyone?

In my opinion, there are very few shopping trips that are more entertaining than searching for home decor. You can save on the basics, and use one little accent pillow to take a room from a B to an A- in a heartbeat. My favorite finds are vases, pillows, and mirrors. I'm moving to Chicago this summer and cannot wait to redecorate!

I would be remiss if I did not highlight my absolute favorite home decor store: Z Gallerie. Why do I love Z Gallerie? Only because my favorite pillows live there! ALL OF MY BEDS have featured an accent pillow from Z. Their home decor is simultaneously subtle, sparkly, classy, unique, and fun! Their website does not do the store justice, but check it out to get a taste and see if there's one near you! I never leave empty handed.