Pretty Pretty Pop-Art

I've been hard-pressed to come up with any gift ideas for myself this year (I don't think a new Chanel bag or fresh pair of Louboutins are realistic requests). Just in time for the holidays, NARS came out with their Andy Warhol collection – pallets, polish and pieces all inspired by the artistic expression and celebrity culture of Warhol's 1960s. I appreciate the pop-art reference, but the colors and pigments alone are enough sell me on this cool collection. Looks like I figured out my wishlist ... thanks to Warhol! 

Check out the entire covetable collection here.


top photo from art.com

Bullseye

Prabal Gurung cape  -  $79.99

Just in time for holiday shopping, the Target + Neiman Marcus collaboration debuts this weekend! 24 amazing designers created more than 50 gifts for everyone on your list. There have been some great collaborations lately and I've only admired from afar ... but this one is too good to pass up, so my friend and I are methodically planning our Saturday (we're both determined to snag a pair of those edgy leather gloves!). You can view the entire collection here, but below I've shared a few of my faves - admittedly, mostly items on my own wishlist (shame). Good luck, get there early, and try to keep the hair pulling to a minimum, ladies. 

Have a great weekend!

Diane Von Furstenberg jewelry box  -  $49.99

Brian Atwood Leather Gloves  -  $49.99

Altuzarra Double Old Fashioned Glasses  -  $49.99,  black tray  -  $79.99 

Lela Rose dress  - $99.99

Alice + Olivia bike  -  $499.99

Warm Wear

The goods:
• top and jacket from Forever21
• jeans by J.Brand
• pumps from Zara
• vintage earrings and belt
• bracelet from J.Crew

Cold days make for cold office spaces! I've been layering up these past couple weeks since winter decided to show up. Detach the faux fur collar, add a couple accessories, and this lightweight jacket from Forever21 has all day wearability (bonus that it was under $30!). Paired with slim black pants and heels, this casual piece makes warm wear look good.

Fancy Footwork

You guys – After the rumor started a year ago, then confirmation that it was true, followed by months of anticipation (plus a mysterious opening date) ... Christian Louboutin finally opened on Oak. While I'm no frequent shopper of the brand, I am a constant admirer, so I'm excited to add the shop to my stops along Oak (more of a list of "pop-ins" really, since this girl's budget is more Lori's than Loubis. Let's admire together, shall we? Some stunners below ...


Clockwise from top left: Anita, Crazy Fur, Dugueclina, Love Me, Diptic, Pensee, Minochon, Diplonana, Ever

Check out Racked Chicago's peek inside the newly opened shop, then view his entire collection here.


above photo from AP, shoes from Christian Louboutin

Luxe Leather

The goods:
• sweater by Diesel
• faux leather pants from UO
• wedges by Christian Louboutin
• pearl necklace from Tahiti

I mentioned a few weeks back that I was on the hunt for a good pair of (faux) leather pants (because I'm not too keen on the idea of dropping $700 on a pair of real ones). Well I stumbled upon these totally real looking ones at Urban Outfitters - for a mere $69! I love them worn casual – like here with a cozy oversized sweater (borrowed from my husband's side of the closet) – or dressed up with heels and a jacket. So far, loving my luxe leather find.

Right on Pointe

There is one brand of footwear that the fine ladies of France have coveted for decades ... Repetto. They created their first pair of gorgeous ballet slippers in 1947, but they rose to cult status in 1956 when Mme. Repetto dedicated the "Centrillion" flat to Brigitte Bardot. It's easy to see why they're so popular ... not only are each pair a simply beautiful design, but made by hand (with amour, I'm sure).



Today the brand is a harmonious collection of their traditional slippers, their iconic flats and so much more ... they've added sneakers and heels to their footwear collection



... and beyond their tutus and tights, beautiful ballet sweaters and will soon launch their ready to wear collection of ballet-inspired dresses and day wear. Their leather goods include tote bags, clutches and crossbody bags ... all retaining the fluid lines of their initial inspiration ... dance.

And as if the brand couldn't be any more magical, the windows of the Repetto Paris shops depict the great classical ballets (Swan Lake is pictured above).

I like to challenge myself to decide which color I would purchase if I had two seconds to choose (and I fail every time, changing my mind for every shade of the rainbow that they come in!) Well, I will need to make that choice next time I'm in Paris, because I decided a pair will be my souvenir.

... and yes, I know you can get them here in the U.S., but where's the French fun in that!

Cyber Monday

 
Oh, the sales haven't ended yet! Hop online for some awesome deals today and get some holiday shopping done early (well, early if you're like me and wait until the last minute). Happy clicking!

• snag this adorable "be classy" print on sale today on Etsy (a perfect gift for a writer or bookworm right!)
• the always lovely Emerson Fry is offering 20% off site-wide (use code CYBERMONDAY2012)
• Anthropologie has free shipping (with no minimum)
• score some holiday beauty for 20% off at Nars (use code NARSFF2012)
• Mikkat Market added a ton of additions to their big sale
• find gifts for your fashionable friends on Need Supply and take an extra 20% off sale items (use code EXTRA 20)
• send out the cutest holiday cards from Pinhole Press, they're 20% today (use code CYBER20)
• asos, one of the coolest online shops for clothing, is offering 30% everything! (use code CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL)

Sweet Taste of Savings

This weekend is one of my favorite holidays ... Black Friday! (you know, the day after that Thanksgiving business). Between this and the post Christmas sales, this season is the best for stocking up on bargain goods. And between the online and in-store deals this weekend, I can complete my closet – err, my holiday gift list.

Some spots to hit up this Black Friday ...

• Ann Taylor is already offering their Black Friday deal, take 40% off your full-price purchase (and 25% off sale items)

• Macys will offer half off women's coats, and further discount women's clothing and handbags
• Target will open at 9pm Thanksgiving day with slashes on almost everything (including the holiday, apparently)
• Nordstrom is taking part, and rumor has it will have a sale on a few cosmetics brands (now that's worth door busting!)
• Zara Home will offer 20% off and free shipping online all day Friday
• Sofia (now located on Walton Street) will be offering 23% off all merchandise
• The Body Shop will have 3 for $30 throughout the store on Friday - starts today online. (I'll be stocking up on these, if only the sold gallon size!)

Have a great holiday weekend and happy shopping spree!

Suit Supply

The goods:
• top and belt from Banana Republic
• jacket and pumps from Zara
• denim from Forever21

I'm all for pieces with an edge, and I don't just look to them for a wardrobe mix-up, but also for some longevity. This classic blazer gets a modern update in this metallic weave and gold zipper details. I purchased this piece last year, and plan to wear it for many more, since this quintessential cut will keep it relevant, but still a standout. Redefining classics seems to be Zara's strong suit (and I'll gladly follow that suit).

Golden Girl

I have long loved gold accessories and love that the metallic trend is popping up on shoes and clothing. I can't get enough of the shiny shade, and would love to sport any of the items below ... not just through the holiday season, but to brighten any ol' day.

Clockwise from top:

• gold sequin jacket,  $149 – available here

• gold filigree cuff, $5.80 – available here
• diamond pattern flats, $58.99 – available here
• jacquard peplum dress, $485 – available here
• coated skinny jean, $97 – available here
• glitter polish, $16 – available here
• gold bar necklace, $26 – available here
• gold leather booties, $348 – available here

Here's to a dazzling holiday season!