Mint!

Emerald may be the color of the year, but mint is emerald's baby sister and she is everywhere! I love it!

1. Honeycomb knit crew sweater - $25.00
2. Small square stud earring - $38.00
3. Essential short-sleeve u-neck tee - $15.00
4. Classic leather ballet flat - $125.00
5. Legacy hobo - $298.00
6. Enamel bangle - $22.00
7. Double v-neck button sleeve tee - $24.90
8. Essie mint candy apple - $4.79
9. Tulips-and-dots gauze scarf - $12.94
10. Rockstar pop-color cords - $12.97
11. Clean leather belt - $24.95

We had a really relaxing weekend here! We had freezing rain all day on Sunday so we ran out to the store before it hit to stock up on food and redbox! We watched Pitch Perfect and Dark Knight Rises! I really enjoyed both! Hope you had a great weekend!

3 Holiday Outfits

The holidays are upon us (Happy Hanukkah!) and Christmas is right around the corner, which means it's time to plan the perfect holiday party outfit!

To me, nothing says the holidays like lace, sequins and shiny fabrics! Today I've styled three outfits, perfect for that holiday get together - or just a fancy night in with the family! Who says you can't wear sequins and play a mean round of Catch Phrase? :)

earrings, nail polish, ring, dress, clutch, shoes

skirt, necklace, clutch, top, shoes, earrings

earrings, stockings, clutch, bracelet 1 & 2, shoes, dress

Hope your holiday season is off to a great start!

2013 Color of the Year: Emerald

A few days ago, Pantone announced the 2013 color of the year: Emerald! Not only is this a beautiful color, more universally flattering than 2012's Tangerine Tango, but it's my birth stone!! I'm pumped. Here's to emerald!

1. Emerald Cushion Cut Studs - $40 - 25% off today only with code HOLIDAY25

2. OPI Jade is the New Black - $5.35

3. Suzanne Cocktail Ring - $39

4. Driving Moccasins - $49.95

5. Cashmere Tippi Sweater - $168

6. Perfect Shirt Mini-Gingham - $49.99

7. Packable Tour - $135

8. Emerald Pashmina - $54

9. Legacy Leather Penny Shoulder Purse - $198

10. Always Skinny Cords - $69.95

jcp

I went to the mall yesterday to try and finish up my Christmas shopping. I stopped in jcp (ya know, the revamped JC Penny) and was actually very impressed by the remodeling and changes that have happened! I love the new way it is organized  -much less claustrophobic feeling! These tops caught my eye.

1. Cable Cardigan - $40 - the only top I tried on! Feels and looks great!
2. Intarsia Sweater - $35 -Best buy! Great looking J Crew-esque sweater!
3. Button Front Denim Shirt - $40
4. Pattern Pullover Sweater - $22
5. Colorblock Sleeve Sweater - $45
6. Cashmere Pullover Sweater - $60 - so soft and a great price for cashmere!
7. Oversized Sweater - $35
8. Dolman Sleeve Long Tee - $22

Can you tell that I'm loving slouchy sweaters right now? I'm so tall that I haven't been able to find the right sweater that is long enough to cover my butt so I can wear it with leggings and boots, but I think 7 & 8 might work! I also perused their accessories.

1. Round Stone Necklace - $16

2. Black & Goldtone Chandelier Earrings - $20

3. Fashion Necklace - $18

4. Oversized Solid Twill Fringe Scarf - $10 - makes a perfect gift!

5. Green Stone Necklace - $28

6. Retroactive Tote - $30 - this has a Coach inspired feel to me.

7. Sabrina Leather Ballet Flat - $37

8. Tablet Case - $12

Have you been to jcp lately? What were your thoughts?

Gifts Under $100

Hi Ladies! I'm back...just in time for the holidays.  To continue with our gift ideas, here are some items under $100.

1. James Avery Lover's Knot Earrings- $66
2. Chanel Chance Perfume- $85
3. Lilly Pullitzer Clutch- $58
4. J Crew Flax Colored Gloves- $78
5. Fossil "Boyfriend" Watch- $95
6. Michael Kors Belt Ring- $65
7. Harry and David Fruit of the Month Club- $89.95 (this is what my grandparents are getting!)
8. Banana Republic Leopard Tote- $89.50

Gifts under $50

Today I have my top picks for gifts under $50! 

1. Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio - $38.00 - Rollerballs are a great way to try out new scents!

2. Marled Terry Funnel Pullover - $49.95 - Linda is my inspiration - see it here.

3. Lurex Striped Pullover - $49.95 - Love the metallic stripe!

4. Fair Isle Cardis - $42.94 - I'm still on the hunt for the perfect print wrap sweater!

5. Serenity Small Stone Drops - $34.00

6. Flannel PJs - $34.95

7. Two-Tone Leather Clutch - $39.95

8. Lodge Moccasins - $39.50

9. Shimmer Brick - $40.00 - If you aren't familiar with this product, check out MM&L.

Gifts under $25

Happy December! We started decorating for the holidays last week and today during half time of the football game (Roll Tide!) we are going to decorate our tree! It's officially Christmas time!!

Here are a few things I'm loving that would make perfect stocking stuffers or small gift for a friend. All are under $25!

1. Bliss Hand Cream - $18.00 

2. Gold Polka Dot PJs - $24.99

3. Black and Crystal Bangle - $20.00

4. Orly Luxe Nail Polish - $5.38 - Recently picked this up - it's a great gold!

5. OPI Skyfall Nail Polish - $8.00

6. Slipper Socks - $15.00 - an updated version on my favorite!

7. Minted Rose Lip Balm - $7.00 - This has been on my wish list for awhile!!

8. Personalized Chevron Note Cards - $10.00

9. Tartan Scarf - $14.99 - What a great price for such a classic piece!

Amazing Ily Couture Offer!!

Confession. I was basically over the bubble statement necklaces that have been everywhere because for one, they are everywhere and two, they cost $50 (or $150 @ J Crew!)!! Not gonna happen.

That is UNTIL I check my email this morning and see that MMandLShow uploaded a new video offering these Ily Couture necklaces for $15!! Shut the front door. No really! This is crazy!!

You have to like Michelle's page on facebook and enter the offer code and voila! Check out the video for more details.

So yeah. Maybe you're not completely over these either? It's just too good of an offer not to share! Good luck deciding on a color! So many options!!

P.S. If you haven't been watching MMandL yet, you need to! Not only are they hilarious but they offer great beauty tips!

In other news my husband and I bought a car this weekend!! I'm so relieved to not have to pay more money to the rental car company!! Today I work 10am-9pm. It could quite possibly be killer, but they needed staff to cover some appointments so I volunteered to go in early... At least I get to leave early on Friday which is perfect because my parents come to visit Friday!!! YAY! Have a great Tuesday y'all!

Fall 2012 wish list

The humidity here in Iowa has calmed down a little bit  so it doesn't feel as awful! Even though we are still in the middle of summer, it's typically around this time that I start craving some fall weather and fashion! Here are a few things I'm obsessing over right now.

1. Leopard print infinity scarf - $14.94

2. Twisted Silver Karma necklace - $50

3. Terry arch logo sweatshirt - $44.95 - I'm usually not attracted to the Gap logo sweatshirts but this one caught my eye!

4. Fossil 'Carson' leather flap crossbody - $99.99

5. Frye 'Carson Lug' Boot - $398

6. Metallic sage leather bangles - $23

7. Relic Gia rose gold tone and silver watch - $90

8. Monogram pendant - medium - $105

Are you ready for fall? What is on your wish list? Share below in the comments!

Outfit inspiration: Spring Scarves

My current spring craving is soft, flowy scarves! I have some pashmina type scarves from travelling abroad but I don't have many light spring weight scarves. I'm in love!

jeans, sweatshirt, shoes, earrings, scarf

earrings, shoes, top, scarf, skirt

dress, bag, earrings, scarf, shoes

What's on your spring wish list?

Stella and Dot Spring 2012

Happy Valentine's day!!

I'm a lucky girl, and so thankful my Valentine is not in Iraq this year! Yay for spending holidays together- even if it is a "Hallmark Holiday"!! He's cooking dinner for me too!! :-D

On another note, I'm in love with the Spring 2012 collection @ Stella & Dot! Thanks to shopfreak for pointing out these fab green earrings! Here are a few of my favs!

1. Serenity Stone Drops - $49 - on my wish list!!
2. Serenity Necklace - $198 - recently seen on the next Bachelorette, Emily Maynard
3. La Coco Rope Necklace - $59 - pictured with this brooch - I really like this look too!
4. Pippa Necklace - $69
5. Serenity Small Stone Drops - $34
6. Alexandria Necklace - $89

Are you familiar with Stella & Dot? What do you think of their spring line?

Scary Statement

jacket: H&M, sweater: Forever 21 (similar), pants: Loft, shoes: Privo, necklace: Mimi's*

During the 21 Day Challenge last fall one prompt was to wear statement jewelry. I wore this necklace then, and think I've only worn it one other time! It really is a wonderful necklace, but it's somewhat intimidating to me!! For the most part I prefer delicate necklaces - and this certainly isn't delicate! I think I also worry that it's too bold for work. Today I overcame my fears!

*I purchased the necklace @ Mimi's, but it appears to be sold out. Shop Design Spark has the exact same thing! It comes in coral too!

Have a great weekend!

Aqua Pencil Skirt

My sweet mother in law got me this skirt for Christmas! I wore it to the annual family new year's day party but haven't had a chance to wear it again. Here are 3 ways I would like to wear it!

blouse, bag, earrings, scarf, shoes, belt, skirt

cardigan, earrings, top, shoes, belt, skirt

earrings, belt, clutch, top, shoes, skirt

Winter Shimmer

Happy belated Thanksgiving!!

It has been such a great long weekend - despite being sick and getting my husband sick. I think we're on the mend and are going to put up a few Christmas decorations - maybe even the tree if we get real inspired. DayQuil will make you do crazy things!

This winter it's hard to resist the sparkle! Shimmer! Metallic! Yum!

1. Pink pearlized bangle set - $29.50
2. Sequin front tank - $39.90
3. Knit opera gloves - $29.50
4. Metallic drape front shell - $54.50
5. Large pave stud earrings - $29.50
6. OPI I only drink champagne - $4.40
7. Chelsea metallic cardigan - $15.00

What's on the top of your wish list?

Time Management and My Fall Wishlist!

 I'm back!  I have not forgotten SWC!  Thank for picking up my slack, Tina :)  My workload has tripled and I have been working from home trying to catch up on documentation.  A co-worker told me to stop immediately because it will start to take over my life, hence no blogging.  Is anyone else guilty of chronically working at home?  I thought I had set good boundaries, but I guess I am still working on it. We had staff development on Thursday and were discussing ways to help with time management.  One co-worker shared this amazing idea called "Power Hour."  It is when you take an hour out of your day and finish everything you need to.  You do this by shutting your door, getting out of your email, putting your phone on do not disturb and putting your cell on silent.  I may put a sign on my door as well.  Is this not the most brilliant idea?!  Do y'all do this?  Am I the last one to know about this little nugget of joy?  I was off on Friday and am starting tomorrow.  Things tend to come up in this type of work, but I feel like I can accomplish this goal.  I think this is a tip that can work with any profession.  Try it out and let me know what you think!

So this is my first weekend of being work-free and it feels great.  I have been back playing on pinterest and awaiting the arrival of fall.  Many of the blogs I regularly ready have created fall wish lists and I thought I would follow.  Some are more practical than others, it's a wish list, right!? Here it is:

1.Monogram necklace- This necklace (to me) is the new version of the "Carrie" necklace that SJP wore during SATC.  Also I'm a lover of a monogram.  When I pinned it in pinterest I labeled it "Always need another monogram."

2. Lace top-  It will be a nice fall addition to the wardrobe. 

3. Gingham button-up shirt-  I love the way it can be layered.

4. Red Pants- Ask anyone- I have been hunting for them for months.  I can't find any that fit or are somewhat casual, oh and that don't break the bank.  I can also wear them to Alabama Football games!  

5. Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe in Leopard- I have loved these since they came out last year.  I have a secret love of Leopard print.  My phone cover is purple leopard print, which says it all.  I will probably ask the husband for these during holiday time :)

6. Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand- Target had this on sale for $21.99 last week and I indulged yesterday, before the sale was over.  I wasn't going to, but it got awesome reviews on amazon.  I'm going to practice on myself today so I can wear my hair wavy to work tomorrow. Pics to come when I can perfect the curls!

7.  The Louis Vuitton Speedy 30-  I assume I will not get this anytime soon!  My grandmother had a Louis exactly like this when I was growing up and I just see this purse as a classic and timeless piece.  Sadly my grandmother's Louis has disappeared :(  I should put this on my long-term wish list!

8.  OPI- You Don't Know Jacques- I have lusted over this interesting neutral polish for a whole year.  Why?  My local Ulta runs out within 3 days of getting the shipment.  I was so wanting this polish that I was going to buy it on Amazon.  I decided to give Ulta one more chance and low and behold there was one left!  Yay, I crossed 2 off my list!

What's on your fall wish list??

Wrap Bracelets

A couple of weekends ago I made my very own look for less version of the Chan Luu style wrap bracelet! In case you are not familiar with Chan Luu, these bracelets are price-y! This one retails for $245! Not kidding.

Needless to say, when I found this tutorial I was so pumped to give it a try! I consider myself to be pretty crafty, but was a little intimidated by this one. Luckily two close family friends are beading experts! We ended up using this tutorial as well. Getting started (and having all the right supplies) was the most challenging part, but once you get the hang of it, it's very easy. I wouldn't lie to you!!

Check it out!

Considering I made it for a FRACTION of the cost, I'm super happy!!

A single wrap with bigger beads (I actually started with this one!).

If the crafty bug bites, give it a try!

The Gold Standard

Good morning blog world! I woke up and immediately turned on the news to see what's going on with Irene. I hope all the coverage has encouraged people to take proper precautions! Be safe!!!

OK onto a happier, less heavy topic!

Source

You've probably seen a lot of hype about the Michael Kors Fall 2011 line. I'm seeing images all over Pinterest, and I'm in love, especially with this beauty (are you reading this husband?! *wink wink*):

Source

Michael Kors is such a fashion icon that if you haven't seen this stuff, you will! Here are a couple inspired by / look for less items!

1. Vince Camuto Medium Chain Link Bracelet - $45

2. Forever 21 Anchor Chain Bracelet - $10.80

3. J Crew Mini Link Bracelet - $58

4. Express Status Link Bracelet - $24.90

5. Dana Buchman Gold Hammered Square Bracelet -$18.20

6. Stella & Dot Vintage Link Bracelet - $62

7. Kenneth Cole Toggle Bracelet - $28

8. J Crew Classic Jenna Bracelet - $88

Are you drooling? :)

Urge to Shop: Accessories

Great accessories for Fall!

1. Delicate Demeanor Necklace - $24.00
2. Chandelier Earrings - $18.00
3. Plaid Infinity Scarf - $16.99
4. Urban Expressions Flap Clutch - $34.95
5. 3 Pack Belts - $12.95
6. Steve Madden 'Koool' Flat - $69.95
7. Honk If You Love OPI - $5.95

We did it!

We made it to Friday! Not that I was really worried we wouldn't, however it's always a very nice thing when Friday rolls along! You with me people?? Let me hear you rejoice!

The first week back after taking time off is always a challenge, but fortunately by yesterday I was feeling pretty caught up! Woo! Now it's time to kick off my heals.. err.. flats and relax!

The details - top: Loft on sale; jeans: Loft outlet; necklace: SMVdesigns (simliar); bracelets: birthday gift, from a neighbor, and Mimi's; ring: TJ Maxx flower ring; shoes: Nature "Pax" Flats

Psst! This bracelet could be yours! Enter SWC's first GIVEAWAY: Here!

I'm not sure you can still find this top on sale at Loft anymore, but if you do find it hanging on the rack, try it on! I love it! Love the color and love how it drapes!

On the way home from work I went to a Red Box and picked up Just Go With It. Have you seen it? I'm hoping its good!! What are you doing tonight?

SWC First Giveaway!

I have VERY exciting news! Social Work Couture is hosting our first giveaway thanks to Mimi's the Look for Less! Read below for your chance to win this bracelet shown here!

To win:

1) Become a follower of Social Work Couture with google friend connect (if you already are that counts!) AND
2) Leave a comment below stating why you want to win this lovely look-a-like bracelet!

Important Info:
1) Giveaway closes Tuesday August 2 @ midnight Eastern time.
2) The winner will be chosen by random generator.
3) Only one entry per person allowed!
4) The winner will be announced on Social Work Couture and you will have 24 hrs to send me an email, otherwise a new winner will be selected!

Good luck!!