a holiday collaboration follow-up

Back in July, I blogged about the Target + Neiman Marcus holiday collection.  Today, I am blogging to brag.  

Our adorable niece Amelia asked for a "super fancy dress" on her Christmas list.  In my state of panic and frenzied last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve, I decided to see if Target had any affordable fancy dresses that had maybe gone on sale.  When I came across their Target + Neiman Marcus section with everything marked down 50% and this Marchesa dress, I knew I had struck gold.  

Check out what's left of the collection here (ships for free)---I contemplated this Marc Jacobs pouch (I'm a huge pouch fan) and this DVF jewelry box but decided I should be shopping for other people, for once! 

Hope you had a lovely holiday!

wish list: accessorieeees, pleeeeease!

Speaking of tassels, I'll take one of each of these, please... 

Tassel Bracelet ($52)

Tassel Key Chain ($28)

winter nails

I'm loving these two colors (+ an added touch of sparkle!) this season...

OPI Steady As She Rose $6

Essie Carry On $8

one to watch...

Marissa Webb is an up-and-coming designer who debuted her label at NYFW this year... and I am a huge fan already!  It's really no surprise because she was Head of Womenswear and Accessories Design at J.Crew.

Her pieces definitely have that J.Crew "aura" about them, but what I love is how well she balances the femininity with a bit of masculine edge.  And the color selection is gorgeous!  

a minor, tassel-tastic DIY

I was recently re-introduced to tassels, and reminded how fun they can be to accessorize with, thanks to Potluck Paris.  On a visit to their office/warehouse a few weeks ago, I was gifted this amazing necklace which was made in-house by the lovely lady in charge (the idea was inspired by her recent trip to Paris, where she saw similar accoutrements)! 

After several wears (paired with the J.Crew necklace seen above to make a small "neck party"), I started noticing tassels popping up everywhere.  Then, I had an idea...

I had been in the market for a new clutch to add to my collection of one (this one in Poppy), and came across this gem on ASOS.  When it arrived, I really thought it could use a little zhuzhing... like a tassel!  I hopped onto Etsy and found a huge selection of leather tassels, and ended up with this, priced really well and not a lot to ship.  Using some pliers and a jump ring, I connected the tassel to the zipper and voila!

You can get a jump ring at any jewelry supply or bead store.  Remember to get one made of a metal that isn't super pliable so it doesn't come right off when you pull the tassel to open your clutch. 
 

you + donate = a cute tote

 {image + styling by noelle sharp}

While there are many great deals out there on this Black Friday, one of the best I've seen all day is on USA Projects.  My friend Carrie's sister, Christy, is an artist currently based in LA and hand-weaving is one of her specialties—she has been teaching in this area for the last 7 years.  

In her effort to raise money for a Jacquard loom, there is a super fun deal being offered on her USA Projects campaign page.  For a $50 project donation, you get a canvas tote bag screen-printed with an image she designed (shown above).  The best part is, she has matching funds available for the next $1,000 worth of donations meaning that until those funds are exhausted, totes are only $25 (plus you get a tax deduction)!

So what are you waiting for?  Get on it!

wak in closet's beauty round-up

I don't fashion myself a beauty connoisseur by any means.  However, I have recently come across a few new products I LOVE and wanted to share with you!

 Alder Natural Hair Powder ($30)

Up until I discovered this hair powder (thank you, Refinery29!), I washed, blow-dried and styled my hair every single day.  I was too afraid of the oils weighing down my hair at the roots (unless it was the weekend) and too self-conscious about it looking bad.  Now, I use this every other day (and sometimes for a second consecutive day...)!  Not only does it work well (the powder blends right into my black hair), it also saves me time in the morning and gives me a bit of volume I wouldn't otherwise have.  (ps. I've heard some good things about this one... on my list to try and I will report back.)

Josie Maran Argan Oil ($14-$96)

There are very few body lotions I can say I love.  Nivea is at the top of my list, but can still leave my skin feeling a little sticky (even though it's thoroughly moisturized).  My girl JOAT gave me a lovely lip treatment by Josie Maran for my birthday, so I recently decided to give the trial size of her Argan Oil a try.  I am a huge fan already!  The oil has no parabens, sulfates or anything synthetic, and it can be used pretty much everywhere—hands, elbows, legs, cuticles… even your split ends!

 Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($19)

Earlier this year I ventured into the forgotten territory of liquid eyeliner.  I think it had been at least five years since I had last used it, but had never found a brand that stayed on my eyelids without smearing or smudging.  I heard about Urban Decay 24/7 through Refinery29 (yes, another great recommendation from them) and am already on my second bottle!  The best thing about this eyeliner is that it stays on all day and night, but it's not at all difficult to remove (my favorite remover coming up next).

 Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($5)

This one is not a recent find by any means, but wanted to share it with you because it's so great!  On a trip to Mazatlan with some of my best girlfriends in 1998, Courtney (a.k.a. The Good Eater) recommended these Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads... and I've been using them ever since.  They are, quite possibly, the easiest and most convenient way to get your eye makeup off.  And remember to get the oil free version (purple label)—this is a critical detail! 

Do you have any beauty products you swear by? 

new favorite label: wai ming

I failed to report back on what was, quite possibly, one of the best trunk shows I've ever attended back in March (yes, March)!  I am terrible, I know...

Emily Brady Koplar of Wai Ming is the sister-in-law of a friend of mine from work.  I was invited to her show which featured beautiful pieces from her Summer and Fall collections and left with a pair of gorgeous white pants (which I wore many times this summer) made from a lovely, textured Italian fabric.  I also pre-ordered an amazing skirt from her Fall collection (below) and am loving the leather waistband and the hint of metallic in the tweed.

Abigail Tweed Skirt

Her line is incredibly sophisticated and fresh, with just the right balance between timeless and trendy.  Here are some other Fall looks I adore!

 Lauren Long Sleeve Dress with Leather Trim

  Betsy Printed Chiffon Dress

 Katie Knit Dress

Check out her website to see if there is a store near you.  If you're in the Seattle area, The Finerie may have a few Fall styles left.  Stay tuned for her Spring 13 collection! 

wardrobe staples

As I've mentioned before, I am a huge fan of Shopbop's lookbooks.  I hadn't come across any recently that were share-worthy, until today!  LA stylist Jessica de Ruiter shares her top 10 wardrobe staples and I am officially in love (and slightly obsessed) with every single ensemble...

This leather dress is amazing.

If I could only wear one outfit to work every single day for a year, this would be it.  I am coveting (co-vet-ing) those shoes...

I've got a hunter green sweater similar to this one, so it serves as inspiration to pull it out of my closet this weekend and pair with some comfy boyfriend jeans.

The P.O.C.s (pops of color) here are fab!  I am digging her messy bun.

I will also be channeling her four simple rules of style:
1.) Less is always more.
2.) Dress beyond the urgency of fashion.
3.) Incorporate a little imperfection or an element of undone.
4.) Include a subtle masculine/feminine component.

Stay tuned next week... I will be sharing a very special new favorite label!

{all images via}

feeling like fall...

We have had some amazing September weather here in Seattle and the forecast for the first part of October is looking sunny!  The air has definitely gotten a bit of a bite to it, but the typical grey rainyness is not upon us... yet.

If you recall, Fall is one of my favorite shopping seasons.  I can't lie.  I've been doing some online shopping recently to help me transition into what will soon be the colder months.  Here are my favorite finds!

Dolce Vita Killian Flats

Barneys New York CO-OP Striped Combo Tee

Zara Jumper with Faux Leather Front

club monaco cravings

I was perusing the Club Monaco site this week and found a couple of great investment pieces from their Fall collection, as well as some fabulous finds on sale!  If you buy online, shipping is free right now (but hurry, it's only for a limited time)...

Cassie Silk & Lace Top ($139.50) 

Lana Solid Pull-On Pant ($149.50) 

 Stephanie Textured Skirt ($159.50)

Ava Silk Top ($79.00) 

Cory Linen Stripe Sweater ($59.00)

Julie Silk Lace Skirt ($99.00)

  Carolyn Silk Skirt ($99.00)

Have a great weekend!

monday morning arm party

Happy Monday!  I am really loving bracelets and lots of them these days (a.k.a. "arm parties", c/o Man Repeller).  It's a great, easy way to accessorize, and you can change it up frequently if you've got a good collection/selection of bracelets.  

From left to right: Potluck Paris (by Phillipe Audibert, available here), Madewell, J.Crew (last seen here), random street vendor in Soho, J.Crew (wider version available here).

loving everlane

{image via}

A few weeks ago, my friend Carrie forwarded me a link to a new site called Everlane.  She's the kind of gal that really has her pulse on all the good deals so I checked it out immediately... and I'm a huge fan!  Here's how it works:

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We are about to place our first order and here's what we've got in the cart: 

The Striped Tote ($35)

The Ryan Tank ($20)

The Women's V Watercolor ($15)

I'll let you know what I think when our package arrives.  In the meantime, check it out for yourself, too!

an exciting holiday collaboration

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Last week I read about the Target + Neiman Marcus collaboration with 24—twenty-four—amazing designers (list below).  Beginning December 1st, a 50-piece collection will launch in Target and Neiman Marcus stores across the country and online, and most of the items will be under $60.  

Each designer is going to create one to three pieces, ranging from men's, women's and children's apparel to sporting goods, home decor, pet and electronic accessories.  I can't wait to cross some names off my Christmas list with what will surely be an incredible collection at a great deal! 


Here are the 24 designers (and click here to see a teaser video):
Alice + Olivia
Altuzarra
Band of Outsiders
Brian Atwood
Carolina Herrera
Derek Lam
Diane von Furstenberg
Eddie Borgo
Jason Wu 
Judith Leiber
Lela Rose
Marchesa
Marc Jacobs
Oscar de la Renta
Philip Crangi
Prabal Gurung
Proenza Schouler
Rag & Bone
Robert Rodriguez
Rodarte 
Skaist Taylor
Thom Browne
Tory Burch
Tracy Reese

sale section (coming soon): barneys warehouse!

 {image via}

Twice a year, Barneys hosts a warehouse sale and offers huge discounts on designer clothes and shoes.  For the first time ever, Barneys is bringing their sale online.  This is huge!  

The August launch date has not been announced yet, but you can sign up for early access.  Or, if you happen to have plans to be in New York between August 23rd and September 3rd, you can go in person.  I went a few years ago and ended up with several items (sweaters, blouses and pants) that were perfect for the fall/winter season.  My fingers are crossed it will be just as promising via the web!

great new basic

I bought a black camisole on sale for $5 at Club Monaco about 4 years ago.  I've almost worn it to shreds because it's the perfect shape, has skinny straps and the material is thin enough to layer with blouses, sweaters, everything!  

I've been on the hunt for a back-up (I can't bear to think about replacing it entirely) so on a recent expedition to the Gap for a baby gift (this is what I got, by the way), I was thrilled to find this cami!  

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It's part of their Gap Pure line, which offers pieces made with higher-quality fabrics and a refined fit.  It doesn't look like it comes in black online, but they do have it in the store... go check out the full collection!

 

this just in: t by alexander wang on the outnet

I recently shared my new love for T by Alexander Wang.  Good news: The Outnet is having a great sale on these comfy, stylish basics.  Hurry before it's all gone!

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on the hunt for hermes...

There are very few high-end designer labels I've invested in for my wardrobe.  Most are hand-me-downs from my mama (thanks, Ya!)—a Bottega Veneta cross-body bucket bag, my Louis Vuitton wallet and some Salvatore Ferragamo patent ballet flats. 

However, there is one item I'm eyeing this year: an Hermes belt.  One I can fancy-up a pair of jeans with, or throw on to bring a little more shape to a dress... 

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I've been keeping tabs on eBay so fingers crossed I can score one for a good deal!