:the obsessed files:

obsession name: J. Crew Factory Blue Drawstring Tunic, J. Crew Factory Fresh Kiwi Resin Droplet Necklace, J. Crew Factory Crystal and Neon Stone Bracelet

where to buy: J. Crew Factory Stores and J. Crew Factory online

purchased from: J. Crew Factory Store

why the obsession:

Who’s ready for summer vacation???! I know I am, and have been on vacation to Florida to visit family. As with any vacation, I’m sad to see it end so soon, vacations are never long enough. In any case, this vacation was full of eating, beaching, and of course, some shopping! Since I usually buy most things online these days, it was a change of pace to go outlet shopping. In our recent trip to Ellenton, we stopped in to a J. Crew Factory store and scored some awesome deals, everything in the store was an extra 50% off. One of my favorite purchases was this J. Crew drawstring tunic, along with a necklace and bracelet bauble. White and navy stripes with pops of neon yellow? A classic summer combination…

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Image from piperlime.com

obsession name: Sam Edelman Marais Leather Tilda Drawstring Satchel in Creme

where to buy: piperlime.com

purchased from: amazon.com

why the obsession:

Happy Memorial Day to all who celebrate this holiday! Today the first thing we should remember are the men and women who died while serving our country, our prayers and thanks for their great sacrifice. Today also typically marks the “official” start of summer season, and the fact that women are “officially” allowed to wear white fashion articles. I personally love all fashion things white, except that I’m always worried of getting everything dirty. This didn’t stop me, however, from being drawn to Sam Edelman Marais Leather Tilda Drawstring Satchel in Crème. Not only does Sam Edelman make some fabulous shoes, but I am totally loving the contemporary handbag line as well.

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Image from tiffany.com

obsession name: Tiffany & Co. The Great Gatsby Collection Savoy Headpiece

where to buy: tiffany.com

why the obsession:

Last weekend was the hubby and I’s 4-year wedding anniversary. As part of our celebration, one of our many dates last weekend was to grab some dinner and watch the new release of The Great Gatsby. There are a great many fashion things to obsess about in the movie, but my favorite fashion piece was this Tiffany & Co. The Great Gatsby Collection Savoy Headpiece, famously worn by Daisy to attend one of many Gatsby’s parties (and where Tom starts growing suspicious of their relationship).  If this does not scream 1920’s glamour, I’m not sure what else will…

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obsession name: Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Leather Boat Shoe, in Platinum Gold 

purchased from: nordstrom.com

why the obsession:

I love April. Not only is it (starting) to be ABSOLUTELY gorgeous outside, but it’s also the month of Friends and Family discounts, and the beginning of spring fashion markdowns. Given that it hasn’t really been “spring” in Denver until a few weeks ago, I love that by the time I actually buy spring fashion (since I can actually start wearing it), everything has already started going on sale! And what woman doesn’t love a great deal. One of my (few) April purchases has been this Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Leather Boat Shoe in Platinum Gold. It was originally $89.95, but it was marked down to 33% off to $60.26, plus, over Christmas I had won a $25 gift card to Nordstrom’s in a raffle drawing, so after taxes and free shipping to my house, I only paid $35.26! Pretty sweet for a very trendy metallic summer shoe…

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Images courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com

obsession name: Givenchy Pandora Sugar Leather Bag, Medium

where to buy: bergdorfgoodman.com

why the obsession:

I have to be honest, there are some moments when you first look at something, and you go “ooh, that is NOT for me”. What is odd though, for me, is that after a while, the things I am immediately not drawn to, they actually end up being things that I end up lusting after. For example, when I first saw the Celine Luggage Tote, I thought to myself, “I’m not too sure about those wings…” and then one day, I see the bag again, and I think, “That is a gorgeous bag”. The SAME exact thing happened with Givenchy’s Pandora Bag. At first sight, I was thinking that the classic Antigona was more of my style, but upon further examination, I fell in love more with the Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its unique shape and it is really nothing like what is out there right now. Hence, a new bag crush was born…

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Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com

obsession name: Christian Louboutin Décolleté 100 patent-leather pumps

where to buy: net-a-porter.com 

why the obsession:

Lately I’ve been thinking about stepping up my work wardrobe. Since I work from home, my everyday work attire is mostly pajama pants, my college t-shirts, and Tweety house slippers. Every once in a while, I travel for work, which then requires me to go to the other extreme of the work wardrobe spectrum, a full suit and black pumps. However, since the latter is uncommon, I didn’t really feel the need to spend the money on a “designer” professional work wardrobe that I will only need to wear every three months or so. But lately, I’ve been thinking that I should, since it is an occasion essentially, and I try to step up my wardrobe in all other occasions, so why not for work? And what better way to dress up my suit than with a pair of classic Christian Louboutin black patent leather pumps? I don’t think there is anything better…

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Image courtesy of mytheresa.com

obsession name: Alice + Olivia Clover Macramé Lace Dress

where to buy: mytheresa.com

why the obsession:

I can’t believe how much time has flown by these past few weeks. All waking moments have been spent putting our new house together and everything is finally calming down again and returning to a normal everyday groove. Easter is this weekend!!!! I can’t wait. We had some more snow in Denver this weekend, but everything was melting today and it is projected to be sunny and 63 degrees this Sunday. In honor of the beautiful upcoming spring weather, our new house, I am dreaming of the perfect Easter dress. In a fantasy world, I would be rocking this Alice + Olivia Clover Macramé Lace Dress to service and pretty much all spring gatherings. With its macramé lace, blue-violet-esque pastel color, who needs a basket full of Easter eggs to look festive?

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It’s been a crazy two weeks trying to move in and out of our apartment and into our new home. So in the meantime, I thought I would share my little piece of closet heaven. I finally had time to put everything into its new home. Sometimes, it’s good to take an inventory of what you already have… and just be thankful :) 

 Images courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com

obsession name: Valentino Naked Rockstud Slingback, in Ivory/Clear

where to buy: Bergdorf Goodman stores, or bergdorfgoodman.com

why the obsession:

In Denver as of the moment, this winter season’s first snowy blizzard is right outside my window. Everything outside is white, white, and then more white. In any case, I’m looking forward to spring/summer, but with the upcoming change of seasons that does not mean “white” is going away, not for me anyway. White is definitely a favorite color of mine for spring and summer. Even with the snow blizzard outside, seeing white everywhere just gets me more excited that spring is less than a month away. White is such a fresh, clean and crisp color, perfect for those warmer months. In parallel, there also appears to be a clear/transparent fashion trend on the rise, and while I am not a huge fan of most things clear/transparent, it was very hard not to be drawn to these Valentino Naked Rockstud Slingbacks in ivory/clear. I am a huge fan of normal Valentino Rockstud Slingbacks already, and seeing this combo was an unexpected delightful surprise.

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Images courtesy of target.com

obsession name: Prabal Gurung for Target: Sleeveless blouse in First Date print, Pleated skirt with lace in Sulfur print, Lace Miniaudiere, Floral earrings in Dresden blue, bangles and wedge sandals

where to buy: Target stores, or target.com 

why the obsession:

I’ve been on vacation with friends over the past week and a half and it’s been a really nice change from the normal everyday routine. However, this has not stopped me from getting excited for the release of the Prabal Gurung – Target designer collaboration, which happened around midnight today!!!! Yippee!!! As I’ve blogged before, I love designer collaborations since they allow you to own really pretty pieces from high-end designers at an affordable price. My favorite look from Prabal Gurung’s Target collection is this affectionately named “First Date” look. I would have totally worn this ensemble to a first date with my now-husband.

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Image courtesy of mulberry.com 

obsession name: Mulberry Alexa in Valentine’s Red Glossy Goat

where to buy: Mulberry stores, or mulberry.com

why the obsession:

Mulberry’s Alexa bag has got to be one of my favorite bags of all time. For true handbag lovers, it’s definitely a favorite style, but also, even if you’ve never seen this bag before, one can’t help but be drawn to its natural “it” factor. It’s just such an iconic design, with the classic postman lock, braided handle and symmetrical belt buckle strap detailing. My favorite part is that every year, it comes in absolutely stunning colors – a delicious hot pink Watermelon with gold hardware, beautiful silky snake Beige print with rose gold hardware, sexy foggy Grey with gunmetal hardware – you simply can’t go wrong. In fact, most of the bags that I consider “the one that got away” are pretty much all Alexas. With Valentine’s Day coming up, of course Mulberry had to create the sexiest red bag I’ve ever seen.  If only I had the money to buy them all…

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Image courtesy of ilvoelv.com and fashionphile.com

obsession name: Louis Vuitton Empreinte Speedy Bandoulière 25 in Infini and Louis Vuitton Fleur d’Epi Bag Charm in Chili Red

where to buy: Louis Vuitton stores, or louisvuitton.com

why the obsession:

I was so excited and sad this weekend. Initially excited because it looked like the Denver Broncos were well on their way to the Super Bowl!!!!!! And then sad, when they lost to a field goal (a field goal!!!!) in 2nd overtime (2^nd overtime!!!!). I could NOT believe Jacoby Jones caught that game-tying pass from Joe Flacco with approximately 30 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, though. Broncos should have won the game right then and there and have been done with it. In any case, I still heart Peyton Manning for being one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and I have nothing but respect for the man and the Broncos team. In any case, in my dreams where the Broncos go on to the Super Bowl and I magically obtain tickets to go to the game, I would totally carry this Louis Vuitton Empreinte Speedy Bandoulière 25 in Infini charmed with Fleur d’Epi Bag Charm in Chili Red (or orange), and proudly sport the team colors! What a dream Broncos game day bag.

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Image courtesy of bananarepublic.com

obsession name: Abby Ballet Flat, in Mint 

where to buy: bananarepublic.com

why the obsession:

These days, while browsing online, I have become obsessed with the color mint. Anytime I see mint anything – mint bags, mint tops, mint jeans, mint shoes, heck, even mint furniture, mint walls (oh boy!), I’m officially hooked. Maybe I’m just getting excited for spring/summer 2013 (always looking forward to the next season in fashion of course), but the color is just so beautiful. It definitely looks like mint is going to a huge hit this spring, given that emerald is Pantone’s 2013 color of the year. I have slightly obsessed about mint in a previous post, but what is so sad to me is that I only own one thing mint, and it’s a sweater. One sweater! It’s definitely time to add to that collection. I think these Banana Republic Abby ballet flats in mint would be nice to add to the collection, no?

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Image courtesy of cafepress.com

obsession name: Keep Calm and Get Healthy Tote Bag

where to buy: cafepress.com

why the obsession:

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!! I, for one, cannot believe it is 2013 already. Time is just flying by. As with any first day of the year, it is time for New Year’s resolutions! I remember as a little girl being forced to write essays about what I would change in the upcoming year, and now here I am writing about what I would change as a hobby. Go figure. In any case, I think it’s pretty clear what my two New Year’s resolutions will be for 2013 with the CafePress tote bag above: Keep Calm and Get Healthy!!!!!!

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Image courtesy of asos.com

obsession name: ASOS Christmas Sweater in Reindeer Fairisle

where to buy: asos.com

why the obsession:

Merry Christmas Eve to all who celebrate Christmas!!! Christmas has always been a special time for me, spending down time with family, friends, and those you love, perhaps with a nice cup of cocoa with mini marshmallows. Personally, I am a big fan of dressing down and comfortable during the holidays. My go-to Christmas outfit is a big cozy, holiday sweater, with some jeans or leggings. Now, Christmas sweaters have a reputation for being “ugly”, but they don’t have to be!!! Places like ASOS and J. Crew have plenty of cute sweater options to lounge around in. As I was browsing today online for what I would have picked out for myself to wear on this ol’ Christmas Eve, I came across this ASOS Christmas Sweater in Reindeer Fairisle, and it’s perfect. How cabin-ready is this sweater?

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Images courtesy of nordstrom.com

obsession name: Valentino Couture Bow d’Orsay Pumps, in Red Patent

where to buy: Nordstrom stores, or nordstrom.com

why the obsession:

Holiday parties are in full swing! How many holiday parties are filling up your weekends? This past weekend, hubby and I attended two holiday parties – one for his work and one for our apartment complex. For our apartment complex holiday party, we arrived late enough but early enough to snag a raffle ticket before they started drawing tickets. Much to my delight, I won a $25 Nordstrom Gift Card!!!!! I was so excited… So today I started browsing through their website, the gift card burning in my pocket, when I came across these gorgeous Valentino Couture Bow d’Orsay Pumps. Could there be any more perfect holiday Christmas-sy pair of shoes?

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obsession name: Vintage Tea Party Hat, passed from one generation to the next

received from: family heirloom, given by a friend

why the obsession:

This weekend I flew back to Tampa to fulfill part of my role as maid of honor for one of my best friends’ wedding - to throw a fabulous tea party bridal shower. It was a very lovely shower, if I must say so myself, with heirloom china, lace table overlays, decorative pearls, and of course, vintage hats. One of the ladies invited to the shower inherited two boxes of vintage hats from her grandmother, so as guests walked in they could borrow a fashionable hat for the tea party. I originally had a different Kentucky-Derby-style hat for the party, but decided last minute I was going to put my hair up in a top-knot bun… so the Derby hat wasn’t going to work quite well as I thought. So before the guests got to the tea party, I was lucky enough to have time to dig through the fabulous hat collection and found myself the PERFECT black cocktail hat for the party.

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Image courtesy of asos.com

obsession name: Motel Gabby Iridescent Sequin Dress in Black, at ASOS

purchased from: asos.com 

why the obsession:

I hope everyone had a nice long holiday weekend. This is usually one of my most favorite weekends, because in addition to hanging out with family/friends, no work, eating, football, napping, and putting up Christmas decorations, most of the stores are ON SALE!!!! (What else do you want in one weekend?) Even the stores that rarely do sales. My favorite Black Friday sale is the ASOS sale, because everything is take additional 20% off. My goal this particular Black Friday was to pick out my holiday dress. I personally think Black Friday is the best time to get your holiday dress, not only for the deals, but also it’s the last weekend before December kicks in, which is already officially holiday party season. This year, I was looking for something classic and warm, given our recent move to Denver. I was browsing through the ASOS holiday dresses when I came across the Motel Gabby Iridescent Sequin Dress in Black and it was exactly what I wanted!!!

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obsession name: MICHAEL Michael Kors Kempton Large East West Tote, in Black

purchased from: Macy’s, or macys.com

why the obsession:

I love Bethenny Frankel. Ever since I first watched her on The Real Housewives of New York, I always thought she was hilariously sarcastic, smart and witty, all in all my kind of housewife. She has since then branched to become a business mogul, and every now and then a Facebook feed from her catches my eye. She recently posted an article, The Only 3 Bags You Will Ever Need, and of course I had to read it. Funny how the timing worked out, because I am recently obsessing/purchased one of the bag types, “The Simple Tote”. Most women will probably go with a Longchamp Le Pliage Tote (as pictured in the article) when thinking of the concept of “The Simple Tote”, but I absolutely love my Michael Kors equivalent, the Kempton Large East West Tote, in black. This is my favorite, literally take-everywhere bag of the moment.

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Image courtesy of piperlime.com

obsession name: The North Face Alycia Boot, in black

where to buy: klmountainshop.com

why the obsession:

Sometimes, there are moments in life when you just have to sacrifice a little fashion for comfort. Like, for example, when you’re sick, and just want to snuggle up in your obnoxious red penguin pajamas (not guilty, I promise) without a care with how you look. However, there are moments in life when you HAVE TO HAVE BOTH (plus throw in a reasonable price). It is during these moments that when you have to have fashion, comfort and price, that you may be required to do extensive research so as to get everything you want. I, for one, have scoured many shopping websites over the past two months for the perfect winter boot. Apparently elusive, I was looking for something that could be dressy/casual, could wear with a lot of things, reasonably priced, and most of all – warmth, waterproof-ness, insulation and comfort for my feet for the upcoming snow season.  I needed something that I could take with me to the mountains for future snowboarding trips, but also cute enough to walk around in the city for a winter dinner date. It took a little while to find something that was both cute and functional, and within my $100 price range, but I finally found it  - the North Face Alycia Boot, on sale for $89, in black on klmountainshop.com.

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