Another Custom Gift Idea: Monogram Acrylic Necklace

     

I spotted this necklace in this month's Lucky Magazine.  I love how the colorful acrylic gives it a bit of a retro vibe, yet the classic monogram shape feels totally preppy.

Starting at just $58 (a great price for something totally custom) I think this  Mona & Lola necklace would be an awesome gift for a girlfriend!

If you're looking for something a bit more glamorous,  they also have a script version in acrylic or metal, too. (Click on photos below)

 

 

Happy Shopping...

Line to Love: Heidi Merrick

I've been eyeing Heidi Merrick ever since I saw the awesome gold leaf print (in pants and a skirt above) that was a part of her Fall 2010 line.  (How aresome are those pants?!  Still available here.)

No surprise, the spring 2012 line is awesome.  She uses some of my favorite colors: coral, neon yellow and turquoise in perfect breezy outfits that could go anywhere from the beach to a night out.   These lineups (all photos from HeidiMerrick.com)  went straight up to my inspiration board.

In the Mood for Velvet

As we enter the holiday party season, we also enter the season of velvet.  I'm pretty averse to velvet most times of the year, but I think the fabric has a special place between now and new years.  I especially like velvet pieces in classic black and navy paired with simple menswear inspired pieces like white button downs and classic trousers.

My current favorites from left to right:

Midnight Velvet  Tuxedo Blazer– I think this tuxedo inspired blazer is a perfect holiday investment that  you can pull out in December for years to come.  It’d be perfect  with jeans and a white blouse or thrown over a simple LBD. ($115  at TopShop)

Striped Velvet Dress – I love these velvet stripes and the sheer sleeves make it a bit sexy while still appropriate for a work or family party ( $140  at House of Fraser )

Maroon “Hagette” Stretch Velvet Pants – All these trousers need is a white button down and a festive statement necklace ($245 at Tory Burch)  

Rosa Velvet Heel – I love the gold heel! I’d pair this with a simple black dress and piles of gold jewelry. ($115  at Juicy Couture)

Another Cute Personalized Gift Idea: iPhone Cases

When I don't have the time/money to make something myself, I still love giving personalized gifts.  (Like these custom blankets)   Plum Street Prints makes some darling little custom iPhone cases that I think could make a great  holiday gift for a friend or colleague.  At $55 they're a bit more pricey than your average phone cover (aroudn $35 from Apple) but they're completely personal, and I think it's worth a little splurge for something someone will use every day.

I love the large scale monogram on this chevron version:

Bay Area Craigslist Wishlist: November 11

As we near the weekend, there is a ton of great (and affordable) stuff popping up on Craigslist.  Maybe people are cleaning out their homes for the holidays?   Here are some of the things I'd pick up if I had the extra storage space (or rooms to fill!)

A great pair of mid-century chairs that look like they're in great condition for $150.  I especially love the nailhead trim.  These would be great to round out the seating in a living room.

An awesome "Mad Men" era desk and chair for just $120.  This is a little beat up, but the shape is classic and I love the hardware detailing.

Do you see the brass caps on the legs?  I'd paint this either a glossy black or red-orange (like below) to make the hardware and leg detail pop.

 You can never have too many mirrors in a house. (They both brighten up a space, and make it feel bigger)  The convex shape of this one makes it especially cool and the oval shape kind of reminds me of snow white.   You could also turn it on it's side to fit a wider  space in the wall.

A white sofa isn't for everyone, but at just $200  you could just replace this one after it gets stained in a few years.

 I'm definitely on a mid-century kick this week.  I'm not sure what the original intetion was for this Henredon piece, but I think it would make an awesome bar or sideboard in a city apartment. (They're asking $180)

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Happy Hunting!