Enchanting Eyes Belt!

Remember that boyfriend with the pretty hazel eyes? Remember how quickly he caught your eye?  The Enchanting Eyes Belt does just that, catches your eye, but without any chance of heartbreak.  The Enchanting Eyes Belt is a statement piece that could be worn with minimalistic prints but would look so much better against a solid black dress or jumpsuit. Flirty white dresses are a trend for the upcoming Summer, and setting some bling like the Enchanting Eyes Belt against an all white tunic or dress will certainly break up the monotony of the outfit. I had my eye on the belt for quite some time, and I watched it sell out before it had the chance to go on sale. I will not make the same mistake twice. Get it while it's hot!

The Enchanting Eyes Belt retails for $54 and you can purchase it at Anthropologie.


Until tomorrow,




Chamele

Tribal Necklaces

Remember that we previously discussed adding a statement necklace to your wardrobe? One of the ones we discussed is now on sale at Banana Republic. The Heritage Labyrinth, which once sold for $125.00, is now $49.95.  Tribal necklaces are hot for this upcoming Spring. If you want to go all over the top, Banana has also added a new necklace, priced at $225.00. The Tribal Chainsis a collared necklace which would probably look best with a round-neck or a deep cut cowl-neck that will not detract from the shape of the necklace.

Until tomorrow,


Chamele

White House Black Market: Patent Waist Cincher

A reader asked where she could find a nice cheap patent leather waist cincher. She lives in the UK. Well,  I wished you lived in the A because I would be more than happy to have an outing with you and take you to all my favorite spots here. Patent leather, hmmm.... I had seen a multitude of patent leather skinny belts, but not any waist cinchers that I can recall.  I did a little research; and I didn't mind; I love a challenge. My search returned with the expected results, all of the couture houses had cinchers, but not in a $50 budget. I saw a lovely Yves Saint Laurent in red patent; a Giuseppe Zanotti pastel mix for $333.19; a Burberry Prosum lime green for $495.00; a classic Alexander McQueen on sale for $588.00; and the most fabulous, a Suzi Roher leopard print patent for $295.00.  To add insult to injury,  the more affordable cinchers were costumey, reminiscent of Halloween, and not G rated costumes either. The key to pulling off a patent waist cincher is to make sure the rest of the outfit is clean and perhaps on the dressier side. 

The last man standing: White House Black Market (MIL's favorite) has a lovely black patent, in limited quantities, selling for $58.00.  And White House ships to the UK. International shipping is $30.00 per order and subject to import duties and taxes. I wish that I could provide you with more options, just keep your eyes open at online sites such as Asos and Ebay.Uk.  If the White House Black market option doesn't satisfy.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Awesome Valentine's Day Gifts from: Bespoke Bijoux at Max & Chloe

Valentines Day is just around the corner. Hubby and I do not exchange large gifts. He is in that school of men that find Valentine's Day to be a "commercial" holiday created by merchants in order to get people to spend. If you know me, no one has to create a holiday in order to entice me to spend. I do agree with Hubby's assertion that we should celebrate Love everyday and not just February 14th. He will do candy, flowers and the dinner thing, but I have to say, "I would not mind something in a little box every once and full moon," (notice I didn't say blue moon, full moons come more frequently.) If he were wanting to surprise me he could choose any of the following, and if he were not around, I would certainly be loving myself with one of the nice picks below. Note: please DO NOT  wait on someone else to love you, love yourself; and here's a couple of ways how to do just that:

 

The Avanessi Love Necklace. The word "love" hangs lengthwise from the chain in a simple lowercase script. The chain is 16 inches long with a a 1.25 inch pendant.  The necklace comes in yellow, white and rose gold. I like The Avanessi Love Necklace best because it has some bling, but it is still simple.  It is modern and sleek. The Avanessi Love Necklace  sells for $200.00 atMax and Chloe.

 

I also like the Avanessi Love Ring. I would probably get the rose gold. I have been wanting rose gold lately. I have been on this pink kick for the past four or five years ( I guess I didn't get it in when I was young).  So anything pink, including jewelry catches my eye.  The Love ring is 14 karat rose gold with a diamond accent. You can find it at Max and Chloe for $298.00.

 

I know this sounds cheesy, but the Love at First Sight cuff is sooooo romantic. The 14 karat gold plate cuff has the words "love at first sight" written in braille. Get it? It is as though you are seeing with your heart. Awwww!!!!  You know you like it. The gold plate cuff is 1/4 inch wide, 2 inches in height and 2 1/2 inches in length. It fits "most" wrists. The Erica Anenberg Braille Love at First Sight Cuff at Max and Chloe for  $180.00.

 

This is the ultimate in cheese.  The West Avenue Jewelry Heart   initial heart necklace has two letters  sandwiched between a heart. Cheesy, but cute! It is the ultimate 80's. I can imagine someone in stonewashed jeans and a sweater vest with collared shirt and white Reeboks putting the necklace on then sticking her hand in her boyfriend's back pocket. The pendant is 3/4 inch high and 1 inch long and hangs on a 16 inch chain. It comes in sterling silver, gold-fill or solid 14 karat gold.

 

The Je T'aime Twosome Ring is another pretty cool and funky way to say, "I love you." I absolutely love the French language. I studied it for six years because it was so beautiful. Saying, "I love you," in French, in 14 karat gold plate, across two knuckles is worth 10 dozen roses. The Erica Anenberg Je T’aime Twosome Ring  is available at Max and Chloe for $80.00.

 

Another funky piece that caught my attention is the Cynthia H Let Love Rule Cuff.  The bracelet is a metal alloy plate with the words  “Let love rule.” The plate is connected to blush colored leather bands anchored by shiny metal links.  If you do not like any of the other cheesy pieces, this  piece has the least cheese yet still conveys the same message. The Let Love Rule Cuff is $50.00 at Max & Chloe.  

 

Beyonce said it best, "If you liked It then you shoulda put a ring on it," or a necklace, or a bracelet.. .

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Rain Rain, Go Away...

 

The last two weeks have been miserable for me with only three days of sunshine. This weekend,I saw something that definitely brightened my day. TJMaxx is now selling a slew of chic galoshes. Wellie's are not that necessary here in the A because we do not have a horribly long rainy season (or at least we didn't use to).  But I saw the chicest, trendiest wellies on a recent trip to New York that inspired me. Nothing is wrong with solid colors, but if you have to endure the rain you might as well have some fun with it. Apparently TJMaxx agrees as they have stocked several types of Juicy Couture galoshes ranging in price from $79.99 to $99.99. Below are the Juicy Couture Shower Black Pulltie Rain Boot and Juicy Couture Black Ebony Rain Boot, $99.99 and $79.99 respectively.  I saw these both at  TJMaxx on Howell Mill. If April showers bring May flowers, what do January showers bring? Juicy Couture, apparently!

 

 

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Tongue Tied Bag at Lulu's

I have to admit, I am scared of motherhood. Before we get any further, let me say,  I am not pregnant (that's how rumors get started).  But I am slightly concerned with some superficialities such as what type of bag I will have to carry (among other things.) I am always trying to find ways to get out of or prevent style ruts and from what I hear motherhood can create its own set of issues. I am proactive about warding off any potential style rut looming in my horizon. I  plan on being one hot Mama!

 

In search of a  cross body bag to take with me on my trip to Paris, I ran across this bag, which looks like the perfect Mommy bag. It is big, discreet and trendy.  The Tongue Tied has cute gold hardware accents. The best thing about this bag is that it is only 41 bucks!  It's faux leather, but so what, Vegan is where it's at these days. The bottom sides are even reinforced. These manufacturers know that some of you might as well be packing bricks in your bags, they're so heavy.

 

Unfortunately, this one does not come with its own changing flap (or whatever you call it), but it's big enough that you could probably roll one up in there. The purse has two side pockets with magnetic enclosures. Magnets are the best. You don't have to worry about losing anything or fussing with zippers, you just snap and close.  The inside also includes two open pockets and a zippered compartment. The Tongue Tied measures 15" wide by 12" tall with a 17" long handle. Tell me you can't just hear the pitter patter of little feet when you look at it. The Tongue Tied can be purchased from Lulu's for $41.00.

Ripple of Excitement Dress at Modcloth

I have made every effort to keep from getting "caught up." You know what I mean by "caught up?" I mean, getting myself into the sticking situation that is shopaholism.  I guess if I were really making my best efforts, I would not bother going to online sites on a daily basis and making weekly stops to TJMaxx.   I just have to have a peek. You know what they say, "Curiosity killed the cat."  I have also heard "Satisfaction brought him back," and this little kitty has died and just about gone to heaven over the Ripple of Excitement dress. I look at Modcloth every day in order to see what is new. The site is updated several times throughout the day.  Recently, I found myself glimpsing at the Ripple of Excitement Dress, a gorgeous nude color, short-sleeved dress.  The sleeves are made of diaphanous layers of organza. The  dress is fully lined and has a side zipper. An organza sash is found at the waist and there is sexy ruching along the sides of the polyester knit. Moderately priced at $134.00, the Ripple of Excitement can be found at Modcloth.


Until next time,


Chamele

Freehand Tartan Belt at Anthropologie

This belt is so right for a number of reasons. For starters, it's plaid. Despite what people may say, plaid never goes out of style. It may sneak in hipster trends with big and bold flashes, but classic tartan absolutely never goes out of style. Take Burberry for example, have you ever heard anyone say that Burberry scarves are out of style? No, and neither have I.

The Freehand Tartan Belt is more than just plaid. It is a funky and sexy way to cinch your waist. Not too trendy because the muted tones are perfect for a number of outfits and for the promising spring weather. If it so happens to find its way in to my closet, you'd better believe it will stay there for some time amongst some crisp white blouses, khaki ankle pants and white linen shirtdresses. The Freehand Tartan Belt can be purchased from Anthropologie for $58.00.

Until next time,

Chamele

The Naked Zebra Dress at Sage Clothing

I tried again this year and failed miserably. Last year, I challenged myself to refrain from shopping for 365 days. I lasted 3 days. This year I lasted 14 days. Go me!  (That is a real accomplishment whether you think so or not.) Being snowed in for almost a week did not help my situation. What's a girl to do if she is snowed in for five days. The first day of the blizzard, I checked my email and what did I find.  The lovelies at Sage Clothing decided spread a little warmth by offering a 25 percent discount with the code "Snowday."

 

You thought I used the code, didn't you?  I  thought about it, but did not. I did take a look at the site just in case I wanted to utilize my good fortune. I checked the "New Arrivals," and of course I found something just in time for Valentine's Day.

The Naked Zebra dress is the perfect shade of red with the most forgiving ruching in all the right places. The dress hem is accented with lace and it comes in small medium and large, so the waist tie is perfect for enhancing the natural waist. The dress is polyester and dry clean only. TheNaked Zebra dress sells for $79 at Sage Clothing. That 25 percent discount would have been perfect.

Until next time,

Chamele

Tory Burch Sunglasses at TJMAXX!

On my weekly trip to TJMaxx, I found the cutest pair of Tory Burch sunglasses.  What can I say, all the nice weather has me in the mood for sun. The  aviators were tipped with color along the top of the frame. The lenses were dark and slightly rectangular. I checked the price; this was certainly a steal. I was already pairing the sunglasses with one of my recent purchases, in particular one patent leather orange oversized clutch by Hobo. However, there was a slight problem... the frames didn't fit my face.  Sniff, sniff. Maybe they will look cute on you. You can find the Tory Burch frames in navy and orange for only 49.99 at TJMaxx.  The originally retail for $175!


Until next time,

Chamele

Hello Divas!

I have been MIA due to me trying to catch up on work that I could not due because I was home with the kids all day long during our snow/ice storm.  But as always I am thankful for everything in my life.

Chamele is back and she has some very important information to share.  Check it out!

My second favorite time of the year, the mid-Winter boutique bargains Warehouse sale! The End of the Season promises 50-70% off of your favorite brands from Atlanta's premier boutiques. This Friday and Saturday from 10a-6pm. The location is the same as it has been, above Z Gallerie in Atlantic Station, 231 18th St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30363. For the full list of vendors and for directions visit http://www.boutiquebargainsatl.com/.

This is the mother of all sales and it never disappoints.  You can get your designer and true one of a kind pieces at unbelievable prices.  But I do recommend getting there early, if you snooze on this one, the pickings will be slim.

Toodles!

Lace skirts at J Crew: Sophisticated Elegance

Hello Divas!

 

Always be gracious for your blessings!  I am learning to be grateful everyday.

 

Day 17 involves Lace.  The way Chamele describes these lace skirts, I am intrigued.  I have never been the one to like lace, but it is elegant and sophisticated.  Check it out!

 

 

I am always on a quest to find certain key pieces. Last year, I wanted a knee length lace mini skirt. I was hoping to find one in an elegant black lace to replace a skirt that I had in college. Instead I found a cream lace mini skirt  on sale at a favorite spot; but it was entirely too slim throughout the hips and I could not return it. One happy sister-in-law found herself with some new digs. This year, lace has made its into every facet of clothing including shorts. Lace is no longer reserved for tablecloths and weddings (although my mother might disagree.)

 

While combing through my September and October issues, I saw a cute spin on a the lace trend. A lace skirt with a button-down shirt and belted sleeveless sweater vest. The sweater vest covered a fair portion of the skirt, toning down dressier element of the look and making the look entirely purposeful for a business affair. And so my search began again. I just happened to be in JCrew. Honestly, I just happened to be there by someone suggestion, and I found the cutest gray lace mini... and then I saw the green one. I have no clue which I would prefer. They are both adorable. The Severn Lace Mini is $138.00 at JCrew.  I am looking forward to wearing one with a button down and one of those mixed metal necklaces also on my wishlist.

 

Faux Fur is HOT!!!

Hello Divas!

 

 

I hope your Monday is filled with many successes and blessings! Expect nothing but the best of everything this week.

 

 

Chamele still has more days of Luxetips.  She has found some faux furs that are too Divalicious! I love it!

 

 

Day 18

Environmentally friendly designers have stepped up their game and are including a host of fur pieces in their Winter lines. Fur is such a huge trend right now, that faux furs have been given a more luxurious look at more affordable prices. Being from the South, there is rarely an opportunity to wear fur without looking a little offbeat. Our Summer extends well into Fall, and our Winters are more of a Northern Summer. There are some furs that  I would rock in our current 60 degree weather.

 

I am an old school girl, so the two faux coats that speak to me are reminiscent of old Hollywood. The first is a collarless brown faux rabbit that reminds me of the early Eighties. It has hook and eye closures, puff sleeves, and is fully lined. You almost don't need a reason to wear it.   The Pins and Needles Puff Sleeve Faux Fur Coat is $168.00 at Urban Outfitters.

 

The second coat, the Just My Luxe, is a  black faux mink with collar. It is a very retro waistcoat with quarter-length sleeves and a ribboned belt. The Just My Luxe Jacket is $97.99 at Modcloth.

 

There is also a sweater that caught my eye. The Irina Cardigan has a fur collar cardigan, making the sweater a perfect match for any dress and would look sweet even with jeans. The major selling point for me is the detachable collar. Translation I can make any of my coats and cardigans a lush throwback. The Irina Cardigan is $198.00 at Anthropologie.

 

 

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Bug Jewelry at Anthropologie and Modcloth!

Hello Divas!

Well we made it to Friday! Whoohoo!  I am just looking forward to lying in bed until at least 9am this Saturday morning.  Yes!  All Divas need rest. It replenishes the body and soul.

Chamele has excellent taste!  Don't you agree?  I love her posts because she is hipping me to some cool and adorable websites to find very creative and distinct items. Sweeet! Check out her latest post on Bug Jewelry.

Day19

Are you the kind of girl who isn't really into snakes and crocs unless its on your hand bag or shoes. Me too! I am not a bug chic either, but I keep running across the most adorable bug jewelry.

I am eyeing or more literally stalking the Sparkling Spider Clip-ons and waiting for the moment the price drops on these babies. These creepy crawlers are made from stainless steel and Murano glass beads, and I would let these suckers crawl on my ear all day long. The Sparkling Spider Clip-ons are $278.00 at Anthropologie. 

I also found a pair of giant gilded gold cicadas. I think what attracted me the most to these was the gilded gold. The suckers look a little real, but who wouldn't want a bug dipped in gold, right? The Magicicada earrings are $29.99 at Modcloth.

The fierce passionate Scorpio I am, I represent my sign proudly. I  ran across a cute scorpion ring in a magazine. It is sold at 80spurple.com, but when I went to the website I couldn't find it. So, if you see it, let me know. As much as I don't like  arachnids or their other family members, I would wear any of this bug jewelry all day long.

Until Tomorrow,


Chamele

Update!  The Sparkling Spider Earrings are now on sale for $149 at Anthropologie and there are only 5 pairs of the Magicicada earrings left on Modcloth! Happy Shopping!

Essie Nail Color Winter Collection: Fierce!

Hello Divas!

Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I just want to lay in bed all day, but then I think about the Nike commercial and I tell myself, Just Do It!

Day 20 is all about nail color.  I love nail color and these Essie Collections are fierce!

If you are anything like me, a box of Crayola containing 24 crayons was simply not enough. You had to have the box with 96, or 112 or whatever the max number of crayons were for that school year. You probably even justified the purchase as "educational " (one of my choice terms.)  I would ask my Mother, "Why, would you not want me to know all of the colors that exist."  God forbid you should find out about Pantone paint chips, but really why shouldn't you know all the colors? Obviously, I am a somewhat sensual creature who lives in color.  It is one of the greatest gifts of self expression. I can not imagine how I went so long with nude toes.

This season, I am excited about Essie's Fall and Winter nail polishes.  I could not make up my mind on one color because they all excited me. If you are afraid of commitment like me, you can grab a mini four-pack of Essie from Ulta for $17.00 (and don't forget your five dollar off coupon from In Style magazine.) The four-pack contains four luxurious colors that center around what else- shopping!  The Fall Four contains:

Sew Psyched, a sumptuous green that is not too bright and not too dull;  

Merino Cool; 

Little Brown Dress; 

and  Limited Addiction, a fun red for the Christmas season. 

Essie also offers a six-pack that contains two additional colors:  

In Stitches and, 

Velvet Voyeur. 

How cute! The names alone make you want to wear them.

I have not yet purchased the Winter Four pack as the Winter colors have just recently become available. The Winter palette contains a similar, yet bolder, palette than the Fall colors: 

Greiges

Smokin' Hot 

Hot Coco 

Luxedo 

Masquerade Belle

Going Incognito a green slightly warmer than Sew Psyched; 

and  a a coral red, Silken Cord. 

I am especially excited about the Greiges- the combination of gray and beige, with glints of lavender. The varying shades of greige that have made their way on the runways have made gray such a popular neutral, that it is an acceptable nail color that can find its way in the workplace without reproach.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

South Moon Under: Monogram is back!

Hello Divas!

Don't waste time worrying about life.  Remain faithful and everything always works out!

Chamele loves monograms.  I have not been a fan myself, but these are Classic. How do you feel about monograms?

Day 21

I love monograms! My mother always made me feel as though my name was special. She would have oxford shirts monogrammed at the local JCPenney for my sister and I to wear to school. Even now, my sheets, towels and throw pillows are monogrammed.  However, I never had the pleasure of owning any monogrammed jewelry. Not even in the Eighties when a trip to local flea market could result in a gaudy gold-plated necklace.

Sex and the City’s character Carrie made the Eighties trend ever more popular, and the show’s sixth season saw Carrie searching for her necklace and herself. In a sense the necklace was a reminder to Carrie to stay true to herself. You may not need to wear your name on your chest to remind you of who you are, but monograms are simply fun to wear. 

South Moon Under, a favorite online spot, offers a great range of  monogrammed jewelry by Jennifer Zeuner.  Some of her notable pieces include:  a gold plated bangle for $75.00, a cursive Carrie-esque gold vermeil necklace for $143.00,  and a swirly initial necklace $176.00. My only complaint is that it takes four to six weeks for processing. (Sad face) Nevertheless, just in time for Christmas.

Until Tomorrow,

Chamele

Be Natural Callus Eliminator: Pretty Feet!

Hello Divas!

I know sometimes we may feel down, but we have to find something that makes us happy to get up and keep living this life to the fullest!

Check out Day 22 from Chamele.  I HAVE TO GET THIS ONE!

The summer months find me scurrying for pedicures on a more regular basis.  Because Mother Nature can not make up her mind whether it is Summer or Fall, I have made one more trip to the salon before I start my DIY pedicures. Although I make every effort to do an equally good job as the nail technicians, I never seem to smooth out my calluses quite as well as they can.  During my last pedicure visit, I was a little nosey and I managed to catch a glimpse of the callus remover used by the salon.  Of course, I went on a hunt to find this callus remover.  I vowed to find the secret and I did.  The Be Natural Callus Remover has worked wonders on my feet for the past couple of months. After one application, my feet are years younger.   The Be Natural Callus Eliminator can erase months and maybe even years of neglect from the soles of your feet.  You can find Be Natural Callus Eliminator at Sally Beauty Supply for $13.49.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele