Ideal vs. steal: Metal belt

I've been obsessed with gold accessories (mostly jewelry) for a while now. But gold adornment on belts is something else entirely. It's just a tad new for me. I think it all started with a rad purchase I made at the Brooklyn Flea last fall—a black stretchy belt with gold Native American headdresses as the closure. Um yeah, awesome.

Anyhow, I had started noticing a lot more gold cuff type jewelry recently that I was drawn to and then the other day I saw a photo of girl in a black jumpsuit with a belt that looked like a gold cuff. I was smitten immediately; and thus the obsession began.

So I did some searching and found this beauty from INTERMIX, but I was certainly not smitten with its price tag. And that's when I found this pretty amazing and almost identical metal cap belt from Necessary Clothing for only $8.99. Too bad Christmas is over and I can't put it on my wish list! But at least at this price I can purchase it for myself.

Splurge on: Scarves

I love scarves. I mean, who doesn't, right?! I really should wear them more often. Especially right now, seeing as how they are the single best item to help you transition between seasons. Scarves can add a pop of spring time color without being too overwhelming and they provide warmth when you need them, but are also just as easily removed. Basically, scarves are the essential layering piece.

So here are a few that I've got my eye on.

1.  Old Navy Floral Gauze Scarf, $14.94
2.  Morgan Striped Scarf, $16.11
3.  Forever 21 Neon Ganado Print Scarf, $8.80
4.  Merona Yellow/Gray Polka Dot Scarf, $14.99
5. ModCloth Hint of Mix-tery Scarf, $21.99

Buy this, not that: Emerald earrings

Yeah, these earrings from My Jewelry Box might look familar seeing as how I just picked them for my March piggy bank picks. But I saw a similar pair featured on either Lucky or WhoWhatWear (sorry, my fashion lines start to blur I look at so much stuff!) only the price was much higher, of course.

Seeing as how emerald green is supposed to be a hot new color for spring, I thought I'd just point this pair of earrings out one more time in case you were looking for something similar to the beauties created by Lulu Frost, but need it to be more in your budget. 

What's in my piggy bank for September?

1. H&M Blazer in Beige ($34.95). This blazer is so chic and multi-purpose. Pair it with hot little shorts to make your outfit more lady like. Or style it with a tank and jeans for uptown casual. Or throw it on over a sundress for a business appropriate vibe for fall. I think I'll call it the wonder jacket.

2. H&M Hat in Beige ($14.95). Clearly I am obsessed with beige items from H&M. But look at this hat...who wouldn't be obsessed with it?!

3. Styles for Less Tribal Challis Tank ($14.99). This tank could also go from "work to play" quite easily.  I love both the colors and the print.

4. Wizz Spirit Belted Plaid Pouch with Strap ($32.00). Plaid is a staple for the fall. I'm thinking in addition to my usual plaid shirts, a cute lil plaid bag like this one would be a good way to incorporate more of the trend into my wardrobe.

5. Old Navy Women's Cropped Military Jacket ($34.50). I've already got a military/olive green shirt that I wear constantly, but this jacket from Old Navy would be a solid additional upgrade. Me thinks Alexa Chung would approve of it as well?!

6. H&M Imitation Leather Shorts in Black ($24.95). These shorts are hot. And affordable. That's all you need to know.

7. F21 Color Block Crop Top ($14.80). Last time I checked, color blocking was still in style...and I still haven't tried that look yet. This top from Forever21 makes it easy and affordable to rock this trend.

8. UO Other Worlds Jewel Point Ring ($18.00). I'm obsessed with the earthy vibe this ring is giving off.

9. F21 Floral Tassel Scarf ($9.80). This scarf would add the perfect touch of color to the obvious beige wardrobe I plan on having.

10. Charlotte Russe T-Strap Wood Heel Clog ($35.50). The perfect blend of earthy meets height requirement for my shoes :)

September FPCS giveaway: Ugandan Beaded Necklace

Ok, it's been entirely too long since I have done a giveaway...sorry! So here goes.

I thought while I was in Africa I would bring back something to giveaway that would not only represent the culture that I visited, but also something that would also translate well (ie, be wearable!) in America. So when I saw all the beautiful handmade beaded necklaces — made from recycled paper! — I knew that would be my item and made sure to snatch one up on the streets in Jinja, Uganda. But what I didn't realize was that these same type of beads would be featured in the September issue of People StyleWatch via an organization called 31 Bits. Ah, I love validation! Thanks People magazine :)

So, to one lucky winner, you'll receive this gorgeous handmade, African necklace that will add color to any ensemble.

Entering is easy! 
Simply leave a comment below about the necklace, along with your e-mail address.

If you want TWO ADDITIONAL entries you can:
1. Follow me on twitter and leave a separate comment to let me know
2. Follow me on either blogger or blog lovin and leave another comment to let me know

Contest is international and I'll pick a random winner in a couple of weeks. Good luck!

Plated: Kendi is Dino-might!

It seems I've been in some dire need of creative inspiration lately—both with my wardrobe and in an effort to expand my personal stationery collection. Well, enter in a new fav blogger of mine (thanks Em for passing her blog over to me!) Kendi from kendieveryday.blogspot.com and a cute lil critter from a long time fav website of mine, modcloth.com.

I heart Kendi because her style is just ah-mazing and she is also cute and very funny to boot! So if you haven't seen her blog before, I suggest you go there sometime soon!

I heart ModCloth for similar reasons: 1) they support bloggers - BIG TIME 2) they always offer awesome, affordable dresses that are also unique and 3) I recently found their accessories to be just as adorable, unique and affordable!

Anyhow, putting these things together—one hawt color combo from Kendi and one rad little necklace from ModCloth ($12.99)—I think I came up with a couple of pretty cute stationery pieces. It just seemed right that I put Kendi's namesake on it. I'm not sure if it's her style or not...but here's hoping she approves!

I couldn't decide which design I liked best: the chevron stripes background or the chain-influenced background that resonates with both of the necklaces—the one seen in Kendi's photo and the one on the actual Dino-Might necklace. So of course I decided to post both....which do you like best?

Buy this, not that

So just today, WWWD had a dedicated e-mail for Lucky Brand with a lovely fringe crossbody bag on it. As much as I love this bag—and the whole look for that matter—I can't bring myself to spend $149 on a tiny purse like this. I actually had my eye on a similar one at Forever21 a few months ago, but I had to make a choice and chose a top instead of the bag. It seems since I missed out on that purchase, I'll just have to buy one of these other similar items instead of that.

1. Charlotte Russe Tiered Fringe Crossbody Bag - $26.50

2. Volcom Kitty Claw Bag - $20.80 * also available in turquoise and black

3. Minnetonka Crossbody Fringe Bag - $49.90 *also available in dusty brown & gray

4. HSN Hot in Hollywood Downtown Fringe Crossbody Bag  - $39.90

What's in my piggy bank for June?

1. Styles for Less Overlay Ruffle Front Spaghetti Strap Dress ($19.99). I can't think of a more perfect summertime dress. Definitely great for cookouts and froyo dates and concerts.

2. PL Straw Fedora with Grosgrain Band ($21.99). I love the color pairing of the hat and the ribbon attached to it.

3. Fred Flare Breanne Sunglasses ($12.00). I clearly have a sunnies obsession. These would be such a fun pair to add to my collection!

4. Montego Bay Glitter Stretch Sandal ($19.99). I also have a Payless Shoesource obsession. This pair perfectly combines comfort and a little unexpected bling.

5. Forever21 Very Berry Sweetheart Romper ($19.50). I can't get enough of rompers. They are such a great "go to" casual piece to thrown on no matter what you're doing or where you're going.

6. Charlotte Russe Smooth and Hammered Bangle Set ($4.00). I already have a set of skinny gold bangles, but now I think it's time I add some fatter ones to my collection as well.

7. Striped Two Piece Beach Towel Set ($13.99). Every time I go to the pool, I am reminded of how badly it's time to update my beach towel collection. I haven't done it yet because the really good ones are always so expensive, but for just $13.99 you can get not one, but TWO of these cute turquoise and white striped towels. Looks like I'll be making a Target run soon!

8. Straw Studios Dorothy Clutch ($15.99). I originally thought I wanted a large straw tote bag, but after researching them, this cute little straw clutch caught my eye and I couldn't look any further.

9. Mini 3pk Assortment of TIKI Citronella Candles ($12.17). You cannot survive in my backyard right now without some bug spray and citronella. I think these cute little bucket candles would make a nice addition to my patio.

10. Sinful Colors Queen of Beauty ($1.99). My friends and I are currently obsessed with the gold sparkles version of this polish called "One of a Kind," so something tells me I would love the silver polish equally.