Thursdays are for My Favorite Things

When I was on my cruise, I did some major shopping.  I fell in love with this black diamond ring in St. Maarten.  I didn’t buy thing ring because I knew J and I were moving and should be saving my money.  But I am kicking myself for not purchasing the ring.  I can’t get the ring out of my mind.  So this week’s Thursdays Favorite Things is dedicated to black diamond rings.  None of these rings are exactly like the ring in St. Maarten, but they are definitely gorgeous.

1.  Lord & Taylor Black and White Diamond Ring - $750

2.  Lord & Taylor Black and White Diamond Ring - $2,600

3.  White and Black Diamon Ring from Amazon - $396

4.  Lord & Taylor Black and White Diamond Ring - $850

Have you ever walked away from an item and wished you had purchased it when you had the chance?

Thursday are for My Favorite Things

This week’s edition of Thursdays Favorite Things is all about shoes.  I am currently lusting after each of these.

1.  I am on the hunt for black riding boots.  I love my brown riding boots and I have black boots with heals so I would love a pair of black flat boots.  These boots would be perfect for walking around and shopping!

2.  I am a flats girl.  I love comfort and have comfortable heals but nothing is better than a great pair of flats.  These Burberry flats are absolutely gorgeous.

3.  I have made a pair of glittered flats, but I still don’t have a pair of glitter pumps.  How fun are these Miu Miu glitter pumps? 

4.  Although I am not sure where I’d wear them, I love the Sam Edelman studded pumps.  These pumps would add the perfect edge to any outfit.  But I am sure I’d cut my leg off with them!

What are your favorite shoes right now?

Thursdays are for My favorite Things

This week’s favorite things is all about handbags!  I love each and everyone of these bags.  Each of these bags are unique and gorgeous!

Thursdays are for My Favorite Things – Christmas Edition

Since football season is finished but for bowl games, I wanted to bring back Thursdays are for My Favorite Things and what a better way than showing my favorite things for Christmas.  I love each of these items and think they would be perfect for holiday gatherings and the best part – each item is under $50!

1. Sequin Skirt - $20 -  H&M

2.  As a Matter of Flat in Leopard - $30 – Modcloth

3.  Red Cowl Neck Gathered Tunic - $49 – Dorothy Perkins

4.  Hive & Honey Shearling Toggle Cape - $48 – Piperlime

A sequin skirt is perfect for the holidays and even ringing in the New Year.  I have been on the hunt for months for leopard loafers and these would definitely do the trick!  I love anything cowl neck and I think this red tunic would look perfect with a pair of leather leggings.  And who couldn't love a camel cape?  

Thursdays Favorite Things By Pencil Skirts & Lattes

This is the last Thursdays Favorite Things for a while, but don't worry I have another fun Thursday post lined up.

Since this is the last Thursdays Favorite Things it is only fitting that it is a guest post.

Meet Sarah.  Sarah is my twitter bff and the gorgeous lady behind Pencil Skirts & Lattes.  Sarah resides in Nashville, Tennessee and has a fabulous wardrobe of clothes.  When you visit her blog you instantly fall in love with style and photos.  Her blog is pretty fantastic.

So here's Sarah's favorite things in her own words. 

Hello, lovely readers of Fashion By Alicia!! I'm so happy to be guest posting about a few of my Favorite Things at the moment!

Favorite Fall Nail Colors:

From top left: Essie Mamba, Sally Hansen Commander in Chic, Essie Mink Muffs, Rimmel Burgundy Flirt, Essie Power Clutch, OPI Barefoot in Barcelona, Chanel Black Pearl, Sally Hansen Pat on the Black, Maybelline Mocha Blast

Favorite Fall Trend:  

FAUX FUR.  I cannot get enough of this right now... in the home, to wear... literally OBSESSED with faux fur right now!

images from Pinterest

Favorite Thing Always:  

Coffee :)  This is how I wake up every single morning.  (hence Pencil Skirts & Lattes)... there is just nothing like the smell and taste of a great cup of coffee on a brisk fall morning.  Heaven.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!! :)

Thursdays Favorite Things By My Dressy Ways

So excited for another guest post this week.  Are you?

Meet Ying.  Ying is the fabulous fashionista from My Dressy Ways.  Ying showcases a great way to dress business casual and dresses fabulously.  Here is Ying's favorite things in her own words.

Hello Fashion By Alicia readers! I’m so honored to be asked to write about my favorite things for Alicia’s Thursdays Favorite Things!

Even though the official ‘first day’ of fall is September 23^rd, I’m already in fall mode. I love summer and hate to see it come to an end, but there is so much to love about fall. There are also so many things going on to appease the senses! Leaves changing color, the sound of leaves under your feet, and last but not least, the SCENT of fall. Mmmmm, deep inhale just thinking about it. And then there’s fall fashion. What’s not to love?  I’m not ready to say good bye to summer, however, I AM ready to dive into my fall wardrobe staples! Here are my tried and true fall favorites as well as some new ones that are on my wishlist.

Cognac boots

Steven by Steve Madden Meteour boots

I have a really old pair that I got a great deal on long before cognac boots were all the rage. Now, you can’t find a decent pair under $100. Wait. Who am I kidding? Under $200! (I’m looking for some heel height which adds to the cost, apparently.) The pair that I own has been worn to the point of falling apart but I still rock them because I love them so much and they go with EVERYTHING.

Camel colored blazer

Forever 21 Oversized Single Button Blazer

One thing on my checklist that I can cross off thanks to my off-season shopping! I picked one up at LOFT over the summer for under $20. It’s the perfect topper to add to a sleeveless top or blouse. Nude and neon is a hot combination this fall and I’m thinking this will be a great piece for that combo.

Colored jeans/pants

Forever 21 Woven Capri Pants

Hot for summer and still hot for fall. I would love a hot pink pair to go with my camel blazer! I recently picked up a rust colored pair from Forever 21 and am really excited to wear them this fall with my booties and my knee high boots.

Dark nails

Yesssss. I love bright nails, but I love dark nails even more. My favorite fall and winter color is Vixen by Revlon. It is a deep burgundy and is a great alternative to black. I can’t wait to sport this on my nails again!

Leopard print

Jessica Simpson via Zappos

Leopard anything. If you’re new to leopard, start with accessories to more comfortable with it. Try a belt or a clutch. It’s more versatile than you think! Once you own one item, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll want to reach for the leopard accents and the addiction begins….

 Hope you enjoyed Ying's favorite things.  Definitely check out her blog, My Dress Ways. 

Thursdays Favorite Things By Bravoe Runway

This weeks Thursdays Favorite Things is brought to you by Bravoe Runway.

Meet Bessie.  Bessie is the Chicago fashionista behind Bravoe Runway.  She is probably one of the most stylish ladies I know.  I would die for her closet!  Bravoe Runway showcases daily outfits but with a twist.  Once a week Bessie does a Bonus Day wear she shows a wardrobe item several ways and my personal favorite Bargain Day. 

Don’t you just adore the variety we see in the posts written by Alicia?  She’s got Tip Tuesdays, Giveaway Wednesdays, and Favorite Thursdays!  I was super excited when she asked me to guest post my favorite things!  I feel like we’re chatting live on Oprah!

Something in Red

I believe every woman should have a knock-out red accessory.  It can be shoes, belt, hat, lipcolour, or a handbag.  Red adds a gorgeous and noticeable accent to any outfit, any season!  Put it on and revel in it!

Scarves

I love scarves in all shapes, sizes, made from all types of fabrics!  Scarves are versatile and can dress up any simple outfit.  I’ve used them to create bracelets, belts, and even a ruffle collar!  Tying scarves is a true art!

A Great Sale

It’s a tough economy and we’re all trying to stretch our dollar to the max!  While we love to indulge in the finer things in life we also love to bask in the glory of a great sale item!

Vintage

This is my mom’s skirt purchased in 1986 from designer Gianfranco Ferre!  I love the character and design seen in vintage pieces.  They certainly don’t make things the way they used to!

Sunglasses

Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and wrinkles, but also there is a glamorous feel when you put them on!  They are also a great timesaver should you need to run a few errands and simply aren’t in the mood to put on make-up!

What your five favorite things?  Thank you for having me Alicia!

Thursdays Favorite Things By Smart n Snazzy: Stylish Without Going Broke

It is time for another great guest post this week.  

Meet Lia.  Lia is a Florida native who now resides in Denver, Colorado and the lady behind Smart N Snazzy:  Stylish Without Going Broke.  I adore Lia.  She balances being a mother,  working, and her fabulous blog.  If Lia lived in Florida, I am sure we would be best friends because we share a love of jewelry, Project Runway and of course, Denver native, Mondo.  

So here are Lia's favorite things. 

Vintage necklaces on a Tiffany candle lamp

I think that the best way to spice up/give personality to a plain outfit is with bold yet unique statement jewelry. Funky earrings, eye-catching necklaces, and bracelets stacked and stacked. My favorite places to go for unique pieces other than thrift stores, is Jewelmint and BaubleBar. The majority of my pieces come from Jewelmint, I’m a little addicted to their pieces. BaubleBar is equally fabulous, with high end designed pieces for seriously affordable prices. Plus, if you’re a new customer, you will get a $10 credit!

Virginia by Sole Society, boxes of shoes in my closet because they don't fit on my shoe shelves anymore....

I love wearing heels. I really do. I hate walking in them, my poor feet kill me! I’ve found some super helpful products that make wearing heels for extended periods of time extremely bearable. Kushyfoot makes the most adorable little lace “socks” that have padding on the ball and heel of the foot. The best part is not only they come in different colors but that they are hidden in your shoe! Ahhhh the comfort! For open-toed or sandals, I swear by the different Foot Petals. With these, you still may not be able to run a marathon in stilettos, but it sure does make my commute and workday a lot easier on my feet!

London Fog trenchcoat

Ask any stylist/fashion blogger for their top 10 clothing items every woman should own, and guaranteed they will say a classic camel trenchcoat. While a Burberry beauty is still at the top of my most coveted list, sadly, it will not have a home in my closet anytime soon. But there are plenty of other options out there. I scored a beautiful London Fog trench at Burlington Coat Factory for (GASP!) $50. I snatched it up with a quickness! The things you really want to look for is a well-made garment, I prefer one with buttons and a belt as well. Also, I want it to keep me relatively warm, so a nice lining is crucial.

Tan bag: Coach, Coral bag: Steven by Steve Madden, Cream Frame bag, via TJ Maxx

Lastly for me, a must have is a versatile purse. Now by versatile, I don’t necessarily mean one that can go from day to night, since I don’t really go out and if I do, it’s certainly not to places where I am worried about carrying a nighttime clutch. I’m talking I want a great everyday purse that looks chic, but I can throw my phone, keys, wallet, chap stick, lotion, magazine, lunch, snacks, etc. in without looking like I’m carrying a diaper bag. Yes, I said lunch. I bring my lunch to work, but since I also have to bring my laptop to and from work, I can’t carry 3 different bags. That’s just ridiculous, because I also have a coffee in my hand and need to hold out my id badge to building security. I’ve been lucky to find some really cute bags, but get bored easily and am constantly looking for new options.

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite things! If you haven’t already, check out my blog!

xoxo

Lia

Thursdays Favorite Things by Sassy Jeweler

It is Thursday which means it is time for another guest post and their favorite things. 

Meet Courtney.  Courtney is the lady behind Sassy Jeweler a blog that helps women find their personal style one cocktail ring at a time.  Courtney also sells Premier Designs Jewelry and LOVES it!  So here are Courtney's Favorite Things. 

Statement Necklaces

This is one, rather two, pieces of my current collection. For those of you that have not visited my blog previously, let me explain. I have been an Independent Consultant with Premier Designs for 7-1/2 years. I LOVE this job! I get to meet some really great ladies, have fun while showing off jewelry AND give it away free to Hostesses. It really is a great deal. This ensemble above is really our Global necklace with the new Golden Girl brooch/pin. Yes, that's right a brooch. It has a magnetic bale on the back too so that you can flip it over the top of a chain or necklace you may already have and it's got the ability to be worn on a denim jacket for instance, as a pin. I love convertible jewelry!

Cocktail Rings

The Traditions ring is another new item from our Fall catalog. I know that I should remain neutral where jewelry is concerned but it's really difficult. I wear my product every day and since Premier Designs does not do any advertisement, I rely on myself to act as a walking billboard. So, in light of that, I try to wear all of the bold, fun pieces that my jewelry line offers. This is a great and attractive piece. I really enjoy the fact that I can wear it casually with a tank and denim capri's or dress it up with a fun top, dress pants and really fun brown crocodile pumps. Either way is a winner in my book!

Monogrammed...ANYTHING!

I love monogrammed...well anything really. I see monogrammed mugs, purses, keychain and now I'm even seeing people with their monogrammed initials on their cars. I have to admit, I'm halfway tempted to follow suit. I'm not too much of a follower so I'm really trying to determine if I'm doing it just to be like everyone else or if I really want to put those stickers on my car for another reason. Either way, i don't care. I love initial jewelry, monogrammed lunch bags (yes I have one of those too) and even organizers with catch phrases. The picture above is a jewelry roll from Thirty One. I bought it before I went on a trip to Texas to see the brand new line of Premier Designs jewelry.  I do try to support other direct sales companies when I can and it just so happens that Thirty One has enough of a variety of fun purses, totes and storage containers, that I've been able to feed this monogramming addiction.

Plum Polish

This plum polish is HEAVEN in my book. I used to only wear bright reds, pinks and oranges. Well, that was back in high school. Then I wore nothing but clear or sheer shades. Now, I seem to be drawn to the darker shades. This Zoya plum shade in Mikka is fast becoming a favorite of mine. I love the silver hologrammed streaks in it and when this is applied it really is a beautiful shade. Not daring to wear this dark color on your nails, then start on your toes and work your way up to it.  I've noticed that I tend to stick to lighter nail colors during the summer time and then gravitate towards the darker ones in the winter time.

Last but not least....

Magic in a Bottle

This little bottle is amazing. I love this stuff. It's a great way to smooth out all of the fine lines that we tend to get as we get older. I tried a more expensive version of this product and found it to be a great addition to my make-up bag. You could imagine my surprise when I found this at a much more affordable price. I've been using it for a few months and plan to do so for many months to come.

Those are just a few of my favorite things. Did you see anything on my list that you might try out yourself? If so, leave me a note and let me know what you think!

In friendship and style...
Courtney - Sassy Jeweler

Thursdays Favorite Things by The Average Girl's Guide

It is Thursday which means another addition of Thursdays Favorite Things.  We are blessed with another guest post this week.

Meet Alyson.  She is the fabulous lady behind The Average Girl's Guide.   Alyson is another Florida fashionista.  She is located in South Florida and I absolutely love her style and humor.  I am sure you will love her favorite things. 

Statement Necklaces

Since I can be uber lazy about changing out my earrings (sad news to my earring collection!), necklaces offer the perfect outlet to personalize my look. Even a ho-hum tee gets the glitzed-up, all-star treatment when you add a glam necklace, a delicate vintage long necklace or a bold bauble around your neck. Places to find: BaubleBar (pic: hatshepsut beads), J. Crew, Target, JewelMint. 

Cardigans

I should start to sleep in cardis I love them so much! They're absolutely perfect with their ability to infuse a bold pop of color, fancy up a casual look and of course, conceal my tush, when needed! I just might have a cardy addiction, but that's OK with me.

Striped Top

I have love striped tops for as long as I can remember. While I used to only want to wear blue striped tops (I'm talking way back in the day, like 5th grade times!) I'll now take one home in any color. I'm often partial to a navy and white stripe; this fall I'm dedicating myself to pairing my stripes with more patterns and various colors. Madewell has the best classic stripes, including this one with a little bit of arm personality.

Dark Jeans

Is this a lame option? Maybe but I can't resist. Every time I put on another pair of jeans I find myself wanting to slide back in my dark skinnies (which happen to be from f21 for a whopping $9.50, now just a $1 more). While skinnies are not for everyone, a dark jean is. It's beyond flattering. Just be sure to get your jeans hemmed to the length that you'll be wearing them most. Plan on wearing with mostly flats? Invest the $15 or so dollars on alterations to hem so you don't keep stepping on your jeans. It's worth it! I swear that little fix is the reason why people so often ask if my skinnies are J. Brand. Sure, of course they are. (insert secret giggle to self).

Dark Chocolate

Fashion be dammed, this girl loves her dark chocolate as much as her dark jeans! Since some doctors have somehow declared it healthy, I now of course have permission to indulge nightly. The hubs and I often take a smal handful of dark chocolate m&m's after every meal. Lately, though, I've been all about the Godiva pearls. They were impossible to find for ages, but I've seen them popping up more and more.

A big thank you to Alyson for her guest post.  If you want to learn more about Alyson check out her blog The Average Girl's Guide.   I am actually making an appearance on her blog today. 

Thursdays Favorite Things By Real Girl Glam

Every Thursday I have been doing my own Thursdays Favorite Things, but I thought by now you knew the things I really love and thought it would be great for my readers to meet some of my favorite bloggers.

Meet Amber.  She is the fabulous fashionista from Real Girl Glam.  Although I have never met Amber, I feel like we have known each other for years.  We talk on twitter all the time and guess what, we are going to meet in September at the Blogger Brillance Conference in Tampa!  I am so excited to meet her!!

Here are Amber's Thursdays Favorite Things in her own words:

Hi, Everyone! I’m Amber from Real Girl Glam, and I’m honored to be doing a guest post today for Alicia.

When she asked me to write about my FAVORITE things, I knew it would be easy! I have no problem falling in love with all things beauty and fashion, and a few other things as well! So here’s some of what I’m LOVING right now…

GOLD FOR THE SUMMER

{via}

Whether it’s jewelry, handbags, shoes, or eye shadow, GOLD is perfect for summer time! I can’t get enough and recently picked up this bag above along with a set of gold bangles. Next up on my shopping list are gold sandals!

IKEA HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE BARS

{via}

Okay, so these are not fashion or beauty, but I may or may not be slightly OBSESSED with these hazelnut chocolate bars from IKEA and also IKEA in general, actually! I’ve never been super into chocolate, but I could eat these bars all day long.

SAM EDELMAN SANDALS

{via}

Sam Edelman is a recent addition to my closet but has quickly become my FAVORITE! I have two pairs of these Hamilton Sandals (Seen HERE & HERE) in leopard and turquoise and they are SO comfortable. They have a padded foot bed that is so much nicer than a lot of other flat sandals I have, so I’ve been wearing them non-stop!

ROMPERS

{via}

I know rompers aren’t a NEW fashion trend but they are new to me this summer. I never really thought I could wear rompers but after trying on several, I’ve found two so far that work for me! Don’t hesitate to try a romper; it is definitely one of the most comfortable things to wear in the summer heat.

GLITTER NAIL POLISH

Nothing is better than a little GLITTER! Nail polish is a MUST HAVE for me because it’s one of the easiest and inexpensive ways to change up my look. I’ve been a little glitter polish CRAZY lately and these are a few of the newest to my collection! Love it when the colors sparkle in the sun!

Check out my blog, REAL GIRL GLAM, today to see another of my new glitter polishes!

Thursdays are for My Favorite Things

Right now I am loving Maxi dresses.  I am wearing them all the time as a dress or as a skirt.  I think they are perfect for the summer and so comfortable.  I feel like I am wearing my pajamas, but still look stylish.

I am currently loving these Maxi dresses.  I think they are gorgeous.

(Click on the Photo Above for Links to Each Item)

Are you loving maxi dresses this summer?

Thursdays are for my Favorite Things

This Thursday is all about HANDBAGS!  What girl doesn't love a good handbag?  I love them.  I have different bags in all shapes in sizes.  But here are a few of my favorites right now.

(Click on the Photo Above for Links To Each Item)

 How fabulous are these bags?  I'd like to own each one.  I love the colors they are so fun.

What are some of your favorite handbags?

Thursdays are for My Favorite Things

This Thursday is dedicated to one thing and one thing ONLY Harry Potter!  I love Harry Potter.  I love the books and the movies.  I just love them.  Tomorrow is the premiere of the final movie - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. 

J and I are going to the midnight showing tonight.  I am so excited for the midnight showing.  I love seeing everyone dress up as the different characters and the anticipation for the movie.  J and I do not dress up, but I love that he comes along with me.  I am so excited for tonight!

 

I am extrememly excited for the movie, but sad at the same time.  I am sad because this is the end of Harry Potter.  I will not be getting to read any new books and I will not be getting to see any new movies.  

I have read about Harry and the crew growing up and now will see it on the big screen.  I know it will be a great movie, but I am sure I will need to bring my tissues.

Are you going to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II this weekend?

Thursdays are for My Favorite Things

This week’s addition of my favorite things are all food related.  I love food.  I always have.  When I was in 1st grade we had to tell everyone what are favorite food was most of my fellow classmates picked pizza, French fries, hamburgers, the typical kids food picks.  What was my favorite food?  Lobster.  I love seafood and lobster is on the top of that list.  I ate a whole lobster when I was 4 years old and the love for lobster has never left.

So my first favorite thing is of course, Lobster!  Yum.  Just thinking about lobster makes my mouth water.  I love dipping the meat in butter and eating every last drop.

 

 My next favorite item is butter!  I honestly think that you can never have too much butter.  I know butter isn’t technically a meal or food, but without butter the meal isn’t complete.  My mom use to find fingerprints in the butter dish when I was little and wonder where they came from, it was me.  I use to run my finger down the stick of butter and eat it.  It may sound disgusting but trust me it is really good.  As I have gotten older I have started eating less and less butter, but I still hold butter near and dear to my heart.

 

My last favorite item of the week is Fettuccine alfredo.  This food always makes me smile and happy.  I have always loved alfredo, but now I am completely spoiled.  My Hubby and I went to a restaurant in St. Louis that had the best alfredo I have ever ate.  The trick 1) homemade pasta and 2) an egg yolk that you mixed into the cream sauce.  It was so amazing!

 

 What are your favorite foods?

Thursdays are for My Favorite Things

Have I mentioned that I love love love shoes!  I was the little girl that had tons of shoes and still do.  So this weeks Thursdays are for My Favorite Things is dedicated to shoes!  I know I have mentioned that I love Cole Haan shoes, but I love other shoes as well.  Here are some favorites that I wish I had in my closet.

I love these Madame Butterfly Pump from Christian Louboutin.  These purple suede pumps are to die for!  These pumps will not end up in my closet since they cost $850.  But a girl can hope!

How amazing are these silver Jimmy Choo pumps?  The Samba pump would be perfect with the LBD or for a night of going out.  These are another shoe that will not be in my closet since they cost $750.00, but they are one of my favorite things.

My final favorite thing this week is the Michael Kors Sonoma Sandal.  These sandals are a little more practical, but I still love them. 

What are some of your favorite shoes? 

Thursdays are for My Favorite Things

I love Cole Haan shoes.  I love the fact that dress shoes have Nike air soles.  This makes the shoes so comfortable.  I am extremely spoiled when it comes to dress shoes (heels or flats) because I only wear Cole Haan.  Luckily, I have an outlet not too far from my house so I can find shoes at a lower price.  These shoes make me feel like I am walking on air.

 Air Jasmine OT Pump

Another one of my favorite things is beaded necklaces and bracelets.  If you haven’t noticed, I wear a lot of beaded jewelry.  I love them.  I purchased my first beaded necklace my senior year of college and haven’t really stopped since.  If I see something I like I add it to my collection.  I was lucky enough to add a green beaded necklace to my wardrobe thanks to Anika Burke.  You might win one of you enter my Mystery Pack Giveaway.  Since I kept buying them, I have decided to take up making beaded jewelry so I can get exactly what I want.

This week’s final favorite thing is newly washed sheets.  I love the feeling of getting in to bed with soft clean sheets.  I always feel like I sleep better when the sheets have been changed.  This one is definitely random but amazing!

What are some of your favorite things?