Post 1 of 2: Most Wanted Items for Spring 2012 via Belk!

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a spring fashion preview at Belk's SouthPark store, hosted by the illustrious Arelene Goldstein. Arlene is Belk's Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction...and she's fantastic. I so thoroughly enjoyed hearing her chat about what's coming for spring and some creative ways to wear the new trends.

What shall we expect for Spring 2012? Bright colors, more color blocking (in creative ways and mixed materials), '70s bohemian chic, American classics (polka dots, bold prints), asymmetrical cut tops and dresses and romantic blush tones. Women will have tons to choose from when it comes to hemlines, styles, and colors. Nice.

I'm such a big fan of lists, I really gravitated towards her 10 Most Wanted Items for Spring 2012. Without further adeiu, below are the first five items...the next five will come next week...stay tuned!

1. Long skirt: Ah, the maxi skirt. This season is grows up from a beachy staple to a multi-occasion piece. Extra points if you can score said fabulous skirt with pleats.
2. Striped dress: Long, short, brights, dark, flowy, cut close to the body, whatever works for you. Savor the stripes, ladies.
3. Boxy top: Perfect for pairing with bright skinnies or layered over tanks and skirts.
4. Open work: Think big knits in sweaters, light-weight scarves, cardigans and more.
5. Colored bottom: I'm personally crushing on a pair of pale coral skinny jeans, but look for colored bottoms in every cut and shade. Big colors for spring 2012: cobalt, yellow, coral and pastels. 

And how about some of my faves for interpreting these five trends...

Tees by BCBG MAX AZRIA
Long Skirts by Vince

So, which of the first five of Arlene's Most Wanted Items for Spring 2012 are on your shopping list?! 

Currently Craving: Jewelry That Rocks

When I hear words like labradorite, chrysoprase, pyrite, topaz and drusy my heart skips a beat. These gems rock...especially in jewelry. As of late I've been completely crushing on the natural stones - in earrings, pendants, bracelets...you name it.

And thankfully (or not so much according to hubs), I've spotted more than a fair share of these gorgeous gems in Charlotte. I've found a lovely display of Coralia Leets at City Art Works - incredible necklaces and vermeil earrings, like this one - a pale Peruvian opal.

Photo via City Art Works

And one of my faves, Laura James Jewelry also has an array of rockin' baubles ranging from subtle pyrite studs to this ah-mazing chrysoprase vintage chain necklace. Hey Santa - I wouldn't mind this bauble for Christmas. Just sayin'...

Photo via Laura James Jewelry

Do you like to rock out with your gems? 

Here's a set to satisfy those sparkly ambitions...

Earrings by Ettinger UK
Rings at Endless.com

Local Love: Laura James Jewelry & A Giveaway!

There are few things I love more than jewelry. Just ask my mother. As a tyke I would pile on strands upon strands of necklaces, throw on some earrings and paraded my arms with jelly bracelets way before stacks of bangles were hot.

Years ago when I moved to Charlotte I spent a good amount of time exploring the local boutique scene. While Charlotte certainly has its share of shopping, Laura James Jewelry shines...in more ways than one!

Yes, this local Charlotte shop, owned by the eponymous Laura James, crafts gorgeous gem creations. Laura uses many stunning vintage items in her pieces - ranging from Swarovski crystals to brass chains. She's even used a few crystals from a vintage chandelier - you can check out that stunner right here! And her new couture collection is absolutely drool worthy. Let me wipe down my keyboard. All photos are courtesy of Laura James Jewelry.

When I asked Laura, who is just as sweet as talented as can be, about fall jewelry trends she was more than happy to share the following...

Jewel tones – Especially deep purple, vibrant emerald, and stunning sapphire shades.

Collar necklaces – Statement pieces that accessorize your neck like no other necklace could.

Mixed metals – Pyrite, gold, silver, rose gold, vermeil...it's all pretty and it all works together with ease.

With all that said, there are two super exciting items you need to consider...

1) Once per month, Laura James Jewelry (online and in-store) hosts a "Chic Sprint" – a one day only sale, where one webpage full of jewelry is offered for 50% off. For serious. And you won't know about the Chic Sprint until the morning of. Want to get on the notification list? Sign up here.

A little birdy told me that Chic Sprint starts TODAY. Woot...get to it and shop happy on the Chic Sprint page! These beauties go fast.

2) Laura is offering a giveaway to the fabulous CCC readers! These precious whistle earrings could be yours!

To enter this giveaway, do the following by Monday, October 3 at 12:00 midnight EST:

• One entry: Leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your email address and your favorite Laura James Jewelry item. 
• One additional entry: Tweet about this giveaway and leave a separate comment letting me know you did so...and your Twitter handle so I can follow you!

Good luck and happy shopping! 

Currently Craving: Shorts, Jorts, Shorties

As previously mentioned, Charlotte NC is hot as hell right now. Because of the heat I have finally waved the white flag and chosen to shave my legs a few times each week...and when I do I feel like I earn the right to wear shorts.

While I love my Joe's rolled jorts (jean shorts) from last summer, I'm looking for a few more options to take me through September. Yes, it stays very hot in Charlotte through September. Sometimes October! I'm looking for easy, machine washable shorts that look great with flat sandals or wedges, cotton tanks or silk tops. Versatility is the name of the game.

Here's a little set of shorties I've had my eye on – each pair less than $80. I really despise paying an arm and a leg for shorts when you're really only getting 1/4 leg.

What are you currently craving?

Shorts by J.Crew
Shorts by Joe's Jeans

Recent Aquisitions: It's My Birthday Month, Yo

As mentioned last week...my birthday is coming up. If you're sick of hearing about my birthday, or May birthdays or Geminis...my apologies. In the past few weeks I've made a few purchases that are worth sharing with y'all...

Foam Roller
Yes. Due to intense amounts of CrossFit, a foam roller has turned into a necessity. Roll out those sore hammies, that achy back, those tight calves, whatever. It's pretty amazing for all of you who hit the gym or have sore muscles!

















BB Dakota Azure Dress
It's killing me that I can't find a photo of this dress online because it's so damn cute. I paid about $75 at a local Charlotte boutique, Boris & Natasha, and have never gotten so many compliments on the color of a dress. Such a pretty bright blue! Here's a fairly crappy picture of the bodice...

Consignment shopping: DVF scores
There must be a few women in Charlotte tire of their Diane Von Furstenberg dresses faster than I tire of drama on the CW. However, their castaways are my gain and I've scored two DVF dresses in the past two months (from Monarch and J.T. Posh, if you're ever in Charlotte!). One is an adorable silk blend cowl neck and the other a classic short sleeved wrap dress. While I'm sure they aren't from this season (or even last season), they still fit beautifully and the cut is classic. What did we learn today? Check your consignment shops, ladies.

DVF Lush Flip Flops
Speaking of consignment shopping, I picked up these brand new DVF Lush rubber flip flops from J.T. Posh, too! While the flips were $32, I had a credit from some goods I had sold here so they were, essentially, free! Damn it feels good to be a gangsta.

BTW - these run a teeny bit small, normally I wear a 7.5-8 and the 8 fits just fine albeit more like a 7.5. 


What about you? Any recent acquisitions?

Currently Craving: Trove TKEES Leather Flip Flops

I do not have pretty feet. I'll just throw that out there. I have the tiniest toe nails on the planet (seriously they look like little Chiclets) and from the myriad of exercise and running I engage in, my feet just aren't so hot. So, anything that makes my feet/legs look even remotely attractive and is comfortable = a total win in my book.

When I popped into new, local Charlotte boutique Coral I was in awe of the incredible items they had in the shop but also fell in love with TKEES. These slim, super comfy and simple leather flip flops are perfection for summer. They come in a variety of finishes, offer many shades (both nude colors and brights) and are a dressier option when Havianas just won't cut it. While they seem a bit pricey for a pair of flips ($45-$50), I imagine the cost per wear will be ridiculously low. I plan to pretty much live in these.

If you're purchasing online, go with your regular size or a bit larger as they run a tiny bit on the small side. i.e. I'm usually a 7.5 or 8 and the 8 fits just right (full sizes only, btw). While TKEES isn't selling on their website yet, it looks like it will happen very soon. In the meantime, you can score these sweet little flip flops at a myriad of online retailers - many highlighted in the set below.

While I purchased the shade "Cocoa Butter," I tossed together a set of fabu options and colors for you to gaze at. Happy shopping!

Sandals at Boutique to You
Sandals at Madison LA

Weekend Fun & Carrie Underwood

Ok ok, so normally I reserve Fridays for WTF Friday but I have to take 30 seconds to break out my jazz hands & get really excited for this weekend...why, you ask?!

Well, on Saturday I get to meet Carrie Underwood before her concert in Charlotte!

Holy sheet. This is all because of vitaminwater & their local community ties and I am so so so excited & thankful. Can you tell?!

Because of vitaminwater's overall fabulosity I also have pretty kick ass seats.

So...two comments & a question for y'all...

1) I love vitaminwater...seriously. That goes for their products (yay for stevia) & their local focus.

2) I adore Carrie Underwood's music. Adore.

3) What should I wear? Chime in pretty please. I'm thinking skinny jeans, heels and a light weight silky top. Thoughts?!

Happy weekend!

Madewell is Coming to Charlotte, NC - 15% off

For those of you in the Charlotte, NC area - Madewell is coming to Southpark Mall!

I received this email today...so I'm thinking if you receive J Crew emails, you will definitely get this one. I actually found this 15% promo in my spam folder within my gmail...so keep an eye out!

The 15% promo is good from August 1 - August 16, and is a one-time use per customer.