Newly Mine

{Two quick shots of the garland on my my desk}

Hi sweets! I thought it would be fun to show a few of the happy things I've purchased recently. I'm on a pretty strict budget (especially when it comes to buying things for myself), but these things were just too good to pass up.

Firstly, I've become completely obsessed with this little bundle of tinsel garland that I picked up at Target a few weeks ago (it is only available in stores sadly). It has such a great vintage look to it in person, and the tiny size is just the cutest thing. I think I bought them out at one of our local stores!

Next, I finally broke down and bought myself a warm winter jacket (cozy all the way down to -25°). I feel a bit silly after all my grand talk about finding a super stylish coat (you all had the best recommendations - thank you so much)...but I wound up going for comfort in the long run. Who knows, my birthday is coming up, so maybe a fashionable coat isn't too far out of the question just yet. Then I finally found my perfect red nail polish after my hunt last week. The color is OPI "Color So Hot it Berns." I'm hooked. And lastly I picked up this checkered dress on sale at Old Navy. I know...I don't wear dresses, but It looked so cute tucked into jeans like a shirt and layered under a cardigan I had to buy it anyhow. I just have to shorten it a tad, sew a new hem, and presto-change-o, I have a fun checkered top for layering this Winter.

Have you had any fun shopping adventures recently (for yourself)? What's topping your wish list? My top three hopefuls are: 1. a new couch (desperately needed en mi casa), 2. fashionable coat (this one is still a serious contender), 3. amazing black boots (sigh). xo Ez

How Do I Wear: A Sequin Tank Top

Hello lovelies! Today I thought I'd try my hand at finding a solution to a fashion dilemma emailed to me by reader Erika. This is a bit different from my Chic for Cheap challenges as she already owns the main fashion piece and is simply in need of a few ideas on how to wear it (I also didn't stick to as tight of a budget as I usually do, but I don't think I went too overboard).

We all have those unworn items in our closet, don't we — the ones we swore we'd wear all the time, but that stump us when it comes down to getting dressed in the morning. For today's challenge the perplexing item is a sequin tank top that Erika purchased a couple years ago from Anne Taylor Loft. Here's Erika's challenge in her own words: "I have a dull gold metallic sequin tank top (totally out now, right?). Any fresh ideas on how to wear it? I've only ever worn it with jeans and a black cardigan, but I feel like I'm "wasting" the garment that way. It seems destined for something more spectacular, and I'm stumped."

I've actually been seeing sequins popping up all over the place, so this is a perfect time to breath new life into this top! I decided to go for two looks (one for daytime and one for evening). It's always fun to see how an outfit can change so much with just a few tweaks, don't you think?

The Look: Lunch Date

• Sequin Top (owned)
• Skinny Ankle-Zip Trousers - Old Navy | $29.50
• Black Croco Tab Watch - Nine West | $49
• Willow & Clay Sweater - Piperlime | $70
• Pouch in Distressed Leather - Rennes | $40
• Style's My Middle Name Flats - ModCloth | $27.99

The Look: Dinner Date

• Sequin Top (owned)
• Pretty Plumes Skirt - Madewell | $98
• Wool Pea Coat - American Eagle | $89.95
• Ring in the New Year Heels | ModCloth | $89.99
• Baroque Earrings - Banana Republic | $39.50
• Solid Tights in Black - American Eagle | $12.50

Psst...If you are looking for a similar sequin panel top for your closet, Madewell carries one that I love right here.

Fancy This: Kate Towers Fashion

These images of fashion designer Kate Towers' work are feeling so deliciously Fall-like with all their sumptuous ruffles and gorgeous hues. See more of Kate Towers in her portfolio and etsy shop.

All images from Kate Towers. Photography credit (for at least some of the shots) belongs to Peter Vanbeever.

One Good Thing: Colorblock Bangles

I spotted these Colorblock Bangles from Madewell earlier this morning and had to add them to my wishlist immediately. They are perfect to wear individaully or all together in one happy trio. I love the subtle pop of color on each one. The pricetag is making me pretty happy too! Check them out here.

Fancy This: My Imaginary Life

{tip: click on the image for a larger view}

Hello lovelies and welcome to a day in my imaginary life where:

• I work in an office swathed in black and white striped wallpaper - and it doesn't make me dizzy
• I wake up looking as artfully dishevelled as this model from Forever 21
• My magazine collection is organized to a T
• I chit chat on a vintage rotary phone - in crimson red of course
• All my work fits into this swanky striped backpack when I need to work on the go
• My chai tea tastes better from these lidded mugs
• Even my feet have style
• Notes are written with only the finest writing utensils
• And a stack of these chic little Pocket Books grace my desk to hold all my blogging finds and faves.

xo Ez