Collaboration: H&M and Versace!

H&M has announced its newest collaboration and I am beyond thrilled! The collection is slated to hit stores on November 19 so mark your calendars. In addition, H&M will also be releasing a pre-spring collection designed exclusively by Donatella Versace. However, these pieces will only be available in countries with H&M on-line sales starting January 19, 2012. Luckily, H&M announced earlier this year that they were planning on launching online shopping in the US in late 2011/early 2012.

Sunday Best

I found this really amazing, bright blue cocktail ring a couple of months ago. When I say big, I sort of mean huge. I had been wearing it here and there, but had yet to come across an outfit that really made it pop. Then I remembered this lovely little dress I bought online last summer. It had an interesting print, and pockets too, so I obviously had to buy it right away. Turns out that it was exactly what I had in mind, somehow it really brings out the vibrant color and unique shape of the ring.

Envi Dress - edressme.com

Chunky Yellow Necklace - Etsy

Cocktail Ring - Banana Republic

Peep Toe Wedges - Target

Is Zapfino the New Papyrus?

In terms of how much rage it gives me? Yes. I didn't always feel this way, in fact when I first saw Zapfino I actually found it to be quite interesting. But then it happened, everywhere I looked there it was. The world was vomiting Zapfino. 

It seems as though anyone that wants to add class, style or fanciness to their print materials thinks Zapfino is the only way to do it. People, there are other graceful, lovely fonts out there, use them! Using Zapfino just makes you look like an amateur. Not only does it make me want to poke my eyes out, it makes me want to not eat your food, buy your products or attend your wedding. Now don't get me wrong, my disdain for Papyrus is still going strong, but Zapfino sure is catching up fast. So people of the world I beg you, please put me out of my misery and retire Zapfino and for that matter Papyrus too. I promise, you'll thank me someday.

Sunday Best

Last week was our biennial conference at work and I knew I had to pull out the big guns for our members. All of my large, crazy jewelery was out in full force and I have to say, the ladies were loving it. This outfit garnered a particularly high number of comments. Normally I would wear this outfit with other shoes, but since I had to run around taking photos all day, flats were a must. I added the second photo just cause it cracked me up.

Silence & Noise Jacket - Urban Outfitters

Dress - H&M

Necklace - Banana Republic

Seychelles Ballet Flats - TJ Maxx

Sunday Best

I had been eying this dress from Banana Republic's spring lookbook for weeks, but $165 for a cotton dress with subpar reviews seemed a little crazy. After the price went down to $130 it seemed a little more reasonable, but still a bit pricey for what it was. I had forgotten all about the dress when I received an email from Banana Republic with a mystery offer of either 25, 30 or 50% off your entire purchase. I pretty much figured the chance of getting 50% off was slim to none, so imagine my surprise when I walked into the store, opened my little mystery card and saw a big fat 50% off! Half off of 130 was totally doable. 

My elation was short lived. The sales person informed me that they don't carry petites in any of the stores in the district. WTF. The reviews for the dress had all stated that it ran really small, so I figured I would try on the regular size 0 knowing full well that it probably wouldn't fit. I walked into the fitting room prepared to have rage about vanity sizing and hanging on the door was my dress in a 00p! Totally random, but I guess it was meant to be. I think it's the perfect little white dress for summer.

White Lace Dress - Banana Republic
Necklace - Target

Shoes - Payless

Sunday Best

After a one-week hiatus from fanciness, I'm back! Let's jump right into the outfit. Bright color, check. Bold accessory, check. A basic gray knit dress with a great cut provides the perfect backdrop to experiment with. I wear this dress many ways and with many things, but pairing it with this handmade necklace and yellow peep toes is probably my favorite.

Gray Knit Dress - Banana Republic

Yellow Cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft
Yellow Peep Toe Mary Janes - J.Crew

Fabric Necklace - Etsy