Setting Priorities

 I've been feeling overwhelmingly stressed these days. My contact with people outside of work and SSF has been non-existent. I haven't made any plans for my wedding in weeks and don't even get me started on  my noticeable absence from both blogging and the gym. My consensus has been that my stress was related to having too much to do. It wasn't until Saturday night when I stumbled upon that quote from Maggie Fox that I realized my real problem was lack of priority.

Looking back on the last two weeks I've had  no priorities. Well, to be exact I've had about 50 priorities that all seemed equally important. Ergo, no priorities. And despite leaving work at 8 pm some days I feel like I've accomplished little to nothing over the last two weeks.

But this post isn't just about venting. It's about a solution. To follow in Maggie's lead, I've decided to start setting 3 goals for myself each and every day.  Having 3 goals will help me to narrow my focus on what's important that day and finally feel like I've accomplished something.

My goals today:
1. Finish my presentation for Wednesday
2. Go to the Gym
3. Call my friend Andrea.

How do you set priorities?


P.S. Don't forget to enter my Bag Beautiful Giveaway!

Heartbreaker, Dream Maker

I was feeling pretty darn good about the whole "I'm not going to shop until my last credit card is paid off" thing. That is until the first J.Crew catalog of the new year showed up on my dining room table. I could have saved myself from torture by simply throwing it away, but what fun is that?

Instead, I went through it with my purple sharpie and made notes of all the things I loved.








I thought I had destroyed any hopes I had of making it until March without shopping. I even went into a J.Crew store this weekend but left with no new purchases, no regret, and tons of inspiration for Spring. Now, if only March could get here. Like now.


Have you started thinking about your spring style yet?

Inspired by: Vogue UK

I came across these pictures thanks to Wolf and Willow. They were part of a recent spread by Vogue UK.

There are many things I could say about them but I will only say this, I've never wanted red suede platform clogs more than I do right now.

Inspired by: Coach

Are you guys excited to find out who won the giveaway?! Me too. But first, lets talk about some of the goodies I found while perusing Coach's website. I was looking for something to spend my giftcard on and what I found was that I need a few more giftcards to afford what I really want! Nonetheless here are my top nine favorite items that I would buy if it was 2005 (because I would have bought anything back then).

1. Audrie Boot $398
2. Cassy Wedge $178
3. Madison gathered leather Sophia Satchel $498
4.Kristin Leather Pleated Satchel $398
5. Madison Large Shoulder Bag $498
6. Kristin Checkbook Wallet $238
7. Aliza Bootie $188
8. Poppy Sequins Disco Bag $148
9. Sienna Jacket $698
all at coach.com

I seriously love all of these things. My "I love you" list for fall goes something like this: boots, pumpkin donuts, leather jackets, SSBF, and large satchels. The wallet and the sequins are just for good measure. Truth is, I bought one of them! Can you guess which one?

Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for....
The winner of the $100 Coach Gift Card was:

B.

Congrats B!
Thank you all so much for entering. It really means a lot to me to be able to give away this giftcard to one of my readers.
Hopefully there will be many more giveaways in our future!

Suprising Favorite: Fossil

When I think Fossil I always think of their watches, but now I am head over heels for their clothes. Move over J.Crew, this bugdet friendlier option has stolen my heart. Their pieces have a certain vintage/bohemian charm that I just can't get enough of.

all photos from Fossil

And this is just a sampling from their new lookbook.

Swoon.

Hot & Hazy

All photos from shopbop

I want this. I need this.

I've always lusted over the bohemian look. I love the hectic prints, bold colors, and the "do what you feel" vibe. I tend to gravitate for more buttoned up looks but there is a soft spot in my heart for boho.

Not only is it a great look, but functional for the hot & hazy weather we've been having on the east coast thanks to light airy fabrics.

Have a great weekend!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway if you haven't yet!

I'll be picking the winner Sunday morning, but you onlt have until Saturday night to enter!  

What I Want... right now.

I posted this list of lust-worthy items over on my Stylespotter blog for Lucky Magazine but could not resist sharing them with you guys as well!

What I want now by GraceECro featuring J Crew shorts

items clockwise starting from top left:

1&2. Pebble Tank and Palimino Scarf: Spotted Moth
3 &4. Pointillist Dress and High Summer Dress: Madewell
5. Multi Scribble Stem Print Super Maxi Sling Bag: Orla Keily via piperlime
6. Braid: Chalres by Charles David via piperlime
7. Georgette Mini Short: J.Crew
8. Mosaic Beaded Belt: Anthropologie

A few of these items like the Pebble Tank and Palimino Scarf both from Spotted Moth are well within my budget at $22.99 and $9.99 respectively but the others, like the Madewell dresses ($88 and $148) will probably have to stay on my wishlist.

Regardless of their price, each one of these pieces make me think: bring on the summer heat!

ready for fall

Yes summer has just begun, but when you work on a retail calendar it means it's almost time for "back to school" which makes the transition to fall closer than you think. J.Crew (are you really surprised?) put into pictures just how I imagine myself looking come late summer and early fall. Plus its been so hot around here I've been trying to imagine cooler weather!

all photos courtesy of J.Crew July 10 Catalogue

Must Have: LemLem Lucy Patio Dress

So I had this whole blog post scheduled for tonight about maxi dresses, something about relish, and taste buds. It was a whole thing. However when I got home the June J.Crew Catalogue had arrived and it changed my life.

Meet the LemLem Lucy Patio Dress.

Isn't she beautiful?
She is kind of like a maxi dress, except on a whole other level.
LemLem is from Liya Kebede's line of handmade garments. She started LemLem in an effort to help Ethopian weavers who were losing their jobs because of decreasing local demand.

After doing a little research I learned there was a lot more covet.
At the LemLem website there is an entire collection of beautiful, handmade scarves, dresses, and children's clothes.

Finally, I can feel good about spending $200 on a dress.


|photo courtesy of J.Crew June 10 catalogue|

Liberty of London & J.Crew, a match made in heaven

I can't help myself. I love J.Crew. Every season I wonder if they can get any better, and then they do. J.Crew is no stranger to Liberty of London fabric, but this season they have taken it to another level. I find myself obsessed with not only the bathing suits, but also the amazing blazer they washed to give a nice summery feel to.

How horrible is it that I would consider draining the savings account I share with SSBF to get my hands on this stuff?

Want? Buy. J.Crew.com

[[photos courtesy of J.Crew May 2010 catalogue]]

I heart Marc by Marc Jacobs

I am gonna keep this short. I am in love with the  Marc by Marc Jacobs lookbook at Shopbop.  I love how each of his looks involves some kind of headband. I've been playing around with my hair a lot lately and it amazing how one little addition to the top of my head can change the entire feel of an outfit or bring it all together.

All the looks are playful, but not juvenile.The top picture epitomizes how I want to live out my summer. In cool, interesting pieces that don't require a lot of bulk. The blazer is also one of my favorites because it's not your typical black, gray, khaki or white. And the shoes? Swoon..

Hooray for Thursday!

photos courtesy of shopbop.

J.Crew Spring

So considering this is a fashion blog, I'm sure you guys were sick of hearing about my nonexistent gardening knowledge. Luckily for you all the April J.Crew catalogue arrived a few days ago. Naturally, I found plenty of things I loved and thought I share a few of my favorites with you.

J.Crew Spring by GraceECro featuring J Crew

Items in this set:
Metropolitan leather ankle boots, $265
Fenton/Fallon for J.Crew- Carrington chain and needle, $195
Crystal rock bracelet - J.Crew, $50
J.Crew - Watercolor potpourri swing coat, $595
Merino popover tunic - J.Crew (Black), $120

I am loving the slouchy, relaxed fit of the merino sweater. It is like something out of my dreams and  conveniently it is the most affordable thing in this set at $68. (I'm sensing a trip to J.Crew in my near future) The coat is my second favorite, everything about it just screams spring, and the cropped sleeves allow plenty of time for it to be worn. I've seen this dress

Visit hm.com


from the H&M garden collection floating around weardrobe and chictopia. For those of you that love watercolors, but aren't adventurous enough for that dress, this coat is a great alternative.

The boots and jewelry, well those speak for themselves.

Now where can I find the $1100 needed for these pieces?

Something for a Rainy Monday

I fell in love with several variation of this shoe over the weekend. Some were flat, some were wedged, some even wrapped all the way around the ankle. This, the Steven by Steve Madden Harryy Wedge, was by far my favorite of them all. I see you in my dreams.

Happy Monday!

*photo courtesy of Piperlime.com

Obsessed with ModCloth

Thanks to the lovely ladies whose blogs I follow on a daily basis, especially Krystal of This Time Tomorrow I have recently become obsessed with ModCloth

I've found plenty of things that I need (ok want) including the leather jacket from yesterday and this skirt.

The only catch is I'm afraid to order anything becuase I don't know how it fits. Yes they provide measurements, but that doesn't always help.

ugh... decisions, decisions.

My Favorite Things, this week

My favorite things by GraceECro featuring J Crew outerwear

Items in this set:
Metallic Beacon tobo - J.Crew, $120
Urban Icon Jacket-Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes, $200
L.A.M.B. Vail, $300

Swoon...
This is my must have list for this week. My amazingly awesome best friend JennifeR tipped me off to these heels by L.A.M.B. Which then got me thinking about how I haven't done one of theses posts in awhile.

While I'm totally in love with each of these things, especially the yummy drapey leather coat from ModCloth, I foresee a panic attack in SSBF's future.

Total ING savings needed for this set: $800. ouch. Better start now.

The Circle Scarf

I  love scarfs. I'm not sure if its because I like to add a little fun to my clothes with one, or because I'm constantly freezing cold but regardless I love them. The circle scarf is no exception.

I love the simplicity of the design, and also there is no real fussing around with it. You jusy put it on and go!

By far my favorite is this heathered gray number from Madewell: for only $45.



A couple other that I would consider...



Echo Double Inifity Scarf at Bloomingdales-- $48



Deep Gurnani Multi Wrap Scarf at Shopbop.com-- $66

( If its more for fashion then warmth)

and finally,



The Juicy Couture Luxe Cable Inifity Scarf at Shopbop.com-- $178

A total splurge, but worth it.

Love Found. Love Lost.

I have a new love in my life-- Meet the Jaspe Sequined Slouchy Sweatshirt from J.Crew.



I saw it while I was casually flipping through the holiday catalogue, it was love at first sight, I then showed it to SSBF, who as always seemed indifferent.

However, He loved it for me as much as I did.

Fast forward to last night when SSBF then tells me he has some bad news about one f my christmas presents. He begins to tell me about how he is been on the phone with multiple J.Crew stores, the catalouge, and his brothers friend who works for the company, out of New York,  in search of one of these sweatshirts.

Apparently, they are completely sold out, as in ZERO in stock.

Needless to say, I am heartbroken, and slightly inconsolable.

Top Five: Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

Nothing says fall like the Nordstrom half-yearly sale. Being the frugal fashionista I am it is not too often I get to shop at Nordstrom ( at least these days) so this is my chance to partake in some of the luxuries.  Here are my top five from the sale, all ( ok except the last one) at less then $100.

 

 

5. Enzo Angiolini "Rachey" Bootie ( in brown) was $119.00 now $79.90 (Savings of 33%)

 I have been searching for a pair of booties that I loved. These are them. Very simple, yet with a classic look. I could definitely wear these with my work skirts or on the weekend with a pair of boyfriend jeans.



4. Free People button-front plaid tunic was $108 now $61.90 (Savings of 40%)

I love plaid, enough that I attempt to wear SSBF's shirts. Now I don't have to. I actually saw this hanging in Macy's as well. Perfect with skinny jeans or leggings and maybe a vest or long wrap sweater(depending on how cold it is) with some knee high suede boots as a finishing touch. I can see it now... .

      

3. Juicy Couture Rhinestone logo pants was $65.00 now $42.90 (Savings of 33%)

Juicy, yet understated. Since I am starting to grow out of the age where writing all over my butt just isn't cute any more this is a great way to still wear on of my fav brands.



2. Juicy Couture Multi-Color Hearts Bracelet was $98.00 now $48.90 (Savings of 50%)

Speaking of Juicy, although I can't wear word's on my backside I will never give up totally outrageous jewelry. I could probably dedicate an entire top five to their bracelets... especially their charm bracelets. I picked this one especially because is simple, but oh so Juicy.

 

and finally...

 

1. MICHAEL  Michael Kors Pressley Pump was $159.95 now $106.90 (Savings of 33%)

I love these shoes because they are everything femine and beautiful about pumps. I am a big fan of both animal print and animal hair... but don't call PETA on me, I prefer faux fur. I like giraffe print because it is not as common as the leporad or zebra, and looks so much chicer. I don't even think I could wear these towering heels to work, but I would buy them just to say I own them.

I love this look..

Absolutely 100% love it. Except the price tag of course.. $581.00 (not including the bag which is the one thing I would change) all at shopbop.com

I think I need to start a special savings account.