Jonesing for Jewelry

Gold Makes Me Happy

So I'm back from a mini hiatus from blogging, and I have to really thank and dedicate this one to my most supportive friend Baili. She inspired this post by simply showing me a gold flower ring she wants featured below. So Baili, Billy, Bill, thanks for kicking me into gear and back to posting!





The ring that inspired this post!
 Kendra Scott



Top Row:

• Pink Studs from Nordstrom: I recently saw these and just loved them! They are so cute and are only $5, you really can't beat the price for such cute studs with the perfect hint of color.
• XO Dogeared Necklace: Let me just start by saying that I have loved Dogeared for a very long time. Their jewelry is always so dainty and beautiful. I have my eye on this adorable XO necklace! I think it is a great every day piece that I hope to own soon!
• Kendra Scott Earrings: I think these white tassel Kendra Scott earrings are genius. I simply adore them, I think they would look perfect with any hair color and would add some sass to any night out. The white stud with gold tassel is just so alluring, I.Love.It.

Bottom Row:

• Kendra Scott Earrings: Can you tell I was on a Kendra Scott kick today? I really couldn't get enough of her fabulous jewels, every time I clicked the next page I found myself adding 6 more items to my basket. This leaf like earring with pink stud are so cute and elaborate in a simplistic kind of way.
• Kendra Scott Cuff: Everyone needs a gold cuff in their wardrobe. I think it is a necessity to have in your jewelry box for multiple reasons. I think people forget about how amazing cuffs are and how much they add to an outfit. This Kendra Scott cuff is so delicate and intricate. It looks like lace and I really love it. I might need to update my jewelry box soon and I know exactly which cuff I want next!

So I am pretty much loving Kendra Scott everything and am overly GAGA for Gold, always have been and always will be. Thanks again to Baili for helping me get out of my rut! Lovee yaaaa. Happy almost Friday everyone!

Shopaholic Confession

Recent Purchases...

Shopping, what a wonderful thing, since I love shopping I thought I would share some of my most recent purchases. Don't judge me, shopping is an addiction and I am fully aware that I have a problem.....that's the first step to recovery though right? Right.



Timex

 

Urbanoutfitters

 

Target

 

Urbanoutfitters








Nars



Hobo





• {Timex} I have been really wanting this watch for a really long time. I had a birthday discount code that I stumbled upon today so I purchased it. It is going to be a great everyday wear watch. I love the brown Timex that I already own so I figured a leopard one only seems like the most natural step to take.
• {White Jeans} I am only 4'11, midget like, therefore finding jeans for me that are the right length is next to impossible. However, I stumbled upon the "Grazer" by BDG at Urbanoutfitters and I am in jeans made for a short person heaven. I have them in black, a dark wash, and now white! I love them!
• {Sunglasses} Cat eye sunglasses are my favorite shape right now and I prefer plastic shades. I really couldn’t resist these sunnies due to their great shape, incredible price, and amazing color. It’s officially summer time which means it’s time for great sunglasses!
• {Colored Jeans} I’ve really been interested in the color skinny jean trend, I only owned a pair of cobalt ones to cheer on my CATS and loved them so much that I thought I would expand my horizons with another color. I chose to get these Target ones because of the affordable price and the great orange color. It’s like an orange sherbet color that is just the right amount of brightness. I’m really happy with the length and fit, I might even go get the other colors.
• {Lipstick} I’ve really incorporated the use of bright lipsticks lately into my outfits. I never realized how much a lipstick could add to an outfit taking it from pretty good to really great. So I picked this color up and really loved the glossy light pink- very romantic it is called, Roman Holiday. Nars is one of my go to make lines I am always 110% satisfied with all their products.
• {Wallet} I have been lusting after this Hobo wallet for possibly two years. I have another wallet by Hobo that still looks fairly new so I have never justified buying a new one. However, a local boutique here was having a sample sale for 50% off and I just could not control my excitement and spending habits. So I finally broke down and bought it and I am so happy about it. The color is divine along with the layout of the wallet. Plus my middle name is Rachel, which the wallet is also called, so I figured it was fate.
  
  

Loco for Lucite

Clearly Incredible Accessories

So it looks like Lucite is making a comeback. Now I know what you’re thinking, Lucite makes you think of two possible things: 1. The God awful shoes from the 90’s that a lot of brides wore or 2. stripper shoes.  Well I’m here to say that I’m not talking about either of those things, although, I have to admit that some of the shoes out today could most definitely be considered stripper shoes in my opinion. I’ve found myself being attracted to a lot of Lucite accessories, so keep an open mind and enjoy the clearly amazing items below!  

Shoes: Zara, Bangles: Ann Taylor, Monogram Bracelet: Bauble Bar, Sunglasses: ASOS, & Watch: Toy Watch 

• {Shoes} There is something really dreamy about these shoes from Zara. I look at these every time I go on their website, which I have to admit is daily. I am a shopaholic have you not noticed this yet? I love them and are really lusting after them. They have that fairytale feeling to them of Cinderella and the glass slipper but for the modern girl. One day soon I will probably post about how I finally stopped procrastinating and bought them.
• {Bangles} Ann Taylor created these really great futuristic bangles. The clear material matched with the shape would go well with any dress or outfit. I really love them and think they would be a great addition to any arm party.
• {Monogram Bracelet} Bauble Bar really does create the best personalized pieces. I love the neon uniqueness of this bracelet with Lucite background. It is a subtle touch of Lucite and I love it. Surely  I need to add this to my "Q" obsession collection.
• {Sunglasses} The typical brown and black sunglasses can get pretty boring. Why not opt for no color at all! You would most definitely stand out and make a statement with these clear sunnies. Perfect for the beach or pool.
• {Watch} The picture really doesn't give this watch justice. I have seen this beauty in person and the gold against the Lucite is truly perfection. Instead of a white and gold watch for summer I suggest a Lucite and gold one; it has an effortless chicness to it.

Arm Party

Go On, Getcha Arm Party On

The greatest part about an arm party is that you can dabble lightly or dive in deep. On one side of the spectrum you can keep things simple and opt for a watch and a bracelet or two. Or you can really go all out and rock up to ten bracelets, it really is up to you. The greatest thing about fashion is an individuals style, it is yours and yours only to create and change accordingly. Therefore, since I go through phases I am going to show you different ways to rock some arm candy. Enjoy!
   

David Yurman & Target (similar)

 

   

Etsy (similar) mine is from Madewell,
& Watch: Timex

 

Smilar: Forever21, Stella Dot, Similar: Urbanoutfitters,
& Watch: Target (similar)

 

  

Spike The Punch (necklace), Rhinestone Chain,
& David Yurman- Bangle



   

Similar: Urbanoutfitters, Similar: Etsy, Similar: Etsy,
& Watch: Target (similar)





David Yurman- Link, David Yurman- Pearl,
David Yurman- Bangle,
 & Watch: Target (similar)


 There you have it, all of my current favorite arm parties. If you have a lot of random bracelets laying around go ahead and get wild and test a few different combos out. You can even turn some of your favorite necklaces into a bracelet. Be creative and be unique! The best thing about having a lot of options is that the arm parties are never ending!



And They're Off {Derby 2012}

Cinco De Derby 

And now for the "Main Event": DERBY. My friends and I went to the "infield": a place where you can find an array of different types of people dressed in anything from nice dresses and hats- which might I add these people are crazy- to men in cowboy hats wearing man thongs. It truly is the greatest people watching ever. Anyway, back to our attire, we decided to go all out in {American, true redneck} style. I will also be showing some of my friends that kept things on the classy side and wore beautiful dresses and incredible

hats.

TEAM AMERICA

 The Fellas:

• Above left: Clark really went for the "Nascar" fan look while wearing a nascar tee, women's lee jeans from the 80's that were an elastic waist band. Star bandanna, frocks- fake crocks $7 purchase at walmart, and you can't ignore the awesome mustache. Nick is supporting the CATS in a jersey and sombrero to represent the cinco de mayo holiday. Grant, a personal favorite, I only know one word to describe his short sleeve button up and that is AWESOME. An American hat, jorts, and of course the best part: his shoes, American flag converse kicks. These boys really brought their A Game to the infield this year.
• Top Right: Mustache king Lee really went for the Mexican look with his awesome stache and matching sombrero.
• Bottom Right: Just had to give you a close up of Clark.

The Rest of Us:

• Left: Sara (mexican) and Baili- Happy as can be leaving Derby going through the tunnel, this is one of my favorites from the weekend. Baili and Sara are roomies so its pretty perfect. Sara went Team Mexico and wore this amazing green throw with a matching sombrero. Baili went with a cute striped dress from Target and a matching pink sombrero.
• Top Right: Teddi and I made these {American Flag} Jorts. It was quite the craft, we we're so overwhelmed, from finding the fabric-which we actually used children's clothing from Target, to the actual task of sewing them on. Let's just say we probably won't be making them ever again. My shorts are from Forever21 and Teddi's are from Target. Teddi actually sewed hers herself, while I, who is not as gifted in the sewing area ran to my momma and had her to do it. I wish I had a picture to share of the back of our shorts because they were pretty great. I sported a bald eagle and red stars on the butt pocket while Teddi had cascading silver stars- real cute.
• Middle Right: Just a group shot in the madness.
• Bottom Right: Me and Sara- Team America vs. Team Mexico.

Here is my favorite picture of the day, these guys dress up as the Village People every year, and me and Sara were lucky enough to snag a picture!

The Pretty People

Now onto my friends who went to the stands, let me just say they all looked incredible and oh so fancy.

• Above Left: These hawt ladies all went to the stands where they could actually see a horse. Lauren L and Annie are from Philly and this was their first Derby ever! How exciting, so I will start at the left and work my way over because I am sure you are loving their dresses as much as I am:
• Keaton is wearing an adorable white dress by French Connection and a beautiful white and black flouncy hat, its such a effortless look and she looks fantastic!
• Lana the pretty blonde in orange is wearing a dress from BCBG, similar here BCBG.
• Annie 3rd from end is keeping her accessories simple with a straw hat and Tory Burch wedges and a fun printed dress by Shoshanna.
• Lauren L went with a bright teal dress that she actually rented from Rent The Runway, this is a great website that you can actually rent designer dresses for only a fraction of the retail price. It is perfect for occasions like the Derby or a wedding where you want to look your best but not break the bank. Her dress is also by Shoshanna, she paired it with a chunky necklace and a fun and flirty fascinator.
• Next up: Leah, I am honored to say that I actually go to help Leah pick out her Derby dress. She looked beautiful in this cream lace shift from French Connection. She made her hat with leopard ribbon and a bright coral flower, it was super cute.
• Last but not least is Leah's older sister Lauren, she has an adorable floral print dress.
• Above Right: Here are the adorable Mr. and Mrs. Casconi, Chris and Laura. Does Laura look familiar? This lovely lady in yellow is the one who loves doing the atomic dog. When Laura and I were discussing her Derby look she made 2 things clear: Bright and Comfortable. She is also wearing a French Connection dress, Target wedges, a chunky orange necklace from a boutique here called Collections, and a large floppy hat with yellow flowers. I love the bright colors of her entire outfit, definitely one of my favorites! Chris is also looking handsome and chose a striped tie and printed jacket. They look Derby perfect!

Above are the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Jones, (they get married in just 4 months!) Ryan and Meredith are looking oh so dapper while sipping on {Mint Juleps + Lily's} Derby's most known drinks. It's a great picture of what the paddock area looks like. Ryan is wearing a teal tie with little horses on it, perfect for the event. While his lovely bride to be is in a lime green strapless dress. This is also from a boutique here in Louisville called Collections. Her lime green hat matches perfectly and I die for the big bright fuchsia poppy. Bigger is always better when it comes to hats on Derby and I think Mere wins in this category.  

Lovely Ladies from Philly- Lauren L, Leah, and Annie

A close up of Mere's oh so cute hat!

 

And lastly, I have to give some love to the winning horse! "I'll Have Another"



Oaks 2012

It's All About the Phillies - Oh and the Lilys

Pictured below is my sister, Brooke and I with the famous "Lily Truck", very oxymoronic if you ask me the toughness of the truck paired with the delicate lily's? Oh well, this is Kentucky and it does make for a perfect photo opportunity.





 
          On my Sister: Jumpsuit from Forever21 Similar, Homemade hat. I am wearing: Zara top Similar, Skirt Loft, Necklace: Spike The Punch, and Facisnator from Work The Metal

To the left are the lovely Uttich family, Shane and Katie, good looking couple right? Shane is keeping it classy in a JCrew suit that he actually wore in their recent wedding. He has paired it with a tie that was a gift from his lovely wife from a new up and coming brand called "Small Batch". Really great competitor for Vineyard Vines. It has cute mint julep cups on it along with Jockey Silks- perfect for the event! His shoes are really debonair pulling the entire look together. Katie is wearing what she claims as the "most comfortable wedges ever" by Nine West. They are too cute for words with the ankle strap and fun colorful print. Perfectly paired with her more simple dress by Jessica Simpson. Her hat is from Macy's and really pulls the whole look together. I love that she kept everything simple with a splash of color and print in her shoes, allowing the focal point to be her hat. It is the KY Derby after all!   

Pictured to the right are my adorable parents, Barry & Anna Jo. Barry is sporting his classic bright colored gingham button up and dress pants. He is quite the sharp dresser, both of my parents are, in fact so much that maybe they are where I get my passion for fashion. My mother is always so chic and elegant, she really partook in the {PINK} theme for Oaks. I wish I had a photograph of the adorable red shoes she wore that matched her skinny red belt, but I guess that is what the Internet is for: see here- Banana Republic Shoes. She is quite the Suzie homemaker and therefore made her own hat. I can't even begin to describe the creative genuineness that comes out my mothers head. To really put things into perspective she made all of my bedding, curtains, and matching pillows every year in college. So of course all her amazing Oaks/Derby hats are always handmade.  

Here is another picture of my sister and I, Brooke really stepped out of her comfort zone and wore a jumpsuit. How adorable are the polka dots and ruffle? With this fashion risk she turned out to receive so many compliments from strangers. One man even stopped her and asked to take her picture. As the shopping obsessed younger sister I was incredible proud of her "out of the box" purchase, and it paid off because she looked so great!

  To the right is Teddi, my roommate, and her amazing friend Rachel that came in from New York. I simply adore Rachel and to really top off the Derby weekend it was also Rachel's birthday. Don't they just look fabulous? They are both wearing fascinator's similar to mine from Work The Metal, they were an incredible find by Teddi at only $14 a piece. Let me put things into perspective, normally a cute fascinator can range anywhere from $60-$200. So you can only imagine the excitement we all had from finding one for just $14. These gorgeous gals have been the best of friends since grade school! (Rachel's Fascinator is from Work the Metal, Sunglasses: Gucci, Dress: Maple brand found on Anthropologie. Teddi is wearing an Asos Dress, Work the Metal Fascinator, Spike The Punch necklace, and her bright beaded bag is from Urbanoutfitters.)



 



Here are just a few examples of the amazing Oaks here in Louisville. Up next is the main event, DERBY! Get ready for some "Team America", pretty ladies all dolled up, and even a few Mexicans.   

K. Slade Made

Polka Dot Heaven

I know I am supposed to be talking about Oaks, but I had to take a tiny break and gush about the purchase I just made. Let me just say that I have been lusting after this for quite some time, the moment @kslademade tweeted a picture of a new clutch she made I sat up in my bed and had a mini heart attack. Died. Just died because it is simply that amazing. They've been sold out for weeks, and today, on this lucky Thursday, just another ordinary beautiful day in May, I, Quinn was able to get my hands on the last one before her shop closes for a brief vacation.

Are you gasping at how amazing it is? Mint green, gold, tassels, polka dots, I mean honestly what more could you lust after in a great summer bag? Now I know you are probably frantically googling {Kslademade} looking for and hoping there might just be one more left. So here is the information on her store. Etsy Shop: Kslademade or Kslademade.

Now be sure to check back at her shop when she returns because she sells so many other amazing clutches, bags, and even jewelry. I also own a beautiful cobalt blue clutch that is perfect for all of my UK outfits. If you love neon's as much as I do you will really obsess over her neon clutches. OK now that I have shared my impulsive purchase that has taken my day from an average 4 to an all time high at 12, I promise I will be back soon with my post about Oaks!

Winefest 2012

Laura's One Shining Moment

"Nothin but the Dog in Me"

You're probably wondering why the title of this is "Winefest" but I am proceeding to quote the one and only George Clinton's {Atomic Dog}. Let me fill you in on the night that changed one of my friends lives forever- Laura has loved the {Atomic Dog} since grade school, this is a love affair that has been going on for 10+ years. She loves it, she lives for it, to really put things into perspective she even did it at her wedding in her Monique Lhuillier dress. If that isn't dedication I don't know what is. So winefest is a Derby event that we all attended and then proceeded to go to the George Clinton free concert after, pretty classy. This was Laura's one shining moment because she not only got to do the dog at a live concert but she also got to meet her idol. See below for one of the greatest nights I will never forget!

 

Stay tuned for more derby fun, up next: OAKS!

Iye-Katching IKAT

It's All About the IKAT

I am a huge fan of anything with a bright print. This season the IKAT print has spread like wild fire. I really adore the look and believe that anyone can pull it off in some form of fashion. Whether it be on a bold dress, a pair of adorable shorts, or even a pair of shoes. Some people may think it's too flashy but if you keep everything else simple it's just the right amount of flash!

Shorts:

Top Left: Forever21, Top Right: Urbanoutfitters, Bottom Left: Gap, Bottom Right: Ann Taylor Loft

Let's begin with shorts, they're basic and easy to pair a v-neck tee for a casual day or a plain tank and some statement jewelry for a night out. Let me just point out that any and almost every online store I went to had really cute IKAT print shorts- (other key words are tribal). These just happened to be my top four:

• Forever21- really fun and bright and at only $17.80 these are perfect to test the waters with. That way if you hate it and decide it's not for you at least you aren't spending a ton of money on a trend that might not last long.
• Urbanoutfitters: I love this subtle hint of color and high waisted {jort} (jean+short = jort, yes I am from KY and this is what we call them here) If only my torso was longer I would be ordering these jorts right now.
• Gap: A great pair for day or night, the dark color adds a hint of dressiness to these shorts allowing them to be worn with black pumps or wedges for a great night out.
• Ann Taylor Loft: The picture above doesn't even do these shorts justice. They are a bright red/orange and the print stands out a lot more in person. Again, these could easily be worn both day or night.

A Little Bit of Everything:

Top Left: Shoes- Urbanoutfitters, Top Middle: Jeans- ShopBop, Right: Dress- Asos, Bottom Left: Romper- Asos, and Bottom Middle: Bag- Forever21

Here are a few other options in case shorts just aren't your thing. Shoes and bags can glam up any plain outfit, they are easy accessories to see how you feel about the print itself. Now if you are like me and are attracted to most patterns then you can just dive in head first with a dress, romper or jeans.

• Urbanoutfitters- These shoes not only have the IKAT trend working but also the style of the shoe is really in right now. I love this type of heel because not only is it comfortable but the platform wedge at the front and wedge like heel are so unique.
• Shopbop- These jeans are so adorable, I love the cropped look so it doesn't over power the leg and the coloring is subtle enough for the wild print. If you are like me and don't know if you want to spend that much on a pair of IKAT jeans see these adorable ones from Ann Taylor Loft.
• ASOS- {Dress} This is a great way to liven up a LBD. The black and white coloring keep the dress wearable and still trendy. I love the shape of the high neck and length of this dress because it keeps it classy since it is extremely form fitting.
• Forever21- What a great beach bag, nothing screams summer more to me than a great duffel for the beach. This is a medium size bag that would be perfect for storing your beach towel, magazines, and summer reads. Speaking of summer reads anyone else reading "50 Shades Of Grey"?
• ASOS- {Romper} Now I know what you're thinking, rompers, not ideal for everyone, however, I think this particular one has a figure flattering shape. I love the split halter and key hole. So cute and perfect for summer!

So there you have it, all of my Iye-Katching favorites. Always remember, confidence is key when trying to pull of a new trend! Be bold and confident and you can wear just about anything!!

Up next: It's May, the sun is shining, Bourbon is flowing, big hats are in abundance, therefore it can only mean one thing!!! It's DERBY time here in the Bluegrass!! Get ready for some great posts on what life is like in the hometown of Churchill Downs during Derby week.

Answers to Steal vs Splurge

How did you do? I was very surprised at how many of my friends had no idea which one was the steal vs the splurge. The only one that was easily solved was the watch due to the "Michael Kors" logo, that was my easy one! So I hope your just as eager to find out as I am to reveal the answers!

1. Top Row: (L) Splurge & (R) Steal
    Bottom Row: (L) Splurge & (R) Steal

2. Top Row: (L) Steal & (R) Splurge
    Bottom Row: (L) Splurge & (R) Steal

3. Top Row: (L) Splurge & (R) Steal
    Bottom Row: (L) Steal & (R) Splurge

There you have it! I must have at least fooled you on one if not all. Moral of the story is never settle on something expensive because you fear you won't find one cheaper. Smart shopping and a little googling is simple and you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find for 70% cheaper!

Steal VS Splurge?

Let's be honest, designer things are of course lovely but they tend to break the bank and the time spent pondering over "to buy or not buy" is simply a waste. Listen up, there is no such thing as a "One of a Kind" now a days. It does not exist, consumers finally got smart and decided to take a few notes from the high end designers that charge hundreds of dollars and make them for us normal humans at a decent price. Below you will see exactly what I mean, can you take the challenge and spot the steal? Best of Luck!

Top Row: Which is a steal at $36.36 vs $495? 

Bottom Row: Which is a steal at $49 vs $95?

Top Row: Which is the steal at $59 vs $286?

Bottom Row: Which is a steal at $29.99 vs $89?

Top Row: Which is a steal at $49 vs $150?

Bottom Row: Which is the steal at $19.99 vs $195?

Here are 6 great examples that you don't need to spend a fortune to still look good! Plus only you will know the label! Shop smart, I can't tell you how many times I have splurged and later regretted when I found a much cheaper version out there! Tomorrow I will post the answers!