Shopping Temptation: Prabal Gurung for Target

People often ask me what the hardest part of not shopping is, and I have to say one of the most challenging aspects is when amazing designers have limited-edition collaborations with more affordable stores.  Currently, my greatest temptation to break my vow is the Prabal Gurung for Target line that comes out February 10th.  I adore Prabal Gurung's brand and designs, and he is truly one of the most unique designers in the current fashion world.  I honestly want every piece in his line, but the white dress in the floral crush print and black ankle strap pumps would be absolutely perfect.  Check out his GORGEOUS line {here} and feel free to, oh you know, buy the entire line and ship it to me....

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

Cassidy

Quintessential Winter

Sometimes January can be kind of depressing after the abrupt end of the holiday season, but I actually love that in January I have no big plans and can have more spontaneous weekends exploring Columbus.  To keep January fun, I braved the cold and went to my favorite restaurant in Columbus for brunch.  Even though the temperatures in January can be frigid, I still love to get out of the apartment...and have an excuse to wear this winter coat that's been hiding in my closet!

North Face coat, Genetic Denim jeans, leather boots from Italy, Jessica Jensen tote, North Face scarf, Ralph Lauren flannel shirt, 141 eyeglasses

North Face coat, North Face scarf, Ralph Lauren flannel shirt, texting gloves {a Christmas gift}, Gorjana necklace

North Face coat, Genetic Denim jeans, leather boots from Italy, Jessica Jensen tote, North Face scarf, Ralph Lauren flannel shirt, 141 eyeglasses

North Face coat, North Face hat, Genetic Denim jeans, Jessica Jensen tote, North Face scarf, Ralph Lauren flannel shirt, texting gloves, 141 eyeglasses

my favorite dish at my favorite restaurant: the huevos rancheros at Tasi Cafe in the Short North

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

Cassidy

Spring Fever: J Crew

Remember how I've said in previous posts that I enjoy winter?  Well after a few days of single-digit weather I kind of take that back, and find myself dreaming of SPRING - particularly for J Crew spring! I recently checked out {AKA tortured myself} J Crew's newest items that would be great for one of my favorite seasons.  I love the brights, pastels, and various textures for the warmer season, and it makes me wish I could shop DESPERATELY.  Here are a few of my favorite J Crew items:

polka-dot sequin top {here}, skinny pants {here}, bow flat {here}, Edie purse {here}, wild skinny bangle {here}, cashmere purl-stitch snood {here}

Well, spring fever is here - happy shopping to those of you who CAN shop! Hoping some of these items are on sale by the time I can shop again...

xoxo

Cassidy

Ballet Gray

When I was in New York, my Mom treated me to New York City Ballet for OPI nail polish while she was buying a T shirt at the Lincoln Center just before the Nutcracker started.  I LOVED the light gray color, and think it is so perfect for soft pastels that are so popular in the spring.  I obviously couldn't wait for spring to try it out, so I wore my new nail color with gray jeans and an old sweater that I had almost forgotten about.  It was a really cold day, but the boy and I had a blast getting lunch then checking out BRU, the brewery in the Short North.  

muffin & coffee from Gramercy Tavern & Maialino New York + New York City Ballet by OPI's "My Pointe Exactly"

Theory coat, Seven for all Mankind jeans, leather boots from Italy, Jessica Jensen clutch, Free People sweater

Theory coat, Seven for all Mankind jeans, leather boots from Italy, Jessica Jensen clutch, Free People sweater, RayBan aviators, Tiffany & Co. earrings

Theory coat, Seven for all Mankind jeans, leather boots from Italy, Jessica Jensen clutch, Free People sweater, RayBan aviators

Theory coat, Seven for all Mankind jeans, Jessica Jensen clutch, Free People sweater, John Hardy and David Yurman bracelets, Ellen Himic ring, nail polish:  New York City Ballet by OPI's "My Pointe Exactly"

John Hardy and David Yurman bracelets, Ellen Himic ring, nail polish:  New York City Ballet by OPI's "My Pointe Exactly"

Have a great week!

xoxo

Cassidy

New Year, New Jewels

Just because I can't shop {officially 8 months of no shopping as of Sunday!}, that doesn't mean I can't share a fabulous new spring line of jewelry with others, right? Stella & Dot has released their new Spring Collection and I could not be more excited to share it!  Here are some of my favorite pieces:

The Seychelles Chandelier earrings are just stunning! The teardrop chandeliers feature bold lapis stones and hand-painted turquoise enamel.  The Fiona Bib Necklace is a favorite amongst the Stella & Dot team and I can see why.   This luxurious necklace was designed with segments of luminous ivory that create a crisp, modern statement.  The Zinnia bracelet is perfect for spring.  Green is the hottest color in fashion right now and adds a pop of color to ANY outfit.  Shop this beautiful new collection {here} for stylish and AFFORDABLE pieces! 

Happy Shopping!

xoxo
Cassidy

New York City

Over the holidays, I went on a family mini-vacation to New York City.  It was wonderful trip, and the city is so special during that time of year.  We basically planned our long weekend around food {we love to EAT}, but we spent some time walking around the area surrounding our hotel, the Gramercy Park Hotel.  On Friday we spent the day walking around Union Square, a trip to Eataly, and lunch and Shun Lee before my Mom and I headed over to the Lincoln Center for a matinee show of the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker.  It was quite cold, but I felt brave enough to wear a dress I got for Christmas with some thick tights.  It was an amazing weekend getaway, and as always, I can't wait to go back to NYC!

J Crew dress, H&M tights, Tory Burch flats, Burberry scarf borrowed from my Mom, David Yurman bracelet, John Hardy, sapphire + gold ring, nail polish: OPI's "Big Apple Red"

Gorjana paperclip necklace {buy here}, vintage ring, J Crew dress, nail polish: OPI's "Big Apple Red"

J Crew dress, Gorjana necklace, Gorjana earrings, H&M tights, Tory Burch flats, Burberry scarf borrowed from my Mom, Foley + Corinna Mid city tote, nail polish: OPI's "Big Apple Red"

Banana Republic coat, RayBan aviators, H&M tights, Tory Burch flats, Burberry scarf borrowed from my Mom, lipstick: MAC's Viva Glam Cyndi Lauper

Banana Republic coat, RayBan aviators, Burberry scarf borrowed from my Mom, Gorjana earrings {buy here}

Have a great day!

xoxo

Cassidy

Jackie O Inspired

Who doesn't love Jackie O's style?  The First Lady was the epitome of everything feminine and chic, and her influence on fashion is still relevant today.  I bought this cropped jacket a few years ago, and it always reminds me of Jackie O's style.  I recently paired the cropped-sleave jacket with long gloves for a more classic spin on a simple outfit. I don't normally wear something as fancy as long gloves, but I contrasted it with flat boots and skinny pants.  

 J Crew jacket, long gloves {brand unknown}, Seven For All Mankind skinny pants {similar here}, Migliorini Italian leather boots, Gustto handbag

 J Crew jacket, long gloves {brand unknown}, Seven For All Mankind skinny pants {similar here}, Migliorini Italian leather boots, Gustto handbag

 J Crew jacket, long gloves {brand unknown}, Seven For All Mankind skinny pants {similar here}, Migliorini Italian leather boots, Gustto handbag

Have a great Wednesday!

xoxo

Cassidy

DECEMBER without shopping

December was amazing! I absolutely LOVE Christmas, and all of the holiday festivities that go along with it.  I celebrated the season as much as I could throughout the month, yet it always seems to go by too fast.  Here is what I did in December that did NOT involve shopping:

got drinks with my friends and our mothers at the new Hilton downtown in Columbus

made my FAVORITE chicken recipe {recipe here}

got hot chocolate and egg nog white chocolate treats at Le Chocoholique in the Short North

played outside with Kramer in the blizzard that hit Cleveland

went on a post-Christmas family vacation to New York City

Happy New Year!

xoxo

Cassidy

2013

Happy New Year! I hope you had a great New Year's Eve {and New Year's Day, my new favorite holiday}.  I've been thinking about New Year's resolutions, particularly the stereotypical ones like working out more or eating one green smoothie a day, but I wanted to think of a few that somehow related to my no shopping vow.  I thought about challenging myself to be more frugal by not only not shopping, but engaging in MORE activities that cost nothing at all.  I have been good about not breaking my no shopping rule {almost 8 months strong!}, but there are things I love to do that involve spending, such as going out to brunch and meeting my friends for a cocktail.  Here is a list of things to do I want to keep in mind throughout the year that cost NOTHING:

- go hiking in Yellow Springs

- cook MORE homemade meals

- walk around Victorian Village to look at all of the pretty homes

- have homemade picnics in Goodale Park

- have game nights {Apples to Apples and Scrabble are favorites!}

- have movie nights at home with friends

- spend time on the beach on Lake Erie

- go for walks around unexplored areas of the Short North

 Judith Leiber's FEED 1000 clutch {buy here}, Pianegonda ring, OPI's "Big Apple Red" with Sephora by OPI's "Traffic Stopper Copper"

So, those are my "resolutions!" Here's to hoping I stick to them! What are some of your resolutions? 

xoxo

Cassidy

Trench Coat Chic

I've mentioned before that I love coats/jackets, and that definitely includes trench coats! I received this coat as a gift for my birthday last March, and I love how it can make the most casual outfit look so polished and chic.  I wore it recently with an all black ensemble so I added this bright magenta bag for a pop of color.  This coat is more for spring or fall, but I wear it during the winter when it's not too cold and I can get away with it.  

Laundry by Shelli Segal trench coat, Dior sunglasses, Betsey Johnson tights, Tory Burch flats, Renato Angi handbag

trench coat, Renato Angi handbag, sapphire ring passed down from my Mom, Robindira Unsworth ring, nail polish: OPI's "Big Apple Red"

Laundry by Shelli Segal trench coat, Dior sunglasses, Betsey Johnson tights, Tory Burch flats, Renato Angi handbag

Happy 2013!

xoxo

Cassidy