JANUARY without shopping

January is usually cold and dreary, but this past month has actually been so fun! I love not having any major plans in January after the holidays, and trying to find new ways to keep the month exciting.  When it comes to not shopping, this January was honestly challenging; there were so many amazing after-holiday sales, but somehow I pulled through and stuck to my vow.  Here is what I did in January that did NOT involve shopping:

made homemade brunch with the boy on a lazy day

got Sunday morning coffee with the girls at Grandview Grind

took a walk around my neighborhood in the Short North

drank so much green tea {often times with biscotti} to stay healthy and warm

went wine tasting with the girls at Hausfrau Haven in German Village

Happy February!

xoxo

Cassidy

Valentine's Day Deal: Alexis Russell

Here's another reason why I love Valentine's Day: so many great sales/deals being offered by fabulous designers! One in particular that is making me wish I could shop for myself is Alexis Russell's Valentine's Day offer; check out the jewelry {here} that is included in the holiday deal.  Be sure to use discount code "sweetheart" to get 15% off all of the pieces in the Valentine's Day section on the site! Here are a few of the pieces included in the holiday discount that I am LOVING: 

natural ruby ring {buy here}

large 14K rose gold earrings {buy here}

long ruby station necklace {buy here}

Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Shopping! Also, be sure to check out my Valentine's Day Gift Guide {here}.

xoxo

Cassidy

Designer Spotlight + Deal: Ellen Himic Designs

I've mentioned in previous posts that I tend to gravitate towards independent and emerging designers when I'm shopping for accessories; David Yurman is lovely, but there is something to be said for owning a unique piece of jewelry by an up-and-coming designer.  One of my FAVORITE designers is Ellen Himic Designs, a jewelry brand that embodies luxury, craft, and ornate details {check out here}.  Ellen Himic's collections are influenced by architecture and the beautiful, intricate details found in architecture.  Ellen Himic's stunning pieces have graced the pages of magazines such as InStyle, Good Housekeeping, Vogue Japan, and People Style Watch, and have been seen on television shows including Gossip Girl, Nurse Jackie, and Entourage.  I love all of my Ellen Himic pieces and I'm sure you can understand why:

Trelis ring {here}, Rosette ring {here}, Rose Cathedral ring {here}, Finial Briolette earrings {here}, Rondelle bracelet {here}

Rondelle bracelet {here}, Trelis ring {here}

Finial Briolette earrings {here}

Rosette ring {here}

Rose Cathedral ring {here}

Those are the Ellen Himic pieces I have collected over the years, and I honestly love each of them; I am pretty much ALWAYS wearing at least one of my Ellen Himic pieces.  I know it seems like I own a lot of her jewelry, but how could I not want more?  Here are some of Ellen Himic pieces that I am currently coveting and considering purchasing after my year of no shopping is complete:

                                      

two-toned Garland necklace {here}, Swirl of Rose ring {here}, Paja Dome earrings {here}, Trelis earrings {here}, Crown necklace {here}, Maltese bracelet {here}, Rondelle necklace {here}, Garland Pear ring {here}, Paja Pearl bracelet {here}, Rosette earrings {here}

So, the wonderful Ellen Himic has graciously offered a deal for my readers! Just for today, Ellen is offering a deal on the beautiful Trelis earrings on her site for just $125! These fashionable earrings have been spotted on Skinny Girl mogul and Real Housewife of New York Bethenny Frankel, and are the PERFECT earrings for everyday wear.  Check out the Trelis earrings {here}!

I hope you have fallen in love with Ellen Himic Designs the way I have, and be sure to 'like' Ellen Himic on Facebook {here} and follow her on Twitter {here}.  Also, I hope you take advantage of the offer on the Trelis earrings - if I was allowed to shop I would be the first one to order them! :)

xoxo

Cassidy

Valentine's Day: Gift Guide

Happy February and almost-Valentine's Day! I never understood why people dread this holiday, because even if you don't have a significant other you can still celebrate with good friends, or treat yourself to a gift! I happen to love Valentine's Day even if I can't celebrate with the boy, and I always be sure to wear something pink or red that day {so cheesy and cliche, I know}.  Here are some great Valentine's Day-appropriate items that I am currently loving {and if there are any men reading this, you can use this as a gift guide for your lady!}:

MAC Viva Glam Nicki lipstick {here}

Diane von Furstenberg cashmere scarf {here}

Loeffler Randall rosette stiletto {here} - plus they're on sale!

Juicy Couture cardigan {here}

Stuart Weitzman ombre pumps {here}

Victoria's Secret underwear {here}

NARS limited edition Thakoon nail polish {here}

Marc by Marc Jacobs skinny hinge bangle {here}

Ariel Gordon heart ring {here}

Gorjana high waist belt {here}

Victoria's Secret pajama set {here}

Diane von Furstenberg clutch {here}

Tory Burch iPhone case {here}

Brian Danielle amethyst and pink topaz earrings {here} - also on sale!

Happy early Valentine's Day! I hope Cupid is good to you!

xoxo

Cassidy

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