Oynx.

I've been having a very busy week and have been taking comfort in browsing online. I am looking forward to going back to England in six weeks and I am looking at the shops online. Here are some of things that I am really into right now.: spring skirts, watches, and comfortable sandals.

J Crew Daisy Lace Mini.

Fossil Ladies’ Goldtone Link Watch.

Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Sandal in Onyx.

Frugal.

One of the upsides of the rise of internet shopping is that you can compare products. Especially when you have expensive taste but a limited budget. Forever 21 reproduces similar bags, shoes and jewelry of more expensive brands.

If you're looking for expensive design on a limited budget try these looks.

 Studded Shoulder Bag similar to Valentino's spring collection.

Studded Messenger Bag similar to Steve Madden.

Chain Toggle Bracelet similar to the link bracelets sold at J Crew.

         -- JJ

Tic Toc.

As a law student, my most important accessory is my watch. I wish I could say that it was my black leather messenger bag or my Michael Kors bag, but in truth, it's my watch. Before coming to law school I rarely wore watches and used my cellphone to check the time. Most of my friends are the same, when you ask "what time is it?", the answer comes from the fastest person to pull out their phone.

Moving into a professional career, it's generally inappropriate to use your cellphone to check the time. Not only do most people find looking at cellphones in the company of others rude, but it's too obvious a way of checking the time. Imagine this, you have a 2pm appointment and are sitting with your immediate boss, what do you think she would say if you whipped out your phone, checked the time and pointedly said you have to leave? I bet she wouldn't be impressed. Watches are perfect for for subtly checking the time and making a polite but quick exit.

Keeping this in mind, I'd like to showcase a few stylish watches that would be a perfect addition to any young professional woman's wardrobe.

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Rock' Ceramic Chronograph Watch.

Vince Camuto Ceramic and Steel Pyramid Bracelet Watch.

Fossil Georgia Faux Leather Wrap Strap Watch.

Blowout.

Shopping on boxing day is one of my favourite activities. This year, I was unable to go because I was not in Canada. While England also has big boxing day sales, I am staying in a charming town with few shops. I have been checking out some boxing day deals online and below are the best deals from Mango.

1. Mango Chiffon Tail-hem Maxi Dress.
2. Mango Double Layers Straight Cut Dress.
3. Mango Crystals Chain Bracelet.
4. Mango Chiffon Ruffle Top.
5. Mango Two Tone Sequin Tee-Shirt.
6. Mango Cropped Super Slim Fit Trousers.
7. Mango Contrasted Bow Ballerinas.
8. Mango Stones Wide Ring.

Flash.

I have been receiving at on of emails from J Crew advertising their sales for Christmas. I am really surprised with the deals they are offering, 30-40% off between the J Crew and J Crew Factory websites. The sales for Black Friday were not as good! As any bargain hunter would, I have been taking a look and I put together two holiday looks!

J Crew Collection Pintucked Cafe Capri.
J Crew Collection Sequence-sleeved shirt.
J Crew Knot Bracelet.
J Crew Flower Lattice Necklace.

J Crew Collection Leather Pant.
J Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt in white.
J Crew Scattered Sequin Sweater.
J Crew Knot Bracelet.

Gift List: Top Gifts for a Law Student

 

1. Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch.

2. Fossil Stella Plated Stainless Steel Watch in rose.

3. J Crew Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves in deep plum.

4. Apple Ipad. Ipads are perfect for seeing your friends and family over Facetime.

5. House of Harlow 1960 5 Station Necklace.

6. Taylor Swift's Red Cd.

7. Dooney & Burke Button Slouch in bark.

8. Brooks Brothers Calfskin Platform Pump.

9. Starbucks Gift Card.

Gift List: Madewell

For day two of my holiday shopping guide, I suggest purchasing a gift from one of my favourite online shops, Madewell. Madewell is having a 25% off sale and free shipping, so you may want to buy early. These are small gifts that would be perfect for a friend or family member!

Madewell 1717 Olive Striped Beanie.

Madewell Glitter Skinny Belt in hematite.

Madewell Sparkle Spike Necklace.

Madewell Soft-Stitch Sweater in hthr smokestack.

 Madewell Camden Bag in English saddle.

Something now.

In keeping with this week's theme of updating your winter wardrobe, today I am posting about jewelry.

As a side note, have you ever looked at a store's jewelry collection and thought "I would not wear any of this"? I had that feeling today and I was surprised because I usually find at least one piece that I would purchase.

Getting back on topic, I am posting some delightful pieces of jewelry from Anthropologie that are very trendy right now and would look great with almost all of the winter looks that I am seeing. Take a look....

Anthropologie Pewter Bloom Layered Choker. 

Anthropologie Plumed Luster Bracelet.

Classic.

Early this year I posted some really classic pieces of jewelry from J Crew that I thought would compliment a professional outfit. I was reluctant to purchase the bracelet because I thought it was a tad expensive for non-precious metal and glass stones. I have come across a similar bracelet at a reasonable price and after trying to find it in store, ordered it online. So without further ado...

Forever 21 Sparkling Link Bracelet.

All tied up.

J Crew has really stylish jewelry. I wish that there was a J Crew in the city I live in so that I could go and try these pieces on, but for now I'll just have to look at the photos and decide whether to indulge in a little online shopping.

Weekend.

It has been pouring rain the last few days and I have tried my best to stay inside and dry! I haven`t really succeeded on either. Since its the weekend, I thought I`d put together a look that would go best on a casual Saturday. I`m thinking walking around your local market-- flea or produce-- and just enjoying spending time with those you care about!

Take a look.

 J Crew Factory Printed Scoopneck Blouse.

 

Kate Spade Neena Pant in eucalyptus.

Stuart Weitzman Bowtie in wine pebble patent. 

 Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Small Bracelet. 

Lust.

Signing up for Fashion newsletters is a great idea. The emails are chock full of fashion tips, outfit ideas, sales, and highlighted fashion pieces. The J Crew newsletter sent this weekend highlighted the beautiful Lulu Frost for J Crew Triple Resin Triangle Necklace. It looks like their marketing strategy worked because it is the inspiration for today's posting.

 Lulu Frost for J Crew Triple Resin Triangle Necklace.

J Crew Crystal Cluster Necklace.

Lulu Frost for J Crew Crystal Petal Necklace.

Astronomy.

Although I haven't had my ears pierced since I was a teenager I still find myself perusing the earring section at stores I like. If I had my ears pierced this is what I would wear.

 

Club Monaco Christina Stud.

Exotic

I am a huge fan of wild animals including safari ones. I had the opportunity a few years ago while I was traveling to visit a giraffe sanctuary. Along with having a great time feeding and observing the giraffes, I learned a few new things. For instance, did you know that giraffe saliva is anti-septic? Or, that giraffe bones are hollow? Pretty cool huh.

When I was browsing the J Crew website I saw a lovely bracelet that I would like to share with you. It is an enamel giraffe bracelet. I really like the shape and love the little rhinestones to accent the mane. It is adorable! You can pick it up here.

 

Dangerous

Alexander McQueen sells many lovely accessories. I really like this ring:

Skull rings  are really popular right now and this one is pretty trendy. I love that on top of grasping his face, there are the little crystals. If you would like to pick up this silver ring, it is on sale here.

Rouge

To keep up with my latest jewelry craze, I have more to post.

First, this blue and red studded bangle by Marc Jacobs. This blue and red nautical theme is really popular right now. If you like this Jacobson Stud Bangle you can pick it up here.

Bright

I have been thinking about how to accessorize my outfits lately and have been spending a lot of time looking at bracelets and necklaces. I normally look at jewelry in store because I find it difficult to ensure that I will really like the piece if I buy it online. Today, I have been browsing the Harrods department store website and have found several items that I would purchase offline. As such, I thought I would share them with you!

Below is a Moonlight Grapes Pendant by Georg Jensen. I have always liked pendant necklaces, and I like this one because it is grapes. How original! Seriously, I really like this idea. If you want to pick it up, click here.

Another necklace that I really liked was the Pink Pave Diamond Flower Necklace by AS29. It is similar to the J Crew Flower Lattice necklace that I posted last week but it has a singular bloom. It is made of pink gold and pink diamonds! This piece is quite expensive, but if you are interested you can find it here.

Dazzle

I have long be a fan of J Crew. The clothing is always crisp, functional and you can wear it to work. I don't usually pay much attention to jewelry that stores sell, I like to get my jewelry from designated jewelry stores. I am beginning to re-think this attitude. 

This "Flower Lattice Necklace" from J Crew is wonderful. I like how the bright colours pop against the hand cut glass stones. It is also a heavier necklace, which is definitely in style right now. The necklace comes in two colours, I prefer the one pictured above to the pink necklace. If you`re willing to spend the $228 on it, you can pick it up online here.


Another piece of jewelry that I really like from J Crew is the Classic Pave Link Bracelet. This glass encrusted brass bracelet is really adorable and the colour allows you to wear it with most styles. I like this bracelet better than the similar YSL bracelet that I posted earlier this week because it is less branded. You can pick up the J Crew bracelet here.

Yves St Laurent Bracelets

I have been trying to accessorize my outfits more and have been looking at bracelets.

One bracelet that I have been seeing frequently and enjoy is:

This bracelet is made of circular links that have been hammered together to give itself a textured appearance. The bracelet is made of tin and comes in several shades. The one I have chosen to preview is rose-toned.

The only part I dislike about the bracelet is it screams Yves St Laurent! Something that I don't like about designers is when they display their brand ostentatiously. I can understand wanting to get your brand out there, but a huge "YSL" logo and an engraved name plate. It is just too much. I'd rather one or the other, and preferably the engraved plate. Something that makes a piece like this classic as opposed to trendy is the lack of branding.

That criticism aside, it is a really nice bracelet. If you're looking to pick it up, it costs $350 and you can order it here.