Happy Days Begin and End with Kate Spade

This is a wonderful day. Why you ask? Because my new Kate Spade was waiting for me at home after work!

Everything about Kate Spade makes you feel good. Beyond the fabulous product, you feel like you're opening a present from your best friend.  Every little part of the shopping experience is fun--cute daily emails (especially when the sample sale has hit), adorable packaging, happy store visits...I could go on and on. Sorry lovelies, I have a degree in marketing and feel obligated to gush about good business when I see it.

Drum roll please...!

There's my new Kate. Worth every penny. Now I'm just trying to decide what outfit I'll wear to debut (less than 12 hours to figure it out)!

And, as Mary says, there's me looking like "Christmas" with new Kate. By the way, that dress is probably the second most favorite dress I own. Not surprisingly, it's from Anthro. I'll post some better outfit pictures when I've styled it more thoughtfully (end-of-the day look here). 

Time to call it a day!

xoxo,
Sarah

There you go stealing my heart...

We have a REALLY fabulous TJ Maxx nearby, and I love it because it's mostly high end designers versus just a small section. I still can't afford much of anything, but I was in heaven exploring and lusting after the likes of Tory Burch, Valentino, Kate Spade, and Nanette Lepore.

I fell in the love with this Tory Burch jacket and wouldn't even let myself try it on for about...2 minutes (can't stay away that long). It was made out of a fabulous white leather with cut-out hearts. I recognized it from a few seasons back and while it was going for $300 (down from $600), I had to pass today and understandably left a little heartbroken.

However, I have a BEAUTIFUL new Kate Spade handbag coming in the next several days, as they were having an online sale too good to pass up. It's still going on...25% off ALL sale items (dangerous, I know)!

I feel like having a Kate Spade handbag is kind of like a sisterhood around here--much like the Anthro girl. You just have this instant bond with each other. The other day I was at an event with work friends, and 3 out of 4 of us were carrying a Kate Spade. The next day marked the beginning of earlier-said sale, so of course we started comparing which one we'd be purchasing. I finally decided upon this lovely red one, as I've been wanting a quilted bag for a REALLY long time. I just can't wait for it to arrive! I loved my last Kate Spade, but now I'm afraid that I'm forever ruined for any other handbag... 

xoxo,
Sarah

Dressing for Earth Day can be every day!

Yes, I realize that it is not Earth Day anymore, but it sure was fun while it lasted! Celebrating this day definitely makes you stop and think about all the innovation surrounding the green lifestyle. And for fashionistas like me, fashion is one of the first things on the mind, so it is especially intriguing to watch independent (and some mainstream) designers in their efforts to become more eco-friendly.

The cultural movement toward being environmentally and socially aware has encouraged the fashion industry to work with new materials, seek out and use local labor, find new uses for old things, and watch the entire production process from seed to cloth. Realizing these byproducts of the green movement is enough to even grab the attention and appreciation of those who are not necessarily into the movement itself--simply because it has fostered creativity and innovation. Really, you have to admit that there is something very interesting and fun about the need to be green and socially responsible.

While we are on the subject, here are a few seemingly-obvious but easy ways to incorporate a green perspective into your wardrobe:
* Buy vintage clothing and accessories - Rummage through your local thrift stores or online marketplaces like Etsy and Market Publique. And check with your grandma or great aunt!
* Wear hand-me-downs (only if cute though!) - Be open to free clothes from relatives or friends. You might already share clothes with your best friend or sister, so that works too!
* Support eco-friendly designers - Check out Matt & Nat, Fin Oslo, and Lu Flux for starters! 
* Build a sustainable wardrobe with staple pieces - Look for classic silhouettes and interesting details.
* Host or attend a "Swishing" clothes-swap party - This is such a fun way to change up your wardrobe just a bit. Gather up several items of clothing that could use some new loving and get together with friends or the community to swap. Planning one of these awesome events is on my to-do list!

As we are in the green-loving spirit, let me remind you to keep a lookout for my eco-friendly column on N.E.E.T. Magazine's blog twice a month, where I go in-depth with eco-friendly designers from all over the world!
 
Get the Eco-Friendly Look...
1) Amber Dobby Dress II (eco-friendly materials) - $398 - Shop Substance; 2) Woven Clutch (organic cotton) - $40 - Greenloop; 3) Honeycomb Charm Necklace (ethical fashion) - $620 - Juno & Jove, Inc; 4) Knee-High Socks (organic) - $8 - Sock Dreams; 5) Vintage Oxfords - $67 - Kenaione; 6) Vintage Cardi - $34 - Paradox

xoxo,
Sarah

Today's Winnings

 

It has been quite a wonderful day! I spent the afternoon hanging out with my younger sister (she is also one of my besties!!). After a nice, VERY-filling lunch, we hit the malls to work off a few pounds before heading back to watch (500) Days of Summer. The shopping trip was really successful for us both. Check out my "winnings" (pictured above) in detail below:

1) Free "Be Stupid for Successful Living" t-shirt from the latest issue of NYLON Magazine - What a wonderful way to get people to buy NYLON. My sister and I often share issues of mags, but getting a free t-shirt enticed us into buying our own copies. Funny thing is: I rarely wear t-shirts. This one is pretty cool though!

2) Latest issue of NYLON Magazine - This magazine is so hip, fresh, cool, creative, etc, etc! Not your typical fashion magazine and always an interesting read, I dream of writing with them one day. On my way!

3) Boho Magazine, Issue No. 6 - Just discovered this New Jersey-based magazine in the bookstore today, and I am quite possibly in love. Upon every turn of the page in this green fashion magazine comes something very whimsical and pretty. Plus, every issue is printed on recycled paper! 

4) Feather Earrings - Not sure how it happened, but until today's shopping trip, I did not have any feather earrings. These were cute and only $3.50 from Claire's, so "cha-ching" went my card! Who carries cash anymore anyway?

5) Gold & Cream Dress by Rampage - Sometimes you happen upon those dresses that look just as great on the clothing rack as they do on you. Seeing and trying on this dress led to that kind of lovely experience. By the way, it was on sale for only $16.99. Now that is an absolute steal!

6) Leopard Ruffled T-Strap Pumps by Madden Girl - I love t-straps, animal print, and pumps...ruffles are debatable. Combining several good things can sometimes lead to a disaster, but, in this case, it worked. Even if it had not, these pumps were only $12.99. Once again, CHA-CHING! 

Until next time...

xoxo,

Sarah

@itsalovelylife

Modeling the free tees from our NYLON mags!