current color obsession: neons & neutrals

neons + neutrals by fleur-d-elise featuring short mini skirts

UPDATE: This Polyvore set has been featured on the Polyvore Blog!!

Spring Accessories

Spring Accessories by fleur-d-elise featuring glitter shoes

Neon accessories seem to pop up every Spring. As much as I love them, maybe it's time to give something else a try. How about metallics? They're just as bold; just as eye-catching. Plus, gold and silver are technically neutrals, so neutral rules apply to them!

Try pieces that glitter, try pieces that shine, and if you get too overwhelmed or don't feel like spending money, try Essie's line of Luxeffect Nail Polish. I especially love the silver one over top of a peachy polish.

As promised, I will be having a Giveaway very soon! Check back on Wednesday to see what goodies I will be giving away to a lucky reader!

Stocking Stuffers: $10 and under

stocking stuffers by fleur-d-elise featuring cotton skirts

I labeled this set as "stocking stuffers", but really, most of them would make fine gifts as well. Especially if you are on a tight budget like I am!

1. Forever 21 Make-up Bag $5-$10
The bag shown has already sold out, but Forever 21 is always a great place to find cute things for cheap!

2. H&M Cotton Mini $6
I have a few of these myself. They fit great, come in tons of colors and are super cheap! They're also pretty versatile. Add some flexibility to anyone's wardrobe for just $6!

3. Forever 21 Nail Polish in Sunset $3
Nail polish is always a fun and affordable gift. Check out Forever21 for a million great colors.

4. iTunes Card $10+
iTunes cards make the best gifts! Just like everyone needs food, everyone needs music as well. Hit up Target or Best Buy for one of those 3-packs and you have a gift for your cousin, your dad, and a stocking stuffer for your significant other.


5. Crate and Barrel Snowflake Soap $1.50
This snowflake soap makes a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift. Throw in a soap dish and you've got a great little gift set! Has a soft, clean scent.

6. Miniature bottles of liquor $1-$8
Even though neither my husband nor I drink, little bottles of alk-ee-hall always sound like fun gifts. I haven't included a link for this one, because there isn't really a place online I would recommend buying these. Instead, visit your local liquor retailer for fun, adult-only stocking stuffers.

7. Cooperative Eyeglass Case $10
This is another great gift that can be used by anyone. Check out Urban Outfitters for more styles.

8. Theo Chocolate Bars $3-$4
I've saved the best for last: Theo Chocolates! Made here in Seattle, this has got to be some of the best chocolate in the World! Creamy and rich instead of waxy and bitter, nothing beats their dark chocolate. They use only organic, fair trade chocolate and have the most delicious selection of flavors. The one shown here is Bread and Chocolate and contains crunchy little bits of french bread.

Well, that's it for the gift buying guides! Keep an eye out for some homemade gift ideas in the next few weeks!

Focus

These next couple of posts focus on what I think are classics, but mainly they are just the things I wear pretty much non-stop at the moment.

First off STRIPES!
It's a common misconception that stripes will make you look "wide" and shorter people are always told to stay away from horizontal stripes. I think this is all a lark. Stripes are timeless and also very "IN". You see them everywhere, even entire dresses (I nearly bought one at Forever21 but I thought it might be overdoing it. Now I regret it). There is only one fact to keep in mind when buying stripes: Smaller stripes are always more flattering than large stripes, but this is not set in stone. Take for instance my top. I usually don't look fabulous in broad stripes, but this tank top with its minimal fabric is perfect in this bright aqua print. This brings to mind another thing to try: if you prefer broad stripes try them in light or bright colors. This minimizes the overwhelming boldness.

Next, nail polish.
This is kind of a "Well, duhh" thing, but never underestimate the power of nail polish. It can really bring together and outfit, or at least in your own mind it can. As classic as blood red nails are, I think pink is just as! It flatters all skin tones and isn't as noticeable when it starts chipping off (well, on light skin anyway). Essie is my favorite, they have an amazing selection of shades (innumerable pinks) and it seems to be more chip-resistant than OPI. If you don't feel like spending $8 on a nail polish, Revlon and L'Oreal make great polishes as well.

At least one more post to come, but I am starving so I'm gonna go make dinner.