Share the Wealth Giveaway

I have been very lucky this past year and feel that I should share some of my luck with my readers. That brings us to 2012's first giveaway! You will all have the chance to enter, and one lucky reader will win the Nine West bag I got from Marie Claire as part of my prize package. The winner will also receive the January issue of UK Glamour. My dad brought this back from England :) Ok, so if you're from the UK, it won't be that exciting, but it's still a free magazine!

So about the bag. As you can see in the picture above, it's a tote with a silver woven exterior. The interior is lined with fabric and features a large pocket, small zippered pocket, and a magnetic snap closure. It's an all-around great bag!

You can enter several different ways:
1. Follow me via bloglovin' or Google (Click "Follow" on the right side of the blog) +1 entry

2. LIKE Fleur d'Elise on Facebook +1 entry

3. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog +2 entries

Remember to leave a comment telling me which one you did and post a link if you mentioned me on your blog!

Giveaway ends January 25th, 2012

The Four Snowmen of the Snowpocalypse

It's coming!! A whole 6 inches of snow! DOT is putting down so much sand and salt it will be like driving on the beach once all the snow is gone!


Surprisingly, it's not that cold out, so strategic layering is all I need. A loose, heavy-knit shrug to provide warm pockets of air, full length gloves, a beret to keep the snow off my face, and thick socks in my boots; I'm good to go!


So I was trying to come up with names for the Four Snowmen, but I've only got three so far.
1. Pestilence, the Snowman of Delayed Garbage Service
2. Anguish, the Snowman who brings chaos to I-5 and leaves drivers stranded there for 5+ hours.
3. Pain, this Snowman brings icy sidewalks and consequentially, broken tailbones and bruised egos

I'm open to suggestions for the fourth


Cross your fingers that my husband doesn't get stranded at work tonight!

In these photos:
American Apparel beret
Zara top
Harmonic shrug
Vintage fur stole and leather gloves
H&M bag
Zella Leggings
Etienne Aigner boots

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!

better.

Finally, everything is coming up Catie! If that doesn't make any sense, it's a Simpsons reference. Millhouse said something similar once. Anyway, things are starting to go very well for me.



After nearly a year of foot problems, my feet are finally starting to feel better. I've completely cut coffee out of my life (sigh) because it causes inflammation and I'm seeing an acupuncturist. After trying everything else, I didn't think it would work. I was wrong! Acupuncture is magic!! I have my second appointment tomorrow, which I'm hoping will go well. You see, I'm pretty terrified of needles. Like get-up-and-run-out-of-the-dentists-office terrified. My aunt, who works at the acupuncturist's office, didn't think I would actually come in for it, but I did! Christie, if you're reading this, thanks for telling her I blacked out when I got my ears pierced!



I don't know if I'll ever be able to wear heels again, but I am so, so thankful to just be pain free. It's nice to have a little break from that whole ordeal.

On top of improvements in health, I've been approached for more features and a collaboration; two things that are always welcome! And I have all you lovely readers :) It feels good to be a part of this community.

P.S.

A little shout-out to my Uncle Paul and Aunt Anita who made my latest Forever21 shopping spree a possibility :)

In theses photos:

Forever21 jacket & stockings

Forever21 sheer blouse

H&M cotton mini dress

DKNY fishnets

Kate Spade iPad case

Aldo shoes

Spring Color Trends: Part 2

Spring Color Trend: Pastels by fleur-d-elise featuring a collarless jacket

Pastels are still prominent, but at Jill Stuart, they were paired perfectly with candy brights.

It was easy to find similar pieces at affordable prices, since J.Crew has some nearly identical color combinations in their Spring line. If J. Crew is still too pricey, look to H&M's new S/S '12 line for fresh brights and sweet pastels.

Here are some other great pieces that follow this trend!

Cotton candy trousers? Yes please! Buy them at HM.com

Cotton Candy Pants by fleur-d-elise on polyvore.com

Pineapple sorbet and lemon jelly beans come to mind when I look at these pumps from Charlotte Russe:

Shoes! by fleur-d-elise featuring patent leather platform pumps

Ok, I hate gumdrops, but I love this purse. Buy at Forever21.com:

For my blog by fleur-d-elise featuring cross body handbags

Spring Color Trends: Part 1

Spring Color Trend: Pastels by fleur-d-elise featuring an oversized leather clutch

So I've done a little research (not gonna pretend like this was my idea!) and pastels are suppose to be very "in" this Spring. Definitely appropriate for the season, I should say! Quite a few designers sent light, frothy shades down the runways, but one really stuck out: Chanel Ready-to-Wear for S/S 2012.

Dewey-faced models floated down the runway that had been decorated to look like a a coral reef. There weren't any obvious mermaid references (no silly tails or shell bras), but every piece was a nod to the sea. Delicate scales, pearly fabrics, and colors reminiscent of sea fans and scallop shells are just some of the details Karl Lagerfeld used to bring this underwater world to life.

The term "ready-to-wear" is sometimes a little misleading. You think to yourself "Oh, maybe it's in real people dollars," but no, it just means it's not made to order. The prices are still excruciating. Instead, the average girl, like moi et tu, must take notes on what she likes and find inspired pieces at prices she can afford.

I've done some of the work for you and found some lovely items at stores like Madewell, American Apparel, and online at Asos.com. Below are a few more reef-inspired pieces.


Look for frothy textures and shimmery fabrics, like this Romwe tunic:

Romwe Top by fleur-d-elise featuring a pink tee

If that's too much for you, try adding some scalloped edges into your wardrobe. They're named after a sea creature, and for good reason! I like this tiered top from Forever21.

Forever21 Top by fleur-d-elise on polyvore.com

As for accessories, opalescent stones, pearl earrings, and coral clutches are perfect for finishing off a look. I'm heading to Forever21 today to see if I can score this amazing necklace!

Opal necklace by fleur-d-elise featuring forever 21 jewelry

It's here!

Just picked up a couple copies of the February 2012 issue of Glamour. One for me and one for my husband's family. I am soooo happy with the picture. I like it a lot more than the one in Marie Claire, but I can't complain really! What a great start to the year :)

Twee

I've been very busy crafting. That is the one blessing that has come from my feet problems. I'm finally working on arts and crafts projects! I'm even getting around to projects that have been waiting on me for years. I've been obsessed with felting. It's way easier than I thought it would be and I actually have the patience for it, unlike sewing. I made a whole bunch of little animals for Christmas presents (ex. my sister got an otter and my grandma got an english Robin) and now I'm working on a project that I'm hoping will someday become a book. I can't tell you what it is yet, because I don't want anyone stealing my idea, haha.



As for the outfit, I was happy to finally style the little yellow blouse you see peeking out of the sweater. It's from Lulu's but I was lucky enough to get it for free on Chictopia. They have a great rewards program! I didn't even have to pay shipping. Actually, this outfit was very cheap! The blouse was free, as was the skirt and belt! I am a lucky-duck, and I feel I should share some of my luck. Keep your eyes open for a giveaway coming in the next week or so!!

In this outfit:
American Apparel beret
Vintage sweater
Lulu blouse
Felicee skirt & belt
Vintage velvet blazer