I’ve had it with winter—I’m over it. I’ve been over it since the first snow, and we’ve had about four more feet since then. I’m tired of bundling up. I’m sick of wearing boots and doubling up on pairs of socks. I want spring. Now. To keep myself sane in the meantime, while Old Man Winter keeps spitting out snow showers and “wintry mixes,” I online shop for anything exciting and new and springy!

This week, I revisited Stella & Dot, one of my favorite trendy jewelry companies, at StellaDot.com, and I found amazing stackable rings in light green flourite, lemon quartz and ruby. They look amazing stacked, but would also look great on their own. The lemon quartz makes me think of a sunny beach! $39/each

I mentioned before that I’m tired of wearing my big clunky boots, so I can’t wait to grab a pair of Payless’ adorable cream colored flats, like these. They’re a steal at $22.99, and the cute little blooms are an obvious choice for spring. (photo from payless.com)

Dandelion Jewelry, a store we recently became acquainted with when they became a WHIMSY™ dealer, offers these super cute silver blossom earrings for just $25. The bright yellow is an absolute eye-catcher and makes me think of a tall glass of hand-squeezed lemonade!

For a refreshing splash of color to add to any outfit, try a scarf like this aptly named spring floral scarf from New York & Company. The orange shade adds instant sunny appeal to your look. And it’s on sale for $13.96! (photo from nyandcompany.com)

Try brights, pastels and anything NOT black or gray to put yourself in a sunny mood!

-Keri

I am constantly in search of the perfect “everyday” dress—something not too dressy and not too casual, but a dress I can pair knee-high boots with and wear to work just as easily as slip on a pair of flats and run errands without looking like I tried to look good for the grocery store (I’m always awkwardly running into people I knew back in high school—ugh).

I found the Channel Flannel Dress at ModCloth, and though I’m not a huge fan of plaid, I love the neckline and the three-quarter length sleeves. The model photo of the dress shows it paired with thigh high socks, which I like, but I would opt for cream colored leggings for extra warmth because of the high hemline. I would wear it to work because we’re casual here at Style on a Whim, but leave it till the weekend if you’re a corporate girl.

For a flirty-casual look, try ModCloth’s Belay On Dress. The fluttery sleeves and sheer fabric soften it, while the waist tie cinches you enough to show off a little shape. It’s feminine, but you can pair it with a slouchy sweater and coordinating thick knit tights to make it more casual. This one can definitely go to the office with a black sweater, some dark tights and sensible but stylish low-heeled boots. Sport it with just a big floppy straw hat and sandals in the summer. 

I love ModCloth’s Bienvenido a Miami painterly dolman-style dress, with its pastel colors. It truly reminds me of tropical beaches—and who doesn’t love tropical beaches?! In cold weather, I would wear knee high socks and an oversized sweater under a cinch-waisted peacoat. In warm weather, I’d run errands in this and a pair of my cheapy flip flops!

(photos courtesy of ModCloth.com)

-Keri

Imagine it: You’re with your boyfriend on a romantic dinner date. Everything’s perfect—the mood lighting, the soft music, the food, the wine. You look into his eyes and you can just tell he loves you with all his heart, and you feel the same way about him. He’s usually so comfortable around you, but tonight he’s fidgety and seems nervous. The reality hits you when he kneels down in front of you with a small box. The whole world seems to stop as he slowly opens it…

But what does the ring look like? Is it antique or modern? Yellow gold, white gold or platinum? Is the diamond a princess cut? Round brilliant? Then there are the characteristics you can’t easily see….is it colorless or nearly colorless? Slightly included or very slightly included? Maybe very very slightly included?!

There are a lot of options to take into consideration when choosing the engagement ring that’s right for you, so imagine how overwhelmed your boyfriend must feel! You don’t want to pressure him, but you feel that things are getting serious, and you think he might need a little extra confidence to finally pop the question.

Abazias will give him that confidence, and a way for you to do your research and drop subtle hints! The homepage of the site has a diamond search feature with cut options and four different sliders for price, carat, color and clarity, so you can search for a specific diamond in a specific price range. Then you can “build” a ring with your chosen diamond (out of over 150,000 loose diamonds available!) and a whole slew of settings. The site will even save your ring, so next time you visit it, you don’t have to search all over again! And, of course, they have full descriptions of the different characteristics of diamonds (the 4 C’s), plus frequently asked questions and diamond “lessons” so you can feel good about your informed final decision.

This is seriously handy, ladies. Even if you’re not in a huge hurry to get engaged, this site is ultra addicting. And the idea of strategically leaving your ideal ring up on the computer screen for your boyfriend to see could possibly work. Or at least plant the idea in his head for the future!

With the help of the experts at Abazias, you can take comfort in knowing that your engagement will be truly magical and memorable—and a little less stressful for him!

Photo from Abazias.com

-Keri

Like most girls, I love to wear beautiful, designer clothes, especially on romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day. But all too often the price is a serious deterrent! In the past, I have turned to eBay and utilized the “Buy it Now” option. This can be a huge timesaver, as well as tremendously cost-effective. Most “Buy it Now” options are offered by boutiques hoping to sell excess inventory. I once got a fabulous one-shouldered, beaded evening gown by Tiffany for under $100, including shipping! The tags were still attached, showing that the boutique had been listing the lovely dress for $399 at retail. Not too shabby!

The only problem I have with eBay is that it’s so easy to get lost in the thousands of offerings. Looking for sunglasses? There are a million to choose from. Handbags? How best to sort? You could spend an eternity on eBay and still not find what you’re looking for – and it’s probably there, somewhere!

So last week, when Bruce from Brandvertiser introduced me to his new service, I was enthusiastic to say the least! Basically, Brandvertiser lists the best deals available on eBay by brand.  Badgley Mischka? Got it. Hermes.Yep. Stella McCartney, Valentino, Movado… and the list goes on and on!

Brandvertiser also lists by item type. Search by categories like handbags, sunglasses, watches, perfume and more.  It really makes a specific search easy!

So, if this Valentine’s Day you’re looking for just the right LBD by Chanel, accessorized by new Jimmy Choos, a sparkly bag by Judith Leiber, and a lovely bauble by David Yurman, you can get it all at Brandvertiser!

The last few days have been a continual deluge here on the East Coast. Our little pond is overflowing its banks and the yard is a sea of red clay. Although intellectually I know that we need the rain, the soggy, gray days do nothing to improve my mood. So I was thrilled to open my email this morning and find the perfect antidote – a La Montagne Umbrella!

This gorgeous umbrella features images and symbols from the Basque region of the French Pyrenees, including the area’s distinctive architecture, tranquil green pastures and majestic mountains.

And, not only is this a truly beautiful umbrella, it also has a special system of double ribbing with springs, to prevent the umbrella from being turned inside out in the wind (finally!). Although it’s surprisingly strong, this umbrella weighs only 14 oz.

La Montagne Umbrella is $96 and is available only from the lovely and very, very French Quel Objet.

Tres chic!

This Valentine’s Day, you can wear your heart on your sleeve and help the victims of the devastating earthquake that recently hit the island country of Haiti. Whitten’s Fine Jewelry is offering a set of three specially created, Valentine’s Day themed, collectible Murano glass beads for $75. Whitten’s will donate half the purchase price to the American Red Cross International Response Fund.

These beads are compatible with all of the major bead companies’ products such as bracelets, necklaces and rings from Pandora, Chamilia, WHIMSY and Trollbeads. Beads are available for purchase at both of Whitten’s retail locationsin Delaware and are also available for purchase nationwide at the online WHIMSY store http://www.WhimsyWorldwide.com. Quantities are limited.

“We felt that it was important to do our part in the wake of this incredible tragedy,” explained Whitten’s Fine Jewelry owner Craig Whitten. “We chose the American Red Cross relief agency as the beneficiary of this event because of the organization’s outstanding international reputation. I also think its reputation puts people’s minds at ease—that their donation will actually reach those who need it most.”

The Jan. 12 quake was the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in over two hundred years. The devastation and human death toll wreaked by the quake are made even worse because Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere. According to CNN sources, approximately 80 percent of Haiti’s people are poor or live below the poverty level.

Based on the most recent statistics, the American Red Cross has already raised more than $87 million for relief efforts, however, much more is needed since the recovery effort is estimated to take years.

Building on the tremendous success of the firm’s 2009 collections of a variety of interchangeable bead jewelry, WHIMSY™ recently unveiled the Women in Love Collection for Winter 2010.

In this collection, nationally-acclaimed designer R. Craig Whitten offers two exciting new ways to showcase the hottest jewelry trend in years — striking, collectible Murano glass beads. The designs are compatible with the majority of the glass beads made by major bead manufacturers including Trollbeads, Chamilia™, Pandora™ and more. Their interchangeability allows the wearer to express her individuality and easily change the ring to match an outfit, complementary jewelry — even a mood.

The new designs were inspired by some of the world’s most timeless love stories. The Juliet pendant celebrates one true love that lasts forever. Highlighted with a striking bead, this elegant pendant is guaranteed to make a woman’s heart flutter. (Retail: $75, not including chain)

Stunning Elizabeth earrings dangle gaily from sterling wire and are the perfect showcase for eye-catching Murano beads. Worn alone or as a companion to the Juliet pendant, these earrings are extremely versatile and their interchangeability makes them a reflection of each woman’s own personal style. (Retail: $125 per pair)

Like all pieces created by WHIMSY™, the Women in Love Collection is beautifully crafted using eco-friendly, reclaimed sterling silver, is created with uncompromising attention to detail, and each piece is hand-finished.

“The mechanics of pieces by WHIMSY™ make it easy to change your bead and change your style. A threaded center post is so easy to use; you simply unscrew the end cap to release the bead,” says the collection’s designer R. Craig Whitten. “End caps incorporate incised details to allow a firm grip.”

The threaded center post is also ultra secure, making beads are almost impossible to lose. Plus, the center posts are so adjustable that they can accommodate an even wider range of bead widths. The pendant and earrings from the Women in Love Collection are even compatible with many one-of-a-kind art beads by lampwork artists.

How often has this happened to you? You purchase the most amazing swimsuit – great color, great fit, your absolute favorite – and it gets snagged and ruined on the side of the pool!

The folks at Pretty SMART! have come up with a simple, but amazingly effective solution. The Azula is a water resistant, flexible mat that you place on the edge of the swimming pool to keep your suit from snagging. With the price of a decent swimsuit close to $100 these days, this simple product is a no brainer.

PrettySMART! Was founded by lifelong friends Julie and Laura. Growing up, one was tagged “the smart one”; the other, “the pretty one.” So they turned those adjectives on their heads, tongue and cheek, by making them the company name.

And boy did they hit the mark! The Azula is machine washable, flexible, durable and lightweight. And so convenient — basically, you just roll up, tie it with built-in cord and go! Pretty smart, indeed.

Not only is the Azula a sure fire way to save your swimsuit from damage, you can also use it for hot leather car seats, frigid metal stadium bleachers, at picnics and outdoor festivals, on the beach, and more.  

Prices for the Azula range from $7.00 to $14.50, depending on pattern. And good luck choosing just one! There are funny sayings, great graphics, and eye popping colors. To make it just a little bit harder, the pair are unveiling 2010 styles at AmericasMart in Atlanta later this week.

I’m thinking one to match each suit…

Inspiration. Everyone needs it and in the fabulous world of fashion, inspiration can come from almost anywhere!

Here at Susan Said What?!, we are inspired by great writers who help bring fashion to life. We visit these sites almost daily to learn about insider sales, fresh new designers and of course, lots of lots of style suggestions. In our opinion, these are some of the best of the best. Our own Top 5 fashion blogs include:

Stiletto Jungle is an online shopping blog that features fashion, beauty, and lifestyle tips, trends, plus online deals. The site is updated several times daily, so there’s always something new. I love that each product is accompanied by a direct link so that you can purchase online easily and quickly.

Coquette by Natalie Zee Drieu has been rated one of the top 50 fashion blogs in the world! And in 2008, Folio named Natalie one of the Top 40 Magazine Industry Influencers and Innovators. The best part of Coquette is that Natalie offers realistic fashion choices that are generally affordable for the average working woman.

Fashion Pulse Daily is written by fashion industry veteran Julia DiNardo, who has a truly amazing eye for the latest trends, newest designers, and hottest products. The best part is how Julia puts all the elements of a look together in each blog post – from clothes, to accessories, to jewelry — the whole look is right there at your fingertips.

SecondCityStyle is written by a 15-year consumer marketing expert with a self proclaimed addiction to fashion! Editor-In-Chief  Lauren Dimet is also a former accessories designer and has created a sophisticated line of jewelry and rich fabric handbags. Personally, I love her ability to identify the special details that make a fashion item worth the splurge.

The Daily Obsession is a lifestyle guide for the modern, working woman who covets the most luxurious products and follows sophisticated style trends. The Daily Obsession has extremely useful information on chic fashion trends, must-have beauty products, insider interviews, and even giveaways.

A visit to any of these great sites will help you start the New Year in style!

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow night. I have the dress. I have the accessories. Now, I need some new shoes!

Like Carrie Bradshaw, I absolutely love shoes. My husband doesn’t understand the difference that a buckle, T-strap, or heel height can make and simply can’t fathom why anyone would need 7 pairs of black pumps. Sigh… men.

Even though I have lots of shoes, for this special night, I need something with a little more sizzle. Some of the sexiest, most stylish shoes I’ve found are at Frederick’s. Until this year, when I thought of Frederick’s, my mind went to lingerie only. But I have since found out (to my great happiness) that they carry a huge range of necessities – from party dresses, to accessories, to wonderful, wonderful shoes.

For New Year’s Eve, I absolutely covet the Double Wrap Sandal. One of my favorite styles, the double wrap sandal crosses at the ankle holds your foot in firmly place – a must for a night of dancing! The 4 1/2″inch enamel-plated stiletto heel is the perfect height (meaning I can still walk). And the sassy metallic silver works with almost everything in my closet.  Plus – and here’s the best part – they are on sale for only $17.99!

Or, if you’re fighting the snow, Frederick’s Pointed Toe Sequin Pump is a great option. These shimmering, sequined 4” pumps instantly jazz up a simple LBD. Available in basic black and sparkly silver, these pumps are only $34.00 and are guaranteed to become the go-to shoes for festive evenings.

A trendy option that takes the gladiator look to a whole new level is the Strappy Satin Stiletto. Sleek satin straps and a 4 1⁄2″ heel paired with a short skirt and he won’t be able to take his eyes off of your legs! On sale now for the super low price of only $19.99 (previously $39.99).

One of the best things about Fredericks, though, is the entire selection of what they call shoe solutions (I call them salvation!).  Gel Heel Guards, Cushioning Insoles, Ball of Foot Gel Cushions and Anti-Friction Blister Balm will ensure that you ring in the new year feeling fabulous in your new heels!