Rarely do I get excited to shop locally because I forever miss my nice malls and department stores, however when something new opens, I’m one of the first to check it out!  I’ll never give up my online shopping, but it’s nice to have a “go to” store that you can pick up something trendy and relatively inexpensive.  Recently a store opened up less than 5 miles from my house that has fulfilled this need: Apricot Lane.

Apricot Lane is a locally owned/operated franchise that has locations country wide (check out locations here).  The store has lots and lots of dresses, tops, jeans, accessories, and wait for it….customer service!!!!  I was starting to think that customer service was dead until I found this store.  I tend to shop with my toddler (think tiny hands touching every piece of inventory) and the owner of the store was not only okay with it, but she helped watch my daughter while I tried on clothes!  It was such a relief to deal with friendly staff and support a local shop.  Some of their brands include: Free People, Joe’s Jeans, BB Dakota, Miss Me and more.

If you have a store nearby, you might also consider having a FASHION PARTY.  I am thinking of having one myself because all guests of the party get a discount on their purchases and the host gets even deeper discounts!  It’s like a Tupperware Party, but with adorable clothes.  What’s not to love?!

If you are a Syracuse local (or passing through the area…lol), please check them!  Located in Wegmans Plaza Dewitt.  If you’re out of state, see if you have an Apricot Lane near you!

shops love!

xoxo

Most places in the country are starting to warm up…we hit 70 today (don’t ask me about tomorrow’s high, but whatever).  Even though that’s not *technically* warm enough for sleeveless tops, I’m ready to think spring which means wardrobe updates!  I am loving some of these fun, flirty and so very SPRING tops…with a twist!!!

Edme & Essyllte Tank – so light, so lacey, so tied up in adorable striped bow.  This is perfect for days or evenings and nothing gives you a waist better than a colorfully cinched bow! Anthropologie $78

Weston Wear Vera Tunic – I just love this print.  It’s so vibrant, floral-esque, and a little tribal.  Again, a slimming tie to the waist and a delicate sheer fabric.  Totally feminine and spring.  Nordstrom $108

Hive & Honey Embroidered Top – Beautiful coral (I’m not going to let you forget this years color) with white embroidery on the chest.  Cap sleeves make it exactly what spring wants – not ready for a tank top, but refuse to wear anything heavier…here is your compromise.  Tied at the waist without tying up your wallet – $44, Piperlime.

shops love!

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of a secret society, but a secret shoe society is even better.  Since this is too good to keep secret, it’s actually just called Sole Society!  Obvi, the Shopaholic loves shoes.  But what I really love is shoes that are less than $50 and totally cute and comfortable. This is just that!  Sole Society (owned by HauteLook) is an exclusive, members only shoe site that customizes shoe selections just for you.  I was scared off at first because it seemed to have a $49.95/month membership fee, HOWEVER that fee buys you a pair of shoes (of your choice) each month.  Here’s how it works:

-Take the Style Quiz and they will decide what type of shoe personality you have.  You can opt for a different style if you feel they’ve misread you.

-On the first of the month, you will receive an email with your 6 shoe selections.  Choose one and it’s mailed to you ($49.95).  If you do not like any, you can request different styles OR opt not to get a pair that month.  If you opt out, you DO NOT pay the $49.95 fee for the month.

—So it’s simple…you like the shoes, you buy it for $49.95…you don’t like any, you pay nothing.  Another selling point is that it’s free shipping!  If they don’t fit or you don’t like them in person, send them back free shipping!

So, more important stuff…the shoe’s are all designed by Marco Santi who is known for runway shoes (read runway, hear super stylish and of the moment).  My first *sole mate* is Brazen, a metallic peep toe that is going to be so fun this summer (the website is so exclusive that I can’t seem to copy the picture).  I assure you they are fab.

Check them out here !!!!  Don’t let me get away with being the only one walking around in amazing $49.95 shoes!

shops love!

The Shopaholic is not very good at apologies BUT she’s great at excuses.  Life took over…Remember I have a 40 hr/week job to pay for my shopping habits…oh right, and a hubby and toddler.  I escaped the cold for a week – this winter had me in a funk that not even the highest credit limit could cure – and thankfully the sun has shone for like 15 hours total this month which is a huge improvement!!  The Shopaholic has also taken up an insane fitness challenge (check out the INSANITY workout if you’re interested) – so that takes up so much of my precious free time.  My rationality is that the working out will make shopping even more FUN!  On top of everything else, the Shopaholic has a birthday this week!!!  Actually pretty excited to see what 28 has to offer.  Okay, so I think we’re caught up on my 45 day hiatus…here’s what I’m digging right now!

STEM Drop Neck Sweatshirt – perfect for springy days and summer evenings.  I LOVE this color – I did mention that the coral colors are big this season, no?  Nordstrom, $64

J.Crew Button-Up Sundress (available in 3 colors) is the perfect way to begin summer.  Pairs perfect with any color – but I’d go with a near colorless nude wedge…nothing says summer like simplicity.  $68

I think Spring…I think flowers.  This top does it for me.  Pattern is subtle, the details are feminine, the length is perfect.  Oh the best part?  $39.  Vero Moda via ASOS

I hope we’re friends again…next time I disappear for 6 weeks, assume I’m broke and working a second job that PAYS for my shopping habits.

shops love!

I bought my first pair of TOMS shoes yesterday.  I went with the black ones with gold-colored grommets throughout.  I have been waiting for the first sight of spring before committing to a burlap materialed shoe – I can see a little bit of grass which was enough to twist my arm.  TOMS are appealing on a few different levels.  First, they are super comfortable.  The material conforms to your feet so you feel like your feet are naked (well close).  Second, they are reasonably priced – ranging from $44-54. Third, for *every* pair of TOMS sold, a pair is donated to a child in need.  ONE FOR ONE!  There are more reasons, but you get the point.  Buy yourself a new pair of shoes that you can feel good about wearing.  Once you get one pair, I’m pretty sure you’ll find a need for another color too.  I’m already eye-ing the glittery ones.  Here are a couple pairs to see for yourself.  They sell mens, womens and childrens too!

Do the right thing…buy TOMS!

shops love!

So the Color of the Year goes to…Honeysuckle.  In case you’re like me and didn’t know exactly what color this was, it’s a cross between reddish-pink.  The color of the year is presented by Pantone, the leading color guide.  So this year when you’re shopping for spring, think honeysuckle!  It’s fun, energetic, and a bit retro.  Fashion week is filled with the color – in blocks or in a pattern (florals are pretty big right now).  Don’t feel like you need to buy the obvious items (solid tops, etc) though, you can add the color into your spring wardrobe in a variety of other ways.

Nail Polish -Revlon has a new shade for just $5!

Hair Accessories – The flowered headbands are still out there in full force, so add a pop of color!  $32

Scarf – Loving how the *it* color is so subtle in this scarf.  Great pattern to welcome your wardrobe to spring.  $38

Dress – This ruffly tiered dress screams spring and summer.  Love the deep V and feminine details. $109

Designers are incorporating the color into the Spring Collections…so be on the lookout for the color to hit stores soon!

shops love!

ps…I LOVE honeysuckle!

So I know that I normally talk about clothing or shoes, but today I’m talking about eye shadow.  This past weekend I was shopping at my *fave* mall (Montgomery Mall in Maryland) in my *fave* store (Nordies)…I really needed eye shadow and I wanted a palette of matching colors.  I found what I’m now referring to as Shadow for Dummies by Lancome (I’m thinking about trademarking that…you heard it hear first).  It’s actually called the Lancome Color Design 5 Shade & Liner Palette (I know, I like my name better too).  Anyways, it’s 5 colors that are perfectly complimentary to use on the base, lid, crease, then the highlighter, and the liner.  I’m definitely not a makeup pro, so I was super excited to see the little bring-along instructions (with pictures) to show you how to use the palette for both day AND night.  There are 7 different shades at $48 each (but remember you’re getting 5 different pigments).  Try it…you’ll like love it!!  I bought a new Coral Color combo similar to the one below…

shops (and beauty) love!!!

I don’t know where you live, but if it’s anywhere in the Northeast, I’m guessing that you have some pretty hefty snow arriving today (if not already).  We have a lot of snow on the ground and A LOT more on the way.  All this snow has me seeing white – doesn’t help that my toddler loves Snow White, so I hear about that allll the time too!  I’ve decided to make snow my fashion inspiration and incorporating more white into my wardrobe – winter and all!!!  I’m not going to go rogue and wear white shoes or white jeans, but wearing a white scarf (with a dab of bronzer) will make you look tan and fab! Check out these other *white* pieces that I love for right now.

Coats by Free People
Scarves & Wraps by Love Quotes

Banana Republic’s Pearl Drama Necklace does it all – touch of white, class, and drama.  I am imagining it on top of a simple black top to really make it pop!

Tinley Road has become a fast fave of mine.  While this Ruched Sleeveless Tank isn’t totally wearable right now, it is the perfect jump-start for spring!  Pair it with a black blazer and wear it now too! $29

I really like The Loft’s Drawstring Top – perfect for lounging or paired with denim.  $34.50

Love Quotes Italian Linen Scarf is so beautiful – it’s no wonder the celebrities are scooping it up in every color!  Grab just this white one and you’ll be covered year round!  $88

And of course – why not blend right in with the snow in a white down coat?  Free People’s *Lily* coat (I’m partial to the name) is practical, warm and best of all?  On Sale for $119.

Stay Warm…enjoy the beauty of the snow.

Shops Love!

Now that doesn’t mean that more good things won’t come along, but all (good) things must end…for me right now, it’s my vacation in the keys.  I have to trade low 70s (cold to those who live down here…that was me one day in my previous life) for low 20s.  A week of shopping, sunning, eating/drinking and did I mention shopping?  Oh right, I did.  I can’t wait to tell you about all my good finds!  I’d like to thank the fine ladies at Blue and Wild Lily for helping mom and I find such great things!  My suitcase is filled with fabulous Ella Moss dresses, a Monserat de Lucca handbag (LOVE), studded belt, and more more more.  Right now I really want to show you my handbag because it’s unique and fabuloso. 

Check out the beauty below…it’s actually really versatile.  It comes with two different straps.  One chain/leather shoulder strap and a long leather to make it a crossbody (honestly, I didn’t even know that until I was home).  I was drawn to it because it’s the *perfect* clutch.  It has neat zippers and compartments and the softest buttery leather ever.  I can’t wait to use it!  Check out the brand…neat handbags, jewelry, and scarves!!!

So the bad news? My much anticipated vaca is over.  The good news?  I am coming home with great memories and a box full of goodies being shipped to my door. 

shops love!

ps…if you are in the northeast (particularly md, philly or nyc) – I’m sorry and welcome to my life in ‘cuse!

It’s January…it’s cold…it’s snowy…and it’s time to get the heck out of New York!  The Shopaholic is heading to the Florida Keys – I’m ready for 5 days of relaxing, eating, drinking, sunning and of course, SHOPPING.  I will put on my travelin’ shoes, leave the 0 temp at home and arrive to mid-70s bliss.  It’s kind of fun to step away from your summer wardrobe and then begin to pack.  Most things feel new again!  However, I was struggling in the sandal department.  My summer 2011 research is showing the espadrilles as a hot commodity – so of course I had to grab a pair of those!

Steve Madden Fraid (mine are black) – love the distressing on the straps and they are extremely comfortable being such a high wedge.  Perfect with jeans, shorts, or a dress!

Athena Alexander Rusty – Mine are actually camel colored which I love right now.  Matches EVERYTHING while elongating the appearance of your leg.  Why didn’t I think of that years ago??

Shoes are packed, I’m ready to go!

shops love!!