Ringing in the New Year in Style

Ahh..New Years Eve. I spend a lot of my December month planning the perfect outfit for the event. It's one night when you can get really spiffed up and no one will stare at you in small town, USA (Well they will, but eh, who cares!). This year, we had major plans for getting dressed up and going out. Then, a little something called a blizzard and no travel advised warnings came around. Bummer! So instead of going out on the town, we stayed at home. Therefore, I wasn't able to get fancy (we have two dogs that shed). Dog hair + chic black outfit = completely un-chic. So here's a little lo-down of what I was going to wear.
Happy New Year, everyone! Sharing my love of pretty things has been a great part of my year. Thanks for being a part of it with me. I'm hoping for a terrific 2011! xoxo, MS

Merona scalloped blouse; Erica Lyons beaded bib

It's a toss up between this Tucker for Target gold foil pencil skirt (mentioned in my very first post) and this Merona brocade skirt (given as a gift from my sister). Both are the same length.

A close-up on the Merona blouse, notice the adorable  keyhole on the back!

Simply Vera by Very Wang beaded platforms. They have thick rubber on the bottom to to prevent slippage! Lucy just had to get in the picture! :)

A final view of what I would have worn. I switched out the beaded bib for an Erica Lyons multi-gold chain to pick up the gold strands in the skirt. Also, I'd like to pair black polka dot tights with it!



On and on and on

One of my favorite must haves for the snowy season are infinity scarves. What a cool idea! These definitely take the guessing out of it. You can wrap them around and around, or just loop it once around your neck. I remember my sister and I use to sit and google 'how to tie a scarf' or even youtube.com it. We seemed to think that there was a certain science to it. But there isn't! It's popular now to create your own variation on the neck scarf, but for those who are still weary--infinity scarves to the rescue! Santa was even kind enough to bring me one this year.

Stay tuned for more of the treasures from under my tree...xoxo

Collection XIIX Ministripe infinity loop scarf

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Chunky infinity scarf, Odessete's Shop on Etsy

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Tom Ford Stuns Yet Again

I have been a fan of Tom Ford for some time. He is well-known as a designer and film director, but I followed him because of his help in Gucci's turnaround. Not only did he design for Gucci, but was creative director and later became creative director of YSL. (Fabulous!) Plus-he's from Santa Fe. His menswear designs are incredibly popular, but most have been waiting for he release of his highly-anticipated woman's line under his own label. His Spring 2011 is freaking-fantastic. The fringe!!!!

Emily Blunt modeling a gown in  Harper's Bazaar

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Emily again, in Harper's Bazaar

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Etsy Pick: NORMandLOU

Not only is my blog a place for me to write about my fashion-obsessions, I thought it would be neat to add little gadgets and whatnot. I got online to find a cute Ipod case and I succeeded! These felt sleeves by Norm and Lou are incredibly adorable and affordable! They are hand-sewn and can be custom made to the colors (and critters) of your choice. Also--don't be afraid to get one for your cell phone too!

Felt fox ipod touch case

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Autumn leaves ipod touch case

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Va-Va Velvet

Incredibly Luxurious. Incredibly Cozy. Incredibly Glamorous. Velvet is this season's guilty little pleasure. Adding a little velvet to any wardrobe can turn any outfit from casual to dinner party in a snap. Whether is be a jacket or a dress, it is anything but ordinary. I'm hoping to find a little blazer under the tree this year, but after finding these other items..I don't know if a blazer is the only velvet-find i'm hoping for.

J.Crew schoolboy blazer in plum, perfect to pair with your favorite gold mini

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Gap velvet city flat

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Madewell velvet pannel tank

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J Brand velvet stretch leggings

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Winter Kate 'Orphelia' velvet minidress

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Etsy Pick: Holly Stalder

I know what you're thinking. It's Tuesday and I just wrote a post. But, it wasn't an Etsy Pick. I have been kinda off my game lately and I totally forgot about Etsy-Day. So here is a super-chic seller I found about a month ago, Holly Stalder. This shop basically contains all of the icing to add to your formal wear. Frothy shrubs and dainty capes all out of pretty tulle and chiffon. They are rather heavenly and could definitely add a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe. Or the perfect, finishing touch for you brides-to-be. Also, a small selection of party dresses and bridal gowns are included. How fancy!

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Yes, it is possible for my fascination with LBDs to grow. This one is so fabulously-unexpected!

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It's time to shop!

A friend turned me onto this site, 6pm.com and I have been hooked ever since. Thanks, Raven! It has all my favorite brands at fantastic prices! Marc, Proenza Schouler, BB Dakota, DVF. Loves! Another thing I love about this site is that is on the Market America portal so I can get cash back for shopping on it! Another thing to make my day! Shopping and earning cashback at the same time. It makes me feel less guilty about splurging. 2% cashback for every dollar spent. Sounds sweet to me. Man, if only 6 pm was the only time I shopped. Buuut, it's not! :)

Visit the marketamerica.com/jriedy to start earning cashback. Just create an account and you're set.

An expected neutral with an unexpected heel.

Proenza Schouler at 6pm, over $750 in savings!

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Nothing crisper than a new trench!

Juicy Couture

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Perfect LBD for NYE

French Connection

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A breath of fresh air!

Halston Heritage

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Jingle Bells

I found it! I have finally found it! I have been searching for the perfect holiday dress for some time, and tonight I found this incredible number on Modcloth. Of course by now you all know i'm obsessed with the the 'Betty Draper'-stye, circa the 1960's, and that is exactly what this dress is! Totally Betty Draper-Francis. This velvet-brocade party dress is so classic. The burgundy color is perfect for the holiday season and the thin gold belt ads a little pizazz. Accessorize it with some pewter peep toes and jewelled clutch. It'll be hard to see the lights on the tree with this dress dazzling away!

Kalanchoe Blooms dress by Eva Franco for Modcloth

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Natural Wonders

I am a huge fan of genuine gemstone and natural jewelry. When I saw these on Gossip Girl in the first season or so, I fell in love. I had forgotten about them until now. Gemma Redux designs are incredibly popular on the red carpet and in my heart! I love the industrial chains and the shiny stones. GR's designer, Rachel Dooley is a true artist. Her pieces are the perfect combination of hard and soft. Delicate and masculine. The agates and turquoise she uses make me heart melt. Not only is Blake Lively a fan, but my other favorite ladies, January Jones and Jessica Alba. The pieces are chunky and fabulous! All I have to say is that these natural wonders really won me over. A diamond in the rough to say the least!

Lovely pieces from GR

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Blake in one of Gemma's pieces

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Lovely ladies

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Laces=Love

Lately I have been obsessed with boots. You're thinking..who hasn't been? Boots have been hot for the last three seasons or more. But they aren't the same Equestrian-esque boots i'm always dreaming over. This time, i'm thinking about laces. What i'm loving is somewhere in between combat boots and a slight, 'Little House on the Prairie'-type. Heel/wedge or none. I love them all. I have found the best on Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie but not sure if I want to spend a lot. I have a feeling, that just like everything else, it's going to be a short-lived trend. But do I care? If I like them...why should it matter? Well, I'll just have to keep shopping around but here are my favorites so far. Cross your fingers for some less inexpensive versions of these beauties!

Relaxed Collar Lace-Ups, Anthropologie

Gorgeous.

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Deena and Ozzy Foldover Boot, Urban Outfitters

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Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Piperlime.com

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Candy-Coated Collaboration

Whenever I think of Juicy Couture, I think of dreamy scenes featuring cotton candy, balloons and rainbows. What do I think of when Erin Fetherston pops into my mind? Exactly the same thing!! I had noticed a parallel in their design asthetics early on, but now Liz Claiborne's most popular brand is teaming up with guest designer, Erin Fetherston. This collection will extend through early 2011 so get your fill now! Judging from her all-star collaboration with Target, this is sure to be a hit. The Holiday 2010 collection includes all velvet bags and jewelled baubles. Just in time for Christmas! Try not to get too much of a sugar high from this sweet deal!!

The ever-angelic Erin Fetherston

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Erin Fetherston for Juicy Couture velvet clutch

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EF for JC chain fringe earrings

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EF for JC antique deco ring

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Etsy Pick: brownbagvintage

Another great vintage site! I was referred this this etsy shop by a blog that I follow. A lot of the prices are fairly reasonable and the merchandise is in very good condition. The seller is out of Brooklyn, NY so i'm sure they have access to fabulous stuff! I love all the scarfs/headscarfs sold. Not only will they look great around your neck, but they also look great in your hair for a stylish rockabilly, Gwen Stefani-look. Or, tie it on a bag for a new look for an old handbag. I'm especially fond of this black mini skirt too.

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Fossil Finds

I found another great site for vintage finds--Fossil.com. I used to only know about Fossil watches and the occasional handbag but upon browsing their site there is so much more to offer. I love their clothes, except for it being a little pricey. I've ordered some items on sale and was very impressed with them. They even added shoes now which are gorgeous, especially the flats. But the best items added are the random vintage finds. I'm deciding if I really need this Jessica McClintock dress for the holidays? Hmm...

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American Music Awards 2010's Best Look

With the AMA's being last night, I thought I should give a little recap of my favorite red carpet looks. I feel the best look of the evening belongs to Rihanna with her jawdropping scarlet Elie Saab. Stunning!

Rihanna

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Lumberjackin' It Up

What do you think of when you see buffalo plaid? Hunters? Lumberjacks? The Brawny man in particular? Yes, I do think of these things but I also think of how fashionable it can be! Buffalo plaid was very popular a year or so ago..and it kind of fell by the wayside. I desided to resurrect this trend mainly because I found a great shirt at a thrift store for a quarter. It's not the trendy, printed fabric, it's the real thing! The fabric is woven with black thread and has held up very well. I belted it and it looks great! It's comfy and warm--my favorite combination. And it fits right in here in South Dakota. I won't be carrying around a enormous axe, but i'm sure this shirt will get me enough attention anyway!

Shirt-Vintage, Belt-AE

Holding Lucy in my cozy plaid!

The Vicente Agor Silhouette

I first saw these pendants mentioned in Marie Claire but misplaced the issue and thus forgot about them. Again, they resurfaced on Gwyneth Paltrow's website, goop.com. What a terrific gift idea! There is no better gift than something personal (or something you hand-make yourself). These silhouette pendants can be used on necklaces or transformed into earrings. Send in a profile shot of your gift recipient and have that silhouette immortalized into 18k gold or sterling silver. You can even get fancy with it and add a diamond. They are a little pricey but it's a gift that will no doubtedly keep giving!

    

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First Lady Fashion

Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo gained popularity after dressing first lady, Michelle Obama. Michelle has been seen in many of her looks throughout the last year, the most famous (and first) being a yellow ensemble she wore on Inauguration Day. Now, Toledo has switched gears. She has started designing shoes and handbags for Payless. Yes, Payless! There aren't many styles to choose from, but they are all nicely done and look luxe! I'm loving this pair, sleek with a pop of red that will excentuate any outfit. There's something about being able to own an item from one of Michelle's favorite designers that makes me feel incredibly fancy! Check these puppies out! *Gasp*

Toreador Pump

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Pom Pom Flat

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First Lady Michelle Obama in Isabel Toledo

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Etsy Pick: VintageFrocksofFancy

Well it's Tuesday and I found another fabulous vintage seller on Etsy. Vintage Frocks of Fancy has a lot of great clothing from the 40's-80's, with a majority being in the 40's, 50's, and 60's--my favorites! They have a great selection of black gowns which offter a timeless appeal. Here are a few of my most covetted items. Love love love!

1950's Black Lace and Taffeta

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Rayon LBD

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Frock and Coat set

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1960's Mod Metallic Trench and Shift

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