What We're Obsessed With Now: Bauble Bar

For those of you who are long time followers of TAL, you may remember one of our earliest posts in which Princess talked about her love of an amazing accessories site called eight1six. (Original post here!)

Since that post was written, eight1six became BaubleBar. As the name changed, the site grew. As the site grew, our obsession with it grew as well. (Did you really think that Princess wasn't going to convince me to hop on the bandwagon of a great accessories site?!)

The site sends you emails nearly every day about their new collections--the prices range from super affordable (our favorites!) to somewhat expensive (which bargain hunters like us shy away from). But, the quality is top notch and the jewels are beautiful.Without fail, when I wear a BaubleBar piece, I get compliments all day. I'm sure Princess would tell you the same thing!

Since the site has grown over the past year, there are two new additions that I particularly love...the buried bauble and the Vault. Each Friday, BaubleBar has a "buried bauble"--if you find it, you can snag it for just $10! It is limited to one per person in each color (so if it comes in 3 colors, you can get all 3 for $10 each!). We have found a few great finds through the buried bauble! The Vault is a great incentive...you earn points to the Vault by inviting friends, having friends purchase, and purchasing goods yourself. When you earn enough points, you can redeem them for free jewelry! The free pieces start at 5 points and go up from there. As you all know...the only thing better than getting a good bargain is getting something for free!

But, the absolute best part about BaubleBar? These pieces look far, far more expensive than they are--which means you get a great bang for your buck, whether you find a little sparkle for yourself or a great gift for a friend.

Over the past year, our BaubleBar collection has grown and we'd love to share our finds with you!

Earrings:

Bracelets:

Chunky Necklaces:

Delicate Necklaces:

Here are photos of us wearing some of our greatest finds. We will provide links wherever possible so you can get in on the BaubleBar fun, too! Sometimes the color we show will no longer be available on the site, so we'll include a link to the same style, but a different color. (If the caption is underlined...it's a link!)

Rose Gold Pave Studs
They are on the site in the same style, different color

Pink Drop Earrings
Princess was eyeing these all summer!

Blue Cabochon Drops
I eyed these for a long time before buying them!

Mix Burst Earrings
These were a buried bauble....what a fabulous find!

Opal Stretch Cuff
One of my all time favorites!

Triple Link Bangle
Still available, but not in rose gold

Amber Necklace
My first purchase, and still one of my faves!

Tri-Color Beaded Necklace
A show-stopper every time I wear it!

Key Charm Necklace
An adorable find...especially as a buried bauble!

Millicent Collar
You may remember this one from our Valentine's Post.
I just got it...and CAN'T WAIT to wear it!

Did we convince you to go shopping at BaubleBar? I bet we did! Share your fabulous finds with us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

What I'm Obsessed With Now: Chunky Jewelry

I've always been a believer in all things sparkly...fairy dust, stars, glitter, rhinestones, sequins and, of course, jewelry. But, until fairly recently, I wasn't a big believer in costume jewelry. I was a believer in the real stuff...real diamonds, real rubies, real sapphires...

But, (and I credit Princess for this), this blog has made me become a believer in all jewelry...costume or real! As we started doing our "outfit of the month," I realized that if I wanted to accessorize, I'd have to go for the costume jewelry. As I tested my relationship with the costume jewelry, I found that I was drawn to the big, bold jewelry again, and again, and again.

Some Of My Fun, Funky, Chunky Necklaces

Maybe I like the chunky stuff because it's so fun, funky and is such a statement piece. Maybe I like it because the chunky stuff is typically colorful. Maybe I like it because I'm short and I feel like I need to compensate for my height or something...who knows. (Ok, so I'm kidding with that last reason...)

The Bold Bracelets That I Haven't Broken

As my obsession with chunky jewelry has grown, I have come to find that nothing completes an outfit like statement jewelry. I tend to gravitate towards necklaces most--they are a universal size! I have small fingers and small wrists, so it's really hard for me to find rings or bracelets that don't fall off. (In fact, much to my chagrin, two birthdays ago, Princess bought me this absolutely adorable set of bangles, but they were so big on me that I could slide them all the way up my arm to nearly my armpit!) I also find that when I wear chunky bracelets, I like to play with them. In fact, I wore one recently that I was playing with so incessantly that I broke it.

My One Pair of Earrings

I also shy away from earrings because I find that my ears get infected unless I wear gold or platinum. (In fact, for years, I didn't wear earrings at all because even gold would bother my ears! But, a great set of diamond solitaire earrings broke me of that habit.) But, I did gave in and buy one pair of statement costume earrings...they were just so darn cute that I couldn't pass them up. Plus, they went really, really well with two other statement pieces that I have! (YES! You can wear several pieces of statement jewelry together...as long as it's done right!) And...I had been eyeing them for about a year in black...when they came out in a cool, icy blue, I could no longer resist!


But, I just really, really like the chunky necklaces!

Here are some of my favorite fun pieces...

A Total Statement Piece!

My Newest Acquisition:
$12.00 at Francesca Collection!

A Gift from A Student

First Fun Bracelet - A Birthday Gift

My Favorite Statement Trio!

So, as you guys well know, when I'm obsessed with something, I buy that something obsessively! My costume jewelry collection used to be able to fit on a corner of my bathroom counter. But, in just a few short months, it came to dominate my bathroom counter, and as a result, Princess bought me a necklace tree for all of my fun, funky, fabulous finds. Let's just hope the day never comes when she has to steer me away from the jewelry displays in our favorite stores...

What's your obsession? Share it with us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

What I Am Obsessed With Now: The Clutch!

The Collection! 

In an earlier post, I displayed my love of tote purses for all to see. After posting it, I looked in my closet and realized that I have a plethora of clutches that I’ve collected over the years.  Realizing that I can't allow my love to go unnoticed in this blog, I am ready to express how much I love the all important clutch!  


Clutches are my go-to evening accessories, that inevitably add that pop of color to compliment my outfits.  When I first started buying clutches, I went with a nice faux snakeskin black clutch that would go with any outfit. 

My first clutch, way back when...

Slowly, I've added to my collection, with clutches of different sizes and colors (please see the first photo to view my collection!).  The most recent clutch I purchased was from H&M for $17.  (We here at The Accessorized Life love to find a good bargain!)

The H&M Clutch! 

The only problem for me (which I think I touched on in my earlier posting) is that I like to carry a lot of things with me.  A clutch seriously cuts down the amount of items you can bring on the go.  So what needs to go into a clutch???  For me, a clutch must fit my cell phone (I would be lost without mine), an I.D., a credit card, some money, my keys and of course the all important lip gloss.  That’s it, so simple. If only I could streamline my needs for my day purses, my shoulders would love me!! 

Happy Shopping! 

~Princess xoxo

What are you obsessed with? Let us know at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

My Obsession: Large Purses!!

A Sampling of the Large Purses I own!

Call them tote bags, satchels, hobo bags. Call them big. Call them... whatever you want.  I love them so much.  Budget makes fun of me... but as evidenced from her last “My Obsession” post, she is not one to judge!

Anyone who knows me knows that I love big bags.  I like to carry stuff with me at all times. You never know when you need a pen (don’t get me started on my obsession of pens) or a notebook, a book to read while waiting for a friend, or lip gloss, makeup, umbrella, mints.... 


Well you get it, I carry lots of crap with me at all times! 

Where did it all start? Probably when I was in graduate school.  I always looked for a bag big enough to hold my books and notebooks while still looking somewhat stylish, my back be damned.  

My love continued to grow once I started working. I remember upon graduating, my favorite Aunt asked me what I wanted for graduation, my response, “a black tote bag.” To my wonderful surprise, that tote bag came from Coach.  I still use that bag--it’s perfect for all my files and my computer!  

The Coach Tote!!

Since then, I’ve purchased lots large bags that could be used for work/play/whatever the hell I want, and I love every one of them!  Over the last couple of months I have bought three new large purses...and the most expensive, was $20. While it’s true that I love a large bag that can hold all of my crap, as we’ve discussed at length here at “The Accessorized Life”, I am a girl on a budget, so finding a super cute bag for not a lot of money is something I hunt for!!  

Purchased in January, 2011
From Express for $13!!

Purchased from H&M (Though
mistaken as a Banana Republic Purse)
For $17, December 2010.

Purchased from Marshalls, February 2011
for $20!  This one will be perfect for

the Spring/Summer!

I'm constantly switching out my purses depending on the outfit I'm wearing at the moment.  I will admit that sometimes the large purses can be a pain when you are searching for something and it's all the way at the bottom of the purse. But, that does not deter me from purchasing a new one every time I find one that's fabulous and budget friendly!  With these purses, I feel like no matter where I am heading, I will have the things I may happen to need when I am out and about!  

It's my obsession and I don't foresee it going away anytime soon!  

What I'm Obsessed With Now: Tights

My MASSIVE tights collection

Over a decade ago, I was young, naive, and living it up in college in Massachusetts. While in college, I rarely wore skirts. Why? Well, first off, black pants were all the rage. Especially stretchy, flare leg ones. No, I'm serious. (Feel free to laugh, but if you lived through the late '90s, early '00s, you'll remember!) Secondly, winters in Massachusetts are COLD! Skirts in that kind of weather just didn't seem appealing to me. However, one of my best friends in college used to wear skirts with tights pretty frequently. I asked her why she wore tights. She told me that they kept her legs warm when wearing skirts and she really liked them. Me? Not so much. I was anti-tights.

Half a decade ago, I was single, sassy (well...I'm still sassy!), stylish (still that, too...) and living in New York City. During my time in the City, I was reluctant to wear skirts in the winter. Why? Well, wearing them with stockings was DAMN cold and, like I said earlier, I was anti-tights.

To me, tights were for little girls. They looked young and unsophisticated. I pictured white, opaque tights (which are, probably, the only color I still don't have!) on a young girl with patent leather Mary Janes and a plaid pleated skirt. Tights were utterly unappealing to me.

I know, I know, dear reader. That line of thinking is cringeworthy. But, I promise, I've changed! What changed me, you ask? Well, I'm happy to share!

About 3 years ago, I was spending the night at my parents' house and really wanted to wear a skirt. But, it was the middle of winter and I didn't pack stockings. My mom suggested that I borrow a pair of her tights. (My mother was always a fan of tights--as far back as I can remember!) She loaned me a pair of brown ribbed tights. I reluctantly borrowed them. Well, as the day wore on I found that I wasn't cold and that tights are amazingly comfortable! On top of that, I also realized that tights aren't unfashionable and they aren't just for little girls. In fact, most tights are super, duper stylish!

I loved these tights so much that I kept them for several weeks, until my mother begged me to give them back. They were one of her favorites, after all. At that point, I felt that I needed to go out and get tights of my own. In the beginning, I played it safe--I bought a pair of plain black tights. Well, I loved those so much, that I branched out and got a pair of brown, cable knit tights. From there, I moved on to navy blue semi-opaque tights and, since they were on clearance, a pair of deep purple cable knit tights. I wore these pairs of tights over and over again throughout that winter. (In fact, I still have them!)

The next winter, I decided to branch out a little more and started adding some color into my tights repertoire. After wearing colored tights, I found I loved (and still do) the pop of color a great pair of tights can add to an otherwise monochromatic outfit.

I then got the itch for hot pink tights. I had a vision of wearing them with a fabulous black outfit and black boots. Alas, I couldn't find them anywhere. I found magenta (and bought them) and fuschia (bought them, too), but no hot pink. Once again, my mom was the tights fairy and came to the rescue--she found me a fabulous pair of hot pink tights...which I still rock!

This winter, I have branched out even further. I have almost every color under the rainbow...except yellow, orange and white. (I also tend to stay away from tights with patterns as it drives me crazy when I can't get the pattern to line up!) In fact, my tights obsession has gotten so bad that Princess literally steers me away from the tights display in stores when we're shopping. She actually won't let me buy any more tights! (Good thing I do actually go shopping without Princess sometimes, but, shhhh...don't tell her I buy tights!)

In winter, I now wear skirts and dresses far more than I wear pants...not only am I warmer, I'm far more comfortable and far more stylish. Thanks, tights!

Can You Call It an Obsession If It's Been Going On For Years????

Budget talked all about her love of belts last month, well I guess i should divulge my obsession.... scarves!!

My obsession, like Budget’s, has been happening for years. I think mine dates back to my arrival in Massachusetts over 10 years ago! Which most definitely makes sense, seeing as it’s freaking cold up there in the winter. However, the scarves I love and have really don’t do much to keep me warm on those frigid days.

It started as a great way to add some color to my black pea coats that were all the rage back then, and only propelled itself further when Pashminas skyrocketed onto the scene as the “it” accessory. However I could not afford a real Pashmina, so would seek out the “fake” Pashminas from where ever I could find them! I have Scarves in all different colors, Black, White, Pink, Green, Blue, Purple, Red... and my newest favorite, Polka Dots!

The best part is you can find a scarf for a minimal amount, and it can transform your outfit into something new. They really are a great add to any outfit with that pop of color you may be looking for.

So where do I keep all these scarves... Well for a while they were thrown all over my room and living spaces, but now, I try to be mindful of them, fold them up when not in use and store them in my closet in a plastic bag. However, the bag is getting pretty full, and I need to start looking for another location to house my growing collection.

Oh and now that my love of knitting is back in full effect... I'm able to add to this obsession, by making them myself!! I am especially proud of my grey cable-knit pom pom scarf!

After going through the colors I have, I realize I’m lacking a yellow and an orange Scarf.... Guess that means I’m off to find some! ;)

What I'm Obsessed With Now: Belts

 

Within my wardrobe, I often find that I get hooked on one item, stock up on that item, then find in several years (or sometimes, much to my chagrin, months), I'm over the obsession. I suppose this is normal when it comes to fashion as styles change, and for fashionistas like me, when we find something we love, we stock up on it. Especially if we can find it at a bargain!

My Favorite
Belt:
Dad's Old Belt

However, I've found that I've had a special sort of love/hate/love affair with belts. I have gone through several rounds of belt obsession in my life. The first came in college, when I discovered my favorite belt. Now, I normally don't play favorites with my belts...or any of my accessories, for that matter. But, this belt is special. Why is it special, you ask? Well, it was my father's when he was in his hippie phase--his late teens and into his 20s. I found this belt in my father's closet. Why he still had it almost 30 years later is a mystery to me--especially because his waist has expanded somewhat since that point. However, I saw this worn, beat-up, brown leather belt and it called to me. I had no choice but to listen. I was even happier when I tried it on and it fit. This belt has stayed with me through all of my belt phases--love or hate. It's one of those classic pieces that always looks fabulous with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, a pair of khakis and boots or over a bulky sweater and leggings. This belt was my gateway drug. After this, I found that I was loving chain belts. I had them in every color, every thickness, every shape, every size. I have since given my chain belts to goodwill or to my little cousins to use in their games of dress-up. Thus, my first love affair with belts ended.

The Survivors
of the 2nd belt obsession:
the suede belts

My second love affair with belts wasn't actually about belts at all...it was about scarves. That's right. I wore scarves as belts. Profusely. With almost every outfit. Over dresses, in belt loops, around my skirts. Scarves. I couldn't get enough. It was at this point that I had just started teaching and I was living in New York City. I was the ultimate bargain shopper when it came to my scarf belts. I would often buy colorful, wispy scarves from street vendors. I would find scarves and scarf belts (see, I was in style! I wasn't the only one with this obsession) at major retailers--in fact, I bought quite a few from the Gap back in the day! I even had one from Coach...that one was my splurge. I still have my scarf belts. I didn't part with them, thinking that someday they may have a use again...maybe not as a belt, but maybe they'd play some role in my wardrobe. I still have a drawer full of these scarves and scarf belts. At the same time, I also got really into skinny belts. I remember having a pink skinny belt, a red skinny belt and a black skinny belt. I have a fabulous brown skinny belt with gold rings that I have kept from this era, and also got two suede belts in maroon and cream that have managed to survive the belt purges. In fact, these three belts are totally making a reappearance in my wardrobe these days.

The Preppy Belts

My newest obsession with belts started slowly. I got back into sweater dresses about three years ago and I was looking for something fabulous to wear around my waist to dress up my outfit. This is where I found my burgeoning love for funky, thick belts. I bought a gold one and a maroon one. But, this was where my belt love ended. I would only wear these with sweater dresses and wouldn't wear them that often. I was over belts. But, about 2 summers ago, my belt obsession started to sneak back up on me again. This time, it was the classic style preppy belts. The belts that I remember from my youth--the belts made of grosgrain ribbon with a two-ring closure. My first one was a light blue and dark blue belt. I bought it because it was in school colors--and where I teach, we wear school colors every Friday. However, I found that while I bought this fabulous belt, it would often sit in my drawer because, as I said, I was over belts and unsure how to wear it. Then I found my next preppy belt--my madras plaid belt with a faux bamboo ring closure. I found reasons to wear this belt. I loved it. I still love it. My last preppy belt was acquired last spring--it's a grosgrain ribbon belt from J.Crew in a fun green color with blue whales embroidered on it. It has the two ring closure. I mean, how much more preppy than that can you get?

But, it was this last summer when I knew that my full-fledged belt obsession had re-reared its head.At the end of last school year, I began to covet my friends' stretchy, thick belts. I made it my mission in my back to school shopping to find myself a thick black belt. Did I succeed? Of course I did! I then decided that I needed a skinny black belt. Check! I got one of those too. Then the school year started. Since then I have acquired three more belts in varying styles.

Now I have a full collection:

The Funky Belts

The Skinny Belt

The Thick Belts

Add to those my preppy belts, my classic suede belts and my dad's old belt and I have one fabulous belt collection. Does this mean that I'm done shopping for belts? Ha! Don't be silly.

It is an obsession, after all.