BR Gloves and Scarves

Banana Republic has some really great looking winter accessories right now. I really like these gorgeous chiffon trimmed gloves and scarves. They're a mix of nylon, wool, and even a little bit of cashmere. I love these, they're so pretty and ladylike. I need to keep these on my list for Christmas, these would make great gifts. The gloves are $30 and the scarves are $50.

But my personal favorites are these beautiful tiered knit gloves. I think these would look amazing with a bracelet length coat or worn over long sleeves--the tiered detail definitely needs to be shown off! Also $30.

Multi-strand chain necklace at Target

I love this chain necklace by Hollywood Intuition, at Target for $15. It's really chunky and fun, and does not feel cheap at all, it has a nice weight to it that is unexpected in a $15 necklace. I really love that it mixes silver, gold and bronze, so it will go with any other jewelry you have on. If you like it, hurry, they are selling fast at stores. If you can't find it in the store, get it online.

Striped Jersey Scarves

My friend Ilyse and I went into J.Crew the other day and we both LOVED these super soft striped jersey scarves, for $29.50 (above). That's not too bad a price, but I was really excited to see these great jersey scarves on sale at Old Navy for $7--I call that a bargain people. They're really cute and come in several colors, but personally I like the navy and gray.

Adorned Headbands

I'm sort of obsessed with the headband collection of Blair on Gossip Girl. In fact, I'm not sure I can recall an episode in which she did not at some point sport a headband, many of them very dramatically adorned. I have a feeling that character has a lot to do with the embellished headband trend happening right now, and I am loving it! Trim choices range from feathers to flowers to bows. Think of adorned headbands as jewelry for your hair--even when your hair is pulled back in a ponytail, they make you look completely pulled together.

And best of all, there are a lot of affordable options. My friend Ilyse found this cute version with a gorgeous burgundy flower with feathers at Luxe Apothetique at the Domain this weekend for $15! (Isn't she adorable?)

Here's a selection of some other options, all at great prices.

Headbands by austinshopping featuring Forever21 accessories

Bib Necklaces

Lucky magazine recently posted this slideshow of some really amazing bib necklaces. They're pretty pricey though, so if you're looking to try out this trend without laying out quite as much cash, here are a few less expensive options. I love bib necklaces because they're such a great way to dress up the basics you already have. Pair them with a tank or tee and suddenly you have a really

special, unique outfit.

1. Loops and Whorls Necklace - $38, Anthropologie. A more modern take on the bib necklace, in coral colored acrylic.

2. Livia Necklace - $48, Anthropologie (above). So elegant, with a great vintage feel.

3. Textured Flower Bib Necklace - $16.80, Forever 21. Pretty metallic flowers with rhinestone accents (right).

4. Elodie lace bib --$27, Etsy. A simple and sweet lace version.

7. Jeweled medallion necklace--$6.80 Forever 21. Dramatic black jewels and filigree.

8. Briana bib necklace -- $88, Guess by Marciano. Absolutely beautiful rhinestone necklace.

9. Rumor Satin Bib Necklace -- $10.80, Forever 21. Cute, black beaded necklace.

11. Jewel Cluster Ribbon Necklace -- $12.80, Forever 21. Colorful, fun jeweled necklace.

12. Chiffon, Tulle and Cotton Rose Bib Ribbon Necklace -- $58, Etsy. Gorgeous, cream colored fabric roses (above).

Textured Gray Scarf from Target

I found this cute gray scarf at Target last weekend, and I had to pick it up in preparation for fall/winter. It's a really pretty deep gray color, and has a really cool texture to it. The website has named it "Heavy Crinkle Wrap", and while possibly not the most creative name they could have come up with, it's a very good physical description at least. It has a nice weight too it (hence, the "heavy") and basically looks like someone wadded it up into a ball and threw it in the bottom of their purse for a few weeks (hence, the "crinkle")--but in a good way! It has a lot of volume, and will be perfect to wear with long sleeve T-shirts this fall in my freezer of an office. $14.99 at Target stores and online.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

If you follow me on twitter, you know that I am obsessed with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (or NAS, as my friend Jocelyn calls it). Jocelyn and I have kept up a constant email chain of communication about the NAS for about a week. I logged on Thursday night, and they had shut down the site, and instead just had a countdown clock to the beginning of the sale, which started at midnight pacific time. It made me so anxious, I considered staying up until the sale opening...I went a little sales crazy. Luckily, I remembered I had a real job to go to Friday morning, so I consoled myself by waking up at 5:30am Friday, jumping out of bed as though it were Christmas morning and running in to get on my laptop and shop.

Saturday morning, I showed up to Nordstrom at opening time, thinking it would be a mob scene. There was no one there. Clearly I am alone in my obsession (well, me and Jocelyn). It DID get very crowded later in the day though.

They had a lot of great stuff, and here are some of my picks.

1. Cole Haan Air Petra Boots (above, left) with Nike Air technology--the answer to my riding boot quest. $189.90, off from $298, also available in chocolate brown (my preference).

2. Me Too 'Limit' Ruffle Ballet Flat (above, right) -- cute patent leather flats in amazing colors, including violet (shown), green and red. $59.90, off from 89.95.

3. Hudson boot cut stretch jeans (very top) -- dark rinse and classic boot cut shape. $119, off from $176.

4. Nanette Lepore "Leading Lady" dress (right) -- gorgeous tweed dress, cute sweetheart neckline, and a great price for this designer, who is a genius. $219.90, off from $348.

5. Kooba "Devin" Tie Front Hobo (below) -- my personal favorite...I wish I could justify this purchase. I love the teal color, and the adorable tie. Honestly, I'm getting sad even looking at it. Oh Kooba. I have a feeling I am going to be pining after you all fall. $379, off from $575.

The Anniversary Sale ends August 3, and a bunch of stuff is selling out, so go now! Let me just add--Nordstrom has THE best customer service in the world. If something you love is sold out online or in our local store, call the store and see if they can order it for you from a different store. They are the best!

Suede Coach Purses

Dang it Coach. Just when I have almost convinced myself that I don't need a new bag for fall, you lure me right back in with these gorgeous suede bags. I really like the slouchy, relaxed vibe of the Zoe (left, for $398). But I absolutely adore the structured shape and mossy color of the Peyton ($798). So now, I just need to convince my husband to cut our food and entertainment budget back just the tiniest bit (board games and canned Spaghettios for a month or two should do the trick), and I'm all set. Wish me luck.

Camellia Jewelry

I love this ring and necklace from Forever 21. They totally remind me of Chanel camellia jewelry (see below). They both come in white as well. I think they're so pretty. They are $4.80 apiece--try and beat that. Seriously, Forever 21 has really cool jewelry, and the prices are amazing. It's a really good place to pick up trendy jewelry that you don't want to spend too much on.

BR Cloche Hat

I think this cloche hat from Banana Republic is so adorable! I know it's early to start thinking about winter outerwear, but I really love the cute shape of this wool hat. It comes in purple and brown as well. $49.00.

Pendant Necklaces

I really love vintage looking pendant necklaces for fall, and there are a lot of beautiful pieces out right now.


This one is a stunner, the "Majestic Lace" pendant by Judith Jack. It's sterling silver and marcasite, and looks like a piece your grandmother wore, which I love. It's available at Nordstrom for $350.









This necklace is gorgeous as well, the "Leela" necklace by Lulu, available at Eliza Page for $408. It's 14 karat rose gold with a center diamond on a sterling chain. I love the rose gold, you don't see many pieces made from rose gold anymore, and I think it's so flattering on all skin tones. This necklace is absolutely beautiful and so unique, and if I had an extra $400 lying around, I would own it.







If you're on a budget (and aren't we all these days?), I also really like this pretty mother of pearl pendant from Banana Republic, with faux diamond surround, it's so sweet and it's only $39.

Enamel Ring at BR

This turquoise enamel ring from Banana Republic is so cool. I love the chunky band, interlacing design and the gold/turquoise combo. And it's on sale right now for $19.99 from $34. I think this ring would especially look great against white clothes, it would really pop.

Python Satchel--Botkier for Target

This bag is so cool. It's part of the collection Monica Botkier designed for Target, and I think it's so great looking. I love the satchel style, and this one has a great shape and great hardware details. I think the python print is really fun, but it's also available in black. It's a great fall bag, and it's only $39.99 at Target.

This matching clutch is really cute too, and is $19.99 at Target.

Gap Handbags

Gap is not the first place I think of when I think handbags, but I was browsing their website and stumbled across some really cool stuff. My favorite is this twill tote with leather handles for $45. It has a removable shoulder strap too, which I would remove. What a great summer/fall bag, and it's big enough to carry magazines, water bottle, wallet, lunch, workout clothes, makeup bag...whatever.

I also really like this sateen cotton clutch for $29.50. I love the ruffle across the top, it really dresses it up. This would be a perfect match with the tote bag above--you can take the tote to work, and then just take the clutch with your credit card and essentials to lunch or out after work. It would also be a really cute makeup bag.

Makeup Train Case

I have a confession to make: I miss my Caboodle! Remember Caboodles? The brightly colored plastic makeup organizers that everyone at my junior high had? My makeup and brushes and tools are currently spread between various drawers, cosmetics bags and bins. As a result, I cannot find anything. Hence the yearning for my old Caboodle. Here's the problem: I would be somewhat embarrassed to keep this on my vanity, much less carry it around by its clear plastic handle anywhere in public. Unfortunately, I am now too old to carry a Caboodle. (However, if you are in junior high, you really need to go to Target and get one!)

Luckily, I have found a grown up version of the Caboodle, and I cannot tell you how excited I am to share it with you! It's the Sephora Train Case, and it is awesome. Look at all the tiered shelving! It comes in several styles, but I like this limited edition ivory mock-croc version for $110. It combines the functionality of the beloved Caboodle with a more glamorous aesthetic.

On a side note, this would make a great gift for anyone who loves makeup and/or organizational tools.

Orange Patent Bag

I really like this orange patent leather bag from Maxx New York, available at Nordstrom for $168. The color is so bright and cheerful, I love the bowling bag shape, and I really like the hardware details. It also has a cute zebra print lining. It's such a great shape and size, and has such a unique look to it.

Turquoise Bag

I saw this great turqouise bag from Nine West on sale at Macy's for $59.25, off from $79. Yes, it's PVC, not leather, but...who cares? It's so cool! It comes in some other fun colors too, like fuschia and yellow.

Dooney & Bourke Wallet

Dooney and Bourke has some really cute patent leather accessories in really cute colors. Case in point: this turquoise patent leather wallet for $180.00, which also comes in yellow, fushcia, dark green and cobalt blue, among others. I love patent leather, it always looks so put together, and the fun colors really set this one apart. I like colorful wallets-you can find them easily in the bottom of your bag, and since they're hidden away, they don't have to match what you're wearing. Also check out their cosmetic bag and wristlets in the same line.

White Watches

I've been seeing a lot of white watches around lately, and I'm growing a little obsessed with them. They just look like summer to me, and they really pop against tanned skin (self-tanned, of course!).


I LOVE this gorgeous white resin watch with Swarovski crystals by Michael Kors. Isn't this so pretty? $225.00 at Nordstrom.

This Tommy Hilfiger watch with a white silicone band is pretty cute too, at Macy's for $125.

Shop Review: Martin & Osa

My friend Blair described Martin & Osa as the love child of Gap and J.Crew, and that's a pretty perfect description. Martin & Osa is a chain owned by the same company as American Eagle Outfitters. Let me put this in SAT terms: Banana Republic is to Gap as Martin & Osa is to AE Outfitters. (Which, if SAT questions focused on more relevant topics such as shopping, I'd have performed much better on that particular test) I'd never seen the store before, but yay! Austin has one at the Domain!


The store is really nice. It has wood floors, the store is so spacious and well laid out, and the dressing rooms rock. They are huge, as are the mirrors inside them. Customer service is awesome--the people helping me were all super friendly and maintained the perfect balance of helping me and leaving me alone.


And the best part is that the clothes are really cute and reasonably priced. The clothes all seem really well made, the materials they use feel really nice and seem more substantial than a lot of mass-market places.


I really love the two tops above--the blue and white striped pintuck front voile shirt is $58, and would be great for work, and I love the washed silk cami in navy (on sale for 39.95 right now) layered under jackets or worn alone for evenings and weekends.

They also have cute work pants, outerwear, shoes and accessories. I like these twill pants for $68, the adorable oversized patent leather clutch for $98, and the cotton trench below in a great shade of gray blue for $128. I especially liked their swimwear, and they have some great looking sandals.

This is a great place to pick up basics. I was really impressed with the quality of the merchandise, and the layout and feel of the store.



Definitely look at their online store as well, which has free shipping and free returns, how awesome is that?