gift guide: mother's day

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Can you believe Mother's Day is less than two weeks away? I've already bought my mom a present, but when I was still in need of one and searching far and wide, I came across so many things my mom would like but wouldn't actually buy for herself for one reason or the other, and I thought it would be nice to put them together for a little gift guide.

Every mom deserves a little bling. This bracelet is such an elegant statement piece without being too over the top.

For as long as I can remember, my mom has always done her nails. She's always stuck with neutral, office appropriate colors, so this red nailpolish with a lipstick to match would be a little push to live it up on the weekends.

Who doesn't need a new iPhone case? This striped case is a little nautical and fun.

This yellow case would be a compact way to hold her essential cards in a smaller purse, like this one that can be monogrammed.

These soaps are so pretty, are super moisturizing, and have a lovely scent. Bonus: they say "good mother" in French. Sitting on the matching soap holder, they'd instantly add a dose of chic to her bathroom.

Scarves are always a great accessory. This patterned scarf would be a great addition to her collection. 

Of course, the classics never get old. Flowers and a special little dessert are a great way to show your mom how much she means to you. 

Last but not least, no matter what you get her, make sure you wish your mom a Happy Mother's Day through a special card, on the phone, or, even better, in person. Tell her how much she means to you. It's the best gift!

in the bag

clockwise from upper left corner: iPad, Midori elephant paperclips, Moleskin hardcover 12-month weekly planner, checkbook, Sonia Kashuk snakeskin makeup bag, Louis Vuitton Epi wallet, Ray Ban New Wayfarer sunglasses in tortoise, Power Mate Plus for J. Crew backup iPhone battery + USB (other colors), headphones, pencil case from China to hold my pens, Michael Kors cardholder to hold my rewards cards/coupons, Kate Spade cardholder for my less-used credit cards

in my make-up bag, clockwise from upper left corner: Ricola cough drops, Dolce & Gabbana the one rollerball, Stila 3-eyeshadow pan (similar), pill case, L'Oreal Le Balm in nourishing nude, Laura Mercier lipgloss in blush, Laura Mercier sheer lipstick in tender lips, Tide to go mini, Prestige eyeliner in chocolate, Clinique High Impact mascara in black, Jack Black lipbalm with SPF in natural mint, L'Occitane shea butter hand cream, oldie-but-goodie heart compact from my sister

Needless to say, I carry a good amount of stuff with me. These days, they're all in this bag. A Christmas present from James...love! The color is so pretty (it makes me smile just looking at it), plus the size, lower-maintenance patent leather, crossbody strap, and front semi-hidden compartment for my phone and lip balm make it perfect for my on-to-go lifestyle. 

Coach Juliette in crimson patent leather (other colors; loving the green one)

salt and pepper

Today is a busy Monday morning, so just a quick hello to share just how adorable these salt and pepper shakers are. It was wonderful walking into my office this morning to find that they had arrived after being back-ordered since before Christmas.

Hope your Monday starts on an equally delightful note!

weekend snapshots

plaid + neon

 lazy Sunday: mani + manicure (I'm on an essie and butter LONDON kick)

 September = fall

 loving all shades of green this season

this kate spade note card I received in my package was so pretty, I had to stick it on my vanity mirror!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

recent purchases (Labor Day weekend)

polyvore set here

one: J. Crew Sydney sandal  // two: Gap striped cardigan

three: J. Crew cabochon fan necklace in peach

four: BR Jenna pump // five: J. Crew painter boatneck striped tee  // six: J. Crew cafe capri 

seven: Gap academy blazer // eight: Cole Haan Victoria tote 

nine: Zara cowboy ballerinas // ten: BR Jocelyn wedge 

eleven: J. Crew factory shorts // twelve: J. Crew factory heart sweater

thirteen: J. Crew biennial satchel // fourteen: Shoemint sandal  // fifteen: BR panama hat 

sixteen: Garance Dore for Kate Spade iPhone case

I went a little crazy this Labor Day weekend. On the downside, my wallet is a lot lighter. On the upside, my closet is ready for fall, and then some. All items listed above were purchased for a minimum of 30% off the regular price, except for the Zara flats. Oftentimes, discounts were combined whenever possible. I'll probably return some items (a pair or two of shoes, one of the bags, maybe the hat) after I really assess what I need, but all the above was less than $750. I'd like to get that number down to $500.00. (I'm not counting the necklace and the Shoemint shoes since they were gifts from the boyfriend.)

I don't usually spend this much money, but fall is always when I add the most to my closet, and aside from the $120 spent in August, I really haven't gotten shopping since back in March, and I don't anticipate that I'll want or need to go shopping again until the holidays. 

What are recent additions in your closet?