A Love for Jewel(Mint)

 I don't recall when I first heard of JewelMint but it has taken me a while to join the subscription box service trend. While I love finding great things to put in my apartment to make it look and feel more beautiful, I also love to do the same for myself on occasion. This is where JewelMint has been stylishly helpful.

My JewelMint collection. Click for bigger image.

My little collection is growing and while it looks like a lot, only two items were purchased at full price. The rest were purchased from private sellers at a discounted rate (and with birthday money, no less). In any event, I am loving each piece. There is something really special about wearing pretty jewelry and feeling pretty, even while doing mundane tasks like grocery shopping. Jeffrey doesn't seem to mind, either. In fact he is helpful and tells me if the Hayden necklace doesn't go with my blouse but the Love Spell does. His involvement makes it so much more worth it!
 As of now I don't have any plans to purchase more. I'm still waiting on the Madame Mystery earrings to arrive in the mail (along with some other birthday purchases).

Holiday Glitz: Silver and Purple

The holiday season evokes some color combinations that are both classic (red and green) and chic (metallic). Here is an interpretation-slash-inspiration for your holiday festivities: silver and purple.

Christmas Glitz by colorlovelife featuring Poetic Licence shoes

Color Crave: Chanel-ing Inspiration

Lately I've found myself longing for the elegance of a simple black and white palette, not for clothing, necessarily, but as an aesthetic. I can think of no better example, then that of Chanel. In a world that's anything but two-tone, Karl Lagerfeld has managed to make the two-tone palette desirable to women (and men) across the globe.

Chanel-ing Inspiration by colorlovelife featuring Chanel

Black and white, quilting and chains, pearls and patent leather. The Chanel aesthetic is the epitome of chic and feminine.

Chanel by colorlovelife featuring Chanel

For those of us who can't afford the extravagant price tag of the Chanel label, the look can be achieved affordably and successfully. Here are a few great examples of achieving the Chanel look, for less.

The Chanel Look $50 by colorlovelife featuring Dorothy Perkins

Items in this set:
Sara Bow Dress, $45
Black and White Chiffon Ruffle Dress, $35
Black velvet power dress, 30 GBP
Forever21.com - Dresses - Dressy - 2066214033, $28
Miso Lurex Net Dress, 27 GBP

Chanel Inspired Look for Under $100 by colorlovelife featuring AFTERSHOCK

Items in this set:
Posh Hot Pant - FRENCH CONNECTION, 60 GBP
JJ Park netted skirt - Very, 55 GBP
INCEDE Pleated Frilled Blouse (Beige) - 53.70USD(Approx.) : MARUI web chann..., $55
Sequin skirt, 50 GBP
Black ruffle front skirt, 40 GBP

Take some time to edit through your current wardrobe and you might be surprised to find you're well on your way to creating your own Chanel-inspired look! I took a look through my own closet, and found the following pieces that fall well within the Chanel aesthetic.



Pieces I found include a brand new tuxedo inspired jacket, a knee-length dress jacket (purchased last year, primarily worn during the holidays), a tuxedo inspired blouse (also pilgrim inspired? lol) and a white sleeveless blouse.

For quite some time now I've been thinking about how I will want to redecorate my bedroom (you know, once I have a job and financial opportunity) and lately I've been thinking about black and white. With some metallic thrown in for good measure. Chiefly among new items I need are:

• desk
• mirror
• shelving
• accent rug
• something to keep my jewelry organized
• accessories & decorations

Target is one store that will always have my business, for having Wal Mart prices without the actual Wal Mart. Target has stepped up their game in the last decade, and the result is loyalty among smart shoppers. A quick browser-shopping (like window shopping!) session has me craving the following items for my room makeover.



South Hampton Desk, Round Iron Mirror, Side Table, Brushed Steel Floor Lamp, Chandelier Night Light, Crystal Lamp Base 14", Silk Lamp Shade



All accessories pictured are less than $100 each! Eifel Tower Unframed Poster, Eifel Tower Gallery Wrapped Canvas, Classical Leaves II, Abstract on Canvas, Wire Leaf Sconce, Tealight Candleholder With Mirror, Printed Glass Wall Clock, Black Floral Decorative Pillow, Cream Crinkle Pillow, Black and Grey Felt Pillow

3 Party Dresses, 1 Pair of Shoes

Three party dresses style around one pair of shoes? When the shoes are as fabulous as these, it's difficult to resist! Here is our take on three different ways to dress up and style around a pair of great heels. Like it? Let me know, or even suggest something new!

Put a Bow on It by colorlovelife featuring Chanel sunglasses