So you need to buy your Mom a gift...

Mother's Day is Sunday. I'm sure all of you have already bought your Mom a gift. So feel free to read this post and gloat about how YOU already have YOUR gift. Also if you're a Mom, comment and tell me how wrong I am about these suggestions, and then feel sorry for my Mom because she is clearly getting terrible gifts.

Note that these suggestions are tailored, so that you can actually run out and buy these gifts in the next few days at various stores, they aren't something you should have ordered weeks ago. I also have tried to keep my ideas under $50.00.

Voluspa Candles. I can't recommend these candles highly enough. They smell amazing, and they come in beautiful decorative tins. This size is only $16, and you can get these candles at some small boutique stores and at Nordstrom.

Handmade soap can completely change your showering experience in the most positive way possible. I recently bought some at a Renaissance Fair in Moscow, ID (which was fantastic btw). LUSH, is a face and body store located on Northwest 23rd, in Downtown Portland. The above soap is called Demon In The Dark, ($7.95 for 3.5 oz) and has mint, apple, and clove notes. One of the best parts of going to LUSH is getting to try out any of the products you want.

The best lipstick I have ever had is by Yves Saint Laurent. You don't need to apply chapstick first, because it is so creamy, it stays in place, and the colors are so rich. This is a special lipstick and yes, it is expensive at $34.00. But if your mom likes makeup this is a very thoughtful gift. Get is at Sephora.

If you daring enough to purchase your mother a handbag, I recommend a purse in a neutral color. This woven satchel is perfect for summer and is $49.95. You can find it at DSW.

  By now your mom has probably somewhat conquered technology, if true, you might consider getting her a new phone case. This one is from Rifle Paper Co., and can be found at Paper Source for $34.95.

Also, Paper Source is where you want to go to purchase your gift wrap, and any other paraphernalia you might need for swathing presents. They have gorgeous sheets of paper, boxes covered in glitter, and crafting supplies.

  

Finally, you might consider hitting up your local Farmer's Market, specialty food shops in your town, or even the larger nice grocery stores to pick up some gifts for your mom. I've gotten items like lavender jam and homemade caramel sauce at the Saturday Market. Smoked fish, pickled vegetables, olives, specialty cheeses and salamis, candied nuts, aged Balsamic vinegar, Prosecco... I could go on, but I'm sure you get the picture.

Happy Mother's Day! XOXO Abbs

The Sublime & the Sordid #3

We have some absolutely delightfully terrible men's fashion today.

On the pleasant side of clothing, pieces from designer's cheaper lines are featured.

Sordid

How many times have you been renovating your house and you can't find your dang measuring tape to save your life? Well, you're in luck. Introducing the human measuring tape, for all your home improvement needs.

Sublime

Simply Vera Floral Hi Lo Dress at Kohls This is part of a Vera Wang line, and it is $51.00. The graduating in scale floral print on the perfect peach background, leaves me feeling dreamy.

Sordid

These are sandals, handmade out of vintage jeans. They are sold on Etsy for only $125.00. What a bargain.

Sublime

Lane Collection Printed Pencil Skirt Cool, clean and elegant for $78.00.

Sordid

I'm so glad that I saw these shirts! It will really simplify my Christmas shopping, because I know that every male on my list would love a drag queen sweater.

Sublime

Derek Lam for DesigNation Striped Sheath Dress at Kohls for $42.00. Stripes that are interesting, hurrah!

Also, Target, Kohls is kicking your butt with their designer lines, you need to step up.

XOXO Abbs

Wedding Time!

It's that special time of year again. Romance is palpable, like Springtime tree pollen. Every other post on Facebook is about shopping for weddings, engagement photo shoots, or links to Pinterest boards of cakes and flower arrangements.

So yes, this is a blog post about weddings. Specifically about trends in wedding dresses for Spring/Summer 2013. Let's hop to it, shall we?

Trend: Peplum 

Yes, the peplum trend continues, as this dress by Angel Sanchez demonstrates. Well the look is very elegant, you would have to have absolutely no hips and be around 6' tall.

Trend: Illusion Neckline

Elysium Gown by Catherine Deane. I'm very happy about this trend because I think strapless gowns can be very boring. I love the interest the illusion fronts, and backs, provide. 

Trend: Portrait Backs

Anna Maier dress. I assume there are people in the world who love their backs. And boy do I have good news for you folks! Dresses that frame your back are in, mostly as delicate lace cutouts. So all the people who are staring as you walk up the aisle will have something pretty to look at.

Trend: Color

Dress by Vera Wang. Gowns in other colors than white are becoming more popular every year. I always adore what Vera Wang does, I think this dress is so beautiful, and a nice change from white.

Trend: Sleeves

Jenny Packham dress. Sleeves! This dress with the sleeves, and deep v-neck, is much more beautiful then if it was sleeveless. Just a gorgeous femininity.

Trend: Reception Dress

Catherine Deane, Beams of Light Dress. Many people are buying two dresses for their wedding, the formal one for the ceremony, and a second dress for the reception. Usually this second dress is shorter and more casual. I feel torn about this trend. On the one hand, hurrah! Two wedding gowns! On the negative side, you only get one day anyways to wear your wedding dress so why shorten that time at all.

Trend: Lace

Omelia Gown by Catherine Deane. Lace is extraordinarily popular for wedding dresses right now.  This dress is slightly more subtle than all over lace, with an interesting neckline. Because while lace is generally romantic, it doesn't have to be old fashioned.

Trend: Old Hollywood Glamour

Aiguille Gown by Anna Sui. Hollywood Glamour is the perfect trend for evening weddings. This dress has beautiful Art Deco silver beading and button details.

XOXO Abbs

The Sublime & The Sordid #2

First of all, pray for Boston. May Jesus give the families who lost loved ones, especially the family of the little boy, comfort.

Now on to some fashion.

Sordid

So I suppose that's one way to ensure your virginity stay intact.

Sublime

Navy pleated dress from sheinside.com with an adorable Peter Pan collar for only $33.55. I can imagine lunching on water while wearing this dress, drinking a strawberry vodka lemonade.

Sordid

This is the "Train of Thought" top from Modcloth. I think this top would make anyone lose their train of thought because of it's sheer ugliness (pun intended). Also, thank you for censoring your own breasts for us all, that was necessary.

Sublime

Gray sweater from HM for $39.95. the weather is almost too warm, but knowing our Oregon weather, you would probably be able to wear this stylish shirt until July. 

Sordid

So this was a garment somebody thought was needed in this world... not really clear on why... I suppose if you were... nope... can't really picture why...

Sublime

This is the Glinda Palette by Urban Decay for $49.00. Perfect Spring colors, and besides I just want to look like Glinda, she's pretty.

XOXO Abbs

The Great Shopping Fast

I've never been one to make New Year's Resolutions. Instead I like to make resolutions later in the year. I think I'm hoping to trick myself into following through with them since everyone know the promises made January 1st, usually fail.

This time one of my resolutions was to not do any shopping for six months. This ban includes clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, and I also added home-goods (because I have a problem buying too many lamps).

I have read of a few other bloggers doing this, most recently at FEST, and it struck a chord with me.

April 7th, 2013 was when this resolution went into effect. It's been a few days, but I have managed to pull through... that was sarcasm.

I decided the 7th would be an appropriate time to start this challenge because the end would be right before my birthday in October.

So what do I hope to accomplish by keeping this resolution?

1. I put more money each month into my savings account.

2. I break the cycle of buying to make myself feel better. 
I have pairs of shoes that stand for that time I got a speeding ticket, a necklace for that particularly bad day at work, and a cute pleated skirt to make up for the fact that once again I had nobody to kiss at midnight on New Years. (Wow I just realized how depressing all this sounds... sorry about that)

3. That I wear what I have.
I own a lot of really fantastic clothing that I should be utilizing more. If at the end of six months I'm not wearing it, time to get rid of  it.

XOXO Abbs

The Sublime & the Sordid #1

New weekly feature where I present "clothing" that is simply atrocious in the world of fashion to you... but then also some things that are great! You will be able to laugh, and cry, and possibly purchase a phenomenal garment/accessory for yourself, because you will obviously want whatever I present to you as being fantastic.

Sordid

And you thought the cat lady in your neighborhood was already terrifying, just wait until Summer!!!

Sublime

How perfect for Spring is this Fools Gold Cardi from Down East Basics? The best part is the price, only $32.99. 

Sordid

You know, Father's Day is only a short few months away, your dad would probably love these fish flops... don't you dare even think about it! Your father raised you better than that! He deserves better! The whole world deserves better!

Sublime

Lace Pencil skirt from Piace Boutique, would be a great choice for a Summer wedding. Get it for $39.00!

Sublime

Peter Pan Collar Blouse from Target for only $19.99, would be comfortable when the air conditioning fails at church in the middle of July!

Sordid

I know that some of you will want to purchase this for Family Camp this year, but resist temptation! Because if I see you in wearing this monstrosity I will bribe a group of children to bury you in the sand.

XOXO Abbs

Easter Accessory Extravaganza

So sometimes times are hard, money is tight, and an Easter dress cannot be afforded... first world problems.

But a snazzy clutch, a great bangle, or a sophisticated slingback, these are attainable. So spice up last years ensemble with some new accessories, so you shine brightly on Easter morn.

Kate Spade Saturday Stripe Satchel

This is the cheap more affordable Kate Spade line. Graphic, modern, and just the touch of whimsy one needs. 

Mint and Gold Lace Custom Painted TOMS

So I don't own any TOMS and honestly I am not the biggest fan of them, but these hand painted ones I found on Etsy caught my eye because of the mint/gold color combo which I am currently obsessed with.

Kate Spade Confetti Watch

More Kate Spade, more classy, more fun.

Melie Bianco: Keira Cross Body Bag

I saw this bag at DSW shoes today, it is much more gorgeous in person. The contrast of the mint and yellow leather is gorgeous and has a very soft spring feeling.

Southern Flair Boutique: Mint and Gold Necklace

Yes, more mint, in the form of a bold statement necklace from an online boutique. 

Keds for Kate Spade New York Chevron Kick Sneaker

Ok I admit, I'm a bit of a Kate Spade fan... but just look at that chevron!! I love a maxi dress/skirt paired with a cute sneaker like this one.

Restricted: Mindy Wedge Pump

Something else I saw at DSW today and tried on, but did not purchase. Great color and a unique wedge design. The heel was just a bit too high for me.

Dotty Sheer Tights in White

I love breaking out the pastel tights in the Springtime and polka dots are a classic.

Latitude Femme Oxford

The Oxford, which is a huge trend right now, masculine, but made delicate in this pair with lace and cutouts.

Chamak by Priya Kakkar: Wooden Bangles

Hermes Bangles

The two sets of bangles above are great to make a statement, give a splash of color to an outfit, and be on trend with neon and floral.

Free People: Crochet Beau Boot

And finally, the boots I have been craving for a few months now. That crochet work is so beautiful, and would look fab with a pair of pastel skinnies tucked inside.

Happy Easter Friends! He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

XOXO Abbs