Holiday Gift Guide: Hello Kitty Nail Tin {Giveaway}

Thanks for checking out my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide!  Be sure to check out Our Ordinary Life and Mommy Mandy for more great gift ideas!

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I’m sure you’ve noticed from my site that I’m a bit of a beauty and fashion nut.  I have an obsession with all things girly, including nail polish.  Naturally, when a girly girl has a daughter, the odds of her also being a girly girl are pretty high.  I can officially say that Audrey Grace is about as girly as they come – which is totally fun for mom!

Even though I generally think Audrey Grace is a little young for even pretend makeup and nail polish, I saw the Hello Kitty Nail Tin by TownleyGirl and thought I would make an exception. (As in, she can only wear it and play with it at home, not out in public.) The nail tin comes with fun polish, nail art, and of course can be used as a lunch box or a place to store treasures long after the products are used!

If you the Hello Kitty Nail Tin set right now at Toys R Us you’ll get free 2 day shipping and also get a free Hello Kitty Bowler Bag with purchases of $30 or more.

Lucky for you, I have an awesome Hello Kitty Cosmetic Tin to giveaway to one of my lucky readers!

Mandatory Entry Method:

• Leave a comment here telling me why you’d love to win this – is there a special little girl in your life who just adores Hello Kitty? Maybe she is a makeup fanatic?

Extra Entry Methods (leave a separate comment for each):

• Visit Mommy Mandy and enter one of her Holiday Giveaways. Come back here and let me know you did it. (1 entry)
• Visit Our Ordinary Life and enter one of her Holiday Giveaways.  Come back here and let me know you did it. (1 entry)
• BLOG ABOUT IT!!! 5 entries.
• Tweet this contest.  (1 entry)
• Like Chic Shopper Chick on Facebook. (1 entry)
• Follow me on Twitter. (1 entry)
• Like Design Public on Facebook. (1 entry)
• List this giveaway on any contest site for 3 entries.
• You can always leave a comment on any non-giveaway post. (1 extra entry per post commented on. just go to “home” posts are up front, please comment on all new posts and leave your extra entry comment)

No purchase necessary to win.  Contest only valid for residents of the US.  Winner to be chosen by random.org on or after December 2nd. Winner has 48 hours to respond to notification email or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:  Townley Girl sent us a nail tin to review, however these opinions are 100% mine and I’m thrilled to share them with you.  

Fall Tip: All About Accessories

all necklaces from forever 21

Do ya need a quick wardrobe pick-me-up during this time in between seasons? I know I sure do! If you have been following along, you know that I have already started gathering ideas for my Fall Wardrobe. I also have begun saving for those “musts” and investment pieces for the season.

The problem?

I want to shop now.

The cure for my fashion itch is accessories — specifically those from Forever 21. I can load up on a variety of styles, look good on the cheap, and as it turns out-these items are usually the ones I get the most compliments on!

I’m obviously a necklace person; I love just tossing ‘em on over a simple tank, a fun romper or easy strapless dress to instantly elevate my look. Pieces with movement, layers, and tassels add a bit of texture and interest to outfits comprised of softer fabrics-a must for all the lightweight jersey we are currently wearing to keep cool! Bird accents are also something I just can’t seem to pass up-whether a feather for a Boho feel or a tiny bird charm for a sweet vibe, I’m all about the “fowl play”.  The statement collar is another silhouette I love, as it can be paired back to the simplest of outfits and take them from tame to eye-catching.

Do you have a go-to store for accessorizing frugally?

Things We Love: Emily Maynard’s Flower Necklace

I’ve only recently been ok admitting this – but I love watching the train-wreck that is the Bachelor and Bachelorette franchise.

I don’t even have cable but that doesn’t matter – I all but wake up on Tuesday mornings with a smile on my face because I know I can finally watch the week’s episode on Hulu.

Anyway, this week was the sad interview with Bachelor alum Emily Maynard.

Proving to be the sweet, classy southern woman we all know her to be she handled the interview with incredible grace.  My heart went out to her.

That is, when I wasn’t busy staring at her necklace.

I literally paused the interview in the middle of all of the sobbing and was all up in the interwebs because y’all I NEED THAT NECKLACE.

According to the Possessionista Emily’s necklace was one that she bought in the gift shop in Anguilla during her stint on the Bachelor.   Well boo, hiss.

Emily herself has apparently suggested the Birds of Paradise necklace from Stella and Dot as an alternative.

It will hold me over for now, but I’m still in search of the original.  Hey, random Anguilla gift shop – if you’re reading this – do you ship to Louisiana?

I NEED that necklace.

Duchess Kate: Favorite Looks From Her Canadian Tour

Do you remember about a year to a year and a half ago when no one in the US really knew who Kate Middleton was?

No?

Me either.

Seems like she is a bonafide celebrity a-lister now, and rightfully so. I mean, the girl has some serious style.  And class.

Oh yeah, and she’s a real life Princess.

For heaven’s sakes, she planted a tree in heels this past week.  You can’t get more princessey than that!

What can’t this woman do?

Also?  What can’t she wear?  I think she’d look amazing in a paper bag.  (Though I will say that I still feel that Duchess Kate is too thin.  5 – 10 extra pounds on her frame would make me feel much better.)

Anyway, tonight Prince William and Princess Kate (apparently it’s ok to call her that) will arrive in Los Angeles for 2 days of glitz and glamour.  I plan on covering those looks in a separate post.  You know, cause you can never have enough Duchess Kate/Princess Kate/Kate Middleton.

Or at least I can’t.

Ok, on to her best looks of the tour, in order of appearance.

#1.  The Cecile Dress, by Erdem.

For her arrival in Canada, Kate chose this stunning, form-fitting lacy shift dress by Montreal-born designer Erdem Moralioglu.  She paired it with her oft-seen L.K.Bennett Sledge Leather Pumps and a beige envelope clutch.  Kate looked fresh and ready to go after her long flight – and her hair makes me jealous that my awesome stylist, Meggan, doesn’t travel with me everywhere.

#2.  The Nanette dress, by Reiss.

The Duchess of Cambridge shows women all over the world that it’s ok to wear the same dress more than once.  Take, for instance, the famous Nanette dress by Reiss that she wore in her engagement photos.  Kate embraced the colors of Canada for Canada Day by recycling this much-loved dress and spicing it up it with a diamond maple leaf brooch (on loan from the Queen), red Albini Square Cut Court pumps, Anya Hindmarch Fan Bag, and a red fascinator with red maple leaves made especially for the occasion by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Company.

Some criticized this look, saying it was too busy but I think the Duchess looks stunning.  What do you think?

#3.  Purple Dress, Issa London.

Despite my best efforts, I cannot pinpoint the specific dress that Kate is wearing here, only that it is an Issa dress.  She looked stunning and very regal in this gorgeous purple dress while attending evening celebrations for Canada Day.  The diamond maple leaf brooch again re-appeared for the occasion, as did Kate’s black Prada pumps.  The clutch she is carrying is another by Anya Hindmarch – this one the “Maud” in black – which initially made an appearance when the Duchess met President and Mrs. Obama.

#4.  Jacquenta dress, by Erdem.

Princess Kate chose not one, but TWO lacy, form-fitting Erdem dresses for her Canadian tour.  The second one was just as stunning, if not more, than the first.  The three-quarter length sleeve dress was the perfect choice for attending non-denominational worship services that Sunday morning aboard the HMCS Montreal.  She repeated her L.K. Bennett Sledge pumps and envelope clutch with this look.  She also wore diamond and sapphire earrings that match her engagement ring.

#5.  Bullet Dress by Malene Birger.

Kate looked chic and understated at the Somba K’e Civic Plaza in Yellowknife in a structured cream dress by Danish designer Malene Birger.  A bit of a departure from her decidedly British choices, and Canadian nods, Kate showed us all that she isn’t afraid to shake it up a bit in this linen-weave dress.  Back again were her famed L.K. Bennet Sledge pumps and I’m especially fond of the Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings that she wore with this look.  Perfect, especially for the summer heat.

#6. Primrose dress by Jenny Packham.

This is the last look I’ll highlight from the tour (even though there were so many more!) but I felt that I just had to mention this one because a) I big puffy heart Jenny Packham and b) this is the brightest look we’ve seen on the Duchess so far this tour and it’s somewhat refreshing.  She looks fabulous in yellow, and this dress fills out her frame a bit for her because of its full skirt.  The L.K. Bennett pumps are back again (noticing a pattern) as is her trusty L.K. Bennett Natalie clutch.

Bunches of Bracelets

With the mercury rising, it is quickly becoming too hot for many of the accessories we have been sporting. Sayonara scarves, bye bye wide belts, see ya later cardi….even long, dangly earrings begin to stick to my (perhaps sweaty) neck! Sure, sometimes fashion can be uncomfortable-but that rule applies for fancy events, special dates, job interviews, and things of that sort. Cool summer style should be just that-cool.

Okay fine, cool-ish.

At least comfortable?

To keep in style and on trend, my go-to summer accessories have been bracelets. Piles of them. The more the better. Here are some of my favorite styles-they all are great on their own, but look super chic piled up all together.

belleblake cuff, dannijo chain, kate spade bangle
stephan and co. stranded bracelet, lucky brand friendship bracelet

Hot For Spring: Cheery Bags

kate spade, rebecca minkoff, proenza schouler
love moschino, balenciaga

Cheers, my lovelies! Perhaps the Royal Wedding coverage is getting to me just a bit? But I do want to talk about something cheery-the gorgeous, saturated colors we are seeing in handbags lately. Talk about adding a punch to a plain ole outfit! From deep blues to corals and even cornea-burning fluorsecents (my fave)-bright colors are found everywhere, in almost every style, and at every single price point. The most obvious way to rock this style is with a giant statement bag. It says, “Hi! Look at me…I’m fabulous!”. The crossbody is a bit more sly, but definitely gives you a little hipster edginess. And a clutch is a simple, quiet burst of color-this works well with outfits you feel don’t “go” with the bag, as you aren’t technically wearing it but carrying it. Which color/style combo is your fave? I’m not even gonna lie, I lurve them all!

Mother’s Day: My Wishlist

As you know, Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Oh man, I’m excited. The day that I celebrate my ultimate favorite role in life – motherhood.

Of course, my daughter is 4 years old, and I’m a single mom, so I don’t expect much along the lines of extravagant gifts (or gifts at all) for Mother’s Day.  However, if somehow, a representative of my sweet little girl decided to get me a present on her behalf…well, here are the things I fancy.

Also, some of these things might not be exactly low in price. Hey, it’s called a WISHlist for a reason, folks!

High on the list?  An iPad 2.  I figure I’m the last person in the world that will end up with one of these little babies – as I’m pretty sure that my fiance’ will be the first of the two of us to have one.  However, there are lots of fun things I can do WITH my daughter on the iPad 2, which is the main reason I want one!

Next on my list?  This 10 mp Olympus X560 Waterproof Camera. Audrey Grace and I practically LIVE in the water during the summer, and this baby comes along for the ride quite nicely, without me having to be paranoid that I’m going to get it wet and ruin it.  Waterparks, swimming pools, and beach – here we come!

Ok, this one might seem a little strange, but I’d love a Philips Sonicare Rechargeable Toothbrush. Frankly, I’m a bit fanatical about my teeth, and I have a wedding coming up in 6 months! I’ve gotta take care of those beautiful chompers!

Lately I’ve been traveling back and forth between my home base of New Orleans and the Los Angeles area a good bit, where my other half lives.  Frankly, toting a suitcase back and forth full of beauty products every other weekend (what – you didn’t actually think I traveled light, did you?) gets old – so I’d love to have a new Chi straightening iron to keep in Cali!

My last wishlist item is a ring with a purple amethyst – which is the birthstone of February – the month that Audrey Grace was born in.  I think it would be special to wear this on a daily basis to remind me of her.  We are together almost every moment of every day, but the moments that we aren’t are the ones where this reminder would be exceptionally welcome.

All of these items can be found at Walmart or Walmart.com.  What is on your wishlist this Mother’s Day?  Share your ideas in the comments!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Walmart as a part of my role in the Walmart Moms. All opinions are, and always have been, my own.

Hanes’ Hilarious New Ads For Women

Hanes has long been known for it’s iconic ads, but for the past 3 years there haven’t been any ads geared at women.  However, all that is changing as Hanes has launched it’s new ads for Hanes ComfortFlex Fit Bras that shape to fit and Hanes No Ride Up Panties that know their place and stay in place (and it’s true – they totally work.  Sorry for the TMI!).

When I saw the ads I cracked up laughing – they are hilarious.  My 4 year old daughter wanted to watch the “marshmallow one” over and over again.  Be on the lookout for these during national morning, daytime, and primetime programming! Check them both out below for a giggle!

While the ads are great for a giggle, they are also spot on about Hanes’ continued commitment to comfort – and it’s true – everything from Hanes that I own and that my family owns is the ultimate in comfort! Have you checked out Hanes recently?

Disclosure: I am a member of the Hanes Comfort Crew, but I was in no way compensated for this post. I spent 3 days learning about the tremendous things that Hanes is accomplishing over a year ago and I am just a true believer in this awesome brand.

Things We Love: Clare Vivier Clutch

Ever since I came across this cobalt blue clutch while checking out recaps of Fashion Week this Spring, I have been like a crazy person. Stalking, stalking, stalking…the internet, the malls, boutiques; googling, asking around, making requests on etsy; thinking about, blogging about, talking about… A COBALT BLUE CLUTCH. Within my price range of course. Then suddenly, when I realize that this is one dream I may nver get to live out in reality, I come across Clare Vivier bags.

It was like my fashion fairy godmother sent it to me…the perfect color, shape, size, and price. This little beauty instantly adds punch to any outfit and ups the cool factor by like, a gillion. My madness has now ceased and the only thing I’m crazy about is how fun and funky I feel carrying this baby. It’s hard to deny – my Clare Vivier clutch and I were meant to be.

Red Hot Valentine’s Day Picks

Tis the season for the color of passion.  In celebration of Valentine’s Day, here are a few red-hot picks that are high on our list.  Disclaimer:  All items will make any man swoon, use in moderation.

1. Long Tall Sally’s Cap Sleeve Ponte Dress – $105

2. eyebobs’ “bamboozled” frames – $75

3. Spring Street’s “Gem Dandy” leather and crystal bracelet – $20

4. Clava’s “Wellie” market tote – $26

5. Børn’s “Cornflower” sandal – $95

6. Long Tall Sally’s leather belt – $25

7. Long Tall Sally’s satin pumps – $32

8. Harlequin by Panache’s “Polka” lingerie set – $82 for bra, $26 for brief

Holiday Gifts: Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend {A Giveaway!}

You know what they say – Diamonds are a girls best friend!  Ok, I don’t know who “they” are but I’d have to say – they’re totally right.  Every girl deserves to sparkle and shine (oh, and showoff) a little bit, don’t you agree?  Of course, any wise man knows that the best holiday gifts come in small packages, so for all of the gentleman out there searching for the perfect gift for the woman in your life – consider spoiling her with diamonds!

Helzberg Diamonds agrees that every woman deserves to be spoiled – and to prove it they sent me this GORGEOUS diamond knot pendant.  I saw a photo of the pendant before seeing it in person, and I have to say, the photo doesn’t at all do it justice.  I opened the box and literally “oohed” out loud.

This Everlon sterling silver and 14 karat yellow gold knot pendant with a 1/7 carat round brilliant cut diamond delicately hangs from a sterling silver box chain, and would be a stunning addition to every woman’s jewelry collection.  This piece is something I feel like I can pass on to my daughter once she is older, something that will hopefully make the round for generations.

Helzberg Diamonds also sent me a box set of 5 pairs of Honora Pearl Earrings which are just lovely for the holidays.  These would make great holiday gifts for a co-worker, favorite aunt, or close friend – something different than the typical coffee shop gift card/candle/bath set.

You can purchase the Everlon Diamond Knot Pendant at Helzberg Diamonds for $299.99 or the Honora Pearl Earrings set for $50.  Both are stunning and would make incredible holiday gifts – so consider clicking over and getting some of your holiday shopping done!

Win it! Helzberg Diamonds wants to give one very lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader the opportunity to win a diamond knot pendant and box set of 5 pairs of Honora Pearl earrings, just like the ones above!  To enter, head on over to Helzberg Diamonds then come back here and leave a comment letting me know your other favorite items is from their website, or what you would buy for your girlfriend/fiancee/wife if you could.  For bonus entries, you can head over and vote for Morgan by clicking the FB “like” button on his submission for the Last Original Idea in Marketing Contest (3 entries!), you can tweet this contest out to your followers, share it on Facebook (see the buttons at the top of this post for help sharing), subscribe to my site via email (box at the top right), subscribe to my YouTube Channel, or write a blog post about this contest (worth 3 extra entries).  For any of these that you choose to do, please come back here leaving a comment to let me know that you did so.

That’s it! Good luck!

This contest will run from December 7, 2010 to December 15th, 2010 and will end at 11:59 pm CST. No purchase necessary to win, and a winner will be chosen at random.  If the winner does not respond to emails within 72 hours of notification, then another winner will be chosen.  US entries only.

Disclosure: I was sent the diamond pendant and pearl earrings for review by Helzberg Diamonds.  This in no way affected my opinion of the product and all thoughts expressed above are 100% mine.  Check out my disclosure policy for more information.

Fab Finds: Jewelry For Under $30

One of my favorite low-cost ways to update my wardrobe and freshen up old looks is buying new jewelry. No, not jewelry like the Queen’s or anything-I’m talking cute, quirky, affordable jewelry. Piles of bangles can jazz up a plain LBD. A tired cardi/leggings look can be updated with the addition of a long pendant necklace. A statement ring, well, makes a statement. Here are a few interesting pieces that are all under $30-great for you or someone on your shopping list!

link bracelet, studded cuff, equestrain charms, corsage bracelet, hamsa necklace, stone and leather

Kate Middleton: Style Fit For A Princess

I have a confession to make.

I’m obsessed fascinated with royalty.  Specifically, the British royal family.

I blame it on my Princess complex.

Naturally, I am totally geeked out over yesterday’s news that Kate Middleton and Prince William are engaged.  I’m 28, the same age as both the Prince and the future Princess, so I almost feel like I’ve grown up with him, in some weird sort of way.  I am just giddy over the engagement, and I think Middleton will make a lovely princess and wonderful Queen, and I cannot wait to see the wedding – I hope there will be a live stream!  (Ok, if I’m honest? I’m hoping an invitation shows up in the mail!)

By now you’ve heard that Middleton is wearing Princess Diana’s gorgeous Sapphire and Diamond engagement ring – William’s way of involving his late mother in the excitement of the day.  I was unsure of this choice by Prince William at first, but as someone pointed out to me, future Queen Kate (or will she be Queen Catherine by the time she’s old enough to be the Queen?) will likely have lots of her own jewelry.

When it came to style, Kate Middleton didn’t disappoint.  The navy blue silk wrap dress by Issa that she chose to wear for the announcement of her engagement was the perfect compliment to her new Sapphire engagement ring.  Of course, her choice to wear yet another Issa dress, Middleton’s go-to designer, has fueled buzz that she will also chose Issa to design her wedding dress.  I’ve got to be honest, there is just something about Kate Middleton’s style!  And so the anticipation for a royal wedding begins!

Since I’m sure you have royal-fever like I do, I wanted to share some great jewelry picks for under $50 – all fit for a princess!

No one will be able to wear this gorgeous engagement ring in quite the same manner, but you can have a pinch of Kate Middleton style with this beautiful cocktail ring from Spring Street Design.

Can’t get enough royal style?  Try out some of these other gorgeous, Princess perfect pieces from Spring Street Design.  I especially love the crystal drop earrings and crown keychain.

What are your favorite pieces?  Are you excited about the royal engagement?  Squee with me in the comments!

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