Pics on Pics on Pics

Wow, I can't believe this is my first post of the new year -- eeeeek, super sorry about that; I've been really busy with Bobbi-Toads per usual.  Also, tons of visitors in Miami recently!  I got a new Fujifilm Finepix camera for Christmas because, like everyone else, I'm convinced I am a photographer ever since my first upload to Instagram.  But really, I just wanted a camera to play with; what a fun big-kid toy!  Here's some of the photos I've taken so far: 

I took these (above) photos in my cousins' backyard in Deer Park, IL. (Hi, Hillary :D ) The most snow I got to see while spending time in Chicago.

Christmas at home.

My beautiful baby on Christmas morning.  Holly loves Christmas because of all the wrapping paper and presents :o) [If you've ever spoken with anyone in my family, you'd know] She is our pride and joy.  Srsly.

Laughter is life's most beautiful remedy.

Downtown Miami.

Bayfront Park, Miami.

Miami Beach, FL.  (in layman's terms, South Beach)

Panoramic view from my balcony.  This honestly adds so much bliss to my life.  #nature

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Deals

Good morning errrryone!  First off, sincerest apologies for my lack of posting; I've been super busy with Bobbi-Toads, which is a great thing, of course.  As you [better be] are aware, Christmas is less than a week away.  Still looking for some last minute deals?  Look no further, my shopping obsession is at your service.  Here are some [maybe a few irrational] great gift ideas that any girl, like myself, would be ecstatic to receive:

This Tory Burch Amanda Hobo (on sale for $325.50) is the perfect bag for the day-to-day.  I LOVE that it can be carried on your shoulder or your arm, giving you versatility and convenience.

Juicy Couture Alex Tough Girl--the perfect clutch for a night out...and the inside is royal blue, so in.

Christian Dior's THE LITTLE DICTIONARY OF FASHION.  You can find this gem on Shopbop for $19.95.  Gift-wise, this can work from a stocking stuffer, to a nice hostess gift, to a girls' grab bag gift: perfect for any fashionista in your life.

For only $29.40 (plus shipping, I'm sure), this cut-out cross top is likely to be a fan favorite.  If you want to spend a little more on the gift, pair it with a necklace: either a shorter statement necklace or a longer dainty necklace would look fab.

If I didn't live in Miami, I am quite positive that I'd have an assortment of faux leather leggings (these ones from Topshop for $36.00) in my winter wardrobe. Leather is in right now and I especially wish I had a pair for my trip home to Chicago, a cold one it will be.  

Ugh, HOW gorgeous is this dress?  On sale at the Tory Burch site for $486.50.  It's absolutely stunning.  Note: this is clearly one of the irrational suggestions; a girl can dream though, right?

This twisted cross cuff is the perfect accessory you can pair with almost any outfit or occasion.  What a perf stocking stuffer for only $12! (mom..?)

Again, I'm sorry for my lack of posts, but in lieu of that, I'll leave you with this funny photo.  Essentially, I let my boss play dress-up with me.  Happy Holidays!

Watch Out For Knock-Offs This Holiday Season, My Friends

While picking out an outfit for my last post, I was reminded of a very important lesson: be extra conscious of your designer items' authenticity [this holiday season].  It all began when I was looking for a pair of black, suede booties.  Found the cuuutest pair of Christian Louboutins on sale for $197.79.  That's your first red flag; there's no way in hell could you find a pair of authentic Loubs for two hundred bucks, I wish.  We all do.  Unless you're lucky enough to find an extremely inexpensive pair at Nieman's, but both your odds and your options would likely be slim.  Especially thanks to everyone's economically-savvy motives these days, some deals really are too-good-to-be-true and people are unknowingly getting scammed.  So, just some advice to do a little extra research before you click "purchase" on those new designer accessories you're about to buy as a present (or for yourself if you are like me, whoops).  On the other hand, if you don't care whether or not your items are original or not, well, you should.  And if you happen to be in the market to purchase some new Louboutins, A. jeal B. here's a guide for you.

PS here's a photo of the shoes I wish were actually Christian Louboutins for $200.  Or any other well-made, original brand. 

And I'm just going to let you guess how badly I wish I had these:

(authentic) Decorapump Strass Platform Red Sole Pumps 

I'm dying.

And here's a pretty song for you to listen to :) 

I Wish I Was Wearing This Right Now..

LOVE every single part of this outfit!  I began with the faux fur vest (super trendy right now) and wanted to add some thick, black tights for the winter look.  Originally I thought this would be cute with high-waisted charcoal gray shorts with buttons; however, clearly I found something better along the way: vintage festival retro gray army charcoal high-waisted skater shorts ; woah, that was a mouthful.  They're one of a kind and can be found on ebay.  Added a simple, classy blouse from H&M and wanted something fun in the shoe department, so I went with the Christian Louboutin Daffodiles that I will never be able to afford, and finished the look with a long cross necklace.

Virtual Outfit, November 23, 2012

Getting my cheetah fix with the Jeffrey Campbell Litas and paired them with some simple faux leather leggings from Topshop and a large, comfy AnnaKastle knit sweater.  For some extra spunk, I added a gold spiked leather wrap bracelet and finished it off with a time piece watch necklace for some class.

Pretty Things I Wish I Had

Free People Faux Fur Cheetah Coat

Gilded Fringe Kimono in Vintage

Jeffrey Campbell Black Cuffed Cut Out Platforms

Tart Maxi Infinity Dress

Diane von Furstenburg Mimosa Shearling Clutch I can't decide if I actually like this or it just looks soft, hmm.

Tiffany & Co., Paloma's Venezia Goldoni quadruplo ring

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Percy

Louis Vuitton Tivoli PM

So, like, if anyone was wondering what to get me for Christmas.  I kid, I kid.  But maybe the one of the bags or the ring.  Or the Jeffrey Campbells.  Mom, I really hope you're reading this ;)