Must have wrap cardigan

This cardigan from anthropologie doesn't look like much on the hanger, but it is ADORABLE on.  If you have a small waist, it makes your waist look even smaller.  If you have no waist, it gives you the illusion of one.  The blue, gray and peach tones of this sweater really are beautiful, and a perfect addition to your spring wardrobe.  Because of the fitted proportions of this wrap, it would look amazing with wide leg white jeans.  Add a blue, peachy coral or white tank top underneath, and you are ready to go!

To look like a million dollars, splurge on these items!

There are a few things that I think are truly worth a splurge. These are items that will get a lot of use and are foundations of your wardrobe. You may only be able to get one item every season (or every other season!), but they will be worth it! These splurges will elevate EVERYTHING you wear.

1. Chic Sunglasses -- I like rather large, roundish sunglasses that give me a lot of coverage. I hate to squint (and the wrinkles it causes)! Your sunglasses should preferably be brand-name (you are going to wear them everyday, aren't you!). They should not be "athletic looking" unless you play beach volleyball for a living. I like to have three pair: a black pair, a brown pair and a pair of aviators. Aviators have looked chic since the day they were introduced. Trust me, sunglasses are a place to splurge.

2. Statement bag -- Great bags really are worth the splurge, and it is important that you spend as much as you think you can afford on this accessory. Cheap purses deteriorate quickly, and worst of all, they LOOK cheap. At minimum, you need a bag for spring and summer, and a bag for fall and winter. For spring and summer, a lighter color leather bag looks great (I really like white leather purses for the warmer months). For fall and winter, you can't go wrong with a rich-looking tan/brown or black leather bag. If you want to "punch-up" your wardrobe, a burgundy, olive or red bag would look amazing with a variety of colors.

3. Watches -- Oh, how I love watches! I'd own 500 if humanly possible! I think every woman should have 2 - 3 watches...one sporty watch for the summer/casual outfits/working out, and one or two everday watches in silver and/or gold.

For casual days, I love the Michele Tahitian jelly beans watch ($295 at Nordstrom) and the Zodiac rubber-strapped watches ($125 at Nordstrom). I personally own a Zodiac, and it wears amazingly well, and BONUS, the rubber strap smells like vanilla. Too cute.

For everyday, I like chunkier watches in either silver or gold. Jomashop.com has a GREAT selection of luxury watches for seriously discounted prices.

Watches I will buy when I win the lottery: Chanel J12, Hermes double-strapped Cape Cod, Michele Tahitian White ceramic watch.

4. Cashmere sweaters -- I adore the boyfriend cashmere cardigans from JCrew. They come in incredible colors and wear like a charm. You can dress them up (over your little black dress), or dress them down (jeans, tank top, big necklace). Cashmere never goes out of style and it is a true luxury. Worth every penny!

5. Truly incredible flats -- My pick for amazing flats goes to Attilio Giusti Leombruni (see picture above). Their leather ballerina flat feels like butter, and are the most comfortable shoe you will ever put on. Most of the flats they make are cap-toed & two-toned shoes (which makes them all the more versatile). Each pair of shoes is hand-sown in Italy by master craftsmen. This is true luxury at $295. Available at Nordstrom.

Look of the week -- May 24, 2010!

No matter what your age, you can look chic and keep your look fresh. Take Beth for example! You wouldn't know it to look at the photo, but Beth is over 50 years old. What I love about her outfit is that it would look equally as good on a 30 year old as it does a 50 year old. I think she looks very Audrey Hepburn with her adorable cap-sleeved black dress and two-toned flats. The raffia belt is a great addition, and very fashion-forward for spring! Every woman, of every age, needs a versatile black dress. Beth's dress would look great with a strappy pair of red heels for a dressy event, or wedges and ethnic necklace for a more casual event. The key is that this dress would look very different depending on how it is accessorized. Way to go Beth! Thanks for the inspiration!

Latest beauty and accessory finds!

I have found a few things that I think are super cute in the beauty and accessories category that are just perfect for spring/summer.

1) Smashbox "Naked Beauty" Lip Gloss Collection -- $25 at Nordstroms or Sephora.

These mini lip glosses are so sheer, and the colors are gorgeous! Perfect colors for spring and summer...there is not one color in the collection that I don't love. You could fit one of these lip glosses in your pocket and no one would ever know! Perfect for touch-ups!

2) Sephora Collection Precision Pore Cleansing Pad -- $5 at Sephora. This extremely soft and gentle pad is perfect for cleansing and exfoliating the face. In the summer, with prime "grime build-up", this cleansing pad will be my "go-to" item. I have sensitive skin, and my skin simply glowed after I used it. Not that scrubbed-to-death feeling!

3) End of the Rainbow earrings -- $38 at Anthropologie. At $38, these beautiful earrings feel like at steal! Because of the colorful beads, these earrings would compliment most any item in your wardrobe. Go for it!

4) Friendship bracelets are back with a decidedly adult feel. Banana Republic and Dogeared are featuring delicate, colorfully braided bracelets, laced with gold and silver threads. You want to go for volume here, so I would recommend at least three bracelets at once.

Gilt without the Guilt!

My sister in law, Cyndi, introduced me to Gilt.com and I have to say, I am completely addicted to this website. Gilt is a free membership website, whereby you are invited to view a well-edited selection of designer merchandise for "sample sales" prices. Their selection changes daily, and when something is gone, it is GONE! I truly get giddy about Gilt! If you are looking for that perfect accessory (i.e. statement ring or necklace, scarf, handbag), Gilt is absolutely worth a look. They also carry amazing things for the home, like beach towels, stationery, rugs, coasters, etc.

Here is a small sampling of some of my Gilt finds: Missoni scarves at a fraction of their asking price (every woman should have a knock-out scarf in their arsenal, and you just can't beat Missoni for delicious color combinations!), Chloe designer sunglasses, Beirn python handbags, Me & Ro Jewelry, Surya Rugs and Prada Infusion of Iris perfume.

Happy bargain hunting!

Great gifts!

I like to keep gifts on hand. If I see something beautiful, I will buy it and store it for the perfect occasion. Birthdays and end-of-the-year parties really do tend to creep up on me and I hate having to rush to the mall to find a special gift when I have no time. Here are some of my favorite gifts!

1) Voluspa Candles -- These candles are packaged impeccably and smell wonderful. I especially love the Baltic Amber fragrance. It is a warm, comforting scent. These candles come in all sorts of sizes and price points. Anthropologie has a great selection.

2) Farrow and Ball for Bobbi Brown candles -- Farrow and Ball makes the most beautiful paints, and they've teamed up with Bobbi Brown to make special edition candles. LOVE THEM! They are all equally stunning...you just have to choose your favorite scent! I think I would pass out if someone gave me one of these candles. $68, Nordstroms

3) Large Collapsible Basket from Garnet Hill -- $40 You know how you always need a basket to carry toys from downstairs to upstairs? You know how you always need a good place to put your library books? Don't you wish you had something cute to carry around your farmer's market? LOOK NO FURTHER! This is the perfect basket.

4) Molton Brown hand soap -- $25 Okay, it may be a lot to spend $25 on hand soap, but Molton Brown's White Mulberry fine hand soap is so amazing & so upscale, I think it is worth it! It really makes a great housewarming gift, and it looks beautiful in a powder bath. The gift recipient will thank you profusely as they are making their children swear not to use it...I promise! Available at Molton Brown online.

5) Snow and Graham Chicago desk calendar -- $18 Snow and Graham makes quality stationery & I have fallen in love with their desk calendar. The prints are so special and a joy to look at each and every day. Consider giving this desk calendar for a Christmas gift...that way the recipient can use it starting January 1! snowandgraham.com

6) Crate & Barrel vases -- I am of the opinion that one can never have too many vases. You need tall ones, short ones, wide ones, clear ones and colorful ones. When they go on sale at Crate and Barrel, I snap them up to give to all my son's teachers for Christmas. Vases aren't just for flowers! My friend, Sheliah, puts Christmas ornaments in them. So there! crateandbarrel.com

7) Penguin Classic Books -- $20 from Anthropologie. These books are absolutely gorgeous and will look beautiful displayed in any home. With titles like "The Odyssey", "Pride and Prejudice" and "Jane Eyre", you can't go wrong.

Looking chic at the pool or beach

Who doesn't love sunning themselves at the pool, or digging their toes in the sand? Even though you are chasing those kiddos around and making sure that none of your brood is drowning, it is easy to look chic!

1. Big Sun hat -- I love a big sunhat to keep those rays off my face & shoulders! I have a pink and brown one from San Diego Hat Company that I adore. Big floppy sun hats just look more polished than a baseball cap and provides infinitely more coverage. Banana Republic is currently carrying an adorable straw sun hat that would look good on most anyone.

2. Tote Bag -- I love the large LL Bean & Lands End tote bags for schlepping towels, sunscreen and snacks. They are truly an American icon, and are so reasonably priced. I love to get mine monogrammed!

3. Fun beach towels -- Now is NOT the time to be using your free "Disney Cruise" towel. Bring unique (matching) towels to the pool and you will be surprised how many compliments you'll get! Pottery Barn has great beach towels. The more colorful, the better!

4. Anthelios 45 sunscreen for the face (La Roche-Posay) -- $29.95 This is the gold standard in sunscreen and it is worth every penny. Once only available in Europe, it is now widely available in the states. I once burned to a crisp in Mexico, despite putting SPF 30 on my body. My face, however, was the only place that DIDN'T burn, thanks to Anthelios 45 (yeah, no wrinkles!). I love the entire Roche-Posay line. www.laroche-posay.us

5. Adorable beach cover-up -- My find of the season comes from Nordstroms, and I dare say it would look good on ANY body type. This beach cover-up by Make & Model comes in a wide variety of colors. Perfection at $38!

6. Stylish flip flops -- Havianas, J Crew or Tory Burch. Enough said!

Tips for the best looking hands and feet!

One of my best friends calls pedicures her "therapy". I personally need my therapy every three weeks or I look like I have pig trotters! Here are some of the best products out there for your hands and feet.

1. Diamancel Tough Buffer #1 -- this amazing foot buffer is covered in diamond dust and does not dull over time. Use it on dry feet and you will see them transformed. It makes a wonderful gift! Available at blissworld.com for $49.

2. Nivea Smooth Indulgence Hand Cream -- this hand cream is extremely inexpensive and available most everywhere. It smells like heaven and keeps hands moisturized, but not greasy. I keep a tube by the kitchen sink!

3. Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm -- This incredible lotion is packaged in a chic black tub that will look beautiful on your nightstand. I use this thick honey scented balm on my hands every night to keep them smooth and soft. $42 at Nordstroms.

4. Polish -- These are my favorite polishes that I return to again and again. They will make your feet or hands look elegant or edgy. OPI Dulce de Leche (beautiful caramel-pink), Essie A-List (the perfect blue-red), Lippman Dark Side of the Moon (deep, dark purple), Lippmann Just Walk Away Renee (vampy, burgundy red), Chanel Dazzling (rich orange-based red), Orly Top-2-Bottom clear coat.

My favorite makeup for spring

Makeup is such a fun way to express yourself. Spring makeup is about being polished, but not overdone. Think about adding some color to your face this season! Here are some great products for spring (you will see here that I am a HUGE Bobbi Brown fan).

1. Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Sunset Beach and Popsicle -- Sunset Beach gives lips a lush pop of coral, while Popsicle gives lips a pop of beautiful pink. These shades are fun, but subtle at the same time.

2. Bobbi Brown lipstick in Calypso Coral - This lipstick has a slight metallic sheen to it, and looks great under Sunset Beach lip gloss for added depth.

3. American Apparel Nail Polish in Dynasty -- Lavender is THE nail color of the season. This lavender is a bit darker than most, which gives it a nice edge for your toes. It will look amazing peeking out of your sandals! Just remember if you are going for bold polish (in the Spring and Summer), it is best to stick with either the toes or the fingernails...not both!

My favorite spring accessories

There is nothing I love more than a great accessory...think scarf, handbag or shoes. They look great on EVERYONE regardless of size and can take a plain outfit and make it special. Here are a few of the things I am LOVING for spring.

1. Tarnish floral scarf -- This fun, funky scarf is only $48 and comes in a variety of great colors. I personally love the yellow and orange. It would look great over a perfect white tshirt! This scarf is available at Nordstroms.

2. Michael Kors large braided Astor handbag in "Sun" -- Yellow handbags are BIG for spring, and this $398 handbag fits the bill! The yellow is sunny but sophisticated. I think the tassel is kitschy! Also available at Nordstroms.

3. Straw fedora -- I didn't think I could wear this hat because I have a freakishly small head, but this looks REALLY CUTE on! This hat will spice up your tshirt and crop jeans, and give you a bit of an edge. $38 at Banana Republic.

4. Adorable umbrella -- You've got to have one of these! No black umbrellas allowed! Look for one with fun colors like this one from JCrew, which I got on sale for $14.

5. Edgy necklaces -- I like necklaces that add subtle detail to an outfit, but don't overwhelm it. These two tangled chain necklaces from Banana Republic are the PERFECT length...not too short, not too long. I like them so much I got one in gold and silver. Great price too!