Celebrate The Grad With Great Gifts

(Via Swoozies)

Thousands of bright, young things are being handed their diplomas this month. They've done a bang up job and we are all proud. Besides high fives all around, an acknowledgement of their hard work would be appreciated.  Here's a little inspiration.





18 Gifts Every Grad Wants

Rose Gold FRENDS x BaubleBar Layla Headphones
A BaubleBar-inspired edition of embellished headphones with interchangeable caps. A pair of matching earrings add a bit of sparkle. This gift will be music to her ears!
Bauble Bar

iPhone 6 Wallet Case
On the go style.  What a great idea for convenient conversations. Of course, the grad wouldn't mind if you slipped in a little added green .....just saying.
Graphic Image

P.S. If they don't have an iPhone 6, I promise you they would love one. You can find it at Best Buy.

Signed Copy of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
By Facebook's COO Sheryl Sandberg. "Written with both female and male readers in mind, Lean In examines the root causes in the gender gap that exist in business leadership and forces women and men to reexamine their behavior in work and in life." It is a very thoughtful gift, and one that keeps on giving. Proceeds benefit "Tipping Point." See website for details.

IfOnly

Smythson Notebooks
Little luxe leather notebooks offer inspiration from cover to cover. With clever quotes like "Expect The Unexpected," "Catch Me If You Can,""Every Cloud...,"and more, these nifty notebooks are where conversations start and dreams are made.  They come nicely boxed for gifting.
Barneys New York

Elemoon Smart Bracelet
For fashionable, tech-savvy women, this intelligent accessory changes to match every outfit. It seamlessly syncs with her, giving real time alerts of phone calls, texts and monitors her physical activity. Best yet....it can find her phone! Read all about it at
AHALife

Save 20% with Code: AHALIFE20

Ted Baker Opulent Blooms Suitcase
Oh the places she will go with this stylish suitcase! A lightweight and lovely gift.
Nordstrom

Roost Brass Colored Pencil Set

A gift that encourages creativity. And even though my graduation days are behind me, I would love to receive this. So perfect for the future architect, artist or design student.
Zhush

Scratch Off That Bucket List
You can make book that the bucket list of most grads is to see the world seeking adventure. This "scratch off " World map makes sure they don't get lost in their travels.  Each time they visit a country, they scratch that trip off their list. It's really a fab find.
Paper Source

Collar Stays With Leather Box
If he's off to work, it's time to button up! This gift will put him at the head of the "working" class.
Barneys New York

Container Store Gift Card
If a graduate is off to college or nesting into their own apartment, The Company Store will be their new fave place. It has everything to keep a grad organized with style. 
The Container Store

Charbonize Retina Macbook Pro Sleeve
These case serves as a cool contemporary carrier for his documents and laptop.
AHALife

Save 20% with Code: AHALIFE20

Homme Square Cufflinks
A sterling idea for the graduate off to his first serious job. He needs to look the part. Sterling silver.
Mark and Graham

Henri Bendel Backpacks
NOT too cool for school, but certainly city chic. Henri Bendel knows what a girl needs and wants. These bags are awesome, and come in several styles and colors. Perfect for the traveling girl, too. 
Henri Bendel

Save $25 on $150 Orders: Code: MAYSTORE Ends 5/21

Kate Spade New York Monogram Correspondence Cards
She'll cross her T's and dot her i's with flair and Kate's chic contemporary cards. 
Neiman Marcus

Shinola Watches
He might feel he deserves a gold watch, but a black leather one is really more practical and much less flashy. These watches are built in Detroit, to last a lifetime. With several styles to choose from, the globe trotting grad will enjoy the brand new "Rambler" watch which is made for the traveller.
Shinola

Letterpress Monogram Stationery Set 
Utilitarian chic. Modern and simple. Perfect for both genders and a "must have" item for sending thank you notes for gifts and interviews.
Seaborn Press at Etsy

John Hardy Bamboo Bracelet
Every type of girl from grade school on, will appreciate the sleek modern look of this sterling silver slide bracelet. She'll stack it with arm candy of her own.
Saks Fifth Avenue

Mariposa Tray
The gift of optimism. Everyone needs some. 
New York Times Store

Take 15% off. Use code: MAY15

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Wedding Wednesday: The Best Of Bridal 2016

(Inslee Designs)

Why would anyone take an entourage of judgemental bridesmaids to a salon, when you can shop for your gown in PJ'S from home? Last night I had the best time doing just that. The Spring 2016 Bridal Shows have happened, and the looks are lovely. There was plenty of bare skin, lots of sheerness, a bit of bohemian, and both grand and sleek silhouettes.  When it comes to bridal gowns, my taste leans anywhere but traditional. If you appreciate the unique, something sophisticated, or a fun factor, this bridal blog post is for you. 




HERE: 18 Gorgeous Gowns

Claire Pettibone Gothic Angel

If I was getting married today, the first place I would look is Claire Pettibone.  Her designs  are ethereal, certainly not traditional, yet still very bridal. The details on this gown are gorgeous.

Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone Notre Dame

Long sleeved French sky blue and black lace with stained glass beaded illusion back. For the bride who is into fashion more than looking like a bride.

Claire Pettibone

Romona Keveza

Painterly pretty.

Romona Keveza

Luisa Beccaria Bridal Look #19

I am usually not a lace girl, but this gown is different. Truly beautiful. Love the sheer bodice and sleeves. Made in Italy.

Moda Operandi

Honor Ihlen Gown

Made from silk Mikado. I loved the sheer bib bodice and cut away shoulders. Everything else stunningly simple. This trunk show ends in 12 days

Moda Operandi

Vera Wang Spring 2016 Look #6

Vera managed to create a gown that is both pretty and edgy. Bows are usually too sweet for me, but this oversized ribbon is special.

Vera Wang

Ines De Santo Spring 2016

An edgy look for a non traditional bride.

Ines De Santo

Monique Lhuiller Spring 2016

This dress can make fairytales come true.

WWD

Houghton
I can't help but love the Bohemian vibe of this dress with mixed textures. It's just layered with style!
Houghton NYC

Oscar de la Renta

One of the best short bridal choices I have seen.  That collar is everything!

In Style

Jesus Peiro
Oh my! To be able to add my favorite color, black, to a wedding look would have been fabulous! The headpiece and collar create the wow factor.
Jesus Peiro

Jenny Packham Titania

Elegant with a fashion forward cape and a bit of beautiful bling. Lovely!

Jenny Packham

Angel Sanchez Spring 2016

Peek-a-boo looks were everywhere on the runways. I don't totally love the trend, but it works with this dress. The little shrug is ever so glam.

Angel Sanchez

Angel Sanchez NS1610

Just fabulous as a reception outfit or your bridal look for a more casual event.

Angel Sanchez

Angel Sanchez NS 1609

So much style. I adore this dress!

Angel Sanchez

Costarellos Trunk Show
Here's that peek of skin again. The two piece look for Spring 2016 is a major trend.  Do click through to see the beautiful bead work up close. Maybe on the beach? The trunk show ends in 12 days.
Moda Operandi

Kelly Faetanini
And for my grand finale....This dress just makes me feel like dancing!
Wedding Inspirasi

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Tuesday Trends: Make A Statement With Elevated Earrings

This is a trend I can embrace. Earrings are definitely my favorite way to accessorize. The delicate trend of the last few years, just wasn't exciting to me. This season, earrings are bigger, bolder, brighter and bedazzled more than we have seen in a long time. Some jewels are so striking that one, worn alone, is enough. Then there is the mismatched earring set, which I have done by accident. This Spring go big and you won't go wrong. You simply can't make a mistake.

HERE: 14 Elevated Earrings

100 Year Earring #6
One of a kind, just like you. Details at...
Lulu Frost

Oscar de la Renta Crystal Earrings
Oscar took the lead on the Spring runways with his slightly  askew look in earrings. I rather like the idea of accessorizing this way, but in this case, you need to invest in two pairs.
Saks Fifth Avenue

Janis Provisor Jewelry
Mismatched agate and sapphire. What could be wrong with this picture? This set is painterly pretty and complemented with accents of faceted iolite and citrine, all wrapped in 20 and 22 karat gold. Beauties!
AHALife

Save 20% with Code: AHALIFE20 Ends 5/31

Swarovski Chandelier Earrings
A captivating choice for special occasions.
Ralph Lauren

Dolce & Gabbana Sacro Curoe Earrings
Perhaps the biggest statement makers of all time, these over the top chic chandeliers are straight off the runway.
Net-a-Porter

Oscar de la Renta Starburst Earring
Glam and dramatic. Sold out most places but are available for rental at
Rent The Runway

Isabel Marant Star Tassel Earrings
Loving these bright and bold earrings. They are begging to be paired with an off the shoulder top.
MATCHES Fashion

Dannijo Everly Earrings
Icy and just beautiful. A chic colorful and crystal earring. The look of emeralds is trending this season.
Saks Fifth Avenue

Dannijo Avril Drops
With a drop of indigo, these Swarovski stunners are a very luxe look. 
Zappos Couture

Swift Nomadic Earring
Part of Lulu's new travel series for the season, these earrings take wings for a fashionable flight.
Lulu Frost

Change It up Earrings
You don't have to bust your budget to be on trend with a statement earring. These chic coins are less than $20. Money well spent for a Spring and Summer selfie.
Nasty Gal

Smoky Frank Drops
These crystal creations are smok'n hot!
Bauble Bar

Giorgio Armani Single Tassel Earring
Would you wear only one earring? If it is this fabulous, I think it is all one needs.
Far Fetch

Lizzie Fortunata Mismatched Earrings
One of my favorites of the mismatched trend, if you don't mind that one earring looks as if it is broken.
Intermix Online

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