Dazzling Blue crush

Aéropostale ponte knit dress // Le Silla pumps // Betsey Johnson earrings // Charlotte Olympia clutch // GUESS by Marciano clutch // MSGM quilted skirt // INC International Concepts cabochon ring // Joie top // Gorjana bracelet // Givenchy shoulder bag

Pantone recently named Dazzling Blue as one of its colors for Spring 2014, which I could not be more excited about:  I'm a sucker for anything in a cobalt hue. I feel like I should be focusing on patterns and cozy knits in neutral colors right now, but I can't help but mix in bright blues to my ever-growing wish list.

#PhillipLimforTarget social shopping insanity

The Limsanity Twitter storm started Saturday evening here on the East coast and lasted well into the early morning hours. After buying a few items, I told myself I'd go to bed and get up early to hit the suburban Target for the bags, since those were sure to quickly sell out online; but I actually woke up before my alarm and went right online. I was able to score a couple more pieces and a couple of bags. too.

This was my first experience in social shopping, and I have to say, it was far more fun than Black Friday's waiting in line for some crazy-well-priced item. But it was also an inimitable view into the influence others have on a shopper's mindset. I don't think I've shared before that I was an undergrad Psychology student, and in my more recent classes for my MBA, I've been studying consumer behavior... so for me, it was very interesting to see how social shopping turned my "one bag, maybe one top" purchase plan into the following:

Yep, that's 3 tops, 2 dresses, one sweater, and 3 bags. Oops. At least they have a good return policy? There was so much excitement when a new product was launched that it was tough to not get sucked into the thrill.

Shout outs to Hallie and the other crazies awake with me late last night to hit the #PhillipLimforTarget collaboration. If you search the hashtag, you're sure to find many people who were awake and live-tweeting the sale.

So, fashion friends, what's next?

February covet list

Bows, studs, and lace: Rebecca Minkoff bag // Kate Spade dress // Gold lace cuff

Dainty details: Gorjana bar bracelet

Dual-fabric stunners: leather top dress // Anne Klein pumps

February's covet list is all about texture and girly things. This leather-and-crepe dress is one of my favorite finds lately, and the lace detail on the cuff is beautiful. February is a tough month in New England. Part of me wants to stay in the winter mindset with darker colors and heavier fabrics, and the other part of me wants to dive into the spring months, with sorbet-colored bags and bow-backed dresses.

cleaning out for a new season

Out with the old, and in with the new! While you're cleaning out your closet and getting ready for another Fall season of fabulous fashion, check out these two new sites which allow you to sell your clothing. They both make it super easy - tell them what it is you have, get a quote, and send it to them (and they pay the shipping). Klury accepts mostly luxury brands, and you can find items on there like this vintage beaded top and BCBG fringe top for around $50 each. They allow you to get a quote before you send them your items. Twice, on the other hand, accepts other brands, like Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, and The Limited (just to name a few), and you send them your items before they tell you what they're going to pay you. There, you can find dresses by laundry for around $30 (a steal!). I've sold to Klury, and I'm planning to also sell to Twice. So far, so good!

a bargain hunter's woes

If you're a bargain hunter like I am, you probably also get about 15 emails every morning at 11am from flash sale sites, offering colorful, fun items that you can't help but add to your shopping cart. This morning was one of those when I opened HauteLook's email, thought, "Okay, handbags- I'll check it out" - and immediately fell in love with one by designer Erica Anenberg. But, of course, what did I see? ....

Sigh. Guess I'll have to wait to get my hands on a blue satchel.

P.S. HauteLook "On Hold" button, my bank account thanks you.