...And the winnner is...

Fashion Food Culture Life

Here's the winning entry:



You just won this fabulous handmade necklace, which I'll actually be making sometime this weekend for you! Congratulations!


Waterfall Bebe (click for details)

Thanks to everyone for playing - be sure to check back for next month's contest!

Fashionably Yours,
:) Diana

Golden Metallic Beauty Palette

There's something about makeup palettes...they're simple, fun, and usually pretty affordable. I dunno, but it seems like I've been eyeing every makeup palette that's come out by either Bobbi Brown or Benefit that's come out lately (read in the last 5 years). Anywho, if you're asking yourself "What kind of makeup should I buy for spring 2007?" then check out the super cute new color palette by Benefit, called "dallas palette":


dallas palette - Image from benefitcosmetics.com - click for details

With spring right around the corner, you can get a new spring/summer bling look with this all in one makeup palette, which features pinks and browns with a golden undertone. Not only do you get fabulous new makeup colors to update your look, you get mini brushes so your makeup can be no-fuss.

Products featured in the palette:
"CHARGE IT" & MILLION $ MOCHA EYE SHADOWS
"DADDY'S GIRL" & "RICH N' FAMOUS" LIP CREAMS
"DALLAS" POWDER

With this thin compact stuffed safely in your purse, touch ups will be a cinch!

First Entries Are Up

Ok lovelies! I've finally gotten all the entries up I have so far. Remember, I'm doing the drawing for the winner of a beautiful sterling silver and freshwater pearl, handmade by yours truly, tomorrow night - prolly around 9PMish. Get your entries in before then if you want to get in on the action.

Click here for details on the contest

Click here to see the entries so far
(if you've emailed me your entry but don't see it up, please let me know)

Good luck!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Not sure if the cold weather hit your area of not, but with the temps dropping in the Carolinas, I was hitting up my sweater box and digging out my bulkiest one this morning to pair with my fuzzy boots - a cotton waffle-knit top makes the look a bit "woodsy":



Beige/White Striped Waffle Long-sleeved top - Gap
Beige Wrap-Sweater - Brooks Brothers
Skinny Dark-wash Jeans - Guess
Fuzzy Boots - Banana Republic
Leather Purse - Banana Republic
Necklace - D Celestine Limited (click for details)

Hot Date Outfit

Tonight I had a hot date with some of my girlfriends, so I wanted to do a casual chic look (but more chic than casual), so I put this little number together. What do you think, darlings?



Green Cotton and Silk top - To the Max
Skinny Jeans - Guess
Metallic & Sparkly pumps - Charles David
Metallic bronze Clutch - I dunno
Vintage Lucite Earrings - Handmade by me (click for details)

Hot Tod's

Darn you, Tod's. Why do you torture me so?


Image and purse from eLuxury.com (click for details)

Is this purse sass or what?! This will be especially hot for spring with white still being such a hot color. This purse would surely make you the envy of every girl in the room. C'est chic, n'est-ce pas?

Fashion Friend Week Finale 1/26/07

Check out all the hotness going on in the blogosphere

Couture in the City blogs about Must Have Shoes by Isabella Fiore

Image and Shoes from eLuxury.com (click for details)

Shop Diary gives us the scoop on the latest Miu Miu S/S 2007 Ad Campaign

Kiss Me, Stace asks if Large Bags are In or Out and debates the health effects.

The Daily Obsession shows us some of her faves of the Derek Lam SP07 Bag Collection

Catwalk Queen gives us Winter Accessory advice via Shiny Fashion TV

SheFinds shows us how to get the celebrity Golden Globe look on a budget

Thanks for all the great posts, lovelies! Keep rockin your blogs!

Contest - What's In Your Closet

My regular shopaholic readers have probably noticed already that I didn't have a contest this month. That's b/c I couldn't get ahold of the featured designer for the month. Luckily, I happen to be a designer myself, so I'm going to give away one of my latest handmade creations. I just finished putting the final touches on this # and it's so hot off the work bench, I haven't even had the chance to add it to my web site - D Celestine Limited.

WIN THIS! IT'S HANDMADE BY MOI!


Silver freshwater pearls fall delicately within a hand-formed sterling silver loop on sterling silver chain. Necklace features a 2" extension chain. Elegance never looked so sweet.

The contest is simple. All of you have seen the posts, "What's In Your Bag?" with the popoularity of the "How Many Shoes Do You Have Post," what I'd like to know is "What's in Your Closet?" So, email me at ShopaholicD at gmail dot com your contest entries - up to 3 per person - of pictures of what's inside your closet.

Official Rules:
1. Picture must be an original taken by yourself
2. Entries must be received by Wednesday Jan 31st - this is when the winner will be selected
3. Include in your email any info you want to go w/ your entry - blog name, link, etc.

If your closet is messy and you're embarassed, just submit your entry anonymously...you still get the swag w/o the shame...lol...jk. The winner will not be selected on how clean their closet is or how well stocked it is...they are actually selected at random.

Click here to see my shoe rack in my closet - I'll post the rest later

Celebs at Fashionweek - a la Glam.com

While browsing the "Celebs at Fashionweek" story on Glam.com (click to view), there were a couple photos that totally caught my eye.

Is it just me or does Avril Lavigne look like "Punk Rock Barbie" here?

Avril Lavigne, Heather Graham, Christina Milian, and Petra Nemcova at the Diesel show at restaurant Cipriani in New York for Fashionweek 2007.

Jaime, if you're reading this, can I borrow this dress sometime, pretty pleeeaaaasseee?

Emmy Rossum, Erika Christensen, and Jaime King waiting for the Peter Som show to kick off at Fashionweek 2007.

See more Celebs at Fashionweek on Glam.com

My "It Bag"...I Wish

I found it! The perfect "Shopaholic D It Bag" for Spring 2007! You guys know turquoise is my color! While everyone else is out shopping for the cobalt/yellow look (more on that to come soon), I'll so be rocking this fab-oo tote by Tod's:


Tod's Miky Easy Media Bag - "only" $1,295.00

...and then I'll wake up...oh well...my blue Kenneth Cole is pretty cute...le sigh...

Pamper Yourself For Less Than $10

It's a "blah" time of the year for most people...the weather is cold and dreary, the holidays have just ended, and while you're sooo ready to break out your spring clothes (or is that just me?), you're stuck in wool sweaters and boots. Well, I can't help you with the weather, but I can offer some suggestions for way to pamper yourself, and better yet, pamper yourself on a budget! Yes ladies, you can be sweet to yourself for the price of lunch with so many fine indie goodies to choose from. Check these out:

Everyday Body Bar - $5.10

(image from mi-spa.com)
The Everyday Body Bar by mi-spa is currently on sale in one of their most popular scents - Green Tea. Handcrafted with natural and organic ingredients, this bar is sure to be a real treat for your skin. Click here for more info

5.5 oz. Container Soy Candle - $8.00

(image from sweetasyouplease.com)
I love nothing more than coming home to a sweet-smelling place, and I help ensure this by regularly burning candles - especially soy candles. Forget overpriced brand-name candles, the handmade soy candles by Sweet As You Please are awesome smelling and will leave your house as sweet as you want it to be. Get the 5.5 round soy candle in a variety of scents, including Blueberry Muffins and Ruby Reds. Click here for more details

VIP Deal - Save 15% off your initial order by entering "DIANA" in the comment section of checkout. I think the discount is taken off after the order is placed, so if you don't see the discount immediately, don't worry...Sweet As You Please will still hook you up!

Pack of 6 Bathbombs - $9.99

(image from inkristinesshower.bizhosting.com)
If you've never had the pleasure of experiencing a bath bomb, then before you do anything else, get yourself over to Kristine's Shower online ASAP! These brightly colored balls are the best way to end a stressful day. Simply fill a tub with steamy water and drop one of these bad boys in. The bombs fizz up and "explode" in the tub, releasing shea butter and coconut & palm oils to lavish you in moisturizing luxury. Click here for more details

Happy Indie Shopping!

Trend Alert - Metallics Are Hot for Spring 2007

You want it, you got it. The first response I got to my previous question/post was for a pair of metallic platforms on my shoe rack. I decided to do a group shot and went with "metallic shoes," since metallics are going to be so hot again this year (see my "Looks to Keep" post for more info)

My metallic shoes

(Left to Right)
Top 2 Sandals - Nine West Greek Style Sandals & Silver Flip Flops by Guess
Top Row - Bronze Ballet Flats by Banana Republic, Bronze Sparkly Pumps by Charles David, Bronze Platforms by Bongo, Gold Espadrille Wedges by Mikael Kors, Silver Espadrille Wedges with ankle ties by bebe
Bottom Row - Blue metallic pumps by Michael Kors, Cream Metallic pumps with Gold Trimm by BCBGirls, Silver Strappy Heels by Nine West


This one's for you The Daily Obsession

This was my attempt at buying cheap shoes...they're cute, but I haven't even worn them yet to figure out if I could walk in them for more than 5 minutes...not the most comfy pair of platforms in the world...yikes!

Anywho, can you tell I love my metallic shoe collection (and the style)? For you shopaholics out there as infatuated as I am with metallics, you can sleep at night knowing that you'll be wearing your fave metallic pumps for at least one more season...rock em while you can ladies!

My Shoe Collection

I got great reponse to my shoe closet post, and based on comments and emails, it seems a few of you guys just may be interested in seeing more of my shoe collection...soooooo....first person to post which of my shoes you want to see gets to pick which shoes I shoot for my next post. Let me know if you want to see peep toes or flats or wedges or strappy or whatever. Just leave a comment and I'll see what I can do.

:) D

Trend Alert - Bright Shoes, Bright Bags - Spring 2007

Ok, so I've listed this post under "Trend Alert," but who can ever really guess that for sure. However, what I do know is that I've decided to adopt the bright shoe/bag look for my personal style - I've actually been feeling this style for quite some time. Any long time readers will remember most of the following bright accessories in some past posts, but I've been really feelin the whole "bright pop of color" look to an otherwise neutral and simple outfit. I'm kind of a "classic style girl with a twist" so while I love my classic neutrals, I like to add a "twist" of color here and there. To fulfill this latest addiction, I've been secretly collecting as many brightly colored shoes and purses I can find...that I love, that is. I'm kinda picky about my shoes and purses, so this is difficult and my collection isn't too huge, but I do love each and every piece:

My brightly colored bags:

Michael Kors spring green tote
Pink-ish/Salmon Dooney and Burke monogram purse
Blue Kenneth Cole tote
Turquoise Max Studio oversized bag
Turquoise Coach monogram purse
Claire V Turquoise & Gray purse

My brightly colored shoes:

(These are a little bit harder to find, but I'm working on it)
Blue Michael Kors Heels
Turquoise Kenneth Cole Reaction flats with metal embellishments

I'm definitely seeing a trend here as far as my own personal style...apparently, I'm obsessed with turquoise and blue...but I'll let you in on a lil secret...I'm really hunting right now for the perfect pair of yellow pumps and maybe some fun patterned pumps in a medley of bright colors...yummy!

If Only It Were This Easy...

Fashion Friend Week Finale 1/19/07

My fashion friends help you get the red carpet look without the celebrity price tag...

Well Played, Jennifer Hudson, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Jennifer Hudson in satin Prada (source)

Newcomer Jennifer Hudson (Effie from Dreamgirls) gets major props from us for pulling off the devils' fabric, satin. Luxe as it is, even when you are waif thin like Kiera Knightly, satin can be a dangerous fabric to wear. Not only is this a flattering cut on Miss. Hudson, but it looks classy and polished as well. Well played!

Learn how to get the post look without the post pricetag on Couture in the City (click here)

SheFinds Goes Golden: She’s Bringing Ugly Back

Category: Best Ugly

Winner: America Ferrera (bet you didn’t see that one coming)

Why: Ugly never looked so good. Viewers fell instantly in love with America Ferrara’s poorly dressed, dumpy “Ugly Betty”, who of course is stuck with braces in her twenties, and rocks the four eyes nickname for all it’s worth. Her commitment to ugly was duly recognized on Monday night when she picked up, not one, but two Golden Globes. America won for best actress, and “Ugly Betty” won for best comedy. America’s deep indigo Brian Reyes dress left no doubt about how beautiful she really is.

Learn how to get the look on SheFinds.com (click here)

Preppy/Work Chic

There's something about button downs...it seems like when you wear them like you're supposed to (and by that I mean not ripped or tied up to show off your midriff) there's just something that screams preppy! I paired one of my work wardrobe must-haves - one of my non-iron Brooks Brothers button downs with red and pink stripes - with some dressy khakis, wool cardigan and brown boots.



It just doesn't get much better than this for a business casual work environment. Not only does it look professional...it's super comfy too! Btw, what do you think of my vintage cardigan...I think I got that in high school...would 10 years make something vintage? Probably not, but for this shopaholic...that is one vintage cardi!

Khakis - Gap
Non-iron button down - Brooks Brothers
"Vintage" cardigan - J Crew
3-strand freshwater pearl & Swarovski crystal Necklace - D Celestine (click for details)
currently sold out, but if you want one, I can order the materials ;)

Monday...err...Tuesday Poll - How Many Shoes Do You Have?

So, my co-worker asks me the other day, "How many pairs of shoes do you have?" I don't really think of myself as a big shoe person, though I have been making more of an effort lately to grow my shoe stash. So, when she asked me how many shoes I had, I thought...not thaaaaat many. I told her I didn't know, and counted them up after work that day...to my surprise, I have somehow accumulated 51 pairs. 51! How did this happen? I thought I had a nice simple shoe collection:



Oh yea...and then there's that new shoe storage solution I put up a couple months ago...


...and some boots that didn't quite fit the kit...


...and some new shoes here and there that haven't quite found a place to be stored...


Ok, ok! So I have a lot of shoes! Nothing wrong w/ that, right? So, I ask you fellow shopaholics...just how many pairs of shoes do you own?

I was thinking today was Monday when I thought up this poll b/c I had yesterday off, so sorry for the delayed post...I've been trying to keep my polls to Monday, but didn't want to wait till next week, so...vote on ladies!

How Many Pairs of Shoes Do You Have?
	1-10
	11-20
	21-50
	51-100
	101+
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Cooking Chic

Not only do I shop chic...I like to cook chic too! Check out the gourmet dessert I made on The Chic Life



Click here to see the story

Super Cute Summer Shoes

How cute are these shoes?! A steal at only $25 and a total necessity for anyone who'll be making trips outdoors to sunbathe this coming spring or summer 2007.

I'm sure we've all had the unforgettable experience of walking on too-hot beach sand or unwittingly stepping onto a sun-drenched pool surface...ouch! Where are cute flip flops when you need them? Sure, you could toss on your same ole' Rainbows, but how cliche are those now? Don't get me wrong...I still rock my Rainbows, but I wouldn't mind a more girly change. If you feel the same, then head on over to Oka b. to scope out their seriously adorable collection of summery flip flops. My fave are the Madisons in Flamingo/Green:


Madison by Oka b. (click for details)

You'll be the envy of your pool or even the whole beach with flip flops as adorable as these!

Fashion Friend Week Finale 1/12/07

Oops! I forgot to do my weekly blog summary...my bad! Here goes

Deep Cuts, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Sienna Miller - Source
Though Sienna Miller's days as an "It" girl are likely coming to an end (as is her signature "boho-chic" look), she's still making waves as a fashion headliner.
Read more at Couture in the City (click here)

Website Review: ChickAdvisor.com

What: ChickAdvisor.com
Why: Need to know what to wear on your first date, but all your girlfriends’ cell phones are sending you directly to voicemail? Looking to impress the hot new vegetarian at the office, but can’t find the good grub in your neighborhood? Finally psyched yourself into getting a bikini wax, but don’t know how to track down the best aesthetician?
Read More at SheFinds.com

Hot Handmade Belts for Spring!

I don't know about you, but even though I've seen very little winter weather, I'm still super ready for spring! Ahhh....sunny beaches, white sand, blue-green water, sun bathing, wearing skirts & flip flops...but I digress. If you're as ready for spring as I am, why not start shopping for spring 2007 worthy accessories? Check out the super hot, handmade belts over at Plays With Mud. Not only are the belts handmade, but designer Paula, who is also quite provicient with pottery, also handmakes the buckles for each and every belt design! My personal fave is Kelly Jean


Kelly Jean belt (click for details)

Plays With Mud offers a variety of bright & colorful fabrics to satisfy any girl's fave style. Click here to view more belt designs

Deal Alert - Extra 20% off BlueFly Shoes Today

For any late-night shoppers, hurry up and head over to BlueFly.com to save an extra 20% on all shoes. The deal only lasts till 6am 1/15, so get to shopping.

Any ladies lucky enough to be a 6 1/2 should strongly consider these fab Christian Louboutin heels.


Christian Louboutin yellow leather 'Seersocket' t-strap sandals (click for details)

With yellow being such a hot color for Spring 2007, you can get yourself a good deal and help may your shoe closet get geared for Spring 2007 trends. Aren't you a good multi-tasker?

Casual Chic

Here's basically what my outfit looked like yesterday...I had on different boots, but I think I prefer the look overall like this. I really love these freakin Via Spiga boots...I could almost wear them everyday...what a great investment!?

Anywho, I've been shopping the sale over at Banana Republic this week and got this fab dolman style sweater. I really wanted to buy this when I first saw it on the racks, but I don't really "need" any sweaters...especially not for $130ish dollars. So, I waited this style out, and got it this week for $40...not too shabby, eh?



Dolman Sweater - Banana Republic
Skinny Jeans - Guess
Boots - Forde slouch boots by Via Spiga
Jewelry - A handmade design by me - D Celestine Limited

The Perfect Shopaholic Notecard

While browsing my fave online boutiques, I found the perfect shopaholic notecards on The Glam Boutique's web shop:


Born to Shop Note cards - I love the fun boxes and bags!

For a mere $10, you get 10 notecards and envelopes AND you even get to personalize the card with your fave font (selected from their super huge list of sample fonts) and your fave color out of the roughly 20 available - from Baby Pink to Sweet Pea Green - not to mention you get to choose the personalization text on the card.

Click here to shop The Glam Boutique for more fabulous handmade stationery

Professional Chic

Yesterday, I saw The Devil Wears Prada for the first time. It was awesome! Loved the fashion, the clothes, the glamour, but I must say that I thought the boyfriend was being a jerk...she only had to work hard for one year to get in a better position to take on a job she really wanted. Some people spend half their life doing this, so what's one year?! Anyhow, I'm going off on a tangent now...Inspired by the movie, I plotted what fancy schmancy outfit I would wear with super tall stilettos...a pencil skirt with a belted cardigan? A work-dress?

But, when I woke up this morning in a groggy state, I kept eyeing my nice sweater collection and thinking, this would be cute and comfy with jeans and sneakers. No, can't wear sneakers...must wear stilettos...must try to look nice today. Stupid casual dress code...I mean, I love it, but it makes it so much harder to want to put a nice outfit together when you can wear jeans and sneakers to work!

Anywho, this is what I came up with:



It wouldn't cut it at Runway mag, but for my office, this is pretty darn dressy, not to mention, I did manage to work my Nike Technology Cole Haans into the look, which do have almost 4" heels. I wanted to wear a skirt today, really, but with the weather having just turned colder and me not liking to wear tights, it just wasn't going to happen. And, did I mention that I haven't been working out like I should so some of my bottoms aren't fitting like I want? That's never a good feeling, so why not just avoid that whole mess, right? At least I went to yoga tonight!

Red Tank Top - Banana Republic
Black 3/4 length sleeve turtleneck - Banana Republic
Pants - Jaidan
Shoes - Cole Haan

Oh, and I am planning to do a review on those Cole Haans soon, but I've only worn them 3 times and need to break them in!

Deal Alert - Extra 10% off BlueFly Today

Until 6:30 am 1/9/07, save an extra 10% off new arrivals - no coupon code necessary...the discount is already taken, and there are tons of great items just waiting for purchase. Take this lovely dress, for example:

This Betsey Johnson gold floral scalloped lace dress is just screaming to be purchased. I'm hearing the cries, but I'm already over my budget for shopping for January...besides, I already bought these tonight:

I remember seeing these BCBGirls black leather 'Macony' buckle boots on Fashmatch.com and falling in love at first site, so when I saw them tonight on BlueFly, I had to have them! And, if any of you out there have been paying attention to Fall 2007 style, you'd know that the "tough look" is going to be a strong look later this year, so I'm hoping these boots will be in this fall too!

Looks to Keep for Spring 2007 - Part 2

More fabulous looks you can keep on rockin'
(For the first 4 looks, see Looks to Keep for Spring 2007 - Part 1 - click here)

5. Peep Toes

Image & Shoes from Banana Republic - Smooth platform peep-toe pump
click for details
Get a classic pair of peep toes for a chic spring style - easily dresses up jeans or khakis and would be super cute with a khaki skirt. Any peep toe style will do - there are fab black night on the town peep toes, as well as, day time espadrille peep toes - enough options to please any gal's preference.

6. The Belt Around Waist Look

Image and Dress by Guess - Desert Palm Dress
(click for details)
It's not just for belts any more. Expect to see your favorite belt over top look with some new twists, including ribbons in place of belts. If you're on a budget, get some ribbon from a fabric store to get the look.

7. Metallics

Image and Top by Bluefly - Walter - champagne metallic lace blouse
(click for details)
I do so love my metallics...and I'm guessing designers and shops alike have been bitten by the same love bug b/c they are still going to be hot for spring 2007! Look at this adorable top I found on Bluefly...too cute! Expect to see lots more options on the racks this coming season!

Cole Haan - My New Love

Cole Haan is addictive...you get one shoe and you want them all! Most of you read that I got the TIVONA AIR SLING shoes by Cole Haan a couple weeks ago, and I'll be doing a review on those once I get some more wear out of them. But anywho, when I was in the Cole Haan store, I also had my eye on these babies:


CHARLIZE AIR PUMP (click for details)

These remind me a little of the platform Louboutins the celebs were wearing all spring/summer last year - the ones with the light colored bottoms. Either way, I think these shoes would be a fab addition to any girl's spring shoe collection for spring 2007. The color is actually a bit more red in person and would make a great colorful splash with all the neutrals the designers are working into their spring collections.

Fashion Friend - Couture in the City on New Years Resolution

Fashion friend, Couture in the City's Wendy O, writes:

The "Take Care of Me" New Years Resolution, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Britney Spears has recently been quoted by People magazine as making it her New Year's resolution to "Take Care of Me." Britney, we couldn't agree with you more!

We'll let your personal trainer/nutritionist/guru/spiritual guide or whatever help you on the inside, but LeFashionista's want to help Britter's on the outside as well!

May we suggest that you (and the ex-Mrs. Federline) take care of yourself with some fashionable swag from LeFashionista!

Every girl making a comeback needs a fab bag, like this one from Socoley:


Socoley Large Bubble Bag, $470.00

See more picks at Couture in the City (click here)

Preppy Chic - Thanks Hun!

My wonderful SO just happened to remember me trying on this Brooks Brothers arglye cashmere sweater a few weeks back and managed to get it for me just in time for Christmas...it's sooooo soft and comfy and I just love it to bits! I paired it with a non-iron Brooks Brothers button-down in light pink to take the preppy level up a notch. Toss on some Banana Republic jeans and Sperrys (b/c I wore heels all day yesterday), a pearl necklace and some diamond studs and I'm good to go.


How sweet of you to remember!?

My Weekend Project - Shabby Chic

How do you like my weekend project?

Shopping Spree

Oh dear, fellow shopaholics...I've been bad. I know you're supposed to pretty much stick to buying stuff for other people during the holidays, but I couldn't help myself:

It started off innocently enough...these shoes are Max Studio - retail $150 but only about $35 for me...not too shabby, eh?


Then things headed downhill when I stopped in Kenneth Cole...just to look, of course. Dangerous last words for a shopaholic...this purse is almost cobalt blue, which will be so hot for spring...it's a tad bit darker, but who cares? This purse was marked on sale and an additional 50% off the ticketed price...I couldn't pass


Then there was this sweater I saw in a store window that I just had to try on...doh! Stupid window shopping!


And the piece de resistance...this lovely pair of Cole Hahn's...I splurged on these for my holiday party...got these full price. But they were worth it b/c they have Nike technology built into the shoe structure. Nike technology, I tell you! Ok, maybe a silly purchase, but they are fab, no!? Mais oui!

Vote For Me on Glam.com!

Glam.com is having a little contest with their Glam network blogs, and I'd love to have my fave readers' help! Polls should open January 3rds, so please vote for me! :)