Currently Craving: April 2013

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In Washington, DC this week it has been hot, hot, hot! As in 85 degrees in April, hot. So as I sit in the sun, here are some trends I’m currently craving!

1. Calvin Klein Tank Stripe Maxi Dress, $99

2. Steve Madden Haywire Espadrille Wedge Sandals$79

3. Kate Spade New York Ladan Wedges$298

4. 7 For All Mankind Destroyed Denim Shirt$198

5. BaubleBar Maya Brenner States Pendant (in the shape of NY, of course!), $130

6. BaubleBar Mini Monogram Studs$120

What are you currently craving?

Vine: Instagram for Videos

Have you heard of the new app, Vine? It’s been popularly referred to as “instagram for videos” — and it’s the new hot app, especially in the fashion world. It was acquired by Twitter and was released in late January, and my favorite thing about it is getting a real-time, 6-second glimpse into the world of your favorite brands, celebrities, and icons (and friends!)

One of my absolute favorite brands, BaubleBar, has just launched a Vine contest in honor of their new stylist guide – and you could be the winner of a $100 gift card! (Yes, to BaubleBar. Yes, #dreamcometrue.)

Check out the rules below, and if you need some inspiration, here’s my submission!

 

Have you started using Vine yet? Follow me @staceyalevine, and tweet at me with your username so I can follow you too!

Strategy in Stilettos’ Holiday Gift Guide

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1. Rag & Bone shot glasses (set of 4): $19.99

2. Band of Outsiders “Best Friends” hats: $29.99

3. Jessica Simpson infinity scarf: $40

4. BaubleBar + Essie (customized set of 1 nail polish + 3 bracelets): $50

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1. Lindt Expressions Gift Box: $22

2. Harry & David Happy Creek Gift Box: $39.95

3. Joseph Altuzarra Cocktail Shaker: $50

4. The Original by Koostik iPhone Speakers: $95

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1. Omega Shaving Kit: $24

2. Brooklyn Brew Shop Beer Making Kit: $50

3. Ernest Alexander Dean Chocolate Wax Flask Set: $50

4. Beats by Dre Tour Earphones: $149.95

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1. Chalkboard Spice Jar: $10-12

2. Spotted Pavé Ball Stud Earrings: $18

3. Agloves Touch Screen Gloves: $19.99

4. Instawatch (Customized Instagram Watch): $44

What’s on your holiday wish list?

Cabernet + Sequins

Last night was my friend from high school’s 21st birthday, and since we’re all home for Thanksgiving, we got together for a Thanksgiving leftovers party and then headed out to a bar. As the only 20-year-old in the group, I got to be the designated driver. Which was cool. Really.

For the evening, I decided to rock some of my new favorite trends of the moment, which also happened to be some of my best Black Friday purchases.

Necklace: BaubleBar, Cardigan: BCBG MAXAZRIA, Corduroy Pants: Black Hearts, Boots: Steve Madden

For the makeup, I went with a little cream-colored shimmer on the eyes and liquid black liner, and a deep red lip.

Lately I’ve been very excited about two trends: sequins, and cabernet-colored anything. I’ve been looking around for the perfect pieces, and I think I’ve found them, though I’m always on the hunt for more.

What trends are you loving this fall?

A Little Pre-Holiday Shopping

One reason I love living on the east coast is because the seasons change, which allows me to choose a new favorite time of year each time the weather shifts. Summer is great because I see my high school friends and get to spend time in the greatest city in the world, NYC, of course. Fall is boots and scarves and crunchy leaves weather – enough said. But as much as I love all those experiences, in my mind there’s no happier time of year than the holiday season.

I won’t let me myself start listening to holiday music until after Thanksgiving, though. And while the three weeks between Halloween and Thanksgiving feel as if they drag on forever, I get through them the best way I know how: shopping.

It may seem crazy to shop for holiday gifts so early, but when you have so much time to choose the perfect gift, it allows you to stumble across gifts that are perfectly matched to your friends and family, rather than forcing it! I’ve already purchased gifts for 5 of my best friends because I came across things I knew they would love.

After Thanksgiving, I’ll post a holiday gift guide. But if you’re curious what’s going on my wish list this year, I’ve already found the first thing: BaubleBar + Essie Collaboration!

This might be my favorite BaubleBar collab to date, and that’s saying a lot. Basically, you start off by choosing one of 6 Essie nail polish shades + a coordinated bangle. Then you choose 2 additional bangles to add to the set. So 1 nail polish + 3 bangles = $50!

Here are a few combo sets I wouldn’t mind adding to my collection:

But my favorite combo? This one:

What nail polish + bracelet combo would you choose? Do you think it’s too early to start your holiday shopping? Let me know in the comments or by tweeting @staceyalevine!