Weren’t floppy disks a cool invention? You could store tons of stuff on them and pop them out at the end of the day so you didn’t waste memory space on your precious computer. USB flash drives are the new floppy disks, except they’re smaller, cooler, and more portable.

They now come in tons of novelty shapes and sizes, because computer geeks like to have fun too. I think one of these puppies would make a cool gift for someone going away to college or someone who just purchased their first computer.

Pictured: An Owl USB Drive, USB Sports Shoe Drive, Sushi USB Drive.

Disney-Pixar’s Up is less than a month away from premiering (May 29th in Disney Digital 3-D)! If you liked Monster’s Inc., brace yourself: Up is directed by the same guy, Pete Docter. I have a feeling it’s going to be absolutely hilarious and completely darling. How could it not be? Duh, I’m obsessed with the characters already and, as you know, I’m always looking for an excuse to dress up. If you’re like me and/or you’re just super-excited for a new Pixar movie, you should check out my Dress Like Carl Fredricksen from Disney-Pixar’s UP shopping guide. This outfit’s great for opening night at the movies, Halloween, a Pixar theme party, or just for fun. Obviously, the main character is MALE, but the products in my guide are all women’s apparel and accessories (i.e. a pre-tied bow tie). It’s really cute, you’ll see.

See my other “Dress Like” guides at the links below. There’s definitely going to be more of these in the future! If you have any ideas for a fun character dress-up, let me know and I’ll shop for you!

Dress Like Coraline

Tim Burton-Esque

Robin Hood-Esque Fashion for Women

Country crooner, Sheryl Crow’s clothing line, Bootheel Trading Co., named after Missouri’s “boot heel” region where she was born, is all about casual, vintage comfort.

Shown (from left): Printed Tee, Vest, ‘Nashville’ Jeans, and Tunic Blouse.

It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll, just like Sheryl. When I first saw the garments in the line, I must admit, I wasn’t too impressed. When I saw that the clothes are eco-friendly and supes afforable, I took a closer look. I picked out a few pieces that seemed to represent the collection as a whole and added them to my Sheryl Crow Clothing Line buyer’s guide on Kazowie. The (stretch!) denim jeans have piping on the rear and cute back-pocket accents that are sure to make anyone’s gluteus maximus look bootylicious. I think this line defines casual summer chic and would look great with a piece or two of Lucky Brand Jewelry. Don’t you think?

Shown (from left): Bootheel Trading Co. ‘Missouri’ Jeans, Lucky Brand Jewelry: Peace Cuff, Carved Hoop Silver Earrings, Double Gold Chain Necklace, and Carved Gold Bangle.

For some of us, swimsuit season has already begun. For those who haven’t found the time yet to pick out a new suit to strut around in, I’ve done the work for you! I’ve been keeping an eye out for hot swimwear for the past couple of months and have complied a number of different buyer’s guides that I hope will help you choose your perfect suit for this summer!

Free People Swimsuits are natural, colorful, feminine, and boho-chic.
Retro Swimsuits are making a comeback. Highlight your figure in a one or two-piece vintage suit.
Basic Black Bikinis will never fail you! I promise!
One-piece Cutout Swimwear is sexy and sophisticated. Pile on sunscreen to avoid awkward tanlines!
Sexy Swimsuits come in all shapes and cuts, so you won’t want to overlook this shopper’s guide.

Shown (from left): Sailor Jane Nautical Swimsuit, Solar Orbit Bikini, Monokini by Sauvage, Cheetah by Sauvage, and Melissa Odabash Wood-Link Halter Bikini.

SHOP RAINBOW NOW!

I should take my own advice and spice up my majorly monotone wardrobe with some kaleidoscope-inspired pieces. If I truly believe the theory that color affects mood, I should probably quit wearing so much black and look into some more colorful clothing options. The rainbow-colored garments, jewelry, and accessories in my Add Some Rainbow buyer’s guide are the perfect solution for those looking to brighten up not only their wardrobes, but their attitudes as well!

Pictured (clockwise from left): Totes Jumbo Stripe Umbrella Rainbow, Carnival Print Strap Dress,  Beaded Wire Hoop Earrings, Longchamp ‘Xlight Imprime’ Vertical Nylon Tote, Braided Mosaic Bead Cuff.

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.” - Mark Twain

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I thought I’d do some preliminary shopping to find a cool and unique gift for my mom. Seeing as how shopping for Mom is not always easy, especially for the one who has everything, I put together a well-rounded list of little household goods, clothing, accessories and art.

Pick Your Mom Style:

Traditional Mom: The Mother’s Birthstone Necklace is something that you could go in on with siblings. Mom will love it and it solves the problem of siblings trying to out-do each other.

Young at Heart Mom: Since some Mom’s wouldn’t buy Uggs for themselves for fear of trying to seem too young, it might be a good idea to buy them for her. The Lo Pro Button Boot is a perfect way for Mom to have a pair that don’t look like everyone else’s Uggs.

Earthy Mom:The Heath Bud Vases , the Felted Wool Nesting Bowls , or the Urchin Bowls could be perfect for the natural mom.

Contemporary Mom: For the Mom who appreciates unique and interesting art pieces,  the Outline Vase, The Table Stories by Tord Boontje or the Flying Colors Print by Ann Tarentino are great little pieces to match Mom’s artsy personality

What’s your Mom Type??

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching (May 10th) and if you haven’t started brainstorming gift ideas, you should probably start soon! If you know your mom’s awesome, but don’t know what she wants or needs in terms of a gift, you can check out my Sweet Mother’s Day Gifts buyer’s guide, which contains some nice gifts (in a wide range of prices) that any mom would appreciate.

From left: Spa Stones Soap Set, Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia Cologne (don’t worry, it’s not man cologne!), Calico Juno Bracelet 09, Coral Pillar Candle Holders.

Just keep in mind your mom’s personal style and go from there. And remember, it’s the thought that counts, so don’t stress too much. Your mom will still love you no matter what you get her for Mother’s Day. . . She sorta has to.

Have a happy Mother’s Day!

SHOP FORNASETTI’S TEMA E VARIAZIONI NOW!

I came across Piero Fornasetti’s “Tema e Variazioni” (Theme and Variations) porcelain plate art series today. All of his plates feature the face of operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri, whose classically feminine mug he saw featured in a 19^th century magazine. The face plates in the collection number 350+, but the artist created a total of more than 500 variations of Lina’s Mona Lisa-like face using different types of media as well. His artwork is available for sale and I’ve featured a few bewitching pieces in my Theme and Variations Wall Plates buyer’s guide that you can adorn your walls with.

Plaid is not for everyone (plaid reminds me of my dad’s work shirts) but I love how many different kinds of plaid there are: tartan, gingham, argyle, madras. And depending on what colors and material, plaid pieces can have a completely different look and feel from one another. There is definitely a huge difference between a light, summery cotton plaid and a heavy wool plaid. I don’t think that plaid ever technically goes out of style, but it happens to be super hot at the moment and I’m pretty sure that its here to stay well into the fall.

Jump start your summer and pick up some TOMS Shoes* in a plethora of plaid slip-ons.

From Modcloth.com, comes a pretty little sleeveless number, The Rise Over Run Top and Urban Outfitters has quite a few cute summery pieces, including the Plaid Smocked Tube Top,  the Plaid Shirt Tie  Tunic and the Chambray and Plaid Tube Dress. Or from 80’s Purple, you can grab the sassy Roberta Oaks Georgie Dress. Check out some more hot Summer Plaid

*TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased. Get some!

I must admit that the idea of his and hers gifts is a little over the top, but they can be perfect for getting a good laugh at a wedding shower. Take for example, The Personalized Interlocking Initial Ceramic Mugs. Funny. Ha. Ha. Not necesarily something that a couple will cherish throughout their days together. Even the pic is cheesy.

I would go for something more along the lines of this His and Hers Lipstick and Moustache Coffee Mugs. Cute and quirky.

There’s also the option of having lifesized scales of the wedded couple-to-be made out of Legos by artist Nathan Sawaya.  All you do is send the artist detailed photos and measurements and he’ll go to town.

Check out some more quirky and fun His & Her’s gifts!