I’m very picky when it comes to my shoes - that’s why I don’t own many pairs. This past weekend, however, I decided to go on a mission for a pair of ballet flats (I’ve never owned any, do you believe it?!) and discovered a designer that manufactures shoes in exactly my style: Sam Edelman. I picked up tons of shoes to try on and the majority of them were made by this 5-year old company that I wish I’d discovered earlier. I not only found ballet flats, I also snagged some ankle strap sandals and some grey vintagey t-strap heels!

Shown above (L-R): Ilsa Round-toe Flats,  Gracie Ankle Tie Thong Sandal, Oceana Sandal, Sahara Sandal.

Sam Edelman somehow finds the perfect balance when combining glam details (metallics, bright colors, ankle straps, studs, bows, snakeskin) with natural accents (wooden buckles, button ornaments, stones, embroidery) on shoes that are actually COMFORTABLE. I’m such a fan of this style-merging technique because shoes that can dress an outfit up and down give their wearer the most bang for her buck. You’re going to love these shoes if you don’t already. Check out my top Sam Edelman picks here.

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.

Whoever came up with split expanders is a genius. I’m so glad that I am able to wear some of the most beautiful, hand-crafted, organic earrings I’ve ever seen without spending months to irreversibly stretch out my ear lobes to an unnaturally large size. Check some of my fave picks out on my Handmade Split Expander Earrings guide. I own a pair and there’s no way anyone can tell it’s not the real thing.

Quiz: Can you tell which are real expander earrings and which are split? (Answers below)

Split expander earrings create the illusion that you’re wearing one big fatty tapered (bone, wood, coconut, whatever) earring through an expanded lobe piercing but, in fact, you’re wearing two separate front and back pieces that connect together in your ear with a regular-sized steel earring post. If you want the look without the commitment, this is definitely the way to go. I’ve found some other very Pretty Stick Earrings (pictured below with split expanders) that also require no stretching of earlobes. Perf.

Aren’t they pretty?

[answers: a.stretch, b.split, c.split, d.stretch, e.stretch]

I really enjoyed shopping through the shabby-chic/beach/Zen products of VivaTerra today. I never really considered this type of home décor my style, per say, but after I shopped around for some eco-sensitive, handmade home and garden accents in honor of Spring, I think I may have changed my mind. The eco-friendly items I found today would blend easily into anyone’s home, room, or garden.

These natural-looking pieces are meant to stand out in a non-obtrusive way and together, they add up to create a peaceful, serene, comfortable atmosphere in your home that any guest would appreciate. See the Springtime Garden Eco Accents, VivaTerra Wall Décor, and Eco Friendly Table Décor buyer’s guides and shop around for yourself. You may find a unique piece that suites your style perfectly! I found several!