Wow, it feels like forever since my last post! I would like to say I'll keep this short and sweet but for those of you who know me, you know that's not in my nature. I'm going to start off by saying that yet again, this will not be a food related post! I know and I'm kind of sorry but kind of not! I have received several gifts lately/bought some goodies for myself and I thought I would highlight some of my new favorite brands. Some have been on my radar for years while others have recently been brought to my attention by friends in the fashion/style realm. As most of my friends know, I am not a style maven. I may read Cosmo and Glamour and have a wicked Pinterest closet but when it comes down to it I would rather be in a Florida (Heat, Gators, Hurricanes, Dolphins, Panthers, or Marlins) shirt and jeans.
The first brand I have known about for quite some time but never took the time to really consider it. Fossil has had a store in Woodfield since I was in high school and I only went in to look at handbags. How could I have been so misguided? For our anniversary, I told my boyfriend I wanted a watch. I knew which one too; Michael Kors would be the only brand I would look at. I even went to two stores in the mall to be sure I had found the right one. The time came to buy the watch (the bf took me with for sizing so I could wear it right away) and I just couldn't make up my mind. After going to Macy's, Michael Kors, and then back to Macy's something didn't feel right. Of course as I was about to say "screw it and just get the Michael Kors" when my bf marveled at the Fossil watches in the next case. Of course I fell in love and had two Fossil watches and a Michael Kors out on the glass case trying to decide. I went back and forth numerous times and after 15 minutes wanted to go to the Fossil store to check out a larger selection. As soon as I walked into the Fossil store I was in love. Not only was the sales girl so helpful but I found the perfect watch and I was able to get a bracelet (perfect for stacking) for less than the price of a Michael Kors watch. My day was made and while we were at it, we got him a watch too! I am so happy with my watch and bracelet, both of which are of a higher quality than anything MK has put out and instead of a 2 year warranty, my bad boy has an 11 year warranty! Everyone knows that being one of the most accident prone people on this earth, I need that!
The finished product, less than the price of a Michael Kors watch and almost identical!
They designed this case just for me!
This picture doesn't do this rose gold bracelet justice. It's stunning
The next brand is a new one for me, Bridier Baubles. They have the most charming website and not too many items to overwhelm hesitant online shoppers. I am often indecisive when I only shop so only have 10-15 options keeps my anxiety at a minimum. I just happened upon their "under the sea" sale and snagged some items perfect for my Florida born self. The items were moderately priced and the shipping was free. I've been on a few other times and they are always having a flash sale of some kind with a different theme, I appreciate creativity. I haven't worn these pieces yet but I'm sure that when I do, I'll be getting loads of compliments. These pieces are unique without being too over the top for me. 
Adorable pieces going with a nautical theme! I love the charm bracelet especially!
This next pick comes from a restaurant so I guess I am kind of relating this back to food! On a recent trip to Cracker Barrel (come on who hasn't been there and noshed on some chicken and dumplings?) I was given an adorable owl mug. Owls are Chi Omega's mascot and few Chi Omegas graduate without some serious owl swag. I can never get enough but I am picky about pieces that I add to my already grand collection. This mug was too cute to pass up! The quality of it is great, it isn't some cheap piece of ceramic and I will actually use it for a strong cup of coffee or tea in the AM. It is Halloween themed but who cares? I'll use this all year round! I may even use it to hold some autumn colored flowers on my desk.
I go back and forth on this next one; Kohl's. See for me, shopping at Kohl's isn't fun. You have to wade through a lot of riffraff before something good comes along. I was given a $20 Kohl's cash that had to be used that day and hey, I can go in to any store and spend $20. I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, I had to wade through about 8 racks of clearance items and try on about 25 pieces before I settled on three that would eat up the $20 but I did get some interesting pieces out of it that I normally wouldn't have picked out for myself. The bottom line is, this store still needs help. The staff is often scatterbrain or too bored to care and a lot of the clothes are not great quality and are overpriced but if you are the in mood to sift through some junk, you can kind make some surprising finds.
I love this colors in this skirt! This shirt is perfect for layering
This dress is so comfortable with a unique pattern, couldn't pass it up.
And last but certainly not least, I am head over heals for See Designs. I actually won this tote bag ($78 tote bag) from a blog that I follow. I've been getting pretty lucky with these blog giveaways. This tote is called a circle tote (not because of the pattern). The bag has a round base and it is perfect for carrying just about anything in. I use it for work, for a quick weekend away, and for grocery shopping. It's a canvas bag so it is easily washed for when stuff spills or it gets a little rough around the edges.
