It’s no secret I spend a little too much time “researching” for the blog (ie, overshopping on the www). But I do it because every so often, a true treasure crosses my path, and I just know the day’s toil was worthwhile. My latest treasure? Amy Sacks eyewear. I was introduced to them by a darling buddy of mine, and friends – this is a company you want to know about.

I’m a fan of glasses from way, way back. When I was a kid, I faked a bad eye test to get my first pair, but soon realized that wasn’t a great long-term strategy. In high school, I treated myself to a pair of faux-glasses – from Camp Beverly Hills, thank you very much. They were red, and I was in love…but my forward-thinking style hadn’t quite caught up with the mocking teen set, and they were retired to a drawer somewhere.

Sadly, my vision persists in being 20/20, so, no glasses for me. But when a doc recently suggested amber-tinted sunnies to help with some other vision issues, I could hardly wait to track down my first legitimately custom pair! Fortunately, Amy Sacks will make any pair you’d like into reading glasses, prescription eyeglasses or custom-tinted sunglasses, and they were sweet enough to invite me in to pick a pair for myself. Want to see?

{Get it? Frames with frames…}

These awesome Wayfarer-inspired frames are so much cooler than I had ever hoped for. First of all, they’re the first Wayfarer I’ve ever been able to wear. Amy Sacks has done something wonderful to the top arch, making them suddenly suitable for those of us who can’t wear those completely straight styles. In fact, I do believe they’d be flattering on absolutely everyone.

That said, the brand has about a zillion styles to choose from – all utterly flattering (I was amazed, in fact), completely unique, and perfect for you lucky four-eyed ladies. And they’re so darn sweet to work with! They let me try on styles to my heart’s content, offered advice, and when I finally settled on a pair, they actually ordered them in with two different lens colors so I could test them out. For all that selection, help and fantastic service, those sunnies (that are now my go-to pair) were only $85. Irresistible.

If you’re a Portland local, you can call and set up a time to stop by (tell them I said hello!), or find them at a few of my favorite boutiques in town. If you’re not, they have free shipping, free return shipping (they’ll even send you a bevy of frames to check out in person, and you can just send them back once you pick your favorite), and a lifetime warranty. Oh, and part of their proceeds go to save homeless puppies via the Pixie Project. How much more could you ask of your glasses?

Spring is such a tease here in the Pacific Northwest. The sun comes out, temperatures rise, and I get all excited about breaking out my spring dresses. The next day, the clouds reappear, and I’m relegated to rain boots again. I can’t handle the mind games!

Fortunately, I’ve found a bit of help to steer me through these rough sartorial waters: Grey tights!

I know, I know…not exactly a revelation. But I’ve been a black-tights-only girl for my entire adult life. Anything else felt too sheer, and somehow just wrong. But black tights don’t do a thing for a cheery spring dress, unless you’re trying to rock it in the depths of winter. Grey, on the other hand, is light and subtle. It blends in, takes a back seat, and lets your favorite florals, pastels or whatever other springtime frock you’re sporting take center stage.

{Images, clockwise from top left: iro iro MTV Style / Golestaneh / Stone in Boots}

See what I mean? The only catch is that the right grey tights are just as hard to track down as the perfect opaque black. Heathered shades add bulk (texture is almost never a good idea). Anything too opaque looks dowdy, and anything too sheer looks like, well, pantyhose. It took some exhaustive searches, but I tracked down the perfect pair: Philippe Matignon’s “Noblesse 50″ in Platino.

They’re the ultimate middle ground between opaque and sheer, which is perfect for this iffy season. No super-strong control top to weigh you down (or peek out underneath that super-short minidress), plenty of stretch to make these incredibly comfortable to wear all day, and the shade of grey is dark enough to provide all the slimming benefits of black. I’ve been wearing them nonstop all month. In fact, I think it’s time to order a second pair.

Of course, if it’s already mid-summer where you are…well, don’t tell me. But order these anyway – you’ll be wishing for them in September.

It’s Friday and it’s a holiday weekend…is there anything better? I’m off to spend a few days with my family, so forgive me if I take a little extra time off next week. For now, I’ll leave you with enough goodies to keep you sated until I’m back.

First up, a winner for that wildly popular kate spade new york contest! You ladies love your bedding, that’s for sure. I’m always so thrilled when one of our giveaways is a hit like this, so thanks for that. Our winner is lucky number 7, Emily, who won with her Twitter entry @emma621. Congratulations, Emily!

Now, on to more pressing business. Like jewelry. Pretty, delicate, utterly-perfect-for-spring jewelry, to be precise. Amy Wing’s spring collection has me in palpitations, and not just because she’s a dear friend (and because her stunning lookbook was styled by our inimitable Trends Columnist). Particularly this Tiny Blossom lariat, which I’m envisioning as the perfect finishing touch for everything I want to wear all summer.

You may very well fall over when I show you this next find. It’s from Payless Shoes (I nearly fell over just typing that). But hey, even the bargain bins get it right sometimes, and this sweet strappy sandal is spot-on for summer. I love the grosgrain detail, the color-blocking, the woven wicker edging on the wedge (and a very reasonable 2″ wedge it is, by the way). In short, a very excellent summer shoe…for $39.

Remember those Athena Procopiou scarves with which I’ve been utterly obsessed this spring? Well, guess who has two thumbs and found one for half off? Yep…this guy! Best of all, I didn’t snag the only one for myself…get thee to Anthropologie stat, and nab yourself this beautiful thing, which is even more bold, bright and statement-making in person.

I’ve been seriously tempted by these Tribeca pants at StyleMint for the last few weeks, but was convinced I couldn’t pull them off as anything other than sweats. Then, I went to the hairdresser yesterday, and my stylist was wearing the cutest version of sweats ever: a black version of these pants, a cropped, elbow-length sweatshirt, and black suede ankle booties. Her hair was in a perfectly messy side braid, and the whole thing was so fantastic, I was distracted into getting my hair chopped about 3 inches shorter than I was expecting. If you’re feeling brave, this just may be worth a try.

Last but not least, I thought I’d start showing you my favorite thing I’ve pinned on Pinterest each week. Are you pinning yet? I’m itching to bust out a certain perfect black pencil skirt I bought last month, but it’s been too cold. This look might just be the solution!

{via Models Off Duty}

Have a fantastic holiday weekend, friends…don’t forget to splurge on a frosted sugar cookie (or two)!

It’s not every day that a friend this near and dear to my heart celebrates a milestone this big. That’s right, Tiffany & Co. – my first luxury love – is celebrating its 175th birthday this year.

I remember my first Tiffany purchase like it was yesterday – it was right after I’d been admitted to law school, and I knew the best way to show everyone I’d made it was to strut around campus with a Tiffany & Co. silver keychain. So, when my BFF and I planned a trip to San Francisco, we made a beeline for the flagship store in Union Square. I was trying so hard to play it cool, but as I left that store with my little blue box, I was positively floating. Tiffany has that effect on people.

Just as you’d expect, Tiffany has cooked up something pretty special to celebrate their birthday. They could have designed a new piece, maybe even a small collection of special pieces. But no…this is Tiffany. Go big or go home.

So, they created a new metal. A new metal. Who but Tiffany could pull that off? It’s called Rubedo, and it’s a stunner. A blend of yellow gold, silver and copper – think rose gold, but with more of a warm copper sheen to it. Since my love of rose gold is well-documented, you know I’m already in love. Add the Tiffany tag, and it’s bordering on obsession.

The Rubedo pieces are a permanent part of the Tiffany collection now, but these special pieces that have the founder’s signature on them will only be available for 2012 – and heaven knows, I’m all about the limited edition. Plus, these aren’t at all unattainable – prices start at $200, which is downright reasonable by Tiffany’s standards.

It’s a nearly impossible choice, really. A bangle is a classic, and I know I’d wear those bar earrings nonstop. But I’m sorely tempted to splurge on the classic Tiffany padlock, which you could wear as a pendant, add to a keychain, or even use it to update that silver Tiffany charm bracelet you got from your first boyfriend, but never had the heart to throw out.

{Editor’s Note: A big welcome back to our intrepid Trends Columnist, Ms. Kimberly Brandt! I have always wanted to be that girl that could effortlessly wear a head scarf, but have known in my heart it just wasn’t my look. Kim, as usual, is making me rethink that. Perhaps I’ll dust off one of my vintage silk scarves this weekend…}

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Head scarves are all over the place right now.  There are about a million different ways to rock them, and I’m telling you, just about anyone can pull one off.  Seriously.  It’s really the perfect accessory to throw on while on vacation or after a yoga class.  They are fun, and a tiny bit flirty, but hide messy hair.  What more could a girl ask for?  Keep in mind this trend has been around off and on since the 30′s, so you’re not reinventing the wheel…just upping your style ante a bit.

Personally, my favorite way to wear a head scarf is like a super-wide headband with an off center bow or knot.  The trick to pulling this look off is to have a lot of hair.  Seriously.  The bigger and messier, the better.  I like to leave mine tousled and wavy (sometimes I don’t even brush it!), or piled on top of my head in a messy bun.  No fear if you don’t have a lot of hair!!  We have options for you too!

{Image credits: Valentine / Keiko / ban.do / molto}

If you’re more daring, the classic turban is a perfect way to hide away all of your hair.  This is a great option for those of you with a short ‘do.  Since I have just the opposite issue (too much hair!) I like to twist in the turban and then braid my hair loosely and pull it to the side.  100 Layer Cake and Framboise Fashion both have great tutorials on how to tie up one of these on your own!

{Image credits: Urban Outfitters / Hanneli / /Karla’s Closet / Karen Walker}

Or maybe, if you’re like me, and a bit clumsy with all the twisting and knotting it takes to create a turban, you can cheat a little, and opt for one of these easy knitted pieces.

Free People/Late Afternoon/ASOS

A few final tips to get you on the road to this trend:

• Keep the hair messy.  Pretty, but messy – looking too “done” kills the spontaneity of this style.
• Keep the outfit easy and breezy.  Lots of attention is going straight to your head (err, literally) so keep everything else simple.
• If you have bangs or shorter hair, pull a few pieces in front of the scarf.  If not, pull the scarf down low, so it hits just a bit above the brow line.
• And above all, don’t overthink it!  A little imperfection never hurt anyone, and a too-perfect scarf just doesn’t work.

Happy scarf-tying!!  ~ Kim B.

Friends, I met the sweetest Portland designer the other day: Ruthie Crawford, of Harlow Jewelry. Even before I saw her designs, I knew I had to introduce you…she’s an absolute doll, who truly adores what she does. Fortunately, her gems happen to be stylish, elegant, and ridiculously reasonable too. I could hardly wait to fill you in!

For me, these pieces just scream “work appropriate” – something not all jewelry can do. Every last one has this fantastically delicate, vintage vibe that makes them perfect for the office, but they’re still stylish enough to be taken out on the town.

I was lucky enough to indulge in a little shopping spree while I visited, and well…let’s just say my gifting needs are handled for the year. Oh, and did I mention her pricing? Honestly…I was working hard looking at her website this morning, and couldn’t find a single piece over $100. Including the pieces piled high with massive stones. I have no idea how she does it.

Check out all of Harlow Jewelry’s goodies on their website…but be warned: mass buying is likely to ensue.

I came across Athena Procopiou‘s incredible scarves in one of my (too) many fashion mags earlier this year, and I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since. You know I love a good scarf, friends, but these? It’s almost too much beauty to take.

Athena’s modern, ethereal designs have a bold, graphic quality that I just can’t get enough of. I’ve loved all of her collections, but her latest, Frida, is inspired by all of the beautiful, swirling colors of southern Spain – think flamenco dancers and Feria. They’re all made of a supersoft modal/cashmere blend, so they’re light as a feather, but still cozy and enveloping. Obsessed doesn’t begin to cover it. I’m dreaming of these scarves day and night, and counting the days until I can make one mine.

If you’re feeling flush, head to Net-a-Porter, Liberty of London or even Anthropologie (where, gasp, I just spotted one on sale!) to check out your options.

Friends, I’ve missed our Friday Finds fun, so I’m resurrecting it today. Which means I’m pre-empting Kim’s usual spot…so you’ll see her here on Monday instead. Rude, I know. Forgive me?

Every year when Fashion Week (or NYFW, as it’s called in the biz) rolls around, I get excited to see what’s in store. But mostly, I get incredibly jealous that I’m not there. Because, you know, the only thing standing between me and a front row seat at Marc Jacobs, Rachel Comey and Proenza Schouler is a plane ticket and a hotel room.

Since (sniff!) I’m not there, I thought I’d daydream a little about what I’d pack for my fantasy NYFW experience.

First, I’m going to need an amazing carry-on. This new tote from Hayden-Harnett stole my heart the moment I spotted it last week, and hasn’t let go. Navy and black used to scare me, but now it’s one of my favorite color combos – and this crazy-practical version happens to be reversible! Fashion Week or not, I may need this as a consolation prize.

Menswear flats are everywhere right now, and I’ve been dying to splurge on a pair of Dieppa Restrepo loafers. This metallic tasseled version would be just the thing to get Bill Cunningham to snap my pic, as I stylishly leap from one cab to another.

Of course, I’m going to need some pretty amazing apparel to compete with all of my cohorts on the front row. Fortunately, Lauren Santo Domingo has nothing on me. Sure, I could go with the obvious and dress in the designer whose show I’m seeing, but it’s infinitely cooler to show up in a piece from a up-and-coming label. This Jasper jacket from Veda isn’t available until next month, but I’m sure I could pull some strings and pick one up early, just like all the celebs do. It’s easy, right?

And really, it’s time to admit that those printed pants I’ve been coveting are totally necessary – at NYFW, it’s all about trends, after all. These from Derek Lam have been in every fashion magazine this season, so they’re sure to pave my way to success. Or, I could go the “understated chic French” route and opt for these Vanessa Bruno cropped silk trousers instead. I do love that colorblocking!

To go along with all this edgy apparel, I’ll need a little something extraordinary in the jewelry department. Yes, I’m thinking a piece from Iosselliani is just the thing to help me bump up the style quotient of my everyday attire. Add a white tee, leather jacket and a great boot, and really, I’m ready for just about anything.

Finally, I’m going to need an amazing bag to carry to all of these events. I’d be nothing at NYFW without at least one piece of Proenza to my name, but absolutely everyone will be toting the ubiquitous PS1. Instead, I’ll opt for this neon yellow clutch (which I’ll wear, ever so coolly, crossbody by day). This bag alone is sure to get me into Anna Wintour’s most exclusive fete.

Phew! I’m exhausted, friends. All that wistful shopping was too much….I think I need a nap. Especially since I’ll be heading to all those after-parties this week. Have an amazing weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week!

I spotted these beautiful watches in the February issue of Lucky, and have been obsessing ever since.

These are by Unearthen (their entire site has some fantastically edgy pieces), and I particularly love that each piece is one of a kind – I think they start out as vintage specimens. As always, the rose gold is my favorite, but they’re all beautiful, and perfectly nail that pretty/edgy balance I’m always striving for. I love my menswear watch for everyday wear (it was actually my grandfather’s, so it gets bonus points for sentimentality), but this would make such a fantastic counterpoint, particularly for dressier days.

If you love it too, you can score 35% off (taking it from $500 to $325) with code LUCKY7 (which I’ll probably get in trouble for telling you, but hey, it’s called good journalism, people).

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since starting this blog (longer ago than I care to mention) is that it may be the clothes that make the man, but it’s the accessories that make the outfit.

Think of it this way: take a classic white shirt and a pair of straight-leg jeans. Add a pearl necklace and a patent skinny belt, and you’re one person. Change it up for a big, bright statement necklace and a rock-and-roll ankle boot, and you’re entirely another. Add nothing at all, and you’re….well, unless you’re Kate Middleton, you’re blahs-ville.

Doing my usual obsessive online browsing sale shopping yesterday, I came across so many gorgeous accessories on amazing sales (DANNIJO on sale? Never!), I could hardly believe my luck. Since I can’t buy them all, I’m having a little virtual shopping spree with you…hoping some of you will reap the rewards.

And then there’s the matter of the Epice scarves I found marked way, way down at Yoox, a phenomenon so extraordinary, it almost certainly deserves its own post. This is probably less fantasy and more reality, as I let this pretty one on the left out of my clutches a year ago, and have regretted it ever since.