Welcome to the weekend, friends! I fully planned on taking today off (really, it’s the last week of August…are any of us paying attention right now anyway?), but there was just too much to tell you.

First up, I’m on a boat! I’m in a book! I know, can you believe it? Me neither. But the amazing ladies at CRAVE deemed me worthy, so there I am. I went to the (extremely chic) launch party last night, and saw the book for the first time – it’s a stunner. If you live in Portland, want to visit Portland, or just want to know about a bevy of amazingly talented women who live here (plus me), check out their website to snag a copy.

I’m having a pretty serious Chanel affliction at present (wait…when am I not?). I’m a little late to the game showing you these pre-Fall ads from the house (pre-fall is so July, you know), but I can’t resist. It’s one of my favorite collections of all time – every model looks like a Russian princess. More of these beauties over at my Pinterest page…come visit!

In other very exciting news, Loeffler Randall is on MyHabit today. What else can I possibly say about that, except go…go now.

Speaking of deals, I spotted one of my favorite albums of the summer on Amazon’s $5 list today. If you don’t know Ellie Goulding yet, buy this – something tells me you’ll love it. And maybe Madonna’s Like A Prayer, if you’re one of the six people on the planet (besides me) that doesn’t own it.

That’s it, friends. I hope you have a fantastic weekend in store. I’m taking a train ride with the hubs, my BFF and her adorable son – can’t wait to see his little face get all excited! And, I’ll be playing around with some beads I bought on Etsy last week during a random crafty spree. I’m hoping to build a little something like this or this…I’ll keep you posted.

What do you have planned?

Happy Friday, friends! Are you relishing these last few summer weekends? I’ve been woefully neglectful of my barbecue, which I’m hoping to remedy this weekend. Also, we finally have a backyard that’s habitable, and I can hardly wait to bust out our patio set. Here’s hoping we get a few more rain-free weekends to put them to good use.

And, with that, on to this week’s Finds!

First, I have to tell you about the two beauty products that have been saving me this summer. I didn’t quite realize their collective power until I spent a weekend at the beach, and had not even a trace of a sunburn on my alabaster (well, pale, at any rate) skin. Honestly. No sunglasses tan lines, no new freckles…nothing. Considering how much my hair bleached out over those two days, I think that’s pretty impressive. So, first, props to DDF Weightless Defense UV Moisturizer SPF 45 (wow, that’s a mouthful).

Yes, it smells like sunscreen – but only for a second when you first put it on. No, it didn’t make me break out, not even a little. Not even when I first switched over. That, friends, is impressive. If you have sun in your future, switch to this immediately.

Second, Sue Devitt’s SpaComplexion tinted moisturizer with “hydrating marine minerals”. I’ve actually had this on hand to try for a few months, but my skin was still too pasty pale from the winter. (Yes, their lightest shade was still too dark for me. Don’t judge.) But my skin finally colored just enough for me to start using this about a month ago (before I’d switched to the mighty DDF sunscreen, mind you), and I’m completely infatuated. It looks and feels like there’s nothing there at all (so you can claim that “no makeup” look), and does a masterful job of glossing over the bad, and generally evening out my skin tone. And again, no breakouts…unlike the 4 other tinted moisturizers I tested.

But enough about my trip, right? This has been a huge jewelry week for me – possibly because I’ve had samples from some of my favorite designers lying around my house all week. Sadly, they have to go back. But in their place, I’m thinking very seriously about some new little bauble for myself. This stunner of a statement necklace from DANNIJO is unbelievable. Cocktail dress? Sure. But just picture this with a grey tee and cutoff shorts. The design is exclusive to my friends at Charm & Chain, which makes me want it even more! I do love a little exclusivity.

And speaking of jewels, Lulu Frost’s collection for J.Crew just debuted. Isn’t it pretty?

It’s possible I’ve been reading too much of The American Heiress (fantastic guilty summer read, by the way), as I’m clearly craving an awful lot of sparkle these days. Speaking of, have you seen all the gorgeous mirrored and sparkly shoes at Topshop right now? They remind me of a grown-up version of Dorothy’s ruby slippers. I’m envisioning them with jewel-toned tights and a great 1940s-inspired dress…unbelievable!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend in store, friends – as for me, I have a huge pile of SEPTEMBER ISSUES staring me down. Best time of the year! I can’t wait to curl up at Peets with my trusty cappuccino and dig in. What do you have planned?

Happy Friday, friends? I know you’re ready for the weekend…but how many of you got up early (or stayed up late) to shop the Anniversary Sale this morning? Sadly, I had a very tragic (and upsetting) experience pre-ordering my beloved St. John wrap dress, but I’m happy to report it was still available online this morning, so I circumvented my salesperson and nabbed double points in the process. That’ll show ‘em.

Digressions, they plague me…

To get you started for the weekend, a few things that have been making me happy this week:

Summer is always the time of year when I want bright, colorful jewelry, but something that’s still light and easy to wear. I spotted this utterly charming necklace from Nicola Yoon, and have been imagining it with different outfits ever since. It reminds me quite a bit of my beloved Marco Bicego, but not so much as to be upsetting. And it’s about 1/10 the price. Hard to beat that!

I cannot stop thinking about this beautiful Blaise loafer from Loeffler Randall. Every so often, designer Jessie Randall concocts a delight that completely takes over my brain. This is one of those times. Ikat calf hair? Yes, yes, I think so. Now if only it’d go on sale.

I’m having a big jewelry week, apparently. Isn’t this piece from Taylor Kenney wonderful? So unique and eye-catching, but simple and easy to wear. And you know how I love me some druzy action.

And last but not least, I recently made a bargain beauty discovery, and since those are pretty rare in these parts, I had to share. Yes to Carrots! It’s wonderful. I’m particularly smitten with their Intense Repair Body Lotion which has a not-at-all unappealing (and extremely mild) herbal scent, goes on much lighter than my Eucerin standby, absorbs faster and works as well. Oh, and it’s $9.99 at your neighborhood Target. Score!

Now it’s time for a little Friday Finds action from you, my friends. What did you score at the Anniversary Sale? Anything finds you’re especially excited about? I’m dying to know!

Happy Friday, friends! As always, I hope you have fantastic weekend plans. Me, I’m going to an ice cream churn-a-ment this afternoon, and then I have a hot date to see “Bad Teacher.” So, we’re starting it off right!

Before we get going with this week’s list, can I ask you a quick favor? My little Shopping’s My Cardio Facebook page needs you…come on over and be my friend, won’t you? We can, like, throw a kegger or something.

And now, business aside…time for our usual Friday eye candy!

What do you think of clogs? I can’t quite make up my mind…but there is something about this particular style of Swedish Hasbeens that I love. The strappy-ness (yes, I just made up a word) does a lot to balance out the heft of the sole, and they look mighty comfy. The balance of that is that they’re not cheap…but I’m told these things last forever.

This print by Julien Pacaud has been open on my desktop all week. I can’t explain the love, but it’s there…it’s like some fictional land I’d very much like to visit. I should really just buy it already.

I am trying so hard to convince myself I could pull off these Rachel Comey zigzag pants. Think you could do it?

Speaking of zigzag (I’m a little more than obsessed these days), I got a little tip this morning that John Robshaw is having a 40% off sale for the next week. I’m annoyed that my quilt from them has rapidly deteriorated (I really need to email them about that), but that doesn’t stop me from wanting this delicious robe. On sale, it’s $57, and Robshaw’s cotton is definitely something I want to be swathed in for as long as possible.

And, okay, one (two) more zigzags…I can’t resist. You won’t be able to either when you see this stunning wallet and crossbody bag (originally spotted by the beautiful Joy) from Deep Dark Africa. I’m so head over heels, there are no words. While you’re there, check out the rest of the site…there are a bevy of world-traveled beauties you won’t be able to live without.

Are you feeling the zigzag love like I am this year?

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone…see you back here next week!

Well, this is exciting. I got a hot tip over the weekend that the first preview catalog for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale had gone out to the VVIP customers, and I nabbed a sneak peek!

First, a little down-and-dirty on what’s happening with the sale this year. The official start date is July 15, but pre-sale shopping begins July 5. The pre-sale shopping option that’s typically been open to Nordstrom cardholders and other VIP customers is now only open to cardholders, allegedly. This means that no matter how much your salesperson loves you, they can’t let you pre-shop without a Nordstrom card. But, the upside, according to my sources, is that you get to take your goods home with you the day you shop, instead of having to head back to the store on opening day to pick up your pre-sale goods.

So, with that done, how about a little peek at my picks from the sale?

First up, shoes – since I know you’re all shoe nuts like me. Not much in the way of heels and flats, but there are some good boots to choose from.

Far right: Frye “Melissa” button-back boot, $219

Far right: Via Spiga “Kacey” riding boot, $259

Tory Burch riding boot, $299

The coats are really lacking this season…Nordstrom seems to have abandoned coats for capes, which is unfortunate, as they’re hard to wear – both literally and figuratively. But, if you must cape, there is one style I actually love – it has enough tailoring to keep the look clean and easily wearable:

Right: Helene Berman wool cape, $165

This Mackage coat is the other winner from the catalog. It’s still not something I’d love enough to nab, but the clean tailoring is nice, as is the leather detail at the sleeves. I do have a feeling this one’s going to be popular…so you’ll be seeing it out and about.

Mackage “Tessa” wool-blend coat with knit & leather trim, $389

As for the rest of the apparel, there are the usual suspects: a few highly-identifiable, under-$100 picks that everyone will be snatching up…and then a few special pieces that are worth a second look.

That Halogen pencil skirt on the first three models comes in 6 colors and is $45, so expect to see it on everyone in your office come August. The little cuffed ankle pant on the far right is by Amber Sun, and is also $45. I’m cautiously optimistic about the pants – they’re cute on the model, but atrocious in another image I saw, so it could definitely go either way.

Left 3: Halogen seamed pencil skirt, $45; Right: Amber Sun “Aubrey” pant, $45.

And, a few standout pieces that are perfect for giving your fall closet a little kick-start:

McGinn “Elizabeth” tweed jacket, $229

This silk blouse by Joie is one of maybe three pieces I’ll actually be nabbing from the sale. I love the bright teal, and it’s a perfect tunic shape, so you can easily dress it up or down. It’s hard to imagine beneath that fugly chunky knit vest, I realize…but try.

Joie “Marlo” blouse, in peacock, beige or grey, $145

If you’re not quite over the faux-fur trend, this Trina Turk cardigan is a great way to give it a try. While the photo doesn’t really provide much help, it’s a long, wrap-style cardigan, and the fur collar is removable. So, when you’re ready to retire the trend, you still have a classic camel cashmere cardigan in your closet.

Trina Turk “Deville” cardigan, $198

There’s always one killer splurge in the sale. Last year, it was a classic Burberry trench. This year, it’s this black faux-wrap dress by St. John. It’s a classic long-sleeved wrap cut (without the wardrobe malfunction potential), and it will be in your closet forever, making it a bargain by any standard.

St. John faux-wrap dress, $399

(Love those shoes she’s wearing too, by the way…Michael by Michael Kors, $99, but they have a 5-inch heel.)

Last but certainly not least, a few accessories to tie all this fun together. There are two big “splurge” bags this year – one by Chloe, which I thought was boring, and this one by Marc Jacobs. It’s hard not to love that pink, which is actually a bit more mauve in other photos.

Marc Jacobs “Karlie” shoulder bag, $866

And on the more reasonable end of the spectrum, I found myself quite liking the bag on the top left, below. The brand is “Roccatella,” which meant nothing to me until I saw it was a new diffusion line from Be&D, which makes amazing bags.  I also love the Rebecca Minkoff bag in the bottom right image, though I’ve found the quality on RM bags a bit spotty lately. Love the ostrich-embossed leather, though, and it comes in 3 colors.

Top left: Roccatella by Be&D “Jane” belted leather satchel, $264; Bottom right: Rebecca Minkoff “Covet” flap bag, $282.

And my bracelet obsession continues with these options from Ippolita and Lagos. The Ippolita styles are the bangles in the center with the solid-set semi-precious stones, and the Lagos is that rope-style silver bracelet with the diamond X in the center.

Center: Ippolita bangles, set of 3, $394; Bottom, far right: Lagos Caviar X Diamond bracelet, $299.

That’s it, friends! Of course, if you see something else in these images that you’re dying for details on, just leave a comment, and I’ll give you all the info I can. In the meantime, give your favorite salesperson a call, and get a pre-shop date scheduled!

It’s a Pavlovian mystery of the fashion world, but as soon as summer clothes hit the racks, I start getting ready for fall. It doesn’t help that fashion shows and previews happen six months early, but really, fall is my favorite season for clothes, so…any excuse will do.

As you know, my love affair with Loeffler Randall is strong and deep, and will last a lifetime. But, friends, LR’s Fall 2011 collection is the equivalent of a 9-carat diamond bracelet…it’s making me fall in love all over again.  Seriously, it’s their best collection in ages, and definitely one of my all-time favorites.  The husband is going to have to freeze my credit cards in a block of ice, I fear.

And so, a little eye candy to get you dreaming of (and budgeting for) September:

Sigh. A closet filled with every one of these beauties is so my happy place right now.

Happy Friday, friends!  This week’s list has a definite theme, though I’m not totally ready to examine what it says about me. All of the spring shoes I’m loving lately have just the tiniest touch of granny chic. Sure, maybe I’m getting sensible in my old age (and really, doesn’t a nice moderate heel and an orthopedic comfy footbed sound really, really good right about now?), but I could also be way ahead of the fashion curve. Regardless, I’m pretty sure these just might be adorable.

I actually tried out this cute little Tova style by Naya recently. I was nervous…they definitely walk the “hippie crunchy” line, but they’re so fun in person, I’m willing to forgive them. The pale pink/lavender shade is a surprising neutral – makes a great stand-in for nude, and is ultra-flattering even if you aren’t tan ever yet. There’s enough substance to this strappy style to stand up to being worn with jeans, but the heel’s short enough that you can pull these off with shorts (without looking like a streetwalker). And ohhh, the comfy. Seriously…wearing a shoe like this reminds that maybe the hippie crowd has a point. Maybe.

Frye never lets me down…they hit it out of the park every single time. This sweet little Emma woven flat reminds me of those huarache sandals I used to wear when I was young. They come in a rainbow of fruit flavors colors, but my favorite is this red. It’s more brick than cherry in person, which tones it down just enough to make it work with, well, everything. Plus, they’re a great option for those of you who can’t wear sandals to work (or who are just in dire need of a pedicure). A little tip: I’d go down at least a half size on these.

And now we get to the really scary part. The part where I tell you that I’m pretty sure the next shoe I buy this season will be from Kork-Ease. But look how cute!

Right? I also quite like the pale grey version. And I’m sorry, but they look an awful lot like the K.Jacques I’ve been wanting for two years, but for which I refuse to shell out $250. At $99, I’m thinking these could be an excellent substitute.

This sweet little fuchsia espadrille is by a designer called Eric Michael, who I’ve never heard of. I’m having a hard time deciding whether these are Sophia Loren or Sophia from The Golden Girls…but either way, I think they’re adorable. I’m highly finicky when it comes to espadrilles – wedges in general, really – but these feel like they’re just begging to salsa their way through a street fair. Or, you know, carry me down to Starbucks for a cappuccino.

So, friends, what’s the verdict? Have I lost my mind? Been in Portland too long? Or am I just so far ahead of the trend, I’m starting one of my own?

{Editor’s Note: We’re trying something new, friends: the sponsored post. Don’t worry…they’ll be few and far between, and my editorial rules still apply.  I won’t run it if I don’t really and truly love it, and all opinions are 100% mine. Show these new sponsors lots of love, won’t you?}

Who doesn’t love Havaianas flip-flops? Inexpensive, adorable, and ridiculously comfortable…what more can you ask of a $30 shoe?

A few favorites from their women’s sandals collection…I couldn’t choose just one.

I’m always especially partial to their limited editions…not everyone could team up with Missoni and Wonder Woman.  But their classics are every bit as fab, and much easier to come by (those limited editions sell out in a flash!). Best to stock up now, before the summer rush hits, don’t you think?

Happy Friday, all! It’s supposed to be sunny here in Portland this weekend, thank the good lord…we’ve earned it! So, let’s get right to the point so that I can head off and meet a friend for brunch (ah, the perks of working from home).

I’ve been loving Rebecca Minkoff’s new shoe collection…particularly these flats, which I very nearly bought last night. Should I have splurged?

And I’m pretty much completely in love with Kate Spade’s enamel bracelets this season, made even better by the cheeky little sayings engraved inside. We’ve officially passed “want” and are dangerously close to “need.”

Trouser jeans are everywhere this time of year, but face it – it’s going to be too hot very soon. When that day finally arrives, these chic inky linen trousers from Max Studio are going to be a stand-up stand-in. True, linen is awfully high-maintenance…but I think these might be just as pretty in their raw, wrinkled state as they are all pressed and perfect.  What do you think?

And last up, if you’re in a do-gooder mood this weekend, stop by your local Kiehl’s on Saturday. They’re partnering with Share Our Strength, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America, for an event that benefits everyone. Just for stopping in the store, you’ll get a 10-day sample of their Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, and they’ll donate $1.50 per person to Share Our Strength. Plus, a few of the stores are hosting bake sales. Cupcakes, no wrinkles, and you get to feel good about your day.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Friends, how was your weekend? I hope it was wonderful. I’m recovering from a very long weekend back home. With a family wedding and Mother’s Day festivities, it was…well, exhausting. But also so fun! I got to wear a dress and heels every day I was there, and I actually took the time to apply eyeliner! Believe me, when you work from home, these occurrences are right up there with spotting lake monsters.

The point? Oh yes, that. I had forgotten entirely just how much a girl’s feet can hurt after days of wearing nothing but heels. All weekend, the only thing I was craving was my lazy shoes (aka, my Simple sneakers).

Let me back up: as a rule, I hate sneakers. Can’t abide them. Don’t even like the word “sneakers,” in fact, and tend to side with my friends in the UK and call them “trainers”…it somehow makes me feel better about wearing them, even though it also makes me sound pretentious. They feel clunky, they make your feet look bigger than they are (and my feet are huge), they’re just not chic. I don’t even like Converse (on me, at least), and even the French like Converse!

So, the sneakers (er, trainers) have to be something pretty special before I’ll wear them. And this style from Simple – it’s called the Take On – is just that. Now, mind you, I don’t like any other style of the Take On – only this one. I love the grey leather (and the matching grey laces, which I vastly prefer to white). I love the low profile, the simple styling, and the fact that they’re actually pretty compact-looking on the foot, as trainers go.  They’re also extremely comfortable, though I do kind of think that should go without saying when it comes to lazy shoes.

Am I wearing them every day? Don’t be absurd. But after three days of heels, all I was thinking on the plane on my way home was “I can’t wait to get these damn shoes off. Tomorrow, it’s yoga pants and my Simples.” See? Lazy shoes.

Now if only there was a version with those stretchy laces, so I could be even lazier.