Time to take stock – soon enough college students will be making their way back to school. New Fall 2011 colors and VERA BRADLEY oFFERS  to get ahead of the game!

Cutest laundry bag

…Now through Monday, July 18, 2011 ON SALE for just $48 (regularly $58).

MUST HAVES…shower caddy and flip flops

DON’T LOSE your keys, student ID’s, phone.

Chain Lanyard

Laptop Portfolio

Free

shipping on orders over $100 until July 13th.

During a recent trip to Chicago, I floated through Nordstrom’s accessory department.  A delight for the eyes; pops of color and texture – ahh…summer is here!

It’s easy to spruce up your look with a new summer accessory and easy on the budget too.

I bought this scarf in white as shown. Love the detail – almost like your scarf is wearing a little bling. I wore it the other day to “casualize” a dressy dress.

Collection XIIX ‘Zanzibar’ Embroidered Square Scarf

$38.00

Adorable bangles!

Cara Accessories Colored Stone Bangle

$28.00

Shawls and scarves are great for summer as you slip in and out of air-conditioned venues. Don’t huddle up; warm up your body and look with an interesting scarf!

Make + Model ‘Lawn Chair’ Stripe Scarf

$28.00

Nordstrom always carries pretty headbands – and so many choices!

Tasha ‘Rockin’ Flower Headband

$32.00

This will be a keeper you’ll pull out for summer for years!

Mar y Sol ‘Guadalupe’ Straw Shopper

$88.00

Don’t forget: Nordstrom Double Fashion Rewards Bonus Points June 17 – 19th. Charge on the card that gives back!

Ready to hit the beach or lounge at the pool? Vera Bradley has great options to pack your gear for day trips, picnics or a walk around town.

DOCKSIDE CANVAS: Small and large totes come in several colors

Hit the beach in style! The towels are really nice and how cute are these flip flops! And as mom always says, don’t forget your hat!

SO cute Shopper Tote  $8.00  GO GREEN and use these totes for grocery shopping or running errands.

Shop all Vera Bradley Sale items

Don’t miss your chance for LET’S DO LUNCH – sale price ends June 22nd!

Cutter & Buck is a brand I’ve always admired and sought out for that special gift  or addition to the wardrobe. Founded in 1990 in Seattle, Washington, they offer clothing that is excellent quality and unique. In 2007, they became part of New Wave Group, A.B. and expanded their line.

”Cutter & Buck is a premier line of golf-inspired apparel for men and women who appreciate innovative, high-quality sportswear. We believe in using the best fabrics and trims, classic styling, and a wide range of colors to create clothing that looks and performs impeccably. Thanks to our heritage of superb craftsmanship, countless professional golfers rely on our timeless apparel to complement their games. Join us in continuing the tradition.”

If your gift recipient is a sports enthusiast, this is a no-brainer. Check Cutter & Buck’s TEAM SHOP to select  College – NFL – MLB  wear. Not just another shirt -  he’ll appreciate sporting his team’s logo and you, for such a thoughtful gift!

Wisconsin Badgers Men’s CB WeatherTec Bainbridge Jacket

Green Bay Packers B&T CB DryTec Championship Polo

SuperBowl XLV Champ Packers B&T Journey Supima Flatback Half Zip Pullover

LOVE THIS BELT!

The Brighton brand and reversible is THE belt for every man’s wardrobe.  Excellent for travel and the one belt to grab to get dressed everyday…the reversible option means he’s always prepared! A smart-looking belt, indeed!

Brighton Men’s Reversible Croco Belt

Feather-edged Italian calfskin leather with impressive faux croco print. Black reverses to peanut with the swivel of the buckle. Reversible buckle with matt satin finish. 1 1/8" wide. $49

We saw THE HAT at The Royal Wedding.

Sold on e-Bay….. will we ever see it again?

Royal Wedding Hat Throwdown  Thank you Team Coco!

Conan and Andy sporting their Royal wedding hats!

InStyle

brings us news about the most-talked about hat of The Royal Wedding. Fodder for talk-show hosts and water cooler talk, I can’t see this hat being worn anytime soon.

Unless of course, you want to be the talk of the party!

I

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

THE ART OF THE HAT……

It’s a personal thing….hats. They certainly define the hairstyle along with the designer and the one sporting them. While we have our opinions on who did it right, you have to enjoy viewing what THE EVENT of the year brought to our attention.  As for you hat connoisseurs, you know the hat can cost as much as the dress…..

Click on The Washington Post’s pictures link.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/royal-wedding-hats-hats-hats/2011/05/01/AFQa3xbF_gallery.html#photo=22

Get your hats out of their boxes for Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday May 7th! More hats to come!

Here’s my blog from January 14th – great for Mother’s Day Gift Giving!

From 12 to 92, you see gals of all ages sporting Vera Bradley fashion. The items they’ve come up with in inspiring colors and patterns make this a winner! Through the years, I’ve purchased laptop cases, overnight bags, purses, beach bags, towels, notecards and so on. I just looked at the Carry It All Wristlet -great for errands, to hold credit cards, small change and on the outside- easily accessible- your phone.

How cute is this umbrella?

This summer, a friend came to my pool with the Day and Night beach bag, towels, etc. So cute all matching…I had to spruce up my own swim-outing gear!

Shopping for “return to school/college” students includes a visit to Vera Bradley for purses, tech gear, luggage totes.

Mid-summer I bought the Saddle Up

in Imperial Toile (now on sale, click HERE) which was great for travel and everyday running around.

The “young at heart” gals love the merchandise as it is light and easy to carry. My mother has severe arthritis and Vera Bradley bags are easy for her to use and carry. I just bought a new bag for her for Mother’s Day in the new spring color Folkloric – love it! (Oops, Mom now you know what you’re getting!)

So no matter what your age or what you’re looking for, a trip to Vera Bradley promises you’ll find what you’re looking for,  and more!

Great New Spring Colors!

These are the best accessories to temper weather conditions and spruce up your wardrobe. Sometimes you don’t need a new outfit: freshen up your closet’s classic clothing with a new scarf for the season!  Choose colors that brighten up your face! I’m a big fan of scarves and shawls as they are stylish- additional warmth for 3  seasons but also the occasional cool summer evening. They come in handy for air-conditioned restaurants and theatres.

View ANTHROPOLOGIE’S site

WATCH Anthropologie’s catchy video for ways to loop, drape and knot your scarves!