I am absolutely loving these pointy-toe flats from DV by Dolce Vita.

Dolce Vita has long been one of my lust-after shoe brands, but is a bit on the pricey side.

DV by Dolce Vita is much more affordable and has some adorable shoe options, like this!

Every woman should own a great pair of pointy-toe flats, as they look amazing with many different outfits. My favorite pairing? Slightly slouchy skinny jeans and a faux-fur vest.

Do you have any pointy-toe flat favs?

At the warmer end of the spectrum, you’ll find citrines, orange garnets (also known as spessartites) and gorgeous orange sapphires. Fulfill your heart’s desire with a sun-kissed orange sapphire heart pendant that is as affordable as it is stunning.

Should you want to highlight the earthier shades of the palette, look for smokey quartz, tiger’s eye or mocha-colored diamonds. My suggestion: a fabulously regal smokey quartz, citrine and diamond cocktail ring that is sure to showcase your flair for high fashion.

Finally, if you want to infuse your wardrobe with a hint of green, try olive quartz or peridot jewelry designs. These delicate briolette-cut peridot dangle earrings are the perfect choice for a subtle splash of color.

Brace yourselves, though, because the fall 2009 jewelry trends don’t end with these classic fall colors. Oh, may the jewelry gods have mercy on your stylish souls: there is much, much more to come. Stay tuned for trend #2…

But don’t let such razzle-dazzle blind you into thinking you must spend millions ($5,000,000 to be exact) to sparkle in the spotlight. Listed below are a few stunning and way more affordable black diamond jewelry alternatives that are sure to enhance your look.

Start off your black diamond collection (because it will turn into one before you know it) with a pair of classic princess-cut black diamond studs. They are understated yet refined, so you can wear them from business hour to happy hour, to late-night delight.

On those hot nights out on the town, complement your little black dress with an eye-catching black diamond fashion ring: a unique design that will reflect even the dimmest evening lights from every angle.

If you are into heart designs, treat yourself to a truly exquisite black and white diamond heart pendant. This piece is one you will treasure forever, so it’s well worth the indulgence.

And if you are willing to splurge on something spectacular – and I mean SPECTACULAR – indulge in a show-stopping 1-carat black and white diamond ring. This stunner will have you reveling in your own fabulousness (and make lots and lots of women develop ring envy).

So be bold when it comes to your jewelry wardrobe: step out of the box and dare to wear black diamonds. They’re hot. They’re in. They’re a girl’s new best friend.

Summer fashions are seeing flamboyant shades of orange, peach, coral, red and pink. So set your flashy wardrobe ablaze with bright gemstones that complement the palette. Light up your next night out with an orange sapphire, rhodolite and diamond ring:

And a pair of orange garnet and diamond earrings:

Or if you want to infuse your summer style with a bohemian appeal, wrap your wrist in a trendy red coral bangle bracelet by jewelry designer Andrea Barna:

Make a bold fashion statement with vibrant jewelry designs, all the while capturing the essence of what summertime should really be like: sun-kissed and sensational!

Jennifer Aniston looks a-a-a-mazing here. Cool and comfortable; chic and elegant. I never thought khakis could look so streamlined!

Steal her look for less:

Shoes: Bettye Muller “Katy” Grey Espadrille Wedge at Shirise

Belt: Women’s AE Square Basic Leather Belt – American Eagle Outfitters

Tank: Banana Republic Petite pima cotton tank: sleeveless tops OR Ann Taylor Modal/Cotton Ribbed Tank with Satin Trim

Khakis:  dELiAs Whitney Low-Rise Chino OR Vena Cava boyfriend khakis

Because of the smashing success that was his first capsule collection for H&M, Williamson has once again decided to bring great style to the masses through frugal fashionista favorite H&M.

I’m raiding this collection ASAP because it’s just so darned gorgeous. Want to see my favorite items?

Maybe it’s the hint of Valentine’s Day chocolates still laying around stores, but there’s something about red and pink that really catch my eye. Accessories, pants, coats: everything looks better in these fun, flirty colors.

1. Delias has expanded their denim/pants collection to include 37” inseams and I couldn’t be more excited! I like the bold red color of these skinny jeans, but keep the rest of your outfit simple. An oatmeal or khaki-colored trenchcoat, some simple flats or boots and wooden or neutral jewelry would be best.
2. I like the zigzag print on this scarf.
3. Bold colors and satin go together like peanut butter and jelly.
4. Bright-colored lingerie is fun to wear underneath more serious clothing. No one needs to know you’re breaking dress code under your banker suit!
5. If you’re still scared of color, start out with a dark red or maroon to ease into it. This dress is a good example of a more subdued red shade.
6. Versions of these red shoes are popping up in every store. Pick up a pair!
7. Turtleneck dresses are a safe choice for work, but also translate really well for going out at night. You can dress this one up or down just by changing your shoes, tights or jewelry.
8. These slouchy red boots are to die for.
9. Babydoll dresses can be hard to pull off, but the trick is to make sure you buy a size (or couple sizes) smaller than you’d usually wear.
10. Stock up on lots of skinny belts in bold colors like red, pink and yellow to add pizazz to your basic t-shirts and dresses.
11. Although winter is winding down in a month or so, keeping a three-quarter-length sleeve coat on hand is smart, at least until the end of April. The nights are chilly and there’s nothing worse than being cold while trying to have a good time!
12. Red sunglasses make me happy each time I put them on. Try a pair like this for a quick pick-me-up while walking outside!
13. My favorite item listed here is this adorable dress. Even the buttons are cute.
14. Every girl–and I do mean every girl–needs a pair of red platform pumps.

What color do you prefer for spring fashion: red or pink?

Part of my rationalization for not being more creative is because I know I’m going to put a coat over everything I wear. If that’s the case, why bother trying?

Well, I should bother because there are lots of fantastic (and warm) winter style options.

1. Wear this adorable toggle sweater over a long-sleeved shirt, with skinny jeans, boots and a bright scarf.
2. Most waterproof and practical winter boots are fairly ugly. However, this cute pair from Target has a tie back so you can tighten the top around your jeans (preventing snow from wetting your socks). They also have a subtle wedge heel, which will glam up your outfit a couple notches.
3. This newsboy hat has a Blair Waldorf-like bow on the side.
4. Fingerless gloves are really practical: it’s easier to drive, text and open your chapstick. These have a cool military-inspired look.
5. Shawl-collar cardigans are chic and so comfortable. They look best with a more fitted look on the bottom (either jeans or a pencil skirt, for instance) and really interesting oversized jewelry.
6. If you have the moxie to try out a funky, faux-fur hat, by all means, wear one like this!
7. A traditional holiday sweater like this looks good with more modern pairings. I would try it with dark leggings, flat-soled boots and a great pair of earrings.
8. I would really like to open these Nine West boots on Christmas morning. I can’t lie: I love them.
9. Wear a spin on the traditional Ugg boot style with these cuffed sweater boots.
10. I really like these London Fog boots: they have a little wedge and are fur-lined on the inside.
11. When it comes to scarves, you can’t go wrong with plaid.

What do you like to wear when the weather turns cold?

What happens when the friend/relative doesn’t drop hints and they are the type of person who isn’t into the latest American Idol Winner CD or fuzzy slippers as gifts? You know, the loved one who walks to the beat of their own drummer and is of the creative mindset. What do you do then?

I have been wandering the Internet for the past few weeks looking for inexpensive gift ideas for those types of people because, well, being a photographer, I am one myself. So let’s see if I can help you out a bit.

For The Artist:

These colored pencils are made out of recycled Chinese newspapers! The come in their own tube for storage and are fun, as well as functional. They are also only $10!

This book offering tips on how to be creative when making cards and envelopes for postal mail is perfect for those artists who love to keep in touch with faraway friends. It has 25 different creative projects for those who love to write snailmail and is only $20.95!

For The Writer:

Every writer, professional or someone who just loves to journal, loves to have a place to write down all their thoughts and ideas. Why not get them a classy blank book to capture all the ideas running around in their heads? This blank, unlined, moleskine journal is only $15.00.

This book is for the writer who wants to publish their own books, zines, graphic novels, or any other form of book on their own. It is full of ideas and resources to get the writer published and it is only $21.95.

For The Photographer:

The Holga camera is perfect for that photographer in your life who loves to be artistic with their images. The Holga has light leaks and sometimes even double exposes the film which can create interesting images during printing. Holgas are perfect for black/white medium format (120) film and, as I own one myself, I highly recommend them. Your best bet for buying on cheaply is to go to a site like Calumet Photo where you can buy one for only $32.99.

For The Budding Fashion Designer:

If your loved one is a fashion designer in the making, or just a lover of fashion, this is the book for them. This book is full of sketches, designs, and drawings from designers like Betsey Johnson and Karl Lagerfeld, to name a few. This $40 buy will definitely inspire the fashion lover in your life to get sketching those ideas for fashion out on paper.

This origami kit comes with instructions and folding papers so the fashionista in your life can fold origami clothing and accessories to their heart’s content. The best part? You can gift this for only $12!

For The Creative Traveler:

This guidebook is perfect for the traveler that likes to go off the beaten path and avoid the cliché tourist sites when in NYC. Full of color photos, the book explains unusual destinations, as well as how to get there. Perfect for the traveler that likes to really get to know a place that they visit and for $22.95, it won’t break the bank.

This journal is perfect for that creative traveler that wants to record their wanderings in the world. It has plenty of room for writing, doodling, making lists, and features built-in envelopes to stash ticket stubs and other items from your travels. Priced at $27, it comes with a pouch to protect the journal.

These are just a few of the finds I have made recently online that would make great gifts for those hard-to-buy-for creative people in your life. Have fun shopping and try not to get buried under stress this holiday season!

Along with setting up the blog, I have been working on some really great design projects, which I will share with you over the next few months. Now I am back with the promise of regular posts again. So please forgive me and if I may shamelessly plug, take a peak over at CreateGirl, where you will find even more budget friendly home decor ideas and even some fashion finds! OK, back to work.

Across my desk this afternoon came a fabulous email from CB2, one of my “go to” stores. If you write a review on one of their products, you will be entered to win a $1000 CB2 gift card! We all know you like to share your opinion on products, so hop on over; in this crazy economy, don’t we all want to save a little? The lucky winner will be drawn on December 17th…now that would be a great Holiday gift! Below are a few of my favorite CB2 products:

Oh, not to mention all the pieces above are on sale! Have you purchased from CB2? Share your favorite pieces…and happy product reviewing!