Instant Crush: Yellow Gold

I was initially feeling the yellows, but then what is better than yellow, but a deep, rich, mustardy gold?
It's autumnal and party perfect, maybe even a touch ostentatious, but when used just right, couldn't it be the perfect standout piece?

Shoulder Bag, $28 at H&M
Satin Block Heels, $83 at Ann Taylor
Bermuda Shorts, $40 at Zara
Vanessa Mooney Earrings, $22 at Shopbop
Satin Loafer, $108 at Banana Republic
Velvet Skirt, $90 at J.Crew

Instant Crush: Velvet Shoes

As prevalent as velvet has been these past couple years, velvet shoes haven't really been on my radar. Then I was scrolling through my Pinterest feed and saw a pair of pink velvet pumps. And I was smitten. Suddenly everything velvet was calling to me. I still haven't found the perfect pink velvet heels that aren't by a designer and thus far too out of my budget, especially for something as impractical as pink velvet, however I have found some fun, budget friendly shoes to tempt myself with all the same.

Velvet Pom Pom Flats, $25 at Old Navy
Pink Velvet Booties, $56 at Aldo
Jewel Badgley Mischka Velvet Mules, $55 at DSW
Teal Velvet Pointed Toe Pumps, $35 at Macy's
Velvet Bow Mules, $34 at Kohl's
Velvet Block Heels, $54 at Loft
Betsy Johnson Velvet Sandal, $45 at DSW
Teal Velvet Ankle Booties, $48 at ASOS
Velvet Ballerina Flats, $40 at Zara

Instant Crush: Set in stone

I spend perhaps an unhealthy amount of time on Pinterest perusing images of dream kitchens. My dream kitchen is of course all white with gold hardware (and while we are at it, how about one of those handsome gold kitchen aids). Realizing how drawn I've been to white marble countertops, I started to seek out white marble in slightly more attainable ways.

The ring and pendant hands down need to find their way to my home. I've passed that lamp so many times in Target and had to resist because I already have a homeless desk lamp in my apartment at the moment.

Of course if you'd prefer to keep marble in the kitchen, might I suggest drooling over this particular one?

Ring Dish, $8 at Target
Stone And Metal Circle Pendant Necklace, $35 at Express
Orion Gold and Marble Ring, $49 at Wanterlust + Co
Cole Haan Emery Pump, $260 at Zappos
Fossil Sydney Clutch, $75 at Dillard's
Marble Blouse, $70 at Fate
Marble Frame Sunglasses, $29 at Wow Awesome
Brass and Marble Desk Lamp, $66 at Target

Instant Crush: Fringe, Poms, Pendants

"It's Friday, that day you like."
Is what Sean said to me, having previously listened to me grumble about how it was not Friday on Wednesday and Thursday. Yet Friday somehow feels anticlimactic. This weekend is set to hold the first significant snow fall of the year, though I'm not sure how much we will actually end up with, as on Monday the prediction was twelve inches, on Wednesday it decreased to five to eight and has only further been downgraded to three to five. So while I'm not counting on being snowed in, I might just act as if I am.

Lately fashion seems to be having a fondness for fringe, and my desire for neutrals continues with my picks this week. I've been obsessed with the Rachel Comey sweater since I spotted it on a Sole Society model and I was very disappointed to see that this color has sold out. I'm not sure why I'm disappointed, since I was never going to get a $400 sweater (even at half off). The charcoal version can still be purchased in limited sizing however.

More attainable might be the tassel shower curtain hangers for $10. I wonder if they would look really stupid with my shower curtain?

Rachel Comey Fringe Peplum Sweater, $220 at Italist
Nate Berkus Fringe Stool, $65 at Target
Plum & Bow Alia Pom Duvet Cover, $170 at Urban Outfitters
Rachel Zoe Topaz Crystal Pendant Necklace, $40 at TJMaxx
Nate Berkus Tassel Shower Hooks, $10 at Target
Macrame I? Taupe Suede Fringe Heels, $33 at Lulu's

Winter whites

Completely predictable, but none the less a favorite, winter whites are being coveted once again.
During my perusal of Abercrombie's website I happened upon this white robe with a fur lined hood and I was yet again surprised and smitten. This is the kind of robe I'd be happy to spend the better part of the winter in.

With the promise of the first snow storm on every weatherman's lips, this winter it might be time to update my snow boots, and while white might seem a poor color choice as snow has the habit of ending up as mud, for under $50 the temptation is just too good.

A new white bag is also on my mind. This Minkoff one was what I was after when I bought the cute little white bag I currently have, however it's not holding up to the test of time and I'm contemplating a investing in a replacement.

Fur Hooded Robe, $44 at Abercrombie

Linda Richards Fur Pom Hat, $85 at Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Pearl Ear Crawlers, $35 at Shopbop
House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Pendant, $58 at Shopbop
Faux Fur Pom Scarf, $22 at Ann Taylor
Polar White Snow Boots, $45 at Amazon
Hat Attack Cashmere Gloves, $70 at Shopbop
Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote, $195 at Shopbop

Instant Crush: Red, White, and Blue

To all who celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful Independence Day!

Last chance to enter to win a Skip 'n Whistle tank!

Gold Star Stud Earrings, $35 at Gorjana
Red and White Striped Clutch, $20 at Gap
Blue Scalloped Sandals, $148 at Loeffler Randall

Instant Crush: Take me to the tropics

I've noticed an overwhelming amount of palm leaf printed items popping up. At first I wasn't too keen on them, but at it so often happens, I came across one item (in this case, the crop top of all things!) that was so visually appealing I became fixated on the print and decided to seek out some favorites to share.

Have you entered the Simple Skincare giveaway yet?

Crop Top, $20 at River Island (Nearly sold out, try this?)
Strapless Romper, $96 at Topshop
Bikini, $30 at Dorothy Perkins
Layered Necklace, $13 at Forever 21
Shorts by JOA, $69 at Piperlime
Aviator Sunglasses, $14 at Dorothy Perkins
Sweatshirt, $58 at Topshop
Waffle Tee, $29 at Dorothy Perkins
Leather Clutch, $40 at Gap
Anya Ballett Flats, $60 at J.Crew Factory
iPhone 5 Case, $20 at Mariana Guemes
Sleep Set, $21 at Target

Instant Crush: Bohemian

It's no secret that when I get dressed I tend to err on the side of preppy, but there is a large part of me that adores the bohemian style. Of course there is no reason not to incorporate few boho-inspired pieces into my summer wardrobe that feel true to my style and not like I've just walked out of a Free People catalog (even though I sometimes wish I could live inside one).

There is also no reason these pieces can't be budget friendly. Old standbys like Target and Forever 21 always have some cute options, and I'd also love to introduce you to Damsel, an online boutique which just launched a few months ago. They have tons of bohemian inspired pieces and every item on the site is under $50, with free shipping! For an even better deal Damsel is offering Chic on the Cheap readers 20% off your entire order, now until June 30th - use the code COTCxDAMSEL.

Aztec Print Swimsuit, $30 at Target
Fish Scale Bib Necklace, $65 at Lucky Brand
White Lace Fringe Top, $23 at Damsel
Flared Leg Pants, $30 at Damsel
Printed Canvas Shopper, $48 at Warehouse
Medallion Print Scarf, $15 at Lucky Brand
Leaf Hair Crown, $28 at Urban Outfitters
Strappy Sandals, $30 at Forever 21
Striped Edge Floppy Hat, $38 at Kohls

This post is a PR collaboration with Damsel, my views and opinions are my own.

Instant Crush: Scalloped Edges

My love of scalloped edges started three years ago when H&M came out with their Conscious Collection line and featured several items with scalloped edges. The object of my desire was the pair of shorts, which resulted in a mission of visiting half the H&M locations in NYC to find a pair. Eventually I came home with the shorts (in a size too big) and the matching blazer.

Still, the infatuation has only grown, and I would happily add each and every one of these scalloped beauties to my closet.

Have you entered to win a $200 Emerald Gift Card from H&R Block

or

A pair of Converse shoes from Zelenshoes?

Clutch, $42 at Matine

Ring, $20 at JewelIQ
Skirt, $38 at ASOS
Swimsuit, $72 at Topshop
Mia Pumps, $40 at DSW

Instant Crush: Blue and White Floral

My love of blue and white endures. Year upon year the classic combination appears in every iteration, all of which I crave. It is entirely possible I will someday end up with an entirely blue and white home; presently I'm trying to track down the bomber jacket - it was reduced to $30 in the store but remains $66 online. It runs large, the extra small fit me well.

Jardin Des Plantes Tea Pot, $68 at Anthropologie
Nanette Lepore Etienne Bikini, $64 - $80 at Anthropologie

Floral Bomber Jacket, $66 at Gap
Floral Ballet Flats, $78 at Banana Republic

Instant Crush: In Knots

With spring fast approaching, nautically inspired pieces are easily found. Sidestepping the anchors, boats and crustaceans, I'm falling in love with the simple knot.

For jewelry, the gold knot bangle is at the top of my list. Wear it now, wear it through the summer, actually never take it off. Nautical may start trending in the spring, but in my mind it is season-less.

In clothing, I love the rope motif in blue and white. These colors just speak to the notion of an endless summer. Layer up the sweater and it could be worn today. The shorts might need to wait for a memorial day weekend debut, so perhaps hold out for the possibility of a sale?

Last Day to enter my CC Skye Jewelry Giveaway!

Rope Heart Sweater, $24 at Old Navy
Gold Knot Bracelet, $78 at Kate Spade
Double Knot Hoop Earrings, $42 at Shoptiques
Infinity Knot Ring, $40 at Gorjana Griffin
DV by Dolce Vita Agnyss Sandals, $70 at Zappos
Rope Print Shorts, $98 at Vineyard Vines

Instant Crush: Cheeky Valentine's Day Cards

Some people like sweet sentiment, the "Hallmark card", filled with line after line speaking of enduring love and emotions that are likely more wishful thinking than reality.

I would much prefer a card that is honest. Maybe a bit blunt, a little funny, but certain to bring a smile to the recipient.

It is only Valentine's Day, and we mustn't take it too seriously after all.

Get out of My Dreams and into My Car, $4.50 at Greenwich Letter Press
Let's Make Out, $5 at Paperless Post
Nothing Says Classy Like a Dozen Carnations, $6 at Kate's Paperie
I Love You More Than My Cat, $4 at Ladyfingers Letterpress
Your a Fox, $4.50 at Rifle Paper Co
There is Nobody Else I'd Rather Lie in Bed and Look at My Phone Next To, $5 at Etsy
I'm Only in this for Your Cute Butt, $4 at Etsy
I Like You, I Love You, $5.50 at Urban Outfitters
Mine, $6 at Sugar Paper
Wanna Get Lucky?, $6 Sugar Paper
(Gin and Tonic) So Happy Together, $6 at Kate's Paperie
Let's Canoodle, $5 at Paperless Post
XO, $6 at Sugar Paper
I'm Head Over Heels (which just means I'm standing up if you think about it), $6 at Kate's Paperie
I Really Like You, $5 at Paperless Post
Wanna Spoon?, $9 at Papyrus

Instant Crush: Graphic Tees

I can't seem to get graphic tees/sweaters/sweatshirts off my mind. They are everywhere. They are so cute. Influences from foreign languages, bad habits, and even symbols, all to broadcast a message to the world.

When I was in high school I had this tee with a velcro panel and bunch of letters I could arrange to say whatever I wanted. With the plethora of choices these days, that wouldn't even be necessary.

Have you entered to win $100 to South Moon Under yet?

Tres Bien Sweatshirt, $39 at Piperlime
Take Me to the Sea Sweater,  $33 at Old Navy
Creme de la Creme Sweatshirt, $35 at Delia's
Shopping is my Cardio Sweatshirt, $20 at Target
Ampersand Tee, $35 at Cake for Breakfast
Ciao Sweater, $78 at Piperlime
Retail Therapy Sweatshirt, $58 at Ily Couture
#Selfie Tee, $40 at French Connection
Love Tee, $7 at Old Navy

Instant Crush: Gilded home decor

Gold and white has been on my radar for sometime, though lately it's crossed from 'something I like' to full blown obsession.

Anthropologie has more than enough gold pieces in their catalog, and while their monogram mug is sold out in every letter except for 'P', I was able to satisfy my need for such a mug when I found a similar one at Marshalls. Granted, I didn't find it at the first Marshalls I went to, or the second, and ended up going to five stores before the 'L' mug was mine...

It's also worth noting that Nate Berkus's Spring '14 line for Target clearly has my number... now if only he literally had my number and would come and redecorate my place, filling it with bright, brilliant white and gleaming, opulent gold.

Lamp Base and Shade, $90 at Target
Bodum French Press, $60 at Zappos
Salad Set, $28 at Anthropologie
Webbed Mirror, $118 at Lulu and Georgia
Playing Cards, $18 at Anthropologie
Stoneware Vases, $13 at Target
Coasters, $18 at Cin Cin and $26 at Lulu and Georgia
Throw Pillows, $80 at TJMaxx and $36 at PBTeen
Measuring Cups, $36 at Anthropoloige
Monogram Mug, $8 at Anthropologie
Side Table, $149 at Urban Outfitters

Instant Crush: Hexagons

No one ever asks you what your favorite shape is over the age of six, but I do still have one, and it is the hexagon.

Simple, elegant, gold of course, these would be wonderful additions to anyones collection (especially my own).

What's your favorite shape?

Clockwise from left:

Stackable Rings, $33 at By Boe
Sam Edelman Pave Stud Earrings, $35 at Lord and Taylor
Hexagon Necklace, $15 at Karma Loop
Giles and Brother Georgian Hexagon Link Necklace, $250 at ScoopNYC
Rebecca Minkoff Stackable Rings, $35 at Singer22
MOCIUN Hexagon Ring, $357 at La Garconne
Hexagon Link Bracelet, $524 at Anjolee
Honeycomb Bracelet, $45 at Gorjana Griffin
Labradorite Hexagon Ring, $309 at The Black Bow
Open Hexagon Earrings, $25 at JCP