In the midst of the hectic chaos I call "life" I had a mini epiphany last night that shocked me: Its already the end of April and May is around the corner, meaning->

1. Its almost Mother's Day! (Sunday May 9th)
2. Wedding season is in full throttle and
3. Summer is here! Beach weather!

I honestly feel like Easter weekend was just a few days ago, not weeks. Time just passes by too quickly!

After my realization I went into a small frenzy to find the perfect gift for my mom. She can be picky and already has most of everything she wants. Plus at my age flowers don't exactly suffice unless I get those huge $85-$100+ bouquets. I love my mom but I'm strapped for cash!

She's a huge jewelry fanatic- she's the source of my fashion sense and love of jewelry, well some of it at least. So in honor of our shared love of jewelry I'm going to get her a cubic zirconia ring, once I can decide which one. She doesn't come online often so I'm not worried about divulging too much information. I'm going to pick between these three:

These cubic zirconia (or CZ) rings are fabulous (I'm tempted to get one for myself too!) and not expensive at all. They'll last her (and me) years! Beats buying flowers or chocolates that last a week, maybe. Gotta' love cubic zirconia, you get the look and shine of a diamond for less than half the price!

While on the topic, does everyone else know what they are doing or getting for Mom? If you're still looking, maybe this collection of CZ jewelry will help get the gift juices flowing. The jewelry is by Zulu Moon and they have an online coupon till May 1st (listed below)! I'll be taking full advantage of that! With their huge selection, you'll find plenty of things to Mom's liking.

Grab some great designer shoes that are on sale now at (how origional) DesignerShoes.com! Regardless of their lack of creativity in their store name, they make up for it in some seriously yummy shoe choices.

Take this Emmy Black Silk number

 $120.00

$97.00

$126.00

Be sure to sign up for the Designer Shoes E-mail Newsletter to receive all up to the minute sale info.

I love to dress up any outfit with some fun accessories & being a woman jewelry is always one of my fave accessories.

Jewelry totally plays a close running second to my shoe obsession! Below I've found some great pieces for V-Day whether it's you shopping for a way to jaz up that outfit or you're a man trying to find something unique for that special gal in your life.

Neiman Marcus

Arrow-Heart Wish $48

(I really dig this detail and thought of an old favorite "the heart w/ an arrow")

 

Lenox

Key to My Heart Bracelet $150

(Totally lovin the extra color and jewels on this classic V-Day sentiment)

Modern Artisans

Peas in a Pod Necklace $72.99

(This is a less used sentiment in jewelry & I think it gives a nice change up!)

I know I know I know.

I took a really hard line when it came to graphic tees, but COME ON:

I've always had a secret penchant for the styles over at Banana Republic. While the appeal solely to the prep in me, even if that isn't your taste it's impossible to deny how well everything they sell is fitted - be you short of stature (Hello!) or of the Gwyneth Paltrow variety like today's Tipster The Duchess, you're sure to find a fit that works.

I'm all about tips when it comes to big sales, something my friend the Duchess knows quite well. Imagine my delight to open my email this morning to her message:

" Banana Republic is having a big sale on-line.  If you enter the promo code TAKE25 today then you get an additional 25% off.  The purses are especially discounted.  One is going for $19, so with the discount $15 and it was originally like $100+.  All leather!"

GASP. 

This seemed too good to be true, but a jaunt over to their site proved that the Duchess had not steered me wrong. For example - 

We all make fashion mistakes, but some are funnier than others and some are just down right EEWWW.

1. Way Gross ladies short shorts like this are not sexy!

 This photo speaks for itself, I think.

2. Sandals and socks just do not mix!

NOT a good look.

3. Muffin-top's are Never in style!

This woman is normal weight, but her tight jeans are creating a major “muffin top”. The guy doesn’t look too hot either, with his cropped pants and socks.

4. Big Mistake Dress Socks, Shorts, Tennis Shoes need I say more?

NOT an attractive look, guys.

5. Don't Show Your Bra Straps Ladies...It's just TACKY!

Word to the wise invisible straps are really NOT “invisible”!

6. Some men will disagree, but thongs peeking from too-low-rise jeans are tacky, not sexy. 

7. Jeans that are too torn, or that are torn in the WRONG places

8. Too much makeup (HUGE pet peeve in my Fashion Book!)

She needs to lose the green eyeshadow and wear a lighter shade of lipstick.
Because less really is more sometimes.

Confession time: what was YOUR worst fashion mistake ever?