{Look Book} Autumn Stripes

Sweater: Anthropologie {Striped Scenery Sweater}, Pants: AG via Anthropologie {Stevie Ankle Jeans}, Scarf: c/o Nepali by TDM,

Tote: GiGi New York {Alexa Tote} 50% off with code ALEXA, Shoes: Frye {Lois Oxfords}

Happy Friday friends!  I want to enjoy every moment of this weekend.  It's the last weekend before my kids go back to school next week.  In other words, it's the last weekend of Summer.  I'm trying to complete all of my Summer must-do's.  Last night I made my first batch of salsa from garden grown tomatoes.  It was heaven!  So fresh, so spicy, so delicious.  The epitome of Summer flavors.  We've also been spending as much time as possible at the beach.  We're trying to get all the beach days in that we can.  It's pretty pathetic that it's almost September and I'm just now working on my Summer tan.  This Summer just flew by.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

(psst... don't forget to enter to win the $50 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs!  Enter here)

GiGi New York: Alexa Tote Review & 50% Off Discount!

Today I am pleased to offer you a review of the GiGi New York Alexa Tote, plus a very exciting offer exclusively for Shannon Heart's readers.

First, let me start off my telling you a bit about GiGi New York.  GiGi New York was created by the legendary brand Graphic Image.  Graphic Image has been making beautiful, high-quality leather products since 1969.  Their quality and reputation in the industry is beyond compare.  GiGi New York offers a collection of gorgeous handbags, wallets and small leather goods.  They are amazing quality and have the most stunning colors.  

I received the Alexa Tote to offer my thoughts and opinions on the tote.  My initial thought upon seeing the tote is that the leather is luxurious and elegant and the details are impeccable.  I love the Taupe embossed python leather, it's perfectly on-trend for Fall.  Also the contrasting leather handles, tonal stitching on the seams and gold tone hardware showcased the amazing quality and attention to detail.  Even in the interior of the bag, you can see the magnificent attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship.

I was smitten by how big this tote is.  It's 13" wide by 15" tall.  I love a big bag, and my mind went wild at all the possibilities of things I could put inside this beautiful bag.  What I love is that it is a large bag, but it is still very sleek and elegant.  It's the perfect size for an everyday bag, without being bulky or too heavy.  I noticed that there are interior pockets, so I can keep my cell phone, keys and any other small accessories organized.  Also, there is a large interior zipper pocket.  Being a mom on the go, I always have a lot of things to carry, but I want to stay organized.  The design of the Alexa Tote is well thought out and perfectly executed.

I believe that this tote is not only beautiful, but it is also amazing quality and is functional.  The size makes it perfect for an everyday bag, but all the sophisticated details and gorgeous leather, dress it up so it can also be worn for more dressy occasions or to work.

Overall, I feel that this bag is gorgeous, versatile,  and it is an excellent value.  This is a tote that I will cherish for many, many years to come.  I already own a few bags from GiGi New York, and I can attest to the fact that their bags are amazing quality and will withstand the test of time.  I would recommend their products without hesitation.

Today, I have an amazing offer for all of you!  This offer is only available on Shannon Heart's, and I'm so excited to pass it on to all of you lovely readers!  For a limited time, you can purchase the Alexa Tote for 50% off the retail price (that's a $185.00 savings!)!  The Alexa Tote comes in a variety of beautiful colors, so you can choose the color you love best.  Also, this bag can be personalized with your initials.  50% off discount code is: ALEXA.  Offer expires on Sept. 13, 2012.

You can find the Alexa Tote here.  You can also find GiGi New York at these spots:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST

(I was not compensated to offer this review.  All opinions are 100% my own.  I was gifted a tote for the purpose of this review)

{Look Book} Endless Summer

Tunic: Ella Moss c/o SwimSpot, Tank: Hinge, Sunglasses: Chanel, Hat: Juicy Couture, Wrap Bracelets: Anthropologie, Bracelet: Sydney Evan {Evil Eye} Bracelet, Necklace: c/o Lucid New York, Flip Flops: Burberry, Nails: MAC {Kid Orange}

It's been hot.  I mean really, really hot.  It's been hard to do much else besides relax by the pool.  I found this tunic at SwimSpot and I've been living in it!  I love to wear easy, breezy tunics like this because they are cool on a hot day, and they are very versatile.  Throw it over a swimsuit and you're ready for a day at the beach or pool.  Add wedges and glamorous jewelry and you're ready to go out for dinner and drinks.  When the weather cools down a bit, it would look adorable with jeans and boots.  As much as I am looking forward to Fall, I'm trying to make the best out of the last days of Summer.  How about you?

 

{Giveaway} $50 Gift Certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs *CLOSED*

I am thrilled to present you with this giveaway from Lisa Leonard Designs.  She is kindly offering one lucky winner a $50 gift certificate to her shop!

Lisa Leonard Designs offers a collection of beautiful, handmade jewelry.  Each piece is assembled with love and care.  Along with a wide collection of ready-to-wear pieces, she also offers custom jewelry.  You can have a piece hand-stamped with your childrens names or initials, your wedding date, or a special phrase or verse.  Her jewelry is so special, each piece is made to be cherished for a lifetime.

You saw me wearing my Twig Necklace recently, and I can't tell you know smitten I am by it. I get compliments every time I wear it.  It is so beautifully made, and I love how unique it is.  I am also loving the Love is My Anchor Bracelet and the Dewdrops Necklace. 

Now it's your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to her lovely shop so you can choose your very own special piece!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will end September 4th at 12:00am EST.  Winner will be selected via random.org and will be announced on this blog post.  This giveaway is open to WORLDWIDE residents. Best of luck to you all!

**Wondering if you won the COIN 1804 giveaway?  The winner is announced here.

Fall Trends That I Love

{handbag, booties, leopard blouse, lace dress, colorful bracelets, jeans, black t-straps, plum t-straps}

Here are some Fall trends that I am totally smitten by.  These are my absolute must-haves:

+ Rich-Hued Handbags: Handbags are an easy way to add a Fall color to your wardrobe without investing in a head-to-toe look.  My favorite handbag colors of the season are taupe and wine.

+ Beatle Booties: These short booties look effortless with skinny jeans or a dress.

+ Leopard Prints: Animal prints look modern and fashion-forward when worn tastefully.  Whether you're wearing the trend on a blouse or booties, a touch of animal print is enough.

+ Lace: Lace can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion.  I love to wear a delicate lace dress with a boyfriend cardi and chunky boots.

+ Colorful Bracelets: Mix-and-match to your heart's delight.  The more the merrier! 

+ Jewel-Toned Denim: This is a colored-denim trend that I'm all for!  Jewel-toned denim is easy to incorporate in your wardrobe and not as intimidating as the neon and bright colored denim of Summer.

+ T-Strap Shoes: T-Straps are a more sophisticated version of a mary jane.  I'm loving them with embellishments or pointy toes.

Now it's your turn!  What are your must-have trends for Fall?

(psst... enter to win a Draped Voile Vest from Coin 1804.  Enter here)

{Look Book} Poolside

Skirt: c/o Cool Change, Shirt: James Perse, Tank: Target, Earrings & Necklace: c/o INPINK, Sandals: Tory Burch {Abitha Flip Flops}, Nails: MAC {Kid Orange}

It's Friday!  It's been a long week for me.  I've been hustling the kids to and from Summer camp and it's been unbearably hot.  Luckily, their camp has been at the beach, so they've been able to enjoy the cooler weather and have some fun.  Only one more week before they're back to school.  It's always exciting to start a new school year, but it also makes my heart a little heavy.  I will miss spending so much time with them, but I also look forward to all the fun activities and friends that the school year brings.  And, I'm really looking forward to the holidays.

With the hot weather in full force, I've been living in maxi skirts, sandals and tank tops.  This amazing maxi skirt is made by Cool Change.  They have the prettiest colors and prints of skirts and dresses.  And they are perfectly suited for a day at the beach, a poolside rendezvous, or a lunch date with friends.  You can see more of their beautiful collection and stay up to date on their happenings here: WEBSITE, TWITTER, & FACEBOOK.

Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?  I plan to be by the pool with a cold drink in my hand this entire weekend!  I might take a break for a BBQ, but that's about it.  I'm going to take in every last second of Summer while I can.

GapKids Shine On Event: Our Experience!

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.

Last week I told you all about the GapKids Shine On event happening across the nation.  I was able to attend one of my local event's last Saturday with my daughter, Lily.  We had such a fabulous time!  From the moment we arrived, I was impressed with the organization of the event and the courtesy of the staff.  Greeting us at the front of the GapKids store was a staff member who welcomed us and took us back to area where the project was set up.  The craft for the day we attended was journal making, which was a perfect craft for Lily because she loves to draw and write stories and I knew she will love having a handmade journal.  The craft area was set up with a table filled with colorful papers, tapes, rhinestones, stickers, markers and lots of beautiful accessories.  They also had three child-sized tables set up with chairs so the kids could be comfortable while working on their craft, and they could interact with the other kids.  

The staff member who greeted us at the entrance also stayed by Lily's side throughout the process and helped her make her journal.  I noticed that there were many people helping with the event, and each child had someone who could give them personalized attention.  That was nice because while Lily was working on her craft, I was able to step away for a moment and take a look at all the cute Fall clothes and accessories around the store.  

All of the kids seemed to be enjoying the project, and Lily had a blast!  She was very proud of her journal when it was completed and even asked if we could come back to the next event and do another craft.

To give you a little background about the event, GapKids is showcasing a series of special art projects by Merrilee Liddiard of the blog Mer Mag.  The projects are all inspired by the GapKids and babyGap Fall collections.  They include creating geometric masterpieces on canvas using paint and tape to custom journals to get kids ready for back-to-school.  The crafts help kids express their creativity and love for art.  It's a great opportunity to get out of the Summer heat and let your kids find their inner artists.  And it's FREE! 

There is one more event coming to the Los Angeles area this coming Saturday:

Saturday, August 25
10am - 1pm

GapKids @ Glendale Galleria

2114 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, CA 91210

I hope you can make it out!  It's such a great time for everyone, kids and parents alike! To find out a bit more about the event please take a peek at this video:

If you end up attending one of the events, I'd love to hear about your experience!

(I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.)