Dazzle Your Shoes!

The Daily Candy edition in Washington today featured a company called The2Bandits that sells a new creative product I love! Have you ever wished you could add some flair to your boots? Sure you can add variety and color to those rainy days by wearing fun socks under your Hunter Wellies, but how about these delightful Bandits for adding variety and spice to your favorite pair of boots. You just slide the Bandits over the top of your boots and then adjust and tighten over any sized boot.
2Bandit was founded in 2005 by an entrepreneurial pair of friends named Erica Chan and Tamar Wider, who were working the jewelry industry in New York City. The innovative idea behind Bandits was spawned during an effort to add life and versatility to any wardrobe, by dressing up your favorite pair of boots! Each pair of Bandits is handcrafted with the finest fabrics and brass details. Check out the collection here.

Stella & Dot Jewelry - Haiti Disaster Relief

Dear readers, I would like to introduce all of you

to a wonderful jewelry line called Stella & Dot.

SparklesandSundresses, a sweet blogger

who loves all things preppy, bright colored, and fun,

recently became a Stylist for S&D, and she contacted me

thinking my readers would love this jewelry -

it's preppy and bright, classic yet on trend…

totally J. Crew, VV and Lilly-worthy!

What is most wonderful about this jewelry company

is that from now until Valentine’s Day, 20% of the profits of all purchases made through Sparkle&Sundress' Independent Stylist Stella + Dot site will be

donated to Haiti Disaster Relief Efforts

via Save the Children.

Many of us feel frustrated and sorry not being able to help Haiti closer to home, and we think this is one of the best ways to help – by pledging funds and increasing awareness through our blogs.

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All you need to do is visit www.stellanddot.com/alannastrei and make a purchase –

shopping you can feel good about!

Nautical by Nature's Giveaway!

My friend Kate (a.k.a. Nautical by Nature) is doing a giveaway on her blog today! It's for a set of adorable nautical return address labels from a lovely shop called Preppy Printing. You should all check it out!

Help Through Purchasing Power

A. Tierney and Ashley Brooke Designs, two stores I've supported on my blog before, are helping Haiti victims by donating a portion of sales to their relief cause. I urge readers to take a look at these products and let your purchasing power go to do some good.

Kicking off 2010!

Happy 2010! December was a hiatus from my blog due to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and a death in my family, but now I am kicking off the New Year with an optimistic nod to travel for the coming year.

Washington, DC saw a beautiful white Christmas for the first time in years, and I'm on my way back now through feathery white snowflakes after spending a magical New Year's Eve in New York City. Despite the beauty of the snow, I must admit I'm pining for a warm beach somewhere, especially after seeing the fabulous Lilly Pulitzer and others' prints for resortwear this season.

I'm dreaming of an escape to Florida's legendary Pink Palace! The Don Caesar Loews hotel, located in St. Petersburg, FL would be the perfect spot to stay and enjoy the ocean for a spring getaway. Lilly Pulitzer is giving away a trip to "pack for paradise!" by offering three nights of accommodation and fun. Best of luck to everyone!