The briefcase is rarely thought of as a fashion statement, but more so as the business man’s (for lack of a better word)… purse. However, I have come to view the briefcase as a more sophisticated and professional version of its much younger college-esque counterpart, the backpack.

My day-to-day purse has grown far too heavy to tote on my shoulder. The constant accumulation of papers and work necessities seem to be over running the small tote that accompanies my now behemoth purse. All in all the issue of space and weight are of utmost concern and the solution seems to be the overlooked yet very chic briefcase. Such a briefcase can be held by the handle or in many cases by means of the cross body strap therefore equally distributing the weight, presto! Problem(s) solved.

1. Bueno- patent croc briefcase, $25
2. Coach- embossed exotic satchel, $498
3. Tumi- dome business case, $495
4. Coach- nylon business tote, $298
5. Mulberry- Alexa leather bag, $1,250
6. Proenza Schouler- leather satchel, $1,595

xx CPfashionista

There is something about January first that feels brand new every single year no matter what. While life continues to go on, it still feels something akin to starting over. This clean blank slate full of promise, potential, and lots and lots of hope for good things to come.

Welcome 2011! We’re so glad you’re here!

Happy New Year friends!

xx CPfashionista

While the holidays are a fashionista’s haven of party outfits to plan and lots of pretty presents to give, this time of year also brings about yummy sweets a plenty. In between braving treks to the mall and endlessly searching for that perfect gift we somehow find time to make things. I’m not talking a batch or two of sugar cookies but rather hundreds and hundreds of sugary decorated morsels.

Funny little cookie cutters…perfect stocking stuffer!

A whirlwind of flour and frosting takes over the kitchen for the better part of 24 hours as we bake our way into sweet happiness. Here are some of my favorite cookie recipes I want to share with you…

Pastelitos de Boda

Oatmeal Raspberry-Jam Bars

Chocolate Hazelnut Sandwiches

Gingerbread men (and women)

Sugar Cookies

Happy baking!

xx CPfashionista

When I was in college one of my favorite songs was Dream Big by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband Band. Not only for the melody but because the lyrics were so truly inspirational, the chorus being “When you dream, dream big.” How profound.

I always find Friday’s to be especially inspirational as I build big plans in my head of what I can accomplish in the coming weekend. It seems that the bigger you dream, the more likely it is that your dreams just might come true. Let’s be honest, dreaming is fun but reality is so much better.

Here are some inspirational “Dream Big” things from around the web today…enjoy!

Shape What’s To Come project by Levi’s…where women from all over the world come together to share, inspire, and grow.

The most adorable dream fund keeper…

A little music video for you to dream about.

Dreamy jewelry.

Have a happy weekend!

XX CPfashionista

The Club Pink monthly newsletter is here and ready to be sent out…if you’re not yet a member of Celebrity Pink’s Club Pink, there’s still time to join. Sign up before Friday to receive 4 awesome give-away offers!

Oh, and have a happy turkey day!

xx CpFashionista

With black Friday mere days away what better way to prepare than with an exclusive Celebrity Pink BFF gift guide. From skinny jeans to the perfect shade of nail polish, you’re sure to find something for that best friend you couldn’t live without.

1. Celebrity Pink-Denim jeggings
2. Celebrity Pink- Holiday bow dress
3. Celebrity Pink- Cargo jacket
4. Celebrity Pink- Cargo skinny jeans
5. Celebrity Pink- Classic jegging
6. Juicy Couture- Sequin clutch
7. Shared Earth- Peacock feather bracelet
8. Forever 21- Bow booties
9. Essie- Velvet Voyeur nail polish
10. Philosophy- Peppermint Bark lip gloss

XX Happy Shopping!

CpFashionista

A little Monday entertainment for you!

xx CpFashionista

I have recently noticed that as soon as a trip of any length is planned, I immediately begin putting together an inspiration (board) of sorts for packing details and outfit inspiration. Perhaps it’s the excitement of traveling that moves to inspire me but whatever the case may be, whether I’m packing for a weekend away or a week-long vaca I start collecting images the second plans are made.

I do it because I love it, but also because it greatly helps me organize my packing list and visualize how to effectively coordinate components. The best piece of packing advice I ever got was to never bring anything that you won’t wear or use at least twice. Done! I now look at pieces for their versatility and can proudly say that my once enormous tow of luggage has greatly shrunk to one very expertly packed carry-on.

In early September we took a weekend trip to Tahoe to visit my brother and so I was faced with the ever temperamental weather that is North Shore Lake Tahoe. Relatively warm during the day and nearly freezing at night. The outdoors lent a great deal to be inspired by and so I decided to go with basics and layers in muted naturals:  several cute (and comfy) tees, my favorite black wrap/shrug, a pair of olive cargos, cropped skinny jeans, a pair of shorts for the day, antique gold was my metal of choice, and a messenger bag to round it all out.

xx CPfashionista

I am not entirely sure if it is because we share the same first name or simply because her designs are delightfully feminine and equally edgy, but either way I have long been a fan of the Lauren Merkin label. So, when I spotted one of her clutches at a Goodwill Thrift Store while Halloween costume searching last month I just about died. All of $5.99 bought me this little purple print and gold sparkly number which I fully plan on accessorizing many holiday outfits with these coming months.

While the exact same one is no longer available, my new little friend is very similar to the Tatum clutch except purple and gold python instead of the black seen above.

Also, I would like to confess that since that Halloween trip to Good Will I have a renewed appreciation for thrifting and I’m pretty sure  my new fav go-to shopping spot might just be anything second-hand. It’s way more fun! 

xx CpFashionista

Visible socks with shoes seems to be a recurring trend favorite of mine as of late. During my most recent trip to New York I found myself layering knee socks over tights no matter my outfit. Not only for added warmth but simply for the irresistible cuteness I just can’t seem to get enough of.

After the second consecutive day of wearing the same pair of black wool socks (cue: ew, gross!) it was decided an exclusive sock shopping stop was in order. One trip to Urban Outfitters later and I was the proud owner of not only knee-high and over the knee socks, but thigh high knits as well. Thank you UO!

• Rib and Cable Knit Over Knee sock, $14
• Open Stitch Cuff Over Knee socks, $14
• Rib Knit Legwarmers, $16
• Button Ribbed Over Knee socks, $10
• Over Knee Ruched Cuff socks, $14

xx CPfashionista