We've been longing for spring -- a lot -- lately, even if it brings April showers. Target has a number of really cute umbrellas right now, including this bubble umbrella. We like that it has just the slightest touch of florescent lime green -- and will protect your hair, let you see where you're walking, and, because you can hold it lower and with more control, it hopefully will keep you from poking taller people in the eye with your umbrella. Lovely. It's $16 (and also comes in other ... Read More about Commuting Hall of Fame: Totes Bubble Umbrella
Coffee Break: Linea Pelle Dylan Medium Tote
We're liking this slouchy, cool tote from Linea Pelle today. We like it for its size (big enough for a pad of paper), as well as for the functionality -- the pocket on the outside and the inside, the fact that you can wear it on your shoulder from any of the straps, the fun print on the inside. Available in black, brown and the orangey "Zucca" for $415 at Piperlime. Linea Pelle Dylan Medium Tote (L-2) ... Read More about Coffee Break: Linea Pelle Dylan Medium Tote
Coffee Break: Christa Basic Pump
Reader J wrote in to sing the praises of these wine-colored pumps from AK Anne Klein: They're quite comfortable, the heel isn't too high, and the cut out on the inside of the shoe gives it a little visual interest. And I love the wine color - not quite a neutral and not so bright that it couldn't be worn with a wide variety of outfits The price point certainly doesn't hurt either! Oooh, we like. They're on sale at Endless for $37 to $68 (the wine ones are $54), in sizes 6-10. AK Anne Klein ... Read More about Coffee Break: Christa Basic Pump
Coffee Break: Cole Haan OT Air Pump
You know, it has been far too long since we expressed our love for purple shoes. (Unless we're crazy and we did it last week, in which case, our apologies.) They go with navy and black, they add a dose of funk (in a conservative way), and, in general, they're great. We had not seen the "plumeria" color in Cole Haan before -- but we must say, we're loving it. They're $278 at Zappos. Cole Haan - Carma OT Air Pump (Plumeria Snake Embossed) - Footwear (Note to readers -- gauge your office ... Read More about Coffee Break: Cole Haan OT Air Pump
Coffee Break: Crystal Two-Tier Necklace
We've been loving Ann Taylor's accessories as of late, including this two-tier crystal necklace. We'd wear it in place of pearls with a simple boatneck -- particularly against a richly-hued blouse like this one from Gap. It's $58 at Ann Taylor. Crystal Two-Tier Necklace ... Read More about Coffee Break: Crystal Two-Tier Necklace
Coffee Break: Banana Republic’s Leather Knotted Belt
Banana Republic is having yet another online-only sale today (20% off orders of $75+ with code BRSAVE20), and we're digging this wide belt that has some leather, and some cloth. We like that the reviewers all rave about the amount of stretch in the belt and the way it lays properly; we think it would be a great way to add some shape and spunk to a sweater dress or cardigan. It's $38 at Banana Republic in sizes XS/S and M/L. Leather knotted belt ... Read More about Coffee Break: Banana Republic’s Leather Knotted Belt
Coffee Break
Our post on comfortable heels last week generated a number of votes for Stuart Weitzman and Ferragamo, so when we saw these lovely heels on sale (in numerous spots) we had to pass on the news. It's a 3.5" heel, but it looks to have a subtle platform, which should be easier for standing. Zappos has them in black patent and a fun electric blue patent (we'd wear with gray or navy bottoms, but otherwise keep for weekend fun) for $196, and Endless has them in a slew of colors (including the "cashew" ... Read More about Coffee Break
Coffee Break: Satya Hoop Earrings
We love these small hoop earrings -- we like that they're small (.75"), delicate, and pure silver. They also strike us as something you can answer the phone in, which is always a plus with earrings. The small ones are $38 at Momastore.org. Satya Hoop Earrings (L-0) ... Read More about Coffee Break: Satya Hoop Earrings
Coffee Break: Roselena Tote
If you've been on the hunt for a basic black leather tote bag, we think this bag nails it -- big enough for most size docs, helpful zippers and pockets -- and on sale. Nice. Was $398, now down to $290. Francesco Biasia Roselena Tote (Note that Zappos has it in blue, also, albeit at a higher price.) (L-1) ... Read More about Coffee Break: Roselena Tote
Coffee Break: Feather Print Cashmere Scarf
Our "Coffee Break" feature suggests a work-appropriate accessory in a range of prices. For today's accessory, we like this feather printed cashmere scarf. We actually lurve it in the green, but it comes in brown, grey, and gold as well. At 28" by 72" it's the perfect size for a wrap to keep you warm in winter months -- particularly if you have a crazy radiator that shuts on and off at will -- or to use as a travel blanket/pillow, as readers suggested. It's $78 at Nordstrom. La Fiorentina ... Read More about Coffee Break: Feather Print Cashmere Scarf
Coffee Break: Charcoal Jade and Garnet Elephant Pendant
We've noticed that shoes and bags seem to be some of our most popular TPS reports, so we're launching a new feature today -- a semi-regular report on accessories. We'll suggest pieces in a range of prices, and it'll run opposite from the TPS reports (so today is the bargain, and later in the week will be the splurge.) Amazon is having a sale on 30% off of all garnet pieces -- lucky for any January babies you know. We're liking this interesting charcoal jade pendant of an elephant with a ... Read More about Coffee Break: Charcoal Jade and Garnet Elephant Pendant