5 Must Haves for a Sequin-ed Gal at Breakfast

Meet Kiley. A gal who loved playing dress up as a girl, and well, never grew out of it, she's the awesome blogger behind A Sequin Dress at Breakfast. Smart girl! We should all be wearing our most glam and glitzed pieces every day instead of waiting for some big occasion. A Des Moines, IA gal, she lives with her super-sweet boyfriend who lets her take over the closet with sequins, heels and way more dresses than a guy deems necessary.

Kiley loves to try new recipes (specialties are cherry cobbler and guac); is a great DIY gal (she's glittered two pairs of shoes; check blog for deets), and likes digging through vintage stores (best find: black sequin blazer at a shop in Chicago). 

So thrilled that Kiley is sharing with us today her current must haves. After reading, check out her blog or find her on Facebook or Twitter. Yay!

In her words, here are Kiley's current must haves... 
'A Sequin Dress at Breakfast' is my lovely little distraction, and a place I can share my love for all things sparkly, sequined, and delicious. I was so excited when Alyson asked me to share my top 5 must haves. I could probably list about 55, but I'm happy to share my top 5 can't-live-withouts.

Eyelash curler

I'm obsessed with the Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I've bought two new ones each year (one for purse, one for makeup bag) for probably the last decade because they are that incredible. I recently found out that Shu Uemura is no longer available in the US (I'm still recovering from the tragic news), but... you can buy it online at spots including Amazon.

Fur vest

I get more wear out of my three fur vests than possibly my best coats. I throw on a fur vest at every opportunity. It makes any outfit just a bit more fun and keeps you toasty in cooler weather.

Pink makeup

All summer long my fingers and toes are almost permanently in shades of hot pink. Throw in my Tarte cheek stain, Maybelline Coral Crush and a couple Stila lip glosses, and you will find my makeup bag holds a good amount of pink. Check out Sephora for most items.

Gold watch

I don't know how I went so long without my oversized gold Michael Kors watch. It makes almost any outfit seem 'complete' and I love how it goes with anything. I wasn't a watch-wearer at all until I got a hold of this gem, and now I don't know how I went so long without!
TAGG mention: totally agree with Kiley! I'm a watch addict, however adding an oversized watch -- in almost any color -- does complete your chic look.

Sequin skirts

If you couldn't tell by the name of my blog, I'm quite the fan of sequins. I think every girl should own at least one (or 20!) sequin pieces. A simple and well-made sequin skirt can see you through every season and multiple occasions. My favorite sequin skirt is a simple A-line shape that hits just above the knees. I wore it all winter long with tights, sweaters, and booties, and have been wearing it this spring with a tucked-in denim button down. I'm looking forward to wearing it this summer with a plain white or gray tank and loads of sparkly jewelry. Piperlime and J. Crew (see pic) have some incredible sequin pieces right now.



Fab Find: Sparkly Attire for Under $100

I should say that the holidays make me want to wear fun sparkly items, but truth be told, who doesn't want to feel sparkly and gorgeous all-year-round? Enter awesome shops who are carrying so many fun, embellished items it makes this gal smile from ear to ear. And, it's not just for a big night out. Some items included below are perfect for daytime. Or, take a dressy skirt or dress and pair it with a more casual cardigan or chunky sweater and flats for a fun and flirty afternoon out.

While we love this look, it's not something we typically invest in. We believe in investing in jeans, quality shoes, handbags, and accessories like nice jewelry and scarves. Important note: closely check out your find before buying. Be sure the sequins or detailing is solidly placed and remember that it's going to require some special cleaning.

So check out these items and remember, a little glitz and glam does a body good!

Fab Find: Sequin on Palm Beach

Oh. My. Goodness. New store obsession alert.

I was on my way to C. Orrico on S. County Road in Palm Beach (for another post) when I saw through a storefront window a sign displaying $20 for what looked like gorgeous bangles. Did my eyes deceive me? $20 on Palm Beach? For actual jewelry?? Gasp. I had to stop in... and I'm glad I did!

Sequin, open just since holidays 2009, is a fabulous jewelry boutique with super affordable prices on not only bangles, but statement necklaces, rings and so, so much more. The items are remarkably -- almost shockingly -- similar to the likes of pieces you'd find for at least twice the price at J. Crew, Banana and Nordstrom. And, those $20 bangles? A must. Plus, buy two for $35 or three for $50. It's just a few dollars more than going to Target and now you'll have quality bangles from a hot spot on The Island. Love.

Owned by sisters Kim and Linda Renk, this is Sequin's main location in addition to summer shops in Newport, Rhode Island. New merchandise comes in every week and it's made around the world, with a showroom in Manhattan. I just love it. These women, who have a background in fashion, saw an opening in the market for affordable, well-made costume jewelry and went for it. Let's all be glad they did. There are so many bold, exquisite pieces under $50 and $100 you could faint from excitement.

And, you know it's quality: they also produce for Badgley Mischka and have created private-label jewelry for a variety of retailers. They've also been featured in InStyle, Allure and People StyleWatch.

Sequin is located at 330 S. County Rd. in Palm Beach. You can find them here on Facebook. If you'd like to read a bit more about the owners and check out some products, visit Charm and Chain.