5 Must Haves: from a Fellow Red-Head

Meet Erin. She's one of the coolest, sweetest, most fun and sincere girls I've ever met. Promise. And, I'm not just blowing these compliments her way because she's a red head (ya know, us red heads have to stick together!). Honestly, her smile is infectious and someone I always think I'd love to become better friends with (ya year that, Erin! haha). We met out and about here in West Palm, Fla. through friends, and now serve together on the Board of an awesome non profit, The Foundation for Community Betterment. She's our resident graphic designer and overall smartie, helping to keep us organized and make every event its best.

Oh, did I forget to mention she has killer taste? Even when I see her en route to spinning classes (indoor cycling, her love!), she looks totally fab. I love how she pulls an outfit together (which usually involves Tory Burch), her condo is gorge, and she also makes her own jewelry... namely guitar pick earrings! Talk about rockin' a look! I'm obsessed with them. She sells them here and there so it's always awesome to see someone wearing them... people go crazy; such a fun, unexpected piece of jewelry!

Beyond thrilled that she's sharing with you her five must-have items because this is definitely a girl who's taste I admire. Fun, accessible yet sophisticated and modern.

In her words, here's Erin's 5 must haves...

 Swatch

I wear my Swatches all the time, even to work. Rocking a vibrant Swatch is a fab diversion to the "work attire." They add a splash of unexpected character and can be conversation starters. Lately, I've been wearing this one, So Fresh ($60)! 

 

A lovable Rescue Pet

Mine's named Cooper. He's my love monkey. I rescued him in January from Golden Rescue South Florida and we're now in a serious relationship :-) Rescue your next pet please! You can rescue pretty much any breed either through your local humane society or searching for more detailed organizations such as the Golden Rescue south Florida or Everglades Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc.

(You don't have to get a golden retriever but they are one of the BEST dogs).

 

MAC - Oyster Girl lipgloss

It's light and glossy, giving your lips just enough without hailing too much attention.

The color ORANGE

I'm not sure what it is about the color orange. I've been infatuated for years. It's funky and fresh with a touch of sassy. Notice my orange bedding (Anthropologie) and orange upholstered chair (purchased from Kourtney Pulitzer boutique in West Palm Beach) with Cooper hanging out.
TAGG tip: this just shows that even red heads can rock orange! thanks, erin!

Good Food!

I'm not much of a chef so when cooking at home, I usually do steamed veggies and bake or grill chicken. Bland, I know. This could be the reason why I tend to eat out often: I enjoy GOOD FOOD. Some fly to Italy or New York for a memorable meal, which I fully encourage but I'm also happy eating at these hot spots in West Palm Beach, which can accommodate Cooper of course: Darbster (vegan), Vagabondi (Italian), Gratify (gastro pub) and Pistache (French waterfront bistro). Darbster's is an easy "go to" for a casual atmosphere, friendly people and outrageously delicious Vegan food. Yes, Vegan. Have a glass of white wine and the Chikn' & Apple Wrap with the peanut sauce that I crave. At Vagabondi, I usually get the beet salad to start and a small portion of the luring pasta with truffle oil!
(photo: palm cakes at darbster, pbpost.com)

Watch it! And, a Reminder to Buy What You Love

Have I told you I have a watch obsession? It's major. Like, really major.

I have gold, black, silver, white and red-banded watches,

yet somehow sometimes I felt like I was missing one.

For my birthday in March I decided: a new Michael Kors watch was a must!

Rose gold or tortoise shell. Decisions decisions.

I kept leaning toward rose gold because it's so in style now yet I've been loving the brown tortoise for ages.

I tried them both on, mulled over it, heard gals suggesting the rosey, thougth some more,

and then I reminded myself that I wanted the tortoise shell for eons.

TAGG REMINDER:

Do not fall prey to what's popular now, especially if budgets are limited.

Go for what's classic, and most importantly, what you absolutely love!

While of course I'd absolutely love the rose gold, my budget doesn't allow for everything so I had to decide.

I snagged that gorgeous timepiece in the center during Bloomies Friends and Fam for 20 percent off of $195, plus I had a $120 (thanks to awesome friends!).

Looking for your own?

Head to Amazon for great deals,

or my faves: Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's for a great selection and even better service.

Fab Find: Sprout Watches

As I've mentioned before, I have a slightly large watch addiction. I flat out love them. I have a compulsive need to always know the time, so I might as well look fashionable doing it.

My latest discovery? Sprout watches, which feature an organic cotton strap. Saw one while flipping through the latest Nordstrom catalog and I had to learn more. They're rugged and durable, yet totally stylish and practical. Available in a ton of color combinations at stores from Nordstrom to Target and Sears -- the eco-friendly watches are light-weight and feature a natural bamboo dial. For just under $30, these are a total fashionista steal! Sprout's also have smaller face sizes than the one to the right, but I'm partial to the larger one.

Color combinations range across the board, from this brown and blue hikers dream (and mine; the military green look is so fall 2010) to black, khaki, hot pink, red, light blue, navy and more. Check them out at your fav store: Target, Sears or Nordstrom. Sears right now has a few as low as $23.99!

Happy shopping!