Thank you so much for your support, comments, and emails this year! Looking forward to 2013!
Cheers!
xx

Some razzle dazzle for your new year:

1/2/3

The frenzied pace of the holiday season leaves me craving a little simplicity and organization. 

Above, a few perfectly organized spaces that serve to renew my commitment to purge and organize this new year.

xx

Santa Watch 2012

orignigal image

Safe travels to all headed to spend the holiday with family and friends.

Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season.

xx

Just a few items that definitely channel your inner tough girl...
At times, I really enjoy dressing with more of an edge... like the juxtaposition of a huge watch on my petite wrist.
Scroll through my selections below using the arrows, hover over images for pricing, and click the picture to link straight to the product.
xx

1/2/3

Simplifying Things

As of late I've started making efforts to purge and simplify my wardrobe and home decor. 

At home I'm changing things back to a softer, cleaner color palette... a new jute rug, crisp clean white slipcovers to replace my currently worn/loved ones.  I'm also on the hunt for vintage finds- high on the list is a large mirror.  I'm toying with the idea of setting up and Etsy shop with some of the items I'm ready to part with.  Would any of you be interested in that? Do you have your own shop? How has your experience been?

xx

PS- for those of you NOT looking to purge head on over here to see my recent picks for items that "need" to be in your closet this season ;)
(FYI: page usually take a second to load)

Congratulations Leah!
Please look forward to an email from me today!

Thank you all so much for your support and entries! I really enjoyed hosting this giveaway.
Today's my birthday so it's fun to do something like this to celebrate on the blog.

xx

via

It's that time of year ladies and gents!  I received a request to do a post on my picks for black tie looks... so wallah-here they are: 

Scroll through the dresses and click on any that peak your interest. I was a sneeze away from buying this dress last week and think I may just have to cave!

Want to look couture without the monetary commitment? Then Rent The Runway honey!

Love, wear, then return your most coveted designer looks. Rent The Runway allows you to rent a dress or accessory for ten percent of the retail price! They carry over 140 designers and will ship a dress to you in two sizes to ensure the perfect fit.  Pre-stamped return envelopes allow you to ship the dress back easily, and they take care of the dry cleaning.

What are you plans this holiday season! Any exciting events?
xx

Louis Vuitton iPhone Case Giveaway!

That's right folks! I'm in the holiday spirit and hosting my first ever giveaway!

While shopping with my little sister she (not so tactfully) pointed out that I was carrying my vintage LV bag, a wallet, and an iPhone case. OK, OK, I know... I took it too far. My mistake is your lucky little holiday gain.

I'm paying it forward on this one and hosting a giveaway for my authentic LV 3G iPhone case. I keep my iPhone 4 in it and it fits perfectly. The winner will receive the original box, dust bag, and the case itself which is in pristine condition.

Now for the rules:

You must be a follower of Chic Geek to enter to win 

(if you're not scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to find the follow widget)

For one entry: Leave a comment within this post saying you follow Chic Geek

For a second entry: Like Chic Geek on Facebook (you can do so here) and leave a comment here in the post telling me you "liked" the page

For a third entry: follow Chic Geek on Twitter (here) and tweet about the giveaway

Leave a comment here in the post telling me you follow and tweeted about the giveaway

REMEMBER YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT IN THIS POST TO BE ENTERED!

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry as it will heighten your chances of winning.

The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday, December 17th

Please note this giveaway is in no way sponsored by Louis Vuitton and is only open to readers inside the Continental U.S. 

Good luck! I hope you love this little guy as much as I have!
Giveaway ENDS at 7:00 PM 12/16/12
Winner announced on the blog 12/17/12

xx

Today is a very important day for me at work; so, I thought I would feature some fun items that can add a little sparkle to your own workday routines.

Mackenzie's online boutique, Design Darling, is full of treasures but today I'm featuring her gold foil notebooks, business card cases, and colored Le Pen's.

I would happily take notes and compile to-do lists in these stunning notebooks. They contain 56 unlined pages and measure 5"x7"

$20.00

Colorful pens literally make me happy- is that odd? I try to avoid boring black and blue whenever I have the chance! These Le Pen's come in a set of 12 and are offered in pink, lime green, blue, periwinkle, and turquoise

$22.00

Who doesn't want a business card case that reflects a bit of their own personal style? These eco-friendly cases are made from recycled leather and fit standard size cards. I can't decide between lime green, pink, or cobalt blue?

$14

Happy Monday Loves. 

Any work accessories you can't live without? Share in the comments section below.

xx

What are your thoughts on bows this season? I'm smitten.

My friend Olivia from O.Style scored the amazing vintage bow earrings pictured above. I swear she was about six months ahead of the curve on this one. Now everywhere I look... bows, bows, bows! 

No complaints on this one-as long as you're not wearing them on headbands in your hair- that's reserved for little girls 10 and under in my book.  
What I don't mind is collegiate athletes who tie ribbons in their ponytails 
(so guilty of that one and you may still catch me on a run with a little ribbon from the good old days tied just so- total geek)

Shop the look: press arrows to scroll

I love these two looks because they skirt tradition. None of the expected holiday color schemes
(not that there's anything wrong with that- I have a sick vintage tartan shirt and long pencil skirt I totally plan on rocking this winter).
Do you feel pressure to stick to reds, greens, tartan and velvet during the Holiday season? Would you wear something like this to a winter event, cocktail party, night out with girls, or a dinner with friends? Or, does this read a little too Miami summer soiree to you?
What are your thoughts? Weigh-in, I'd love to know.

Shop additional colorful looks below and find the above dresses by clicking the arrow tabs to scroll.

Hope you have a happy and healthy day!

xx

via

I just cant get over the perfect marriage of masculinity and femininity in this space. Each with their own independent perspective/voice present; yet neither over powering one another, nor competing. The design works in harmony portraying strength, warmth and grace.

Kind of sounds like the perfect relationship to me. 

xx

Lot's of hard work and coffe helped me get through last week. I submitted a 64+ page project and now just need to get my formal presentation ready. 

Hoping to restore some balance this week including more posts here and a few visits to the gym!

I've updated my posh purchases section on pinterest if you want to check out a few of my recent lustworthy items. 

Above: My Bridget Bardot print arrived and I couldnt be happier. I immediately framed it and love! 

Happy Sunday

xx

Update: For those of you asking I purchased it here on ebay total was under ten dollars with shipping!

images 1/2

Really missing my normal posting schedule right now. 

Just finishing up a big project and am hoping to get back to regular posts at the end of the week.

For now, just a quick post on a few neutral looks I'm loving:

I don't know about you but I always choose the latter on Black Friday.  I'm not one for crowds, and the day after Thanksgiving means pumpkin pie for breakfast, copious amounts of coffee, and a possible trip to the movie theatre.
OK fine I'll admit it, a definite trip to the movie theater to see breaking dawn... teenybopper!

I do, however, check out the cyber deals and have a few I'm definitely hitting up.  Thought I'd pay it forward and give you the codes I've rounded up thus far.  If you follow me on twitter or facebook you've definitely seen a few of the sale items I'm currently coveting.

OK, now for the good stuff!

Madewell: get 25% off everything and free shipping! 

Love this tote, these polka dot tights are too legit to quit, and the world will not be right until these booties are on my feet- just sayin
Use the code TREAT

J.Crew: use the code COLOR25 for 25% off your purchases

J.CrewFactory is offering 40% off everything and if you spend $100 or more you can save an additional 15% at checkout with the code GIVEANDGET

Shopbop: up to 35% off- use the code BIGEVENT12

Banana Republic: receive 40% off your purchase today! Use the code BRFRIDAY
I'm seriously dying over this coat and this statement necklace!

Loren Hope Jewelry: save 20% site wide on your order of $100+ through Monday

Design Darling Boutique: save 15% on orders of $100+ using the code EARLYBIRD at checkout 

I really want this notebook in blue and white + this little lady to hold business cards (in pink of course)

GAP: 60% off the entire store! 
I really really "need" this sweater

Also finding lots of great deals over on Gilt I would definitely head over and check it out!

Is there anything I missed? Leave a comment or tweet me so I can update on all the cyber savings!

Want to see all of the items I'm currently craving? Head on over here or browse a few of my favorite picks below (seriously that coat below center stage...yeah, I know- perfection)

original image

I love a good sale and right now you can save up to 35% with the code BIGEVENT12 at Shopbop

I've put together some of my favorite offerings. I tried to choose items that are versatile. What... yellow leather pants ARE versatile in my world. Pair them with sky-high heels, a black silk top, & a leather jacket for a night out.  Want to keep it a little more casual? Rock a faded broken-in tee, pumps, and no jewelry.  For day I would wear flats and a chunky knit sweater.  The rest of my selections are a bit easier to integrate into an existing wardrobe. Shop the looks below.  To see all of my current lust worthy picks head over here.

So close, yet so far...

I haven't been home since the summer so I'm beyond thrilled to be hopping a flight at the end of the day to see my family! I just need to kick this terrible cold, get through a jam-packed morning/afternoon, pack up all my work (ugh, yes a working holiday) and hitch a ride to the aeropuerto!

Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. I'm so grateful for your support here on this little blog.  All of your comments, emails, and feedback mean more to me than you will ever know!

xx

Some things deserve a post of their own. Such is the case with the violet continental zip wallet by Tory Burch.  I love the color palette, and the full zip closure.  My vintage Gucci wallet has seen better days so I've had my eye out for something special- this certainly fits the bill.  I like having a big wallet for daytime and then I always switch to something smaller and more practical for evenings out.

What do you think? Would you rock a statement wallet like this one or do you like to keep it simple? 

Shop the look below

xx

It's Friday!!!!
So ready to fly into the weekend! Wish I had something like the above piece to throw on- it's literally a piece of art.


Above: the space is organizational bliss; but, the black and white portrait is striking!  It reeks of an alluring irreverence.  That chick is B-A-D... in the best possible way.
(Is that a photograph of someone I should know about?
 Did I miss the boat on this one? Is she a famous actress? clue me in!)
update: it's Bridgette Bardot!

It's getting a little chilly these days- which I love (true New Englander at heart).

 I'm always wearing hats and think I may try to snag a neon beanie a la Elin Kling.

Could she be more chic?

Anything you're looking to incorporate into your winter wardrobe? Would love to hear!
Happy Weekend
xx

images
1/2/3

One Dress Two Looks

Loving how this simple color palette can be so versatile and wearable. This one dress can take you from day to night. Dress it down during the day by layering it with a sweater tights and chunky boots. At night dress it up with a jacket that has a sophisticated silhouette.  Add some baubles, statement heels, a clutch and you're done.

Shop the look below by clicking the images:

Little Loves

via

Love this DIY using washi tape as frames. Cheap and chic.

via

Also love this gallery wall set against Hinson's fireworks wallpaper.

Perfection.

via

Love the bold red headboard paired with the playful polka dot shams.

Happy Sunday, have a great week!

xx

via

Thought of the day:

Ummmmm, what hapenned to fall? Didn't get the memo we were skipping it and heading straight into winter. Seriously? I heard lots of friends had their first snow today! LUCKYYYY.

via

I'm rarely, if ever, cold.  Accordingly, you won't find me donning a bulky sweater and boots at the first sign of fall weather.  I generally hold-off on jackets all together and transition slowly into autumnal layers.  My first efforts to acknowledge the changing weather materialize solely in the color palettes I choose to wear.  Then I start thinking 3/4 length sleeves. Next, que little booties like these.  Then the full-on, real deal, fall boots.

Above, a few fall staples I wouldn't mind adding to my wardrobe: now, the commentary...

Little oxblood heels- I love you with your pointed toe, stacked wood cigarette heel, and on-trend hue. I know you were hand crafted in Portugal just for little old me.

Crystal venus flytrap necklace- Let's work together. I'll introduce you to new friends as I stack and layer-up multiple necklaces. I'll even let you stand alone on days when I feel like talking to strangers. Your unique celerary shade is sure to be a conversation starter.

Tibi Lola 3/4 sleeve dress- you play hard to get, and I respect that.  Your silk graphic print has peaked my interest but you're a little pricey.  I can play hardball too ya know...

Navy lace mockneck tee- you've been waiting all summer, now is your time to shine.

Hands free Coach willis bag- you're a throwback to the classic sophisticated silhouette of yesteryear. Stick with me- we'll go places.

Madewell alcove boot- I'm digging the retro vibe. You feel a little 70's and I'm pickin' up what you're puttin' down. Plus you go perfectly with Lola... please talk some sense into her.

Shop the look below:

No it's not my birthday but it sure feels like it! I posted on J.Crew Factory a while back and wanted to share a few of my recent purchases.  Many of their products are close to exactly what's offered at J.Crew but at a much lower price.  I picked up these little pants in navy and may have gone a little overboard on the necklaces- but I love the idea of layering them up (like I have displayed above). Have you checked out J.Crew Factory?

xx

Shop the looks by clicking the pictures below:

via
At certain times in the year it can be difficult for me to clearly delineate between the work week and the weekend.  There "should" be an appropriate time to check-out, rest, and re-connect with friends and loved ones.  However, work emails come straight to everyone's phone and there are pressures to stay "connected".  I always notice when someone doesn't check that lingering buzz;  even more so when someone actually allows a call to go to voicemail! Technology constantly has us betwixt and between personal and professional worlds.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm guilty of hopping right on my phone at any hour of the day or night to answer an email just so I can check it off of my "to-do" list.  I've also been guilty on too many occasions of saying to whomever I'm with: "I just have to get this one email off and then I can end my day and listen".

I'm currently creeping towards the finish line of a year-long professional review so my weekends are now officially "work time".   I'm too busy fulfilling regular work week expectations Monday through Friday so the push will be to complete everything else on the weekends.   

How do you stay balanced during times like this? I've scheduled time for runs, time for quick dates with friends, and I try to dress in a more laid back manner (Que image above); but, my highest priority is work! I am definitely fearful that time with friends or time with myself (exercise) will quickly take a backseat to creating a quality finished product for work.

Am I alone on this one- or do we all lose sight of what's most important at times?

Happy Weekend!
Don't forget to take some time for y-o-u!

xx

image: kelly eye's the skirt in her very own closet. gah.

The classic combination of black and white is strikingly aggressive in the above design.  Kelly Wearstler proves it takes a designers eye to make what might be bland into something brilliant.  The pieces read 80's tough surfer girl, but somehow still feel relevant.  The prints name, "sharks tooth", is perfection.  Once I read it I felt that it almost looked as if a a shark had bitten into a surfboard.  At least that's my interpretation... what do you see? 

I've paired it with all black accessories:  Claire Vivier's versatile foldover clutch, and the saucy ankle cuff pumps.

Would you go for the dress version or the skirt? I'm partial to the skirt- pass me my leather jacket, and I'm done.

Shop the look:

via

Hoping everyone is safe and sound during this storm. Anything in particular you do to pass the time?

I've been cleaning, baking, listening to music and doing a little work. My "emergency provisions" included fresh roses that I arranged and am now enjoying. 

xx

Have you seen The Coveteur feature on designer, Kelly Wearstler?

Pretty amazing. Above is my favorite image. 

Find the full feature here.

I also loved the spread on Anna Dello Russo (Editor-at-Large; Creative Consoltant, Vogue Japan).

Her style is so wild, she cracks me up. I love the shot of her holding the tiny ceramic poodle pretty much looking like a tiny poodle herself in her feathery frock- so fun. 

 View all of the images here.

xx

via
This image pretty much sums it up.
Feeling pulled in a lot of different directions and just have to push on through!

Is it just me or can having too much on your plate be somewhat exhilarating?

So odd.

I've outsourced some of the little blog update issues so I'm really looking forward to having a professional take that on. 

OK, my short respite from real work is over... but not before I share some of my current lust worthy finds! No rhyme or reason to them... just little pieces I would gladly incorporate into my closet- especially that coat (anything with a high collar gets me every time!)
 Click the images to link.

Looking forward to resuming my normal posting schedule next week!

xx

via

Have you ever noticed that you don't even need to identify yourself on a phone call to a true friend.

(and no not because everyone has caller ID)

It's one of those simple pleasures I take for granted.  I don't even think I leave my name in messages- just a simple "hey, it's me"

Do you make time to catch up with your girls?!  I sometimes schedule phone dates since we all have crazy busy lives.  I also try to put a little snail mail out there every now and then. I can't tell you how excited I get to receive something other than a BILL so I like to pay it forward!

How do you stay connected with your out of town friends?

Happy Tuesday

xx

via

A nice pop of color on your feet can be the chicest finishing touch! I'm so drawn to this trend.

It's certainly worth investing in- but if your not sure, try picking up a pair for less to try the look out. I bought a pair of cobolt blue "suede"pumps for $24.99 at H&M! They also had a hot pink pair.

Are you into this look? Would you sport a pop of color with your kicks?

xx

Shop the look by clicking the pictures. Use the arrows to see more selections.

original image

My obsesion with this image/look knows no bounds... perfection.
Happy Weekend

xx

Pop

No need to loose the vibrant colors of summer during the fall season. A perfect autumnal pop is red!

Above- definitely investing in some red tights (really want red booties too).

Effortlessly chic red leather pants elevate this ensamble to a whole new level. 

Check out this similar pair for a pretty fair price

Oh hello breazy beautiful cascading dress. Hop in my closet please.

(also obsessed with her bob!)

Things are moving at a glacier speed with the update... but I'm starting to work on an "about" page as well as update the header. Click over to the Chic Gek facebook page to see the front runner. I love the clean simplicity of it, but am open to feedback!

xx

Shop the look below- if the product image is not shown in red you can see the red version after clicking the picture to link 

via

Exciting Changes

Chic Geek is going to be getting a little bit of a makeover soon. I thought it was time to freshen things up a bit!

  Here's hoping that I don't totally botch this update! Fingers crossed all those little html codes do their thing!  I'm hoping to make the transition in the next few days and can't wait to share with you all! There will definitely be some blips along the road and this may be a "slow" process... but bare with me as I try to give this little blog a shiny new exterior.

Wish me luck
_____________________
Update: Holly gosh that was a horrible idea!

EEEEKKKK
Back to the old look and now I've learned my lesson about working on html coding during the work week! 
NEVER AGAIN.

xx

image via

J.Crew Factory is Live!

Really loving what I'm seeing over on the new Factory site! Shop a few of my favorite picks below:
Click on the pictures to purchase- I think I may have to grab this blouse in the polka dot print and I'm also slightly obsessed with this coats incredible asymetrical zipper and high collar

xx

The Phone A Friend

I am soooo guilty of the phone a friend option while shopping! Do you ever do this? My go-to is my girl Olivia, from O.Style

On a recent jaunt to the GAP I needed some reinforcements- so I broke out the awkward self pics in an effort to get the extra push needed to purchase; or the honest "absolutely not" reality check that only a friend can give.  Do you do this with your girlfriends?

Shop the look: (the shirt is from American Apparel- go Yankees!)

Lonny Love

My two favorite images from the newest Lonny issue. 

Above: support for my believe that a chandelier is appropriate in any and every space.

I'm such a sucker for pink.

xx