As someone has made a few purchases from Gilt.com over the years and have lusted and debating about making many others (Current Want: Eugenia Kim feather fedora)  I have become very familiar with the company from the consumer side. However, I did not know much about the history of how the e-commerce site came to be. 

When I received an advanced copy of Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson's book "By Invitation Only" I dove in and was immediately fascinated and inspired by their story. Not only did they transform the e-commerce landscape with the launch of Gilt, effectively bringing the sample sale to the privacy of shopper's homes, even if those homes happen to be located in small town, USA. They demonstrated how powerful one simple and extremely good idea can be when combined with an entrepreneurial spirit. 

The book offers tons of insight into what it takes to have a successful start-up, and also numerous tips on how to lead (and remain true to your leadership style while also making it an effective one), run a business, and also to grow a business while minimizing hiccups and growing pains. Anyone considering going into business with a family member or friend should read this book, even if they aren't interested in the fashion side of their business. For that matter, any of us who seek to one day be our own boss, should read, take notes, and be inspired by this book!

*An advanced copy of this book was provided for review consideration.

After a few 80 degree teaser days the New York City weather has rudely turned windy and rather frigid. Cold weather makes me want to stay inside and knit and bake cookies, while warm weather compels me to go out, explore my city whilst wearing cute outfits. Sure, I find knitting and baking to be enjoyable, but the teaser days made me desperate to trade my boots for sandals! My pedicure needs to see the sun!

My hope is that the mercury will rise just after my order from Seychelles arrives. I am completely smitten with their spring sandal collection that is complete with neon hues and color blocking. Check out my favorites from the collection below:

Are polka-dots the new stripes? Stripes aren't losing any favor, but there is an undeniable craze for polka-dots. I love the girly retro vibe this classic print gives off. I already have quite a lot of polka-dots in my closet that have been collected or thrifted over the years. Of course, that won't stop me from getting a little shopping in either! Here are some of my favorite polka-dot looks!

I am even sporting polka-dots on my nails! It doesn't hurt that it happens to be one of the easiest DIY nail art designs! Polka-dot nails: I created this look using Sally Hansen Salon Effects (from the Avril Lavigne collection) I found at my local Duane Reade:

To create the look the traditional way all you need is your choice of contrasting polish, toothpicks or a dotting tool (I use this one I purchased from Sephora). If you prefer the stickers, Check your local drugstore for the Avril Lavigne Sally Hansen Salon Effects stickers, or try similar polka-dot nail strips:

Sephora currently has: Cute Dots (Pink with white dots) or My Favorite Skirt (Navy with white dots) available. Nail Wraps from Nail Rock has similar styles available @ ASOS & TopShop: White w/ black dots; Red w/ white dots; Black w/ white dots.  If you're looking for inspiration, I have a lot of different looks I've gathered from the interwebs posted on my Beauty Board on Pinterest, so check it out!

Loeffler Randall's Spring collection is high on my lust list. From color-blocked sandals, polka-dots, colorful wedges, and flattering nudes, this collection meets my every desire and need. I simply cannot get enough. If only I could convince my boss to give me a raise.

{row 1}Chloe platform sandal (bottle green polka-dot) $350; Filippa mignon flat sandal  (bottle green snake embossed leather) $295; Dita platform pump (black & cream printed jacquard) $425; Anja mignon wedge (orange) $375; all @ Loeffler Randall

{row 2}Esther platform pump (Tortora vachetta leather) $450; Fawn sporty flat sandal (acid yellow & black) $295; Serafina plank sandal (acid yellow flower) $195; Reba velcro sandal (nude leather with acid yellow trim) $375; all @ Loeffler Randall

{row 3} Selima plank sandal  (tan with black patent leather trim) $175; Rachel mignon sandal (Tortora vachetta leather) $350; Francie knot sandal  (nude with metallic polka-dots) $275; Lotte knot clog  (coral leather) $235; all @ Loeffler Randall

{row 4} Luca mignon flat sandal (terracotta leather) $295;  Darcy platform pump (nude/hot melon/ black leather) $395; Fawn sporty flat sandal (nude/black/hot melon) $295; Serafina plank sandal (melon leather flower) $195; all @ Loeffler Randall

My wallet has been having a dangerous love affair with Kate Spade and just when I was about to reign it in, a booklet of new Kate Spade watches arrives in my mailbox. It seems Kate Spade's colorful idiom bangles have morphed into watches. Like the idiom bangles, each Kate Spade 'carousel' bangle watch has an inscription on the inside, if I had to choose just one I think the pool colored watch with the 'Dive In' inscription would have to be mine.  My will to resist is weak! Those who are fans of a more classic looking watch will be equally pleased with the selection. The watches are available at Nordstrom now!

I am loving these neutral looks from Madewell's upcoming Spring catalog. I adore neutral color-blocking, so that first dress is on my MUST list. Of course, any of the pieces would look equally as good paired with the ubiquitous bold hues overtaking our closets!