With the holidays quickly approaching, I thought I’d put together a little taste of a handful of goodies that have recently caught my eye.  What are you lusting after this season?

Coach Sequin Clutch

Emma Stine Edwardian Turquoise Ring

Topshop Faux Fur Stole

Meteorite T Prong Ring

Trapezoid Tile Earrings

Suede Cidnay Bootie

Illusionist’s Gloves

Photo found on this cute girl’s blog.

Have I mentioned I’m obsessed with these sunnies?

P.S. I have been wanting to invest in a good SLR for some time now and this photograph makes me yearn even more for a really good camera. I’m setting my intention now…

This headband from Old Soul, New Heart, is so pretty. I love all of their pieces, but can totally imagine wearing this sweet little treat to a fancy party on New Year’s Eve.

Photo credit: The Sartorialist

Things I am currently coveting, and on the lookout for:

*A sweet “everyday use” black bag

*A navy blue blazer

*Tan oxford flats
***If you know of any good suggestions, send ‘em my way!

I’m off to meet up with a good friend and then celebrate another good friend’s Birthday, so I will bid you all adieu until Monday. I hope you have a lovely weekend! Bisous!

How cute is this girl? Her name is Shea and she and her mom just opened up Old Soul, New Heart, a lovely handcrafted collection of vintage and feminine finds. I first read about her adorable shop on the lovely blog, A Cup of Jo. I am really LOVING their headbands, necklaces and hair do das! Go check it out!

P.S. I agree with Joanna…Shea’s lipstick is divine…she said that it’s NARS Jungle Red. I like my red lipstick, but this color is lovely. I think I might be making a stop at Sephora soon. xoxo

Photo via Kate Spade

Yep, that’s right. Polka dotted tights. Currently on the top of my wish list. I have been searching for  some like these since early last year after I saw my friend Amanda wearing a pair. If anyone has any idea as to where I can find a pair of my very own, please let me know! Sending a big thanks to Jessica for sharing these great photos from Kate Spade. This photo in particular just about convinces me that I could pull off chartruese tights. So mod, I love it!

Dear Universe,

Please let me find the most perfect pair of oxford flats for fall.

Thanks!

Love,

MSP

So, without further ado, meet Ian!

MSP:
Hi Ian! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions about Ivar backpacks.

It says on your site that you were in high school when you realized that backpacks were uncomfortable and unorganized. But, most teenagers would probably endure the torture of sore shoulders and messy bags, so what was it that made you take it one step further and create your own?

Ian:
Hi Christine!

Well, I saw an opportunity to provide a truly better and more intelligent way of carrying your stuff. Through Ivar, we’re providing a more ergonomic and organizing backpack product. As I witnessed in high school, all backpacks worked the same way. Load your stuff inside and your contents falls to the bottom with the weight focused on your lower back – very uncomfortable and definitely disorganized! So, whereas every other backpack is essentially an “open sack,” our Ivar Backpacks (engineered with our patented internal shelf design) evenly distributes your cargo’s weight among the shelves, and keeps everything separate and organized.

MSP:
Starting your own product and business is not an easy feat. Did you come across any bumps along the way? What made you persevere? What was the driving point for you behind it all?

Ian:
My inspiration for Ivar has always been entrepreneurial and, simply, a love for great and innovative consumer products. It’s been a truly amazing process watching Ivar – and our shelf design concept – evolve from a sketch on the back of an airplane throw-up bag to an actual first-rate product line.

In business, there are always challenges and hurdles. My roll has been largely a problem solving effort. In the very beginning, when I was in college at the University of Denver, such challenges were (for example) how we would get the manufactured product from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, to Oakland, California. Those types of challenges are water long-gone under the bridge! These days, we constantly challenge ourselves with how we can better design and provide more value with our products and how to better connect with our customers. All these challenges are part of the enjoyment factor. And from the beginning, I’ve been blessed with a truly wonderful network and advisory board of personal friends and mentors who I frequently collaborate with for opinions and solutions.

MSP:
How did you come up with the shelving idea? I mean, it’s genius, but what was the process in coming up with your insular organizational system?

Ian:
Well thank you! I always knew there was a better way to design a backpack. Backpacks have always lacked true organizational and ergonomic features. Added to it, there have always been back-related health concerns with regard to all that weight sitting on your lower back. I thought of the shelf design as a perfect way to organize everything and create easier access to your stuff. Perhaps most importantly, with your stuff evenly distributed among the shelves, all the weight in the pack no longer sits completely at the bottom of the pack.

MSP:
You now have a total of six packs now. Besides comfort and organization, what else went into the thought process when designing the first three? What about the three newest packs? Have you made major adjustments or improvements, or do you like to only alter them a bit in shape and size?

Ian:
The first Ivar was the Urban model. From the Urban, we designed the Urban 33, which was a slightly larger version of the original Urban; and the Zug (pronounced Zoog, named after Zug, Switzerland) pack for little kids. These three packs represented our first two years of business. During this time, we learned a great deal about what our customers and retailers wanted and how to better improve our packs.

For the Outdoor Retailer Show in January 2009, we effectively re-launched Ivar with our three new generation models: the Revel, Urban G2, and Zug G2. Our new generation items represent a more organic and smoother design, in addition to the best possible quality materials, fabrics, construction, and foam padding usage. We have also redesigned our back padding system – you won’t find a better back-padded pack! Quality and details throughout have been brought to the best standards possible. Among other enhanced features, we’ve also added a laptop protection flap that takes advantage of our shelf design.

The original three Ivar items represent a more economical price point, with our new generation items being slightly higher in price. I am excited to report we have new designs in the works for 2010 as well!

Thank you so much. You may learn more about Ivar on our website: ivarpack.com

Thanks Ian!

Reasons behind my wish list:

Shell-inspired earrings make me feel summery. Summery things make me think of the beach. And, the beach makes me think of cookouts. I would wear any one of these three pairs to a fun BBQ with friends, Corona in one hand, hamburger in the other.

1. Fan Dixc Earrings 2. Scallop Shape Earrings 3. Shell Shape Earrings

Statment Necklaces are just the thing to spruce up an otherwise plain outfit. Slip one of these beauties on and you will instantly feel put together. Each one has a different style, so I would wear the first one to a cocktail party, the second one out to brunch, and the third one out dancing.

1. Ribbon Flower Necklace. 2. Flattened Floral Necklace. 3. Scallop Plate Necklace

Gold Rings are something that I can not get enough of. I used to consider myself a “silver” person, but over the past few years I have come to love my gold accessories. The best part about these little gems? You can pair them with anything. They are small enough that even if slightly fancy or extra chunky, they don’t take away from your overall outfit, but instead add that extra je ne sais quoi.

1. Quill Ring 2. Jewel Petal Flower Ring. 3. Hammered Dome Ring

Et, voila! What are some things that you are currently coveting? Shoot me an email (stylist.stylepill@gmail.com) or leave a comment—I would love to know!

How is it only Monday and yet I am already thinking about what I am going to wear this weekend? It is supposed to rain for the next few days and then by Saturday it should be in the 70s. I have a fun beach party to go to and want a cute hat to wear. And, with my new bangs, I think a rockin’ pork pie hat would be just the ticket.

Photo via Le Fashion, Gripp Jeans Winter ’09 Collections