Sweet As Honey

Faithful readers may have noticed that I'm a little, um, self-centered? But I do have my moments (and because I'm self-centered, I like to point out those moments). Like today, as I bring you the Hope necklace from Same Sky:

Same Sky is an organization that helps HIV-positive female genocide survivors in Africa earn a living through their handiwork. I can't think of a better reason to support a retailer, and since their products are available in an array of colors, anyone can find something suited to his or her taste. I chose this yellow necklace because it's versatile and looks like a ray of hope--just like the women who crafted it. Check out Same Sky today; if nothing else, you'll be inspired by their mission.

Buy through Same Sky for $395.00.

Image via Same Sky.

-Cate-

Fluff It Up

Maureen and I spend a great deal of time talking about stuff, and by "stuff," I mean anything that pops into our heads. We talk almost exclusively via Facebook chat, which, while somewhat depersonalized, allows us to instantaneously share links with each other when we find interesting items on the Internet (which is often). A few days ago, we were discussing Lisa Frank--you know, that arbiter of all things baby-psychedelic? We were hoping she had some girly dinosaurs (WHICH SHE DOES NOT). But look at what I found instead:

That's right, kids: a Lisa Frank purse trimmed with faux marabou. I think I've made my case for coveting this with those few words. And you're welcome.

Buy through Lisa Frank for $10.00.

Image via Lisa Frank.

-Cate-

Pump It Up

There are a few brands whose shoes I tend to overlook, not because they don't make nice shoes but because there's always something shinier, sparklier, or more outrageous. Gucci falls into this category, at least where their pumps are concerned. Today, we change that outlook with the New Hollywood Open-Toe Platform:

Unlike, say, Casadei, Gucci's platforms aren't always outrageously high. And unlike Fendi, whose double-F logo appears on many a toe, this pair shows its heritage through more subtle means: the classic Gucci horsebit. Plus, with this three-inch approach (3.5" heel with a 0.5" platform), the proportions are good for ladies who can't rock the four-plus-inch look anymore but still want to feel statuesque. Sure, they're expensive, but if you have the money, why not splurge on these?

Buy through Nordstrom for $550.00.

Image via Nordstrom.

-Cate-

Diamond Shine

A girl can only have so many pieces of flatware before her drawers overflow, and that's why I bring lovely pieces to you: so you can buy them and I will be able to live vicariously through you! No, but seriously, look at how cool these are:

The diamond texture gives these pieces a texture that is both unexpected and classic. Plus, they look extra-shiny because of the cut, and that makes for a stunning place setting. I can imagine busting these out at any holiday meal, particularly Christmas. When would you use them?

Buy through C. Wonder for $44.00 per setting.

Image via C. Wonder.

-Cate-

Kitty on the Loose

Belts don't make many appearances on What We Covet because, well, I use the same one most days and rarely invest in a new one, unless it comes as an accessory with a dress (in fact, most of my belts have been acquired that way). I decided though, that with fall coming up and wardrobe changes on the horizon, it might be prudent to point our readers in some direction (ANY direction). Since I wear a great deal of basic black, I like to find accessories that add some punch to my outfit, which is how I ended up going in the leopard direction:

Since leopard never goes out of style (for real, ladies and gents), you can feel safe buying such a piece and adding it to your rotation. I'm terribly tempted to purchase it myself, but I know I'll keep returning to my plain white belt day after day.

Buy through Hobbs for £39.00.

Image via Hobbs.

-Cate-

"I'm Walking Into Spiderwebs"

Things I understand on an intellectual level: it's still August, and Halloween is more than two months off. Things I don't care about: the fact that Halloween is more than two months off. Why don't I care? Because of this totally insane-o piece of body jewelry:

I mean, really: who's saying you can't wear this some other time? Or that it's too early to plan your costume? Besides, I need someone to buy this so I can live vicariously through his/her adventures. Any takers?

Buy through GirlProps for $119.99.

Image via GirlProps.

-Cate-

Sunshine and Roses

I'm sure this bag has been blogged to death, but I couldn't resist--I just had to share the sunshiny goodness of the Rebecca Minkoff Oversized Minaudiere with you. Look at how bright it is!

While I'm not a minaudiere girl myself--I'm far too high-maintenance for that--I do appreciate a good one when I see it. Additionally, I love seeing how people pair them (matching shoes? coordinating eyeshadow? big jewelry to balance out the small bag?), and I'd adore seeing someone like Solange Knowles or Agyness Deyn--fashion-forward types--sporting one of these on the red carpet. 

How would you carry it?

Buy through Rebecca Minkoff for $295.00.

Image via Rebecca Minkoff.

-Cate-

Pivot Power!

In an effort to stop having to buy things, I once bought rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.  It mostly helps, but finding a place to plug that giant charger in is not easy.  Enter the surge protector you'd think they would have invented long before now:

It's flexible!  You can plug everything into it!  It's a miracle!  Don't look at me like I'm a nerd--I know you have to charge your phone and plug in your printer.  You might even have an obnoxious nightlight that used to take up an entire outlet.  Well, let me tell you, those days could be no more, if we invest in this guy.

Buy through ThinkGeek for $29.99.

Image via the same.

Maureen

These Socks Are Pretty Super

Everyone wants to be a superhero, right?  Going faster than a speeding bullet, or using our batarangs to fight crime?  If you want to start your training early, you've got to tie a towel around your neck, so you know how to maneuver around a cape, and slide across the dining room floor in your socks to work your way up bullet speeds.

And I have just the socks for this purpose!

They have little capes!  Is this perfect, or is this the best thing ever?  (Answer: YES.)  I know Edna Mode said "NO CAPES!" but by the time you're flying around jet engines you'll probably have super boots or something.

They come in Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.  Buy through ThinkGeek for $9.99.

Image via the same.

Maureen

A Samba Is More Than a Dance

So, apparently there's some kind of sporting event on? I hear it's a big deal. In the interests of going with the flow, I'm going to do something I rarely do: talk about sports. Strictly speaking, I'm not here to discuss sports so much as sports apparel, and a specific item, at that: the Adidas Samba shoes. 

When I was in upper elementary school, Sambas were absolutely the height of style (that's the late '90s for you). Everyone had a pair. Being thoroughly unfashionable, I knew these shoes were the key to my success, so I convinced my mother to get me a pair. They were the men's style--I'm not sure Adidas was producing a women's version yet--but instead of the standard black, I opted for navy.

I wore the hell out of those shoes, believe me. Never mind that I didn't played soccer (or any sport, as far as that goes); they were my jam. To this day, I still own those shoes, though they've been through a great deal, and they currently live at my parents' house. (Side note: my father has strict instructions to keep those shoes right where they are; no tossing them under any circumstances.)

Nowadays, Adidas doesn't produce the navy model anymore, but they do make a cute blue women's version:

Though I've never tried these out, based on my past experience, I suspect they're comfortable, and I love the eye-catching color. 

An interesting historical fact: Adi Dassler, the founder of Adidas, convinced Jesse Owens to use spikes from Adidas in his runs, which constituted the first sponsorship of an African-American athlete. (Of course, Dassler was a member of the Nazi party, which is way less than awesome. But Owens rocks my socks.)

Buy through Adidas for $65.00.

Image via Adidas.

-Cate-

A Danish Without the Cheese

I'm not the biggest fan of Urban Outfitters' clothing, but their online selection of furniture never fails to fascinate me. For example, today I'm coveting this coffee table:

The rounded edges and splayed legs are so very mid-century, and the long, thin lines are sleek to the max. I love this piece, and the two accompanying pieces. If only my living room had more space, I'd snap this item up in a second. Alas!

Buy through Urban Outfitters for $249.00.

Image via Urban Outfitters.

-Cate-

Your Nest Kitchen Purchase

Remember how Cate loves her wacky matryoshka accessories?  A while back she found some matryoshka measuring spoons. Fun, right? Even more fun, I found the matching measuring cups!

They're fun and compact, perfect for a tiny kitchen with barely enough counter space for a spoon rest. Now, my new life's goal is to cook an entire meal using only Russian nesting dolls. You think I can't do it? I'm on my way, buddy. Just you wait. You're invited to the dinner party.

Buy through ThinkGeek for $11.99.

Image via the same.


Maureen