Sole Society + Me = Shoe Love

Hello Lovelies! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that you're off to a great new year! I have lots to catch up on, I know, but I just wanted to quickly share some recent finds from Sole Society that I'm drooling over!


If you haven't heard of Sole Society before, or just haven't signed up yet, you definitely must become a member ASAP! Sole Society is a shoe club that sends you a new "closet" of choices on the first of each month. Not only are the shoes super cute, but the three pairs I've purchased from them so far have also been of very high quality! At $49.95 a pair, they can't be beat! I also love that the selections are tailored to each person's style preferences, and that there's no obligation to buy!


This month in my Sole Society closet I found these three pairs of gorgeousness that I am having trouble saying no to. Although I can't afford them all, one of them will certainly be mine!

Hayden Glitter Scrunched Ballet Flat

Paige Stitched Detail Pump

Blake Mid Heel Pump

So which pair do you think I should buy? Are you a member of Sole Society? If so, what pair from your closet is your favorite? If not- sign up now by clicking here! I can't wait to hear what you all think of these shoes!

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Clothing Made Just for You at eShakti!

Hello Lovelies! Sorry I've been away so long this time. I was out of town for a bit and unfortunately am now sick again (I blame it on all the school stress), but today I'm back to tell you about an awesome online shop I recently had the pleasure of working with!


As I'm sure is true for many of you, ordering clothing online is somewhat risky for me. I'm not super skinny (by any means) nor do I have normal body shape, so ordering something without trying it on usually doesn't work for me. However, eShakti has helped change that with their awesome range of sizes (0-26W) and more importantly, custom sizing! When I first heard about eShakti I figured custom sizing had to cost and arm and a leg, but I was totally wrong! The clothing and accessories they sell are not only stylish, but affordable, and having any item made into a custom piece just for you is only $7.50! Amazing! I had this lovely dress custom made for me and have gotten so many compliments on it!

I love that it's somewhat sheer, but still appropriate for fall, as well as the Grecian cut and braided detail across the waist! And of course, I love the gorgeous bird pattern!

After receiving so many compliments, I can definitely say I will be ordering more dresses, skirts, tops, etc from eShakti! Plus, you can sign up for their emails and get great special offers and discounts!


If you've never purchased anything from eShakti, I recommend you do so ASAP! Right now they have a deal where first time customers get $20 off and free custom sizing on their first order! Shipping is also free for all orders over $100, so be sure to shop soon! Here are some of the gorgeous pieces I am thinking about buying next:

Fall Quartet of Hues Dress - $89.95

Cotswold Crochet Wrap - $24.95

1000 Blue Moons Skirt - $59.95

And if you want a dress like mine, but notice that they've already sold out, check out this option, which is a similar cut and color:

Grecian Grape Dress - $54.95

So have you ladies ever had a custom made dress or other item of clothing? Would you be more willing to buy clothes online now that there is an affordable option for custom sizing via eShakti? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Also, be sure to check back soon for a bit of a "life update" to see what all I've been up to!

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Jezzy Belle's Vintage Giveaway!

Good Morning, Beauties! I have some great news for one lucky reader today! The winner of the Jezzy Belle's Vintage $30 store credit is...

Congrats to Paula G.! She loves the Grecian dress pictured above (as do many of us)! Even if you didn't win, Jezzy Belle's has lots of amazing vintage pieces available that are both gorgeous and affordable, so be sure to stop by and check this store out! Thanks to everyone who entered and thanks to Jezzy Belle's for offering such a wonderful prize!

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More Wedding Ideas

Good Morning, Gorgeous! I have been procrastinating on my work this morning by browsing Etsy for some great wedding ideas! I created a list of some of my favorite finds, and wanted to share them with you!

Click here to see my original list and check out each gorgeous item!

I love the idea of having lots of personal touches, and the contrast of nature and luxury. What do you think of these finds? Which are your favorite? I'd love some feedback!

Also, don't forget- there are only a few days left to enter the Jezzy Belle's Vintage Giveaway!

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Bracelets & Necklaces & Earrings... Oh My!

Hello Beauties! Over the last couple weeks I have added a lot of new items to my Etsy shop and wanted to share a handful of them with you! While bracelets are still my primary business, I've been trying to add more necklaces and earrings as well. Plus, I decided to sign up for a craft fair in November, so I need to have lots of baubles ready by then! Here are some of the most recent additions to my Etsy store, Tara Lane Designs:

I hope you all enjoy being periodically updated on the progress of my shop and love my creations just as much as I do! I really love having a creative outlet and making things with my own two hands. I think the gratification received from creating something on your own is some of the best there is, and I am glad I can share this passion with others!


Also, if you're in the Chicagoland area and are interested in coming to the craft fair I'll be participating in, it will be Sunday, November 20th from 10:00am-3:00pm at the Holiday Inn North Shore which is at 5300 W. Touhy in Skokie, IL. Admission is just $3 if you purchase tickets in advance, or $5 at the door. I'm a little nervous about the fair, but also really excited to try out a new avenue for selling my designs. I love talking to people both online and in real life, so I'm sure I will enjoy myself. Stop on by if you're in the area! I'd love to see you there!

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Jezzy Belle's Vintage Giveaway!

Hello Lovelies! I have some exciting news! My newest sponsor, Jezzy Belle's Vintage, is giving away $30 store credit to one of my fabulous readers! Jezzy Belle's has amazing vintage clothes, shoes, accessories, and house wares, so everyone will be sure to find something they love! Here are a few items that are $30 or less that I would love to have (in addition to everything I featured last week)!

This blue suede skirt ($27.50) would be perfect this fall! Not only are leather skirts popular this year, but bright jewel tones are also in, making this skirt doubly trendy!

This genuine eel skin handbag would also be great for fall and is just $12!

This khaki smock dress ($30) is actually a rare plus size vintage find, and I love the neckline detail!

Of course, I might not limit myself to just $30 since there are so many gorgeous treasures at Jezzy Belle's! If I were to spend a little more, I would love to have this:

This mod mini dress is yet another double threat as it is both color blocked and features colors like mustard yellow that are super trendy this season!

So those are a few things that I would get, but since I can't win, I want to know what you would get if you won!!! This is an international giveaway, so all are welcome to enter!

Here's How to Enter:

Mandatory Entry- You should be a public follower of Haute Lunch via Google Friend Connect (see sidebar) to enter. New followers are welcome!

• Visit Jezzy Belle's Vintage and tell me which item(s) you would buy if you won $30 store credit.

Additional Entries-

• Add Jezzy Belle's to your favorite shops on Etsy (1 entry).
• Follow Jezzy Belle's on Twitter and leave your twitter name in your comment (1 entry).
• Follow Jezzy Belle's blog, Fancy NoPants via Bloglovin' (1 entry).
• Like Haute Lunch on Facebook and leave your user name in your comment (1 entry).
• Follow Haute Lunch on Twitter and leave your twitter name in your comment (1 entry).
• Tweet this message and leave a link to your tweet in the comment: "Enter to win a $30 Jezzy Belle's Vintage Store Credit from @haute_lunch! http://bit.ly/pikkVK #etsy #vintage #giveaway" (1 entry).

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry. You can submit up to 7 entries total. See below for contest rules and deadlines.

Rules: Only one of each entry method listed per person/family/household. No entering on behalf of others, using extra identities or others identities, no automated program entries, etc. This giveaway is only internationally, ages 18+. All entries must be received by 11:59 pm Central Time on Monday, October 3, 2011. Three winning entries will be chosen using random.org and winner will be contacted via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize. If no response, a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

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Missoni for Target Woes

Hello Gorgeous! So today is the big day! The Missoni for Target line is now available in stores and online, but apparently that doesn't necessarily mean buying a Missoni designed piece is going to be easy. This morning, I had one of two options. This...

Photo of Harlem Target Tweeted by NYC Shopping Guide

or this...

Since I hate lines and giant crowds of people, I opted for shopping online, or at least attempting to shop online. Unfortunately, the Target website ended up crashing just as I was checking out, so now I have to wait to make these Missoni for Target flats, as well as I set of mugs that I can't even access a photo of right now, mine:

Did any of you checkout online before the crash? Or perhaps you braved the lines and actually went to the store? What did you get? What would you get if you could actually do some online shopping? Honestly, at this point if my items are no longer in my cart when Target comes back online, I'm just going to forget the whole thing and do without. I don't think any material item is worth me being stressed, so I'll just keep the target tab in the background and see what happens later today. Good luck to the rest of you trying to score a Missoni for Target treasure!

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Sponsor Love: Jezzy Belle's Vintage

Hello Lovelies! I’m happy to announce that Haute Lunch has a fabulous new sponsor, Jezzy Belle’s Vintage! Jezzy Belle’s is a carefully curated vintage shop on Etsy that sells lots of gorgeous vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and much more! There are even some plus size selections, which are usually impossible to find in vintage shops! On top of all that, you can shop Jezzy Belle’s vintage no matter where you live as international shipping is available (just be sure to send a message first to get a shipping quote)!

Deborah, the shop’s owner, clearly has an eye for style and I found lots of beautiful treasures while browsing Jezzy Belle’s! I highly encourage you all to take a look for yourself as there are so many amazing vintage items! Here are some of my absolute favorites currently for sale:

While Jezzy Belle’s primarily sells clothing, shoes, and accessories, there are also some housewares and other trinkets I’d love to own! This mod cream and sugar set is absolutely adorable, and the red cocktail ring would add elegance to any ensemble! Of course the nerd in me would love to have this retro abacus as well!

I love these vintage sun glasses, which are perfect for a 70’s inspired look! These 60’s era pumps are also gorgeous, but unfortunately a tad small for me (I’m totally jealous of those of you who can wear these size 7 shoes)!

I couldn’t do a feature on Jezzy Belle’s without sharing a couple of the gorgeous dresses for sale! I love this yellow shirtdress, which would work perfectly for the fall as well as this elegant white Grecian style dress that is simple yet amazingly chic! I also could not resist these lovely rhinestone earrings from the 50’s, which I think would look great paired with the white dress!

Be sure to follow Jezzy Belle’s on twitter for coupon codes and early notifications of upcoming sales! Deborah also has a blog called Fancy NoPants (love the name) where she talks about her shop, her life, and her love of food and anything fabulous!

So, what are your favorite items from Jezzy Belle’s? Don’t you just love how the vintage styles in this store work so easily into the current trends? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

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Labor Day Sale!

Hello Lovelies! Besides long weekends and spending time with friends and family, one of my favorite things about holidays like Labor Day is the fact that there are always lots of amazing sales. Lucky for you all, I've decided to have a Labor Day sale of my own! Now through Monday night you can save 15% off anything in my Etsy store with code LABORDAY2011!

Even if you're not looking for a new bauble yourself, each piece comes wrapped in its own box with a little bow so you can send your bestie something extra special! Head on over to Tara Lane Designs now, and be sure to use the code LABORDAY2011 at checkout for your 15% discount!

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Chicago Blogger Meet-up Recap

Hello Gorgeous! This past weekend I was thrilled to take a break from my school work to go hang out with some fabulous bloggers from the Chicagoland Area! Some of these gals you might recognize from a meetup I went to at the beginning of the summer, but I also got to meet many other amazing ladies for the very first time! Lisa from Archives Vintage was sweet enough to put this event together (thank you!) and picked the perfect place for us to meet: Deliciously Vintage.

What I wore: Asymmetrical dress by Nanette Lepore (purchased at Off The Fifth for about 85% off); Pumps by BCBG Paris; Zebra Print Clutch by Halston; Watch by Swiss Legend; Jewelry by Tara Lane Designs.
Thanks to Sara of It's About the Look for taking my photo before I had to leave to pick up my very drunk fiance from a five hour long beer tasting. :)

Showing off our Kensie treats from the fabulous gift bags Tabitha put together! L-R: Emily of Sartoriography, Andrea of Blonde Bedhead, Tabitha of Defining Tabitha, Randi of Not Just Mom, Yours Truly, & Sabrina of Defying My Closet; Photo by Juliana of That Shop Girl

More Lovely Chicago Bloggers- doesn't everyone look fabulous?!

Deliciously Vintage was definitely a wonderful (albeit dangerous) place to host the event. We all did a little browsing while we were there and I saw so many pieces that I would have loved to take home with me!

This amazing dress on display in the front of the store was one of the many things I wish I could have purchased! If you live in or near Chicago, you should definitely check out this store. It's absolutely beautiful!

Here's a group shot of some of the amazing girls I mingled with. Unfortunately, I was already gone at this point, so thanks again to Sara for sharing this photo! Top Row (L-R): Randi of Not Just Mom, Emily of Sartoriography, Lisa of Archives Vintage (the fabulous girl who put this all together), Leilani of Thriftaholic, Sara of It's About the Look, & Nikia of ChiTown Fashionista; Bottom Row (L-R): Piper of Cheap & Chic in Chicago, Tabitha of Defining Tabitha, & Sabrina of Defying My Closet

For a full list of attendees, check out Lisa's Chicago Blogger Meetup Homepage. I had a blast catching up with the gals and meeting even more fabulous Chicago bloggers. It's always fun to meet the people behind the blogs you love, and the blogging community is always so supportive! Not only did I have a great time with everyone, but at the end we were also given some amazing gift bags Tabitha put together filled with treats from Uncommon Goods, eShakti, Kensie, Payless, & more!


Thanks again to Lisa for putting this together and Tabitha for helping with the gift bags! I had a wonderful time and look forward to hanging out with these amazing gals again soon!

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Back to School

Hello Gorgeous! As I mentioned yesterday, it's back to school time for me which means a busier schedule and a little more stress, but also some new school supplies! I've always loved school supplies and go crazy over notebooks, so I thought I'd share some of my must have items for the new semester!

Missoni for Target File Folders & Organizers - Available Sept. 13th!

Desk Organizer from Erin's Artwork on Etsy - Although most students don't have an office, when you're a grad student and are expected to live at school, they actually give you a desk, so I have to keep it organized! :)

Leather Bound Notebook from Leather Notebooks on Etsy - A sturdy notebook is a must for me as I always travel with my notebook and carry it to classes, talks, conferences, etc.

Panda Mug from Urban Outfitters - I'm the first to admit that I am completely addicted to caffeine (as are most grad students), so I love this pada mug and spoon combo that not only enables my coffee habit, but also looks cute sitting on my desk!

Messenger Bag from Nottoc on Etsy - A large bag that can fit my notebooks, supplies, baby computer (that's what I call my netbook), wallet, and cosmetics is a must have! I love this bag I found on Etsy because it's cute and has lots of compartments for all my stuff!

So are any of you career students like me? Or perhaps you have children that are heading back to school this week? If so, what are your back to school must haves for yourself or your children? I probably enjoy back to school shopping a little too much, but then again I am a nerd, so it's probably not too surprising! :) I hope you all have a great day!

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Sole Society BOGO Event

Hello Gorgeous! I've been super busy today, but I wanted to tell you about the Sole Society buy one get one free sale before I forget! I snagged two gorgeous pairs of sandals I had been previously debating for one great price (plus they have free shipping <3 ). If you're not a member of Sole Society, you should definitely sign up! It is a shoe club that gives you recommendations based on your style profile. If you don't like your selection, you don't have to buy anything (but I usually LOVE at least one pair)! Be sure to sign up right away so you can shop the BOGO event before it's over! Here are the two pairs I got yesterday:

"Darlene" in Coral

"Sylvia" in Black

I'm so thrilled with these sandals- the "Darlene" sandals are even made of genuine suede! I can't wait for my UPS guy, John, to bring them to my doorstep! Be sure to head over now before they sell out!

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