Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Orla Kiely Men's Collection

Do you love Orla Kiey? Are you also a guy? If so, then you'll be happy to know that Orla Kiely has a menswear and accessories line, sold at John Lewis. Check out all the pieces below or shop the collection here.

£59.00 (approximately $101)

Raglan Short Sleeve Jersey Jumper in Gold (also available in Blue and Orange)
£45 (approximately $77)

£59 (approximately $101)

£59 (approximately $101)

£25 (approximately $43)

£25 (approximately $43)
My favorite! Might have to get this one for myself :)

Yacht Print Leather Wallet in Navy (also available in Mustard Brown and Orange)
£30 (approximately $51)
Again, might have to get this one for myself (although it appears it can't hold much. But I guess that's typical for a guy's wallet).

Printed Tote Bag in Navy/Red (also available in Stone/Brown)
£90 (approximately $154)

£120 (approximately $206)
I've been needing a new gym bag, and I think this one's perfect. It looks durable and roomy, and the print is fun but subtle enough for the gym. I think this would also make a great diaper bag. I have an Orla Kiely one already that I love, but I think this one would be nicer and a better alternative for my husband (and I'm sure he'd appreciate the more masculine print :)

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Orla Kiely Optical: Eyeglasses and Sunglasses

Thanks to staralaska on Instagram, I made the most amazing discovery that Costco sells Orla Kiely frames!

To my knowledge, Costco is the only retailer that sells Orla Kiely frames in the US. I know they're sold in the UK at Boots, but I've not found them anywhere else...until now. I am so excited for these glasses!  I don't have a Costco membership yet (I visited using a "viewing pass"), but once I sign up I plan on getting one pair of eyeglasses and one pair of sunglasses (although it's tempting to get all of them!)

All the eyeglasses below are $99.99 (they currently retail at Boots for 200 pounds, or approximately $343, so these are an AMAZING price. Of course these are only for the frames, so you'd still have to buy prescription lenses). 



I like how these are just a simple brown frame with the subtle Orla Kiely print on the front. Very classic shape, but the stems keep them fun. I usually buy smaller frames, so I like how these are a little larger and different from what I'm used to.


The glasses I currently wear (which are Prada) look the closest to this. But I'm looking to purchase something different since I already have a pair similar to these. I do, however, like the tortoise shell frames and the multi-colored stems on the sides.


This pair was the most unflattering on me I think so it's the one I liked the least. I don't usually prefer glasses that have no frame on the bottom. And these were the pair that looked the least like Orla Kiely - the stems were only on the inside, but of course you can't really see them when they're being worn.



I think this is the pair I liked the most because they're just so different from anything I've ever worn. I don't really need a new pair of eyeglasses right now, so since this will be my secondary pair, I think they should be more fun and different. I like the lighter frames and the multi-stem detail on the sides. My choice for eyeglasses is narrowed down to this pair and the first one.

Now onto the sunglasses!


I am SO excited for these sunglasses! I've been wanting a pair of Orla Kiely shades for years and have been stalking these online for a long time. They retail for $245 and they never go on sale.  So imagine my delight when I found them at Costco...for only $70! I love how the frames are white and the stems are right in the front - again, very unique and so different from any pair of sunglasses I've ever worn.



I do like these sunglasses also, just not as much as the white pair above. I already have a pair of navy-colored Toms sunglasses, so that's probably why I'm shying away from these. They are still very cute however, and have more of classic look.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Orla Kiely Bathrobe

Size S/M
$100
I don't usually wear a bathrobe when I get out of the shower, but of course I'll make an exception for this Orla Kiely one. Plus, I figure I could also wear it around the house on those days that I feel a little chilly.

The robe comes packaged in a huge box with a frosted stem-printed clear cover. Most Orla Kiely bedding and bath items come packaged this way and I've always loved the plastic covers, but can never figure out what to do with them so I end up tossing them :(

I haven't decided what I'm going to do with this box yet. I have a few smaller boxes already from some bedding I purchased a few years ago, and I currently use those to store my nail polishes. 


Made in Portugal with 100% cotton. Feels like any other bathrobe or towel (if you own any Orla Kiely towels already, this robe is the same weight and material). It's not a particularly plush robe, but still feels comfortable.

This robe only comes in size S/M or L/XL. I kinda wish it came in a size XS because one thing I noticed immediately when I took it out of the box was how huge it is. I know it's a bathrobe and meant to be a bit oversized, but it still felt a little large on my frame. Also, it's super LONG. Well past my knees (where I think most robes end) and almost all the way down to my ankles. I'm 5'3" for reference.


Another thing I noticed when I took it out of the package was an unpleasant smell. I'm not sure if it's because it's been sitting in a box for so long and it's the cardboard I smell or what. I'm sure it'll fade over time or just come out in the wash. 

A closeup of the print. This robe comes in two other colors - Tea Rose & Orange, and Duck Egg & Olive, but I found this chocolate color to suit me the best. 

There's two pockets of course.

One thing I look for in printed clothing is how well the pattern lines up along the seams. On one side the stems line up nearly perfectly, while on the other side, they're quite off. Of course for a bathrobe, it's not that big a deal, but just thought I'd share these photos with you.

Overall I'm happy with my bathrobe. It's cute, stylish, comfy, and unique - I'm always looking for different ways to expand my Orla Kiely collection, and this bathrobe was a great way to do that.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Orla Kiely Sale at Gilt: Clothing, Handbags, and Accessories

Gilt launched another Orla Kiely sale at noon today, this time featuring clothing from the Spring/Summer 2014 collection. There are also a few handbags and wallets available from the last sale. Check out my picks below or click here to shop the sale directly. Not a Gilt member yet? Click here to join and receive $25 off your first order.

Gilt price $129 (originally $278)

Gilt price $199 (originally $423)

Gilt price $59 (originally $117)

Gilt price $249 (originally $518)

Gilt price $139 (originally $308)

Gilt price $259 (originally $518)

Gilt price $129 (originally $268)

Gilt price $349 (originally $698)

Friday, July 11, 2014

Wishlist: July 2014

Hello, everyone! Hope you're enjoying your Friday and getting ready for the weekend. Planning on doing any shopping? I am! Here's what's currently on my wishlist.

$175
I'm quite curious to try on a pair of these Tieks, which many have claimed to be the most comfortable ballet flats ever. While out shopping one day, I saw another girl wearing a pair in this Chestnut color and I wanted them immediately. I love how the blue stands out against the brown color. 

$298
I've really been into short boots lately. This pair has such a beautiful brown color perfect for the upcoming fall season (is it sad that I'm already thinking of fall when we're still in the middle of summer? That's what 90+ degree Florida heat will do to ya). And the best part is the super cute bow in the back.


$88
Not much explanation here - I love ice cream!

$68
Love the eyeglass print!

$398
Believe it or not, I don't own a black purse. So I think this Marc by Marc Jacobs messenger will make a great addition to my bag collection - classic black, but with a twist. I love the color blocking, and I think the kelly green provides a great contrast.