Teardrop Bead EarringsI don't think there's such a thing as too many earrings, especially at less than $4.00 a pair. These dangly earrings, which are more than two inches long, have brown and magenta beads cut in a cool shape that reminds me of star bits on Super Mario Galaxy (I'm addicted). They also come in olive and teal.
$3.80, Forever 21
Carton VasePop a few flowers in this porcelain vase shaped like a milk carton to snaz up a morning meal or breakfast in bed. The vase, created by British designer James Burgess, looks nice on the kitchen counter too. Just don't accidentally pour any of the liquid on your cereal.
$6.95, CB2
Retro ValentinesRemember second grade? All of the boys and girls thought each other were pretty icky, so it was especially awkward giving each other these pun-heavy declarations of love. That said, I still have a soft spot for these cheesy retro V-day cards. I especially like the space-themed pack with cheesy lines like "I don't like space between us, Valentine" and "You're out of this world."
$7.00 for 10, Fred Flare
Oxo Pop ContainersA lot of Tupperware-esque containers make me feel mentally challenged. I get one side sealed and then the other side pops back up. I actually threw away one bowl because it was making me so angry. But these stacking containers are pretty nifty. You just push down a button in the middle of the lid to seal or unseal one. Here's a video of how it works.
$6.95 to $16.95 each, Crate & Barrel
Pixie CandleholderThese tea light candle holders are so cool looking. I like how the glass in the middle forms a kind of decorative candlestick. I think two of them would look great on a dining room table.
$9.95 each, Crate & Barrel
Teardrop EarringsYou want some long dangly earrings? How's four inches for ya? Let your hair down, and these super-long black teardrop earrings will sweep your shoulders as you dance the night away.
$3.80, Forever 21
Sunami Four Piece Dipping Bowls SetThese little dipping bowls are making me wish I was throwing a party (or, in other words, had an excuse to pig out on chips and dip). Just set out some chips and fill these up with your favorites: guac, salsa, bean dip, or, my favorite, French onion.
$8.00, Loft Party
Chic Mannequin Gift TagsIf you want to dress up a birthday gift, add one of these sweet gift tags designed by Wendy Patterson of Mulberry Muse in Australia. A little black dress decorates each pink and white striped tag, and the whole thing attaches to a gift with a black satin ribbon.
$7.50 for five tags, Etsy
Diamond Ring Key Squeeze LightWhat this key ring lacks in quality materials--think faux leather with metallic foil--it makes up for in cuteness. A little flashlight shines from the diamond when you squeeze the keychain. It's handy for locating keyholes in the dark and/or reminding everyone of how much you like real diamonds.
$4.99, Perpetual Kid
Forever 21 SunglassesForever 21 is notorious for its knockoffs, and this pair of sunglasses bears a striking resemblance to a $300 pair of Chloe sunglasses I was drooling over this summer. I couldn't see spending that much for sunglasses, but I wouldn't mind shelling out a few bucks for this cute knockoff.
$5.80, Forever 21
Missus Monogrammed MugsDrink your morning coffee out of one of these mugs, and you'll have the added bonus of letting everyone know what letter your name starts with. Each initial on one of these fancifully shaped mugs is embellished in a girly flourish, with flowers and/or birds and/or butterflies. Last time I checked, some of the letters were on back order. Anthropologie also sells some more masculine monogrammed mugs.
$6.00 each, Anthropologie
Metallic Lucite RingThis chunky cocktail ring is pretty cool. It's made with hundreds of metallic threads that have been coated in acrylic for a funky effect. It's pretty big, about an inch wide--so careful not to hit anyone when you swing your arms as you skip down the street.
$4.80, Forever 21
Molly Hoop EarringsA friend of mine used to complain that her boyfriend (now ex) wasn't thoughtful enough. "I wish he would buy me a little present every now again," she would say, "like just a $2 pair of earrings." Obviously, she didn't do a lot of shopping for earrings. You're lucky to find a broken pair for $2. But these chic hoops with gold and black beads are amazing for just a few bucks more.
$4.80, Forever 21
See’s Candies Little PopsI really, really like See's Gourmet Lollypops --chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, caffe latte-- I like them all. This is the same candy, only in an individually wrapped, bite size form. The best part is that you can snack on them at work without being self-conscious that you look like a five year old.
$3.30 for a 4-ounce box, See's Candies
Dr. Hunter’s Lip SalveGot dry lips? This stuff is great for that. It moisturizes your lips without feeling greasy or waxy. And it doesn't really have taste or color. Try it, and you'll want to keep one in your purse, your desk drawer, and your nightstand.
$9.00, Caswell-Massey
