embellished sweater: forever 21 | skirt: eShakti c/o | bag: zara (dying for this one) | heels: target | bracelet: j crew

It's truly amazing how a piece of clothing can change your mood (this skirt had me twirling all day)! When eShakti, an amazing site offering "real fashion for real people", contacted me in regards to trying out their new, fully customizable line of gorgeous pieces I was more than happy to play around with this fabulous periwinkle skirt for Spring. eShakti, an online retailer that specializes in creating affordable fashion that is tailor made for the client, allows you to call all of the shots when it comes to your look! I chose everything from the length of the skirt (I'm loving this ladylike length lately) to whether or not it had pockets (total no-brainer, I LOVE pockets!) and couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.

The second I tried on this a-line beauty I knew that eShakti had something special. The quality is amazing and with all of the customization options I felt like I helped to create a one-of-a-kind piece for my wardrobe. The stunning color and fun pattern of this skirt definitely have me in the mood for Spring and I can't wait to lose the sweater and pop on a cropped top come May!

Now for the fun part! eShakti has offered one lucky Chelsea & The City reader any item of their choice! To enter the giveaway, simply use the Rafflecopter below. Points will be earned for each item completed - the more you do, the more chances you have to win! The giveaway will run until Thursday, April 4, 2013 and will be open to all readers from the USA & Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

eShakti is also giving Chelsea & The City readers 20% with the code CATCITY when they shop now thru 04/14/13.

I had plans to be a little more productive and share a very special outfit/giveaway today but unfortunately my second dose of cold medicine had something else in mind! Instead, I'm sharing my fourth installment of  'city style guide' and taking an imaginary trip to much sunnier LA skies.

Los Angeles is where I feel most at home. Every time I de-plane at LAX, I take in a deep breath (despite the infamous smog) and instantly feel at ease. There's something about the laid-back, carefree, California-cool vibe that just speaks, or rather whispers, to my soul. Looking for something to do in the Golden State? Head to Bottega Louie for the best macaroons, check out the Hollywood sign for a little dose of nostalgia and pound the pavement on Melrose for a few quirky wardrobe items.

California style is all about easy pieces with a little bit of urban edge. My perfect look for a day in LA definitely includes some cool kicks and staple aviators. Since the sun shines on the West Coast, a fedora and a pop of color are a must. I urge you to take a cue from my favorite Los Angeles style bloggers, Aimee Song from Song of Style and Julie Sarinana aka Sincerely, Jules, and layer on some fabulous arm swag and a California cool attitude!

1. Rifle Paper Co. Los Angeles Print
2. J Crew Panama Hat
3. James Perse Slub-Jersey Raglan Top
4. Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses
5. J Crew Crystal Cupcake Necklace
6. Giambattista Valli Tweed Pencil Skirt
7. The Cambridge Satchel Company Metallic Satchel 
8. Nike Dunk Sky High Top White Wedge Sneakers

images via pinterest

It may be my Springtime allergies coming to call or it could be that our weekend pool outing was met with rain (and Loreali was just too excited to stop swimming), but I'm definitely feeling under the weather! Sore throat? I got it. Runny nose? You betcha. That crazy underwater feeling? Check. While cold season doesn't make for the chicest of outfits, these are the things that are keeping this girl sane (and stylish) in spite of the sniffles:

1. Nyquil Cold & Flu - I can only stomach the red flavor and Dayquil does nothing for me.
2. Talenti Gelato - What feels better on a sore throat than ice cream? That's right, nothing. With flavors like Double Dark Chocolate (my fave!), Caramel Cookie Crunch, Blood Orange & Sea Salt Caramel, how could you not indulge?
3. Zara Home Marta Flatware - A little fancy for your gelato...
4. Equipment Liliane Washed-Silk Pajama Set - Nothing makes me feel better than a cute new pajama set and this Equipment version comes in my favorite color combo (pink & red) and has a few stars to brighten your foggy day.
5. Sur La Table Copper Tea Kettle (similar) - Tea is good for the soul, and for the cold. I like a peppermint blend to help with a runny nose (too much info?) and detox tea when I'm feeling extra motivated to get better.
6. Tory Burch Elandia Hardshell iPhone Case - What would I do without my phone? Load up on a few cool apps and wait for your Nyquil to kick in. Instagram, Pinterest and tumblr are my choices for wasting the day away.
7. Zara Home Ostrich Appointment Book - Those who can't do, plan.
8. Roman Holiday - Audrey makes me happy. End of story.
9. Arianna Belle Les Touches Black Pillow - Great for mid-morning naps and looks great in any room. Double score!

I've got a giveaway in store for my lovely readers this week so check back over the next couple of days! In the meantime, how do you battle a cold?

image via Fashion's Most Wanted