Midweek Covet: Embroidered Cutout Maillot by Cynthia Rowley

Cynthia Rowley Embroidered Cutout Low Scoop Maillot ($225)

I guess I've been on an embroidery kick lately, but this stitching in particular seems to have magical waist-whittling properties. Every girl needs a good one-piece bathing suit, and this little navy and red number by Cynthia Rowley looks about as flattering as flattering can be. The illusion of a slimmer waist comes courtesy of those embroidered dots and their oh-so-strategic placement, while the low scoopneck keeps things classic. The one-piece swimsuit is available in graphic black and white, too.

Midweek Covet: Zipper Dress by Terry Jolo Brand

After finally tracking down the perfect maxi dress for my five-foot-nothing frame (this sleek A.L.C. number) I'm hooked on floor-sweeping styles, and a clever multi-functional halter from Terry Jolo is next on my wish list. Featuring side slits and front pockets, the cotton poplin dress can be zipped off at the waist to be worn as a separate top and skirt.

Midweek Covet: High Tops by Kennel & Schmenger

from left: Kennel & Schmenger Queens high-top trainers / Kennel & Schmenger Soho high-top trainers

I missed the Midweek Covet and went straight for the weekend. Sorry 'bout that. In any case, I never thought I was much of a high tops kind of girl, let alone a wedge, studded high tops kind of girl. Then, I tried on an amazing pair by German label Kennel & Schmenger during a weekend getaway to Barcelona (more on that soon).

The only problem? No size 35 in stock. Story of my life. Now, not only can't I find my size, but I can't even find the sneakers online! The pair I tried on were most definitely the Soho model on the right (with the hidden wedge and studs) but in that luscious black and white floral print and snake skin texture that you see on the left. I've searched high and low, but... nothing! What gives Internet?

Does anyone have a secret source for tracking down mysterious covets? Because I've been obsessing over these sneakers for a week now, and I don't think it's healthy.

Midweek Covet: Steven Alan Time Traveler Watch

I've never worn a watch. Call me crazy, but the idea of wearing the same accessory on my wrist every single day seems tedious. Sure, I've admired the chunky rose gold timepieces of fashion-conscious friends, but I just never jumped on the bandwagon. Then, this beauty from Steven Alan popped up in my inbox and stopped me cold.

The Time Traveler Watch ($395) is pretty much the antithesis of the heavy metal watches we've been seeing. It's slim, sleek and perfectly simple, with it's gold-plated stainless steel body and smooth leather strap. Then, of course, there's the dual time settings (twin Japanese automatic movement, in case you care about that sort of thing).

I can see it now: No more counting backwards seven hours on my fingers to call friends and family back in Boston. See? It practically a necessity for expats like me!

Midweek Covet: Virtue Special II Flats by Melissa

This week's covet is perhaps the most attainable I've ever posted at just $81. That's being said, I've never been a flats girl. Never! They cut into the backs of my heels and leave me looking every bit as tiny as my five-foot-nothing frame.

But it seems not even my chunkiest heels and most comfortable wedges can keep up with my new lifestyle. Sure, my hometown of Boston is a walkable city—just not from November through March. Now that I've moved to sunny Tel Aviv, I'm walking everywhere, and flats are a must!

Brazilian brand Melissa is ubiquitous in Israel, and I tried on these Virtue Special II flats on my way home from the bank today. I've always been in awe of Melissa's ability to create uber-comfortable shoes out of plastic (actually, it's a unique, patented plastic called Meleflex), and these babies are no different. That spike is just the right thing to toughen up a girly outfit, don't you think? Plus, they're on sale now at ASOS!

Midweek Covet: Salvatore Ferragamo Ninfea Pumps

Good god, these are stunning! With a calf hair upper and a metal and lucite block heel (you know I love a good block heel!), these Salvatore Ferragamo Ninfea pumps aren't your standard black shoe.

I found them while perusing the Bloomingdale's Friends & Family sale, and while Ferragamo is one of the many designer exclusions, these babies are marked down from $795 to $556.50 through Monday.

Still pricey for shoes I don't really need, but I'm thinking of buying this Kate Spade pair, which is 20% off with the Friends & Family discount, as a consolation prize. What do you think?

Midweek Covet: Cloud by Richard Clarkson Studio

the original Cloud and, at bottom, the lamp-only Cloud [all photos via Richard Clarkson Studio]

I was saving this for a (literal) rainy day, and today seems as gray and dreary as any. The Cloud, created by New York- and New Zealand-based Richard Clarkson Studio, is an interactive lamp and speaker system that mimics a thundercloud. Using motion sensors, Cloud detects a user's presence and sets off a unique thunder and lightning show dictated by the user's movement. Color-changing lights and a nightlight mode can be controlled by remote, while the speakers are able to stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled device.

This ingenious piece can be had for $3,360, but an equally beautiful lamp-only version is a bit more attainable at $960. Click through to see a video of Cloud in action!

Midweek Covet: Invisible Chandelier by Castor

How gorgeous is this chandelier by Canadian Design studio Castor? The Invisible Chandelier, as it's called, takes upcycling to the next level with dozens of burnt-out light bulbs in various shapes and sizes illuminated by hidden LEDs. Made in Canada (to order, I assume?), no two chandeliers are the same.

Such ingenuity will cost you, of course: the 36-inch chandelier goes for $18,000, while the 64-inch version costs $24,750. If you're up for a serious investment piece, the Invisible Chandelier is newly available from 2Modern.

Midweek Covet: Jimmy Choo Vanish Ankle Boots

"Vanish" ink Suede and black calf ankle boots by Jimmy Choo ($995)

Jimmy Choo, you've ruined me. I was supremely spoiled with a pair of your sparkly heels for my wedding day, and now that I'm privy to the surprising comfort that can be found in a 4-inch stiletto, no other brand will do. Of course, I haven't actually bought another pair since then, thanks to the steep price of luxury, but I hereby proclaim myself a brand devotee nonetheless. (A girl can dream.)

When I do give in to temptation (or, more accurately, when sale season begins), these "Vanish" ankle boots will be mine. That geometric heel reminds me of Céline's gorgeous spring collection, and the combination of navy suede and black leather is just so damn chic. Plus, I tried these on in the Tannery last week just to torture myself, and they look and feel amazing.

Oh, by the way, my birthday's in October, and I'm a size 35 (wink, wink).

Midweek Covet: Fluttua Floating Bed by Lago

photos via facebook.com/lagodesign

Magic carpet ride, anyone? Lago's Fluttua is a height-adjustable, "floating" bed that forgoes the superfluous frame for a clean, suspended look. The secret to the suspension is a central leg and multi-layer base combined with a solid iron structure anchored to the wall.

The Fluttua comes in the traditional rectangular shape, of course, but it's also available as a round bed. You know... if you're going for a swinging '60s, Austin Powers kind of look. The only downside? I'd have to rethink my current under-the-bed storage strategy. Totally worth it!

Midweek Covet: A White Out Wardrobe

clockwise from left: 3.1 Phillip Lim Umbrella Skirt Dress / IRO Suga Vest / Narciso Rodriguez Sandal 

All white, all summer. At least that's the conclusion I've drawn from my latest shopping hijinks. I walked into the fitting room with an armload of clothing and walked out with a very short, very achromatic wishlist...

Midweek Covet: Cinture Bags by Palethorp

What I really need right now is a new massive black shoulder tote for lugging my entire life around. What I can't get off my mind, though, are these strap-happy little clutches and disco bags from Brooklyn brand Palethorp.

With their sleek chrome frames and snakeskin bodies, the Zilbi Cinture (top) and Kana Cinture are part of Palethorp's second collection and are available on it's website in a few muted colors. That radiant orchid hue is the real standout, though, and it may be worth tracking down elsewhere: Try Line & Label in Brooklyn, since it seems Boston retailers have yet to discover this up-and-comer.

Midweek Covet: Céline Summer 2014 Shoes

all photos: Céline Summer 2014 Lookbook

I know the Midweek Covet has been heavy on shoes lately, but what can I say? I'm a sucker for striking footwear. My latest crush is Céline's Summer 2014 collection of heeled booties, mules and sandals. With smooth calfskin atop artful, geometric heels, I would break out these stunners at the first sign of spring.

(Belated) Midweek Covet: Miista Electromancer Collection

clockwise from top left:
Amaya in Candy Flowers / Amaya in Potpourri / Amaya in Parma Violets / Tara in Lava / Siri in Agate /  Tara in Topaz Blue

I realize we're a day past midweek, but just humor me here, and I'll promise to make it worth your while. Miista's Electromancer collection for SS '13 is at the top of my wishlist this week for its futuristic bent and bright sorbet shades that seem to herald the spring.

Midweek Covet: Holiday Edition

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sleeping Bunny Slippers ($198)

All I want for Christmas (or, rather, belated Hanukkah/Solstice/Festivus) are these Sleeping Bunny Slippers from Marc by Marc Jacobs. I've had a crush on MJ's ubiquitous mouse flats for ages but find them to be a little too cutesy for everyday, especially now that my 20s are behind me. But cutesy slippers? That I can do, and there's nothing more adorable than this pair in plush sherpa-lined velvet.

Midweek Covet: 'I'm Obviously Going to San Francisco' by Nicole Newsted

[image via UGallery]

Forget the fact that last month marked the beginning of both my thirties and my life as a married woman. I still don't feel quite adult enough to engage in what seems like the very mature act of buying art — real art. Inexpensive prints are one thing, but purchasing an original charcoal or watercolor seems like an awfully big commitment when I've yet to purchase a house.

I'm sure a beloved piece of art could find a space in any home, but I'm careful and calculating to a fault. It took nearly half a decade for me to get my bachelorette pad up to my perfectionist standards, and I have no doubt that decorating a family home will take even longer. Simply put, I need to live within walls before I can decide how to adorn them.

But none of this stops me from fantasizing about the future, of course, and I have an inexplicable desire for this delightfully titled oil painting by Nicole Newsted. While I'm a big believer in simply buying art you love, perhaps this feeling of not being grown up enough to do so stems from the fact that I can be swayed so easily by a pair of big brown giraffe eyes.

Newsted's painting is part of UGallery's holiday sale, which includes over 400 original works of art for up to 60% off. And, for my fellow commitment-phobes, UGallery offers free shipping and a week-long test run, which allows you to try a piece out in your home before making a final decision.

Also calling to me (and on sale) is "Rouge" by Elena Zolotnitsky. It plays perfectly to the fashion lover in me while still retaining an air of the classic.

Midweek Covet: Samourai 1947 by Christian Dior

[photo via Rue La La]

Apologies for posting about handbags two days in a row, but this is pretty much the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and it's available now on Rue La La. Unfortunately, flash sale doesn't always equal affordability: The pre-owned, limited-edition Samourai 1947 bag by Christian Dior is still $1,999. I'll just go cry in a corner now.

Midweek Covet: Antigona 3D Bag by Givenchy

Medium Antigona 3D Geometric Figures Bag by Givenchy

As if the Antigona wasn't covetable enough, Givenchy had to go and make it in the most perfect shade of blue and add geometric studs. I know I wrote a whole diatribe on "it" bags not long ago, and I stand by my statements, but it's just plain hard not to fall in love with something so beautiful!

Unfortunately, the blue version seems to be sold out everywhere, but the bag is still available in black for a cool $2810.

Midweek Covet: Wanda Nylon Raincoat

Raincoat by Wanda Nylon ($850)

I have no intention of spending $850 on a piece of plastic, but wouldn't this trench by Wanda Nylon be wonderful on a rainy day? It's the wearable, mod equivalent of a bubble umbrella! Here's hoping one of the fast fashion chains comes out with a knock off before summer thunderstorms roll in.

Midweek Covet: Semiprecious Tableware by Rablabs

top to bottom: Kiva Platters / Lumino Coasters / Kiva Platter in Zebra Jasper
[photos via Rablabs]

Sorry for the late-night post, but aren't these beauties worth the wait? Designed by Anna Rabinowicz, Rablab's colorful collection of home accessories are crafted by artisans in the U.S. and Brazil in semiprecious materials like agate, amethyst, jasper and calcite.

Each item Rablabs creates, from clocks down to napkin rings, is a striking interpretation of natural elements, but it's the gilded and silvered objects that have got a hold on me. (I can be a bit of a magpie sometimes.) The colorful Kiva Platters, edged in sterling or 24-karat gold, are $380 to $420, but the Lumino Coasters are slightly more attainable at $120-$140 for a set of four.